Title: The Bitterroots by C.J. Box
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
A riveting new novel from New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author C. J. Box.
The ties that bind can burn you.
Former sheriff’s investigator Cassie Dewell is trying to start her life over as in private practice. She’s her own boss and answers to no one, and that’s just the way she likes it after the past few tumultuous years. All that certainty changes when an old friend calls in a favor: she wants Cassie to help exonerate a man accused of assaulting a young woman from an influential family.
Against her own better judgment, Cassie agrees. But out by the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana, twisted family loyalty runs as deep as the ties to the land, and there’s always something more to the story. The Kleinsassers have ruled this part of Montana for decades, and the Iron Cross Ranch is their stronghold. They want to see Blake Kleinsasser, the black sheep of the family, put away forever for the assault. As Cassie attempts to uncover the truth, she must fight against a family whose roots are tangled and deadly—as well as the ghosts of her own past that threaten to bring her down.
With The Bitterroots, master storyteller C. J. Box delivers another searing novel of loyalty, lies, and lethal retribution.
Review:
The Bitterroots by C.J. Box is a gritty and suspenseful mystery starring Cassie Dewell.
Cassie and her fourteen year old son Ben now live in Bozeman, Montana. Wanting to spend more time with Ben and set her own hours, Cassie is now a private detective. With her latest case wrapped up, Cassie is about to fulfill a debt she owes to defense attorney Rachel Mitchell. Very uneasy about working for the defense, Cassie reluctantly agrees to go back over all of the evidence for Rachel’s client, Blake Kleinsasser. The case is particularly distasteful since Blake has been accused of a particularly horrific crime. With a sworn statement from the victim and a seemingly airtight case, Cassie is certain of Blake’s guilt. Heading to Lochsa County, she arranges to meet Sheriff Ben Wagy who is very reluctant to co-operate with her. Cassie then requests to talk to the Blake’s older brother, John Wayne and his sister, Cheyenne. With her investigation being stonewalled, Cassie cannot help but wonder what everyone is trying to hide.
Cassie is an intelligent, stubborn and highly skilled investigator who refuses to allow anyone to push her around. Despite the obstacles she faces, she does not cut corners or skirt the law as she takes a close look at the evidence against Blake. She does not particularly like Sheriff Wagy but she is respectful even though he is dismissive and rude to her. But the deeper she digs into the case, Cassie becomes troubled by some inconsistencies she uncovers. She is also very disturbed by the Kleinsasser family’s reactions to her presence in town. Cassie is determined to discover the truth but will she emerge from this case unscathed?
The Bitterroots is an absorbing mystery with a tautly woven plot and a vibrant setting. Cassie is an excellent investigator with plenty of experience but even she is stunned by depravity and corruption awaiting her in Lochsa County. With some wicked twists and shocking turns, C.J. Box brings this clever mystery to a realistic conclusion. Another brilliant mystery starring Cassie Dewell that old and new fans are sure to enjoy.
