The Dark Road

by Kathleen Rhodes

"Rhodes hit the ground running with her debut novel, The Dark Road, a psychological thriller about healing from trauma and the role of connection. It is a tale of post-traumatic growth and breaking generational cycles, told through a riveting, suspenseful, and supernatural story that weaves the intersecting lives and struggles of the main characters."

Shelly has been confronting the demons of her childhood with a psychiatrist for some time. From the outside, she seems to be holding it together—she’s married, she lovingly cares for her young daughter, Josie, and she manages a real estate career. But her hold on reality wavers from day to day. Tormented by violent scenarios presented by her imagination, Shelly constantly fears for her family’s safety; exhausted by her unrelenting panic, she has grown apart from Paul, her seemingly patient husband.

John was raised by a mother who wasn’t particularly maternal, or kind. Shadows of childhood abuse cling to him, sabotaging his relationships and keeping him in the grip of fear. His buried feelings of anger simmer below the surface of his life, threatening to erupt in a vicious show of power.

Their paths collide when Shelly discovers a shocking truth about Paul and heads out on a rainy Oregon highway. A tragic accident lands her in a coma—or does it? She enters a dark and transitory world, where she chases a child ghost named Red and encounters the setting of earlier trauma. As she fights for her life along the road, she meets John, who has a score to settle of his own.

This gripping psychological thriller from a promising debut author will leave you pondering the enigmatic boundaries between reality and the subconscious, and the profound impact of a disturbing past on our quest for inner peace.

"The Dark Road is an intense psychological thriller that follows two strangers through an emotional journey to the darkest part of their subconscious. After a car accident puts both Shelly and John in a coma, they find themselves stuck together in a metaphysical world where they are confronted by the demons of their past, literally."

"I can honestly say that I’ve never read a book like this one before. As someone who has always had a passion in psychology, I was fascinated by these characters and the author's illustration of trauma."

"This gritty insight into the mind of those struggling with mental instability is so incredibly rich with descriptions that you'll be absolutely sucked into a bizarrely different world."

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2024

About the author

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Reviews

[Kay Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the setting of this novel. Not only is it a very sentimental place that's dear to my heart, but it adds a dark element to the story. The characters are relatable, even in their personal darkness.

I was intrigued by this story. There were a few dull parts where the pace crawled, and the plot did not move forward, but overall, it was a decent read. My main gripe with this novel is the head hopping. Chapters need to be labeled by their POV character, and that needs to remain consistent from the start of the chapter to the end. No hopping from Paul's perspective then to Shelly's. It's nauseating and confusing. And it's the best way to turn away readers no matter how good the rest of the book is.

[Kristin Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark Road was unputdownable with fast-paced action from cover to cover. Rhodes accurately embodies trauma in this dark story without getting too lost in any singular character's experience. If you like dark themes, psychological thrillers, and twisty tales with complex characters, this is the book for you!

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blown. Such a visual experience and beautifully written. I will be thinking about this book for long time!

[M.M. Desch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a unique premise in this captivating thriller! It's a must-read. I loved the mash-up of how the "dark road" comes together: a bit of Jung's collective unconscious, the near-death experience which I suppose is what makes it feels supernatural. Yet there's a grounded story underneath—it's clear the author knows her stuff when it comes to the medical setting. Pick it up!

[Jen Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book ended with a bang!
Honestly, for the first 65-70% of this book, I really struggled. I was having a hard time following Shelly and John’s story. I ended up truly loving Shelly and the struggle she had throughout the story.
I really enjoyed the drama within Paul and Miranda’s POVs and would’ve loved more depth to them.
Ultimately, the storyline was a different topic and I enjoy that!
I look forward to more from Rhodes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Becki Ledford · Rating 1 out of 5]

I both really enjoyed and really hated this book. Given that enjoyment, you’re likely wondering why it earned only a single star. The story was interesting and the vignettes were creatively entwined. Unfortunately, the writer leaned strongly on a few different crutches that made it hard to stay engaged in the story itself.

