The second in the series, Bitter Truth is about secrets and more secrets. Also the growth and transformation of Zak is a nice twist to the story. A wonderful read.

Bitter Truth by C.J. Carmichael is the second book in the Bitter Root Mysteries series. Each book in the series is centered around a new mystery so they could be understood if reading as a standalone however there is character development carried over from the first book.

In this installment of the series the citizens of Lost Trails, Montana are all mourning the loss of ninety one year old Lacy Stillman when she is found in her home presumably having suffered a heart attack. As details come about and the debate over Lacy’s wealth begins Zak Waller begins to question whether the death really was natural causes or not seeing that Lacy had just had her check up and a clean bill of health.

While things heat up with Lacy’s death Tiff Masterson is going through a lot with her mother and aunt. Having returned to Lost Trails recently she begins to question her mother’s mental health but her aunt will hear nothing of the sort. It’s assumed Tiff’s father and brother passing years before are the cause but Tiff finds herself in for a huge surprise when old family secrets become uncovered.

Again I found myself amazed at what C.J. Carmichael can accomplish with a story in such a short time. These books aren’t incredibly long but so much gets packed into each story and never once do I feel like the details are forgotten or the mystery is too rushed. Everything in the book is woven together wonderfully to keep a reader guessing through each turn of the page and the characters have more depth to them than some 500+ page reads. After finishing this installment I’ll definitely be interested in the next book in this series for sure.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Members of this town have secrets and some link together. I thought the story moved at a good pace and there was plenty of suspense with some good characters. There was also a twist that I didn't see. I like that Zak's character is growing and his curiosity is making a better cop than his boss. This is a new to me author and the 2nd book in the series, so I enjoyed it enough to want to go back and read the first story and look forward to continue when book #3 comes out.

I received a review copy thru NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Bitter Truth is the second book in the Bitter Root Mysteries series and can be read as a standalone. We are back in Lost Trails, and Zak is starting to wonder if the latest death might be more than it appears. Tiff is struggling with some things at home. Is it the past? What will Zak uncover when he starts looking into the death of Lacy? Will Tiff stay safe as secrets are revealed? An excellent story to keep you hooked throughout.

Oh my gosh I almost missed this book because it is a mystery and they are not my thing, but this story was so much more, it’s small town, get to know the folks at its best.
I have read other CJ Carmicheal books and loved them so I should have known that this book would have me to. I was completely captured as the family secrets came out and believe me they all did, and I’m so glad I didn’t miss this awesome read, I recommend you don’t either.
Thanks to NetGalley for my copy.

So much book, so little story. If you love Heartland you'll probably like this book. It read like a Heartland episode - mostly fluffy filler and details about the people around, very little suspense. Slow, steady, and while I'll admit I didn't see the ending coming the way it was written made it seem much less dramatic than it should have been. This would probably make a great tv show or a great movie but it's a mediocre book.

Secrets secrets and more secrets. very good book. Easy to read and kept my interest throughout. The suspence was great.I felt as though i was right there in the book with the,m. Very good book to read

Bitter Truth by C.J. Carmichael is another great mystery novel. It´s book two in the "Bitter Root Mysteries" but it´s written so that you can pick up just one book at a time.
I for one, just can´t put this one down. Usually I read romance novels and you don´t have the "who did it" hanging over you, but with this genre you just have to find out "who did it". So I read this book in one sitting. I just had to, it was that good.

A cute and cozy mystery story with intriguing characters in a small town setting. The family drama and secrets of the town are leading the story forward. Despite the murder at the beginning of the story, it still has a surprisingly light tune. A touch of budding romance, lots of secrets revealed, even sweet holiday traditions involved.
A book two in a series yet can be read as a stand-alone novel.

