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Bitter Root Mysteries #4
Bittersweet
Murder in a small town is always personal.
Local longtime librarian, Sybil Tombe, is missing, abducted from her home on the outskirts of the isolated ranching town of Lost Trail, Montana. An elderly neighbor reports seeing a gray-haired, bearded man driving up to Sybil’s house the night she disappeared. Newly-minted Sheriff Zak Waller can’t think of a less likely target for a crime. When an older man is reported lurking around a young girl at the local grade school, Zak wonders if this man could also be Sybil’s abductor? The descriptions of the men are similar—but what could be the possible link between a young girl and 60-year-old Sybil?
Peeling back the layers of Sybil's life, Zak discovers Sybil is a master at keeping secrets, especially her own, and these secrets may now be threatening her life as well as the life of an innocent child. As Zak and his team work to uncover the truth, he also has to deal with issues in his romantic relationship with deputy Nadine Black, and mete justice to a respected town citizen who has been sheltering his criminal past for too long.
Local longtime librarian, Sybil Tombe, is missing, abducted from her home on the outskirts of the isolated ranching town of Lost Trail, Montana. An elderly neighbor reports seeing a gray-haired, bearded man driving up to Sybil’s house the night she disappeared. Newly-minted Sheriff Zak Waller can’t think of a less likely target for a crime. When an older man is reported lurking around a young girl at the local grade school, Zak wonders if this man could also be Sybil’s abductor? The descriptions of the men are similar—but what could be the possible link between a young girl and 60-year-old Sybil?
Peeling back the layers of Sybil's life, Zak discovers Sybil is a master at keeping secrets, especially her own, and these secrets may now be threatening her life as well as the life of an innocent child. As Zak and his team work to uncover the truth, he also has to deal with issues in his romantic relationship with deputy Nadine Black, and mete justice to a respected town citizen who has been sheltering his criminal past for too long.
- GenresMystery
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2019
179 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Carmichael
107 books833 followersUSA Today bestselling author C. J. Carmichael has written over 50 novels, including two mystery series, as well as romance and women’s fiction. Three of her novels have been nominated for the Romance Writers of America RITA Award, including A Bramble House Christmas. A film version of A Bramble House Christmas premiered as a Hallmark Mystery movie in 2017.
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
Married, with two grown daughters and some adorable grandchildren, C. J. and her husband and their Welsh Springer Jazz divide their time between their home in Calgary, Alberta and the family cottage on Flathead Lake, Montana. C.J. enjoys giving workshops to aspiring authors--her talk on writing a Christmas story is a favorite.
Visit C.J.'s website at http://CJCarmichael.com
For information on C. J.’s new releases and giveaways please sign up for her newsletter.
https://cjcarmichael.com/contact/#sub...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 13, 2019
Bittersweet (Bitter Root Mysteries #4) by C. J. Carmichael has my newest favorite Sheriff Zak Waller at the helm of this missing person story. Thrilled to see him back into action when there was some talk that the series was over. While there are not so many people in this story that it is hard to keep up with them all, I appreciate that the author sorts them out by family and relationship before the story begins. I also found the prologue to be hair-raising making me want to double check all the rooms in the house when I return home alone.
Bittersweet is filled with plenty of unexpected turns in the story while revealing the clues one by one, making this a worthy mystery. Even though the prologue does give the reader an inside look at the beginning of the crime, not too much is disclosed too soon. Great who-dun-it and why-they-did-it read.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bittersweet is filled with plenty of unexpected turns in the story while revealing the clues one by one, making this a worthy mystery. Even though the prologue does give the reader an inside look at the beginning of the crime, not too much is disclosed too soon. Great who-dun-it and why-they-did-it read.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 12, 2019
A must read addition to the series.
September 1, 2023
Great story!
I have read the entire series and enjoyed it a lot but this one was the best. I read it in under five hours!
I have read the entire series and enjoyed it a lot but this one was the best. I read it in under five hours!
November 12, 2019
Bittersweet by C.J.Carmichael
Murder in a small town is always personal.
