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The Highway Quartet #2
The Highway
Updated cover of this Kindle edition.
Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Novel, the New York Times bestselling author of Back of Beyond and Breaking Point and the creator of the Joe Pickett series is back.
When two sisters set out across a remote stretch of Montana road to visit their friend, little do they know it will be the last time anyone might ever hear from them again. The girls—and their car—simply vanish. Former police investigator Cody Hoyt has just lost his job and has fallen off the wagon after a long stretch of sobriety. Convinced by his son and his former rookie partner, Cassie Dewell, he begins the drive south to the girls' last known location. As Cody makes his way to the lonely stretch of Montana highway where they went missing, Cassie discovers that Gracie and Danielle Sullivan aren't the first girls who have disappeared in this area. This majestic landscape is the hunting ground for a killer whose viciousness is outmatched only by his intelligence.
And he might not be working alone. Time is running out for Gracie and Danielle…Can Cassie overcome her doubts and lack of experience and use her innate skill? Can Cody Hoyt battle his own demons and find this killer before another victim vanishes on the highway?
Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Novel, the New York Times bestselling author of Back of Beyond and Breaking Point and the creator of the Joe Pickett series is back.
When two sisters set out across a remote stretch of Montana road to visit their friend, little do they know it will be the last time anyone might ever hear from them again. The girls—and their car—simply vanish. Former police investigator Cody Hoyt has just lost his job and has fallen off the wagon after a long stretch of sobriety. Convinced by his son and his former rookie partner, Cassie Dewell, he begins the drive south to the girls' last known location. As Cody makes his way to the lonely stretch of Montana highway where they went missing, Cassie discovers that Gracie and Danielle Sullivan aren't the first girls who have disappeared in this area. This majestic landscape is the hunting ground for a killer whose viciousness is outmatched only by his intelligence.
And he might not be working alone. Time is running out for Gracie and Danielle…Can Cassie overcome her doubts and lack of experience and use her innate skill? Can Cody Hoyt battle his own demons and find this killer before another victim vanishes on the highway?
398 pages, ebook
First published July 30, 2013
4674 people are currently reading
12449 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Box
111 books7,234 followersC. J. Box is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 24 novels including the Joe Pickett series. He won the Edgar Alan Poe Award for Best Novel (Blue Heaven, 2009) as well as the Anthony Award, Prix Calibre 38 (France), the Macavity Award, the Gumshoe Award, two Barry Awards, and the 2010 Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association Award for fiction. He was recently awarded the 2016 Western Heritage Award for Literature by the National Cowboy Museum as well as the Spur Award for Best Contemporary Novel by the Western Writers of America in 2017. The novels have been translated into 27 languages.
Box is a Wyoming native and has worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, a small town newspaper reporter and editor, and he co-owns an international tourism marketing firm with his wife Laurie. They have three daughters. An avid outdoorsman, Box has hunted, fished, hiked, ridden, and skied throughout Wyoming and the Mountain West. He served on the Board of Directors for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Box lives in Wyoming.
--from the author's website
Series:
* Joe Pickett
http://us.macmillan.com/author/cjbox
Box is a Wyoming native and has worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, a small town newspaper reporter and editor, and he co-owns an international tourism marketing firm with his wife Laurie. They have three daughters. An avid outdoorsman, Box has hunted, fished, hiked, ridden, and skied throughout Wyoming and the Mountain West. He served on the Board of Directors for the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Box lives in Wyoming.
--from the author's website
Series:
* Joe Pickett
http://us.macmillan.com/author/cjbox
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,972 reviews
August 8, 2013
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced readers' copy of this book, though I like would have bought the book simply on the strength of CJ Box being the author, as I'm a huge Joe Pickett fan and I enjoyed the first Cody Hoyt book, "Back of Beyond". I keep Joe Pickett novels, in fact, on perpetual pre-order-without-a-thought mode.
First, the book's strengths:
The setting. As always, Box provides a great sense of place, in this case, the world of truckers, and the usual rural areas of Wyoming and Montana near Yellowstone. His description of the typical truck stop seems spot on from my (admittedly non-trucker) experience with the one near my town, which is in a rural area along an interstate. I've been in the truck stop at various times and there's definitely a "truckers vs civilians" vibe... and never the twain really meet. I could definitely feel the pulse of the interstate in this novel. Interstates to the casual eye seem relatively benign places that we zip along in our automotive cocoons, but anyone who's lived near one can tell you the dangers zipping by, from drug runners to murderers and rapists looking for victims. As outlandish as the Lizard King might seem, it's not too far a stretch to believe such a criminal could exist.
The general plot. Box always does well to put together thrillers with a twist, and this is no exception, generally speaking. The plot moves along fairly quickly and comes together logically, and there's a sense of urgency throughout.
*Some* of the characters. I enjoyed seeing Justin again, Hoyt's son. And I liked Gracie's pluck and spirit.
But now for the reasons I could only give the book 2 stars:
The characters. The book really should have been called "The Lizard King", because it seemed like most of the best-detailed chapters centered on him. Box created quite an evil criminal, and while it's interesting, I guess, to see into the mind of a reprobate serial killer, it's also disturbing and not really something I enjoy. I much prefer staying in the head of the "good guy". Also, one of the victims--a teenage girl--was so annoying I found myself actually hoping that she'd soon be killed. That's... probably not a response you want to evoke in your readers, but then again, Box has gone in a darker direction with this one, so maybe that was his intention.
And the biggie: the mid-novel plot twist. I say "twist" but I'm really thinking "shocker". Trying not to be spoilery, but it's impossible to express my thoughts here without it being fairly obvious what happens: Cody Hoyt is basically out of the series named for him. This to me was just... unacceptable. I put the book down and it was nearly two weeks before I could pick it up again and finish it (and by "finish", I mean, "skim to the end"). I felt cheated, almost as if I'd been on the receiving end of a bait-and-switch scheme. Admittedly, I tend to get very attached to protagonists, and Hoyt was such an imperfect hero that I had invested quite a lot in rooting for him and hoping that he'd eventually get his act together despite himself. It was maddening, then, to have that yanked so precipitously away, in no small part because it comes across very much like Box had written himself into a corner with Hoyt's character and instead of finding a way out of it, took the easy route and simply dispensed of the troubled man. I *might* not have been so annoyed if the secondary character who takes over the chase had been introduced with more depth, but she seemed too much a barely-there supporting character up to that point, and though she became more dimensional after that point, the book suffered for her weak development in the beginning. I never felt any connection with her (probably because I'm still smarting over what happened to Hoyt).
So... with this disappointment behind me, I'm still very much looking forward to the next Joe Pickett novel (and crossing all fingers and toes that Box doesn't make a similar move with him. I admire an author taking such risks if the story demands but... yeah, killing off Joe would break my heart in eight million tiny pieces, so if you read this, Mr. Box, don't. Just... don't!)
I might or might not read the next novel in this now-misnamed Cody Hoyt series. If I do, it will be via the library.
First, the book's strengths:
The setting. As always, Box provides a great sense of place, in this case, the world of truckers, and the usual rural areas of Wyoming and Montana near Yellowstone. His description of the typical truck stop seems spot on from my (admittedly non-trucker) experience with the one near my town, which is in a rural area along an interstate. I've been in the truck stop at various times and there's definitely a "truckers vs civilians" vibe... and never the twain really meet. I could definitely feel the pulse of the interstate in this novel. Interstates to the casual eye seem relatively benign places that we zip along in our automotive cocoons, but anyone who's lived near one can tell you the dangers zipping by, from drug runners to murderers and rapists looking for victims. As outlandish as the Lizard King might seem, it's not too far a stretch to believe such a criminal could exist.
The general plot. Box always does well to put together thrillers with a twist, and this is no exception, generally speaking. The plot moves along fairly quickly and comes together logically, and there's a sense of urgency throughout.
