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The Country Road Murders
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After a shocking accident, Silas Tucker’s legendary football career is suddenly over in this action-packed sports thriller powered by loyalty, competition, and family.
Humbled, but never defeated, he returns to his backwoods hometown, Cross Rivers, North Carolina, where his father was murdered.
He goes back to what’s left of his family and their small, struggling farm. He reunites with his best friend in the world—Taylor McCarter Webb, who is now married.
Then Silas is pulled into a deadly battle with the Southern Mafia who control drugs, trafficking and murder.
As the suspense crescendos, Silas follows one rule for survival: you don’t ride these country roads alone, or in the dead of night.
Humbled, but never defeated, he returns to his backwoods hometown, Cross Rivers, North Carolina, where his father was murdered.
He goes back to what’s left of his family and their small, struggling farm. He reunites with his best friend in the world—Taylor McCarter Webb, who is now married.
Then Silas is pulled into a deadly battle with the Southern Mafia who control drugs, trafficking and murder.
As the suspense crescendos, Silas follows one rule for survival: you don’t ride these country roads alone, or in the dead of night.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2026
About the author
James Patterson
986 books358k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, Michael Crichton, and Viola Davis, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Once in a while, you run across a book that is so good you not only don’t want to put it down, but you can’t even fathom starting to read another one – and it happened for me with this one. It pulled from me just about every emotion, from an occasional chuckle to actual tears in my eyes (and it takes an act of Congress to make me cry). It started off interesting but a little slow, perhaps, but then the story (and impeccable writing thereof) kicked in, and I was totally engrossed the rest of the way. Without doubt, this one of the best books I’ve ever read.
The story’s narrator is Silas Tucker, a superstar football player at a rather backwoods school where his father was principal. A decade earlier, the elder Tucker was murdered, the killer still unknown; he never lived to see his son get drafted by an NFL team after a stellar college career. But as they say, man makes plans and God laughs; suddenly, Silas’s life as he knew it is gone – maybe forever – and he returns home to try and build a new life.
His little town of Cross Rivers, North Carolina, though, has longstanding issues – most notably that even the local leaders are terrified by the so-called “Southern Mafia,” consisting primarily of members of the particularly nasty Crockett family. The town also is known far and wide because in the short span of a few months, five young girls from the community have gone missing (and another one goes down even as Silas drives back home).
Silas relies on a couple of his besties from years past, including Taylor McCarter Webb (nee McCarter; she’s now married to a local police officer who is another of Silas’s best friends. Silas tools around doing farm work, and then the father of one of the missing girls asks him to help find her. Though reluctant, he decides to pitch in.
It’s here that the action really picks up, and it’s where mine in the form of a review shuts down; there’s nothing more I can say without revealing too much (and it’s way, way too good to not let other readers experience it for themselves). The story is suspenseful, emotional and absolutely riveting, right down to the final page. A stellar effort for sure, and I offer a big THANK YOU to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy. Now please – pre-order a copy (or reserve one at your library) and read it for yourself – you’ll see!
The story’s narrator is Silas Tucker, a superstar football player at a rather backwoods school where his father was principal. A decade earlier, the elder Tucker was murdered, the killer still unknown; he never lived to see his son get drafted by an NFL team after a stellar college career. But as they say, man makes plans and God laughs; suddenly, Silas’s life as he knew it is gone – maybe forever – and he returns home to try and build a new life.
His little town of Cross Rivers, North Carolina, though, has longstanding issues – most notably that even the local leaders are terrified by the so-called “Southern Mafia,” consisting primarily of members of the particularly nasty Crockett family. The town also is known far and wide because in the short span of a few months, five young girls from the community have gone missing (and another one goes down even as Silas drives back home).
Silas relies on a couple of his besties from years past, including Taylor McCarter Webb (nee McCarter; she’s now married to a local police officer who is another of Silas’s best friends. Silas tools around doing farm work, and then the father of one of the missing girls asks him to help find her. Though reluctant, he decides to pitch in.
