Just as the book description says, this is a collection of short stories that are intertwined.... albeit very loosely and in some cases hard to link together. The writing style was very interesting and well done so it makes for a unique reading experience centered around a serial killer (although not always apparent) along a stretch of highway.

I was pleasantly surprised by this collection. It was, in my opinion, a thoughtful, nuanced examination of the effects of crime that went far beyond the sympathy for the offender. McFarlane was able to weave a web of stories that worked together to form a cohesive whole while also standing alone. I'm grateful for the author's efforts here and eager to see more from her in the future. A significant addition to and expansion of the true crime literature is Highway Thirteen.

Unfortunately not for me. In a world with SO many books being published, I just don't see this as a must in our collection.

This collection exceeded my expectations. I found it to be a thoughtful, nuanced look at the impact of crime that went well beyond the pathos of the criminal. McFarlane managed to weave a web of stories that both stood singularly and created a cohesive whole. I very much appreciate what the author has done here and look forward to her work in the future. Highway Thirteen is a strong contribution and extension of the true crime literature.

Highway Thirteen is an interesting take on the serial killer trope in that it both is and is not about the serial killer himself.

The stories are interconnected and written well, but the pacing is slower. The connection is clear from the start and having a thread to tie these stories together was nice.

I expected more from the stories. They were slower and very detailed, but never quite got where I was hoping they'd go. Many of the stories were about the more mundane every day side of how a killer's actions impact the daily lives of others. If you're interested in that particular ripple effect, this one might be for you.

This is a book of short stories, using mass murder as the common starting point. Being a fan of true crime dramas and podcasts, I was drawn to this title. It was okay, and perhaps I went in with high hopes. I did enjoy the book, but don't think I will read/listen to it a second time. Some of the tales were more interesting than others. I don't know if it's because I listen/watch so many true crime shows that it felt so predictable to me. I do think it was well written and there was good character and plot development considering the short story format.

I would say this is less a book of short stories or an anthology, in my opinion. I would consider it more a group of vignettes that surround an Australian serial killer, spamming continents and decades. The stories are slices of people's lives who have, in some way, been affected by this serial killer--directly and indirectly. Stories that explore the mundanity of everyday life while also touching on the maniacal nature that follows serial killers.
This was an interesting and fun read. And I no longer want to visit Australia.

This was such a neat concept—the butterfly effect has always fascinated me and this book perfectly encapsulated it. I requested this and went into it blindly. I didn’t realize immediately that this would be a collection of stories that tie into each other, but once I picked up on where this was going, I was hooked!

This one is a DNF for me. I’m not sure if it’s the narrator or the writing itself, but I cannot get into the audiobook. I got through the first short story and found myself both bored and a bit confused, but not interested enough to continue to see if it makes more sense through the other stories.

Highway Thirteen is a collection of linked short stories about how a serial killer’s crimes connect and impact a community of everyday people.

Thank you to Fiona McFarlane, Macmillan Audio, & NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

McFarlane’s newest collection of crime stories deals with murder, from its conception, planning, execution and aftermath. From the United States to Australia and beyond, this in an intelligent and disturbing collection

The concept of the book, which begins with a murder and explores its rippling effects through a series of short stories from various global perspectives, initially intrigued me. I am always appreciative of authors who take creative risks to bring something distinct and innovative to the table.

However, I found it challenging to fully immerse myself in the narratives, as the connections between the stories felt tenuous. Despite this, the book prompted me to reflect on national tragedies and the threads that connect us in the face of such events. One standout was the podcast chapter, which offered a refreshingly different perspective compared to the rest. I'm keen to explore more of McFarlane’s work in the future, as I really admired her ambitious approach to storytelling.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Emma Jones does a great job narrating this collection of short stories and I highly recommend the audiobook if that is of interest.

I love to read stories about serial killers and jumped at the opportunity to read this collection of linked stories that explore the ripple effects of a serial killer's actions on a cast of characters. What I did not realize is that the killer is not a character. Like anything else in life, we all have connections with others that may impact another person's life. Here, the killer's impact on the variety of characters ranges from subtle to profound.

I love how the stories are connected, sometimes in ways that don't become clear until the very end. The stories are very well written and not overtly scarey. Really nicely done!!!

