The Highway Quartet by C. J. Box

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.