Back of Beyond: A Novel (Highway Quartet)

Good yarn. The self destructive flaws in the main character was a bit off putting at start, but the struggle to address his issues was good. The environmental detail was great. And, of course, that general distaste of government has a certain satisfsction to it.

Another of C. J. Box's stories of law enforcement in the Western states and National National Parks. I almost expected a Wyoming Game Warden we know to arrive in the mix. A fun and entertaining read.

I actually bought this book by mistake - thought it was in the Joe Pickett series. I'm so glad I made that mistake, because I couldn't put the book down. I've since bought the sequel, "Highway," and like it just as much.

Cody Hoyt, a supporting character in Box's previous stand alone novel, 'Three Weeks to Say Goodbye' , returns as the central character of this offering. Back home in Montana, he's trying to stay sober, which is really hard when someone kills your sponsor at the beginning of the book! Box makes Cody a very believable impulsive alcoholic hanging on by a thread, driven by the desire to save his son. The central mystery of the story is plausible, and enough hints are given that a seasoned reader can figure out some, but probably not all, of the angles as the scenario is constructed. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and read through it in a couple of days. I admit I am biased, having first read CJ Box when I picked up 'Free Fire' in Yellowstone this past May. When I returned to Ohio, I ordered the rest of his books and plowed through them within a couple of weeks - I didn't get much else done, I just read them all. I think that 'Back of Beyond' is one of CJ Box's best novels yet, and I look forward to another Cody Hoyt novel in the future. As another reviewer mentioned, there were some rough sections in the sequencing of the scenes, and I got the feeling that perhaps the original manuscript was longer, and may have been clumsily downsized to a more marketable size(?). At any rate, I loved the book as it was meant to be, an entertaining and captivating mystery, which made me long to return yet again to the Big Sky and 'Back of Beyond' of Montana and Wyoming.

CJ Box doesn't need introduction. However, his new character, Cody, is a welcome and well-developed player in this book set in the YNP area. CJ obviously knows the area, knows his craft, and knows how to spin a good yarn.

Looking forward to listening to this book. When my husband and I finish listening to our current book, this will be next. I have read the hardcover, and enjoyed it very much. I had a hard time putting it down. It has a great setting and interesting characters, especially Cody Hoyt.

another great reason to stay out of nature, federal or state parks. stay on the side walk and you'll be safe, go in the woods and Bleaaaaack you're dead. a great read, and a real surprise ending. which i won't give away.

Another great book by CJ Box. Totally engaging and I enjoyed every page...and it wasn't a Joe Pickett novel! CJ Box writes so well about the area, the character of the locals and always a great mystery.

Not interesting would rather have more plot then to read about the degenerate alcoholics problems. I didn't care how sick he felt. When I want to read about addicted people I would prefer a book about that subject. Not uncaring it just didn't further the plot.

Excellent author that I just discovered. I also read The Highway that was also 5 star. Blue Heaven was also a very suspenseful book. Try to read Back of beyond first, then Blue Heaven. He puts you right in the scene with great descriptions.