BADLANDS
C.J. Box
July 28th, 2015
Minotaur Books
BADLANDS by C. J. Box brings back the exciting character, Cassie Dewell, who can best be described as a female Joe Pickett. Readers are wondering if Box is creating another suspenseful and riveting series. As with all his books he allows the Western landscape to become almost a supporting character.
The plot highlights Grimstand, North Dakota, a booming oil town similar to the Old West during the Gold Rush. Readers become acquainted with this town when Cassandra (Cassie) decides to accept the job here as the chief investigator for Sherriff Jon Kirkbride. She is looking forward to starting a new life and to put behind the hurtful memories of Montana, and losing her husband, a soldier killed in Afghanistan. The new job entails leading an investigation to find corrupt cops, while at the same time finding out what is behind a fatal car crash. Along with these duties she must deal with a war between a motorcycle gang and the Salvadorian MS-13. She must navigate a murderous enemy, a key witness, Kyle Westergaard, and swarming single men. The details, about the oil shale industry (fracking), are intertwined in the plot through the various investigations.
With the Kyle character Box gives a shout out to mentally challenged individuals. Kyle is a twelve year old who is considered slow, almost invisible to the rest of the town. Having fetal alcohol syndrome he talks very little, and has a hard time pronouncing his words. But he is the key to the plot with his tenacious and loyal attitude. When the story is told through his point of view it gives the readers a different perspective.
The main character, Cassie, is gritty, intelligent, tough, determined, and willing to take risks. She is not the typical hero in that she is plump, a widow, and a mother. But she is also very talented and will not hesitate to bend the rules to get answers.
BADLANDS is part stand-alone, and part sequel to THE HIGHWAY. Although the main piece of Badlands has its own storyline, there is a continuation of the plot from THE HIGHWAY Cassie is still after the serial killer known as the Lizard King who preys on girls at highway rest stops.
C.J. Box is one of those authors who turn all books into gold. He writes thrilling and captivating stories that are fast-moving and riveting. Along with his descriptive settings and compelling characters the plots are always page-turners that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Elise Cooper