*Some* of the characters. I enjoyed seeing Justin again, Hoyt's son. And I liked Gracie's pluck and spirit.
But now for the reasons I could only give the book 2 stars:
The characters. The book really should have been called "The Lizard King", because it seemed like most of the best-detailed chapters centered on him. Box created quite an evil criminal, and while it's interesting, I guess, to see into the mind of a reprobate serial killer, it's also disturbing and not really something I enjoy. I much prefer staying in the head of the "good guy". Also, one of the victims--a teenage girl--was so annoying I found myself actually hoping that she'd soon be killed. That's... probably not a response you want to evoke in your readers, but then again, Box has gone in a darker direction with this one, so maybe that was his intention.
And the biggie: the mid-novel plot twist. I say "twist" but I'm really thinking "shocker". Trying not to be spoilery, but it's impossible to express my thoughts here without it being fairly obvious what happens: Cody Hoyt is basically out of the series named for him. This to me was just... unacceptable. I put the book down and it was nearly two weeks before I could pick it up again and finish it (and by "finish", I mean, "skim to the end"). I felt cheated, almost as if I'd been on the receiving end of a bait-and-switch scheme. Admittedly, I tend to get very attached to protagonists, and Hoyt was such an imperfect hero that I had invested quite a lot in rooting for him and hoping that he'd eventually get his act together despite himself. It was maddening, then, to have that yanked so precipitously away, in no small part because it comes across very much like Box had written himself into a corner with Hoyt's character and instead of finding a way out of it, took the easy route and simply dispensed of the troubled man. I *might* not have been so annoyed if the secondary character who takes over the chase had been introduced with more depth, but she seemed too much a barely-there supporting character up to that point, and though she became more dimensional after that point, the book suffered for her weak development in the beginning. I never felt any connection with her (probably because I'm still smarting over what happened to Hoyt).
So... with this disappointment behind me, I'm still very much looking forward to the next Joe Pickett novel (and crossing all fingers and toes that Box doesn't make a similar move with him. I admire an author taking such risks if the story demands but... yeah, killing off Joe would break my heart in eight million tiny pieces, so if you read this, Mr. Box, don't. Just... don't!)
I might or might not read the next novel in this now-misnamed Cody Hoyt series. If I do, it will be via the library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2023
I may be in the minority, but I think this book is brilliant. The element of surprise was a large part of my enjoyment, so I am going to say very little about the plot. What C.J. Box does to ratchet up the tension on the highway is pitch perfect. There are some hateful characters in this book. Evil is out there and it could be right in the next lane. Listening to this book reminds us all to travel smart and encourage the young women in our lives to do the same. Cassie Dewell will have you rooting for her. Can she become the investigator she believes she can be? Will she come to appreciate her partner, Cody Hoyt? This would work as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading 'Back of Beyond' first. If you are like me and love books set in the west, you will not be sorry. Yellowstone shines as a character all her own.
February 6, 2016
Now I can understand why people have been recommending I read C J Box!
Even though I started with #2 in the Cody Hoyt series, it is perfectly able to be read as a stand alone.
The writing is tense, the plot taut and tight. There is no mucking around, just solid, breath-holding storyline.
Two girls and their car simply vanish after detouring from their planned road trip to see their father for Thanksgiving.
When his son reports the girls missing, former Police Investigator Cody Hoyt heads for their last known location. When he fails to return, his former rookie partner Cassie sets out in search of him.....armed with the knowledge that these are not the first girls to just vanish in this area.
An exciting read.
And if you haven't yet read C J Box, I recommend him.
Even though I started with #2 in the Cody Hoyt series, it is perfectly able to be read as a stand alone.
The writing is tense, the plot taut and tight. There is no mucking around, just solid, breath-holding storyline.
Two girls and their car simply vanish after detouring from their planned road trip to see their father for Thanksgiving.
When his son reports the girls missing, former Police Investigator Cody Hoyt heads for their last known location. When he fails to return, his former rookie partner Cassie sets out in search of him.....armed with the knowledge that these are not the first girls to just vanish in this area.
An exciting read.
And if you haven't yet read C J Box, I recommend him.
November 24, 2020
The Lizard King is a loathsome creature, a long haul truck driver who preys on young women, mostly prostitutes ('Lizards') picked up at truckstops. Once drugged and kidnapped, he is free to do whatever he wants with them, in his truck or back home in a specially equipped room. Since he's always careful to abduct women from the many different places he drives, he has managed to remain undetected.
Cody Hoyt, recently sacked from his job as a police investigator, is concerned when his son's girlfriend and her sister driving from Denver to Montana to visit him fail to turn up. He drags his ex partner Cassie into helping him track the girls' movements, getting them both into a heap of trouble.
I didn't really enjoy this book. Partly because the Lizard King was such a gruesome, mysogynist character (stereotypically with a controlling, demanding mother) - pure evil in fact with not an ounce of compassion but clever and cunning, a true psychopath. But that wasn't the main reason as I've enjoyed other novels featuring evil characters and I think the author made a strong start to this novel with a really creepy idea for a character carrying out near perfect crimes. However I found the book a bit of a chore to finish mainly because the plot was somewhat predictable and I didn't really connect with the characters. I was disappointed in Cody's involvement in the novel, Cassie didn't really stand out as a fully fleshed individual and while Gracie the younger sister was a smart, gutsy teenager her sister was just too much of an airhead to be believable. Overall a disappointing read!
August 18, 2013
Everyone has an off-day and CJ Box must have had a number of them when he wrote this clunker. I usually really enjoy his writing, including the entire Joe Pickett series and the lead-in to this book, Back of Beyond, and was looking forward to the continued adventures of Cody Hoyt. Thanks to a very bad decision on the author's part midway through this book, that's not going to happen.
The premise of the book was distasteful and unoriginal--a psychopathic long-haul trucker and his accomplices who prey on truck-stop hookers and other unlucky girls and women--and lacking in suspense, since there's no real mystery about who's doing what to whom. Best thing about the book was that Box did not get into lengthy, gratuitous descriptions of the horrors inflicted on the unfortunate victims.
It seems like there's a sequel looming, and I usually find that when an author starts recycling the villain, it does not bode well for the series. One encounter with this POS was more than enough. The rest of the remaining characters, except for Gracie, were not developed enough to make me want to read more about them. I wasted enough time with this disappointing book so will give any sequel a pass.
I look forward to Box's next Joe Pickett book and other stand-alone books, and hope that The Highway was just the result of him taking a wrong turn on a bad day.
The premise of the book was distasteful and unoriginal--a psychopathic long-haul trucker and his accomplices who prey on truck-stop hookers and other unlucky girls and women--and lacking in suspense, since there's no real mystery about who's doing what to whom. Best thing about the book was that Box did not get into lengthy, gratuitous descriptions of the horrors inflicted on the unfortunate victims.
It seems like there's a sequel looming, and I usually find that when an author starts recycling the villain, it does not bode well for the series. One encounter with this POS was more than enough. The rest of the remaining characters, except for Gracie, were not developed enough to make me want to read more about them. I wasted enough time with this disappointing book so will give any sequel a pass.
I look forward to Box's next Joe Pickett book and other stand-alone books, and hope that The Highway was just the result of him taking a wrong turn on a bad day.
February 28, 2015
Some spoiler-ish stuff, but I will try and speak in generalities.
If you like disgusting bad guys that are dispicable and pure evil, come right this way! If you are looking for politically correct bad guys that are respectful, hold doors for ladies, help get puppies out of trees then DO NOT ENTER! It appears that many of the low ratings for this book are because these bad guys are too mean and extreme - but I love how disgusting they are and how much more it makes you want them to get their comeuppance. I think if you like really BAD bad guys, you gotta try this out.
