The Recommended Reading Order
To fully experience Cassie Dewell's character growth and follow the overarching storylines—especially the terrifying 'Lizard King' search—you should read the books in order of publication. While the first book, Back of Beyond, functions as a prequel centering on detective Cody Hoyt, it establishes the groundwork for Cassie's debut in the second novel.
- Back of Beyond (2011) – Prequel. Introduces Cody Hoyt; Cassie does not appear.
- The Highway (2013) – The official introduction of Cassie Dewell.
- Badlands (2015) – Cassie investigates crimes fueled by a North Dakota oil boom.
- Paradise Valley (2017) – The dramatic conclusion to the Lizard King storyline.
- The Bitterroots (2019) – Cassie works as a private investigator on a contentious case.
- Treasure State (2022) – A Montana PI case that introduces the Joe Pickett crossover.
Understanding the Storylines and Subseries
The Cody Hoyt & Lizard King Saga
The first four books in the series are often referred to as the 'Highway Quartet.' The saga begins with Back of Beyond, which introduces Cassie's mentor and partner, Cody Hoyt. In The Highway, Cassie joins the investigation, setting off a multi-book hunt for the elusive serial killer known as the Lizard King. This core narrative arc concludes in Paradise Valley.
The Private Investigator Era
Starting with The Bitterroots, Cassie transitions from working with local law enforcement to establishing her own private investigation firm. These stories are more self-contained mysteries, though they still feature Cassie's personal evolution and the struggles of running an independent business in the American West.
The Joe Pickett Crossover Universe
C.J. Box has integrated Cassie Dewell's world with his famous Joe Pickett series. If you want to follow these intersections, keep these books in mind:
- Treasure State (2022): April Pickett (Joe Pickett's adoptive daughter) joins Cassie's private investigation firm as an intern, marking the first major crossover.
- The Crossroads (2026): A Joe Pickett novel where Cassie Dewell and her intern April Pickett play a role in investigating an ambush on Joe Pickett.
Television Adaptation: Big Sky
The series was adapted into the ABC television series Big Sky, created by David E. Kelley. The show's first season is based on the events of The Highway, though readers note that C.J. Box's novels feature a much darker, grittier atmosphere than the television series.