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Bitter Root Mysteries #5
Bitter Past
A missing woman. A small-town sheriff. A cold case no one wants solved.
Twenty years ago, a young hiker vanished in the Montana wilderness. No body. No suspects. No answers. New sheriff Zak Waller has always believed it was murder—now, he finally has the power to prove it. But without evidence, he’s chasing a ghost.
Then, a new death shakes Lost Trail, drawing investigative journalist Joelle Medler into town. For years she’s been convinced the missing hiker’s disappearance is part of something bigger. As she and Zak uncover long-buried secrets, someone else is watching—someone who has kept the truth hidden for almost two decades and is willing to kill again to keep it that way.
The deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. Can Zak and Joelle expose the past before someone else dies?
A gripping police procedural with small-town intrigue and heart-pounding twists—perfect for fans of C.J. Box and Karin Slaughter.
Twenty years ago, a young hiker vanished in the Montana wilderness. No body. No suspects. No answers. New sheriff Zak Waller has always believed it was murder—now, he finally has the power to prove it. But without evidence, he’s chasing a ghost.
Then, a new death shakes Lost Trail, drawing investigative journalist Joelle Medler into town. For years she’s been convinced the missing hiker’s disappearance is part of something bigger. As she and Zak uncover long-buried secrets, someone else is watching—someone who has kept the truth hidden for almost two decades and is willing to kill again to keep it that way.
The deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. Can Zak and Joelle expose the past before someone else dies?
A gripping police procedural with small-town intrigue and heart-pounding twists—perfect for fans of C.J. Box and Karin Slaughter.
- GenresMystery
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
15 people are currently reading
1250 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Carmichael
107 books831 followersUSA Today bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 50 novels, including two mystery series, as well as romance and women’s fiction. Three of her novels have been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, including A Bramble House Christmas. A film version of A Bramble House Christmas premiered as a Hallmark Mystery movie in 2017.
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 11, 2025
I voluntarily read an advanced reader’s copy of this book for an honest opinion.
C.J. Carmichael's book Bitter Past which is the 5th book in the Bitter Root Mysteries is another intriguing story added to the series. The author always gives you a good book with a great storyline. I look forward to reading more by C.J. Carmichael.
C.J. Carmichael's book Bitter Past which is the 5th book in the Bitter Root Mysteries is another intriguing story added to the series. The author always gives you a good book with a great storyline. I look forward to reading more by C.J. Carmichael.
October 7, 2025
Bitter Past by C.J. Carmichael is Bitter Root Mysteries Book 5. It has been awhile since we have been able to read about now sheriff Zak Waller on a case. He is the one you would want to go after any villains around. However, while he is looking into a hiker’s disappearing cold case a new hiker disappears. You can count on Ms. Carmichael to give a top-notch suspenseful story as well as Zak Waller to be in top form. This is one twisty, turn-y, intriguing and well-written story. So glad to catch up with Zak Waller.
October 7, 2025
Bitter Past by CJ Carmichael
Release date October 7, 2025
You absolutely cannot go wrong with a book written by CJ.
This is the fifth book in the Bitter Root Mysteries. It’s just as intriguing as the first four. But it can also be read as a standalone. However, I did enjoy characters from the past book showing up and the other books are really wonderful too so if you get a chance, I would go back and read them, but it’s not necessary to read this book and enjoy it.
There is a lot of twist and turns, friendships, love, interest, mystery, and intrigue.
Strong characters and extremely well written .
Book overview :
A MISSING WOMAN. A SMALL TOWN SHERIFF. A COLD CASE THAT NO ONE WANTS SOLVED.
20 years ago, a young hiker vanished in the Montana wilderness. Nobody. No suspects. No answers. New sheriff Zak Waller has always believed it was murder. Now, he finally has the power to prove it. But without evidence, he’s chasing a ghost.
Then, a new death shakes Lost Trail, drying investigative journalist, Joelle Medler into town. For years she’s been convinced the missing hiker’s disappearance is part of something bigger. As she and Zak uncover long, buried secrets, someone else’s watching-someone who has kept the truth hidden for almost 2 decades. and is willing to kill again to keep it that way.
The deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. Can Zak and Joelle expose the past before someone else does?
Release date October 7, 2025
You absolutely cannot go wrong with a book written by CJ.
This is the fifth book in the Bitter Root Mysteries. It’s just as intriguing as the first four. But it can also be read as a standalone. However, I did enjoy characters from the past book showing up and the other books are really wonderful too so if you get a chance, I would go back and read them, but it’s not necessary to read this book and enjoy it.