First, let’s get this one out of the way. While it’s possible it was coincidence, having several medical professionals inside a hospital setting share names with doctors and nurses on a long-running medical drama made it hard to take the characters seriously. Again, possibly just a coincidence, but very distracting — though not an outright dealbreaker.

The other crutch, however, makes it impossible for me to recommend this book, despite the interesting story. This writer hates fat people. The only bodies that were ever described were fat bodies, they always belonged to truly awful people (abusers and real scum of the earth), and their bodies were described so derisively that there’s no question the writer equates weight with morality.

Had any other body types been important to character description (once, a fat, villainous character did describe someone else as a “skinny little bitch” further relying on harmful tropes and stereotypes about fat people, but I digress), or had a single villain not been fat, I would think it was merely my own bias. Instead, as any new villain was introduced, I found myself playing a game wondering how long it would be before their body was described as further evidence of their depravity. It never took long. The villains in this book were absolutely despicable, there was no need to make them “disgustingly fat” except for lazy, biased writing.

A book that could have solidly been four stars otherwise gets a single star instead.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marie Lafreniere · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark Road - an absolutely intense and dynamic journey into the psyche, the metaphysical, and the psychological mind that will challenge even your own self understanding.
Pick up a copy this Fall!

Wow. I'm not sure what I expected in this psychological thriller but this was not it. In a good way! A strong and charged thriller for a debut author. I would label it a "metaphysical psychological thriller" if there is such a thing.

This gritty insight into the mind of those struggling with mental instability is so incredibly rich with descriptions that you'll be absolutely sucked into a bizarrely different world. At times you'll be extremely uncomfortable, battling with your own memories of a troubled past as the characters develop and we learn about theirs. You will be challenged to understand what is real or possible.

There are so many important messages and lessons on life here, and the author paints the details so intensely for you. At times the descriptions would start to ramble or feel drawn out, and the repetitive nature of the journey that Shelley, the main character, is on seemed to drag at points; however, the connections between strangers were well put together.
This book takes the psychological and metaphysical and binds them together for an intense novel that bridges the ideas of a 'nondenominational' purgatory and our philosophies of near death experiences.
It's incredibly different from the usual psychological thriller and you need to be ready for that.
A tough read at times, both emotionally and to follow, but it is still very much well worth the journey into your own mind and healing.

I will round this up and call it 4 stars, for bringing me something so different from the usual!
⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Kerry Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Shelley is dealing with her past and trying to move on but she's really struggling. John is going through his own traumas and their two lives become entwined when a tragedy occurs on a dark road. Trapped in a dark place between life and death they each have things to face but is there an escape.

Wow this was so dark and not quite what i expected yet I did enjoy it. THe plot follows three different arcs, Shelley, John and a shorter arc featuring Paul. The story is quite fast paced with short chapters so it does jump POV quite a bit yet it was easy to follow. John's part is shorter and i would have liked a little more if I'm honest. The ending was very good with an air of sadness and hope that did fit the story. A very good read.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhodes’ hit the ground running with her debut novel, “The Dark Road”. The Dark Road is a deep, dark psychological thriller about healing from trauma and the role of connection. I was particularly struck by Rhodes’ ability to demonstrate the transformative experience of motherhood through the eyes of Shelly and her deep bond with daughter, Josie. It is a tale of post traumatic growth and breaking generational cycles, through a riveting, suspenseful, and supernatural story that weaves the intersecting lives and struggles of the main characters.

I cried and cheered for these characters! At times I couldn’t walk away from them, either by not being able to put the book down or by continuing to contemplate their story between readings. I look forward to reading more from Rhodes.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly emotional read. What started out as two different stories ended on a collision of two people needing to decide if they have the will to live. I was decimated by this book. I had such queasy feeling as I read about John and Shelly’s back stories. They both had been through some horrible things as children and were still stuck with those memories. After a tragic accident they both have to travel the ‘dark road’. This book was very relatable for me. I, too, have had to come to terms with my childhood in order to move on. I felt all kinds of emotions throughout this book. At one part of the book, I was sobbing freely. I know this was filled with triggers for me but I am glad I followed through with the read. I am forever changed by this book.

[Erick Olguin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has an intense and well-crafted narrative, with descriptive details that allow you to immerse yourself deeply in the story and keep you wanting to read more. I liked that the atmosphere was dark and mysterious, and that, through symbolism, it made you think about the trauma, wounds, and guilt we all sometimes carry, leading you to reflect on how the past can become reality if you continue to drag it or avoid it. Throughout the book, we see scenes from the present and past intertwined, unraveling the story, getting to know each of the characters, and accompanying them as they confront ghosts that you don't know are part of their past or their present. A good mystery book that makes you think about what you yourself carry and how you deal with it.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was deeply moving from start to finish. It follows two people who have both faced unbearable pain and loss, and yet somehow, their lives cross at exactly the right moment. Through their struggles, they begin to rediscover hope and purpose. The writing is powerful and emotional, pulling you right into their world. I felt their grief, their small victories, and their courage to keep going. It’s a story about healing, forgiveness, and finding light again after the darkest times. What a wonderful effort!

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a truly unique and intense thriller. The Dark Road gives a point of view from someone who struggling with mental health issues. The detailed descriptions the author provides completely captivate and transport you to a different place.

Read this if you like:
→ Mysterious worlds
→ Ghosts
→ Mental health awareness

If you are looking for a book that will take you on an emotional journey, definitely pick this one up.

Thank you @typeeighteenbooks for the gifted copy of the book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was dark and fascinating. While there are multiple POVs, we primarily follow two characters after a car accident as they battle their past traumas, in their subconscious, while also battling for their physical health. I loved the metaphysical aspects and the tackling of difficult themes like PTSD and abuse, from a unique lens.

[Patti A. Pierucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is dark, emotional, and haunting. A psychological thriller that digs into trauma, fear, and the thin line between sanity and illusion. The character’s descent into her own subconscious is both terrifying and tender. A story that lingers long after the last page.

[Kalian27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Road is a haunting psychological thriller that grips you from the first page. Kathleen Rhodes masterfully weaves trauma, guilt, and reality into a dark, dreamlike narrative. Vividly written and deeply unsettling, it’s a story that lingers long after the final chapter

[Kammie]

The plot was amazing , the characters were well thought out, this book Is a must for this year. It makes one questions of topics that we all need answers too.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book! I couldn’t put it down. I can’ wait to read more from this author.

[Elizabeth Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Road is an intense psychological thriller that follows two strangers through an emotional journey to the darkest part of their subconscious. After a car accident puts both Shelly and John in a coma, they find themselves stuck together in a metaphysical world where they are confronted by the demons of their past, literally.

I can honestly say that I’ve never read a book like this one before. As someone who has always had a passion in psychology, I was fascinated by these characters and the authors illustration of trauma. While the book is definitely ominous and somewhat eerie at times, It felt less like a thriller and more like a very dark literary fiction.

This book gives a whole new meaning to healing your inner child. It does a really good job of walking you through the complexities of various psychological wounds and the overwhelming undertaking of healing from the past. I loved how Rhodes highlights the grief of generational trauma through Shelly and her 7 year old daughter Josie. The writing is beautifully descriptive, constructing an intense connection to the characters emotional states.

While reading this book I felt a bit of emotional whiplash as the pacing of the short chapters felt very sporadic and somewhat tedious at times. Sometimes the plot was difficult to follow as the point would get lost in the detailed writing. With that being said, the vivid writing is extremely helpful to develop a greater understanding of the complex reality the book is set in.

The concept of this metaphysical waiting room is horrifying. I look forward to reading whatever Rhodes comes up with next.

Update: a month after reading this and I’m still thinking about this book enough for it to undeniably be a 5 star read. Incredibly thought provoking and creative, this book is 100% worth reading.