Highway Thirteen by Fiona McFarlane is an eerie book which consists of a collection of short stories that all expertly connect in some way to a serial killer in Australia. Each story is very unique from the last. I was a bit confused at the end of the first couple of stories, as I felt there had to be a purpose to each but couldn’t shake the disjointedness. But atlas, then around the fourth story, BAM, the connection hit me out of nowhere! I was not expecting the strategic tie in from the previous stories. I went back to listen to certain parts of the other stories to confirm. I enjoyed the detective vibes, as it kept me on my toes for the upcoming stories, trying to figure out the relationship between the characters to the serial killer. This was different from anything I have read before and welcomed the engrossing change!

I would like to thank Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me the opportunity to review Highway Thirteen by Fiona McFarlane, in exchange for an honest opinion. This book is out for publication on August 13, 2024. #highwaythirteen #netgalley #netgalleyreads #macmillan.audio #fionamcfarlane #eerie #shortstories #shortstorycollection #darkmystery

DNF after 2.5ish stories or 22%.

This collection will work for many readers. The concept is cool - connected stories all indirectly about a serial killer. For me, the stories are too mundane and meandering. Instead of being intrigued, I've lost interest. But if you like slow, quiet short stories with an undercurrent of darkness, this might be for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I’m throwing all my stars at Highway Thirteen: Stories by Fiona McFarlane! All of them! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This crafty collection of short stories intertwines to create a fuller narrative about a serial killer who preyed on victims along a highway near Sydney, Australia. Each story stands alone, offering its own creepy and intriguing perspective, but when strung together, they form a whole story that is beyond unique; it is extraordinary.

I highly recommend the audiobook version - the narrators are each perfectly suited to their characters, enhancing the experience tenfold. And!!! it’s a Halloween read, so be sure to add it to your spooky TBR list!

This short story collection is an interesting read about how one serial killer can have widespread impact on families, communities, and people all over the world. It highlights the victims and the wake their deaths leave behind instead of the fascinating with the perpetrator. All the short stories are connected but do not flow like chapters in a novel. I recommend this audiobook if you enjoy a collection of stories that will make you examine society’s fascination with true crime.

Thank you @macmillan.audio for allowing me to listen to this audiobook ahead of publication (13 Aug 2024) in exchange for my honest review.

In these interconnected short stories, McFarlane weaves a fascinating narrative about the way people are affected by the cruel and vicious actions of another. This was such a unique thriller approach and it truly surprised me in the best way possible; I haven't read anything like it before. Enthralling and eerie, Highway Thirteen is guaranteed to stun readers.

I enjoyed the execution from the narrators who really helped bring this story to life.

Soooo I didn’t love this. Great narrator and super intriguing concept. The execution just wasn’t there for me.

Highway Thirteen-Stories (Audio) by Fiona McFarlane. Publishing tomorrow, Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 by Macmillan Audio/Farrar, Straus & Giroux. Thanks to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the audiobook!

A collection of linked short stories about the layers of a crime and the people who are affected. In 1998, an ordinary man is arrested and charged for multiple brutal murders.
What follows are linked stories about people and families affected by these brutal murders. Looking at the past, with events and characters that knew the man in question, or were linked to him in some way. Then looking to present day when the focus is on online content such as movies and podcasts.
What I loved about this book/audio was the perspective McFarlane shows through everyone except the murderer. Showing who and what could be affected from a heinous crime was a great arc to each linked story.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this riveting eARC (I received an ePUB and an audiobook copy).

Highway Thirteen, by Fiona MacFarlane, is filled with captivating short stories, all which provide a piece of a puzzle involving a serial killer.

I read this book, which I thoroughly enjoyed; a few weeks later I listened to the audiobook. The audiobook narration top-quality, and I found it contributed positively to this already 5-star book.

Highway Thirteen is a veritable symphony of a novel; each story stands on its own. When all the stories in this book are drawn together through the common thread of association with a serial killer, they comprise a short story, mystery, and crime novel masterpiece.

I read hundreds of mysteries a year, and I would rank this among the top ten, I can't wait to read more from this talented author. Mark my words, Fiona Macfarlane is a bestseller in the making! ❤️🌹