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Road Ghosts #1
Four 'til Late
A Haunted Road Trip
Amateur ghost hunter Brett and his friends Gonzo, Jimbo, and Liz are on a road trip with dangerous detours, dreadful dreams and dire warnings. But that won't keep them from reaching their goal: New Orleans. Along the way they discover that some spirits leave you with more than a hangover and regrets. Can they get there in one piece, or will they be stopped and rest in peace?
The bags are packed, the engine's running. Turn up the radio and get moving because the road ghosts are waiting, and it's Four 'til Late.
Four 'til Late is the first book of the Road Ghosts Trilogy.
Amateur ghost hunter Brett and his friends Gonzo, Jimbo, and Liz are on a road trip with dangerous detours, dreadful dreams and dire warnings. But that won't keep them from reaching their goal: New Orleans. Along the way they discover that some spirits leave you with more than a hangover and regrets. Can they get there in one piece, or will they be stopped and rest in peace?
The bags are packed, the engine's running. Turn up the radio and get moving because the road ghosts are waiting, and it's Four 'til Late.
Four 'til Late is the first book of the Road Ghosts Trilogy.
236 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 12, 2019
2.5 stars for the story
4.5 stars for the cover art
4.5 stars for the cover art
October 18, 2013
Brett and Liz broke up, but now Brett’s on a road trip with Gonzo and Jimbo and it seems his friends have decided to meet up with the ex-girlfriend on the way. They’re not picking up Jimbo’s girlfriend though, and they’re not taking Jimbo to see her—both causes of serious concern and not a little danger.
Pitch-perfect dialog pulls this story along, and the author deftly keeps the voices perfectly in character, the language perfectly natural, the conversation swift and unforced, and the reader riveted to every word.
All the senses come to life in this tale: Smell the food, the drinks, the over-ripe stink when the car-windows need opening; enjoy the zany conversation; see the mist and wonder what’s hiding behind it. This trip feels real just as soon as the rubber hits the road, and even if you don’t recognize all the musical references, you’ll hear the guitar riffs playing in your heads.
Something or someone is playing with Brett’s head too. A figure in the fog might be a ghost. A nightmare might almost be real. And a shadow’s stalking him. But “Why me?” he asks. And the reader’s slowly drawn into asking that too.
Well-timed backstory, well-drawn characters, and genuine scares all come together in a tale that hides wisdom behind its shroud of fog and fury. Join pagan witch, innocent bystander, and friends just looking for music and a well-chilled beer, and enjoy this Halloween tale.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to be given a free ecopy of this soon-to-be Halloween classic.
Pitch-perfect dialog pulls this story along, and the author deftly keeps the voices perfectly in character, the language perfectly natural, the conversation swift and unforced, and the reader riveted to every word.
All the senses come to life in this tale: Smell the food, the drinks, the over-ripe stink when the car-windows need opening; enjoy the zany conversation; see the mist and wonder what’s hiding behind it. This trip feels real just as soon as the rubber hits the road, and even if you don’t recognize all the musical references, you’ll hear the guitar riffs playing in your heads.
Something or someone is playing with Brett’s head too. A figure in the fog might be a ghost. A nightmare might almost be real. And a shadow’s stalking him. But “Why me?” he asks. And the reader’s slowly drawn into asking that too.
Well-timed backstory, well-drawn characters, and genuine scares all come together in a tale that hides wisdom behind its shroud of fog and fury. Join pagan witch, innocent bystander, and friends just looking for music and a well-chilled beer, and enjoy this Halloween tale.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to be given a free ecopy of this soon-to-be Halloween classic.
June 10, 2013
I love a good old fashioned ghost story. But they're surprisingly thin on the ground. The horror genre tends to be full of gory gross-outs, or the classic bait and switch: "We're selling this as a ghost story, but in the last act, it turns out IT WASN'T A GHOST AT ALL!" The M. Night Shymalan "twist ending" has ruined a lot of really solid stories, IMO, but that's a rant for another day.
The characters are a fun and engaging group, and half the fun of this story was the road trip parts in between the spectral events. Towards the end, the story had acquired a bit of an urban fantasy feeling, but still remained fairly grounded in the ordinary world (at least, as much as you can in a ghost story without a Scooby Doo, guy-in-a-rubber-mask reveal).
In "Four Til Late," Eric Garrison serves up a solid spooky tale that builds tension and raises the stakes to an unexpectedly satisfying conclusion. That said, there's still a *bit* of a twist, but it's deftly handled, and doesn't negate _anything_ about the story up to that point.
In other words, Garrison stuck the landing nicely, which I think is the hardest thing to do in a ghost story like this. Well done, and I'd definitely pick up other work from this author.
The characters are a fun and engaging group, and half the fun of this story was the road trip parts in between the spectral events. Towards the end, the story had acquired a bit of an urban fantasy feeling, but still remained fairly grounded in the ordinary world (at least, as much as you can in a ghost story without a Scooby Doo, guy-in-a-rubber-mask reveal).
In "Four Til Late," Eric Garrison serves up a solid spooky tale that builds tension and raises the stakes to an unexpectedly satisfying conclusion. That said, there's still a *bit* of a twist, but it's deftly handled, and doesn't negate _anything_ about the story up to that point.
In other words, Garrison stuck the landing nicely, which I think is the hardest thing to do in a ghost story like this. Well done, and I'd definitely pick up other work from this author.
September 28, 2013
Ghost stories lately have you either screaming at gimmicky turns or grossed out with gore. Thankfully Four ‘Til Late gives you a good read, a road trip filled with twists and a good humorous ride to go with it. It’s not a heavy read, it’s light but full of suspense and thrills. The balance of it all plays out quite well and keeps the reader engaged.
Now, it did take me a bit to get into the story. I’m not sure if it’s the story itself or just because life was a bit crazy while I was reading it. I had been looking forward to reading this and the cover and the book blurb really intrigued me. The cover reminds me of the ghost stories when I was a kid. A bit of nostalgia in the picture with just the right amount of, ooh, check that out! It fit quite nicely with the story itself.
For those looking for a good, creepy but light hearted ghost story involving a group of friends, this story is right up your alley. Looking for the Halloween slasher, sorry, this isn’t for you. I look forward to reading more from the author, Eric Garrison and hope he brings his characters back for more road trip fun.
Now, it did take me a bit to get into the story. I’m not sure if it’s the story itself or just because life was a bit crazy while I was reading it. I had been looking forward to reading this and the cover and the book blurb really intrigued me. The cover reminds me of the ghost stories when I was a kid. A bit of nostalgia in the picture with just the right amount of, ooh, check that out! It fit quite nicely with the story itself.
For those looking for a good, creepy but light hearted ghost story involving a group of friends, this story is right up your alley. Looking for the Halloween slasher, sorry, this isn’t for you. I look forward to reading more from the author, Eric Garrison and hope he brings his characters back for more road trip fun.
September 27, 2013
This was a classic ghost story, with down to earth fun characters. This book follows friends on a haunted creepy road trip. I really enjoyed this one because it was good and creepy but it had quite a few fun/funny parts. This book has twists and turns that leave you wanting to take more adventures with these characters. Garrison has written very engaging characters that I can totally see hanging out with. :) It is always a big plus for me when an Author really fleshes out characters. It was almost like I was along for the ride.
September 23, 2014
Four 'Til Late is a wonderfully written novel by Eric Garrison, the characters were relatable and was able to weave a tale that I thought was going one way and went a completely different way in a good way. I liked that we got introduced to the main characters and didn't feel like their friendship was forced in any way, so when all the crazy stuff happens in the book you root for them. I enjoyed the mythological elements in the story, I'm looking forward to reading more in the Road Ghosts trilogy and Eric Garrison.
November 9, 2008
This was a very excellent book! It was full of fun, mystery, laughter and friendship. I would say everyone should read it. Not just because I know the author either. It was well written I really liked it.
February 18, 2019
2.5 stars
November 30, 2013
I come to this book already a fan, having read and enjoyed Blue Spirit and Reality Check. So I was anxious to read FOUR 'TIL LATE, his latest, or perhaps equally appropriate, his earliest, release. FOUR 'TIL LATE is a re-release of his first novel, part one of a trilogy, and as I understand it, with a bit of editing and rewriting. So I chose to wait for the "new authorized edition."
Rewrite or not, the story still permeates with "essence of new author" excitement, with a strong sense of a new voice coming into its own, of a writer anxious to introduce his vision to the world. Personally I'm glad the rewrite has not polished away that essence. Approaching the tale now after having read tales of the more mature, more disciplined, author, was a treat for this reader.
The job of a speculative fiction author is to take the reader on a journey into the strange and unusual, to go someplace magical and thrilling and maybe a bit dangerous, where anything can happen. What better way to present that idea than to tell the tale of a literal journey--a group of four friends who hop into a van and go on a road trip.
Protagonist Brett and his friend Jimbo join their older "Uncle Gonzo" on a road trip from Indianapolis to New Orleans. En route they'll pick up Brett's ex-girlfriend, Liz. Some are running away from their past, others are trying to move forward, though some barely know to what, or why. The story weaves between the road-trip present and drifts into the characters' past, bringing out in bits the secrets and traumas that may hold the answer to why a strange ghostly specter has suddenly given chase to the traveling minivan. What is the strange manifestation, and why is it chasing them? It may be Jimbo's batty girlfriend Fran, who won't stop calling his cell phone since being shut out of the group's travel plans, or it might be a darker, more sinister, threat.