There is a lot of twist and turns, friendships, love, interest, mystery, and intrigue.
Strong characters and extremely well written .
Book overview :
A MISSING WOMAN. A SMALL TOWN SHERIFF. A COLD CASE THAT NO ONE WANTS SOLVED.
20 years ago, a young hiker vanished in the Montana wilderness. Nobody. No suspects. No answers. New sheriff Zak Waller has always believed it was murder. Now, he finally has the power to prove it. But without evidence, he’s chasing a ghost.
Then, a new death shakes Lost Trail, drying investigative journalist, Joelle Medler into town. For years she’s been convinced the missing hiker’s disappearance is part of something bigger. As she and Zak uncover long, buried secrets, someone else’s watching-someone who has kept the truth hidden for almost 2 decades. and is willing to kill again to keep it that way.
The deeper they dig, the deadlier the investigation becomes. Can Zak and Joelle expose the past before someone else does?
September 17, 2025
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Tule Publishing via BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An engaging mystery about investigating a two decades old death and others recent, “Bitter Past”, by C.J.Carmichael, presents a cast of genuine, likeable characters showing and sharing feelings and emotions that somehow make the crimes less gruesome.
Although death, loss and grief are present and characters have to deal with it, the bonds they share or the friendship, affection, love growing between them balance the negative dimensions.
I liked Joelle and how she can be both determined, driven and compassionate. She and Trix make such a wonderful and funny pair.
I also enjoyed watching Zak and Joelle working to untangle both homicides.
The romance between Joelle and Shawn is still a bit insipid as if not to divert our attention from the investigation.
An enjoyable read with relatable characters.
An engaging mystery about investigating a two decades old death and others recent, “Bitter Past”, by C.J.Carmichael, presents a cast of genuine, likeable characters showing and sharing feelings and emotions that somehow make the crimes less gruesome.
Although death, loss and grief are present and characters have to deal with it, the bonds they share or the friendship, affection, love growing between them balance the negative dimensions.
I liked Joelle and how she can be both determined, driven and compassionate. She and Trix make such a wonderful and funny pair.
I also enjoyed watching Zak and Joelle working to untangle both homicides.
The romance between Joelle and Shawn is still a bit insipid as if not to divert our attention from the investigation.
An enjoyable read with relatable characters.
October 10, 2025
Bitter Past is the fifth book in C.J. Carmichael’s fabulous Bitter Root Mysteries series. I was so excited when I saw that a new book was being released in this series. The new book begins after the previous book ends but it can also be read as a standalone. It was fun to return to Lost Trail, Montana. We learn that the main character, Zak Waller, is now the elected sheriff and has married one of the deputies and has a young son. We learn that many years ago, a young woman who was hiking alone, disappeared in the forest near Lost Tail. Her body was never found and her husband and daughter never had closure. The prior sheriff closed the file.
At the time of the woman’s disappearance, Zak was 19 and was working in the summer for the US Forest Service along with 4 other older college students. On the last night they were drunk and were partying in the woods. One of the guys shot a gun, wanting to make a game out of it but was overruled. He discovered a woman’s body that had been shot but when they looked closer they realized the blood was dry. They agreed to wait until morning to report it since there was underage drinking. One of the guys told his parents who shared the information with another set of parents and they decided it was best for them to go find the body and be the ones to report it to the authorities. When they went to check on it, the body was gone. Nothing else was ever done.
Out of the blue, Zak was contacted by Brent, the guy who had shot the gun and found the body years earlier. Brent had recently won the lottery and was receiving a lot of crank mail. Hr returned to Lost Trail and was meeting with each of the others who had been in attendance the night in the woods. He had a copy of an old article about the missing hiker and was looking to find out if the woman they found was the same person. He had contacted the missing woman’s husband and learned she had never been found.
After another suspicious death in Lost Trail, seemingly related to what had happened years earlier, Joelle Medler arrives to look into the case of the missing woman hiker. It was that of Brent, in a car accident, who we learn is her brother in law. She asks questions of all the people who had been partying in the woods and their parents. She goes to the newspaper to look at old papers as well as the library archives. In the meantime, another woman is hiking solo and has disappeared. Zak has to mobilize his search and rescue volunteers to help look for the missing woman hiker. He finally convinces Joelle to share information she has been hiding and to work together on the cold case of the missing woman. It is apparent that there is a group of people who could have murdered the young woman years ago. The clues are in the book. I tried to figure out who had murdered the hiker and why. I was not able to guess correctly.
