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Bitter Root Mysteries : A Small-Town Mystery Anthology Set in Rural Montana—Includes Books 1–4

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Captivating and page-turning...the twists & turns kept me reading until late in the night. Highly recommended to all mystery lovers!

Bitter Roots
In the small town of Lost Trail, Montana, Dispatcher Zak Waller, alongside Tiff Masterson and lawyer Justin Pittman, investigates a young woman’s murder at a Christmas tree farm, uncovering dark secrets that threaten their tight-knit community. As they dig deeper, they reveal an evil more sinister than they imagined.

Bitter Truth
When wealthy Lacy Stillman dies suspiciously after blocking a lucrative family deal, Dispatcher Zak Waller and Tiff Masterson probe the secrets of Lost Trail’s elite, and in a shocking twist, unearth long-buried secrets.The ramifications affect many of Lost Trail’s most prominent citizens and provide the missing clue to Lacy Stillman’s murder.

Bitter End
When lawyer Justin Pittman’s wife, Willow, is found dead, new Deputy Zak Waller questions the Sheriff’s rush to blame her ex, uncovering a tangled history in Lost Trail that challenges his loyalty to the community.

Bittersweet
New Sheriff Zak Waller is investigating the abduction of librarian Sybil Tombe in Lost Trail, Montana, when a young school girl also goes missing. Zak believes the crimes are related...but how? Finding the link is the key to bringing the victims home and avoiding devastating consequences.

996 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2025

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5 people want to read

About the author

C.J. Carmichael

106 books834 followers
USA 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...

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Kerry Croucier.
1,034 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2025
Welcome to Lost Trails, Montana, the setting of C.J. Carmichael’s Bitter Roots Mystery series. In BITTER ROOTS, the first book, takes us to a small town where the worst crimes that occur are pranks played on a retired schoolteacher, that is until a young woman's body is dumped on the clinic's steps in the middle of the night. Thus, we find that the townspeople have more than one secret. Zak Waller was content to live his days as the Sheriff's dispatcher and has flown under the radar his whole life with no desire to call attention to himself. He can't help investigating the murder on his own, convinced there is more to it, and finds an ally when his old friend Tiff Masterson returns to town. Tiff is back to start over and is pulled into the mystery after finding the victim worked for her family. Tiff and Zak are only two of the interesting characters in this series.
In the second book of the series, BITTER TRUTH, a typical 91-year-old woman dies in her sleep, and most people would think nothing of it. In Lost Trail, ranch owner Lacy Stillman is healthier than most people younger than her, so when she is found in her bed the day after receiving glowing reports during her checkup, Zak is instantly suspicious. There are too many people who have something to gain from her death. Tiff agrees to help investigate. Full of twists, turns, and shocking secrets, this story kept me guessing until the very end.
In BITTER END, book three, Zak is finally ready to step into a new phase of life. After solving a couple high profile murders, he has earned his deputy’s badge to go along with his dispatcher duties. The newest murder brings home the need for more change in the top spot of law enforcement in Lost Trail. The murder mystery drew me in and the secondary stories kept me turning the pages. I really enjoy the way the author paced the story and developed the characters, and there are twists to make things even more interesting.
In Book Four, BITTERSWEET, Sybil Tombe turns up missing and Sheriff Zak Waller is puzzled. Who would want to harm the librarian? As he and his deputies try to unravel the mystery, they realize there was more to the mild-mannered librarian than anyone knew. When a child disappears in the middle of the investigation, Zak knows they need to find them both before their time runs out. Zak and his deputy/girlfriend are the main focuses of this story outside the mystery, but we do revisit the characters from the other stories.
I love how Carmichael continues to develop the characters and their relationships as well as the town of Lost Trail, Montana, throughout the series. I love reading Carmichael's books because the characters and the story always hook me from the beginning and don't let go until the end. I couldn't put any of these down and I am excited that there is a fifth book coming. I can’t wait to return to Lost Trail, Montana.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
771 reviews37 followers
November 3, 2025
This four book series is a wonderful read. It takes place in a small rural town in Montana called Lost Trail. Each book has a separate story, but they all relate to each book.

Bitter Roots- Bk#1
We are introduced to the town with dispatcher Zac Waller and his friend Tiff Masterson. When the dead body of a women that worked on Tiff's family's Christmas Tree farm turns up it takes them both on a journey to find out what happened to this young women. But has they dig into the clues in her death, lots of secrets and town skeletons start to unravel. And it is not making certain people happy to have these secrets unfold.

Bitter Truth Bik#2
Zax Waller and Tiff Masterson are again on the trail when one of the towns most wealthy citizens is found dead. At first it looked like Lacy Stillman had died of natural causes, but Zac's keen eye finds clues that this is not true and that she has been murdered...but who among her family and the town had the most to gain from her death.

