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Dark Roads
The Cold Creek Highway stretches close to five hundred miles through British Columbia’s rugged wilderness to the west coast. Isolated and vast, it has become a prime hunting ground for predators. For decades, young women traveling the road have gone missing. Motorists and hitchhikers, those passing through or living in one of the small towns scattered along the region, have fallen prey time and again. And no killer or abductor who has stalked the highway has ever been brought to justice.
Hailey McBride calls Cold Creek home. Her father taught her to respect nature, how to live and survive off the land, and to never travel the highway alone. Now he’s gone, leaving her a teenage orphan in the care of her aunt whose police officer husband uses his badge as a means to bully and control Hailey. Overwhelmed by grief and forbidden to work, socialize, or date, Hailey vanishes into the mountainous terrain, hoping everyone will believe she’s left town. Rumors spread that she was taken by the highway killer—who’s claimed another victim over the summer.
One year later, Beth Chevalier arrives in Cold Creek, where her sister Amber lived—and where she was murdered. Estranged from her parents and seeking closure, Beth takes a waitressing job at the local diner, just as Amber did, desperate to understand what happened to her and why. But Beth’s search for answers puts a target on her back—and threatens to reveal the truth behind Hailey’s disappearance…
Hailey McBride calls Cold Creek home. Her father taught her to respect nature, how to live and survive off the land, and to never travel the highway alone. Now he’s gone, leaving her a teenage orphan in the care of her aunt whose police officer husband uses his badge as a means to bully and control Hailey. Overwhelmed by grief and forbidden to work, socialize, or date, Hailey vanishes into the mountainous terrain, hoping everyone will believe she’s left town. Rumors spread that she was taken by the highway killer—who’s claimed another victim over the summer.
One year later, Beth Chevalier arrives in Cold Creek, where her sister Amber lived—and where she was murdered. Estranged from her parents and seeking closure, Beth takes a waitressing job at the local diner, just as Amber did, desperate to understand what happened to her and why. But Beth’s search for answers puts a target on her back—and threatens to reveal the truth behind Hailey’s disappearance…
375 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2021
About the author
Chevy Stevens
10 books9,897 followersCHEVY STEVENS lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and daughter. When she’s not working on her next book, she’s hiking with her two dogs on her favorite mountain trails and spending time with her family. Chevy's current obsessions are vintage airstreams, Hollywood memoirs, and all things mid-century modern.
Chevy's debut novel, STILL MISSING, was a New York Times bestseller and won the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel. Her books, including THOSE GIRLS which Stephen King called "incredibly scary" have been published in more than thirty countries. Her seventh novel, DARK ROADS, is now available. Please visit her at www.ChevyStevens.com.
REVIEW POLICY: I only rate books I really love. This is a way for me to share my favourites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,544 reviews
April 18, 2021
This was the hardest book I've ever written and the one I am most proud of because it took me the longest to find. Plus, I love Wolf, and if there is ever a movie made, I can't wait to meet him in real life. Paws crossed.
July 12, 2021
Unpopular Opinion Below
I thought Dark Roads was going to be a dark, psychological thriller about a serial killer. While there are some thriller-like moments, this book missed the mark. It has a YA feel, with some intense and suspenseful moments mixed in.
Divided into three parts, part one focuses on Hailey. Hailey’s story starts off strong. 17 years old and mourning the tragic loss of her father, she is now living with her aunt and her creepy, pervy uncle, Vaughn, who is an aggressive predator, and Hailey is his prey. Since Vaughn is a cop, there is little Hailey can do to protect herself except run away. What ensues is a long-drawn-out survival story until Hailey mysteriously disappears (I was glad to see her go).
Part Two focuses on Beth. Amber, who is Hailey’s first love, is murdered after Hailey disappears. Now in town to find out what happened to her sister, Beth finds herself spiraling into danger.
Part Three involves spoilers, so I am not sharing. This is the strongest part of the book, but it took too long to reach this point. This is where the action happens, and events finally come together. There is a decent twist and a satisfying conclusion.
Long and boring, this book dragged and dragged--honestly, I thought this book would never end. The narrative switches between Hailey and Beth. There was something about Hailey’s voice that grated on my nerves. Beth was more tolerable, but she wasn’t much better than Hailey. The epilogue was cringe-worthy, transitions were awkward, and, at times, I had to suspend my disbelief.
There is one brilliant character who kept me reading, Wolf ( who is a stray dog). Without Wolf, I wouldn’t have finished this book!
Most readers have loved this book, so ignore my review and judge for yourself!
Trigger warning: Sexual assault and violence
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I thought Dark Roads was going to be a dark, psychological thriller about a serial killer. While there are some thriller-like moments, this book missed the mark. It has a YA feel, with some intense and suspenseful moments mixed in.
Divided into three parts, part one focuses on Hailey. Hailey’s story starts off strong. 17 years old and mourning the tragic loss of her father, she is now living with her aunt and her creepy, pervy uncle, Vaughn, who is an aggressive predator, and Hailey is his prey. Since Vaughn is a cop, there is little Hailey can do to protect herself except run away. What ensues is a long-drawn-out survival story until Hailey mysteriously disappears (I was glad to see her go).
Part Two focuses on Beth. Amber, who is Hailey’s first love, is murdered after Hailey disappears. Now in town to find out what happened to her sister, Beth finds herself spiraling into danger.
Part Three involves spoilers, so I am not sharing. This is the strongest part of the book, but it took too long to reach this point. This is where the action happens, and events finally come together. There is a decent twist and a satisfying conclusion.
Long and boring, this book dragged and dragged--honestly, I thought this book would never end. The narrative switches between Hailey and Beth. There was something about Hailey’s voice that grated on my nerves. Beth was more tolerable, but she wasn’t much better than Hailey. The epilogue was cringe-worthy, transitions were awkward, and, at times, I had to suspend my disbelief.
There is one brilliant character who kept me reading, Wolf ( who is a stray dog). Without Wolf, I wouldn’t have finished this book!
Most readers have loved this book, so ignore my review and judge for yourself!
Trigger warning: Sexual assault and violence
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2024
Whoa! Ms. Stevens did it again! I’m an emotional mess!
This is a foreboding, dark, depressing, claustrophobic, and disturbing story narrated by two unforgettable, traumatized, and struggling young girls.
Some stories leave a mark on your soul, and this is definitely one of them. The prologue and epilogue alone will wrench your heart, captivate your soul, and bring you to tears. It’s sad, real, harsh, and ugly. It’s utterly soul-crushing.
Cold Creek Highway feels like a haunted place where young girls become prey for a ruthless serial killer. Hitchhiking or being alone at night is like inviting danger—it’s chilling!
Most of the victims have already been forgotten; only their faded missing posters remain, hung around town until they’re torn down and replaced by another girl’s photo.
In the first half of the book, Hailey McBride tells her story: she recently lost her father in a car accident. Her mother died years before, and her father had been her best friend, her partner in crime—the only family she knew. Now, she’s trying to adapt to life with her aunt Lara, whom she loves, along with her niece. But Lara’s husband, Vaughn, is determined to make her life miserable with his overbearing, controlling ways, practically imprisoning her. Then Hailey discovers something in his study that makes her realize she’s in danger, and she needs to disappear to save herself.
Hailey has to leave behind her best friend Jonny and her boyfriend, Amber, who works at the local diner. She believes her outdoor skills will allow her to survive in the Cold Creek wilderness, so she stages her own disappearance, hoping everyone will believe she’s the latest victim of the highway killer. This way, she can live in the woods until she turns 18, at which point Vaughn will no longer have any control over her life.
With her wolf companion, she’s doing fine—until she finds a body in a ditch.
At this point, the second narrator enters: Beth Chevalier, Amber’s responsible, law-student sister, who moves to the town in search of answers. Grieving and desperate for justice, Beth is determined to uncover her sister’s killer by befriending the townspeople, digging up their secrets, and putting herself at risk. As she does, the responsible, “good” daughter transforms, spiraling into a fragile state, popping pills like candy, and eventually forming an intense relationship with Jonny. Her path eventually crosses with Hailey’s.
My thoughts:
The character development in this book is impeccable. You can easily empathize with both girls, despite their differences. Hailey is rebellious, independent, a tough biker with a stubborn streak, while Beth is consumed by guilt, self-destructive, compassionate, and intelligent, always putting others first.
Though the story progression was slow at times, I still enjoyed the rich backstories that allowed me to connect deeply with the characters and understand their motives.
The reveal of the serial killer’s identity was unexpected, and the last third of the book was a rollercoaster! After the slow buildup, the tension skyrocketed, keeping me on the edge of my seat and giving me an adrenaline rush.
The villains are incredibly well-crafted—I haven’t hated a character as much as I hated Vaughn in a long time! He’s despicable, disgusting, and shameless. You’ll find yourself imagining countless ways to make him pay!
Overall: This is an intense, thought-provoking, well-developed, and captivating read. Don’t miss this one!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
This is a foreboding, dark, depressing, claustrophobic, and disturbing story narrated by two unforgettable, traumatized, and struggling young girls.
Some stories leave a mark on your soul, and this is definitely one of them. The prologue and epilogue alone will wrench your heart, captivate your soul, and bring you to tears. It’s sad, real, harsh, and ugly. It’s utterly soul-crushing.
Cold Creek Highway feels like a haunted place where young girls become prey for a ruthless serial killer. Hitchhiking or being alone at night is like inviting danger—it’s chilling!
Most of the victims have already been forgotten; only their faded missing posters remain, hung around town until they’re torn down and replaced by another girl’s photo.
In the first half of the book, Hailey McBride tells her story: she recently lost her father in a car accident. Her mother died years before, and her father had been her best friend, her partner in crime—the only family she knew. Now, she’s trying to adapt to life with her aunt Lara, whom she loves, along with her niece. But Lara’s husband, Vaughn, is determined to make her life miserable with his overbearing, controlling ways, practically imprisoning her. Then Hailey discovers something in his study that makes her realize she’s in danger, and she needs to disappear to save herself.
Hailey has to leave behind her best friend Jonny and her boyfriend, Amber, who works at the local diner. She believes her outdoor skills will allow her to survive in the Cold Creek wilderness, so she stages her own disappearance, hoping everyone will believe she’s the latest victim of the highway killer. This way, she can live in the woods until she turns 18, at which point Vaughn will no longer have any control over her life.
With her wolf companion, she’s doing fine—until she finds a body in a ditch.
At this point, the second narrator enters: Beth Chevalier, Amber’s responsible, law-student sister, who moves to the town in search of answers. Grieving and desperate for justice, Beth is determined to uncover her sister’s killer by befriending the townspeople, digging up their secrets, and putting herself at risk. As she does, the responsible, “good” daughter transforms, spiraling into a fragile state, popping pills like candy, and eventually forming an intense relationship with Jonny. Her path eventually crosses with Hailey’s.
My thoughts:
The character development in this book is impeccable. You can easily empathize with both girls, despite their differences. Hailey is rebellious, independent, a tough biker with a stubborn streak, while Beth is consumed by guilt, self-destructive, compassionate, and intelligent, always putting others first.
Though the story progression was slow at times, I still enjoyed the rich backstories that allowed me to connect deeply with the characters and understand their motives.
The reveal of the serial killer’s identity was unexpected, and the last third of the book was a rollercoaster! After the slow buildup, the tension skyrocketed, keeping me on the edge of my seat and giving me an adrenaline rush.
The villains are incredibly well-crafted—I haven’t hated a character as much as I hated Vaughn in a long time! He’s despicable, disgusting, and shameless. You’ll find yourself imagining countless ways to make him pay!