“Bitter Truth” by CJ Carmichael is book two of the Bitter Root Mystery Series. After completing this mystery novel I would say it is not necessary to read “Bitter Roots” first. This is a complete and wonderful story and works well as a stand alone book. Although now I can't wait to go back and read “Bitter Roots”. I have seen the name “CJ Carmichael” time after time and wondered what the fuss was all about. Now I know. I am so glad that I veered away from my normal reading and chose this book. I am not normally a big Mystery fan. I usually find them too intense and can't sleep after reading them. For me C.J. Carmichael writes a perfect book. I was pulled into the story right from the get go. Her characters were like able for the most part. She included one of two that you just love to hate, adding to the story. The ranching community of Lost Trails, Montana was very interesting. There was so much going on for a small town. The author does not end on a cliffhanger. She leaves just enough suspense that you will want to read the next book to learn more about these interesting people and their budding love affairs. I would recommend this book and can not wait to read more by C.J. Carmichael. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tule Publishing through NetGalley, Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When a typical 91-year-old woman dies in her sleep, most people would think nothing of it. In Lost Trails, ranch owner Lacy Stillman is in the healthier than most younger than her, so when she is found in her bed the day after receivine glowing reports during her check up, Zak Waller is instantly suspicious. There are too many people who have something to gain from her death. When he shares his thoughts with childhood friend, Tiff Masterson, she agree to help investigate. Despite his position as dispatcher in the Sheriff's office, Zak has already proven himself to be an astute investigator. Besides, Tiff needs a distraction from her Mom's deteriorating condition and her Aunt's odd behavior. Tiff had hoped to stay in Lost Trails, but circumstances are making her rethink that decision.
Full of twists, turns, and shocking secrets, this story kept me guessing until the very end. I loved it and can't wait to see what happens next in Zak and Tiff's lives, especially how they deal with the fallout from the ending of this story.

Bitter Truth has so many story lines weaving together that really draws you in.

When local rancher passes away unexpectedly Zac Waller, Dispatcher for the Sheriffs office, can't believe it was from natural causes. Launching his own unofficial mini investigation Zak starts to look at every possibility. Only to find a complicated web of lies and deceit.

I loved that this second book in the Bitter Root Mysteries picked up with all the characters from book one. Seeing in to so many towns peoples lives was very interesting for me. I found myself trying to figure out what was going to happen from one page to the next. I cant wait to read book three!

Bitter Truth is the second in the Bitter Root Mysteries. In this novel, Zak Waller is on the case again. Even though he is not a deputy and is the dispatcher, Zak has intuitive detective skills and deep insight into finding the truth to crimes, often brushed off by the lazy Sheriff. Bitter Truth has two mysteries running parallel and crossing each other at several turns. At the core is the death of Lacy Stillman, matriarch to the Stillman family and very much involved at ninety in the family ranch. Her death comes at a time when her sons have asked her to sell off some property and she has given a definite no to the prospect. Threaded through this story is the health problems of Justin Pittman and his need for a bone marrow donor for his Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and the person of Cora Christensen, former teacher/ruler of the
Dewbury Academy and a force to be reckoned with.
The methodical steps Zak takes to solve the mysteries and come to some conclusions about his own life draws you in and keeps you until the end.

C.J. Carmichael is one of my favorite authors. I am loving this series. There is a wonderful mix of characters with lots of suspense and a touch of romance. I recommend reading the first book in the series to fully appreciate the storyline.

When a beloved member of the Bitterroot community dies, every one assumes it was due to her age. Everyone except for Zak, the police dispatcher. He uses his knowledge of the town and its history to uncover the real reason for Lacy Stillwater's death. The characters are realistic and interesting with a plausible plot. Fans of the Longmire series will enjoy BITTER TRUTH and the other books in the series.

I really loved Bitter Truth, the second in CJ Carmichael’s Bitter Root Mystery series. The story is set in the small town of Lost Trail and is probably best read as part of the series though there is enough backstory fed into this book to make it work as a stand-alone story too.
Amateur sleuth Zac, despatcher at the sheriff’s office is actually much better at investigating than the sheriff. With a nose for things that just don’t quite add up, Zac embarks on a laborious process of digging up little clues and building a case. I like him. He’s one of a handful of characters central to both the town and the story and I love the way that he gently sucks you into his investigation so that all of a sudden you find yourself utterly engrossed and compelled to see if the hunch you’ve developed yourself is the correct one.
The plot starts off with an almost gentle pace as neighbours gather to mourn the loss of one of their town stalwarts, but the twists and turns in this story don’t take long to start appearing. Along the way there are enough little red herrings thrown in to make the reader wonder if there really was a murder, and if so whether it was this person or that. Even when it became clear to me who was guilty the reason why kept me reading on to the end.

I was intrigued and held in suspense while reading Biter Truth by CJ Carmichael, the second book in her Bitter Roots Mysteries series. Zak Waller, the dispatcher for the Sheriff’s Office of Lost Trail, Montana as he mourns the death of Lacy Stillman, a wealthy and elderly rancher. Zak hears some disturbing information which makes him question if Lacy’s death by heart attack was really as it seemed. At the same time, Zak’s friend Tiff Masterson becomes very concerned about her mother’s health as it spirals downward along. Complicating this is her aunt’s continual denial that a problem even exists and blames Tiff’s return home to be troubling to her mother. When Justin Pittman’s cancer returns he worries about his father and daughter. After a donor match drive takes place, he unexpectedly and unknowingly adds on to Tiff’s burden. When an old crime is uncovered with far reaching complications exposes an unexpected connection between the Mastersons and the Pittmans ends up affecting everything. I love how CJ Carmichael kept me on my toes, guessing and wondering what would happen next throughout this story.

I really, really enjoyed reading this moving story. Ms. Carmichael is an outstanding storyteller, keeping me interested in this story so that I had trouble putting it down. I highly recommend this outstanding book to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Small town secrets come to the forefront in this fascinating second book of the Bitter Root mysteries.

Lacy Stillman, a 91-year-old rancher woman has been found dead in her bed by one of her sons. Evidently she died of a heart attack even though a doctor's visit the day before pronounced her as very healthy. She has been the town's leading citizen and the whole town is in mourning.

Zak Waller, the police dispatcher who should be a deputy, has some information that may shed a different light on Lucy's death.

(Book Blurb) Zak's friend Tiff Masterson is overwhelmed by her mother’s escalating mental breakdown and her aunt’s stubborn denial of the problem. Tiff assumes the root of the problem is the death of her brother and father sixteen years ago. But the real atrocity goes back much further than that. When the truth is revealed in a shocking twist, Tiff’s world is turned completely upside down. The ramifications affect many of the most prominent citizens and provide the missing clue to Lacy Stillman’s murder.

Bitter Truth is the second of a 3-book series. Although this is easily read as a stand alone, I would highly recommend reading them in order.

The characters are fascinating. I love how a small community can come together ... to either hide secrets or reveal them. The family dynamics are guaranteed to keep the reader turning pages. There's a wealth of town residents that bear watching. It's fairly fast-paced and every page is a twist, a turn, a surprise.

There's no cliff hanger, but a hint of what is to come next. This is definitely an enjoyable mystery.

Many thanks to the author / Tule Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Uncovering Deep Secrets

Good friends Lacy and Zak continue to find deep secrets in small town of Lost Trails, Montana.
Bitter Truth has wonderful plot twists and turns you don’t see coming. Many interesting characters with lots of family drama and secrets. This is an engaging storyline and a page turner. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Well done mystery!

Bitter Truth is an engaging and entertaining read. For me, this book is not about the mystery as much as the interesting characters who solve the mysteries and populate the town. The mystery in this book was good, but the character development is even better.

Zak, our lead detective, is not really a detective. He is a police dispatcher in the Lost Trail police department. Zak is not interested in being in charge or even being a deputy, he is just interested in seeing that justice is served and that his small town stays safe. He doesn't solve crime because he is seeking glory, he solves it because someone needs to, and he is good at it.

The secondary characters are really well written as well and I feel like there is a lot of material there for more books in this great series.

I recommend this series highly to anyone who enjoys well crafted books with mysteries.