It’s here that the action really picks up, and it’s where mine in the form of a review shuts down; there’s nothing more I can say without revealing too much (and it’s way, way too good to not let other readers experience it for themselves). The story is suspenseful, emotional and absolutely riveting, right down to the final page. A stellar effort for sure, and I offer a big THANK YOU to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy. Now please – pre-order a copy (or reserve one at your library) and read it for yourself – you’ll see!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A college football star and local Southern small-town hero finds himself unexpectedly sidelined from starting as a quarterback with the Pittsburgh Pirates due to an injury. Silas Tucker must face the shattering of his dreams as well as the loss of a close friend, with no clear path forward. He returns to the North Carolina farm of his father’s mom who raised him and puts himself into hard farm work as well as working out intensely to deal with what’s happened to him. Slias also relies on his best friend Taylor and her husband, a local junior police officer to help him heal.
But Silas and his loyal friends get drawn in to a much larger issue surrounding a family, the Crocketts, the town has dubbed the “Southern Mafia” due to all the drug dealing, crime, violence and mayhem that seems to track back to them. Two huge issues loom in Cross Rivers: a huge uptick in drug dealing to high school students and the sudden disappearances of many young women in the town who seem to have been snatched but without any ransom notes. One of the missing girl’s Dads begs Silas for his help in finding her.
Silas is off to investigate the missing girls and already has a beef with the family: who he thinks may have been tied to his father’s unsolved murder. Silas’ Dad was the principal of the local high school and a highly principled man. Silas follows in his Dad’s footsteps as he turns his football hero status in the town to take on and try to take down the Southern mafia.
From there on out the suspense and tension is non-stop and just keeps ratcheting up! A fantastic read!
Thanks to Little Brown & Company and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy.
But Silas and his loyal friends get drawn in to a much larger issue surrounding a family, the Crocketts, the town has dubbed the “Southern Mafia” due to all the drug dealing, crime, violence and mayhem that seems to track back to them. Two huge issues loom in Cross Rivers: a huge uptick in drug dealing to high school students and the sudden disappearances of many young women in the town who seem to have been snatched but without any ransom notes. One of the missing girl’s Dads begs Silas for his help in finding her.
Silas is off to investigate the missing girls and already has a beef with the family: who he thinks may have been tied to his father’s unsolved murder. Silas’ Dad was the principal of the local high school and a highly principled man. Silas follows in his Dad’s footsteps as he turns his football hero status in the town to take on and try to take down the Southern mafia.
From there on out the suspense and tension is non-stop and just keeps ratcheting up! A fantastic read!
Thanks to Little Brown & Company and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Presented from the point of view of Silas, our protagonist, a standout football player far more talented than your average small town North Carolina student athlete. Drafted after college his future is headed to where he has always dreamed, unfortunately due to an accident, it is derailed and he returns back home. There is lives with his grandmother who raised him after his father’s sudden death. Farm life is where he is needed but he has unresolved issues with some of the locals which lead him into dangerous territory.
Small towns don’t always mean they are safe and Silas is on a mission to help clean up Cross Rivers’s drug overdoses and find who is behind the missing local teenage girls. People say it’s the Southern Mafia an turn a blind eye to the current events to stay safe and out of the way. But it becomes personal for Silas. He joins his best friend’s husband who is a police officer along with a few others to stop these tragic events and the downfall of Cross Rivers.
Just when things can’t get tense, they get even more dangerous and the suspense kicks in and you are off reading till late in the night to figure out what and who is behind all the terror happening in this small town.
True to James Patterson’s short chapters and quick pace this book reads fast and with Mike Lupica’s knowledge of sports the story has great insight into football and athletes’ push for excellence.
Thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Small towns don’t always mean they are safe and Silas is on a mission to help clean up Cross Rivers’s drug overdoses and find who is behind the missing local teenage girls. People say it’s the Southern Mafia an turn a blind eye to the current events to stay safe and out of the way. But it becomes personal for Silas. He joins his best friend’s husband who is a police officer along with a few others to stop these tragic events and the downfall of Cross Rivers.
Just when things can’t get tense, they get even more dangerous and the suspense kicks in and you are off reading till late in the night to figure out what and who is behind all the terror happening in this small town.
True to James Patterson’s short chapters and quick pace this book reads fast and with Mike Lupica’s knowledge of sports the story has great insight into football and athletes’ push for excellence.
Thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
James Patterson is back with another co-writer. This time, it is his increasingly frequent partner in Mike Lupica.
I was first introduced to Lupica’s work with the creations of the legendary Robert B. Parker. Lupica knows how to write good thrillers. He always adds a fair amount of humor in his books. Not the kind that will make you laugh out loud, but just enough to break the tension.
This time, we are joining in on the backroads of North Carolina with a local hero. In other words, he is good at football. In this case, our protagonist is REALLY good at football. But as with life, there are always setbacks.
In all of the books that I have read that have been written or co-written by Mike Lupica, I have enjoyed them all, but I am not a big fan of the language, or from time to time, the crass phrasing of things. Because I have read him either working with legends or their creations, it is glaring. James Patterson, much like Robert B. Parker, doesn’t use curse words often. Lupica, on the other hand seems to try to see how many F bombs he can drop in a sentence. It always takes me out of the moment because it doesn’t even make sense some of the time. I hate it because he is such a good writer.
“The Country Road Murders” is an enjoyable easy read. It will serve well on the beach or on your front porch with a mason jar of sweet tea.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
I was first introduced to Lupica’s work with the creations of the legendary Robert B. Parker. Lupica knows how to write good thrillers. He always adds a fair amount of humor in his books. Not the kind that will make you laugh out loud, but just enough to break the tension.
This time, we are joining in on the backroads of North Carolina with a local hero. In other words, he is good at football. In this case, our protagonist is REALLY good at football. But as with life, there are always setbacks.
In all of the books that I have read that have been written or co-written by Mike Lupica, I have enjoyed them all, but I am not a big fan of the language, or from time to time, the crass phrasing of things. Because I have read him either working with legends or their creations, it is glaring. James Patterson, much like Robert B. Parker, doesn’t use curse words often. Lupica, on the other hand seems to try to see how many F bombs he can drop in a sentence. It always takes me out of the moment because it doesn’t even make sense some of the time. I hate it because he is such a good writer.
“The Country Road Murders” is an enjoyable easy read. It will serve well on the beach or on your front porch with a mason jar of sweet tea.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This story grabbed me from the opening pages and never let go.
Back in his hometown of Cross Rivers, North Carolina, Silas Tucker is facing the abrupt end of his professional football career after a tragic car accident that killed his friend and left Silas with permanent damage to his shoulder and throwing arm. Returning to the family farm and the grandmother who raised him, Silas reconnects with his childhood best friend, Taylor McCarter Webb—now married to one of his former teammates, a local police officer.
But Cross Rivers is no longer the quiet place he remembers. Teen girls are disappearing. Drug-related deaths are rising. And the whispers around town point to something far more sinister. As Silas starts asking questions, he finds himself pulled into a deadly confrontation with the Southern Mafia, whose grip on the community is tightening by the day.
What follows is a high-stakes, heart pounding fight for survival. The characters are relatable, layered, and unforgettable, and the pacing—spread across 115 short, sharp chapters—keeps the tension ratcheted up from start to finish. I found myself reading far too late into the night, unable to turn away until every last secret was revealed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Back in his hometown of Cross Rivers, North Carolina, Silas Tucker is facing the abrupt end of his professional football career after a tragic car accident that killed his friend and left Silas with permanent damage to his shoulder and throwing arm. Returning to the family farm and the grandmother who raised him, Silas reconnects with his childhood best friend, Taylor McCarter Webb—now married to one of his former teammates, a local police officer.