Overall: This is an intense, thought-provoking, well-developed, and captivating read. Don’t miss this one!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
December 30, 2023
Dark Roads follows the story of Hailey and Beth. Hailey has recently lost her father and finds herself living with her aunt who is newly married to Vaughn, the local police officer who gives everyone problems. Hailey wants to dig up some dirt on Vaughn, but what she finds might be more than she bargained for.
A year later, Beth arrives in town searching for answers surrounding her sister's death. Will Beth find the answers that she is looking for?
Dark Roads is a decently entertaining thriller that should have been about half of its length. Also, there was way too much talk about dirt bikes which was brought up a whopping 63 times in this book. The writing seemed a bit off at times meaning there were some sections that weren't even clear what had happened. That being said, Dark Roads had strong female characters, and I enjoyed that it didn't go down the typical romance path. The author was great, but this book would have benefited from a different editor.
Overall, a fairly decent thriller which was page turning at moments but the writing needs to be cleaned up a bit more.
*Thank you, NetGalley, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
2024 Reading Schedule
Jan Middlemarch
Feb The Grapes of Wrath
Mar Oliver Twist
Apr Madame Bovary
May A Clockwork Orange
Jun Possession
Jul The Folk of the Faraway Tree Collection
Aug Crime and Punishment
Sep Heart of Darkness
Oct Moby-Dick
Nov Far From the Madding Crowd
Dec A Tale of Two Cities
Connect With Me!
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A year later, Beth arrives in town searching for answers surrounding her sister's death. Will Beth find the answers that she is looking for?
Dark Roads is a decently entertaining thriller that should have been about half of its length. Also, there was way too much talk about dirt bikes which was brought up a whopping 63 times in this book. The writing seemed a bit off at times meaning there were some sections that weren't even clear what had happened. That being said, Dark Roads had strong female characters, and I enjoyed that it didn't go down the typical romance path. The author was great, but this book would have benefited from a different editor.
Overall, a fairly decent thriller which was page turning at moments but the writing needs to be cleaned up a bit more.
*Thank you, NetGalley, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
2024 Reading Schedule
Jan Middlemarch
Feb The Grapes of Wrath
Mar Oliver Twist
Apr Madame Bovary
May A Clockwork Orange
Jun Possession
Jul The Folk of the Faraway Tree Collection
Aug Crime and Punishment
Sep Heart of Darkness
Oct Moby-Dick
Nov Far From the Madding Crowd
Dec A Tale of Two Cities
Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta
August 3, 2021
Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens
Narrated by Angela Dawe; Brittany Pressley; Isabella Star LaBlanc
For decades, women have gone missing from or have been found murdered along the fictional Cold Creek Highway, in British Columbia. Five hundred desolate miles of highway where women hitchhikers and drivers with broken down vehicles have been preyed upon and the killer or killers never found. The story begins as we get to experience the brutal death of one of the victims, just another anonymous battered soul to roam the scene of unspeakable violence.
We then meet seventeen year old Hailey, having recently lost her only living parent and now living with her aunt and her despicable, cruel, cop step-uncle, Vaugh. Everyone is scared of Vaugh, as he throws his weight around town and Vaugh has his sights set on Hailey, never letting her have a moment to herself, actively doing his best to instill fear in her that there is nothing she can do or say that he won't know. Hailey longs for the past days with her father, who taught her to love the wilderness and all the survival skills she would ever need, as they had enjoyed time in the wilderness surrounding their town.
Vaugh hates Hailey's longtime friendship with Johnny, her best friend, and her newfound friendship with Amber, a waitress at the local diner. When Hailey finds evidence that Vaugh could be behind a lot of the bad that has gone on in the area, she fears for her life and flees to the hills. Townsfolk think that the serial killer has gotten Hailey although she had just wanted people to think she had run away. But maybe it's better this way, because Hailey thrives on her freedom, with a stray dog she names Wolf, a dog who adopted her and is her savior in so many ways.
A year after Hailey disappears, during which time Amber has been murdered in the manner of so many other young women, Amber's sister, Beth, comes to town, filled with a grief so overpowering that she's dropped out of college and lost her internship. Beth plants herself in the midst of danger, calling attention to herself as the sister of Amber and as someone who is going to ask questions and dig into secrets. It doesn't help that Beth gets through her days and nights by medicating herself with alcohol and prescription meds. There is little to protect her from bad cops and murderous predators.
This story, seen mostly from the perspective of Hailey and Beth, got under my skin. The sense of danger and that one wrong move could mean either one of them could be squashed by either the public monster, Vaugh, or the unknown killer, with one misstep, is constant. When violence does happen, more than once, it's shown in all it's horrible, painful, brutality. There are people who seem to care, such as Johnny, but can he and others be trusted? It's as if there is a huge black cloud over the area and it's got the law behind it, with nowhere to go to find an escape from the evil and death that is coming.
I wanted so much to be able to help Hailey and Beth but had to watch from the sidelines as darkness marched closer and closer. The bright spot in all of this is the dog Wolf, ever faithful, so very smart, the best friend a human could ever want. I'm so thankful to the author for taking care of Wolf and not allowing him to just be a plot device to move the story further along.
The narration of this story was excellent. The voices of the young women fit the story so well and conveyed all the emotions of what was happening in the lives of these women.
Publication: August 3, 2021
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the digital and audio ARCs.
Narrated by Angela Dawe; Brittany Pressley; Isabella Star LaBlanc
For decades, women have gone missing from or have been found murdered along the fictional Cold Creek Highway, in British Columbia. Five hundred desolate miles of highway where women hitchhikers and drivers with broken down vehicles have been preyed upon and the killer or killers never found. The story begins as we get to experience the brutal death of one of the victims, just another anonymous battered soul to roam the scene of unspeakable violence.
We then meet seventeen year old Hailey, having recently lost her only living parent and now living with her aunt and her despicable, cruel, cop step-uncle, Vaugh. Everyone is scared of Vaugh, as he throws his weight around town and Vaugh has his sights set on Hailey, never letting her have a moment to herself, actively doing his best to instill fear in her that there is nothing she can do or say that he won't know. Hailey longs for the past days with her father, who taught her to love the wilderness and all the survival skills she would ever need, as they had enjoyed time in the wilderness surrounding their town.
Vaugh hates Hailey's longtime friendship with Johnny, her best friend, and her newfound friendship with Amber, a waitress at the local diner. When Hailey finds evidence that Vaugh could be behind a lot of the bad that has gone on in the area, she fears for her life and flees to the hills. Townsfolk think that the serial killer has gotten Hailey although she had just wanted people to think she had run away. But maybe it's better this way, because Hailey thrives on her freedom, with a stray dog she names Wolf, a dog who adopted her and is her savior in so many ways.
A year after Hailey disappears, during which time Amber has been murdered in the manner of so many other young women, Amber's sister, Beth, comes to town, filled with a grief so overpowering that she's dropped out of college and lost her internship. Beth plants herself in the midst of danger, calling attention to herself as the sister of Amber and as someone who is going to ask questions and dig into secrets. It doesn't help that Beth gets through her days and nights by medicating herself with alcohol and prescription meds. There is little to protect her from bad cops and murderous predators.
This story, seen mostly from the perspective of Hailey and Beth, got under my skin. The sense of danger and that one wrong move could mean either one of them could be squashed by either the public monster, Vaugh, or the unknown killer, with one misstep, is constant. When violence does happen, more than once, it's shown in all it's horrible, painful, brutality. There are people who seem to care, such as Johnny, but can he and others be trusted? It's as if there is a huge black cloud over the area and it's got the law behind it, with nowhere to go to find an escape from the evil and death that is coming.
I wanted so much to be able to help Hailey and Beth but had to watch from the sidelines as darkness marched closer and closer. The bright spot in all of this is the dog Wolf, ever faithful, so very smart, the best friend a human could ever want. I'm so thankful to the author for taking care of Wolf and not allowing him to just be a plot device to move the story further along.
The narration of this story was excellent. The voices of the young women fit the story so well and conveyed all the emotions of what was happening in the lives of these women.
Publication: August 3, 2021
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the digital and audio ARCs.
June 2, 2023
Right from that intriguing prologue (Yikes! Ghosts!) to the epilogue (Yikes Again! More ghosts!) - I was hooked!
This story should more than persuade everyone not to hitchhike, especially out on remote country roads!
This is a very well-written thriller: great world and character building. Hailey, Amber, Beth and Jonny were awesome! (Hailey's relationship with her dad - just ... sniffle!) Vaughan was a horrible, scary creeper and no, I did not guess who the villain was!
There are a few graphic descriptions of violence and I had to take breaks, particularly towards the end. I usually tend to skim over these types of extremely violent, bloody scenes, but such is the caliber of this author's writing style that I was glued to each page, even while I was shuddering and wincing with each blow. (And to think, I used to devour overly graphic serial killer thrillers by the dozen in my bygone youth!)
On my second foray through this action-packed story, the atmosphere of suspense and dread kept me glued to my tablet as I listened to the audiobook - which was very well performed. (See my review for the audiobook below.) I am finding that I enjoy listening to thrillers- it adds another dimension to the action.
For those brave readers who devour these dark thrillers like bonbons, enjoy: this was a very good one! Chevy Stevens (one of my favourite authors now) always puts her characters through hell! Such brave young troopers!
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ebook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
HERE IS MY NETGALLEY REVIEW FOR THE AUDIOBOOK VERSION:
I have come to prefer listening to thrillers: when the narrator is good -and all three narrators did an excellent job in Chevy Stevens' Dark Roads audiobook - it feels as if you are "listening to a movie."
I really enjoyed the ebook back when it came out. Stevens is a gifted writer and can expertly manipulate a reader's emotions with her words. The sense of unremitting dread and fear whenever Vaughan came into a scene! I'm a pacifist and even I wanted to swat him with a heavy object! Bad, Bad Man!!!
I loved spending time with Hailey, Jonny, Amber and Beth - again! I didn't realize how much I was missing them until I started listening to this audiobook. Even though I had read the ebook, I could not stop listening to this very well dramatized audiobook.
(For those, like me, who are squeamish when it comes to violence, the speed setting is a fabulous option. I would double the speed sometimes during those scenes! )
I also listened to the excellent audiobook for this author's earlier book, That Night. When I saw that the audiobook for Dark Roads was available, I jumped at the chance to listen it, based on my experience with That Night. (My thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this advance audiobook in exchange for an honest review.)
I highly, highly recommend the Dark Roads audiobook! All the stars for this thrilling ride!
On Sale now: August 3rd, 2021!
This story should more than persuade everyone not to hitchhike, especially out on remote country roads!
This is a very well-written thriller: great world and character building. Hailey, Amber, Beth and Jonny were awesome! (Hailey's relationship with her dad - just ... sniffle!) Vaughan was a horrible, scary creeper and no, I did not guess who the villain was!
There are a few graphic descriptions of violence and I had to take breaks, particularly towards the end. I usually tend to skim over these types of extremely violent, bloody scenes, but such is the caliber of this author's writing style that I was glued to each page, even while I was shuddering and wincing with each blow. (And to think, I used to devour overly graphic serial killer thrillers by the dozen in my bygone youth!)
On my second foray through this action-packed story, the atmosphere of suspense and dread kept me glued to my tablet as I listened to the audiobook - which was very well performed. (See my review for the audiobook below.) I am finding that I enjoy listening to thrillers- it adds another dimension to the action.
For those brave readers who devour these dark thrillers like bonbons, enjoy: this was a very good one! Chevy Stevens (one of my favourite authors now) always puts her characters through hell! Such brave young troopers!
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ebook ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
HERE IS MY NETGALLEY REVIEW FOR THE AUDIOBOOK VERSION:
I have come to prefer listening to thrillers: when the narrator is good -and all three narrators did an excellent job in Chevy Stevens' Dark Roads audiobook - it feels as if you are "listening to a movie."
I really enjoyed the ebook back when it came out. Stevens is a gifted writer and can expertly manipulate a reader's emotions with her words. The sense of unremitting dread and fear whenever Vaughan came into a scene! I'm a pacifist and even I wanted to swat him with a heavy object! Bad, Bad Man!!!
I loved spending time with Hailey, Jonny, Amber and Beth - again! I didn't realize how much I was missing them until I started listening to this audiobook. Even though I had read the ebook, I could not stop listening to this very well dramatized audiobook.
(For those, like me, who are squeamish when it comes to violence, the speed setting is a fabulous option. I would double the speed sometimes during those scenes! )
I also listened to the excellent audiobook for this author's earlier book, That Night. When I saw that the audiobook for Dark Roads was available, I jumped at the chance to listen it, based on my experience with That Night. (My thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this advance audiobook in exchange for an honest review.)
I highly, highly recommend the Dark Roads audiobook! All the stars for this thrilling ride!
On Sale now: August 3rd, 2021!
July 14, 2021
Not gonna lie......
Opening the door on Dark Roads with the beginning chapters, I thought that all the stars were aligned with the makings of an exceptional read. It drew me in with the thought of a serial killer in the forests of British Columbia. The Prologue was filled with hair-raising details. And then the book got up and walked away from me.
Seventeen year old Hailey McBride lost her father in a car accident recently. She's currently living with her Aunt Lana and Lana's new husband, Sergeant Erick Vaughan of the RCMP. Vaughan is renowned as "The Iceman" in the small community of Cold Creek for his cold disposition and demeanor. He has Hailey constantly in his headlights and bullies her for being friends with Jonny Miller who shares her obsession for dirt bikes and racing. Hailey sets her mind on leaving Cold Creek one way or another.
When a local waitress, Amber, is found strangled, her sister, Beth, arrives in town to find out what actually happened to her sister. Amber is now on the list of over twenty girls/women who have been found dead along the highway. And here is where things go south for me. Dark Roads takes on a YA flip in genre. We'll experience these characters making wild decisions intentionally stepping into danger with flimsy excuses. There's the overuse of injuries in both humans and a doggy character. My eyes rolled like marbles in my head from implausible situations. A weak twist will always disappoint you in the end.
According to Chevy Stevens, she based this book on actual occurrences along a highway in British Columbia involving the disappearances of so many indigenous women and girls. Dark Roads doesn't do justice to the reality of that. Instead we're given teenage romances and just plain foolish adults. I expected so much more from Chevy Stevens. Perhaps you'll see this one completely different than I did. It was rated high by others. Take it for a spin and see what you think.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Chevy Stevens for the opportunity.
Opening the door on Dark Roads with the beginning chapters, I thought that all the stars were aligned with the makings of an exceptional read. It drew me in with the thought of a serial killer in the forests of British Columbia. The Prologue was filled with hair-raising details. And then the book got up and walked away from me.
Seventeen year old Hailey McBride lost her father in a car accident recently. She's currently living with her Aunt Lana and Lana's new husband, Sergeant Erick Vaughan of the RCMP. Vaughan is renowned as "The Iceman" in the small community of Cold Creek for his cold disposition and demeanor. He has Hailey constantly in his headlights and bullies her for being friends with Jonny Miller who shares her obsession for dirt bikes and racing. Hailey sets her mind on leaving Cold Creek one way or another.
When a local waitress, Amber, is found strangled, her sister, Beth, arrives in town to find out what actually happened to her sister. Amber is now on the list of over twenty girls/women who have been found dead along the highway. And here is where things go south for me. Dark Roads takes on a YA flip in genre. We'll experience these characters making wild decisions intentionally stepping into danger with flimsy excuses. There's the overuse of injuries in both humans and a doggy character. My eyes rolled like marbles in my head from implausible situations. A weak twist will always disappoint you in the end.
According to Chevy Stevens, she based this book on actual occurrences along a highway in British Columbia involving the disappearances of so many indigenous women and girls. Dark Roads doesn't do justice to the reality of that. Instead we're given teenage romances and just plain foolish adults. I expected so much more from Chevy Stevens. Perhaps you'll see this one completely different than I did. It was rated high by others. Take it for a spin and see what you think.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Chevy Stevens for the opportunity.
September 21, 2021
***HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY***
It’s so great when I read a novel and IT SURPRISES ME IN A GOOD WAY!!! I have never read a book by Chevy Stevens before and had no idea what I was in for.
After the mysterious prologue, the novel starts with introducing us to the characters in the novel.
Hailey, who had been living with her dad in Cold Creek, is traumatized. Her dad died in a car accident and she is living with her aunt Lana, her young cousin and brother-in-law Sgt. Vaughn.
Hailey doesn’t like Vaughn, he is a police officer who comes off more as a bully. He is constantly checking on Hailey and telling her to stay off of the Cold Creek Highway. He stands too close to her and makes her feel vulnerable.
There are billboards with photos of all of the young women who have gone missing and notices warning young women not to hitchhike or travel the highway alone. The Cold Creek Highway is a long stretch, 500 miles long, through the thick wilderness of British Columbia.
Amber is a young woman, estranged from her family working at a local restaurant It’s pretty much the only restaurant in this small town. Amber and Hailey become quite close. When Amber disappears it’s the last straw for Hailey and she decides she has to get out of her aunt’s house! SHE HAS TO BECOME INVISIBLE!
The plot started out a bit slowly for me but quickly picked up pace nearing the halfway point.
One year later, a memorial is being held for all of the missing girls and Beth, Amber’s sister, has come to town.
Beth decides to stay, gets a job in the same restaurant where her sister worked and is trying to figure out who was responsible for what happened to her Amber. This part of the plot felt a bit weak, it was hard to believe that she would want to REPEAT her sister’s last weeks.
There are quite a few memorable characters, most notably Jonny, a young, good looking guy who works with his dad repairing dirt bikes. Vaughn seems to have a vendetta against Jonny.
There are some exciting action scenes in the second half which had me holding my breath, hoping for a good outcome. Lots of scenes in the beautiful outdoors, hiking, swimming, etc. The area was well described and I felt immersed in the story.
I couldn’t possibly write a review for this novel without mentioning Wolf, the dog befriended by Hailey who is her best friend and her protector!! They have some close calls with danger throughout the book.
I was fortunate to have both the physical ARC and the audiobook for this novel. I found that the beginning was quicker to get through actually reading the novel but I really enjoyed the tense, anxious, thriller feeling I got when listening to the end of the second half. I would recommend both the physical book and the audiobook for the best possible experience :)
The author’s notes contain information about the actual highway in British Columbia that this novel is loosely based on, all of the women who have gone missing and their abductors never caught.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley and an audiobook from MacMillan audio through NetGalley.
It’s so great when I read a novel and IT SURPRISES ME IN A GOOD WAY!!! I have never read a book by Chevy Stevens before and had no idea what I was in for.
After the mysterious prologue, the novel starts with introducing us to the characters in the novel.
Hailey, who had been living with her dad in Cold Creek, is traumatized. Her dad died in a car accident and she is living with her aunt Lana, her young cousin and brother-in-law Sgt. Vaughn.
Hailey doesn’t like Vaughn, he is a police officer who comes off more as a bully. He is constantly checking on Hailey and telling her to stay off of the Cold Creek Highway. He stands too close to her and makes her feel vulnerable.
There are billboards with photos of all of the young women who have gone missing and notices warning young women not to hitchhike or travel the highway alone. The Cold Creek Highway is a long stretch, 500 miles long, through the thick wilderness of British Columbia.
Amber is a young woman, estranged from her family working at a local restaurant It’s pretty much the only restaurant in this small town. Amber and Hailey become quite close. When Amber disappears it’s the last straw for Hailey and she decides she has to get out of her aunt’s house! SHE HAS TO BECOME INVISIBLE!
The plot started out a bit slowly for me but quickly picked up pace nearing the halfway point.
One year later, a memorial is being held for all of the missing girls and Beth, Amber’s sister, has come to town.
Beth decides to stay, gets a job in the same restaurant where her sister worked and is trying to figure out who was responsible for what happened to her Amber. This part of the plot felt a bit weak, it was hard to believe that she would want to REPEAT her sister’s last weeks.
There are quite a few memorable characters, most notably Jonny, a young, good looking guy who works with his dad repairing dirt bikes. Vaughn seems to have a vendetta against Jonny.
There are some exciting action scenes in the second half which had me holding my breath, hoping for a good outcome. Lots of scenes in the beautiful outdoors, hiking, swimming, etc. The area was well described and I felt immersed in the story.
I couldn’t possibly write a review for this novel without mentioning Wolf, the dog befriended by Hailey who is her best friend and her protector!! They have some close calls with danger throughout the book.
I was fortunate to have both the physical ARC and the audiobook for this novel. I found that the beginning was quicker to get through actually reading the novel but I really enjoyed the tense, anxious, thriller feeling I got when listening to the end of the second half. I would recommend both the physical book and the audiobook for the best possible experience :)
The author’s notes contain information about the actual highway in British Columbia that this novel is loosely based on, all of the women who have gone missing and their abductors never caught.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley and an audiobook from MacMillan audio through NetGalley.
April 18, 2021
Chevy Stevens has done it again, totally sweeping me off my feet with this perfectly-paced thriller. Dark Roads is the type of thriller I strive to find—one that totally takes me away from real life and leaves me turning the pages so quickly that I’m completely lost.
Summary: Stay off Cold Creek Highway...at least that’s what the locals say. Too many people have gone missing either from hitchhiking or just bad luck. Hailey thinks she may have figured out the mystery on her own, but now she’s left isolated and needs to find clues to put the story together and end it once and for all. Beth is an outsider with secrets and many problems. She’s come to Cold Creek to a memorial for the lost victims of the highway, hoping to close this chapter of her life and get back on her feet. While in town, she takes matters into her own hands to avenge a family member. Beth and Hailey want the same thing, but can they come together to solve this mystery without getting themselves killed?
Characters: This story has great characters and some you just can’t figure out. Hailey and Beth’s courage was intoxicating, and the constant high-stakes left me on edge. The tension had my heart pounding so hard at times. Hailey’s knowledge of survival in nature captured me head on, and I loved the constant connection she had with her dad in the story. The references made it emotional for me—especially her inner thoughts. I liked the way she was connected to nature and appreciative for all she had. Her dad taught her well. Vaughn, on the other hand, was a character that drove me absolutely insane from the very beginning. He was hard to figure out. I definitely felt connected to many of the characters, especially Hailey, and of course I fell in love with Wolf too, who’s the perfect once-in-a-lifetime dog. This was just a great cast of characters.
Story: I loved the plot and the way this story was written. It’s true that there was a little predictability when it came to a few of the characters and their intentions, but I couldn’t figure out the actual perpetrator until late in the book. It was nearly perfect with just enough information to keep you mystified. Everything wrapped up wonderfully, and I appreciated the epilogue and added information regarding her inspiration for this story. I suppose it’s important to note that a few small parts of the book were a little difficult to read at times, but mainly toward the end. These few parts may be difficult for sensitive readers.
I only had a small niggle with the believability of a few things in the story, and it was mainly with Vaughn. I felt right away that he was the type of person to leave no stone unturned, and wondered how he didn’t figure something out early on. I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s something pertaining to Hailey’s past with her dad and a choice she made.