Also, this book has some no holds barred western justice and attitude. There are a couple of plot twists I just could not believe. It was a fun ride on The Highway!
If you like disgusting bad guys that are dispicable and pure evil, come right this way! If you are looking for politically correct bad guys that are respectful, hold doors for ladies, help get puppies out of trees then DO NOT ENTER! It appears that many of the low ratings for this book are because these bad guys are too mean and extreme - but I love how disgusting they are and how much more it makes you want them to get their comeuppance. I think if you like really BAD bad guys, you gotta try this out.
Also, this book has some no holds barred western justice and attitude. There are a couple of plot twists I just could not believe. It was a fun ride on The Highway!
June 6, 2017
C.J. Box's writing is growing on me. This is my second book by him, the first was the latest Joe Pickett novel. Love them both! 5 stars!
I started reading this thinking it's a brand new series. Then I found out there's another book about Cody Hoyt, a great character by the way. Now I'm confused and have many questions.
I started reading this thinking it's a brand new series. Then I found out there's another book about Cody Hoyt, a great character by the way. Now I'm confused and have many questions.
June 7, 2013
I understand that CJ Box is a popular writer, but after reading his latest book, The Highway, I am left with two questions: Does he always people his books with such unlikeable characters? And, are all his books as misogynistic as The Highway?
In the beginning, the reader is introduced to the repulsive Lizard King, a long haul trucker who preys on truck stop prostitutes, as he sits in a parking lot scoping out his next victim. The reader immediately grasps that this man is sick and twisted; he lives to rape, torture and murder women, sometimes keeping them prisoner for weeks. We later learn he also films his perverse hobby. And he is not alone. The Lizard King has two other companions that are involved in his depraved treatment of the women. Just reading what drives these sadists makes the reader feel slimy and sickened.
Unfortunately for two teenage girls traveling through Montana with only one brain between them, the Lizard King kidnaps them. On the phone, he gleefully tells his cohorts he has "fresh meat."
When they disappear, an ex-boyfriend of one of the girls calls his dad, Cody Hoyt, a police detective. Hoyt, a recovering alcoholic, is known for playing rough, making his own rules, and was recently fired for planting evidence. His partner, Cassie Dewell, described quite frequently as overweight, is new to the force and was grudgingly hired due to enforced affirmative action. Nobody likes Cody and nobody respects Cassie.
In a race against time, the two detectives try to track the girls along the vast expanse of the Montana highway system. A daunting job that completely changes gears halfway through the book when Cody disappears and Cassie is left alone. Despite desperately begging other appallingly chauvinistic police officers to help her find the girls, she is stonewalled by their indifference and total disrespect for her. Regardless of the fact that the girls' ages would make their disappearance an instant Amber Alert, the Thanksgiving weekend coming up and, well, nobody is able to spare an officer or two.
What complete rubbish.
To his credit, Box is able to keep the reader in suspense concerning the fate of the girls. Locked inside a bunker wearing nothing but their underwear, they are in constant fear as the three men threaten them with what will happen to them. And when the men realize they themselves are being hunted, they start to turn on each other.
As a reader, I felt no compelling connection with any of the characters. None were likable, complex or even interesting. I had no desire to delve real deeply into this novel and found myself skimming the last third of the book. Perhaps Box has written better work in the past; but this novel, with it's open-ended threat to continue the story does not inspire me to find out.
In the beginning, the reader is introduced to the repulsive Lizard King, a long haul trucker who preys on truck stop prostitutes, as he sits in a parking lot scoping out his next victim. The reader immediately grasps that this man is sick and twisted; he lives to rape, torture and murder women, sometimes keeping them prisoner for weeks. We later learn he also films his perverse hobby. And he is not alone. The Lizard King has two other companions that are involved in his depraved treatment of the women. Just reading what drives these sadists makes the reader feel slimy and sickened.
Unfortunately for two teenage girls traveling through Montana with only one brain between them, the Lizard King kidnaps them. On the phone, he gleefully tells his cohorts he has "fresh meat."
When they disappear, an ex-boyfriend of one of the girls calls his dad, Cody Hoyt, a police detective. Hoyt, a recovering alcoholic, is known for playing rough, making his own rules, and was recently fired for planting evidence. His partner, Cassie Dewell, described quite frequently as overweight, is new to the force and was grudgingly hired due to enforced affirmative action. Nobody likes Cody and nobody respects Cassie.
In a race against time, the two detectives try to track the girls along the vast expanse of the Montana highway system. A daunting job that completely changes gears halfway through the book when Cody disappears and Cassie is left alone. Despite desperately begging other appallingly chauvinistic police officers to help her find the girls, she is stonewalled by their indifference and total disrespect for her. Regardless of the fact that the girls' ages would make their disappearance an instant Amber Alert, the Thanksgiving weekend coming up and, well, nobody is able to spare an officer or two.
What complete rubbish.
To his credit, Box is able to keep the reader in suspense concerning the fate of the girls. Locked inside a bunker wearing nothing but their underwear, they are in constant fear as the three men threaten them with what will happen to them. And when the men realize they themselves are being hunted, they start to turn on each other.
As a reader, I felt no compelling connection with any of the characters. None were likable, complex or even interesting. I had no desire to delve real deeply into this novel and found myself skimming the last third of the book. Perhaps Box has written better work in the past; but this novel, with it's open-ended threat to continue the story does not inspire me to find out.
January 8, 2024
Two teen girls are driving across the country when their car breaks down in an isolated area of Montana. As they try to call their friend Justin for help, they are taken by a truck driver who ties them up and throws them into the back of his eighteen-wheeler. Justin tells his father, Cody Hoyt, that he lost contact with the girls and is worried about them. Cody, who just lost his job as a police investigator, decides to search for the girls in a remote area of Yellowstone National Park where they were last seen. Cody's former partner, Rookie Cassie Dewell, wants to help with the investigation. She quickly learns that Gracie and Danielle are not the only young women to disappear in this area.
Last year I read Back of Beyond which introduced Cody Hoyt, an alcoholic police investigator whose wife and son left him because of his drinking. In this book, Cody has sobered up and his family is back together, but how long will that last? He is a good investigator, but still has self-destructive tendencies that get him in trouble.
This book was very dark. The truck driver who calls himself "The Lizard King" and his accomplice are pure evil. Many people may not like reading the description of what these men are doing to the girls. There is no real mystery in this story since we know from the beginning who the villain is. But there is a huge twist in the middle of the book. I'm still surprised at what happened. My rating: 4 Stars.
Last year I read Back of Beyond which introduced Cody Hoyt, an alcoholic police investigator whose wife and son left him because of his drinking. In this book, Cody has sobered up and his family is back together, but how long will that last? He is a good investigator, but still has self-destructive tendencies that get him in trouble.
This book was very dark. The truck driver who calls himself "The Lizard King" and his accomplice are pure evil. Many people may not like reading the description of what these men are doing to the girls. There is no real mystery in this story since we know from the beginning who the villain is. But there is a huge twist in the middle of the book. I'm still surprised at what happened. My rating: 4 Stars.
May 20, 2021
This story takes place about 2 years after Back of Beyond. Gracie and Danielle Sullivan have set out to visit Justin Hoyt in Helena, Montana. Their mother believes they are going to visit their father in Omaha. Danielle is the older sister but you would never know that. She pays more attention to texting on her phone than the check engine light. Of course the girls get in trouble and the car breaks down in ... you guessed it ... Yellowstone. This after they have a run in with a long haul trucker at a truck stop. The "Lizard King" preys on prostitutes at truck stops across the country. After the truck stop encounter with Danielle and Gracie he managers to follow them undetected in his large truck until they breakdown.