But Cross Rivers is no longer the quiet place he remembers. Teen girls are disappearing. Drug-related deaths are rising. And the whispers around town point to something far more sinister. As Silas starts asking questions, he finds himself pulled into a deadly confrontation with the Southern Mafia, whose grip on the community is tightening by the day.
What follows is a high-stakes, heart pounding fight for survival. The characters are relatable, layered, and unforgettable, and the pacing—spread across 115 short, sharp chapters—keeps the tension ratcheted up from start to finish. I found myself reading far too late into the night, unable to turn away until every last secret was revealed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I picked up The Country Road Murders expecting a fast-paced thriller in the style I’ve come to associate with James Patterson. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me.
The story follows former football star Silas Tucker as he returns to his hometown after a career-ending accident and becomes entangled in a dangerous criminal operation. While the premise sounded promising, I found the execution slow and overly drawn out. Much of the story felt long-winded, and it took a considerable amount of time for the plot to gain momentum.
I also found many of the developments predictable, which reduced the suspense and made it difficult to stay invested in the outcome. The characters never fully connected with me, and I struggled to maintain interest throughout the novel.
Readers who enjoy small-town crime stories with a strong Southern atmosphere may find more to appreciate here than I did. However, if you’re looking for the quick pacing and constant tension often associated with Patterson’s thrillers, this book may not meet those expectations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company publishing for this ARC.
The story follows former football star Silas Tucker as he returns to his hometown after a career-ending accident and becomes entangled in a dangerous criminal operation. While the premise sounded promising, I found the execution slow and overly drawn out. Much of the story felt long-winded, and it took a considerable amount of time for the plot to gain momentum.
I also found many of the developments predictable, which reduced the suspense and made it difficult to stay invested in the outcome. The characters never fully connected with me, and I struggled to maintain interest throughout the novel.
Readers who enjoy small-town crime stories with a strong Southern atmosphere may find more to appreciate here than I did. However, if you’re looking for the quick pacing and constant tension often associated with Patterson’s thrillers, this book may not meet those expectations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company publishing for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
College football hero Silas Tucker's NFL dreams are shattered in a crash that tore up his throwing shoulder and killed the friend who was driving. Now he's back living on his grandmother's North Carolina farm, but things aren't peaceful.
His small hometown of Cross Rivers is being terrorized by a wave of disappearances of young women and the brazenness of drug dealers who do their business out in the open. Everybody knows the "Southern Mafia" are likely to blame but nobody's able to pin anything on them.
Silas can't help but get involved, which turns the bad guys' focus to him--with some help from the corrupt sheriff. Fortunately, Silas is up to the challenge and highly motivated, especially when he learns these guys probably were responsible for the death of his father, shot on a country road years ago. Silas is Jack Reacher-like in his ability to take on several assailants at once with no regard for his bum shoulder.
The story is highly suspenseful and the short chapters keep you turning the pages.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
His small hometown of Cross Rivers is being terrorized by a wave of disappearances of young women and the brazenness of drug dealers who do their business out in the open. Everybody knows the "Southern Mafia" are likely to blame but nobody's able to pin anything on them.
Silas can't help but get involved, which turns the bad guys' focus to him--with some help from the corrupt sheriff. Fortunately, Silas is up to the challenge and highly motivated, especially when he learns these guys probably were responsible for the death of his father, shot on a country road years ago. Silas is Jack Reacher-like in his ability to take on several assailants at once with no regard for his bum shoulder.
The story is highly suspenseful and the short chapters keep you turning the pages.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Country Road Murders is fast paced, action packed book that is dark and gritty that will have you holding your breath as you quickly turn the pages.
The book is gripping from start to finish as the tension mounts in the town of Cross River, North Carolina, a character unto itself.
Silas Tucker the football town hero has reluctanly returned home to a town in despair and chaos.
Young girls are missing, drugs are rampant and Silas joins the group to restore Cross River to its former self.
Viglante justice runs rampant, the clock is counting down, suspects are many and bodies are piling up.
Silas lost his father who was brutally shot down on a country road and you dont want to drive alone on these back roads but that doesnt stop Silas .
James Patterson and Mke Lupica, a formidable duo, have given the reader a heart stopping thrilling read that has you saying just one more chapter.
I hope we see Silas again in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Country Road Murders.
The book is gripping from start to finish as the tension mounts in the town of Cross River, North Carolina, a character unto itself.
Silas Tucker the football town hero has reluctanly returned home to a town in despair and chaos.
Young girls are missing, drugs are rampant and Silas joins the group to restore Cross River to its former self.
Viglante justice runs rampant, the clock is counting down, suspects are many and bodies are piling up.
Silas lost his father who was brutally shot down on a country road and you dont want to drive alone on these back roads but that doesnt stop Silas .
James Patterson and Mke Lupica, a formidable duo, have given the reader a heart stopping thrilling read that has you saying just one more chapter.
I hope we see Silas again in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Country Road Murders.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Silas is a college football star and his professional future gets sidetracked after an injury He is forced to move back to his hometown and into his grandmother's house to recover. During his time of recovery, he is faced with settling some old scores with regard to his own dad's murder, and to investigate the abduction of some local missing girls.
You need to love football, and violence to really appreciate this story. I'm not a fan of either, and so I found the writing to be not as compelling as others might. There's a lot of shooting of people in this book, and I didn't find that such violence was realistic. The story has a few twists and turns, and there were a few times where "I didn't see that coming!". But generally, the story seemed pretty straightforward and easy to read. The chapters are short and very manageable, and there are not so many characters that I needed to go back and reread to reacquaint myself with them.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review The Country Road Murders.
You need to love football, and violence to really appreciate this story. I'm not a fan of either, and so I found the writing to be not as compelling as others might. There's a lot of shooting of people in this book, and I didn't find that such violence was realistic. The story has a few twists and turns, and there were a few times where "I didn't see that coming!". But generally, the story seemed pretty straightforward and easy to read. The chapters are short and very manageable, and there are not so many characters that I needed to go back and reread to reacquaint myself with them.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review The Country Road Murders.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first Patterson/Lupica collaboration that I've read, and I liked it for the most part. I'm a huge sports fan as well as a lover of anything mafia related, so I was excited to get my hands on this one. The story literally starts out with a bang. I was gob smacked and confused and simply had to keep reading. Unfortunately, what I thought was going to be an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled adventure turned out to be pretty slow with its pace. I also had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. Their language usage and the way the author described them only sparked more questions that were never answered. They simply weren't believable as portrayed. With that being said, I did enjoy the story and the football scenes. It held my interest throughout. I think if the characters were more real, this would have been a whole different ball game.
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for gifting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for gifting me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Country Road Murders by James Patterson and Mike Lupica is another excellently written thriller. Silas, a former high school football star, returns to his hometown a hero. Years earlier, his father, the town’s police chief, was murdered, and the killer was never caught. Now the once-quiet small town is being destroyed by drugs, and young teenage girls are going missing.
Is the Southern Mafia behind it all? And what about the powerful Crockett family, known for being ruthless and possibly deeply involved in criminal activity? Are they connected to the disappearances? Silas decides to take them on despite the danger and the secrets surrounding his father’s death.
I loved the fast pace of this book. The short chapters made it incredibly easy to fly through, and the story kept me hooked the entire time. If you enjoy small-town thrillers filled with corruption, danger, and suspense, this one is definitely for you!
Is the Southern Mafia behind it all? And what about the powerful Crockett family, known for being ruthless and possibly deeply involved in criminal activity? Are they connected to the disappearances? Silas decides to take them on despite the danger and the secrets surrounding his father’s death.