Local longtime librarian, Sybil Tombe, is missing, abducted from her home on the outskirts of the isolated ranching town of Lost Trail, Montana. An elderly neighbor reports seeing a gray-haired, bearded man driving up to Sybil’s house the night she disappeared. Newly-minted Sheriff Zak Waller can’t think of a less likely target for a crime. When an older man is reported lurking around a young girl at the local grade school, Zak wonders if this man could also be Sybil’s abductor? The descriptions of the men are similar—but what could be the possible link between a young girl and 60-year-old Sybil?
Peeling back the layers of Sybil’s life, Zak discovers Sybil is a master at keeping secrets, especially her own, and these secrets may now be threatening her life as well as the life of an innocent child. As Zak and his team work to uncover the truth, he also has to deal with issues in his romantic relationship with deputy Nadine Black, and mete justice to a respected town citizen who has been sheltering his criminal past for too long.
This Nadine Black and Zak Waller's story.
This is Sybil Tombe and her best friend Rosemary Masterson's story.
Sybil Tombe should have turned and run the moment she saw the finished crossword on her kitchen table, curls of dried orange peel beside it. But her mind was elsewhere, mulling over the anonymous letter she’d received at work that day.
She’d opened the mail in the lull after the preschool reading circle, the chatter and laughter of children still echoing off the library walls.
The brief sentences brought a chill to the room. She’d shivered. Felt a stab of panic. Then told herself it was impossible.
her mind was elsewhere, mulling over the anonymous letter she’d received at work that day
She’d read the note again. It must be some sort of prank. To be on the safe side, maybe she should show it to Zak Waller—the town’s new sheriff—he had good instincts about these things. She’d see how she felt about it in the morning. For the time being, she shoved it into the bottom drawer of her desk.
Zak Waller: the young, new sheriff. Lives in a basement apartment with his cat and has been dating Nadine Black for over a year.
“Sheriff? We may have a problem. No one seems to know where our librarian is.” The phone call from his dispatcher was almost a relief to Zak Waller, since it gave him a reason to set aside the financial spreadsheets he’d been working on since leaving the office at noon.
Peeling back the layers of Sybil’s life, Zak discovers Sybil is a master at keeping secrets, especially her own, and these secrets may now be threatening her life as well as the life of an innocent child. As Zak and his team work to uncover the truth, he also has to deal with issues in his romantic relationship with deputy Nadine Black, and mete justice to a respected town citizen who has been sheltering his criminal past for too long.
I highly recommend reading.
Bittersweet by C.J.Carmichael is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
CJ's Books with Tule:
Promise Me, Cowboy
Carrigans of the Circle C
The 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo
Good Together
Carrigans of the Circle C
Close to Her Heart
Carrigans of the Circle C
Snowbound in Montana
Carrigans of the Circle C
A Cowgirl’s Christmas
Carrigans of the Circle C
A Bramble House Christmas
Carrigans of the Circle C
A Book Girl’s Guide to Marietta
Melt My Heart, Cowboy
Love at the Chocolate Shop
Bitter Roots
Bitter Root Mysteries
Sweet Dreams, Baby
Love at the Chocolate Shop
Bitter Truth
Bitter Root Mysteries
Bitter End
Bitter Root Mysteries
Carrigan Christmas Reunion: A short story
Carrigans of the Circle C
Bittersweet
Bitter Root Mysteries
Murder in a small town is always personal.
Local longtime librarian, Sybil Tombe, is missing, abducted from her home on the outskirts of the isolated ranching town of Lost Trail, Montana. An elderly neighbor reports seeing a gray-haired, bearded man driving up to Sybil’s house the night she disappeared. Newly-minted Sheriff Zak Waller can’t think of a less likely target for a crime. When an older man is reported lurking around a young girl at the local grade school, Zak wonders if this man could also be Sybil’s abductor? The descriptions of the men are similar—but what could be the possible link between a young girl and 60-year-old Sybil?
Peeling back the layers of Sybil’s life, Zak discovers Sybil is a master at keeping secrets, especially her own, and these secrets may now be threatening her life as well as the life of an innocent child. As Zak and his team work to uncover the truth, he also has to deal with issues in his romantic relationship with deputy Nadine Black, and mete justice to a respected town citizen who has been sheltering his criminal past for too long.
This Nadine Black and Zak Waller's story.
This is Sybil Tombe and her best friend Rosemary Masterson's story.
Sybil Tombe should have turned and run the moment she saw the finished crossword on her kitchen table, curls of dried orange peel beside it. But her mind was elsewhere, mulling over the anonymous letter she’d received at work that day.
She’d opened the mail in the lull after the preschool reading circle, the chatter and laughter of children still echoing off the library walls.
The brief sentences brought a chill to the room. She’d shivered. Felt a stab of panic. Then told herself it was impossible.
her mind was elsewhere, mulling over the anonymous letter she’d received at work that day
She’d read the note again. It must be some sort of prank. To be on the safe side, maybe she should show it to Zak Waller—the town’s new sheriff—he had good instincts about these things. She’d see how she felt about it in the morning. For the time being, she shoved it into the bottom drawer of her desk.
Zak Waller: the young, new sheriff. Lives in a basement apartment with his cat and has been dating Nadine Black for over a year.
“Sheriff? We may have a problem. No one seems to know where our librarian is.” The phone call from his dispatcher was almost a relief to Zak Waller, since it gave him a reason to set aside the financial spreadsheets he’d been working on since leaving the office at noon.
Peeling back the layers of Sybil’s life, Zak discovers Sybil is a master at keeping secrets, especially her own, and these secrets may now be threatening her life as well as the life of an innocent child. As Zak and his team work to uncover the truth, he also has to deal with issues in his romantic relationship with deputy Nadine Black, and mete justice to a respected town citizen who has been sheltering his criminal past for too long.
I highly recommend reading.
Bittersweet by C.J.Carmichael is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
CJ's Books with Tule:
Promise Me, Cowboy
Carrigans of the Circle C
The 75th Copper Mountain Rodeo
Good Together
Carrigans of the Circle C
Close to Her Heart
Carrigans of the Circle C
Snowbound in Montana
Carrigans of the Circle C
A Cowgirl’s Christmas
Carrigans of the Circle C
A Bramble House Christmas
Carrigans of the Circle C
A Book Girl’s Guide to Marietta
Melt My Heart, Cowboy
Love at the Chocolate Shop
Bitter Roots
Bitter Root Mysteries
Sweet Dreams, Baby
Love at the Chocolate Shop
Bitter Truth
Bitter Root Mysteries
Bitter End
Bitter Root Mysteries
Carrigan Christmas Reunion: A short story
Carrigans of the Circle C
Bittersweet
Bitter Root Mysteries
November 13, 2019
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoy C.J. Carmichael’s books and this mystery series was fabulous. I hadn’t read any of the first 3 books when I got this one so I bought them and read books 1-3 first. This series takes place in a small town in Montana, Lost Trail. The newly elected sheriff Zak Waller has set up his department to include deputies Nadine Black and Kenny Bombard and dispatcher Bea Rollins. Previously, Zak was the dispatcher but after he solved a few murder cases he decided to run against the then sheriff. Zak is also in a relationship with deputy Nadine and his best friend Tiff is in a relationship with Kenny.
In this story, the librarian, Sybil goes missing from her home. When she doesn’t show up to work the next day, the sheriff is contacted. Zak has to go in through a window since her hidden key has disappeared. They search the house but don’t find Sybil. Her neighbor reports seeing a man in a pick up truck tuning around in the driveway. It is learned from searching her computer that she’s on an online dating group and they start looking at the men she’s been in contact with. There is also a note that she received that she stuck in a desk drawer at work that the team uses to look formher kidnapper.
In the meantime, a little girl at the grade school tells that a strange man was watching her at recess. The little girl goes missing from her home. Zak and his staff search and go through any clues or ideas they can come up with. The townspeople are frantic over these two disappearances.
This story has lots of exciting twists. The main characters’ personal relationships are also progressing and are quite interesting to read about. There are lots of interactions between the police staff and their significant others as well as friends and family.
It appears to be the final book which is sad since it is a terrific series. I highly recommend it. I give it and all the books in this series 5 amazing stars.
In this story, the librarian, Sybil goes missing from her home. When she doesn’t show up to work the next day, the sheriff is contacted. Zak has to go in through a window since her hidden key has disappeared. They search the house but don’t find Sybil. Her neighbor reports seeing a man in a pick up truck tuning around in the driveway. It is learned from searching her computer that she’s on an online dating group and they start looking at the men she’s been in contact with. There is also a note that she received that she stuck in a desk drawer at work that the team uses to look formher kidnapper.
In the meantime, a little girl at the grade school tells that a strange man was watching her at recess. The little girl goes missing from her home. Zak and his staff search and go through any clues or ideas they can come up with. The townspeople are frantic over these two disappearances.
This story has lots of exciting twists. The main characters’ personal relationships are also progressing and are quite interesting to read about. There are lots of interactions between the police staff and their significant others as well as friends and family.
It appears to be the final book which is sad since it is a terrific series. I highly recommend it. I give it and all the books in this series 5 amazing stars.
November 13, 2019
I was intrigued and held in suspense while reading Bitersweet by CJ Carmichael, the fourth book in her Bitter Roots Mysteries series. Sybil Tombe, longtime librarian, is missing, possibly abducted from her home. Now that Zak Waller has replaced the longtime Sheriff in Lost Trail, Montana he can legally conduct the search for Sybil. Having known Sybil for a while, he, along with her friends, is at a loss as to why Sybil would disappear and who might have taken her. Then, a few days later when an older man is seen hanging around at the grade school, near a young girl, Zak wonders if there is a connection between him and Sybil’s abductor. As Zak searches for Sybil he discovers that she might not be all she appears; that Sybil had a life, before returning to Lost Trail, one she never shared with anyone. As Zak and his team work to locate Sybil, he also has to figure out what is going on in his relationship with Deputy Nadine Black. I love how CJ Carmichael kept me on my toes, guessing and wondering what would happen next throughout this story.
I really, enjoyed reading this moving story. Ms. Carmichael is an outstanding storyteller, who wrote a wonderful story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with suspense, growing love, and interesting interactions between the endearing characters in this series. I highly recommend Bittersweet to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I really, enjoyed reading this moving story. Ms. Carmichael is an outstanding storyteller, who wrote a wonderful story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with suspense, growing love, and interesting interactions between the endearing characters in this series. I highly recommend Bittersweet to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 6, 2019
Just the right amount of mystery and romance makes this a memorable book.
If you have read any of the Bitter Root mystery series, you definitely don’t want to miss this book. In this story, Sybil Tombe, Lost Trail’s beloved librarian, and a little girl, Darby Larkin, turn up missing. Zak Waller, who has recently been promoted to sheriff and his team need to work fast to solve these crimes before it’s too late. Meanwhile, Zak and his girlfriend/deputy Nadine Black’s relationship advances to a whole new level.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series and when I heard another book was coming out, I couldn’t wait to read it. It was definitely a page turner and I had a hard time finding a stopping place when it came to taking a break. If you are new to this series, I would recommend reading the books in order. I don’t know if this is the last book in the series, but it felt like it the way some of the characters loose ends were wrapped up in the end of the book. But I am secretly hoping more books will follow. I am not ready to say goodbye to the residents of Lost Trail, Montana.
If you have read any of the Bitter Root mystery series, you definitely don’t want to miss this book. In this story, Sybil Tombe, Lost Trail’s beloved librarian, and a little girl, Darby Larkin, turn up missing. Zak Waller, who has recently been promoted to sheriff and his team need to work fast to solve these crimes before it’s too late. Meanwhile, Zak and his girlfriend/deputy Nadine Black’s relationship advances to a whole new level.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series and when I heard another book was coming out, I couldn’t wait to read it. It was definitely a page turner and I had a hard time finding a stopping place when it came to taking a break. If you are new to this series, I would recommend reading the books in order. I don’t know if this is the last book in the series, but it felt like it the way some of the characters loose ends were wrapped up in the end of the book. But I am secretly hoping more books will follow. I am not ready to say goodbye to the residents of Lost Trail, Montana.
November 5, 2019
In the other bitter root books Zac was just a dispatcher, now he is the Sheriff and he is facing a tough case. One of the town's least likely citizens have been abducted and he doesn't know a motive or anything at this point. She is the local librarian and her name is Sybil. She locked up from work, went to the grocery store, brought her groceries home and put them on the phone to check her computer.
When she doesn't open the library the next day and there is no note on the door she begins to worry.
His girlfriend Nadine is still a deputy for him, and his best friend Tiffany Masterson's boyfriend is also one of his deputies. The dispatcher Bea thinks he doesn't have his priorities straight when he has to investigate a kidnapping and he takes other calls such as a child abduction. She thinks the child abduction should come first. He thinks they might be related so he continues to investigate the way his heart is telling him to go.
A really good book
When she doesn't open the library the next day and there is no note on the door she begins to worry.
His girlfriend Nadine is still a deputy for him, and his best friend Tiffany Masterson's boyfriend is also one of his deputies. The dispatcher Bea thinks he doesn't have his priorities straight when he has to investigate a kidnapping and he takes other calls such as a child abduction. She thinks the child abduction should come first. He thinks they might be related so he continues to investigate the way his heart is telling him to go.
A really good book
November 12, 2019
This is a well written mystery that really drew me in I hadn't read the previous stories but ha no trouble following the storyline I do think it would be a better read if you had read the previous books something I intend to rectify
When you live in a small town everyone knows your business or thinks that they do but sometimes there are skeletons that are kept so hidden that when they are released they can cause dramas That is what has happened to Sybil Tombe and now she is missing Does her case have anything to do with the missing little girl Darby Larkin. Zac Waller the newly appointed sheriff will have to solve these crimes all while also balancing his romantic relationship with his deputy Nadine Black as it develops into more.
This is a story that really draws you in and keeps you engaged until you turn that last page
When you live in a small town everyone knows your business or thinks that they do but sometimes there are skeletons that are kept so hidden that when they are released they can cause dramas That is what has happened to Sybil Tombe and now she is missing Does her case have anything to do with the missing little girl Darby Larkin. Zac Waller the newly appointed sheriff will have to solve these crimes all while also balancing his romantic relationship with his deputy Nadine Black as it develops into more.
This is a story that really draws you in and keeps you engaged until you turn that last page
November 14, 2019
When Sybil Tombe turns up missing, Lost Trail Sheriff Zak Waller is puzzled. After all, 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 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 all of the characters and their relationships as well as the town of Lost Trail, Montana. This is the fourth book in the Bitter Root Mysteries series, and they just keep getting better. If you haven’t read the other three, you won’t be lost, but you will miss a lot of fun.
#BitterSweet #CJCarmichael #ReadzTule #BitterRootMysteries
#BitterSweet #CJCarmichael #ReadzTule #BitterRootMysteries
November 3, 2019
It's a mystery! When living in a small town as Lost Trail, everybody knows everybody and everything about everybody. But there's always skeletons in the closet and secrets that can come back and bite you in the behind even if they are painful as Sybil finds out. New elected sheriff Zak Waller races against time to solve Sybil's abduction while dealing with another case that could be connected and his own personal relationship with his deputy Nadine Black. There's also a conflict between other characters in the story that's going on. An engaging story that holds your attention from start to finish. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from Tule Publishing
August 11, 2025
This is book that I had a hard time putting down. Full of suspense, mystery and a splash of romance that kept me turning the pages. 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.
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The town sheriff Zak and his girlfriend/deputy Nadine work together to solve this mystery as their relationship develops.
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November 12, 2019
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.
November 4, 2019
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.
Bittersweet by C.J. Carmichael. A great addition to the Bitter Roots Mysteries.
The perfect mix of both mystery and romance that keeps you going back for more.
Bittersweet by C.J. Carmichael. A great addition to the Bitter Roots Mysteries.
The perfect mix of both mystery and romance that keeps you going back for more.
November 12, 2019
Bittersweet is book four in the Bitter root mysteries series and it won't disappoint.
I love how C. J. Carmichael writes with just the right amount of suspense and mystery in the stories but always with a hint of romance.
Great addition to a wonderful series.
I love how C. J. Carmichael writes with just the right amount of suspense and mystery in the stories but always with a hint of romance.
Great addition to a wonderful series.
January 9, 2023
Bittersweet is the fourth and last of C. J. Carmichael's Bitter Root stories. All of them have been great stories well told, but this last one perhaps is more poignant.
The action begins when Lost Trail, Montana sixty-something spinster librarian goes missing. Young and relatively inexperienced County Sheriff, Zack Waller, is on the scene and all evidence points to an abduction. Among other problems, nobody can think of any reason why she'd be abducted.
As the story unfolds, and the search for the librarian heats up, interconnecting stories follow a common thread through the lives Lost Trail County. It's a story about relationships, families, parenting, and children's loyalty. Then an eight-year-old little girl is abducted from the woods behind her home. Right it the middle of the two concurrent searches, a mid-May snowstorm drops a foot and a half of snow on the Bitter Root Valley.
Throughout all of this, Zack is beginning to appreciate just how tough being Sheriff is, and to question whether or not he's really up to it. To cope with his doubts, and hopefully find his two abductees safe and sound, Zack follows all the rules of investigation, enlisting the aid of the State Police laboratory, and even calling the FBI for help. In the end, it's following his instincts that works for him.
At least for now, this is the end of the Bitter Root Valley stories. I hope C. J. Carmichael writes more of them. I recommend these stories to you, and I believe you'll enjoy them.
The action begins when Lost Trail, Montana sixty-something spinster librarian goes missing. Young and relatively inexperienced County Sheriff, Zack Waller, is on the scene and all evidence points to an abduction. Among other problems, nobody can think of any reason why she'd be abducted.
As the story unfolds, and the search for the librarian heats up, interconnecting stories follow a common thread through the lives Lost Trail County. It's a story about relationships, families, parenting, and children's loyalty. Then an eight-year-old little girl is abducted from the woods behind her home. Right it the middle of the two concurrent searches, a mid-May snowstorm drops a foot and a half of snow on the Bitter Root Valley.
Throughout all of this, Zack is beginning to appreciate just how tough being Sheriff is, and to question whether or not he's really up to it. To cope with his doubts, and hopefully find his two abductees safe and sound, Zack follows all the rules of investigation, enlisting the aid of the State Police laboratory, and even calling the FBI for help. In the end, it's following his instincts that works for him.
At least for now, this is the end of the Bitter Root Valley stories. I hope C. J. Carmichael writes more of them. I recommend these stories to you, and I believe you'll enjoy them.
June 13, 2020
With so much going on in my life with settling my parents' estate with much family drama, my dog dying and not to mention the pandemics, the riots, and job losses, I needed something to distract me. I have over 600 books on my Kindle, and started several, but they didn't work. I actually had to go buy Bittersweet because I wanted to know what the memorable characters of Lost Trail were up to, especially after I left them after the last mystery.
Bittersweet did not disappoint and kept me reading long after my bedtime. Excellent pacing, tension and a final resolution. I am only sad the series over. Much thanks to author CJ Carmcihael and Tulle publishing.
Bittersweet did not disappoint and kept me reading long after my bedtime. Excellent pacing, tension and a final resolution. I am only sad the series over. Much thanks to author CJ Carmcihael and Tulle publishing.
July 1, 2021
Good guys win
Nothing satisfies like a mystery series that grows the characters over time. The good guys in this series are lovable and the villains are despicable without exhibiting extreme depravity. In other words, the author doesn’t manipulate the reader’s emotions because good, honest writing is enough. This series is a comfort during times that are already stressfull enough.
Nothing satisfies like a mystery series that grows the characters over time. The good guys in this series are lovable and the villains are despicable without exhibiting extreme depravity. In other words, the author doesn’t manipulate the reader’s emotions because good, honest writing is enough. This series is a comfort during times that are already stressfull enough.
August 18, 2025
Hello well I must say this was best one yet ,I have done all of then up to this and just went on the list for book five .Hope this one will be has good and can't wait for it to be here.Will look for other books by C.J. CARMICHAEL hope to find some goodies.
Peg H
Peg H
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2020
I finished the four book series in four days. The author does a great job of packing several cases in a very small town, yet winding them all together pretty well. There are a few instances where the wrong character's name is used, but that is the fault of poor proofreading. Overall, entertaining reading for passing a few lazy days in quarantine.
January 2, 2021
I have enjoyed this series very much and this installment was not a disappointment. In fact the characters have grown and enriched their lives as the community has opened their hearts to them. The mystery was one I figured out but it didn't take away from the storyline. I ended up reading long past midnight to finish.
November 18, 2024
When the librarian goes missing, and then a stranger is watching young children. The small town isn’t connecting the dots, but the newly elected sheriff doesn’t believe in consequence, even with push back from the town residents. But the story doesn’t just evolve around that, there’s more going on than meets the eye when with a tragedy that started many years before comes home to roost.
January 6, 2026
All is back to normal
Zak is now the new sheriff and is desperate to solve the case of 2 missing people. With the help of his 2 deputies and dispatcher they finally find the missing people. Zak and Nadine are to be married, Tiff and Kenny are in a relationship and all is well in Last Trail, Montana for the time being.
Zak is now the new sheriff and is desperate to solve the case of 2 missing people. With the help of his 2 deputies and dispatcher they finally find the missing people. Zak and Nadine are to be married, Tiff and Kenny are in a relationship and all is well in Last Trail, Montana for the time being.
November 21, 2020
Great ending
After reading all the other ones I really did enjoy this one especially the ending 👍. Guess that means no #5?😞 Makes you want to know where everyone goes from here.What about Tiff and Kenny, Rosemary& Sybil? Can't just leave us hanging C.J.!!😢😉
Tweety 🐦
After reading all the other ones I really did enjoy this one especially the ending 👍. Guess that means no #5?😞 Makes you want to know where everyone goes from here.What about Tiff and Kenny, Rosemary& Sybil? Can't just leave us hanging C.J.!!😢😉
Tweety 🐦
May 24, 2021
Brilliantly written lawman stories
Brilliantly written lawman series profiling small town USA stories of young guy who solves mysteries with clear thinking and insight. Characters are clearly profiled and very relatable. Read the 4 books back to back.
Brilliantly written lawman series profiling small town USA stories of young guy who solves mysteries with clear thinking and insight. Characters are clearly profiled and very relatable. Read the 4 books back to back.
September 6, 2021
Small town Montana mystery
This series was delightful! A mystery in each book that kept you guessing. Characters were believable and REAL. Sweet romances but no sex scenes. I would highly recommend this mystery series.
This series was delightful! A mystery in each book that kept you guessing. Characters were believable and REAL. Sweet romances but no sex scenes. I would highly recommend this mystery series.
September 13, 2021
Recommended Read
I've read the whole series so far. I've enjoyed them all. I didn't love the first book. However I'm glad I persevered. The characters are likeable I enjoy the backdrop and the storyline holds your interest from start to finish. What more can you ask for?
I've read the whole series so far. I've enjoyed them all. I didn't love the first book. However I'm glad I persevered. The characters are likeable I enjoy the backdrop and the storyline holds your interest from start to finish. What more can you ask for?
February 22, 2022
Responsibility
Zak, as sheriff, is burdened with responsibility. Sybil goes missing, raising many questions. While searching for Sybil, a little girl goes missing. Are they related?
Zak, as sheriff, is burdened with responsibility. Sybil goes missing, raising many questions. While searching for Sybil, a little girl goes missing. Are they related?
February 14, 2023
Another great addition
The whole Bitter Root series is a great read. This 4th book didn't disappoint, well thought out plot and characters. It continues extort line wonderfully. Hope there is a 5th book in the making, don't want to leave .
The whole Bitter Root series is a great read. This 4th book didn't disappoint, well thought out plot and characters. It continues extort line wonderfully. Hope there is a 5th book in the making, don't want to leave .
May 19, 2020
This is the fourth book in the Bitter Root series and did not disappoint.
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