Danielle had been in constant contact with Justin via texts. When the texts stop and Justin can't get a hold of her he becomes worried and searches out his father. Cody Hoyt has just lost his job as a police investigator and is drunk. He does stop feeling sorry for himself and his situation and sets out to try and find the missing girls.
Cassie Dewell is Cody's partner. Or she was until he got fired. Cassie played a large part in Cody losing his job. Despite that she is going to help Cody in his search. While he is on the road trying to track down the girls Cassie remains behind to do research, make phone calls, etc. Then Cody goes missing. Cassie cannot get a hold of him. Did he get drunk again? Or did something happen to him? Cassie decides to hit the road too.
Cassie is a rookie. She was hired as part of the sheriff's diversity program. What she lacks in experience she makes up for in tenacity. She wants to prove that she can be a good investigator. As good as Cody so she often asks herself "What would Cody do"? WWCD. During her investigation Cassie learns that Gracie and Danielle Sullivan aren't the first girls who have disappeared in this area. There is a mysterious church in the area. Isn't there always? Could there be a connection between the missing girls and the church? Or is that what someone wants her to think? Cassie's investigative work has pointed to a trucker not a church so why is someone trying to steer her away?
I found myself liking Cassie but did not enjoy this story as much as Back of Beyond. Gracie Sullivan was still a great character. Strong and smart. I will probably read the next book in the series, Badlands, despite some disappointments with this story.
Danielle had been in constant contact with Justin via texts. When the texts stop and Justin can't get a hold of her he becomes worried and searches out his father. Cody Hoyt has just lost his job as a police investigator and is drunk. He does stop feeling sorry for himself and his situation and sets out to try and find the missing girls.
Cassie Dewell is Cody's partner. Or she was until he got fired. Cassie played a large part in Cody losing his job. Despite that she is going to help Cody in his search. While he is on the road trying to track down the girls Cassie remains behind to do research, make phone calls, etc. Then Cody goes missing. Cassie cannot get a hold of him. Did he get drunk again? Or did something happen to him? Cassie decides to hit the road too.
Cassie is a rookie. She was hired as part of the sheriff's diversity program. What she lacks in experience she makes up for in tenacity. She wants to prove that she can be a good investigator. As good as Cody so she often asks herself "What would Cody do"? WWCD. During her investigation Cassie learns that Gracie and Danielle Sullivan aren't the first girls who have disappeared in this area. There is a mysterious church in the area. Isn't there always? Could there be a connection between the missing girls and the church? Or is that what someone wants her to think? Cassie's investigative work has pointed to a trucker not a church so why is someone trying to steer her away?
I found myself liking Cassie but did not enjoy this story as much as Back of Beyond. Gracie Sullivan was still a great character. Strong and smart. I will probably read the next book in the series, Badlands, despite some disappointments with this story.
August 27, 2015
Truth is, I'm wavering between 3-1/2 stars and 4, but since the former isn't possible here - and I am wavering - I'll stick with 4. But I'll also say up front that if you're one whose taste doesn't run toward gruesome and gory, you might want to pass on this one.
This is the second book featuring seriously flawed Montana police investigator Cody Hoyt (the first, Back of Beyond, was published in 2011, and while I gave it 5 stars, quite a few readers didn't agree; the average at the time of this writing was 4 stars based on 154 customer reviews at Amazon.com).
Here, after it was discovered that Hoyt, a recovering alcoholic and rogue cop, planted evidence at a crime scene in an effort to get an arrest and conviction on the person he knew was guilty, he was unceremoniously dumped from the department. Now without a job, he learns from his once-estranged son Jason that Jason's former girlfriend and her sister apparently have gone missing - perhaps lost in the wilds of Yellowstone. Or is it even worse and they've been kidnapped?
Hoyt, of course, sets out to find the girls, much to the consternation of his rookie partner, Cassie Dewell, who ultimately plays a significant role in this book. Soon, Hoyt learns they weren't the first to disappear in the area. But the question remains, who's behind it? And will the girls be found alive? The answers, and several turns of events, definitely will come as big surprises. But the biggest surprise of all, I'm afraid, is not a pleasant one.
This is the second book featuring seriously flawed Montana police investigator Cody Hoyt (the first, Back of Beyond, was published in 2011, and while I gave it 5 stars, quite a few readers didn't agree; the average at the time of this writing was 4 stars based on 154 customer reviews at Amazon.com).
Here, after it was discovered that Hoyt, a recovering alcoholic and rogue cop, planted evidence at a crime scene in an effort to get an arrest and conviction on the person he knew was guilty, he was unceremoniously dumped from the department. Now without a job, he learns from his once-estranged son Jason that Jason's former girlfriend and her sister apparently have gone missing - perhaps lost in the wilds of Yellowstone. Or is it even worse and they've been kidnapped?
Hoyt, of course, sets out to find the girls, much to the consternation of his rookie partner, Cassie Dewell, who ultimately plays a significant role in this book. Soon, Hoyt learns they weren't the first to disappear in the area. But the question remains, who's behind it? And will the girls be found alive? The answers, and several turns of events, definitely will come as big surprises. But the biggest surprise of all, I'm afraid, is not a pleasant one.
May 11, 2023
Full of surprises.
August 19, 2013
C J Box writes great mysteries set in the Rocky Mountain west but this was not among his better works. Back of Beyond, his first Cody Hoyt novel, was a great read and my expectations of The Highway were for another so I was disappointed in this second. I kept waiting for a twist or turn to grab me but that didn't happen. With one exception, I felt that the events of The Highway, unlike C J Box's other works, book were predictable and and not particularly interesting. I can't be any more specific without including spoilers.
February 11, 2024
Riveting, shocking and so tension filled that the sharp plot twists will slap you upside the head and make you gasp for air. Box is quickly becoming one of my favorite thriller/mystery authors. Go ahead and take a breathtaking ride down this highway, you won’t be disappointed.
Read
February 22, 2021I may be in the minority, but I think this book is brilliant. The element of surprise was a large part of my enjoyment, so I am going to say very little about the plot. What C.J. Box does to ratchet up the tension on the highway is pitch perfect. There are some hateful characters in this book. Evil is out there and it could be right in the next lane. Listening to this book reminds us all to travel smart and encourage the young women in our lives to do the same. Cassie Dewell will have you rooting for her. Can she become the investigator she believes she can be. Will she come to appreciate her partner, Cody Hoyt? This would work as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading 'Back of Beyond' first. If you are like me and love books set in the west, you will not be sorry. Yellowstone shines as a character all her own. *Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
August 23, 2022
+++ 4.5 wonderful stars++++
I will be bingeing on this series for the next couple of weeks in anticipation of the 3rd season of Big Sky coming in September. Big Sky is based on this Cassie Dewell series and I read that Reba McEntire will be joining the cast. I understand she plays a villain. WOO HOO!
Montana Sheriff's Dept Investigator Cassie Dewell is pretty green in law enforcement. She is partnering with experienced Cody Hoyt, who was introduced to readers in Back of Beyond. Cody is one of the best cops ever - that is, when he's sober. Maybe even when he's not. But he's trying hard these days and Jenny, Cody's ex, has moved back in with him since he's stopped drinking.
The Lizard King is a murdering truck driver. He loves to capture Lot Lizards (prostitutes) who work the truck stops. Or any other gullible young girl he can find. Teen sisters Danielle and Gracie (also from the last book) set out on a road trip to see Danielle's boyfriend. Danielle doesn't care if the engine light is on. Oh, boy.
So of course Danielle and Gracie go missing and Cody Hoyt goes to find them.
2013 publication. The author did a great job of creating a scary, stone cold serial killer who does it for pleasure. Question is - does he do this alone and will he continue to get away with it? I felt the fear of the girls. This book hits all my trigger points - a flawed male character, a great female lead being created, serial killers who are truly evil. I think Cassie will get stronger and stronger and I can't wait to read the next book which I already have checked out.
I will be bingeing on this series for the next couple of weeks in anticipation of the 3rd season of Big Sky coming in September. Big Sky is based on this Cassie Dewell series and I read that Reba McEntire will be joining the cast. I understand she plays a villain. WOO HOO!
Montana Sheriff's Dept Investigator Cassie Dewell is pretty green in law enforcement. She is partnering with experienced Cody Hoyt, who was introduced to readers in Back of Beyond. Cody is one of the best cops ever - that is, when he's sober. Maybe even when he's not. But he's trying hard these days and Jenny, Cody's ex, has moved back in with him since he's stopped drinking.
The Lizard King is a murdering truck driver. He loves to capture Lot Lizards (prostitutes) who work the truck stops. Or any other gullible young girl he can find. Teen sisters Danielle and Gracie (also from the last book) set out on a road trip to see Danielle's boyfriend. Danielle doesn't care if the engine light is on. Oh, boy.
So of course Danielle and Gracie go missing and Cody Hoyt goes to find them.
2013 publication. The author did a great job of creating a scary, stone cold serial killer who does it for pleasure. Question is - does he do this alone and will he continue to get away with it? I felt the fear of the girls. This book hits all my trigger points - a flawed male character, a great female lead being created, serial killers who are truly evil. I think Cassie will get stronger and stronger and I can't wait to read the next book which I already have checked out.
October 8, 2020
5 Stars for The Highway: The Highway Quartet #2 (audiobook) by C. J. Box read by Holter Graham. This was a really intense story. It deals with some disturbing subjects without being overly graphic.
September 6, 2013
First Sentence: Lewis and Clark County Montana Sheriff’s Department Investigator Cassandra Dewell winced when a pair of headlights broke over a rise onto a long treeless bench in the foothills of the Big Belt Mountains north of Helena.
The first thing readers need to know is that this is definitely not a Joe Picket book. If you are expecting Joe’s Dudley-Do-Right morality, do not read this book. That said…
The elements of Box’ style which hold are very visual descriptions—occasionally more so than some might care for –and excellent dialogue being top among them.
As many of the characters in this book previously appeared in “Back of Beyond,” I greatly appreciated that Box summarizes the first story, providing the back story and relationships of the characters. The characterization of the two girls was very well done, even down to Danielle’s anthropomorphizing her car. The contrast of the two sisters is excellent; one being a survivor, the other a victim.
The protagonists, Cody Hoyt and Cassie Dewell, are as different from one another as could be. Cody, hardened by life and experience, believes in doing what is necessary to get the bad guys. Cassie is fairly new to the force and somewhat naïve; at least in the beginning.
This is a much darker story than we’re accustomed to from the Joe Pickett books. There are points where it’s ugly and very difficult to read. There is an unexpected twist which is so shocking, it’s hard to believe it happened. The story has an excellent reveal and climax, as well as a very, very good, albeit creepy ending. I applaud Mr. Box for taking this slightly risky step to the dark side. He is an author, I believe, who deserves much more credit and notice than he receives.
“The Highway” was not a comfortable read, but it was a very, very good one. As an audiobook reader, Holter Graham did a very credible job, although it’s always a bit challenging having a man doing female dialogue. Even so, his voice did not take you out of, or get in the way of, the story.
THE HIGHWAY (Suspense/Pol Proc-Cody Hoyt/Cassie Dewel-Montana-Contemp) – VG+
Box, C.J. (Read by Holter Graham) – 2nd in series
A Macmillan Audiobook from St. Martin’s Press, 2013
The first thing readers need to know is that this is definitely not a Joe Picket book. If you are expecting Joe’s Dudley-Do-Right morality, do not read this book. That said…
The elements of Box’ style which hold are very visual descriptions—occasionally more so than some might care for –and excellent dialogue being top among them.
As many of the characters in this book previously appeared in “Back of Beyond,” I greatly appreciated that Box summarizes the first story, providing the back story and relationships of the characters. The characterization of the two girls was very well done, even down to Danielle’s anthropomorphizing her car. The contrast of the two sisters is excellent; one being a survivor, the other a victim.
The protagonists, Cody Hoyt and Cassie Dewell, are as different from one another as could be. Cody, hardened by life and experience, believes in doing what is necessary to get the bad guys. Cassie is fairly new to the force and somewhat naïve; at least in the beginning.
This is a much darker story than we’re accustomed to from the Joe Pickett books. There are points where it’s ugly and very difficult to read. There is an unexpected twist which is so shocking, it’s hard to believe it happened. The story has an excellent reveal and climax, as well as a very, very good, albeit creepy ending. I applaud Mr. Box for taking this slightly risky step to the dark side. He is an author, I believe, who deserves much more credit and notice than he receives.
“The Highway” was not a comfortable read, but it was a very, very good one. As an audiobook reader, Holter Graham did a very credible job, although it’s always a bit challenging having a man doing female dialogue. Even so, his voice did not take you out of, or get in the way of, the story.
THE HIGHWAY (Suspense/Pol Proc-Cody Hoyt/Cassie Dewel-Montana-Contemp) – VG+
Box, C.J. (Read by Holter Graham) – 2nd in series
A Macmillan Audiobook from St. Martin’s Press, 2013
December 29, 2023
This was a spectacular thriller! I had a great time and was excited to see that this had been turned into a TV show (BigSky)! I wonder how close it is to the book.
Reading these books is a lot of fun because I grew up in the areas that feature in the book.
I was reminded a bit of the movie JoyRide and maybe called out "Candy Cane" in a creepy voice a couple of times while reading...
I love serial killer stuff, and this one was well done, but man, do these sisters have bad luck in life, haha.
My BIGGEST issue with this book is a huge spoiler. So let me say, WTF CJ BOX? How can you do that to the series????
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5.
Perfect for people who love serial killers, rogue police detectives, trucker horror, thrillers, the darkness of humanity, and great pacing.
Reading these books is a lot of fun because I grew up in the areas that feature in the book.
I was reminded a bit of the movie JoyRide and maybe called out "Candy Cane" in a creepy voice a couple of times while reading...
I love serial killer stuff, and this one was well done, but man, do these sisters have bad luck in life, haha.
My BIGGEST issue with this book is a huge spoiler. So let me say, WTF CJ BOX? How can you do that to the series????
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5.
Perfect for people who love serial killers, rogue police detectives, trucker horror, thrillers, the darkness of humanity, and great pacing.
October 11, 2022
C.J. Box continues to be one of my favorite thriller authors. I have read all of the Joe Pickett series and I read and enjoyed Badlands, a non-Pickett novel, a few months ago. Badlands is actually the second book featuring Cassie Dewell who is featured in The Highway along with Cody Hoyt. So I am kind of reading these non-Pickett stories in reverse sequence...I now need to read Back of Beyond which was the first novel to feature Hoyt!
Anyway, Highway was another excellent page-turner by Box. In it, two young girls are traveling to Omaha to meet their father for Thanksgiving but instead decide to go to Helena, Montana at the whim of the older girl whose ex-boyfriend now lives in Helena. The boyfriend, Justin, is the son of Cody Hoyt and apparently was included in the prior Hoyt novel along with the girls (that's what I get for reading a series in reverse order!). But the girls don't make it to Helena when their car breaks down...instead, they are kidnapped by a long-haul trucker and held captive where they are awaiting some nastiness to occur. When the girls lose contact with Justin, Cody heads south to try to find them. Then something totally unexpected happens that was a real shocker! Cassie in the meantime is waiting to hear from Cody and eventually also gets involved in the search for the missing girls.
This story was really gripping and included a set of very bad people involved in kidnapping young women along the highways. I was totally engrossed in the story and had to keep reading to see how it would end. A high recommendation again for Box!