Overall, this was great. Chevy Stevens has become a favorite, and I can’t wait for her next book. If you love thrillers don’t miss this one!
5*****
Publication date: August 3rd 2021.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.
You can also see this review @www.readrantrockandroll.com
Summary: Stay off Cold Creek Highway...at least that’s what the locals say. Too many people have gone missing either from hitchhiking or just bad luck. Hailey thinks she may have figured out the mystery on her own, but now she’s left isolated and needs to find clues to put the story together and end it once and for all. Beth is an outsider with secrets and many problems. She’s come to Cold Creek to a memorial for the lost victims of the highway, hoping to close this chapter of her life and get back on her feet. While in town, she takes matters into her own hands to avenge a family member. Beth and Hailey want the same thing, but can they come together to solve this mystery without getting themselves killed?
Characters: This story has great characters and some you just can’t figure out. Hailey and Beth’s courage was intoxicating, and the constant high-stakes left me on edge. The tension had my heart pounding so hard at times. Hailey’s knowledge of survival in nature captured me head on, and I loved the constant connection she had with her dad in the story. The references made it emotional for me—especially her inner thoughts. I liked the way she was connected to nature and appreciative for all she had. Her dad taught her well. Vaughn, on the other hand, was a character that drove me absolutely insane from the very beginning. He was hard to figure out. I definitely felt connected to many of the characters, especially Hailey, and of course I fell in love with Wolf too, who’s the perfect once-in-a-lifetime dog. This was just a great cast of characters.
Story: I loved the plot and the way this story was written. It’s true that there was a little predictability when it came to a few of the characters and their intentions, but I couldn’t figure out the actual perpetrator until late in the book. It was nearly perfect with just enough information to keep you mystified. Everything wrapped up wonderfully, and I appreciated the epilogue and added information regarding her inspiration for this story. I suppose it’s important to note that a few small parts of the book were a little difficult to read at times, but mainly toward the end. These few parts may be difficult for sensitive readers.
I only had a small niggle with the believability of a few things in the story, and it was mainly with Vaughn. I felt right away that he was the type of person to leave no stone unturned, and wondered how he didn’t figure something out early on. I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s something pertaining to Hailey’s past with her dad and a choice she made.
Overall, this was great. Chevy Stevens has become a favorite, and I can’t wait for her next book. If you love thrillers don’t miss this one!
5*****
Publication date: August 3rd 2021.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me in exchange for my honest review.
You can also see this review @www.readrantrockandroll.com
April 1, 2023
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
This was an exciting, thrilling, and unputdownable read!!
June 2018- Seventeen-year-old, Hailey McBride recently lost her father in a tragic car accident. Hailey was very close to her father. He taught her survival skills, and how to hunt and fish. Now Hailey’s moved in with her Aunt Lana, her six-year-old cousin, Cash, and her aunt’s husband, Vaughn. Her aunt is kind but Vaughn makes Hailey nervous. Vaughn is a Police Sergeant many call “The Iceman”. He loves to write tickets and he’s especially hard on young people, harassing them and busting them for the smallest infractions.
Hailey has a friend named Jonny. They have been best friends since she was eight years old. They fix their dirt bikes together and she loves watching him race. She even thinks he could go pro. Vaughn seems to have it out for Jonny and warns Hailey to stay away from him. Vaughn won't let her get a job and his rules are becoming unbearable. Hailey knows he just wants to keep an eye on her.
“Someone like you, a pretty girl without a dad, you have to be even more careful.”
When Hailey makes a horrifying discovery, she realizes she can’t live like this any longer. So she comes up with a plan.
Everyone who lived in Cold Creek knew about the dangerous highway. Parents warned their children about it and you couldn’t miss the billboard warning women not to hitchhike. You also couldn’t ignore the posters of the “victims with their sweet, hopeful smiles”. With no public transportation, these warnings still couldn’t stop those young women who were determined to run away or find a place to hang out with friends. Some went missing from the highway, some from local communities who were last seen at a party or walking home alone.
Cold Creek is one of the towns were several women had last been seen. The town is the last stop for gas and supplies for many miles. People had started to relax a little after several years had gone by without any murders.
That was a big mistake.
Now more photos are being added to the posters. It’s started again.
Who is the highway killer? Will they ever be caught?
I loved this book!
Chevy Stevens is a fantastic storyteller, and in my opinion, this was a terrific read. Well-paced and intense with many engaging characters. One of my favorite characters, a wonderful dog named Wolf. The author's descriptions made it easy to picture this super-smart dog with his different colored eyes. A well-written story filled with plenty of action and suspense, I was gripped from start to finish.
Dark Roads is a captivating and twisted tale of murder and suspense.
I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
This was an exciting, thrilling, and unputdownable read!!
June 2018- Seventeen-year-old, Hailey McBride recently lost her father in a tragic car accident. Hailey was very close to her father. He taught her survival skills, and how to hunt and fish. Now Hailey’s moved in with her Aunt Lana, her six-year-old cousin, Cash, and her aunt’s husband, Vaughn. Her aunt is kind but Vaughn makes Hailey nervous. Vaughn is a Police Sergeant many call “The Iceman”. He loves to write tickets and he’s especially hard on young people, harassing them and busting them for the smallest infractions.
Hailey has a friend named Jonny. They have been best friends since she was eight years old. They fix their dirt bikes together and she loves watching him race. She even thinks he could go pro. Vaughn seems to have it out for Jonny and warns Hailey to stay away from him. Vaughn won't let her get a job and his rules are becoming unbearable. Hailey knows he just wants to keep an eye on her.
“Someone like you, a pretty girl without a dad, you have to be even more careful.”
When Hailey makes a horrifying discovery, she realizes she can’t live like this any longer. So she comes up with a plan.
Everyone who lived in Cold Creek knew about the dangerous highway. Parents warned their children about it and you couldn’t miss the billboard warning women not to hitchhike. You also couldn’t ignore the posters of the “victims with their sweet, hopeful smiles”. With no public transportation, these warnings still couldn’t stop those young women who were determined to run away or find a place to hang out with friends. Some went missing from the highway, some from local communities who were last seen at a party or walking home alone.
Cold Creek is one of the towns were several women had last been seen. The town is the last stop for gas and supplies for many miles. People had started to relax a little after several years had gone by without any murders.
That was a big mistake.
Now more photos are being added to the posters. It’s started again.
Who is the highway killer? Will they ever be caught?
I loved this book!
Chevy Stevens is a fantastic storyteller, and in my opinion, this was a terrific read. Well-paced and intense with many engaging characters. One of my favorite characters, a wonderful dog named Wolf. The author's descriptions made it easy to picture this super-smart dog with his different colored eyes. A well-written story filled with plenty of action and suspense, I was gripped from start to finish.
Dark Roads is a captivating and twisted tale of murder and suspense.
I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
August 3, 2021
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
Review originally published on https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/ on 12/3/20.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
Over the past year or so, I’ve wondered at random times, “What is Chevy Stevens up to, and when will she release a new book?” As a fan, you can imagine my delight when I saw that DARK ROADS was announced as her upcoming novel...and the result of her work is compelling.
Cold Creek Highway has been well known for decades. There have been countless warnings: Don’t hitchhike, don’t drive on the highway at night, and do your absolute best to avoid it altogether. Why? Because hitchhikers have disappeared and cars have broken down, and there are many women whose dead bodies were found near the highway...or never found at all.
Hailey McBride is well aware of the dangers of Cold Creek Highway, having been a resident of Cold Creek for all of her life. After her father dies, she ends up in a dreadful living situation. One thing leads to another, and she feels that her only way out is to disappear and use her outdoor skills to survive. She doesn’t predict that the town will think she is a victim of the serial killer hunting the highway. She also doesn’t predict the dangers she will land in.
Beth Chevalier visits Cold Creek to attend the annual memorial for the highway victims. She has a personal investment, as her sister was murdered a year ago. With her mind held captive with grief, she stays in town and gets to know the citizens, hoping to find out who killed her sister. Through the dark roads of the highway and the woods, she soon finds that nothing is as it seems, and not everybody should be trusted at first glance.
I have to say that this book didn’t go in the direction I thought it would. I was expecting a scary story with lots of creepy moments involving a serial killer. My brief disappointment didn’t last for long. Although not scary in the literal sense, this is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that rarely gave me time to relax and breathe. It’s almost a survivalist story where tons of woodsy, outdoor elements come into play with the characters. It’s certainly never boring.
On top of that, there are 2.5 moments (from what I gathered) that are meant to surprise. I guessed 1.5 of them beforehand, but ALL of them are executed flawlessly. It’s also very atmospheric. I had no problem picturing everything in my mind, and I think that’s one of an author’s greatest attributes. It’s so hard to do it well, but Chevy Stevens succeeds.
All in all, while the story detours from truly frightening, it makes a right turn in the woods and captivates with intensity and intrigue. Oh, and there’s a canine costar to boot...who may very well be my favorite character.
The author’s note is also worth a read, as she was inspired by the Highway of Tears, a real situation with murdered or missing women in Northern British Columbia.
3.5 stars.
Sincere thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review originally published on https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/ on 12/3/20.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
Over the past year or so, I’ve wondered at random times, “What is Chevy Stevens up to, and when will she release a new book?” As a fan, you can imagine my delight when I saw that DARK ROADS was announced as her upcoming novel...and the result of her work is compelling.
Cold Creek Highway has been well known for decades. There have been countless warnings: Don’t hitchhike, don’t drive on the highway at night, and do your absolute best to avoid it altogether. Why? Because hitchhikers have disappeared and cars have broken down, and there are many women whose dead bodies were found near the highway...or never found at all.
Hailey McBride is well aware of the dangers of Cold Creek Highway, having been a resident of Cold Creek for all of her life. After her father dies, she ends up in a dreadful living situation. One thing leads to another, and she feels that her only way out is to disappear and use her outdoor skills to survive. She doesn’t predict that the town will think she is a victim of the serial killer hunting the highway. She also doesn’t predict the dangers she will land in.
Beth Chevalier visits Cold Creek to attend the annual memorial for the highway victims. She has a personal investment, as her sister was murdered a year ago. With her mind held captive with grief, she stays in town and gets to know the citizens, hoping to find out who killed her sister. Through the dark roads of the highway and the woods, she soon finds that nothing is as it seems, and not everybody should be trusted at first glance.
I have to say that this book didn’t go in the direction I thought it would. I was expecting a scary story with lots of creepy moments involving a serial killer. My brief disappointment didn’t last for long. Although not scary in the literal sense, this is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that rarely gave me time to relax and breathe. It’s almost a survivalist story where tons of woodsy, outdoor elements come into play with the characters. It’s certainly never boring.
On top of that, there are 2.5 moments (from what I gathered) that are meant to surprise. I guessed 1.5 of them beforehand, but ALL of them are executed flawlessly. It’s also very atmospheric. I had no problem picturing everything in my mind, and I think that’s one of an author’s greatest attributes. It’s so hard to do it well, but Chevy Stevens succeeds.
All in all, while the story detours from truly frightening, it makes a right turn in the woods and captivates with intensity and intrigue. Oh, and there’s a canine costar to boot...who may very well be my favorite character.
The author’s note is also worth a read, as she was inspired by the Highway of Tears, a real situation with murdered or missing women in Northern British Columbia.
3.5 stars.
Sincere thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing me an ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 29, 2021
My first Chevy Stevens book!!
What have I been missing all these years!! This story grabbed my attention right from the start. The ultimate testament to a great audio is when I actually feel like I'm watching a "movie." That's what happened with this book! The writing and narration hooked me!
There's a real life stretch of highway in northern British Columbia where women (mostly First Nations) have mysteriously gone missing. That highway is more commonly known as, "The highway of tears." This was the author's inspiration. She writes a story about a fictitious town called, Cold Creek where along its highway women have gone missing and later have been found dead. The highway is just a basis for the start of this story and we are introduced to teenagers, Hailey, Amber and Beth.
There is a bit of a YA feeling to the story but it works so well. I think this book would make a wonderful Limited Series on Netflix. It could reach a wide range audience. Not just YA but Contemporary/Mystery. Hopefully the Netflix Gods are listening!
What have I been missing all these years!! This story grabbed my attention right from the start. The ultimate testament to a great audio is when I actually feel like I'm watching a "movie." That's what happened with this book! The writing and narration hooked me!
There's a real life stretch of highway in northern British Columbia where women (mostly First Nations) have mysteriously gone missing. That highway is more commonly known as, "The highway of tears." This was the author's inspiration. She writes a story about a fictitious town called, Cold Creek where along its highway women have gone missing and later have been found dead. The highway is just a basis for the start of this story and we are introduced to teenagers, Hailey, Amber and Beth.
There is a bit of a YA feeling to the story but it works so well. I think this book would make a wonderful Limited Series on Netflix. It could reach a wide range audience. Not just YA but Contemporary/Mystery. Hopefully the Netflix Gods are listening!
September 16, 2021
I really enjoyed Chevy Stevens's book Still Missing, so when I won her newest book, Dark Roads, in a GR Giveaway, I was thrilled! Here is my independent, honest review.
The Prologue and Epilogue were the best parts of this book, IMO. In fact, the Prologue had me hook, line and sinker, since it reminded me of the infamous "Highway of Tears", a 725-km stretch of Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert in northern B.C., where dozens of women, mostly Indigenous, went missing and/or murdered from the 1970s to the present. Sadly, most of these crimes have never been solved. My thoughts were confirmed when I read the author's "Letter to the Reader" at the back of this book where she states that she used this setting as a premise for this story, but fictionalized it "out of respect for the victims, their families, and the RCMP..."
The first third of this story successfully sets the desolation of the community and the surrounding area. I could feel the tension in MC Hailey's stressful situation, but when she , I had a hard time relating to her. Even though I could somewhat understand Hailey's overall actions, Beth was a real enigma. Her character made a 180-degree turnaround - some of her actions/decisions were beyond belief for me to accept.
By the final third of the book, I was pleased by the twist re: the serial killer, but after that, the story takes a hard left. If this were a movie, it would have been an unbelievable eye-roller with its over-the-top action and annoying characters.
In a nutshell, I wish Ms. Stevens did not mention the Highway of Tears; then I wouldn't have had such high expectations for this book. The plot was far-fetched and the characters, for the most part, were not likeable, too super-human and/or too stupid. Such a head-shaker.
P.S. I really hope that all the distracting grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors, as well as any inconsistencies, are edited before this book gets officially released!
The Prologue and Epilogue were the best parts of this book, IMO. In fact, the Prologue had me hook, line and sinker, since it reminded me of the infamous "Highway of Tears", a 725-km stretch of Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert in northern B.C., where dozens of women, mostly Indigenous, went missing and/or murdered from the 1970s to the present. Sadly, most of these crimes have never been solved. My thoughts were confirmed when I read the author's "Letter to the Reader" at the back of this book where she states that she used this setting as a premise for this story, but fictionalized it "out of respect for the victims, their families, and the RCMP..."
The first third of this story successfully sets the desolation of the community and the surrounding area. I could feel the tension in MC Hailey's stressful situation, but when she , I had a hard time relating to her. Even though I could somewhat understand Hailey's overall actions, Beth was a real enigma. Her character made a 180-degree turnaround - some of her actions/decisions were beyond belief for me to accept.
By the final third of the book, I was pleased by the twist re: the serial killer, but after that, the story takes a hard left. If this were a movie, it would have been an unbelievable eye-roller with its over-the-top action and annoying characters.
In a nutshell, I wish Ms. Stevens did not mention the Highway of Tears; then I wouldn't have had such high expectations for this book. The plot was far-fetched and the characters, for the most part, were not likeable, too super-human and/or too stupid. Such a head-shaker.
P.S. I really hope that all the distracting grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors, as well as any inconsistencies, are edited before this book gets officially released!
September 24, 2021
3.5 ⭐ so it guess it's obvious that I didn't 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘰𝘷𝘦 it but I certainly liked it.
A couple of reasons why I didn't rate it higher. First, it's filled with teenagers making outlandish decisions so it reads like an OTT YA book. (If you'd have told me twenty years ago, when every other book I read was YA, that I'd outgrow the genre I would have had a FIT 😅)
Secondly, the story is based around The Highway Of Tears, where at least 18 Indigenous girls have been killed since the 70's, and I wish the book had more accurately reflected the area's history.
That said, the pace is quick and flows well. It was an entertaining plot with some unexpected twists and turns 🛣
A couple of reasons why I didn't rate it higher. First, it's filled with teenagers making outlandish decisions so it reads like an OTT YA book. (If you'd have told me twenty years ago, when every other book I read was YA, that I'd outgrow the genre I would have had a FIT 😅)
Secondly, the story is based around The Highway Of Tears, where at least 18 Indigenous girls have been killed since the 70's, and I wish the book had more accurately reflected the area's history.
That said, the pace is quick and flows well. It was an entertaining plot with some unexpected twists and turns 🛣
July 27, 2021
The Cold Creek Highway has become the prime hunting ground for a ruthless killer. For decades young woman have gone missing. There are billboards with their faces on them. Look. Remember.
Hailey McBride grew up in Cold Creek. Her late father taught her to respect nature and how to live off the land. After his death she went to live with her aunt and her police officer husband, Vaughn. She loves her aunt and cousin, but Vaughn makes her life miserable. He is controlling, rough, and secretive. Feeling unsafe, vulnerable and uneasy she decides to leave. She hopes people will know she left town, but rumors soon circulate saying she was a victim of the Cold Creek Highway killer.
Beth Chevalier arrived in town one year later after Hailey went missing. Beth's sister, Amber was murdered there the year before. Beth is looking for answers and seeking closure. She sets up camp and even gets a job as a waitress where Amber once worked.
On the surface, Cold Creek appears to be a nice little town. But there are ghosts there. Townspeople warn each other: don't go out alone, don't hitchhike, don't be on the highway alone, tell people where you are going, etc. Sounds like pretty sound advice for everyone but it holds a deeper meaning in Cold Creek.
I was sucked in right away. I immediately felt for Hailey and having to live with a domineering man like Vaughn. I understood how she felt she needed to get away. I rooted for her, worried for her and was relieved when she is chosen by Wolf (dog).
Throughout the book there is a sense of unease. It's there, just below the surface, rippling like the water of the lake. There is an undercurrent of danger. Wait for it, listen to the whispers of the ghosts warning you -that there is a killer out there; be careful...….
I enjoyed how the story unfolded and was surprised at some of the twists and the reveal. This is not a scary book but there are some scary get-your-heart-beating scenes. Reading this was like watching a movie for me. I enjoyed the pace, getting to know the characters, watching as they did their best to live their lives, to survive and to flourish. I had that this-is-not-going-to-end-well feeling at various points of the book.
Stevens has done it again with this tension filled book. Survival is the name of the game in this book. People survive in various ways - survive off the land, survive by keeping your head down, survive by following the rules, survive by numbing yourself from pain, and survive by doing whatever it takes.
I was fully engaged in the story and enjoyed how Stevens broke up quieter/slow scenes with action.
Just when the characters feel like they can stop, take stock and breathe deeply, something happens.
This kept me on my toes. I also enjoyed how she showed grief and how losing someone affects an individual. She also explores friendship and loyalty. Overall, an enjoyable book that kept my interest and did not disappoint!
I look forward to Stevens next book! The Author's note is not to be missed. In in she provides her inspiration for writing this book.
Captivating, tense and hard to put down!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Hailey McBride grew up in Cold Creek. Her late father taught her to respect nature and how to live off the land. After his death she went to live with her aunt and her police officer husband, Vaughn. She loves her aunt and cousin, but Vaughn makes her life miserable. He is controlling, rough, and secretive. Feeling unsafe, vulnerable and uneasy she decides to leave. She hopes people will know she left town, but rumors soon circulate saying she was a victim of the Cold Creek Highway killer.
Beth Chevalier arrived in town one year later after Hailey went missing. Beth's sister, Amber was murdered there the year before. Beth is looking for answers and seeking closure. She sets up camp and even gets a job as a waitress where Amber once worked.
On the surface, Cold Creek appears to be a nice little town. But there are ghosts there. Townspeople warn each other: don't go out alone, don't hitchhike, don't be on the highway alone, tell people where you are going, etc. Sounds like pretty sound advice for everyone but it holds a deeper meaning in Cold Creek.
I was sucked in right away. I immediately felt for Hailey and having to live with a domineering man like Vaughn. I understood how she felt she needed to get away. I rooted for her, worried for her and was relieved when she is chosen by Wolf (dog).
Throughout the book there is a sense of unease. It's there, just below the surface, rippling like the water of the lake. There is an undercurrent of danger. Wait for it, listen to the whispers of the ghosts warning you -that there is a killer out there; be careful...….
I enjoyed how the story unfolded and was surprised at some of the twists and the reveal. This is not a scary book but there are some scary get-your-heart-beating scenes. Reading this was like watching a movie for me. I enjoyed the pace, getting to know the characters, watching as they did their best to live their lives, to survive and to flourish. I had that this-is-not-going-to-end-well feeling at various points of the book.
Stevens has done it again with this tension filled book. Survival is the name of the game in this book. People survive in various ways - survive off the land, survive by keeping your head down, survive by following the rules, survive by numbing yourself from pain, and survive by doing whatever it takes.
I was fully engaged in the story and enjoyed how Stevens broke up quieter/slow scenes with action.
Just when the characters feel like they can stop, take stock and breathe deeply, something happens.
This kept me on my toes. I also enjoyed how she showed grief and how losing someone affects an individual. She also explores friendship and loyalty. Overall, an enjoyable book that kept my interest and did not disappoint!
I look forward to Stevens next book! The Author's note is not to be missed. In in she provides her inspiration for writing this book.
Captivating, tense and hard to put down!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 19, 2023
This is a Dark Psychological Thriller. This book had a lot of suspense through this book, and the characters came to life has you where reading. You will want to save some of the characters, but you also will also want to kill some of the characters. That is part of the reason I loved this book is the characters and the suspense. This book also kept me guessing what was really happening, and I did not guess who was really behind the killings. I was also shocked when the reveal of who did the killings. The only problem I had with this book was when part one ended and part two started I felt a little lost and it took me a minute to get back into the story again. Other then that I loved this book, I loved the beginning and the ending so much. The ending had suspense, big reveal, and action everything I want in a thrillers ending. Great Read.
April 14, 2021
Man, what a great read this one was! Keeping in mind I have not had an opportunity to read Chevy's debut novel, however, Dark Roads is by far the best of her novels I have read!! Meticulously plotted into three parts, this was simply put, fantastic! It was so heavily atmospheric that I had the creeps all throughout this story. I almost instantly connected with our incredibly flawed, yet human protagonists, Hailey, Amber and Beth, and I could literally feel the oppressive heat of the Canadian summer, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up several times, almost as though an ominous presence was there, watching my every movements....let's just say the mystery element was intense and I was completely engaged and needed to know who the infamous highway killer was! Every element was superb and perfectly executed! At the beginning of the novel we meet Amber and Hailey, who are at the beginning stages of a relationship. Hailey is recovering from the sudden death of her father due to an auto accident and struggling to adjust to her new living arrangements with her aunt and her husband Vaughn, the town cop who most call the 'Ice Man.' I really empathized with Hailey because I myself struggled to get along with my father figure growing up. It seemed Vaughn unnecessarily always took things to a malicious level as he parented and disciplined Hailey, so what would any normal teenager do? Of course, Hailey decides to run away and live on her own in the mountains that her father loved, keeping a close eye on Beth as she works at the local diner, while also keeping her distance from Vaughn. Suddenly, tragedy strikes again and yet another person Hailey loves dearly is killed, this time at the hands of the Highway Killer. Now she is determined to solve this mystery, and herself in the process!
