Paradise Valley

A Cassie Dewell Novel

By: C. J. Box

Narrated by: Christina Delaine

"Christina Delaine delivers a thrilling performance of this high-stakes hunt for a killer...Notably, Delaine's sensitive portrayal of a young man with a speech impediment adds emotional depth, while her depiction of the elusive Lizard King generates chills." — AudioFile Magazine

She almost caught him once. Now, he's back.

For three years, Investigator Cassie Dewell has been on a hunt for a serial killer known as the Lizard King whose hunting grounds are the highways and truck stops where runaways and prostitutes are most likely to vanish. Cassie almost caught him...once. Working for the Bakken County, North Dakota sheriff's department, Cassie has set what she believes is the perfect trap, and she has lured him and his truck to a depot. But the plan goes horribly wrong, and the blame falls on Cassie. Disgraced, she loses her job, and investigation into her role is put into motion.

At the same time, Kyle Westergaard, a troubled kid whom Cassie has taken under her wing, has disappeared after telling people that he's going off on a long-planned adventure. Kyle's grandmother begs Cassie to find him, and, with nothing else to do, Cassie agrees - all the while hunting the truck driver. Now Cassie is a lone wolf. And in the same way that two streams converge into a river, Kyle's disappearance may have a more sinister meaning than anyone realizes. With no allies, no support, and only her own wits to rely on, Cassie must take down a killer who is as ruthless as he is cunning. But can she do it alone, without losing her own humanity or her own life?

©2017 C. J. Box (P)2017 Macmillan Audio

love it

C.J. Box is one of my all time favorite authors. I love that his books take place in the wilderness mostly with great characters and stories that keep you coming back. This one didn't disappoint, keep them coming!!

once again a great book in a series of great books

I just fall more in love with this character and her strength and resilience as each book goes along. Now I will get the last book and be saddened when this is all finished and I can't read about Cassie anymore!!! CJ Box I just found out about your book series by watching the show Big Sky and now I am a huge fan!! I try to get everyone I know hooked on this series bc it's far better than the show (& the show is pretty good, so that says a lot!)...

Edge of your seat

Great action and plot. A bit predictable, but a fun (fun isn’t really the right word) listen.

Great story

Very suspenseful. Another good from CJ Box. Cassy Dewell is becoming a favorite for me

outstanding

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I'm so happy CJ Box continued Cassie's story with the Lizard King. I loved all the books in this series. This book is a must read if you have been following the story. If you are new to this series then I suggest you start at the beginning because you're sure to want to read them all.

What other book might you compare Paradise Valley to and why?

Badlands. In that book we meet Kyle Westerguard who plays an important part in both books.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't tell you without spoiling the book.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Raheem.

Any additional comments?

The narrator, Christine Delaine is amazing. I felt like I was listening to a full cast of characters. I hope CJ Box starts a series with Kyle Westerguard.

Quite entertaining

I really enjoyed the book as it finished off the lizard king story. Narration was quite good as well. I was sad to get to the end.

Perfection

Having awaited this author's next work, I pre-ordered Paradise Valley without even having read the publisher's summary- didn't need to. C J Box never disappoints!

Paradise Valley

This series consists of five books ranging in length from nine to eleven hours of listening. Although not required to enjoy the mysteries, it's strongly suggested that you read them in order - sequential events will make more sense.

Plot. Back of Beyond features an alcoholic cop. The lead character, Cody, struggles through a boozy haze to rescue some kidnapped kids. His story continues through the first 1/3 of The Highway. Following through the remaining stories, Badlands, Paradise Valley, and Bitterroots, his partner, Cassie is featured as the lead character. Having a take-no-prisoners attitude, Cassie works her way through grizzly murders including those of a crazed truck driver's abuse of 'lot lizards', the truck stop prostitutes, to satisfying conclusions.

Liked. No explicit sex, no language inappropriate to the character or scene, nothing gratuitous. Good mysteries, albeit a bit grizzly at times. Narration is fine - there are three. No issues.

Not so hot. There are some eye-rolling instances of coincidence that will have you mutter, 'That's a stretch.', especially in Bitterroots.

 Good reads, a series to enjoy! Recommended for the murder mystery lover.

Another thoroughly enjoyable read from C J Box.

Love these stories covering the geography I believe to be among the most beautiful I've seen. Basic morality stories that I find very entertaining.

Entertaining, but...

I really enjoyed this series. But the plot of this final book (well, so far) in the series relies on a series of coincidences that Dickens would find far-fetched. Still, if you can suspend disbelief over these plausibility stretches, it's a satisfying listen.