This book was so delightfully bizarre.

The vanlife setting in Western Australia made for the perfect backdrop to this story, and certainly sparked some wanderlust for me.

I liked both protagonists--Katy, who was searching for her sister Phoebe, and Beth, who was on the run from an abusive ex. Although I wasn't sure who I could trust, I found both of their perspectives compelling. I really liked the narrator--she did a great job of keeping me guessing as to who the untrustworthy characters were.

The reveal was one I didn't see coming, and the conclusion was very satisfying. This has been my favorite Anna Downes book so far, and it is definitely one I will recommend.

This is my first novel by Downes, and I look forward to more.
The suspense, twists and premise drew me in right away.
One of the main characters, Phoebe Sweeney is experiencing a different way of life. She intends to be a solo traveler in a van around Australia. She starts and Instagram account so people can follow her journey. As some people do they can post some not so nice things even to the point of creepy.
When she goes off the grid and her family, including her sister Katy cannot reach her the police are called in. It ends up a cold case as there are no traces of Phoebe, her van or witnesses.
Her sister Katy, decides to retrace her sisters’ footsteps to see if she can find anything new.
Will they find out what happened to Phoebe? Get ready for an action packed one.

The narrator did a wonderful job with the characters.

I had the chance to read this book months ago and it has stuck with me. When I had the chance to request it to listen to, I went for it and it resonated the second time listening to it in new ways. A year after her sister Phoebe disappears on a camping trip, Katy is still holding onto hope of finding her. Meanwhile, Beth is fleeing from danger and the two women pairing up may just be what they both need. As women, we are constantly aware of the precautions we should take to stay safe and both Phoebe’s social media accounts and Katy and Beth’s narrative highlight this in an all too true and too relatable fashion. Told from multiple perspectives and in a wonderful format, Red River Road is a gripping read that absolutely captivates the reader! Anna Downes creates a suspenseful and powerfully written book that is rich with layers and so many questions that leave you furiously listening for more.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Wow. What did I just listen to???
I finished this in one day. At the start I wasn’t too sure about it but then it got really good. And then the surprises started.
Nothing is as it seems in this book. Multiple POV’s and timelines. Everything comes together at the end with a lot of surprises! Great narration.

Red River Road was the latest thriller listen for me. This was an engaging read that you should read!

This had my attention from beginning to end. My favorite audiobooks don’t just get left in the car. I end up listening every free moment and this is one of those.

Katy is searching for her missing sister, Phoebe, along a popular Australian #vanlife path. Along the way she crosses paths with Beth/Lily who is running from danger and a dishonest past (hence using fake names).

I really like multiple POVs. The narrator did an amazing job with the accents. I could see the ending being “too out there” for some, but I enjoyed the journey and story so much that I was just along for the ride. I didn’t try to figure things out as I read.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.

Pub Date Aug 27 2024

Holy unreliable narrator Batman! 🤯 Makes you really rethink selling your house, getting an RV and traveling the country by yourself #vanlife style.

This book surprised me. I had loved the synopsis before starting it but then it felt a little slow to begin. As the story unfolded I was kept in suspense of guessing what happened to missing Phoebe but in the end did not guess that she was in fact Katy all along!

Wow! I loved this book! After her sister goes missing on a solo van trip across Australia, Katy sets out to find her. Using her sister’s social media accounts, Katy attempts to uncover the truth and the dark side of what can happen to women traveling alone

Katy Sweeney is searching for her missing sister, Phoebe, who disappeared during a solo vanlife trip in Western Australia. Despite the case going cold, Katy refuses to give up and uses Phoebe's social media accounts to retrace her steps. Along the way, she teams up with Beth, who is running from her own past, to uncover the truth about what happened to Phoebe. Anna Downes' novel explores the dark side of solo female travel, family bonds, and the deception of memory.

This audiobook was truly exceptional! From the captivating narrator to the insightful notes from the author about the creation of the book and the intriguing interview with Sally Hepworth, there were so many aspects that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Upon delving into this book, I was reminded of the story of Gabby Petito. Prior to that, I had no idea about the individuals traveling across the US, creating channels, and immersing themselves in a whole other social media culture. While I was aware of their existence, I had no idea of the magnitude of traveling influencers.

Having traveled throughout Europe before eventually settling in the US, I found myself able to relate to certain moments mentioned in the book. There were times when I didn't feel safe or comfortable, prompting me to move on... But this isn't about my traveling experience. LOL

The narrator skillfully distinguished between characters and their personalities through her voice, immediately drawing me in from the moment I began listening. I felt as though I was right there with the girls on their adventure.

This book is ideal for the end of summer, when individuals are contemplating their next steps in their journey. It encapsulates a sense of adventure, women empowerment, and delves into the topic of partner abuse. With plenty of twists and turns along the way, reaching the final destination is a thrilling journey. I thoroughly enjoyed this cleverly written book and highly recommend it as a must-listen.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4.5 rounded up
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel about a woman named Katy who is searching for her missing sister, Phoebe, in Australia. While on this adventure, she “runs into”someone named Beth, who is clearly running away from problems of her own. The two decide to work together to look for Phoebe, who went missing while tracking her Van-Life experience on Instagram.

Nothing is quite as it seems though, for all parties involved. You’ll have to read or listen to it to see how it unfolds.

Narrator for the audiobook- wonderful

0.5 point deduction for length. I think the first half could have been cut down by about 3 hours and still maintained the same effect.

Thanks so much to the author, NetGalley, and MacMillan Audio for this ARC in exchange for a written review. I really enjoyed it!

I'm an Anna Downes fan so when I saw her name on a cover at Netgalley, I didn't even read the premise. I requested it because of her writing, and this one hit the mark again. Downes can pen characters who keep you invested, and moves the story along seemlessly.

As an audio, Red River Road had a perfect narrator, Maddy Withington. Her sweet accent (and lack of accent when necessary) fit perfectly with the Western Australian setting.

As a nearly 60 year old reader who lived a safe life of childhood, dorm life, back home to mom and then moved in with my husband in his already purchased home - I admit to wanderlust. I envy the folks who are now living off grid in vans traveling the world and having adventures. Thanks to some great authors, we are starting to get books which reflect this new style of living and I'm here for all of it. I loved the female main characters on their own doing brave things, even when safety is a concern. This story features a sister following a trail to find her disappeared sibling. She picks up a stray female along the way who lends fear to the plot for us readers who hear from her perspective as she attaches herself to the search. A third male character has his own narrative and we know this is all going to intersect as we journey with them.

Really well done. Can't say this one makes me want to van life more.......but I'm a chicken who likes the safety of deadbolts and strong walls.

Read Red River Road. Then read more of Downes' work - she is a good one to follow.