Bitter End Bk#3
Zac Waller is now a deputy in the Sherriff's department and when the town lawyer's Justin Pittman's wife comes back to town wanting to reclaim her daughter, who Justin adopted and take her back with her, but she ends up dead and all eyes are on Justin, but the town rallies around him in his time of need and Zac and the the new deputy are on the trail of the real killer.

Bittersweet Bk#4
Zac Waller has now become Sherriff of Lost Trail and he will serve the citizens of the town just as he did when he was a deputy. When one of their own, Sybil Tombe goes missing, he and his department, and friends do everything thing they can to find her and then a child goes missing and Zac knows that their is a link to both disappearances. He will bring both these missing people home.

Theses books kept me reading right from the start. I had to keep reading to the finish. Each book was it's own story but it incorporated the characters of the town into each book until all the books came to a conclusion of the real mystery of each book and just who the real villain was. I am not a fan of reading 4-1 book stories, but I really enjoyed this book. The series continues and I can't wait to start reading the continuing saga of Lost Trails, Montana.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SOMDReigel.
1,127 reviews
August 7, 2025
Fantastic series. I've read each book when they were released. Highly recommend this series.
Bitter Roots book 1
I enjoyed this mystery set in a modest, ranching town. There was plenty going on within this small town and many of the characters were suspects. The two main characters were interesting, as well as all the secondary characters. Zak was a different lead character for me. He was an underachiever, one that avoids the spotlight and I enjoyed his role. His character shows growth and I believe we may see a different career for him in upcoming books in the series. His longtime friend, Tiff, returns to town still dealing with the grief of losing two family members from over 20 years ago. I liked how she began to have more patience with her mother, be less judgmental and more accepting of her mother’s grief. Strong writing and the words flowed very well. I look forward to reading more books from this series as there are many great characters with stories of their own.
Bitter Truth, Book 2
Good friends Lacy and Zak continue to find deep secrets in small town of Lost Trails, Montana.
Bitter Truth has wonderful plot twists and turns you don’t see coming. Many interesting characters with lots of family drama and secrets. This is an engaging storyline and a page turner. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Well done mystery!
Bitter End Book 3
An engrossing mystery set in a small town with interesting and unique characters. I had a few guesses as to who the murderer was but didn’t see the twists that were coming. Long held secrets are in abundance in this town. This book is part of a series. It can be read as stand-alone but so much better when read in order. I highly recommend.
Bitter Sweet Book 4
Bitter Sweet is a well written mystery set in a small town. There are many secrets for the new sheriff and his team to uncover surrounding the well-loved librarian who is missing. There’s a good flow to the story and multiple storylines are woven seamlessly throughout. Wonderful, multi-layered characters and beautifully described scenery make this an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Shari.
1,862 reviews24 followers
August 11, 2025
A wonderful collection of small mysteries, that you will have a hard time putting down!

Bitter Roots Book one An amazing mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. Riley is new to Lost Trails, Montana when she is found dead on the steps of the medical clinic. Tiff has just returned home to the tree farm, after gone for many years. Dispatcher, Zach will use his own sleuthing to find the murderer.

Love the cast of characters, all with interesting lives. Many layered secrets in this small mountain town, that I really enjoyed. Loved the town library!

Bitter Truth, book two. An awesome read full of secrets and lies that the bitter truth will come out in the end. Not what you expect in a little town of Lost Trails, Montana, when they find the town matriarch, Lacy Stillman dead in her bed from a presumed heart attack. Zach, the town dispatcher for the local sheriff office wonders if there is more to the death of Lacy.
Tiff, has returned home to help with the care of her mother with her aunt but soon family secrets to come out , as someone is forcing Tiff to leave town.

A great cast of characters that I was fully engaged with. Lots of family drama. Plus , I'm rooting for a few budding romances that are developing.

Bitter End, book three A young mother is murdered and the new Deputy Zak wants to solve, especially since he wants to run for the town sheriff. There are lots of potential suspects, but some of the clues are not adding up. Zak will not give up until the killer is found, and boy was I surprised.

This story had many twists and turns of who done it. It was also great to catch up previous characters. Love Justin and Geneva.

Bittersweet, book four. Sybil. longtime town librarian of Lost Trail has been abducted from her home. Everybody thinks they know Sybil but as layers of her life are peeled away secrets come out.
The town sheriff Zak and his girlfriend/deputy Nadine work together to solve this mystery as their relationship develops.

