What do you think?
Rate this book
The Corner of Her Eye #2
The Road
THE MUCH ANTICIPATED SEQUEL TO THE KEEPER IN THE CORNER OF HER EYE SERIES.
"If you fail...much worse things will happen...much worse things, will come for you."
Charlie White thought this was the end. She thought once she accepted her fate as a Keeper of Purgatory, her story would conclude. But she's just scratched the surface; this is only the beginning.
As she grapples with an ever-expanding new world beyond the grave, she begins to draw imbalanced, disturbed and helpless spirits to herself in greater and greater numbers. How deep must she venture through the layers of purgatory? And who else — or rather what else — lurks in the shadows of limbo?
It's not just Charlie whose sanity, life and reality are under threat any more. But just how much rests on her shoulders? And will she figure out how to fulfill her duty before she runs out of time?
"If you fail...much worse things will happen...much worse things, will come for you."
Charlie White thought this was the end. She thought once she accepted her fate as a Keeper of Purgatory, her story would conclude. But she's just scratched the surface; this is only the beginning.
As she grapples with an ever-expanding new world beyond the grave, she begins to draw imbalanced, disturbed and helpless spirits to herself in greater and greater numbers. How deep must she venture through the layers of purgatory? And who else — or rather what else — lurks in the shadows of limbo?
It's not just Charlie whose sanity, life and reality are under threat any more. But just how much rests on her shoulders? And will she figure out how to fulfill her duty before she runs out of time?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2024
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 14, 2024
Much like book 1, be prepared for the gut punches! My eyes, they were watering.
I think we all wished we had a friendship like Charlie & Tess. And Trent is just the added bit of spice we all need in our lives.
I don’t think I even knew historical horror was a genre, but I am so here for it. I loved the bits of history throughout and it kept the pace of the story moving along beautifully.
But that ending!? Oh my….I just… mind blown!
I have to mention, I’m not much of a series reader but I can’t wait for book 3.
I think we all wished we had a friendship like Charlie & Tess. And Trent is just the added bit of spice we all need in our lives.
I don’t think I even knew historical horror was a genre, but I am so here for it. I loved the bits of history throughout and it kept the pace of the story moving along beautifully.
But that ending!? Oh my….I just… mind blown!
I have to mention, I’m not much of a series reader but I can’t wait for book 3.
July 28, 2024
Wow. Book 1 was so good. Dare I say that this is even better?
Charlie White is learning and coming to terms with her new role as a keeper. She needs her friends around her as support, and nobody could ask for a better friend than Tess. She is fiercely loyal and caring, and it was great to see so much more of her book two.
As with book 1, this is beautifully written. The scenes are so visceral that you feel emersed in the story. The characters are so well developed, and I loved how even the spirits got to share their stories.
I loved how the author was not afraid to explore the darker history of England and Australia. This was done in a sensitive yet powerful, moving way. The author is just fantastic at setting the scene of all involved in the story and linking it all. This book has it all, love, friendship, sacrifice, horror, and the best and worst of people. I don't want to give too much away as I feel you should go in knowing very little of what to expect. I will definitely continue to read more books by this author!
With thanks to the author for proving me with a copy of the book. This is my honest opinion, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
Charlie White is learning and coming to terms with her new role as a keeper. She needs her friends around her as support, and nobody could ask for a better friend than Tess. She is fiercely loyal and caring, and it was great to see so much more of her book two.
As with book 1, this is beautifully written. The scenes are so visceral that you feel emersed in the story. The characters are so well developed, and I loved how even the spirits got to share their stories.
I loved how the author was not afraid to explore the darker history of England and Australia. This was done in a sensitive yet powerful, moving way. The author is just fantastic at setting the scene of all involved in the story and linking it all. This book has it all, love, friendship, sacrifice, horror, and the best and worst of people. I don't want to give too much away as I feel you should go in knowing very little of what to expect. I will definitely continue to read more books by this author!
With thanks to the author for proving me with a copy of the book. This is my honest opinion, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
August 1, 2024
This book gave me all the feels again. Really like all the history in the series. I don't know anything about it and I really like how humanized this piece of history is in this book.
We follow Charlie again on her journey to learn more about spirits and how to help hem and I really like how she sees the world. Tess and Trent are really great friends and I like how we see their relationship grow even more.
We follow Charlie again on her journey to learn more about spirits and how to help hem and I really like how she sees the world. Tess and Trent are really great friends and I like how we see their relationship grow even more.
July 4, 2024
I loved the first book so much, I was excited for the second book!
I very much appreciated the quick little refresher at the beginning of the book. It really helped jog my memory of the first book and I was immediately back into this world of Charlie and the different spirits.
I was so happy that Tess had returned for the second book and is here to stay. She’s such a lovely friend and support system to Charlie. I also really loved Trent and his sense of humor.
The dialogue in this book is also done very well and the visual details are so vivid, I can picture everything that’s happening. I think that’s very important for all the scenes where Charlie enters the Dream and encounters these spirits, specifically the Yellows and Red that were focused on in this book.
Following Charlie’s journey in trying to figure out what these mysterious spirits are was enjoyable and interesting. And yet again, just as in the first book, my favorite parts were when Charlie would have her therapy sessions with Maryanne. I just love Maryanne’s personality and short mysterious answers and comments to Charlie’s questions so much.
The ending made my jaw drop and left me wanting so much more! I loved it!
I very much appreciated the quick little refresher at the beginning of the book. It really helped jog my memory of the first book and I was immediately back into this world of Charlie and the different spirits.
I was so happy that Tess had returned for the second book and is here to stay. She’s such a lovely friend and support system to Charlie. I also really loved Trent and his sense of humor.
The dialogue in this book is also done very well and the visual details are so vivid, I can picture everything that’s happening. I think that’s very important for all the scenes where Charlie enters the Dream and encounters these spirits, specifically the Yellows and Red that were focused on in this book.
Following Charlie’s journey in trying to figure out what these mysterious spirits are was enjoyable and interesting. And yet again, just as in the first book, my favorite parts were when Charlie would have her therapy sessions with Maryanne. I just love Maryanne’s personality and short mysterious answers and comments to Charlie’s questions so much.
The ending made my jaw drop and left me wanting so much more! I loved it!
July 7, 2024
Straddling the boundary between the seen and unseen.
A gripping sequel that dives deeper into Charlie's journey as a keeper. Set against a haunting Australian history backdrop. Charlie must free the trapped spirits before she is trapped herself. "The Road" blends supernatural mystery with heartfelt drama, which kept me hooked from start to finish, making me love this book as much as the first
A gripping sequel that dives deeper into Charlie's journey as a keeper. Set against a haunting Australian history backdrop. Charlie must free the trapped spirits before she is trapped herself. "The Road" blends supernatural mystery with heartfelt drama, which kept me hooked from start to finish, making me love this book as much as the first
June 30, 2024
I think the book took me all of about 24 hours to finish. The author’s visual style is so engaging that I could just imagine I was watching it on a screen as it unfolded. This story is a continuation of the first book ‘The Keeper’ and describes the main character’s, Charlie’s, growing awareness of the spirit world and her role in it. The Australian convict history woven through the narrative just sucks you in and the relationships between the characters is so real and complex, without any temptation to neatly define anything. Some of the scenes are quite intense so I wouldn’t recommend this for younger readers, but late teens and older will love it.
July 2, 2024
Author excelled in telling haunting tales of human nature with a bleak edge. Great second book, that looks at boundaries between life and death, between the known & the unknown loved the plots.
I Tchilinguirian
I Tchilinguirian
July 17, 2024
4.25 rounded down to 4.
Thank you so much to the author for an advanced copy of TCOHE: Book Two: The Road. All opinions are my own.
This was such a great sequel to the first book, The Keeper. In the first book, Charlie discovers that she has a connection to these different kinds of spirits due to the fact she has a severe peanut allergy and has technically died multiple times. She is known as a Keeper, and she can help ghosts move on from purgatory. In this one, Charlie learns more about her gift, and we get to learn about more of the different types of spirits. Lots of ghosts in this one!
The rich history of Australia's First Nation peoples and the hardships of the convicts forced to work on the road provided much darker subject matter for the plot and for the history of those ghosts in this book. The topics were definitely heavier, dealing with alcoholism and sexual assault, as well as a corrupt corrections system. I also felt like this book was more centered around a mystery to be solved, rather than the horror-esque vibe of the first book. I do appreciate the differences in the genres (while not being too different from each other). I feel like a lot of the creepy, spooky moments that I enjoyed in the first book weren't as present in this installment. I also felt that the building of Charlie's relationships with Trent and Tess was also kind of put on the backburner as well, which gave this book a totally different vibe. However, it worked for me, as we got that foundation in Book One, and there already was a lot happening with the history of the indigenous people and Charlie's struggle to adapt to her evolving situation.
At first there were two separate ghost situations happening, and I was confused about the connection, but it really ended up making a lot of sense by the conclusion of the book and I'm really impressed/intrigued to see how it all plays out in the next one! A lot happened in less than 300 pages, and the setup into the third book gave me chills. Overall, this was a fantastic sequel, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this series progresses.
Thank you so much to the author for an advanced copy of TCOHE: Book Two: The Road. All opinions are my own.
This was such a great sequel to the first book, The Keeper. In the first book, Charlie discovers that she has a connection to these different kinds of spirits due to the fact she has a severe peanut allergy and has technically died multiple times. She is known as a Keeper, and she can help ghosts move on from purgatory. In this one, Charlie learns more about her gift, and we get to learn about more of the different types of spirits. Lots of ghosts in this one!
The rich history of Australia's First Nation peoples and the hardships of the convicts forced to work on the road provided much darker subject matter for the plot and for the history of those ghosts in this book. The topics were definitely heavier, dealing with alcoholism and sexual assault, as well as a corrupt corrections system. I also felt like this book was more centered around a mystery to be solved, rather than the horror-esque vibe of the first book. I do appreciate the differences in the genres (while not being too different from each other). I feel like a lot of the creepy, spooky moments that I enjoyed in the first book weren't as present in this installment. I also felt that the building of Charlie's relationships with Trent and Tess was also kind of put on the backburner as well, which gave this book a totally different vibe. However, it worked for me, as we got that foundation in Book One, and there already was a lot happening with the history of the indigenous people and Charlie's struggle to adapt to her evolving situation.
At first there were two separate ghost situations happening, and I was confused about the connection, but it really ended up making a lot of sense by the conclusion of the book and I'm really impressed/intrigued to see how it all plays out in the next one! A lot happened in less than 300 pages, and the setup into the third book gave me chills. Overall, this was a fantastic sequel, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this series progresses.
January 27, 2025
The Road, the second installment in The Corner of Her Eye series, is a compelling continuation of Charlie and her friends’ adventures as they unravel paranormal mysteries steeped in Australian history. With a few side mysteries added to the mix, this book keeps the intrigue alive - and that twist at the end? Completely unexpected! But I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoilers.
While I did manage to solve the mysteries - besides the twist - fairly easily, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. Watching the characters - Charlie, Tess, Trent, and Maryanna - piece things together at their own pace made the journey worthwhile. For me, an easily solvable mystery doesn’t ruin the experience; it’s about immersing myself in the story.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is the way it continues to expand the paranormal world. Discovering the rules alongside the characters adds a sense of wonder and curiosity. I’m particularly enjoying the deepening friendships, especially between Charlie, Tess, and Trent, which feel authentic and engaging. The historical elements remain a standout feature, providing rich layers to the narrative, while the eerie, tension-filled moments firmly root this series in the horror genre. There were several instances when I found myself on edge, completely absorbed in the story’s creeping dread.
As with the first book, readers should be mindful of potential triggers. The story doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker sides of Australian history and other heavy topics, so it’s worth approaching with caution if those themes might affect you.
Overall, I’m eagerly looking forward to picking up book three! I can’t wait to see what new mysteries this trio will tackle next.
While I did manage to solve the mysteries - besides the twist - fairly easily, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. Watching the characters - Charlie, Tess, Trent, and Maryanna - piece things together at their own pace made the journey worthwhile. For me, an easily solvable mystery doesn’t ruin the experience; it’s about immersing myself in the story.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is the way it continues to expand the paranormal world. Discovering the rules alongside the characters adds a sense of wonder and curiosity. I’m particularly enjoying the deepening friendships, especially between Charlie, Tess, and Trent, which feel authentic and engaging. The historical elements remain a standout feature, providing rich layers to the narrative, while the eerie, tension-filled moments firmly root this series in the horror genre. There were several instances when I found myself on edge, completely absorbed in the story’s creeping dread.
As with the first book, readers should be mindful of potential triggers. The story doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker sides of Australian history and other heavy topics, so it’s worth approaching with caution if those themes might affect you.
Overall, I’m eagerly looking forward to picking up book three! I can’t wait to see what new mysteries this trio will tackle next.
July 23, 2024
Charlie White thought she had reached the end of a long and strange road, but it is only just the beginning. Still reeling from her argument with her best friend Tess, Charlie prepares to walk the thing one between worlds all alone. Or will she not be as alone as she was anticipating? It’s not just Charlie stuck in limbo anymore, as she finds more and more disturbed, unbalanced spirits flocking to her. Will she be able to help them - and herself and loved ones - before its too late? And just how much time does she have?
I devoured the first book in this series, so I was absolutely thrilled when JJ Carpenter told me book #2 wasn’t far behind it! Filled with exciting twists and turns, Charlie’s journey into purgatory continues. By far, my favorite part of this series so far has been Charlie and Tess - their friendship is the kind that everyone hopes for. With lost spirits needing Charlie’s help, this story vaguely reminded me of Darcy Coates’ Gravekeeper series, which is one of my all time favorites! I also enjoyed the bits of history that were woven so perfectly into the story. And with the Australian backdrop as a setting, this book was every bit as enjoyable as the first! I can’t wait to see where Charlie goes next!
