A Haunting Honeymoon: A Review of Murder Road by Simone St. James
As someone who has always been captivated by the eerie intersection of romance and the supernatural, I was drawn to Simone St. James’ Murder Road not just for its ominous premise but also for the promise of nostalgia that beckons to those of us who thrived in the 90s. When I saw the cover, it whisked me back to long, cozy nights spending hours immersed in ghost stories, and I couldn’t resist the allure of a tale that echoed that haunting, haunting nostalgia. Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley, and Simone St. James for an ARC of this enthralling read!
Set against the backdrop of enchanting Michigan, the summer of ’97 is supposed to be the perfect time for newlyweds April and Eddie to unwind by the lake. But, as fate would have it—because what’s a suspenseful thriller without a twist?—their trip takes a sinister turn on a dark, secluded road known as Atticus Line. Encountering a blood-soaked hitchhiker named Rhonda Jean, their lives spiral into a whirlwind of murder and mystery. I found myself immediately engrossed in this blend of a classic whodunit and ghostly intrigue, reminiscent of those spine-tingling R.L. Stine novels of my youth.
What truly stood out to me in Murder Road was St. James’ ability to craft atmosphere. Some authors can throw in a reference to a bygone era and call it a day, but St. James expertly stitches 90s culture and ambiance into her prose seamlessly. Each page is draped in nostalgic elements—music, news stories, even the general sense of innocence that permeated the time—evoking that blissful yet eerie vibe. The lyrics from Dead Man’s Road capture this perfectly: "Didn’t recognize him on the dead man’s road." This resonated deeply, offering a haunting echo that lingers long after you’ve put the book down.
Equally compelling was the dynamic between Eddie and April, who are not just in any simple chase for the truth but are navigating the complex terrain of their new marriage amid rising tension and dark revelations. Their relationship felt genuine and relatable, with moments of tenderness that provided a much-needed counterbalance to the sinister events unfolding around them. Not to mention, supporting characters like the B&B owner, Rose, and the enthusiastic Snell Sisters added layers of depth and intrigue as they dove into the local lore of lost souls.
St. James strikes a fantastic balance between suspense and the uncanny. The pacing was brisk without sacrificing character development or atmosphere, ensuring I was holding my breath right up until the last page. While I did find some plot twists to be somewhat predictable, the intricate ramping up of tension was palpable and left me eagerly guessing what would happen next.
If you’re a fan of thrillers that interweave elements of the paranormal with engaging storytelling, Murder Road is a must-read. It’s rich with nostalgia while delivering a spine-chilling narrative that explores the intersections of love, loss, and revenge. As I closed the book, I couldn’t help but feel that euphoric rush of satisfaction you only get when you discover something truly delightful—a feeling that has me eagerly anticipating St. James’ next chilling adventure. But let me reiterate: don’t pick up hitchhikers, unless the call is coming from a different realm!
This tale landed a solid 4 stars for me—a haunting, enjoyable ride for any ghost story enthusiast.