Thanks to Berkley for my copy.

Set in July 1995, we follow a newly married couple, Eddie and April on the road to their honeymoon in Michigan, when they come across a bleeding murder victim on the side of the road. After getting to the nearest hospital the local police are weary of the couple and soon the two are trapped in a small town connected to a murderous and ghostly road.

The short chapters and high stakes make this a quick and propulsive read. Simone has a way with building an atmosphere and creepy and ghostly good time. I loved our main characters, they had a mysterious background that pushed the story forward.

The only issue I found was the pacing, it lolled sometimes and randomly the fourth wall was broken, which I don't mind but it just felt so random. But still it was a fun popcorny thriller that had some ghosts mixed in, which is why I love Simone St. James.

Simone St. James is one of the authors I recommend most frequently when people ask for a dark, moody mystery. I always say that St. James writes ghostly horror for psychological thriller fans, and psychological thrillers for supernatural horror fans.

“Stories don’t always end the way they’re supposed to. They don’t always end at all.”

The novel is set in summer of 1995 and something about the throwback to that time period before cell phones and social media made this story feel like it really might have happened. There’s something romantic and nostalgic about stories that take place in a small town that is largely uninfluenced by the media and populated cities. There are abandoned or not-well traveled roads that are blanketed in darkness, untouched by light or even life most days.

April and Eddie are newlyweds and make a wrong turn on their way to a small resort town where they booked their honeymoon. April later says that she saw an ad for the resort and thought it looked cute. This relatively mild comment is one of many things in the story that make the reader question if something else drew these two to the area.

The wrong turn leads them to a deserted road called Atticus Line. On this dark and lonely stretch of road, April and Eddie notice a lone hitchhiker. With no one around for miles, they stop to help the girl who they learn is named Rhonda Jean. However, after she gets into their car, they notice that she has blood seeping through her clothing and a truck with bright lights is barreling down the road after them. Rhonda apologizes, and days eerily, “He’s coming.” At the hospital Rhonda Jean dies before she can be treated, and April and Eddie suddenly realize they are covered in her blood.

The police pretty quickly have suspicions about April and Eddie. It’s a small town and the road is not one that is frequently traveled. The wrong turn theory also seems suspicious to the police, who question why the couple would be going here for their honeymoon over other places. For their part, April and Eddie aren’t exactly sure why the wrong turn happened or how they ended up in Coldlake Falls, but the police have a lot of questions about it. Have they been here before? Do they regularly pick up hitchhikers? What road did they find Rhonda Jean on?

The story ends up revolving around a string of murders that have happened on the road where they found Rhonda Jean over the years—Atticus Line. The murders often involve someone traveling alone on that road by foot. Not many cars pass through but that particular road attracts more than its share of death. At the police’s request, April and Eddie stay local while they investigate Rhonda Jean’s murder. Eventually, the police track down the driver of the pickup truck and arrest him, but the mystery isn’t over.

April and Eddie feel compelled to stay and help with the investigation when they encounter the ghostly visage on that same road. They learn that murders occurred over a 19-year period, and that all of the victims have been identified except for one—the Lost Girl. The Lost Girl was murdered in 1976 and she was the first. She was discovered wearing a letterman jacket from a local high school, but no one ever came forward to identify who she was.


The rest of the book centers heavily around the mystery and lore of the Lost Girl. Who was she and why does it appear that she’s haunted that stretch of road ever since? The murders all seem similar, but different people were accused of each. There are other strange pieces to the mystery and the alleged murderers that can’t be merely a coincidence. As they investigate April and Eddie meet a few other locals around town, and some of them have theories about the murders that took place on that road. Is there a serial killer? Or something else?

Intermixed throughout the mystery are stories about April and Eddie—who they are, how they came to meet and get engaged. There have only known one another six months. April has a rich and troubling backstory, and it had largely caused her to avoid getting too close to people. Until Eddie. She says at one point that she accepted his proposal so quickly because she saw someone who had darkness inside that mirrored her own. But April starts to wonder if Eddie had more knowledge of the area than she realized. She doesn’t know much about his life before her—he served in Iraq and suffers from PTSD. Eventually Eddie learns there is a lot he doesn’t know about April either. I thought learning more about April and Eddie before they met was captivating!