Thank you to JJ Carpenter for the ARC! It’s an honor to be on your team :)
This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly!
I devoured the first book in this series, so I was absolutely thrilled when JJ Carpenter told me book #2 wasn’t far behind it! Filled with exciting twists and turns, Charlie’s journey into purgatory continues. By far, my favorite part of this series so far has been Charlie and Tess - their friendship is the kind that everyone hopes for. With lost spirits needing Charlie’s help, this story vaguely reminded me of Darcy Coates’ Gravekeeper series, which is one of my all time favorites! I also enjoyed the bits of history that were woven so perfectly into the story. And with the Australian backdrop as a setting, this book was every bit as enjoyable as the first! I can’t wait to see where Charlie goes next!
Thank you to JJ Carpenter for the ARC! It’s an honor to be on your team :)
This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly!
July 23, 2024
If you are thinking about reading this book and haven’t read the first one – you need to go back to understand the characters that reappear in book 2. Please read the trigger warnings before reading this book to make sure it’s for you!
Charlie and Tess are at it again with their spooky adventures, but as more and more spirits need Charlie’s help, it is starting to take its toll her. This is another emotional tale about grief, guilt, pain, and the hardships of the past. Brilliantly intertwined once again with Australian History about the Old Great North Road, and how time loses meaning in Purgatory.
As I am not from Australia, I found the history incorporation to be confusing at first since I am not already familiar with the Old Great North Road. Perhaps more history was needed before the story began, or it was just a “me” problem (sometimes I have a hard time processing information). However, as the story continued, I was able to understand the characters turmoil piece by piece, until the nicely placed cliffhanger at the end that made my jaw drop. Overall, another great book by JJ, and I hope there is a 3rd!
Charlie and Tess are at it again with their spooky adventures, but as more and more spirits need Charlie’s help, it is starting to take its toll her. This is another emotional tale about grief, guilt, pain, and the hardships of the past. Brilliantly intertwined once again with Australian History about the Old Great North Road, and how time loses meaning in Purgatory.
As I am not from Australia, I found the history incorporation to be confusing at first since I am not already familiar with the Old Great North Road. Perhaps more history was needed before the story began, or it was just a “me” problem (sometimes I have a hard time processing information). However, as the story continued, I was able to understand the characters turmoil piece by piece, until the nicely placed cliffhanger at the end that made my jaw drop. Overall, another great book by JJ, and I hope there is a 3rd!
July 8, 2024
"If you fail...much worse things will happen...much worse things, will come for you."
The Road which is the second book in The Corner of Her Eye series did not disappoint and follows Charlie but the catch is after she accepted her fate as Keeper of Purgatory she has only just scratched the surface and this is only the beginning. I loved continuing this series and reading about Charlie and the different spirits. This was a page turner from beginning to end and the characters were amazing in this. I was so happy that Tess returned and glad that she is here to stay. I highly enjoyed reading this one and look foward to reading the next book in the series. This series and The Road is one that I recommend to any reader but especially to readers who love a good ghost story. Thank you to the author for this book in exchange of my honest review of The Corner of Her Eye: Book Two: The Road.
The Road which is the second book in The Corner of Her Eye series did not disappoint and follows Charlie but the catch is after she accepted her fate as Keeper of Purgatory she has only just scratched the surface and this is only the beginning. I loved continuing this series and reading about Charlie and the different spirits. This was a page turner from beginning to end and the characters were amazing in this. I was so happy that Tess returned and glad that she is here to stay. I highly enjoyed reading this one and look foward to reading the next book in the series. This series and The Road is one that I recommend to any reader but especially to readers who love a good ghost story. Thank you to the author for this book in exchange of my honest review of The Corner of Her Eye: Book Two: The Road.
September 24, 2025
I loved jumping back into the world of Charlie White. The second book in the series didn’t disappoint and I love the increased element of Australian history. The history isn’t just delivered in cold, hard facts but in a really digestible story-like way.
Charlie’s role as The Keeper requires a really strong foundation of friendship. Tess and Trent are brilliant friends and I love watching their relationship grow. I do also love the addition of the therapy sessions with Maryanne and the questions asked.
A beautifully written story with visceral scenes that makes you want to dive into the next book in the series. The dialogue is really well done and it also adds more to those great scenes.
Props to the author for exploring the darker side of Australian history. This is done in a really tasteful yet powerful way.
Charlie’s role as The Keeper requires a really strong foundation of friendship. Tess and Trent are brilliant friends and I love watching their relationship grow. I do also love the addition of the therapy sessions with Maryanne and the questions asked.
A beautifully written story with visceral scenes that makes you want to dive into the next book in the series. The dialogue is really well done and it also adds more to those great scenes.
Props to the author for exploring the darker side of Australian history. This is done in a really tasteful yet powerful way.
July 24, 2024
4.25 stars
The anticipated sequel to The Corner of Her Eye is here⚡
We are back again with the Charlie and her group Trent & Tess 👀
She thought that she had reached the end but it was just a beginning 🫠
Charlie argued with Tess and after going through that decides to walk alone and find the meaning behind all of the spirits!!!
The journey to the purgatory continues and Charlie finds her at the threshold!! Will she be able to help them? Or is she too late to do that?
With the twists and turns going in this story , the friendship between Charlie & Tess is the one everyone deserves. The author weaved the history into the story perfectly and the Australian countryside is a beautiful place to be used as location 👀🫣
The anticipated sequel to The Corner of Her Eye is here⚡
We are back again with the Charlie and her group Trent & Tess 👀
She thought that she had reached the end but it was just a beginning 🫠
Charlie argued with Tess and after going through that decides to walk alone and find the meaning behind all of the spirits!!!
The journey to the purgatory continues and Charlie finds her at the threshold!! Will she be able to help them? Or is she too late to do that?
With the twists and turns going in this story , the friendship between Charlie & Tess is the one everyone deserves. The author weaved the history into the story perfectly and the Australian countryside is a beautiful place to be used as location 👀🫣
June 29, 2024
I didn’t think I could like book two more than book one, but there you go! I felt myself drawn straight in and unable to put it down. Falling further in love with the characters and beautiful Australian history that I had no idea was part of our past. There are some dark and unsettling moments that make you question your values alongside the main character Charlie. Another wonderfully written mysterious historical fiction with truly lovable characters, heartbreak, tension and a little bit of “spooky stuff” sprinkled in for good measure.
July 17, 2024
This is the sequel to the first The Corner of Her Eye book by J.J. carpenter and it did not disappoint.
I really enjoyed that there was a quick recap of book 1 in the beginning of this book. That always helps when reading sequels in between reading a dozen other books 😅
As with the first books the world building/environment descriptions are so in depth it really makes you feel like you’re there. Charlie is such an interesting character and I love getting to follow her story and figure things out with her. And that ending!! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
I really enjoyed that there was a quick recap of book 1 in the beginning of this book. That always helps when reading sequels in between reading a dozen other books 😅
As with the first books the world building/environment descriptions are so in depth it really makes you feel like you’re there. Charlie is such an interesting character and I love getting to follow her story and figure things out with her. And that ending!! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
October 18, 2025
3.5 out of 5 stars
the is the 2nd book and it follows on a few months after the climax of the first book.
I loved that this book has a recap of book one, which I wish more series books would offer. So if it's been a while since you read the first, it makes it much easer to get back into things.
This one is on par with the first book so if you liked it you will like this one.
I’d call this series a quiet historical horror, so it’s good if you’re not into gore, and just want a slow burn story with some chilling moments, then this is the book for you.
the is the 2nd book and it follows on a few months after the climax of the first book.
I loved that this book has a recap of book one, which I wish more series books would offer. So if it's been a while since you read the first, it makes it much easer to get back into things.
This one is on par with the first book so if you liked it you will like this one.
I’d call this series a quiet historical horror, so it’s good if you’re not into gore, and just want a slow burn story with some chilling moments, then this is the book for you.
July 21, 2024
A sequel that holds up to the original! I really adore Charlie and what she does as a Keeper. Her story and the stories she uncovers in this book 2 will take you down unexpected paths in both the present and the past. And it’s all so smoothly woven together to create a historical thriller like I’ve not read before. I’m definitely a fan of this series!
August 24, 2024
This book will keep you engaged as you delve deeper into the world of Charlie, the keeper of purgatory. As she starts her journey on the Old Great North Road Charlie must figure out who all the spirits are that have found her, so she can free them. So much of the history of Australia is deep in the book. Such a unique story.
#haunting #tragic #greatcharacters #pageturner
#haunting #tragic #greatcharacters #pageturner
November 4, 2024
Another emotional roller coaster as we follow Charlie and he friends to the Great North Road. Again I was hooked and had to keep reading. There was one scene that made me put the book down for a day or two due to the profound impact it had on me. Another lot of tissues needed and I am greatful life has changed.
Love these books and want more!
Love these books and want more!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews