Back of Beyond: A Cody Hoyt Novel

Love the blend of subtle humor and western knowledge that fill C.J. Box's work. I am pretty sure I've read all the novels and in my opinion, Cody Hoyt is one of the great characters of Box's universe. Back of Beyond reads like a stand alone story. While it's comfortable and fun to read what favorite characters are up to in any series, stories can bog down with explanations of how characters are connected. Back of Beyond spares the reader, providing great dialogue instead. It shows how well Box builds the story, whether a conversation is between cops or criminals. Or criminals and their victims. Sometimes this story is as horrifying as anything Steven King might write. Other times it could have you laughing at cop knee capping a potential witness and then feeling a twinge of guilt that you don't feel all that bad. But that's the beauty of a good story.

This was my first experience with CJ Box and his unique writing style, which I enjoyed thoroughly. Box's characters tell the story in a way that reveals their strengths and weaknesses in a string of unexpected events as the plotline unfolds with suspenseful twists and turns. Box's own background in the mountain-guide and outfitting trade combines well to provide the backstory context to make it believable. Loved the characters of Larry, Bull, and Gracie, who did much of the heavy lifting for the storyline, making me want to know these folks as good friends. The flawed Cody Hoyt character will likely remind everyone of someone they know or even themselves, making the the protagonist realistic, human, and endearing. The author's descriptions of events and observations of behaviors or unspoken words creates a believable tension and suspenseful mystery. As facts and halftruths develop, suspicions shift among the characters, making this suspense novel a fun and fast read. Box is a great storyteller able to create feelings and experiences that put the reader in the middle of everything. Glad this was my first read of this skillful author, one I plan to revisit again soon. One of the strongest skills Box has is sharing specialized facts and details that support the story without seemingly encyclopedic or too long. Nicely done! I strongly recommend Holter Graham's excellent Audible narration that portrays each character's unique voice and personality, supporting well the well-written story. Even though this book begins a series, it stands well by itself as a complete and satisfying read.

I really liked this book which I read as a precursor to the new TV series, Big Sky. I highly recommend it as it gives the reader a realistic understanding of who (and what) Cody Hoyt is. Most people perceive him as an alcoholic who's antics are mostly tolerated by the Sheriff's Department. This book takes the reader deeper and shows how Cody thinks and the demons that drive him. A dead body is found in a burned out cabin. Everyone is of the opinion that it was an accident caused by a man who was drinking too much. Cody doesn't agree. The man was his AA sponsor and Cody just can't bring himself to accept the evidence at face value. His unwillingness to allow the case to be closed and the binge drinking that results causes Cody to be put on leave. As the story progresses, Cody learns his ex-wife has allowed his son to go on a trail ride tour of Yellowstone Park. His concern is that the man who is leading the expedition is also the one he suspects killed his friend. Despite being told to stay close to town, Cody sets out to find his son and bring him home. Cody is even more certain of his suspicions when his hotel room is set on fire overnight as he travels to catch up with the pack train. The trail ride group is composed of quite a few people who may, or may not, be part of the plan to sabotage and possibly kill part of the participants. Several of the riders have ulterior motives that are gradually revealed while Cody races to find his son. The suspense kept me turning pages as I wondered who and what was the real reason behind all that happened.

This book has a story line that moves fast, full of history, suspense, and mystery. It was full of emotional relationships and an outstanding setting. I am sorry it is over.

Cody is a flawed but likeable cop who has good intuition. Several murders that don’t seem connected create a complex whodunnit as Cody and a young girl named Gracie who is on the trailride try to unravel the events. An interesting and entertaining read.

As always, cj has laid out a well written, exciting, tale with great characters. A lot of action compressed into a couple of days but it seemed plausible and never rushed. Very much enjoyed it.

生真面目で弱い面をもつジョー・ピケットのシリーズとはがらりと趣を変えて、ここに登場した「コーディ・ホイト」保安官は断酒に苦しみながらもあくまで強い男たらんとする山男です。山荘が半焼けとなり、死体がみつかって酔っぱらいの失火とされかけたがコーディの親友で１０年以上も酒を断っていた男だったことから、唯一人信頼できる保安官「ローリー・オルスン」の助けを得て捜索を始めた。ここで浮かび上がったのが森林ガイド業の「ジェド・マッカーシイ」と女性の助手「ダコタ・ヒル」が計画した１２名のパック旅行で、このなかに犯人がいると直感したが、離婚したコーディの息子（１７歳）が義父になろうとする金持ち男につれられて参加していることがわかり職業意識に不安と嫉妬も絡んで、引退していたガイド「ビル・ミッチェル」を無理やり引っ張りだしてイエローストーンの山に分け入った。ローリーだけと情報交換の携帯通信をしていたが命を狙われ、親友ローリーを疑い始めた。いっぽう１２名はそれぞれいわくありげな人物が揃っていたが次々に殺されはじめる。メンバー各人の個性が読者を飽きさせず、とくに４５歳のソフトウエアエンジニアの父につれてこられた姉妹の１４歳の妹「グレイシー・サリバン」がしっかり者で涼風として舞台回しを引き受けてくれ、爽快な読後感がえられる。コーディ・ホイトはシリーズ化するようで、2013年にThe Highwayで二作目がでている。

As usual a good plot and thriller to the last page which you couldn't turn fast enough .Recommended to the fans of the author and the thriller lovers .

I have loved reading all C.J. Box's novels. He has a great feel for the country he writes about and takes you there beside him. His characters are flawed and believable. The plots are gripping. I ripped through "Back of Beyond" from cover to cover and then was mad that I finished it too quickly!

Great story. Interesting twists and turns right until the end

Interesting characters who are very worth looking into and trying to see deeper into their makeup. All set into the fascinating situation of Yellowstone Park. Enjoyable combination.