The book was very well written as all of C.J.’s books are. The characters are genuine and some have tragedy in their pasts. I found Joelle to be quite likable and very competent in her job as an investigative journalist. It was fun to read about her and Zak working together. I had read and loved the prior books in this series so I was very happy to have a new book with Zak again. It was enjoyable to see the interactions with Zac and his wife as well as Joelle and her sister and her potential future romantic interest Shawn. The inclusion of a secret baby added an exciting subplot that I enjoyed very much. All the surprises and twists made this a fantastic book that I highly recommend. This is another five star book by C.J. Carmichael.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
At the time of the woman’s disappearance, Zak was 19 and was working in the summer for the US Forest Service along with 4 other older college students. On the last night they were drunk and were partying in the woods. One of the guys shot a gun, wanting to make a game out of it but was overruled. He discovered a woman’s body that had been shot but when they looked closer they realized the blood was dry. They agreed to wait until morning to report it since there was underage drinking. One of the guys told his parents who shared the information with another set of parents and they decided it was best for them to go find the body and be the ones to report it to the authorities. When they went to check on it, the body was gone. Nothing else was ever done.
Out of the blue, Zak was contacted by Brent, the guy who had shot the gun and found the body years earlier. Brent had recently won the lottery and was receiving a lot of crank mail. Hr returned to Lost Trail and was meeting with each of the others who had been in attendance the night in the woods. He had a copy of an old article about the missing hiker and was looking to find out if the woman they found was the same person. He had contacted the missing woman’s husband and learned she had never been found.
After another suspicious death in Lost Trail, seemingly related to what had happened years earlier, Joelle Medler arrives to look into the case of the missing woman hiker. It was that of Brent, in a car accident, who we learn is her brother in law. She asks questions of all the people who had been partying in the woods and their parents. She goes to the newspaper to look at old papers as well as the library archives. In the meantime, another woman is hiking solo and has disappeared. Zak has to mobilize his search and rescue volunteers to help look for the missing woman hiker. He finally convinces Joelle to share information she has been hiding and to work together on the cold case of the missing woman. It is apparent that there is a group of people who could have murdered the young woman years ago. The clues are in the book. I tried to figure out who had murdered the hiker and why. I was not able to guess correctly.
The book was very well written as all of C.J.’s books are. The characters are genuine and some have tragedy in their pasts. I found Joelle to be quite likable and very competent in her job as an investigative journalist. It was fun to read about her and Zak working together. I had read and loved the prior books in this series so I was very happy to have a new book with Zak again. It was enjoyable to see the interactions with Zac and his wife as well as Joelle and her sister and her potential future romantic interest Shawn. The inclusion of a secret baby added an exciting subplot that I enjoyed very much. All the surprises and twists made this a fantastic book that I highly recommend. This is another five star book by C.J. Carmichael.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
October 16, 2025
Fifth in the Bitter Root Mysteries series, Bitter Past neatly ties toghether a mysterious death that happened years earlier near the Montana town of Lost Trail and a recent suspicious death nearby. If you’ve read the earlier books, you’ll know that Sheriff Zac Walker is a central character to them all. This time he’s joined in the search by investigative journalist Joelle Medler, sister in law of Brent Culver, who was implicated in the earlier death and who had been asking questions before he died in a hit and run accident on his way home from Lost Trail. Joelle is determined to unearth the story to give her sister some peace of mind and closure, but she is clearly asking questions in sensitive areas and somebody has no qualms about letting her know she’s unwelcome. The characters are all well drawn and believable and the story has plenty of loose threads to keep readers guessing. I loved the sense of danger that buuilds as you progress through the book, which ended leaving me feel very satisfied.
October 10, 2025
What a wonderful and unexpected treat it was to have a new installment in C.J. Carmichael’s Bitter Root Mystery series. BITTER PAST is BOOK FIVE!! in the series and I loved every minute of it. Welcome back to Lost Trail, Montana, a small town with more than its share of secrets. Suspicious deaths, missing people, secrets from the past…this one has it all. If you have read other books in the series, you’ll recognize characters from the past, especially Lost Trail’s Sheriff, Zak Waller. It was great to meet new characters, as well. If you are new to the series, you won’t be lost or disappointed, but you will add to your TBR…
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
October 10, 2025
Bitter Past ~ Bitter Root Mysteries #5 by C.J. Carmichael
I love reading books by C.J. Carmichael, and Bitter Past is no exception. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and the mystery it holds. Although I haven’t yet read the previous four books in the series, I’ve now purchased them and can’t wait to dive in.