I loved the fast pace of this book. The short chapters made it incredibly easy to fly through, and the story kept me hooked the entire time. If you enjoy small-town thrillers filled with corruption, danger, and suspense, this one is definitely for you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In THE COUNTRY ROAD MURDERS, written by James Patterson and Mike Lupica, Silas is the football-player protagonist. His father is murdered, and I want to know who is responsible and why.
I found the Prologue a bit confusing with the murder of Silas. Which Silas? Having both Silas senior and Silas junior (explained in Chapter 1) leads me to believe it is best to read this book before reading any reviews. I think the perfect choice for James Patterson’s writing partner of a sports-related book is Mike Lupica. Not only is Lupica’s writing quite good, but also his writing about sports is excellent. I was hooked on this story from the very beginning. Short chapters help the plot move forward. Thank you, Little Brown and Company and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE COUNTRY ROAD MURDERS.
I found the Prologue a bit confusing with the murder of Silas. Which Silas? Having both Silas senior and Silas junior (explained in Chapter 1) leads me to believe it is best to read this book before reading any reviews. I think the perfect choice for James Patterson’s writing partner of a sports-related book is Mike Lupica. Not only is Lupica’s writing quite good, but also his writing about sports is excellent. I was hooked on this story from the very beginning. Short chapters help the plot move forward. Thank you, Little Brown and Company and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of THE COUNTRY ROAD MURDERS.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another super duper Patterson and Lupica hit.
Silas, a high school and college football star quarterback, aces his way into a million dollar pro contract and a career with no looking back on his hometown.
Until it all falls apart..
When he is injured, in his last college game and loses his great throwing ability, he returns home, to Cross,Rivers in North Carolina, determined to try to put the future into perspective and accept his disappointment.
When murders take over his hometown, Silas joins with his best friend to fight the Southern Mafia and bring justice with power, back to the people.
Really good read with very interesting and well defined characters.
Suspense, action and intriguing personalities.
Silas, a high school and college football star quarterback, aces his way into a million dollar pro contract and a career with no looking back on his hometown.
Until it all falls apart..
When he is injured, in his last college game and loses his great throwing ability, he returns home, to Cross,Rivers in North Carolina, determined to try to put the future into perspective and accept his disappointment.
When murders take over his hometown, Silas joins with his best friend to fight the Southern Mafia and bring justice with power, back to the people.
Really good read with very interesting and well defined characters.
Suspense, action and intriguing personalities.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Country Road Murders is a must read for anyone who enjoys this genre. The novel is replete with great characters (especially Silas, Taylor and EJ) and a plethora of action —- murders, kidnapped young girls, drugs, the Southern Mafia, a crooked sheriff and, surprisingly, the Pittsburgh Steelers. It is hard to put down this novel and one may be forced to stay awake all night to finish reading it. There are many poignant moments in the book that may cause the reader to become choked up and there are several surprises in store on the way to a satisfying conclusion.
I thank NetGalley and Little, Brown & Company for the opportunity to read and review this outstanding novel prior to its publication.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After a shocking accident, Silas Tucker’s legendary football career is suddenly over in this action-packed sports thriller powered by loyalty, competition, and family.
Humbled, but never defeated, he returns to his backwoods hometown, Cross Rivers, North Carolina, where his father was murdered, supposedly by the Southern Mafia. Will Silas meet the same fate as his father?
I always love James Patterson’s books for their short chapters and fast pace, and this one did not disappoint. It combines sports drama with a crime thriller with themes of loyalty, grief, justice, and small-town corruption thrown in for good measure. Sports, mystery, and organized crime – what’s not to like? Another great one from one of my favorite authors and a great collaboration with Mike Lupica!
Humbled, but never defeated, he returns to his backwoods hometown, Cross Rivers, North Carolina, where his father was murdered, supposedly by the Southern Mafia. Will Silas meet the same fate as his father?
I always love James Patterson’s books for their short chapters and fast pace, and this one did not disappoint. It combines sports drama with a crime thriller with themes of loyalty, grief, justice, and small-town corruption thrown in for good measure. Sports, mystery, and organized crime – what’s not to like? Another great one from one of my favorite authors and a great collaboration with Mike Lupica!
November 23, 2025
A brilliantly written thriller! “The Country Road Murders” offers a gripping plot, memorable characters, and a haunting atmosphere that keeps you fully immersed. The author’s ability to create vivid scenes and believable dialogue makes the story feel incredibly real. The mystery is layered and suspenseful, with just the right amount of misdirection. I appreciated how the protagonist’s personal struggles are woven into the investigation, adding emotional weight without slowing the momentum. The final reveal left me stunned in the best way. This is truly a five-star thriller worth recommending to everyone.
November 23, 2025
“The Country Road Murders” is an outstanding thriller that delivers everything I love in this genre—mystery, tension, atmosphere, and unpredictable twists. The rural setting is immersive and chilling, adding a unique flavor to the story. The characters are thoughtfully developed, and the main protagonist’s determination and vulnerability make the journey even more engaging. The pacing is fast but controlled, with each chapter heightening the suspense. I especially appreciated how the author slowly reveals the truth, keeping me guessing until the last page. A fantastic read from start to finish. Five stars!.
November 23, 2025
This is a masterfully written thriller that delivers on every level. “The Country Road Murders” combines chilling atmosphere, clever plotting, and deeply developed characters into a story that is impossible to forget. The author’s pacing is flawless, slowly raising the tension while keeping the mystery alive throughout. I appreciated how every clue and twist felt meaningful, adding richness and depth to the narrative. The final reveal was both surprising and satisfying. If you love thrillers that are smart, immersive, and emotionally gripping, this book is a must-read. A full five-star experience!.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book begins like gangbusters, with the murder of the local high school principal, then a 10-year jump to his son's graduation from high school and preparation for college and a football career. The story slows a bit at this point, with little action and lots of talking. The setting is a small town in North Carolina where the "Southern Mafia" seems to have a strong hold on the community. The characters are interesting and realistic, and the plot, although slow at times, is still vintage Patterson. All of the sports references, of which there are many, probably belong to his co-author, Mike Lupica. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing an ARC.
November 23, 2025
This thriller is an absolute standout. “The Country Road Murders” delivers nonstop suspense, clever twists, and a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after you finish. The characters are vivid and believable, especially the determined lead trying to uncover the truth behind the killings. The pacing is tight and engaging, with each chapter ending in a moment of rising tension that compelled me to keep reading. I loved the way the author unfolds the mystery piece by piece, keeping me guessing until the very end. A gripping, well-crafted thriller that deserves all five stars.
November 23, 2025
“The Country Road Murders” exceeded all my expectations. The story is dark, suspenseful, and wonderfully written, with rich descriptions that make the rural setting feel alive and unsettling. The twists are smart and unpredictable, and the main character’s journey is filled with emotional weight that adds depth to the narrative. I was captivated by the unfolding mystery and the chilling sense of danger that grows with each chapter. The author has a real gift for pacing and tension. This is one of the most memorable thrillers I’ve read this year. Highly recommended!.
November 23, 2025
An incredible thriller from start to finish! “The Country Road Murders” combines gripping suspense with compelling characters and a brilliantly layered plot. The rural backdrop is eerie and atmospheric, creating the perfect setting for a mystery filled with secrets and unexpected turns. I loved how the author keeps the reader guessing without ever feeling forced or rushed. The tension builds steadily, leading to a satisfying and shocking conclusion. This book kept me turning pages late into the night. A must-read for fans of intelligent, well-crafted thrillers. Five stars all the way!.
November 23, 2025
I absolutely loved “The Country Road Murders.” From the chilling opening chapter to the final twist, this book had me hooked. The writing is immersive and vivid, making every scene feel real and intense. The characters are well-developed, and the main protagonist’s determination adds emotional depth to the fast-moving plot. The mystery is perfectly paced, with clues and red herrings woven in seamlessly. The tension never lets up, and the resolution is both shocking and satisfying. This is exactly what a thriller should be—smart, suspenseful, and impossible to put down. Five stars!.
November 23, 2025
The Country Road Murders is a chilling, atmospheric thriller that kept me glued to each page. The author masterfully creates a sense of isolation and suspense, making the countryside feel both beautiful and threatening. The plot is full of twists that are surprising yet perfectly logical, and the characters are complex and engaging. I especially loved the emotional depth behind the investigation, which adds a layer of realism and intensity. The pacing is excellent, with the tension steadily building to an explosive finale. This book is a must-read for thriller fans. Five shining stars!.
November 23, 2025
An outstanding thriller that had me hooked from beginning to end! “The Country Road Murders” offers a perfect blend of suspense, atmosphere, and strong character development. The author writes with such clarity and tension that I felt transported into every scene. The mystery is smart and unpredictable, with twists that genuinely caught me off guard. The protagonist’s personal struggles add depth and humanity to the story, making the stakes feel even higher. The pacing is excellent, and the ending is both dramatic and satisfying. Truly a top-tier thriller. Five stars all the way!.
November 23, 2025
“The Country Road Murders” is a gripping, intense thriller that pulled me into its dark world and never let go. The author’s storytelling is exceptional—clear, suspenseful, and emotionally rich. The rural setting is described so vividly that I could almost feel the chill in the air as the mystery unfolded. The characters are layered and captivating, especially the lead investigator, whose journey adds heart and urgency to the story. The twists are expertly timed, each one raising the stakes even higher. This is a phenomenal thriller from start to finish. Five stars!.
November 23, 2025
What a brilliant thriller! “The Country Road Murders” is packed with suspense, atmosphere, and unforgettable twists. The writing is engaging and cinematic, creating scenes that play out vividly in your mind. I loved the tense, isolated setting and how it amplifies the fear and uncertainty surrounding the murders. The characters are well-rounded, and their emotional arcs make the story feel grounded and real. The plot is expertly crafted, with each chapter revealing just enough to keep you hooked. This is the kind of thriller that keeps you reading late into the night. Five stars!.
November 23, 2025
“The Country Road Murders” is a superbly crafted thriller bursting with suspense, emotion, and stunning twists. The rural setting is hauntingly described, giving the book an eerie mood that perfectly complements the plot. The characters are compelling and realistic, each one adding to the story’s tension and mystery. The author skillfully blends fast-paced action with thoughtful character moments, making the narrative feel balanced and engaging. Every chapter ends with a hook that draws you deeper into the story. I was completely absorbed from start to finish. Definitely five stars!.
November 23, 2025
An exceptional thriller from every angle! “The Country Road Murders” delivers gripping suspense, beautifully written scenes, and twists that will leave you stunned. The atmosphere is dark and immersive, setting the perfect tone for a mystery filled with secrets and danger. The protagonist is relatable and strong, and their emotional journey adds depth to the plot. The pacing never falters, and the final chapters are absolutely electrifying. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish reading. Smart, intense, and executed flawlessly. A well-deserved five-star rating.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Silas Tucker is the hometown football player who has made it big. He is home to celebrate signing with the Steelers but an accident occurs and he is left without a job. His dad was murdered when Silas was a boy and everyone in town knows that the "Southern Mafia" has everything to do with what is bad in the town. Several girls have gone missing in town, and Silas joins his best friend, Bert, who is a police officer to try and fight crime and go up against this crime family. I enjoyed this book, as it was fast paced and had a few twists. Great summer read.
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