Stephen Graham Jones continues to grace us with fantastic new novels and stories which is no different with Killer on the Road which he coupled with The Babysitter Lives in the brand new Saga Doubles. This double feature release thrilling science fiction horror tales with imaginative worlds, gripping mysteries, and unforgettable characters in a beautiful package.

The double feature format of Killer on the Road / The Babysitter Lives is absolutely fantastic. While the gorgeous cover immediately drew me in, the author is why I stayed. Having originally been released only in an audio format, it was exciting to see The Babysitter Lives finally in print and the inclusion of Killer on the Road in this collection just added to the experience. The thoughtful formatting, design, and overall presentation created a truly complete and immersive experience–a complete package.

Killer on the Road: Sixteen-year-old Harper has decided to run away from home after she has another blow-out argument with her mother. However, her two best friends, little sister, and ex-boyfriend all stop her from hitchhiking her way up Route 80 in Wyoming by joining her on an intervention disguised as a road trip. What they don’t realize is that Harper has been marked by a very unique serial killer who’s been trolling the highway for the past three years, and now the killer is after all of them in this fast-paced and deadly chase novel that will have your heart racing well above the speed limit as the interstate becomes a graveyard.

The Babysitter Lives: When high school senior Charlotte agrees to babysit the Wilbanks twins, she plans to put the six-year-olds to bed early and spend a quiet night studying: the SATs are tomorrow, and checking the Native American/Alaskan Native box on all the forms won’t help if she chokes on test day. But tomorrow is also Halloween, and the twins are eager to show off their costumes.

Charlotte’s last babysitting gig almost ended in tragedy when her young charge sleepwalked unnoticed into the middle of the street, only to be found unharmed by Charlotte’s mother. Charlotte vows to be extra careful this time. But the house is filled with mysterious noises and secrets that only the twins understand, echoes of horrors that Charlotte gradually realizes took place in the house eleven years ago. Soon Charlotte has to admit that every babysitter’s worse nightmare has come true: they’re not alone in the house.

Stephen Graham Jones presents us with two different stories featuring teenage girl narrators, each bringing a completely distinct perspective. The Killer on the Road introduces a rebellious girl with nothing to lose and no clear future—a character teetering on the edge of danger. On the other hand, The Babysitter Lives centers on a more grounded, college-bound rule follower with a sense of responsibility. Though their personalities and outlooks couldn't be more different, both girls find themselves ensnared in terrifying situations.

While Killer on the Road delivers a high-octane, action-packed story infused with the terror of a hitchhiking serial killer, The Babysitter Lives offers a contrasting experience. It’s a quieter, slow-building haunted house tale that gradually intensifies with suspense–while still as terrifying. Although Killer on the Road is undeniably frightening, The Babysitter Lives distinguishes itself by being deeply unsettling and profoundly chilling.

Both tales feel like they belong in a collection such as a Saga Double feature. While they share a thin thread of connection through the narration, each story offers something distinct and unique. This combination delivers a thrilling and terrifying reading experience.

My eARC was only of The Babysitter Lives. I found the story to be interesting but definitely didn’t need to be as long as it was. It was creepy and definitely kept me on my toes. Kind of reminded me of when a stranger calls. I would have loved to have read The Killer on the Road.

Thank you NetGalley, Stephen and Saga Press for the eARC!

Publication Date: July 15 2025
Rating: 👻👻👻

#SGJDouble #NetGalley

Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this -- unfortunately, the copy I had only had the first story, The babysitter lives.
So in the beginning I was so creeped out that I had to find a way to drop everything and finish it, because I needed to know what happened. The story was so tense and creepy, as the babysitter is trying to figure out what is happening and whether the house is haunted. Then, unfortunately, it just got boring, about halfway through, and it felt repetitive. Reading the author's thoughts about writing this, in the notes, there are probably plenty of horror fans who will enjoy the end, but I was unsatisfied.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

1.5 stars, mixture of story and package. This is the ARC copy I had, but KILLER ON THE ROAD was not included in my copy. I have no idea if this was on purpose, in error or what. Bad show, though.

So, as to THE BABYSITTER LIVES, which is a reissue -

Charlotte is a high school senior of Native American descent (which causes some interesting moments when one of her small charges dresses as an “Indian girl” for Halloween.) and she is going to spend the night before the holiday babysitting Desiree and Ronald Wilbanks, two precocious six year old twins. The SATs are the next day so Charlotte's plan is to get the kids to bed early and then to get in some last minute studying, with maybe a quick visit from her girlfriend. It’s her first night with the Wilbanks family so she isn’t sure what to expect.

Well, I’ll bet it wasn’t that the Wilbanks house was a murder house where two young twins were killed years ago. Charlotte, Des and Ronald are not alone this evening and things are about to turn ugly.

So….it took awhile for Steven Graham Jones to reach his full potential (this is the second reissue of a repackaged SGJ I’ve read recently.). This story had potential but was entirely too long and too focused on the structure of the home (it was also incredibly depressing, but that likely appeals to some people.) I admired Charlotte but really didn’t care for the story and I’m quite annoyed with the publisher for sending this out without the second story, so I knocked off a half star for that. Not for me.

This is a new special edition that comes out in July.
I admit, I listened to The Babysitter lives on audio, it was... super terrifying. A killer on the road was new to me and it was also really good, and scary.
If you are a Stephen Graham Jones fan, this book is one that will need to be on your shelf!

Both Charlotte and Harper are great main characters-SGJ is probably the only male author I can think of who *Really* writes women well. While there are a lot of male authors who write women respectfully etc, SGJ somehow - provides details that always make me really believe in the character- it's unique - and I'm here for it! For me, I entirely related to Charlotte, with the weird adults she has to babysit for, the anxiety of kids that aren't yours coming to possible harm, and the general creepiness of an unknown home at night. She's the perfect final girl of course. Harper is less relatable, but still believable. I enjoyed both stories and I can't wait to get this on my shelf!

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the Advance reader copy.

** ONLY reviewing The Babysitter Lives because this eARC did not include Killer on the Road **

Previously only available on audio, The Babysitter Lives is a claustrophobic, mind blowing haunted house story. In short, Charlotte, a high school senior studying for her SATs, agrees to babysit the Wilbanks twins. Seems easy right? Put the kids to bed and have quiet study time. Well, things don't exactly go to plan ...

This story is smart, visceral and simply strange. SGJ uses imagery as a weapon he is not afraid to use. It made me cringe. It made me yell. I loved being able to read it for the first time, having only heard the audio before now. Thank you so much to Saga Press Books and NetGalley for the ARC. You can check this out when it publishes July 15, 2025, as a Saga Double, paired with Killer on the Road. You just have to have this one guys.

Killer on the Road / Babysitter Lives by Stephen Graham Jones delivers two unsettling and suspenseful tales that showcase his signature style of blending horror with psychological tension. Killer on the Road is a chilling, atmospheric story of a relentless, almost supernatural menace, while Babysitter Lives taps into urban legends and home invasion fears with eerie precision. Both stories are gripping, eerie, and perfect for fans of slow-burning dread.

I like the fact that there's two books in one.
However, these stories fell flat for me. I had a hard time getting through them but wanted to finish. It just wasn't for me.