Review: Murder Road by Simone St. James: A Haunting Thriller That Stirs and Startles

Simone St. James is no stranger to the eerie and the supernatural. Known for weaving ghostly apparitions into psychological thrillers, she has captivated readers with works like The Broken Girls" and "The Sun Down Motel". With "Murder Road", she ventures into the world of haunted highways and small-town secrets, blending horror, mystery, and suspense into an evocative narrative. But does it live up to its predecessors? Is it worth the thrill-seeker’s time? Let’s unravel this ghostly tale.

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The Plot: 

The book follows newlyweds April and Eddie as they embark on their honeymoon in the summer of 1995. A wrong turn lands them on the infamous Atticus Line, a desolate stretch of road where strange occurrences have long been whispered about in hushed tones. When they pick up a bloodied hitchhiker, their romantic getaway spirals into a nightmare.

What starts as an act of kindness leads them into the sinister depths of Coldlake Falls, a town rife with secrets and unsolved murders. As April and Eddie begin to uncover the dark history of the Atticus Line, they realize they are not merely witnesses but potential victims. With their own pasts haunting them as much as the present dangers, survival becomes a race against time.

Atmosphere & Setting: A Masterclass in Tension

One of "Murder Road"’s strongest aspects is its sense of place. St. James crafts an environment that feels as much a character as the people inhabiting it. The lonely, foreboding stretch of Atticus Line exudes an air of dread that lingers, making readers feel as if they, too, are trapped in its chilling grasp.

Coldlake Falls is painted in shades of decay and deception, a town frozen in its unresolved past. The absence of modern technology—the mid-'90s setting—adds to the claustrophobia, forcing characters to rely on wit, instinct, and unreliable human interactions rather than a quick call for help. The nostalgia for a pre-digital era, mixed with the looming presence of something otherworldly, works brilliantly.

Character Depth: Strong Yet Divisive

April and Eddie are an intriguing couple. Their rushed marriage adds an underlying tension to their dynamic, making their interactions more layered. April is particularly compelling; her blend of resilience and vulnerability makes her a protagonist readers can root for. Eddie, on the other hand, can feel somewhat less fleshed out in comparison.

The townsfolk of Coldlake Falls add texture to the narrative—some with genuine intrigue, others veering into trope territory. The motel owner who “knows something but won’t say,” the local sheriff with a mysterious past, and the town’s aging historian all add their own shadows to the story. Yet, at times, they feel more like puzzle pieces than fully realized individuals.

Pacing & Plot Execution: A Mixed Bag

"Murder Road" starts off with a bang. The initial tension is palpable, with just the right balance of horror and intrigue. However, around the middle, the pacing wavers. Some revelations feel repetitive, and a few chapters stretch moments that could have been delivered with more impact. The final third, however, redeems itself with a gripping, edge-of-your-seat climax.

A slight issue is predictability. St. James is a seasoned thriller writer, but for those familiar with her previous works, some twists may not be as surprising. The supernatural element, while well-executed, sometimes takes a backseat to procedural elements, leaving horror fans wanting more ghostly scares.

The Writing Style 

St. James excels in her prose. Her writing is immersive, cinematic, and richly descriptive without being excessive. She knows how to create tension, drop eerie breadcrumbs, and lure readers into her haunted worlds.

As a reader, the experience is akin to walking a fine line between exhilaration and dread. You want to turn the page, yet you hesitate, bracing for the next twist. That’s the mark of a solid thriller.

The Critique: What Holds It Back?

While "Murder Road" is undeniably gripping, it isn’t without flaws.

1. Character Development: Some secondary characters could have been explored further, especially Eddie. His role in the climax is crucial, yet he sometimes feels overshadowed by the setting and events rather than growing organically within them.

2. Mid-Book Lag: The pacing in the middle section sags slightly, making some passages feel repetitive.

3. Supernatural vs. Thriller Balance: Readers seeking a full-fledged ghost story might feel the supernatural elements are underplayed compared to the investigative side of the story.

Is It Worth Your Time?

Absolutely—if you enjoy atmospheric thrillers with a supernatural edge. "Murder Road" is an engaging ride, perfect for fans of eerie, slow-burning mysteries. It’s not a flawless read, but its strengths in tension-building, setting, and compelling lead characters make up for its minor shortcomings.

Would I rate it 4/5? No. A solid 4/5 feels fair. It’s haunting, well-crafted, and memorable, but not groundbreaking. Still, it’s a journey worth taking—just make sure you don’t