Anyway, Highway was another excellent page-turner by Box. In it, two young girls are traveling to Omaha to meet their father for Thanksgiving but instead decide to go to Helena, Montana at the whim of the older girl whose ex-boyfriend now lives in Helena. The boyfriend, Justin, is the son of Cody Hoyt and apparently was included in the prior Hoyt novel along with the girls (that's what I get for reading a series in reverse order!). But the girls don't make it to Helena when their car breaks down...instead, they are kidnapped by a long-haul trucker and held captive where they are awaiting some nastiness to occur. When the girls lose contact with Justin, Cody heads south to try to find them. Then something totally unexpected happens that was a real shocker! Cassie in the meantime is waiting to hear from Cody and eventually also gets involved in the search for the missing girls.
This story was really gripping and included a set of very bad people involved in kidnapping young women along the highways. I was totally engrossed in the story and had to keep reading to see how it would end. A high recommendation again for Box!
August 13, 2013
The last C.J. Box story I read, Breaking Point, a Joe Pickett story was really good. Great intrigue, strong subplots all kinds of stuff. This book is a total reversal. I can't believe how weak it is. This reads like a bad screenplay. Ugly stuff, no character development, totally predictable plot. There is an element of excitement here or I would not have even given it two stars but I was really disappointed by this effort. I will read the next Joe Pickett book with my fingers crossed. If it ends up like this one, C.J. will certianly be eliminated from my "must read" list.
June 19, 2021
3.5 stars, this is the C.J. Box book that the TV show, Big Sky is based on. The book is just as dark and scary, if not even more so. If you've seen the first few episodes of the show, you'll recognize the characters.
May 25, 2013
Giving a whole new meaning to "road kill", author C.J. Box picks up the threads of the story line and characters of a previous work, "Back of Beyond", and weaves them into a terrifying tapestry in "The Highway". Two teenaged sisters traveling on their own between divorced, distracted parents disappear when the oldest sister takes a detour to visit her boyfriend. Danielle Sullivan is eighteen and thinks she is a world unto herself, and the rest of humanity spins in her orbit. Her long-suffering younger sister, Gracie, is along for the ride. On a long, dark, lonesome stretch of Montana highway, they encounter a long-haul trucker for whom road rage is an appetizer, warming him up for the murderous, maniacal main course. "The Lizard King" is a demon behind the wheel, and women and girls are his prey. Danielle's boyfriend, Justin Hoyt, is not looking forward to the unexpected visit from the sisters--he has wanted to break up with Danielle for some time. However, when her phone calls stop and he can't reach either of the sisters through their cell phones, he becomes concerned enough to involve his father, Cody, a investigator with the sheriff's department. Cody Hoyt's skill as an investigator is equaled by his reckless, unconventional nature. Having lost his wife and son once due to his wild, alcohol-fueled behavior, the last several years of sobriety granted him a reunion with his family. His position with the sheriff's department is his last chance to keep it all together, but when he plants evidence in a criminal case, he loses his job and hits the bottle just when Justin needs him the most. Cody's new partner, Cassie Dewell, was pressured by the sheriff into getting proof of Cody's behavior, but she hated what she had done. She had requested to work with Cody, eager to learn from his well-known investigative skills, and now she has betrayed the very man whom she wanted as a mentor. Can Cody stay sober and stay on track long enough to find the missing girls? Will Cassie be able to help him? Author C.J. Box's skill as a storyteller will keep the pages turning. Ultimately, "The Highway" will take you in an unexpected direction, but this is one reading road trip you won't soon forget.
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
July 20, 2013
I've read one of C. J. Box's novels in the Joe Pickett series, so I selected this stand-alone novel expecting a good read. It is that, but I must admit it scared the heck out of me. I couldn't wait for the end because I couldn't take much more.
The story is about a long-haul trucker who preys on young women, calling himself the Lizard King. This guy is scary because he's such a thorough planner and so inhuman. Most of his victims are the prostitutes called "lot lizards" who work truck stops, simply going from truck to truck looking for customers. Many are drug addicts and many are too old and ugly to make their living any other way.
Two teenage girls are heading north, supposedly to visit their father, but the eldest instead turns off their route toward Helena, Montana to check on her boyfriend because he is apparently not so stuck on her anymore. Her sister doesn't want to do this, but has to go along. Then they and their car vanish.
I can't tell you anymore without spoilers but this plot will have you on the edge of your seat. As for characters, I thought the bad guys were better portrayed than the good guys, but then a lot of the action is theirs and Box concentrated on describing them and their methods.
C. J. Box is an excellent writer whose plots are elegantly constructed for maximum page-turning effect.
Recommended reading.
Source: Amazon Vine
The story is about a long-haul trucker who preys on young women, calling himself the Lizard King. This guy is scary because he's such a thorough planner and so inhuman. Most of his victims are the prostitutes called "lot lizards" who work truck stops, simply going from truck to truck looking for customers. Many are drug addicts and many are too old and ugly to make their living any other way.
Two teenage girls are heading north, supposedly to visit their father, but the eldest instead turns off their route toward Helena, Montana to check on her boyfriend because he is apparently not so stuck on her anymore. Her sister doesn't want to do this, but has to go along. Then they and their car vanish.
I can't tell you anymore without spoilers but this plot will have you on the edge of your seat. As for characters, I thought the bad guys were better portrayed than the good guys, but then a lot of the action is theirs and Box concentrated on describing them and their methods.
C. J. Box is an excellent writer whose plots are elegantly constructed for maximum page-turning effect.
Recommended reading.
Source: Amazon Vine
November 18, 2013
Never thought I'd be rating a CJ Box book a two, but I just wasn't enthralled by this one - in fact I was somewhat repelled. I enjoyed Back of Beyond (Hoyt #1) and assumed Hoyt would grow with the books. By one-third of the way through this one I actually put it down and wasn't going to finish, but decided today since I loved Box's other books so much I should give it a chance.
I think my problem is that in all of the Pickett novels, there is a greater issue (wind, minerals, etc) although of course greed and off-balance people are always invovled. In Highway, it was simply evil people doing evil things - not a genre of books I'm drawn to.
SPOILERS START HERE: I looked for interviews with Box to see if he mentioned a future for this series but couldn't find one. I find it interesting that he killed off Hoyt. Did Box not like where it was gong with such a dark character? (Pickett goes off the rope now and then, but not like this). Or is there some other plan. At any rate, not sure I'd read another Hoyt, though I look forward to other future novels.
I think my problem is that in all of the Pickett novels, there is a greater issue (wind, minerals, etc) although of course greed and off-balance people are always invovled. In Highway, it was simply evil people doing evil things - not a genre of books I'm drawn to.
SPOILERS START HERE: I looked for interviews with Box to see if he mentioned a future for this series but couldn't find one. I find it interesting that he killed off Hoyt. Did Box not like where it was gong with such a dark character? (Pickett goes off the rope now and then, but not like this). Or is there some other plan. At any rate, not sure I'd read another Hoyt, though I look forward to other future novels.
October 19, 2014
I listened to this book on a drive from ID to MN. Ironically, I drove on many of the roads mentioned in this book. Including Yellowstone and the Beartooth Highway the very day I started to listen to this book. A bit of background: the Beartooth highway drives up to 11,000' and officially closes by 10.14 of every year. EVERY YEAR, if not earlier. This book takes place in November. The road is fraught with tight hairpin turns. This book mentions characters driving on this road in NOVEMBER and a SEMI TRUCK taking this route. Yeah....I call BS on that. Major BS! Shame on you author for not even attempting to be accurate. Stuff like this bothers me. It bothered me enough that the rest of the story left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth throughout the rest of it. I finished listening to it the next day. Not a bad story. But I thought it was the second book in a series starring a particular detective. Well. After hearing this story, now I am a bit confused as to the continuation of the series...
October 6, 2022
[Setting: Montana] Those poor Sullivan girls cannot catch a break. Enjoyed the second installment in this series and look forward to reading more from C.J. Box.
August 17, 2022
There's a killer on the road
His brain is squirming like a toad
- Jim Morrison, "The Hitchhiker"
Destiny picks flowers, know it's just like this:
Hardest part of dyin', is knowing what you missed
- Jalan Crossland, "Hard Ol' Biznis"
The act is unjustifiable that either begs for a blessing,
or, having succeeded, gives no thanksgiving
- Francis Quarles
I found The Highway in my neighborhood Little Free Library. I'll definitely consider continuing with this series. I wasn't sure I would like this installment. It took me a while to switch my mindset from the Yellowstone National Park setting of book one to the highway setting of book two. The Highway has some polarizing statements, which I can see would make some readers give up on the story.
Examples of Polarizing Statements found in The Highway:
"Only lazy slackers on food stamps have the leisure time to change slogans. The rest of us have to work."
_______
Teenagers weren't like they used to be when it came to cars or car care. They just got in them and drove off; he'd seen it. As long as the stereo system worked - that was all that concerned them.
_______
Ben was a boy through and through. He spent hours wordlessly disassembling his toys and putting them back together. He knew the makes and models of cars and trucks on the street, and he'd declared recently that as soon as he could he wanted to hunt deer and elk. There was a poster of Tim Tebow when he was the Bronco quarterback, on his wall despite her grandmother's disdain for the man and his overt Christianity. Ben's career path, he'd stated without doubt over breakfast cereal the week before, was to be an NFL quarterback, join the army, and drive tanks and later tractors.
Favorite Passages from The Highway:
Opening the door, he emptied his pockets on the floor of his cab, his .380, the stun gun, the case with the syringe (now empty), the flashlight, and the handcuffs. Running his hands down his jumpsuit as if frisking himself, he was satisfied he'd left nothing behind. He quickly shed the Tyvek overalls and kicked the bundle off his boots. He stuffed the white mass into a dark plastic trash bag and shoved it under his driver's seat to be disposed of later.
_______
"Love is grand, but divorce is a hundred grand."
_______
THE CHURCH OF GLORY AND TRANSCENDENCE
_______
There was so much loose paper stacked throughout the kitchen and the rest of the house that leaving a light on was a fire hazard. He was always telling her that, always complaining about the stacks of newspapers and mail, about the columns of boxes, crates, and things she called her "collectibles" or her "memorabilia" that now filled the entire house except for his bedroom, telling her that the house was a fire hazard and a health hazard because of the old groceries rotting in the refrigerator and cupboards. . . .
Once, during a screaming argument, he'd told her he would borrow the Case backhoe and knock the house down and buy everything inside it. He'd told her the county would likely give him a medal for good citizenship for eliminating and eyesore.
_______
There were missing cats. He'd brought them in and released them to silence the constant rustling he'd heard deep within the piles of "collectibles" and "memorabilia." But the cats had vanished. She claimed they must have run off. He suspected they were long dead, moldering, crushed under the debris.
_______
"I made you dinner hours ago and waited and I'm still sitting here waiting. Your stew is cold now. I suppose you can still eat it but it's cold. It's as cold as your heart."
"Stew?"
"Dinty Moore," she said, shifting slightly back in the chair and lifting her chin. "An entire can of Dinty Moore."
"How long has it been here?"
"I don't know," she said, blinking.
He paused. "I hate Dinty Moore stew."
_______
"We need to talk about Thanksgiving. It's coming up."
"Let's do what we always do," he said. "Talk about it and then do jack shit when Thursday comes."
_______
Cody's primary motivation, the thing that made him stay sober up to now and get up in the morning, was to crush bad guys. It was the only reason he kept going. He had a special knack for it because he was bad himself and always had been, therefore he had special insight.
_______
The possibility was inside him like a sleeping viper. Deep down, he always knew he could out-bad any bad guy. And outthink any run-of-the-mill cop.
_______
This time of year, though, the hobby ranchers were usually decamped for the winter and the valley was dark, silent, and cold. Espresso stands were closed for the winter, and the upscale eateries stopped selling The New York Times. Meanwhile, herds of elk and buffalo drifted northward from Yellowstone Park to reclaim the grass, with wolves and grizzlies shadowing the flanks of the herds, looking for opportunities. Ranchers fed cattle hay from flatbed sleighs and snow machines replaced horses and four-wheelers. If one didn't know better, a visitor might think every human being in the area during the winter was named "Carhartt" because of the label on most of their clothing. During the winter, the Paradise Valley became western again.
_______
"I don't know a lot about what they believe, but I've heard it's a mixture of New Age bullshit that includes Christianity, Buddhism, mysticism, and other stuff. Fairies, alchemy, all kinds of crap."
_______
"I'm from Salt Lake," Krystyl said. "Originally. That's where my family is from. My dad used to say we're just a tribe of wild-ass redneck jack-Mormons who wouldn't come to no good. I guess you could look at me and say he was right."
________
"When you get treated like an animal you turn into one . . . "
________
"Were there others?"
Krystyl cackled again. "Look at the walls, see the scratch marks? See the blood all over the walls and the floors? There have been plenty of others."
_______
"Are we in Montana?"
"It don't matter, does it? We're in fucking hell. That could be Montana."
_______
POISON SPRING TRAILHEAD
_______
Cody always had a thing about garbage cans, she knew. He explained it by saying that when people threw things in the garbage it was almost like ridding the items from their lives. Out of sight, out of mind, he'd said.
_______
Although he couldn't hear her, he felt her presence and turned his head sharply. She glared at him from an ancient overstuffed chair in an alcove of boxes and translucent containers packed with items that still had the price tags fixed to them.
_______
There were a few Mormons in town and they had the most modern church with a basketball court inside, and she envied that, too.
_______
When she glassed the compound she wondered about the members who were so devout they'd uprooted and moved there years ago so they could be with like-minded believers. She envied them like she'd envied the Catholics and Mormons because they seemed to believe in something.
_______
There were so many victims of crime, she thought. So many friends, relatives, and family members on the periphery of evil.
His brain is squirming like a toad
- Jim Morrison, "The Hitchhiker"
Destiny picks flowers, know it's just like this:
Hardest part of dyin', is knowing what you missed
- Jalan Crossland, "Hard Ol' Biznis"
The act is unjustifiable that either begs for a blessing,
or, having succeeded, gives no thanksgiving
- Francis Quarles
I found The Highway in my neighborhood Little Free Library. I'll definitely consider continuing with this series. I wasn't sure I would like this installment. It took me a while to switch my mindset from the Yellowstone National Park setting of book one to the highway setting of book two. The Highway has some polarizing statements, which I can see would make some readers give up on the story.
Examples of Polarizing Statements found in The Highway:
"Only lazy slackers on food stamps have the leisure time to change slogans. The rest of us have to work."
_______
Teenagers weren't like they used to be when it came to cars or car care. They just got in them and drove off; he'd seen it. As long as the stereo system worked - that was all that concerned them.
_______
Ben was a boy through and through. He spent hours wordlessly disassembling his toys and putting them back together. He knew the makes and models of cars and trucks on the street, and he'd declared recently that as soon as he could he wanted to hunt deer and elk. There was a poster of Tim Tebow when he was the Bronco quarterback, on his wall despite her grandmother's disdain for the man and his overt Christianity. Ben's career path, he'd stated without doubt over breakfast cereal the week before, was to be an NFL quarterback, join the army, and drive tanks and later tractors.
Favorite Passages from The Highway:
Opening the door, he emptied his pockets on the floor of his cab, his .380, the stun gun, the case with the syringe (now empty), the flashlight, and the handcuffs. Running his hands down his jumpsuit as if frisking himself, he was satisfied he'd left nothing behind. He quickly shed the Tyvek overalls and kicked the bundle off his boots. He stuffed the white mass into a dark plastic trash bag and shoved it under his driver's seat to be disposed of later.
_______
"Love is grand, but divorce is a hundred grand."
_______
THE CHURCH OF GLORY AND TRANSCENDENCE
_______
There was so much loose paper stacked throughout the kitchen and the rest of the house that leaving a light on was a fire hazard. He was always telling her that, always complaining about the stacks of newspapers and mail, about the columns of boxes, crates, and things she called her "collectibles" or her "memorabilia" that now filled the entire house except for his bedroom, telling her that the house was a fire hazard and a health hazard because of the old groceries rotting in the refrigerator and cupboards. . . .
Once, during a screaming argument, he'd told her he would borrow the Case backhoe and knock the house down and buy everything inside it. He'd told her the county would likely give him a medal for good citizenship for eliminating and eyesore.
_______
There were missing cats. He'd brought them in and released them to silence the constant rustling he'd heard deep within the piles of "collectibles" and "memorabilia." But the cats had vanished. She claimed they must have run off. He suspected they were long dead, moldering, crushed under the debris.
_______
"I made you dinner hours ago and waited and I'm still sitting here waiting. Your stew is cold now. I suppose you can still eat it but it's cold. It's as cold as your heart."
"Stew?"
"Dinty Moore," she said, shifting slightly back in the chair and lifting her chin. "An entire can of Dinty Moore."
"How long has it been here?"
"I don't know," she said, blinking.
He paused. "I hate Dinty Moore stew."
_______
"We need to talk about Thanksgiving. It's coming up."
"Let's do what we always do," he said. "Talk about it and then do jack shit when Thursday comes."
_______
Cody's primary motivation, the thing that made him stay sober up to now and get up in the morning, was to crush bad guys. It was the only reason he kept going. He had a special knack for it because he was bad himself and always had been, therefore he had special insight.
_______
The possibility was inside him like a sleeping viper. Deep down, he always knew he could out-bad any bad guy. And outthink any run-of-the-mill cop.
_______
This time of year, though, the hobby ranchers were usually decamped for the winter and the valley was dark, silent, and cold. Espresso stands were closed for the winter, and the upscale eateries stopped selling The New York Times. Meanwhile, herds of elk and buffalo drifted northward from Yellowstone Park to reclaim the grass, with wolves and grizzlies shadowing the flanks of the herds, looking for opportunities. Ranchers fed cattle hay from flatbed sleighs and snow machines replaced horses and four-wheelers. If one didn't know better, a visitor might think every human being in the area during the winter was named "Carhartt" because of the label on most of their clothing. During the winter, the Paradise Valley became western again.
_______
"I don't know a lot about what they believe, but I've heard it's a mixture of New Age bullshit that includes Christianity, Buddhism, mysticism, and other stuff. Fairies, alchemy, all kinds of crap."
_______
"I'm from Salt Lake," Krystyl said. "Originally. That's where my family is from. My dad used to say we're just a tribe of wild-ass redneck jack-Mormons who wouldn't come to no good. I guess you could look at me and say he was right."
________
"When you get treated like an animal you turn into one . . . "
________
"Were there others?"
Krystyl cackled again. "Look at the walls, see the scratch marks? See the blood all over the walls and the floors? There have been plenty of others."
_______
"Are we in Montana?"
"It don't matter, does it? We're in fucking hell. That could be Montana."
_______
POISON SPRING TRAILHEAD
_______
Cody always had a thing about garbage cans, she knew. He explained it by saying that when people threw things in the garbage it was almost like ridding the items from their lives. Out of sight, out of mind, he'd said.
_______
Although he couldn't hear her, he felt her presence and turned his head sharply. She glared at him from an ancient overstuffed chair in an alcove of boxes and translucent containers packed with items that still had the price tags fixed to them.
_______
There were a few Mormons in town and they had the most modern church with a basketball court inside, and she envied that, too.
_______
When she glassed the compound she wondered about the members who were so devout they'd uprooted and moved there years ago so they could be with like-minded believers. She envied them like she'd envied the Catholics and Mormons because they seemed to believe in something.
_______
There were so many victims of crime, she thought. So many friends, relatives, and family members on the periphery of evil.
August 4, 2019
NOTE: Just re-read this winner by author Box. It was great this time through too. I'm re-reading the rest of the Cassie Dewell books so I can start reading new one THE BITTERROOTS.
Another winner (albeit darker) from C.J. Box
I've read all of the C.J. Box books. I especially love his Wyoming Joe Pickett series. But I enjoyed his other book with some of the same characters as this one - "Back of Beyond."
This book is much darker than other of my Box favorites, dealing with prostitution, kidnapping, torture, and serial killing. But I read those types of books and Box did a great job with real-to-life characters, fast pacing, and a couple real shockers in the storyline. I love the character of Gracie, one of the teenage girls from "Back of Beyond," and I think Investigator Cassie Dewell deserves a series of her own. BUT there are some real slimeball characters in the story that are very easy to despise.
This story takes place in Montana rather than Wyoming but it doesn't make much difference. Box doesn't describe the scenery and countryside like he does in his Pickett series but place doesn't matter as much in this particular novel other than the vast open, low populated expanse of Montana being a contributing factor in the kidnapping involved.
I still like the Pickett series the best but this was a very good read.
Another winner (albeit darker) from C.J. Box
I've read all of the C.J. Box books. I especially love his Wyoming Joe Pickett series. But I enjoyed his other book with some of the same characters as this one - "Back of Beyond."
This book is much darker than other of my Box favorites, dealing with prostitution, kidnapping, torture, and serial killing. But I read those types of books and Box did a great job with real-to-life characters, fast pacing, and a couple real shockers in the storyline. I love the character of Gracie, one of the teenage girls from "Back of Beyond," and I think Investigator Cassie Dewell deserves a series of her own. BUT there are some real slimeball characters in the story that are very easy to despise.
This story takes place in Montana rather than Wyoming but it doesn't make much difference. Box doesn't describe the scenery and countryside like he does in his Pickett series but place doesn't matter as much in this particular novel other than the vast open, low populated expanse of Montana being a contributing factor in the kidnapping involved.
I still like the Pickett series the best but this was a very good read.
January 9, 2014
After I finished this book I felt like I needed a shower. The issue of sex slavery in long haul trucking is an interesting one, but this book left me feeling like I'd mostly been privy to very unsavory male fantasies: young women, probably virgins, captured and held (in their underwear, of course) for whatever kind of sex a guy can imagine and for as long as he wants.
I've really enjoyed other C. J. Box books, but this one crossed a line for me. The chief investigator in this book, Cassie Dewell, an overweight deputy hired because the department needed a woman, was Box's transparent effort to provide a "woman solves the crime against women" solution, and she turned out to be pretty much like a man. The characters went from unappealing to unbelievably disgusting, and I didn't want to know any of them -- with the exception of the thinly drawn Gracie, one of the captive girls.
I loved BLUE HEAVEN and have enjoyed many of the Joe Pickett series, but if you like C. J. Box, my advice is to skip this one. It'll put images in your head that you won't want in residence. Believe me.
I've really enjoyed other C. J. Box books, but this one crossed a line for me. The chief investigator in this book, Cassie Dewell, an overweight deputy hired because the department needed a woman, was Box's transparent effort to provide a "woman solves the crime against women" solution, and she turned out to be pretty much like a man. The characters went from unappealing to unbelievably disgusting, and I didn't want to know any of them -- with the exception of the thinly drawn Gracie, one of the captive girls.
I loved BLUE HEAVEN and have enjoyed many of the Joe Pickett series, but if you like C. J. Box, my advice is to skip this one. It'll put images in your head that you won't want in residence. Believe me.
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