Garrison has a knack for creating fun, interesting women characters, and this book is no exception, as quirky Liz consistently steals almost every scene she's in. I'm looking forward to logging more miles with the next volumes of this series. Bottom line--a great start to a fun and intense paranormal thriller trilogy.
Rewrite or not, the story still permeates with "essence of new author" excitement, with a strong sense of a new voice coming into its own, of a writer anxious to introduce his vision to the world. Personally I'm glad the rewrite has not polished away that essence. Approaching the tale now after having read tales of the more mature, more disciplined, author, was a treat for this reader.
The job of a speculative fiction author is to take the reader on a journey into the strange and unusual, to go someplace magical and thrilling and maybe a bit dangerous, where anything can happen. What better way to present that idea than to tell the tale of a literal journey--a group of four friends who hop into a van and go on a road trip.
Protagonist Brett and his friend Jimbo join their older "Uncle Gonzo" on a road trip from Indianapolis to New Orleans. En route they'll pick up Brett's ex-girlfriend, Liz. Some are running away from their past, others are trying to move forward, though some barely know to what, or why. The story weaves between the road-trip present and drifts into the characters' past, bringing out in bits the secrets and traumas that may hold the answer to why a strange ghostly specter has suddenly given chase to the traveling minivan. What is the strange manifestation, and why is it chasing them? It may be Jimbo's batty girlfriend Fran, who won't stop calling his cell phone since being shut out of the group's travel plans, or it might be a darker, more sinister, threat.
Garrison has a knack for creating fun, interesting women characters, and this book is no exception, as quirky Liz consistently steals almost every scene she's in. I'm looking forward to logging more miles with the next volumes of this series. Bottom line--a great start to a fun and intense paranormal thriller trilogy.
February 27, 2014
Brett’s paranormal investigations are at a stand still, so he’s up for it when Uncle Gonzo invites him and his friend Jimbo, and ex-girlfriend Liz on a road trip, destination New Orleans.
Things get interesting right from the get go. The trip almost ends before it gets down the road, when they swerve to avoid a figure that appears out of the fog. Turns out it was a ghost.
But a ghost is the least of their worries, as a raging demon who hops from body to body and can sap their life force with a touch pursues them.
This road trip is anything but normal and they’ll be lucky to reach their destination.
This is one crazy road trip. Brett and Liz are working on renewing their relationship, Jimbo is harassed with phone calls from his insecure, jealous girlfriend Frannie, and Uncle Gonzo(not really anyone’s uncle) is always there to stir the pot, sarcastic with a capital S.
Where the author really got me was why, if Jimbo’s girlfriend may be the one who sicced the demon on them, was Brett the target? I kept searching for subtle clues, something to point me in another direction.
Then I got caught up in the dialogue, the witty repartee, and the pit stops they made along the way.
Even if a demon’s after you, you still have to take a bathroom break and eat. But thinking it won’t attack when others are around is a dangerous mistake for Brett and the poor guy barely escapes it clutches.
I think Gonzo’s van, Soccer Mom, was the perfect vehicle to carry us down this winding road. The weird gets weirder, the demon gets angrier, and the gang gets more desperate. This is where you fasten your seat belts and hold on to your butts. The path is filled with potholes.
I received this book for my honest and unbiased review.
Things get interesting right from the get go. The trip almost ends before it gets down the road, when they swerve to avoid a figure that appears out of the fog. Turns out it was a ghost.
But a ghost is the least of their worries, as a raging demon who hops from body to body and can sap their life force with a touch pursues them.
This road trip is anything but normal and they’ll be lucky to reach their destination.
This is one crazy road trip. Brett and Liz are working on renewing their relationship, Jimbo is harassed with phone calls from his insecure, jealous girlfriend Frannie, and Uncle Gonzo(not really anyone’s uncle) is always there to stir the pot, sarcastic with a capital S.
Where the author really got me was why, if Jimbo’s girlfriend may be the one who sicced the demon on them, was Brett the target? I kept searching for subtle clues, something to point me in another direction.
Then I got caught up in the dialogue, the witty repartee, and the pit stops they made along the way.
Even if a demon’s after you, you still have to take a bathroom break and eat. But thinking it won’t attack when others are around is a dangerous mistake for Brett and the poor guy barely escapes it clutches.
I think Gonzo’s van, Soccer Mom, was the perfect vehicle to carry us down this winding road. The weird gets weirder, the demon gets angrier, and the gang gets more desperate. This is where you fasten your seat belts and hold on to your butts. The path is filled with potholes.
I received this book for my honest and unbiased review.
February 18, 2016
Brett and Liz broke up, but now Brett’s on a road trip with Gonzo and Jimbo and it seems his friends have decided to meet up with the ex-girlfriend on the way. They’re not picking up Jimbo’s girlfriend though, and they’re not taking Jimbo to see her—both causes of serious concern and not a little danger.
Pitch-perfect dialog pulls this story along, and the author deftly keeps the voices perfectly in character, the language perfectly natural, the conversation swift and unforced, and the reader riveted to every word.
All the senses come to life in this tale: Smell the food, the drinks, the over-ripe stink when the car-windows need opening; enjoy the zany conversation; see the mist and wonder what’s hiding behind it. This trip feels real just as soon as the rubber hits the road, and even if you don’t recognize all the musical references, you’ll hear the guitar riffs playing in your heads.
Something or someone is playing with Brett’s head too. A figure in the fog might be a ghost. A nightmare might almost be real. And a shadow’s stalking him. But “Why me?” he asks. And the reader’s slowly drawn into asking that too.
Well-timed backstory, well-drawn characters, and genuine scares all come together in a tale that hides wisdom behind its shroud of fog and fury. Join pagan witch, innocent bystander, and friends just looking for music and a well-chilled beer, and enjoy this Halloween tale.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to be given a free ecopy of this soon-to-be Halloween classic.
Pitch-perfect dialog pulls this story along, and the author deftly keeps the voices perfectly in character, the language perfectly natural, the conversation swift and unforced, and the reader riveted to every word.
All the senses come to life in this tale: Smell the food, the drinks, the over-ripe stink when the car-windows need opening; enjoy the zany conversation; see the mist and wonder what’s hiding behind it. This trip feels real just as soon as the rubber hits the road, and even if you don’t recognize all the musical references, you’ll hear the guitar riffs playing in your heads.
Something or someone is playing with Brett’s head too. A figure in the fog might be a ghost. A nightmare might almost be real. And a shadow’s stalking him. But “Why me?” he asks. And the reader’s slowly drawn into asking that too.
Well-timed backstory, well-drawn characters, and genuine scares all come together in a tale that hides wisdom behind its shroud of fog and fury. Join pagan witch, innocent bystander, and friends just looking for music and a well-chilled beer, and enjoy this Halloween tale.
Disclosure: I was lucky enough to be given a free ecopy of this soon-to-be Halloween classic.
May 20, 2014
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. Ghost story-type books never seem to grab my interest after the first couple chapters, and I often find myself simply skimming, uninterested, the rest of the story just to make it through. Four 'til Late, however, is an exception.
I found myself eagerly reading, happily anxious to see what happened next. The main characters, even those that remained "off screen" for the most part, all felt like people I've known (and in some cases wanted to strangle), and I was genuinely interested in what was happening to them.
There were a few moments of predictability (of the "I bet this will happen at some point soon" type), but I blame that more on the fact that I REALLY like mysteries and trying to figure them out on my own rather than Garrison's writing.
All in all, I am quite happy I gave this book a chance, and I look forward to others in the series.
I found myself eagerly reading, happily anxious to see what happened next. The main characters, even those that remained "off screen" for the most part, all felt like people I've known (and in some cases wanted to strangle), and I was genuinely interested in what was happening to them.
There were a few moments of predictability (of the "I bet this will happen at some point soon" type), but I blame that more on the fact that I REALLY like mysteries and trying to figure them out on my own rather than Garrison's writing.
All in all, I am quite happy I gave this book a chance, and I look forward to others in the series.
October 8, 2015
I am not a huge ghost story fan, but something about this book drew me in. I am glad it did! "Four 'Til Late" is a really fun book to read. The characters are realistic and easy to follow. They seem like old friends that you are revisiting, checking in with. Even the minivan has its own name and personality!
The story begins with four friends that are going on a road trip from Indianapolis to New Orleans. What they don't know is there is a demon following one of their group and it will do anything in its power to get that person.
If you want a ghost story full of humor and that has a surprising ending, this one's for you. I will definitely be reading the next two books in this series. Well done, Mr. Garrison, well done!
The story begins with four friends that are going on a road trip from Indianapolis to New Orleans. What they don't know is there is a demon following one of their group and it will do anything in its power to get that person.
If you want a ghost story full of humor and that has a surprising ending, this one's for you. I will definitely be reading the next two books in this series. Well done, Mr. Garrison, well done!
July 16, 2013
Haunted road trip? Yes Please! Eric Garrison has written a book that is both spooky and fun. The characters are real and engaging. The lighthearted, enjoyment of friends on a road trip makes the creepy parts even more creepy. It is a great balance that has you on the edge of your seat till the satisfying end. Eerie or not, this is one road trip you don't want to miss.
June 1, 2015
A great Road Trip New Orleans style with a fantastic *spoiler* Doctor Who treat.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews