Cassie Dewell Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Cassie Dewell books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

About the Cassie Dewell Series

The Cassie Dewell series by C.J. Box is a gripping and atmospheric crime fiction journey that blends suspense, mystery, and heart in a way few thrillers manage to do. Set against the hauntingly beautiful yet dangerous landscapes of Montana and North Dakota, this series introduces readers to one of the most compelling female detectives in modern mystery fiction—Cassie Dewell. Originally a rookie investigator and single mother from Montana, Cassie’s character is not only sharp and persistent, but also deeply human. Her story begins quietly, but soon unfolds into a larger, darker world of unsolved disappearances, criminal conspiracies, and personal redemption. Through each book, readers follow Cassie as she uses her instincts, experience, and empathy to unravel chilling cases that others often overlook—or are too afraid to touch.

What makes this series especially unique is its seamless connection to another popular C.J. Box creation: the Hoyt/Dewell series, which originally centered around Cody Hoyt, a troubled yet brilliant former investigator. Cassie started as Cody’s partner, but quickly became a central figure in her own right. The early books, such as The Highway, show this dynamic duo in action. While Cody fights his own demons, it is Cassie who truly grows into the role of a lead detective. Her character development is raw, honest, and real—never too perfect, never too flawed. This realism makes her relatable, especially to readers who enjoy strong female leads with emotional depth and a relentless drive for justice.

The Cassie Dewell series forms part of The Highway Quartet, another critically acclaimed thriller collection by Box. These novels dive deep into crimes that occur along remote stretches of American highways—places often forgotten or ignored. But as Box masterfully shows, danger hides in plain sight. His stories don’t just offer thrilling plots; they also explore the quiet menace of rural isolation, the weight of personal loss, and the strength needed to chase truth when the world wants silence.

In The Highway, the first novel in this storyline, we meet Cassie at a critical point in her life. When two sisters go missing on a lonely Montana road, Cassie and Cody are drawn into a terrifying investigation. The book is chilling, not just for its plot twists, but for how it makes readers question just how well we know the world around us. This isn’t your typical big-city crime novel—this is small-town America with secrets as vast as its skies.

The series continues with Badlands, which shifts the setting to North Dakota’s oil boom towns. Here, crime runs as freely as money, and Cassie finds herself in the thick of it again—this time as a newly appointed deputy sheriff. Alongside her investigation, we meet Kyle Westergaard, a young paperboy who stumbles upon a deadly secret. Cassie’s bond with Kyle is one of the emotional highlights of the book. It showcases her protective instincts and the way she connects with victims and survivors—not just as a cop, but as a mother and a woman. The characters, both major and minor, are written with care and nuance. Readers quickly feel invested not only in the mysteries but in the people who live them.

What also stands out in this series is C.J. Box’s ability to write vivid, cinematic scenes. His background in journalism and his deep ties to the American West give the novels a realism that elevates the suspense. The chilling stillness of a snowy North Dakota night or the silent dread of an abandoned truck stop on the highway becomes as important to the story as any clue or suspect. And through it all, Cassie remains the steady hand—the one who doesn’t flinch when the truth gets ugly.

Author C.J. Box is no stranger to literary acclaim. He is an Edgar Award winner and the bestselling creator of the long-running Joe Pickett series. Yet many fans argue that the Cassie Dewell books showcase some of his finest character work. These novels have received high praise from critics and readers alike, not only for their thrilling plots but for their emotional complexity and compelling female lead.

Whether you’re new to C.J. Box or a longtime fan, the Cassie Dewell series is a must-read. It offers the best of what crime fiction can give: unforgettable characters, layered mysteries, and a slow-burn suspense that keeps you flipping pages late into the night. Start with The Highway and follow Cassie’s journey as she tracks killers, solves cold cases, and proves that even in the darkest places, justice can shine through.