There are so many secrets buried in this town, and April and Eddie seem to be the ones destined to help uncover some of them. There is something unexplainable that pulls lost and broken people to that lonely road. As more secrets are uncovered, there are more questions. How many more bodies may be buried along that road? And how do they tie to the Lost Girl?

The mystery all comes together with a blend of supernatural and real answers. This was the scariest of Simone St. James’ books, in my opinion. I loved how it could exist solely as a ghost story, and it could exist solely as a mystery. What makes it special is the way that it is both—the genres are woven together so elegantly within this novel that I can’t imagine the story coming together any other way.

Captivating, eerie, and brilliant!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Penguin Random House for my copy. Opinions are my own.

A hauntingly creepy supernatural thriller about a young newlywed couple on their honeymoon who find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation when they pick up a hitchhiker in trouble. ⁣
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I love Simone St. James’ haunting reads and 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 did not disappoint. Loved that this was set in the 90s - the timeline (70s - 90s) fit so well with the hitchhiker vibes. The MC’s, Eddie and April, were wonderful. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the secondary characters too - especially Rose. This book had an underlying theme of found family and friendship that fit so well with the characters and the storyline. I was so invested in these characters.⁣
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𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 had me gripped by its eeriness from the beginning - there were a few seriously ghostly car rides that had me spooked. I love how she wove in the supernatural elements - it was dark without being gory for readers who aren’t into that. It was more of a pulse quickening, can’t tear myself away because I have to know what happens vibe. ⁣
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Another Simone St. James win for me! Thank you @prhaudio for the complimentary audiobook which was perfectly narrated by the amazing Brittany Pressley.

In July 1995, newlyweds April and Eddie are driving to an upstate Michigan resort for their honeymoon when they take a wrong turn and find themselves lost on an isolated rural road. A hitchhiker flags them down, and April realizes she’s bleeding under the coat she’s wearing. Soon a black truck starts following them. They rush the hitchhiker to the hospital while evading their pursuer to no avail—she’s lost too much blood.

Though April and Eddie insist they are only witnesses, this is just the latest in a long line of unsolved killings on Atticus Line, and the Coldlake Falls police see the couple as prime suspects. They have to solve the murders themselves before they are arrested—or before the malevolent force that operates on Atticus Line puts them in its crosshairs.

What I liked about the book:
▪️Simone St. James’ books scare me like no others! The paranormal aspects of this book evoked Stephen King to me.
▪️I loved the couple’s local allies: the grumpy B&B owner, Rose, and the teen true crime aficionados, the Snell sisters.
▪️Set in the year I graduated college, the book was filled with fun 1990s references from fashion to music.

I did find that it took me quite a long time to become invested in the story, but the last third of the book was very fast-paced and engaging.

So, I haven’t read a lot of Simone St. James’s novels, and I don’t have deep opinions about her writing, but I do know this novel was just “okay-ish”.

Thank you @prhaudio for my early copy of MURDER ROAD by Simone St. James, which is out now.

The couple is very wishy-washy and they just sorta unrealistically jump into solving this crime that just happened to fall into their laps while on a honeymoon. Not that I need to to be realistic, but that process just did not JIVE with me as a reader.

Also, Eddie and the hitchhiker's connection was totally predictable and the ending, while not necessarily predictable, was like “gasp oh my gosh!” but more of a “oh, okay, so that’s the end? Cool.”

I will definitely read another SSJ novel, just to form my own thoughts and foundation for her writing in this genre.

I enjoyed parts of this story but ultimately it's not one of my favorites. I loved how atmospheric it was, the time period, and characters. But some of the paranormal elements just didn't work for me. The middle was really really slow and fell apart for me. I was intrigued enough to finish but there were too many holes in this story.

3.5 One can always count on St. James for a solid, original ghost story. I am particularly impressed when authors can make hot, sunny weather feel creepy and cold. St. James' characters feel real and nuanced and her stories are original and affecting. Keep writing, Ms. St. James, and I'll keep reading!

Simone St. James has become an auto-buy author for me -- however her most recent release, Murder Road, fell a bit flat for me personally...

LOVED the small town setting near Lake Michigan
LOVED the spooky, paranormal aspects

However...
- I didn't fully believe the MC and her husband's relationship -- it seemed awkward and boring
- Because I wasn't invested in their relationship/background stories, the "twists" seemed a bit of a stretch and unimportant

I would've loved if we could've gotten a change in POV or time jump (like so many of her other books), so I could've been more invested

Don't get me wrong, I will definitely continue to read more Simone St. James in the future -- just disappointed this one didn't hit the mark for me.

Thank you Berkley for the free #gifted book.

Simone St. James has been an auto buy author for me for a while now, so I was thrilled (ha) to read Murder Road. She spun a tale of suspense and added a bit of her signature paranormal that I've come to expect and love!

Hitchhikers turning up dead along one road and no leads on who the killer is. Two newlyweds are driving to their honeymoon destination and pick up a girl that clearly needs help - turns out she's been stabbed. When they get to the hospital, she dies, and April and Eddie are immediate suspects. They didn't do it, at least April doesn't think so. But something strange is going on and April is determined to figure out who this girl is, why she was killed, and who killed her and the other victims over the years.

I really don't want to give anything away, but this was a really fun read and had me wondering where it was going and how everything would be explained. There were a couple parts that were a bit creepy, but I didn't find this book quite as spooky as her previous books. That's totally ok though, because I"m already looking forward to her next release, whenever that may be!

I have been a Simone St. James fan for a long time, and this one did not disappoint.

I loved the throwback vibe of the story being set in the 90's. Newlyweds April and Eddie take a wrong turn and come across an injured hitchhiker. She dies on the way to the hospital, and they find themselves as prime suspects in the middle of a murder investigation. This was a bit of a genre bend with some supernatural horror aspects, and a thriller plot twist.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one with the 90's throwback and urban legend vibes.

Simone St. James never disappoints. I love a creepy vibe horror book that's light on graphic violence, but scares me by creating an atmosphere that transports me into the story. And that is probably why I love Simone St. James. We've got a couple on their honeymoon that wind up lost on a mysterious road. This road has been the site of several murders over the last several years. There are rumors of a ghost and some shady behaviors by many of the locals. Our honeymooners make some friends and several enemies on their unplanned visit to Coldlake Falls as they try to solve the mystery of what's really happening in this remote Michigan town.

Creepy galore!
I got chills up and down my spine as I read parts of this book. Supernatural sightings and unsolved murders sling a stretch of road in Michigan.
I was ambivalent about Eddie and April. I knew April had more secrets than Eddie, but each had parts of their past that remained in the dark.
I made a key connection Halfway through the book and I was right in my assessment.
I thought the cause for the first murder was a bit lame.
Eddie and April need to take a different road!

A planned honeymoon celebration goes terribly wrong when the couple lose their way on a dreary road & pick up an injured girl who later dies, apparently murdered. Thrust into the center of a police investigation, April & Eddie fight to prove they’re innocent and help find the real murderer. Folklore of a cursed road, where many have died, questions as to eerie happenings within the community of Coldlake Falls, lead to so many unanswered questions. Sometimes, the answer hits a little too close to home. Can April & Eddie clear their name, or will they be imprisoned in this town and its haunted past forever? Thanks to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

A young couple are on their way to their honeymoon when they stumble across a hitchhiker. They offer to give her a ride, but quickly realize she's injured and although they get her to the hospital, she dies. The police are suspicious of them and think they're involved, but the couple decides to find out what happened on their own. Overall, a mystery that has a hint of the supernatural and uncovers the past not only for the couple, but also residents of the town.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a DRC!

"Murder Road" by Simone St. James is a gripping mystery that delivers suspense and intrigue in equal measure. Set against the backdrop of a small, isolated town, the story follows a young woman who uncovers dark secrets from the past as she investigates a murder that happened decades ago. St. James' writing is atmospheric and immersive, drawing readers into the eerie world she has created. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Overall, "Murder Road" is a compelling read that is sure to satisfy fans of the mystery genre.

Simone St. James continues to create stories and images in her writing that keeps you up at night - both wanting to read more and scared for what goes bump into the night. This story follows a couple that get caught in the middle of a murder investigation in a small town on their way to their honeymoon. One would assume they were just at the wrong place at the wrong time, or where they? We soon learn that something mysterious is at play with twist and turns that you don't see coming. This book is perfect for those true crime lovers and enjoy paranormal stories. It is definitely a spooky story but I don't think I would categorize it as horror. It plays on the thrill of the chase of a murderer with giving you goosebumps from something that shouldn't be real. Truly loved this one - probably her best since Broken Girls.

Murder Road is a road best avoided, especially when the moon hangs low and shadows dance with secrets. April and Eric unwittingly journey down this ominous path and stumble upon a young woman, isolated and injured. As they become stranded in a small town brimming with untold secrets, they realize that leaving may not be an option when they become suspects of foul play.

Simone St. James crafts a bewitching, tense, and eerie haunting ambiance that propelled me to eagerly turn the pages in anticipation of each ghostly encounter. Known for her captivating blending of mystery, atmosphere, and supernatural elements, she offers a fresh perspective on familiar plot devices, that adds an extra layer of allure to her storytelling, drawing me into a journey filled with suspense, and fascination.

BUT and I always have one: I felt slightly let down when the motivation was unveiled, and the unresolved conflict surrounding the ghost's motives seemed unclear.

However, The character development is yet another spellbinding aspect of the story, with intricate personalities that are as flawed as resilient. The dynamics between the characters are well-crafted, unveiling their hidden secrets, which adds intricate layers to the narrative and enriches the dynamics of their relationships. My perception of one character underwent a fascinating transformation when their unexpected actions and motivations were revealed, adding an intriguing twist to the storyline.

Despite its flaws, Murder Road is a journey I enjoyed with its suspense, mystery, and supernatural allure that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish providing a thrilling ride.

A Witches Word Read

Simone St. James has mastered creepy supernatural thrillers. Murder Road is just another of her works filled with plenty of tension and mystery. Eddie and April pick up a woman whom they assume is a hitchhiker on the side of the road. When they discovered she is injured and bleeding, they rush her to the hospital, only to have her die. They discover that she is only one among several victims in Coldlake Falls and the highway. As the saying goes, no good dead goes unpunished. Eddie and April suddenly find themselves suspects in her murder. With the help of Rose, the B&B proprietor, and two teenage sisters, Beatrice and Gracie, the two work to clear their name and find the real reason behind the murders. They find that the answer is more nefarious than they realized.

I really enjoyed this book. It's full of plenty of nostalgia, intrigue, thrills, and just the right amount of creepy supernatural to excite me. I love writing and how the author navigates through a plot of turns and surprises. St. James does a wonderful of creating atmosphere. Murder Road is a chilling read and unsettling at times. It had me engaged from the very beginning. Fans of St. James will not want to miss this one!

I think I just really like Simone St. James's writing.
Two newlyweds are on their way to their honeymoon when they get lost and find a girl walking a deserted highway. She is bleeding and terrified saying "He's coming."

They take her to the local hospital where she ends up dying. They are automatically suspects in her death.

They start looking for answers when they realize that this road has had deaths happen over the last twenty years.

Now if you don't like a touch of paranormal in a book this may not be for you. BUT I love it. This had just enough of the creep factor to keep me reading.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

*I was provided an arc of Murder Road on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
As soon as I found out Murder Road was about to be published, I scrambled to get my hands on a copy. I adore The Sun Down Motel and the way Simone St. James seamlessly wove the natural and supernatural into one compelling story. This new novel further solidified her place as one of my most beloved authors.

In Murder Road, readers follow a newlywed couple who encounter the victim of an attempted murder that starts a chain of events that alter the course of their lives forever. How did they end up on this road where so many hitchhikers have died through the years? Why doesn't the husband recall turning onto the road in the first place? Does the Lost Girl, the alleged ghost of the initial murder victim, really exist or is she a mere legend?

Murder Road kept me on the edge of my seat. It was spooky enough to make me stay awake at night, but not overly scary or gory. My one complaint was that the ending felt a bit abrupt to me. There was a lot of build up throughout the story and I would have like to have seen the final moments in a bit more detail. However, this is still one of the most wonderful thrillers I have ever read and I will definitely be recommending it to other readers.