This is definitely a slow burn mystery towards the beginning, as it established the relationships, however the book did not suffer for it, and I felt incredibly connected to the characters by the time the investigation intensified and unraveled. Along the way, there were some very graphic scenes that required intestinal, fortitude for sure! Boy, did I not expect that ending!
Good things come to those who wait, as I believe it's been 2 to 3 years since Chevy's last release, so I'm incredibly thankful she took her time and crafted such a wonderful work of art! The highway of tears element definitely intrigued me to the extent that I will be researching it and finding true crime documentaries about it! This will definitely be a book that gets some buzz towards the end of the summer, I can't wait! Excellent comeback after a temporary hiatus Chevy, you're the best at what you do, hands down!! Thanks again St. Martin's for this ARC!!!! Pub date 8/2021!
This is definitely a slow burn mystery towards the beginning, as it established the relationships, however the book did not suffer for it, and I felt incredibly connected to the characters by the time the investigation intensified and unraveled. Along the way, there were some very graphic scenes that required intestinal, fortitude for sure! Boy, did I not expect that ending!
Good things come to those who wait, as I believe it's been 2 to 3 years since Chevy's last release, so I'm incredibly thankful she took her time and crafted such a wonderful work of art! The highway of tears element definitely intrigued me to the extent that I will be researching it and finding true crime documentaries about it! This will definitely be a book that gets some buzz towards the end of the summer, I can't wait! Excellent comeback after a temporary hiatus Chevy, you're the best at what you do, hands down!! Thanks again St. Martin's for this ARC!!!! Pub date 8/2021!
April 2, 2021
An outsider visiting Cold Creek would find a downtown consisting of a truck stop, motel and Mason's Diner. Mason, a retired logger, served meals to road crews, truckers and loggers. Large farms were scattered on the rural outskirts of town. Seventeen year old, Jonny Miller, a dirt bike enthusiast and racer, lived on one such farm. Cold Creek Highway, a span of roughly five hundred miles, cut through a mountainous area. "The forest was a wall of thick impenetrable trees and dense underbrush...deep ravines...and jagged rocks".
Hailey McBride and her dad were a team. "There wasn't much of anything that Dad didn't think could be fixed by spending time in the woods...We were always camping. Rain, shine, snow...find[ing] shelter, water, foraging for berries...we shared our dreams...". Upon her dad's death, she moved in with her Aunt Lana and her husband, Police Sergeant Vaughn. "[Vaughn] had a hero complex and expected me to be grateful that he'd chosen me as a project". The neighborhood kids called him "The Iceman"... a toughie who seemingly cared about the residents of Cold Creek. The town had a checkered past. There had been more than twenty unsolved cases of missing women. A prominently placed billboard's message: "Women- Don't Hitchhike. Dangerous Highway!"
Vaughn liked to make people feel powerless. His overbearing, controlling behavior and threats to Hailey included locking up her dirt bike for not following his rules. Her defiance consisted of meet-ups with her best friend, Jonny to work together on their dirt bikes and hang-outs at the lake with either Jonny or Hailey's love, Amber Chevalier, a waitress at Mason's Diner. But now, Hailey's world was crumbling. Amber was missing. Hailey felt that she had to get out of her aunt's house ASAP. "I would run away-but-I had to stay off the grid-where no one would find me. I would live in the woods until I was of age... The mountains would protect me". Vaughn had creeped her out with his warning, "Whatever you think you found in my office doesn't exist".
One year after Amber's disappearance, her sister Beth attended a memorial in honor of the disappeared/deceased victims of Cold Creek. Sensitive, fragile, grieving Beth wanted to find her sister Amber's killer. Strong willed, determined Hailey would stop at nothing to implicate Vaughn. Would there be justice for Amber?
"Dark Roads" by Chevy Stevens is a riveting thriller, a murder mystery and a survivalist story all rolled into one. The reader can't help but root for the unmasking of the highway killer. Steven's writing created a tense, high octane pace that was unputdownable and begged to be enjoyed in one or two sittings! My favorite protagonist-Wolf!
I received a free ARC of Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.
Hailey McBride and her dad were a team. "There wasn't much of anything that Dad didn't think could be fixed by spending time in the woods...We were always camping. Rain, shine, snow...find[ing] shelter, water, foraging for berries...we shared our dreams...". Upon her dad's death, she moved in with her Aunt Lana and her husband, Police Sergeant Vaughn. "[Vaughn] had a hero complex and expected me to be grateful that he'd chosen me as a project". The neighborhood kids called him "The Iceman"... a toughie who seemingly cared about the residents of Cold Creek. The town had a checkered past. There had been more than twenty unsolved cases of missing women. A prominently placed billboard's message: "Women- Don't Hitchhike. Dangerous Highway!"
Vaughn liked to make people feel powerless. His overbearing, controlling behavior and threats to Hailey included locking up her dirt bike for not following his rules. Her defiance consisted of meet-ups with her best friend, Jonny to work together on their dirt bikes and hang-outs at the lake with either Jonny or Hailey's love, Amber Chevalier, a waitress at Mason's Diner. But now, Hailey's world was crumbling. Amber was missing. Hailey felt that she had to get out of her aunt's house ASAP. "I would run away-but-I had to stay off the grid-where no one would find me. I would live in the woods until I was of age... The mountains would protect me". Vaughn had creeped her out with his warning, "Whatever you think you found in my office doesn't exist".
One year after Amber's disappearance, her sister Beth attended a memorial in honor of the disappeared/deceased victims of Cold Creek. Sensitive, fragile, grieving Beth wanted to find her sister Amber's killer. Strong willed, determined Hailey would stop at nothing to implicate Vaughn. Would there be justice for Amber?
"Dark Roads" by Chevy Stevens is a riveting thriller, a murder mystery and a survivalist story all rolled into one. The reader can't help but root for the unmasking of the highway killer. Steven's writing created a tense, high octane pace that was unputdownable and begged to be enjoyed in one or two sittings! My favorite protagonist-Wolf!
I received a free ARC of Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2021
When St. Martin’s....[a publishing company that treats their readers with respect ... never pushy... yet ‘kindly’ suggests and reminds early-arc-readers of a book that we might like]....sent me an email about Chevy Steven’s new novel....
I said to myself, “Okay, why not?”.
My childhood close friend, absolutely loved “Still Missing”. I was a holdout...but read it ‘hoping’ to love it because she did. I didn’t love it....yet we’re still close friends 50 years later.
So....knowing this was an early - gifted read ( thanks again, St. Martin’s)...I mostly wanted to read it ‘for’ my friend, Lisi....(maybe I could give her a copy)....and maybe — just maybe - a second go around with Chevy Stevens might be great. My expectations were low — to neutral.
Well, surprise, surprise...this WAS GREAT.
So, it was quite amazing at my surprise at just how ‘much’ I enjoyed this book.
I went in blind; I didn’t even read the blurb....I simply knew the ‘name’ *Chevy Stevens*— her popularity - and my dislike of “Still Missing”- and my book-chatter-desire to chat with my friend, Lisi, later about it.
So....my first quick thoughts: I haven’t read other reviews yet but for those who absolutely loved “Still Missing”....”Dark Roads”....is NOT THAT BOOK...not one iota.
Readers may enjoy both books...but they ARE VERY DIFFERENT.
Or? Some of us that appreciate literary writing, scenes in nature, might like it more. ( as I did).
Those readers looking for a gripping - blood & guts scary as hell - frightening story might be disappointed.
“Dark Roads” was plus for me. I prefer this type of book, this type of story, this type of writing… That was not only ‘thriller’ driven.
I didn’t always think of this book as a psychological thriller— ( it is)... but there were other aspects I appreciated and enjoyed, equally as much.
I was thoroughly impressed with some gorgeous literary writing > really gorgeous sentences ....atmospheric....with wonderful scenes describing feelings of why the most beautiful things in nature are often the most dangerous at times.
I especially enjoyed the intimacy of Hailey McBride’s voice, her resilience, resourcefulness, awareness, and presence to the new life she found her life in.
I ached her her, rooted for her. I also trusted her intelligence, intuition, and her courageous capabilities.
Her inner voice allowed for deeper closeness and empathy.
“Why were you driving so fast on that logging road, Dad? You knew it was dangerous. We had plans. You and me against the world. That’s what you said.
Losing Mom to cancer was supposed to be the worst thing I ever had to go through, but now you’re gone too, and I don’t know how I’m going to make it. Why didn’t you get the will changed? How could you leave me with him?”—[uncle Vaughn]
Some readers might enjoy the suspenseful crime mystery most —trying to put the missing pieces together ....I wanted to know too....(but I didn’t even try to guess the conclusion)....I was enjoying the characters —their multi-personality traits—the dialogue, and the woods themselves.
When Hailey’s Dad hunted, he always thanked the land, using a First Nations prayer.
Hailey made one up of her own.
Clutching the elk necklace that her Dad gave her, she held it up to the sky she said,
“Thank you for the river. Thank you for this great mountain. Thank you for this bounty”.
“There wasn’t much of anything that Dad didn’t think could be fixed by spending time in the woods”
We meet Hailey’s felicitous furry feather companion name *Wolf*, a tail-wagger bowwow bitzer.
Hailey and Wolf were out in those woods. Hailey screamed .....
“Wolf!”....”No!” “Come”!
“Wolf danced back. The cougar swatted at him again. Hissing. My finger fumbled on the trigger. I focused, Wolf was in my shot. I raised the rifle to the sky and let off a round”.
“The cougar backed off a few feet—Wolf was still barking and baiting it. I let off another shot. The cougar took a hard left and leapt through the woods toward the river. Wolf followed”.
“They we’re gone, crashing through the thick ferns and bushes, the tangle of underbrush. Branches closed after them. I raced toward where I last seen Wolf, scrambling over rocks and through shrubs and that tour at my hair, my clothes, my skin. Panting, I broke out of the words and found myself standing high above the river. I scanned the trees, trying to hear Wolf over the rushing falls. Where was he? Then I saw a flash of black and spotted him in the distance”.
“He was chasing the cougar across an old fir tree hanging over the water”.
Hailey ran after Wolf
Wolf got hurt, but was going to be okay.
As for Hailey..... and other young women we meet in this novel, missing and or murdered....we really are not sure until the end.
Part II begins with the voice of a a new character, Beth Chevalier.
The author tells us ( we feel her ruthless compassion)....that this entire story (a relocated location), was inspired by from the national crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in British Columbia.
“The Highway of Tears” refers to a 724 km length of Yellowhead highway. Many cases today remain unsolved.
Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin’s Publising, ....and Kudos to Chevy Stevens > whose book is a rich mixture of adventure, tragedy, and sagacious humanity.
I said to myself, “Okay, why not?”.
My childhood close friend, absolutely loved “Still Missing”. I was a holdout...but read it ‘hoping’ to love it because she did. I didn’t love it....yet we’re still close friends 50 years later.
So....knowing this was an early - gifted read ( thanks again, St. Martin’s)...I mostly wanted to read it ‘for’ my friend, Lisi....(maybe I could give her a copy)....and maybe — just maybe - a second go around with Chevy Stevens might be great. My expectations were low — to neutral.
Well, surprise, surprise...this WAS GREAT.
So, it was quite amazing at my surprise at just how ‘much’ I enjoyed this book.
I went in blind; I didn’t even read the blurb....I simply knew the ‘name’ *Chevy Stevens*— her popularity - and my dislike of “Still Missing”- and my book-chatter-desire to chat with my friend, Lisi, later about it.
So....my first quick thoughts: I haven’t read other reviews yet but for those who absolutely loved “Still Missing”....”Dark Roads”....is NOT THAT BOOK...not one iota.
Readers may enjoy both books...but they ARE VERY DIFFERENT.
Or? Some of us that appreciate literary writing, scenes in nature, might like it more. ( as I did).
Those readers looking for a gripping - blood & guts scary as hell - frightening story might be disappointed.
“Dark Roads” was plus for me. I prefer this type of book, this type of story, this type of writing… That was not only ‘thriller’ driven.
I didn’t always think of this book as a psychological thriller— ( it is)... but there were other aspects I appreciated and enjoyed, equally as much.
I was thoroughly impressed with some gorgeous literary writing > really gorgeous sentences ....atmospheric....with wonderful scenes describing feelings of why the most beautiful things in nature are often the most dangerous at times.
I especially enjoyed the intimacy of Hailey McBride’s voice, her resilience, resourcefulness, awareness, and presence to the new life she found her life in.
I ached her her, rooted for her. I also trusted her intelligence, intuition, and her courageous capabilities.
Her inner voice allowed for deeper closeness and empathy.
“Why were you driving so fast on that logging road, Dad? You knew it was dangerous. We had plans. You and me against the world. That’s what you said.
Losing Mom to cancer was supposed to be the worst thing I ever had to go through, but now you’re gone too, and I don’t know how I’m going to make it. Why didn’t you get the will changed? How could you leave me with him?”—[uncle Vaughn]
Some readers might enjoy the suspenseful crime mystery most —trying to put the missing pieces together ....I wanted to know too....(but I didn’t even try to guess the conclusion)....I was enjoying the characters —their multi-personality traits—the dialogue, and the woods themselves.
When Hailey’s Dad hunted, he always thanked the land, using a First Nations prayer.
Hailey made one up of her own.
Clutching the elk necklace that her Dad gave her, she held it up to the sky she said,
“Thank you for the river. Thank you for this great mountain. Thank you for this bounty”.
“There wasn’t much of anything that Dad didn’t think could be fixed by spending time in the woods”
We meet Hailey’s felicitous furry feather companion name *Wolf*, a tail-wagger bowwow bitzer.
Hailey and Wolf were out in those woods. Hailey screamed .....
“Wolf!”....”No!” “Come”!
“Wolf danced back. The cougar swatted at him again. Hissing. My finger fumbled on the trigger. I focused, Wolf was in my shot. I raised the rifle to the sky and let off a round”.
“The cougar backed off a few feet—Wolf was still barking and baiting it. I let off another shot. The cougar took a hard left and leapt through the woods toward the river. Wolf followed”.
“They we’re gone, crashing through the thick ferns and bushes, the tangle of underbrush. Branches closed after them. I raced toward where I last seen Wolf, scrambling over rocks and through shrubs and that tour at my hair, my clothes, my skin. Panting, I broke out of the words and found myself standing high above the river. I scanned the trees, trying to hear Wolf over the rushing falls. Where was he? Then I saw a flash of black and spotted him in the distance”.
“He was chasing the cougar across an old fir tree hanging over the water”.
Hailey ran after Wolf
Wolf got hurt, but was going to be okay.
As for Hailey..... and other young women we meet in this novel, missing and or murdered....we really are not sure until the end.
Part II begins with the voice of a a new character, Beth Chevalier.
The author tells us ( we feel her ruthless compassion)....that this entire story (a relocated location), was inspired by from the national crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in British Columbia.
“The Highway of Tears” refers to a 724 km length of Yellowhead highway. Many cases today remain unsolved.
Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin’s Publising, ....and Kudos to Chevy Stevens > whose book is a rich mixture of adventure, tragedy, and sagacious humanity.
February 11, 2022
The story starts off strongly with a prologue about young indigenous girls who are missing and/or killed along Cold Creek Highway in British Columbia, and the murders that are rarely acknowledged or solved. The fictional story in Dark Roads is inspired by these events. I applaud the author for bringing awareness to this subject.
But then. No indigenous characters? Or if they were, they were so generic as to be unidentifiable as such. Perhaps the author was fearful of repercussions from the cancel culture since she herself is not indigenous. Whatever the reason, I felt the story would have been stronger if the main character had been indigenous.
Hailey, whose parents have died, is living in an untenable situation. I don’t want to give away too much about Hailey’s story line, but I found it compelling and interesting, even if drawn out a bit too long. I did enjoy the wilderness survival scenes, and those that involved her dog, Wolf (my favorite character!), but I was not convinced Hailey had the skills to pull off such an endeavor.
Then the story line changed to Beth, who arrives in town to attend a memorial for her sister Amber, Hailey’s best friend, who was thought to be the victim of the area’s serial killer. She stays and decides to find out exactly what happened to her sister and my interest flagged, but I was interested enough to continue reading to see how the stories intersected.
This is a character-driven mystery that had a bit of a YA flavor, perhaps because Hailey was a teenager. I listened to the audiobook and while the narrators were excellent, the story was either way too long, or it just felt that way. I wish the author had chosen to leave out the romantic relationships, as I felt they detracted from the story.
• I received an audio digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
• Publication date August 3, 2021 by St Martin’s Press
February 14, 2022
1.5 stars.
A complete miss for me. I cannot, in good conscience, give this a full 2 stars.
This was my first experience with this author. I don’t like writing negative reviews, but I believe in being honest. Sadly, this is one of the worst books I’ve ever finished. I listened to the first 20% on audio and found myself cringing at the awkward dialogue so I switched to reading the physical book with the hopes that it was the audio narrator I wasn’t clicking with. By 50%, I switched back to audio knowing it had nothing to do with the audio narrator and everything to do with the book itself. I refused to give up because of all of the raving reviews - I was sure it had to get better. Unfortunately, this got progressively worse with each chapter in the second half. I quadruple checked Goodreads to confirm I was reading the same book everyone else loved.
I will start by saying I don’t enjoy YA and this felt very much like a story for a younger target audience. The premise intrigued me since it is based on real events. I expected to read a book giving voice to the victims of the Highway of Tears but this novel lacked focus and instead centred around wild teenage characters gallivanting around the small town. In my opinion, this book failed to deliver what it intended and there was far too much ridiculous side story going on.
It was a complete disconnect for me with the writing. I didn’t care for any of the characters except Wolf, the dog. The dialogue and inner thoughts of the characters were consistently cheesy and cringey, lacking any sort of natural ease. I have never rolled my eyes as much as I did with this novel - the behaviour became more absurd and outlandish as each chapter went by. The amateur sleuthing was too much for me to handle.
I will stop here as I recognize how much time and effort goes into writing a novel and clearly this wasn’t intended for me. I would be very hesitant in picking up another book by this author.
Thank you to the publisher for my digital review copy! Thank you to my lovely local library for the physical and audio loan!
A complete miss for me. I cannot, in good conscience, give this a full 2 stars.
This was my first experience with this author. I don’t like writing negative reviews, but I believe in being honest. Sadly, this is one of the worst books I’ve ever finished. I listened to the first 20% on audio and found myself cringing at the awkward dialogue so I switched to reading the physical book with the hopes that it was the audio narrator I wasn’t clicking with. By 50%, I switched back to audio knowing it had nothing to do with the audio narrator and everything to do with the book itself. I refused to give up because of all of the raving reviews - I was sure it had to get better. Unfortunately, this got progressively worse with each chapter in the second half. I quadruple checked Goodreads to confirm I was reading the same book everyone else loved.
I will start by saying I don’t enjoy YA and this felt very much like a story for a younger target audience. The premise intrigued me since it is based on real events. I expected to read a book giving voice to the victims of the Highway of Tears but this novel lacked focus and instead centred around wild teenage characters gallivanting around the small town. In my opinion, this book failed to deliver what it intended and there was far too much ridiculous side story going on.
It was a complete disconnect for me with the writing. I didn’t care for any of the characters except Wolf, the dog. The dialogue and inner thoughts of the characters were consistently cheesy and cringey, lacking any sort of natural ease. I have never rolled my eyes as much as I did with this novel - the behaviour became more absurd and outlandish as each chapter went by. The amateur sleuthing was too much for me to handle.
I will stop here as I recognize how much time and effort goes into writing a novel and clearly this wasn’t intended for me. I would be very hesitant in picking up another book by this author.
Thank you to the publisher for my digital review copy! Thank you to my lovely local library for the physical and audio loan!
June 22, 2021
Chevy Stevens has wowed me yet again with another empowering, thoughtful, character-driven suspense novel. This book is more of a character drama than some of her previous more pure thrillers, but there is suspense and mystery aplenty in this well-told tale of female survival. I listened to the audiobook and also read along in the physical copy. Both reading experiences were great but I especially loved the narration of the audiobook.
The book focuses primarily on two women, and one wonderful dog, Wolf. (As a dog lover, I really just can’t adequately express how much I just loved the character of Wolf.) In the fictional town of Cold Creek, women are disappearing and turning up murdered along the highway. Stevens, in a very informative and sad afterward, shares how the story was inspired by a real highway that has claimed the lives of numerous First Nations women, murdered by a killer or killers as yet unidentified.
In this book, we meet the wonderful and irrepressible character of Hailey, a young woman who has to turn to shocking methods of survival after she is orphaned and placed in a home with an uncle who is beyond creepy and possibly extremely dangerous. We also meet Beth, the sister of one of the highway victims, who is attempting to start a new life in Cold Creek after her sister’s death. The stories of the two women intersect almost magically, with one woman acting as almost the guardian angel of another (as we women should maybe do more in this world that is dangerous for us). The second guardian angel in the form of Wolf was also wonderful. You could read this book for Wolf alone, but that would do a disservice to the two equally wonderful female protagonists.
The story is part wilderness survival story, part violence survival story, and part wonderful dog story, and all parts were equally wonderful and well-developed. I will say, however, that I rarely read wilderness survival type stories but this was not your typical one in that genre and I absolutely loved this aspect of the book.
I really loved this audiobook, so richly narrated with wonderful and distinctive characters (including the dog!) and was riveted to the audio from beginning to end. This is one of those occasions in which the wonderful narration definitely enhanced my experience of the book. But as always, Chevy Stevens’ beautiful prose shines, and her thoughtfulness places her a cut above the many more superficial stories in this genre. This is a really rewarding heartfelt story of female survival of violence, the human spirit, and the dog spirit. I really recommend this book, and especially the beautifully read audiobook, to all fans of the suspense genre, But know that it is more of a character-driven drama than your typical fast suspense tale. This is a story to be savored rather than raced through. I have always liked Chevy Stevens, but this is the book that made me a full-fledged fangirl.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and the wonderful author for this exceptional reading experience.
The book focuses primarily on two women, and one wonderful dog, Wolf. (As a dog lover, I really just can’t adequately express how much I just loved the character of Wolf.) In the fictional town of Cold Creek, women are disappearing and turning up murdered along the highway. Stevens, in a very informative and sad afterward, shares how the story was inspired by a real highway that has claimed the lives of numerous First Nations women, murdered by a killer or killers as yet unidentified.
In this book, we meet the wonderful and irrepressible character of Hailey, a young woman who has to turn to shocking methods of survival after she is orphaned and placed in a home with an uncle who is beyond creepy and possibly extremely dangerous. We also meet Beth, the sister of one of the highway victims, who is attempting to start a new life in Cold Creek after her sister’s death. The stories of the two women intersect almost magically, with one woman acting as almost the guardian angel of another (as we women should maybe do more in this world that is dangerous for us). The second guardian angel in the form of Wolf was also wonderful. You could read this book for Wolf alone, but that would do a disservice to the two equally wonderful female protagonists.
The story is part wilderness survival story, part violence survival story, and part wonderful dog story, and all parts were equally wonderful and well-developed. I will say, however, that I rarely read wilderness survival type stories but this was not your typical one in that genre and I absolutely loved this aspect of the book.
I really loved this audiobook, so richly narrated with wonderful and distinctive characters (including the dog!) and was riveted to the audio from beginning to end. This is one of those occasions in which the wonderful narration definitely enhanced my experience of the book. But as always, Chevy Stevens’ beautiful prose shines, and her thoughtfulness places her a cut above the many more superficial stories in this genre. This is a really rewarding heartfelt story of female survival of violence, the human spirit, and the dog spirit. I really recommend this book, and especially the beautifully read audiobook, to all fans of the suspense genre, But know that it is more of a character-driven drama than your typical fast suspense tale. This is a story to be savored rather than raced through. I have always liked Chevy Stevens, but this is the book that made me a full-fledged fangirl.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and the wonderful author for this exceptional reading experience.
April 22, 2023
In British Columbia lies the Highway of Tears, a nearly 500-mile stretch of road made famous for its dark history of violence against women. For the last 50 years, women, many of them Indigenous, have been vanishing from the highway. Some victims are later found murdered, while others remain missing to this day.
Such is the inspiration for Chevy Stevens’s 2021 thriller release, Dark Roads. Only instead of the Highway of Tears, her novel is set in the fictional town of Cold Creek, along the fictional Cold Creek Highway.
Two young women narrate the story – Hailey McBride and Beth Chevalier. Grieving the death of her father, Hailey vanishes into the mountains of British Columbia and is soon believed to be taken by the highway killer. Beth arrives in Cold Creek a year after Hailey’s disappearance, determined to solve the mystery of her sister's murder, the highway killer’s latest victim.
This being my first Stevens novel, I now see why she has a large fan base. Dark Roads captivated me from the very first page, and I sat on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book, unable to turn the pages fast enough.
I did, however, predict many of the twists, but the book is so good that not once did I grumble. I should also note that, as narrators, both Hailey and Beth are on the younger side – Hailey is in high school and Beth is in college – so readers may feel some YA vibes.
But if younger protagonists aren’t your thing, then how about those of the canine species? Because front and center in the story is Wolf, a lovable dog who will steal your heart whether you want him to or not. (Along with your hot dogs, bacon, and cookies.)
Overall, Dark Roads could not have been a more fantastic read. It’s gripping. Intense. Action-packed.
And I will forever remember it as the book that made me a Chevy Stevens fan.
My sincerest appreciation to Chevy Stevens, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
Such is the inspiration for Chevy Stevens’s 2021 thriller release, Dark Roads. Only instead of the Highway of Tears, her novel is set in the fictional town of Cold Creek, along the fictional Cold Creek Highway.
Two young women narrate the story – Hailey McBride and Beth Chevalier. Grieving the death of her father, Hailey vanishes into the mountains of British Columbia and is soon believed to be taken by the highway killer. Beth arrives in Cold Creek a year after Hailey’s disappearance, determined to solve the mystery of her sister's murder, the highway killer’s latest victim.
This being my first Stevens novel, I now see why she has a large fan base. Dark Roads captivated me from the very first page, and I sat on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book, unable to turn the pages fast enough.
I did, however, predict many of the twists, but the book is so good that not once did I grumble. I should also note that, as narrators, both Hailey and Beth are on the younger side – Hailey is in high school and Beth is in college – so readers may feel some YA vibes.
But if younger protagonists aren’t your thing, then how about those of the canine species? Because front and center in the story is Wolf, a lovable dog who will steal your heart whether you want him to or not. (Along with your hot dogs, bacon, and cookies.)
Overall, Dark Roads could not have been a more fantastic read. It’s gripping. Intense. Action-packed.
And I will forever remember it as the book that made me a Chevy Stevens fan.
My sincerest appreciation to Chevy Stevens, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
November 3, 2020
Chevy Stevens is back and better than ever with a grisly tale that will make you think twice before driving down any deserted highways at night. DARK ROADS is a chilling, pulse-pounding thriller that also tugs at the heartstrings. It's everything you've come to love from a master of the psych thriller genre!
September 2, 2021
Dark Roads is another enjoyable tale by Chevy Stevens.
The story unfolds along the Cold Creek Highway. Over the years, multiple women have gone missing without a culprit ever being caught in this area of British Columbia.
Hailey McBride is a seventeen-year-old girl. Her dad has recently passed away in an accident. Haley has moved in with her aunt and her husband. Her husband, Vaughn is a police officer. People called Vaughn the Iceman for a reason. He is mean and a bully and he wants to control Hailey. Luckily, Haley has a good friend in Johnny who helps her out when she needs it. Hailey also meets Amber, a waitress at the local diner. She falls for her but then Hailey makes a discovery that causes her to run away.
A year later, Beth, Amber's sister is in town. She wants to know what happened to Amber. She meets both, the Iceman and Johnnie and she will have to make her own choices and decide who she can trust.
Unfortunately for Beth, the killer has her eyes set on her and she is running out of time.
I liked Dark Roads. Yes, some areas were just too unbelievable for me but I was able to let it go and kept hoping for the best.
I do think that Wolf stole this book. He was such a good boy 🐕
After reading this book, I do know that the one thing I won't ever do is to be around those 450 miles of the Highway of Tears. All those women have died and most have never been found or if found, their killers are running free.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The story unfolds along the Cold Creek Highway. Over the years, multiple women have gone missing without a culprit ever being caught in this area of British Columbia.
Hailey McBride is a seventeen-year-old girl. Her dad has recently passed away in an accident. Haley has moved in with her aunt and her husband. Her husband, Vaughn is a police officer. People called Vaughn the Iceman for a reason. He is mean and a bully and he wants to control Hailey. Luckily, Haley has a good friend in Johnny who helps her out when she needs it. Hailey also meets Amber, a waitress at the local diner. She falls for her but then Hailey makes a discovery that causes her to run away.
A year later, Beth, Amber's sister is in town. She wants to know what happened to Amber. She meets both, the Iceman and Johnnie and she will have to make her own choices and decide who she can trust.
Unfortunately for Beth, the killer has her eyes set on her and she is running out of time.
I liked Dark Roads. Yes, some areas were just too unbelievable for me but I was able to let it go and kept hoping for the best.
I do think that Wolf stole this book. He was such a good boy 🐕
After reading this book, I do know that the one thing I won't ever do is to be around those 450 miles of the Highway of Tears. All those women have died and most have never been found or if found, their killers are running free.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
September 27, 2024
A disappointing read with a very misleading synopsis. It read more like a young-adult novel than the suspense book that I was led to believe. Unappealing and unlikable lead characters (Hailey, Beth, and Jonny) who I never cared about. Very little suspense or action (what little there was, was saved for the end). The story dragged on and on between the points-of-views of Hailey and Beth, neither of whom I liked. The killer and any ongoing investigation was barely there. It was a real struggle to finish this one. The only bright spot was the dog named Wolf, but unfortunately Wolf alone couldn't save this slow-going and disappointing read.
August 23, 2021
I have some conflicting thoughts here with Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens. I enjoyed it as much as I didn't. I was drawn to the story because the fictional Cold Creek Highway is influenced by an actual highway stretching 724 km in BC where many women (mostly Indigenous) have disappeared or been found murdered called The Highway of tears.
Chevy Stevens has written her own story here while creating a fictional highway, town, mountainous terrain, and campground by the lake similar to ones in BC, Canada. She does a fantastic job of bringing that all to life, and I enjoyed the story of survival created here.
The story is broken into three parts, starting with Hailey, who calls Cold Creek home and has grown up with warnings and reminders to fear the Cold Creek Highway and never travel it alone. I loved the sense of dread, fear, and tension captured here with the isolated, rugged wilderness that becomes a prime hunting ground for a predator, the highway killer.
Part Two focuses on Beth, who comes to Cold Creek searching for answers to what happened to her sister one night on Cold Creek Highway. Hailey and Beth are connected by their loyalties to the people they care about, and I enjoyed the dynamics there.
In part three, Hailey and Beth's stories begin to merge as the tension and suspense increase and the action and danger pick up to the final showdown with the characters. While this was exciting and entertaining, it didn't go in the direction I was hoping for, and I didn't find it as convincing as I would of liked.
This is where I am conflicted I thought Chevy Stevens created a complex, thrilling and entertaining thriller, but with using the backdrop as ambitious as The Highway of Tears I couldn't help wondering about the real-life lost souls of women, their stories, and the secrets the highway holds. I was left feeling disappointed and thought she could have done a better job creating a more emotional realistic story that centred around the lost women. However she does mentioned out of respect she wanted to created her own story.
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley.
Chevy Stevens has written her own story here while creating a fictional highway, town, mountainous terrain, and campground by the lake similar to ones in BC, Canada. She does a fantastic job of bringing that all to life, and I enjoyed the story of survival created here.
The story is broken into three parts, starting with Hailey, who calls Cold Creek home and has grown up with warnings and reminders to fear the Cold Creek Highway and never travel it alone. I loved the sense of dread, fear, and tension captured here with the isolated, rugged wilderness that becomes a prime hunting ground for a predator, the highway killer.
Part Two focuses on Beth, who comes to Cold Creek searching for answers to what happened to her sister one night on Cold Creek Highway. Hailey and Beth are connected by their loyalties to the people they care about, and I enjoyed the dynamics there.
In part three, Hailey and Beth's stories begin to merge as the tension and suspense increase and the action and danger pick up to the final showdown with the characters. While this was exciting and entertaining, it didn't go in the direction I was hoping for, and I didn't find it as convincing as I would of liked.
This is where I am conflicted I thought Chevy Stevens created a complex, thrilling and entertaining thriller, but with using the backdrop as ambitious as The Highway of Tears I couldn't help wondering about the real-life lost souls of women, their stories, and the secrets the highway holds. I was left feeling disappointed and thought she could have done a better job creating a more emotional realistic story that centred around the lost women. However she does mentioned out of respect she wanted to created her own story.
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley.
January 6, 2022
Unfortunately, I don't have a lot to say about this book, I thought it was just okay. I think it's horrifying that this story is inspired by real life events, but I guess I just expected more from this since it has so much hype. I feel like I've read thrillers like this one before, and it didn't really bring anything new to the table. I also saw some other reviewers saying it read like YA and I wouldn't disagree with that, the protagonist is 17 so it does read a little young at times.
Shelved as 'dnf-lost-interest'
May 15, 2021I've been reading Chevy Stevens' books for over a decade now, and that feeling of picking up a new book by her never gets old. 🥰🥰🥰
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
February 28, 2024
I’m so glad I saw this book, by chance, in the bookstore yesterday! I’d missed reading Chevy’s books.
DARK ROADS was impossible for me to put down..the twists, the turns..the anger, the terror…the naive, the perverted. What a ride!🏍️
DARK ROADS was impossible for me to put down..the twists, the turns..the anger, the terror…the naive, the perverted. What a ride!🏍️
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