I wanted to like this a lot more than I did. The characters are mostly okay, though Livia's lack of a spine was a problem and Ash was just mean for no reason. As far as the story goes, it got pretty repetitive until basically the 75% mark. I did think that it pulled together well in the end, and the climax was satisfying enough. I probably would find it scarier if I found myself driving through the woods a lot, but from the safety of my home, not so much.

What a spooky trip! Pun intended. Livia and her 3 friends all decide to go on a road trip to take a much-needed getaway and decide to take a "shortcut" So many scary things happen to them. It's a haunted stretch of road, that haunts you with your past traumas. I really enjoyed it and it gave me some chills reading it before bed, in the dark. But it's worth the read!

County road 951 is an unremarkable road it is known by another name the Devil’s Driveway. County Road looks like any other two lane blacktop. If Livina and her friends take this road it will be a great time saver as it is only 15 miles. The girls decide o take it as to them it is only County road 951. They’re eager to get to their weekend getaway. When Livia and her friends decide to take that shortcut, the morning is a lovely joyride. It ends being a ride that they won’t forget. They’re driving for their lives it also for their sanity and friendships. Will they survive?

A relentless, nerve-jangling nightmare ride. It is suspenseful. I couldn’t stop reading it. The author has written a solid novel that takes a familiar horror and bends it into something new. At times it is truly terrifying.

"THEY'LL BREAK MORE THAN SPEED LIMITS ON THIS GIRLS' TRIP FROM HELL."

If you're a fan of road trips with a supernatural twist, you might want to check out "White Line Fever"! As someone who loves hitting the open road, I'm not sorry I missed this one!

I was immediately drawn to this novel as someone who loves horror movies, especially those that twist a seemingly fun trip into a chilling nightmare. The eerie cover added to the allure! The story follows four childhood friends—Livia, Mo, Ash, and Becka—who decide to hit the road for a getaway after Livia finds out her husband has been unfaithful.

Sounds like fun, right? But things quickly spiral out of control when they encounter a sinister tow truck and take a shortcut. That’s when the adventure amps up! Little do they know they're heading into "The Devil's Driveway," a 15-mile stretch of closed road. As supernatural elements emerge, the friends confront unsettling childhood flashbacks, revealing their struggles and secrets—some of the best parts of the story.

The book's pacing starts like a leisurely drive along familiar back roads, gradually picking up speed as the story intensifies. Bizarre events leave you questioning what’s real. With each twist, the friends question their reality and wrestle with their fears, desperately seeking a way back home in one piece.

If you’re up for a wild ride filled with outrageous and hair-raising supernatural suspense, this road trip might be worth the journey!

I enjoyed this crazy ride and appreciate Macmillan Audio and Tor Nightfire providing the ARCs through NetGalley. Listening to the audiobook alongside the ebook was fantastic, and the narrator did an excellent job. I’m giving this one a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. I was hooked and needed to see how the story wrapped up, but the supernatural twist caught me a bit off guard. As always, my opinions are my own and shared voluntarily.

White Line Fever by K.C. Jones is about a girls' trip gone bad when they take a shortcut on a haunted roadway nicknamed The Devil's Highway. The novel starts with a bang showing an amateur ghost hunter taking a ride on the highway. It doesn't go well and we the audience get to see how the haunting works. I have read many horror stories about haunted places and objects but never read a story about a haunted highway. The unique setting of a highway is used pretty well. The horror of the story is what your mind wanders to as you drive, and the haunted highway turns it into a nightmare. The narrative follows two characters Dave the highway's first victim and Livia who has just split from her husband and needs a girls' trip. Livia is the main character and also has flashbacks about her time in a junkyard and how all the girls on the road trip became friends. The story has two villains Livia's overbearing father and the entity that haunts the highway. The Harrower is what the girls name the highway monster who feasts on fear. The pace of the story is a little slow after the awesome introduction scene. When the group of girls starts realizing what is happening and how to stop it, the book gets very good at the 65% mark. The book's action does not stop until the satisfying ending. I was asked by the publisher to read White Line Fever after I reviewed K.C. Jones debut Black Tide. Thanks to Netgalley and Tor Nightfire for allowing me to read White Line Fever. White Line Fever was published on March 18, 2025.

Plot Summary: Dave rides his dirt bike on The Devil's Highway. He is shooting B-roll on a dashcam for his friends who are a group of amateur ghost hunters. He has helped out before and never seen anything, but this time is different. He starts seeing a spider within his helmet and he gets turned around and tries to turn back but feels the highway has changed. He gets scared and goes faster. He just wants to escape but will the highway let him? Livia has just split from her husband and needs a girls' trip with friends from her childhood who know her. The group heads to a cabin in the woods. On the main road, the girl experiences road rage and wants to get away. Livia finds a shortcut on a backwoods road that they take. The road is the Devil's Highway, the only way they are leaving is to fight their fears and the entity that wants to feed off them.

What I Liked: The flashback scenes are tension filled. Livia's father is terrifying and a hidden monster. I liked the parallel of the Harrow and the father who are both monsters that feed on fear. The ending was great I liked seeing Livia and the others fight back against the monsters of their nightmares. The ending also had Livia stand up to a real monster that I loved. I liked how the girl's road trip and the ghost hunters are connected. The flashbacks about the girls forming the club were special. I liked the idea of the Harrower, it made me think of the villain in Stephen King's The Outsider. I like the way Jones wrote the descriptions, I could picture the nightmares he created. The zombie dog was the best-described creature.

What I Disliked: The body count was way too low. It felt like Jones thought about killing some more but couldn't pull the trigger. I think I would have liked the book so much more if I felt more danger. The pace after the intro was way too slow. I liked the flashbacks the most but felt that the order in which we got them was too late. The dad was very terrifying and if I had the flashbacks before the nightmare version of him it would been more impactful. I think it was a mistake to not have the group stay overnight, or at least a day on the highway.

Recommendation: White Line Fever is an interesting premise. It has some truly haunting imagery. The low body count hurt the book by making the audience never feel in danger. I read Black Tide K.C. Jones's debut novel and know he has no problem killing characters. I will barely recommend White Line Fever to my followers. I feel like Jones's writing is getting better and so close to being great. I liked White Line Fever barely over Black Tide. Both books have people trapped in a car for long periods. I would like to see his next book have no one trapped in a car.

Rating: White Line Fever I rated 3.4 out of 5.

~TW/CW: Language, anxiety, cheating, abusive family, toxic relationships, childhood trauma, mental abuse, blood, gory scenes ~

*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
At a passing glance, County Road 951 is an entirely unremarkable stretch of blacktop, a two-lane scar across the Cascade foothills of Central Oregon.But the road is known by another name, coined by those who’ve had to clean up after all those scenic detours went horribly wrong: The Devil’s Driveway.When Livia and her long-time friends take the Driveway as a shortcut to a much-needed weekend getaway, what begins as a morning joyride quickly becomes anything but. Soon, they’re driving for their lives, pursued by a horror beyond anything they ever imagined.The Devil’s Driveway might be only 15 miles long, but with danger at every turn, it will take the four women to the very limits of their friendships and their sanity.And there’s no telling what else lies in wait just beyond the bend.
Release Date: March 18th, 2025
Genre: Thriller/horror
Pages: 368
Rating: ⭐

What I Liked:
1. Writing style was okay

What I Didn't Like:
1. Confusing things happen
2. Didn't care about the characters

Final Thoughts:
This book started out pretty interesting and I was interested what was happening but after like the 5th car accident I started to wean on my excitement of this book. There were action scenes of things happening that really weren't that interesting to me. Some parts even came off as confusing. I didn't find the characters for a likable. I didn't understand the whole going back and forth between the childhood at the junkyard tow truck place. I didn't understand what's happening because I guess I just didn't care about what was happening. The characters were so one-toned you could have replaced four women with one woman and it would have felt the same.

I ended up dnfing this book at page 162 because it just didn't feel like it was going to get any better. I had already lost my interest in it and nothing was happening other than her talking about her dead dog somehow reappearing, which under normal circumstances might be an interesting development but in this book just came off confusing and ridiculous.

There were certain parts in this book where I thought were fascinating such as she grew up with a father who was a cannibal. But when we got those flashbacks they were so small that we ended up just talking about her sneaking out and her dog. Let's flush out her father some more and understand what's going on with that. The author would do this to us. They would give us this gripping thing that happen and egg us on with that information but then pull it away to tell us about something else that was not relevant to what we wanted to hear - something far more boring. In instances like this it would remind me of like a PG-13 horror movie that all the bloody scenes would happen off of frame we were just supposed to use her imagination to know what transpired. It frustrated me because we're in a book you can write about anything at this point don't hide away from the good gross things.

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Thanks to Netgalley and Tor Nightfire for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

White Line Fever opens with a truly eerie, atmospheric scene—a long, dark, seemingly endless highway imbued with ghostly legends and haunted by mysterious apparitions. This "Devil’s Driveway" sets the tone for a narrative that deftly blurs the line between supernatural horror and raw psychological drama.

Right from the start, the author’s skill in building tension is evident. The haunted highway is more than just a setting; it’s a metaphor for the journey through one's darkest memories and hidden fears. The novel uses the ominous landscape as a symbolic crossroads where the characters must confront their inner demons. This motif of the haunted road reflects the broader theme of overcoming trauma—a central thread that binds the narrative.

At the heart of the story is Livia, whose personal road trip turns into a literal and figurative journey toward confronting her painful past. Caught between the oppressive influences of a vile husband and a tyrannical father, Livia finds herself drawn back to the very place that symbolizes her deepest fears. Her struggle—and that of her companions—echoes the universal battle of reclaiming one’s power in the face of overwhelming adversity. Each character’s haunted past is not merely a backdrop but an active force that shapes their paths and decisions throughout the story.

The blend of supernatural elements with real human trauma gives White Line Fever a unique narrative texture. While the eerie, ghostly encounters provide spine-chilling moments, it is the intimate portrayal of the characters’ vulnerabilities and their journey towards self-empowerment that leaves a lasting impact. The narrative avoids relying solely on shock value, instead inviting readers to explore the intricate relationship between fear and resilience.

In White Line Fever, the interplay between a chilling setting and deeply personal stories results in a narrative that is as haunting as it is uplifting. The novel challenges readers to consider the ways in which our pasts continue to shape our present, and how confronting these inner demons is a critical step towards healing and reclaiming our lives. Whether you’re drawn to the supernatural or the deeply human struggle against trauma, this book offers a compelling and thought-provoking read.

A group of friends get trapped on a cursed road - sign me up! Unfortunately, I was never really draw into the story. I felt there were unnecessary details that drew away from the plot, and I had a hard time connecting to the characters. This one just wasn’t for me. Thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read and review this book.

It's not often that I have no idea where to start the review but here I am. I will keep it short and simple. To me, this book was alright not the greatest thing. It took me a bit too long to actually finish and want to finish it.

The thing I enjoyed about this book was the fact that it takes you on quite a journey of horror and childhood trauma. A friends trip takes a wild turn.

Follow them on a trip of revealing darkest secrets to hopefully survive.

Thank you K.C. Jones, Tor Publishing, and NetGalley for sending me and ARC in exchange for an honest review!

It's okay! It's fine!

I thought the premise of a haunted stretch of road sounded interesting, but the snails pace at which the buildup to the scary stuff unfolded made me keep putting the book down, frustrated.

The opening scene was just straight up bad. It does one of those fake-out openings where the POV switches to the actual main character after the first chapter. This can be done in a cool way, but this one is not a successful example. In a way, it's a relief when the chapter ends and we get into the real story.

The main characters were fine, and I thought they actually showed some depth at parts. They all had a fleshed out tragic backstory that affected how they were personally haunted which I think is a fun trope. But...it's been done. In fact, the similarities to Stephen King's "It" where very on the (clown) nose. Here are some examples:

- The alternate character POV for the opening chapter
- Childhood friends, bonded by trauma, reconnected.
- Livia's dad saying "red light, Livia" constantly sounded to me like "Beep, Beep, Ritchie"
- The monster/demon whatever being able to transform into what haunts each character specifically.
- The friend group calling themselves "The Scoundrels" just like "The Losers"

Look, I like King too. He's the master of horror for a reason, but this was a little crazy. I guess if you want a shorter version of IT that takes place on a haunted road, this is the book for you?

This started off strong, then slowly dwindled the further I got. The concept was interesting and creepy and perfect for my tastes. However, I think I was just expecting more and felt that this had so much potential. The writing was strong and descriptive. The storyline and outcome just didn't do this brilliant plot justice. Three stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for this ARC.

4.5 rounded up
When I read Philip Fracassi 's glowing review, I immediately added White Line Fever to my tbr. If the author of one of my favorite horror novels says KC Jones' new book is good, I'm gonna read it.

The insane sense of dread I got from reading this book was intense. Anyone who has done a road trip out west is familiar with desolate two lane roads, no cell service, and no other fools on the road but you! Trying to survive the elements is enough, but throw in some sketchy "wait, did I just see that?" vibes, and you're on your way to White Line Fever!

The dread, the terror, the whispers! So much tension, so many chills! White Line Fever will have you questioning if the shortcut is really worth it. Buckle up for the longest 15 miles ever!

Read this if you like:
• Horror
• Stories set in Oregon
• Books with "It" vibes
• Stories with childhood friends
• Books you shouldn't read before bedtime

4.5 ⭐

Okaaaay! This one was dark and spooky!

It was giving Oculus (movie) vibes, but on a highway. And I'm here for it. I love when in a book (or movie) you have no idea what is real or not. White Line Fever had a lot of it and it was eerie. I am all for a paranormal entity fucking with your reality!

A solid horror book that is fast paced and easy to read.

If you're looking for a book that takes you on a disturbing journey through horror, childhood trauma, and an unrelenting nightmare, White Line Fever is the gripping ride for you. What begins as a seemingly innocent trip with friends quickly spirals into an eerie descent into madness. After turning onto Devil’s Driveway to escape a truck that had been following them, each member of the group is plagued by terrifying hallucinations. They’re forced to confront not only their worst fears but their darkest secrets.

This book truly feels like a nightmare you can’t escape. The kind where you know it’s a nightmare but can’t wake up from it, desperately wishing for relief. While it’s effective in evoking that haunting feeling, it’s not my favorite experience to have in a book, so I’ll rate it a 2.5, rounded up to a 3. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ebook.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Nightfire for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I had a hard time getting into this book. It took me an minute to get into it, but once I did, I thought it was good. I would recommend this book.

I’m still a little torn on this one. White Line Fever is a tense, horror-filled road trip gone horribly wrong, set on the infamous “Devil’s Driveway.” Livia and her friends start off on what should be a fun weekend getaway, but things spiral fast into a fight for survival. The book jumps between their present nightmare and glimpses into their pasts, adding depth to the characters and their friendships.

I enjoyed it for the most part—the reflective narrative and character backstories worked well—but I kept waiting for more chaos on the road itself. It didn’t hit the same level of insanity I was hoping for, especially compared to Black Tide. Still, it’s a solid, well-written thriller with some great tension and character work.

This book got me back into reading fiction again. It is so terrifying to not be able to escape your trauma. However you look at this book it is absolutely terrifying, I like the protagonist as well.
The dog!
Just read it. Trust me. I have been on a non fiction/Chinese drama kick for months and I have read a few books but this one fixed me while it destroyed me.

A suspenseful, well-paced supernatural mystery! It kept me up all night reading. I thought the imagery was very evocative as well, especially for someone who isn't from the Oregon area and wouldn't know off the top of my head what the roads would be like.

A young man is killed on a lonely stretch of road in Oregon. It seems there were entities following him wh.en he took his motorcycle on a ride for a wearing a camera for a couple of his buddies and their supernatural podcast. Now there are four young woment who take this road as a detour since there is a traffic tie-up on the highway.

Told in two timelines, with memories of trauma for each of the four in the present and in their shared past. The road seems to be able to make everyone remember traumatic times from their childhood and things that put them in danger.. Hallucinations for each of the women, although not at the same time, make all of them wonder what is happening. They run into the friends who were filming when the young man was killed and use their vehicle to try to make their way to the end of the road after during a hallucination, their car was undrivable.

Now the group is trying to get off this road and just survive. The ghosts/apparitions made the 15 mile drive horrendous, but not murderously so.

I enjoy thrillers and I thought this book would be a thriller. It is not IMHO. This is more of a horror book that kind of horrorred itself out midway. The ending did put everything in perspective.

The opening of White Line Fever only hints at the dangers of Country Road 951 (also known as The Devil’s Driveway), but that brief motorcycle ride was more than enough to pull me in for the real story of Livia and her friends. This is an intense and thrilling adventure. And while definitely not perfect, I certainly enjoyed the ride. But in the future I’ll definitely be avoiding shortcuts I’m not familiar with, lol. I’d like to thank Tor Publishing Group | Tor Nightfire and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of White Line Fever.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R3MR6ISPPK4B2D/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv