Bitter Truth

C.J. Carmichael

Feb 2018 · Tule Publishing

About this ebook

 Bitter Truth (Book 2 of Bitter Root Mysteries)
Murder in a small town is always personal.

In the isolated ranching community of Lost Trails, Montana, Lacy Stillman, a rich elderly rancher has died of a heart attack in her own bed. What could be more normal than that? As Zak Waller, dispatcher with the local Sheriff’s Office, joins the town in mourning the loss of the community matriarch, some disquieting information makes Zak wonder if Lacy’s death was not what it seemed. 

Meanwhile, 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.


Perfect for fans of the British television film Broadchurch.

Ratings and reviews

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.

“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.

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.