Bitter Past is written exceptionally well — the characters are described in great detail, making them feel real and engaging. The storyline flows beautifully and is easy to follow, keeping me hooked from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers. C.J. Carmichael has once again delivered an intriguing and well-crafted story!
I love reading books by C.J. Carmichael, and Bitter Past is no exception. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and the mystery it holds. Although I haven’t yet read the previous four books in the series, I’ve now purchased them and can’t wait to dive in.
Bitter Past is written exceptionally well — the characters are described in great detail, making them feel real and engaging. The storyline flows beautifully and is easy to follow, keeping me hooked from start to finish.
I highly recommend this book to all mystery lovers. C.J. Carmichael has once again delivered an intriguing and well-crafted story!
October 10, 2025
Another great book by this author, I have read most of this series and have loved all the books. This one did not disappoint.
Brent and some others were working for the US Forest Service a decade or two ago. They saw what they thought was a dead body but when they sent their friends back to get the body it was gone. Now they hear from Brent who showed up yesterday to talk to them about it and then mysteriously he was killed in a head on collision.
Now his wife has asked her journalist sister to investigate it for her and find out why her husband was killed or if it really was an accident.
Brent and some others were working for the US Forest Service a decade or two ago. They saw what they thought was a dead body but when they sent their friends back to get the body it was gone. Now they hear from Brent who showed up yesterday to talk to them about it and then mysteriously he was killed in a head on collision.
Now his wife has asked her journalist sister to investigate it for her and find out why her husband was killed or if it really was an accident.
September 28, 2025
Small town mystery with likeable characters and an interesting plot. I liked that I did not know who the killer was. So happy to return to the Bitter Root series. Characters from previous books make appearances but this can be read as a standalone. The other books are wonderful so definitely check them out if you haven’t read them. Good read!
October 5, 2025
Wow! Twists and turns galore as Sheriff Zak works to uncover the mysterious and coincidental death by car accident of his old friend, Brent. Olivis, Brent’s wife, enlists her journalist sister to find the truth of Brent’s accident. Great crime novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 15, 2025
This was so back and forth and I loved it. I was pretty sure who was behind it all from about midway in, but man, the twists keeps you guessing. It was so good! such a great read! I am really loving this series so much! Pick it up today if you haven't already. Do read them in order!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2025
The book cover & blurb caught my attention, I hadn't read the previous books in this series. I loved the storyline and characters, I love a good mystery read, this one kept me engaged right up to the end . Would definitely recommend.
November 14, 2025
Loved reading the wonderfully written story. When Joelle's sister asks her to investigate her husband's death, Joelle goes to try to find out what happened. Read the highly recommended and riveting story full of mystery and intrigue.
October 12, 2025
A solid mystery that kept me hooked and turnin pages.
Tense, fast paced and well plotted. Very entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Tense, fast paced and well plotted. Very entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 15, 2025
A great story!
This series always keeps me riveted to the last page. I am worried though, the ending of this book implied that it might be the last of the series. I hope not!
This series always keeps me riveted to the last page. I am worried though, the ending of this book implied that it might be the last of the series. I hope not!
October 22, 2025
I was welcomed back to a series I enjoyed and I found this installment a great addition. Great characters, great mystery, horrible bad person.
November 13, 2025
Have read the 5 books from this series and have loved every one. They are “can’t put me down” books with great stories and love the characters! Love CJ Carmichaels style of writing!
October 13, 2025
Small town mystery that kept me turning the pages late into the night. Many turns and twists through out the story that kept me guessing until the end. A new murder that brings light to unsolved missing person of twenty years ago. Are the two connected? Investigative journalist, Joelle and town sheriff, Zak join forces to get answers. I highly recommend this book. It is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
December 18, 2025
If you're looking for a good Mystery series grab these. Did not disappoint. Characters come to life. You stay on the edge of your seat. Keeps you engaged.
Go grab book one and enjoy the ride from there.
Go grab book one and enjoy the ride from there.
October 7, 2025
An intriguing small-town mystery.
This book was exciting from start to finish. It has a well written and interesting plot. I enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was and I was totally wrong every time. If you like small towns mysteries and strong characters, this book is for you. It is part pf a series, but you can read it as a stand-alone.
This book was exciting from start to finish. It has a well written and interesting plot. I enjoyed trying to figure out who the killer was and I was totally wrong every time. If you like small towns mysteries and strong characters, this book is for you. It is part pf a series, but you can read it as a stand-alone.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews