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book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
Book on CD narrated by Holter Graham
3.5*** (rounded up)
This is the first book in a new series by C J Box, who is perhaps best known for his mystery series starring Joe Pickett.
Cody Hoyt is an alcoholic and a former big-city cop who is barely hanging on to his job as an investigator with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Department. He’s two months into his latest effort at sobriety when he and his partner come across the remains of Hank Winters, burned in his remote cabin. It seems like a clear case of an accidental fire, exacerbated by the deceased’s drinking. But Cody isn’t buying it. He knows Hank and he knows Hank has been sober for years; then he discovers that a key item familiar only to other alcoholics is missing from Hank’s cabin. Before long he is convinced there is a serial killer at work, but the question is why? One clue points him in the direction of Yellowstone Park and a week-long “back of beyond” adventure outfitter. And Cody about loses it when he realizes that his son is on this same camping trip with his soon-to-be-stepdad. Can he get there in time?
This is a fast-paced thriller with some twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Box moves back and forth from the perspective of Cody and his partner, Larry, to the perspective of the people on the “back of beyond” tour. I particularly liked the way Box wrote Gracie Sullivan; she’s a smart girl, a keen observer, and quick-thinking.
Cody is a seriously flawed person. He likes to operate outside the rules and his drinking is not at all controlled. He is self-destructive with a capital S. But he’s a determined investigator and I like the way he puzzles things out and arrives at his conclusions. He’s got every reason to distrust those around him, as they are bound to distrust him. But in a tight spot, I think I’d want Cody Hoyt in my corner.
Holter Graham does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. He sets a good pace and gives the many characters sufficiently unique voices to allow the listener to discern who is speaking.
3.5*** (rounded up)
This is the first book in a new series by C J Box, who is perhaps best known for his mystery series starring Joe Pickett.
Cody Hoyt is an alcoholic and a former big-city cop who is barely hanging on to his job as an investigator with the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Department. He’s two months into his latest effort at sobriety when he and his partner come across the remains of Hank Winters, burned in his remote cabin. It seems like a clear case of an accidental fire, exacerbated by the deceased’s drinking. But Cody isn’t buying it. He knows Hank and he knows Hank has been sober for years; then he discovers that a key item familiar only to other alcoholics is missing from Hank’s cabin. Before long he is convinced there is a serial killer at work, but the question is why? One clue points him in the direction of Yellowstone Park and a week-long “back of beyond” adventure outfitter. And Cody about loses it when he realizes that his son is on this same camping trip with his soon-to-be-stepdad. Can he get there in time?
This is a fast-paced thriller with some twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Box moves back and forth from the perspective of Cody and his partner, Larry, to the perspective of the people on the “back of beyond” tour. I particularly liked the way Box wrote Gracie Sullivan; she’s a smart girl, a keen observer, and quick-thinking.
Cody is a seriously flawed person. He likes to operate outside the rules and his drinking is not at all controlled. He is self-destructive with a capital S. But he’s a determined investigator and I like the way he puzzles things out and arrives at his conclusions. He’s got every reason to distrust those around him, as they are bound to distrust him. But in a tight spot, I think I’d want Cody Hoyt in my corner.
Holter Graham does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. He sets a good pace and gives the many characters sufficiently unique voices to allow the listener to discern who is speaking.
flintsloveofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Went back and read this one hoping for more background on Jenny. Alas, not so much. The rest of it was pretty good.
(Minor spoiler)
Although I am glad that the series continues forward with Cassie rather than Cody.
(Minor spoiler)
Although I am glad that the series continues forward with Cassie rather than Cody.
jaynine's review against another edition
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
amberreadsromance's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I have mixed feelings about this book. The pace was great. The mystery and thriller aspects were on point. I didn't even mind all the different perspectives. They were perfectly woven into the puzzle. The wilderness guide adventure theme and Yellowstone setting were especially intriguing. It's so hard to find books that convey teenage girls as skillfully as this one did. I especially enjoyed the character of Gracie and the role she played throughout. However, I was disappointed by the character of Cody. It takes a strong writer like CJ Box to make a character who is as flawed as Cody likeable. The reluctant hero worked for me until the "interrogation" scene toward the end where Cody uses excessive force. I understand that Cody's withdraws for alcohol and nicotine and his worry over his son's fate pushed him to a certain point but I wish it hadn't gone that far.
libwinnie's review against another edition
4.0
As always, the great outdoors features prominently in this book and Box's characters are deeply flawed yet readers can sympathize with their struggles. Cody Hoyt sets off into Yellowstone National Park in pursuit of the murderer of his AA sponsor and also to save his son who coincidentally is on the same backcountry trip. The ending seemed rather dropped in out of nowhere, but otherwise a solid plot.