Profile Image for Happily Ever After Romance.
887 reviews26 followers
November 21, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Bitter Root Mysteries is an amazing anthology featuring the first four books from the series, including Bitter Roots, Bitter Truth, Bitter End, and Bittersweet. If you love having an entire series, then this is a perfect opportunity for you. All four books for one fantastic price, it’s hard to pass up the chance to either get caught up on the series or begin it for the first time! I’ve read and reviewed each title as they were released, and each got a 4.5-star rating from me; yes, they’re that good.

In the small town of Lost Trails, Montana, crime is relatively low, but every now and then, reality hits every town with the ugliness of murder and mayhem. Zak and Tiff are the glue that holds this series together. He’s worked his way through the town’s system to currently being the Sheriff, and along with his girlfriend, Tiff, has helped solve every crime and is now a deputy herself. Their adventures are far from over, as there is a fifth title on the horizon for us all.

I’ve loved these stories; each is unique in the crime, but the connection is held together by the main characters and many secondary characters we’ll come to know over the course of the series. They’re well-written, will keep you engaged and, perhaps, on edge as clues come to light and Zak and Tiff’s relationship grows over time. I enjoyed myself immensely in this series, and I’m definitely looking forward to more. Treat yourself, and dive into this world.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review, giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Profile Image for Nova.
480 reviews7 followers
August 22, 2025
this is Bitter Root #2. it is part of the Bitter Root Series.
Lacy Stillman lives in the ranch community of Lost Trails, Montana. When she dies of a heart attack in her own bed, it seems as if that would be normal for someone at her age.
Zak Waller is the dispatcher with the local Sheriff's Office. He joins in the mourning of the town's rich elderly rancher. When some information is brought to his attention, he starts wondering if Lacey's death is more than it seems.
Tiff Masterson is one of Zak's friends. She is troubled by her mother's escalating breakdown, and her aunt's denial of it being any problem. Family friend and local lawyer Justin Pittman looks to Tiff for help with his serious health issues.
A connection is discovered between the Masterson family and the Pittmans. An old crime with an unexpected twist reaches into both families with effects that will change everything.
I read this book before reading the 1st of the series. I had a bit of trouble in the beginning of this book because of all the characters who were in it. I think if i had read the first one first, i may have had an easier time. Once i could keep up with the people, then it started to flow along nicely. I liked the twists and turns and how it all came together in the end.
1,584 reviews22 followers
November 13, 2025
What an exceptional group of mystery stories. It's always great to read about the main character from one book to the next, watching his growth both personal and emotional. Zac Waller starts out as a dispatcher in the sheriff's department in book 1 yet becomes the sheriff by book 4, has lots of growth for him. He's from Lost Trail, Montana. Each one of these stories have a murder, a questionable death, a possible murder to take away a daughter or secrets that have not been shared. Each of these characters have a personal reaction to an interaction. they give you clues along the way to help you solve the mystery. Grab a blanket, curl up and enjoy all of these books. This author has spun a web around you while you read her stories. Enjoy each of these and try to figure out who or what really happened. Would strongly recommend this collection of stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janine.
1,086 reviews27 followers
August 6, 2025
A great collection of mystery books.

I previously read these books separately and thoroughly enjoyed them. I like the small-town feel, but big-time crimes. I liked watching Zak grow in his career from a dispatcher to deputy because he was so good at getting the bad guys off the street. The books are entertaining and difficult to predict, but not scary where they will give you nightmares. I highly recommend this box set.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,821 reviews20 followers
November 16, 2025
WOW this was such an incredible mystery box set. The characters are so engaging and the plot twists kept me guessing. I think book 4 is my favorite so far in the series. Can’t wait for book 5. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by booksprout.
824 reviews9 followers
November 19, 2025
This is a great box set of four books featuring Zax Waller. A great chance to get introduced into the series all at once. Bitter Roots, Bitter Truth, Bitter End and Bittersweet are the four book in the series and I highly recommend you give them a try.
Profile Image for Heather Gibbard.
1,107 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2025
Loved all four books, each has its own crime. The main characters develop as the books go on. All are well written and are engaging and entertaining. Well worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shelagh.
1,795 reviews25 followers
November 13, 2025
I loved each one of the books that make up the The Bitter Roots Mysteries. All the books are set in the Montana town of Lost Trail, a town where murders seem to occur with alarmong regularity. Thankfully, Lost Trail is home to police despatcher and amateur sleuth Zac Walker, who is a whole lot better at investigating a mystery than the sheriff. Although Zac, who eventually becomes sheriff, is central to the murder investigations that are the focus of each book in the series, he is aided by a wonderful cast of characters. Each story in the series can be read as a stand-alone novel, but with the convenience of this series bring them together, why not do yourself a favour and read them all sequentially. You won’t be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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