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Freight
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26Win a free print copy of this book!
7 days and 22:37:14
20 copies available
U.S. only
As a lone semi-truck makes its snowy way to the US-Canadian border, a series of vivid characters are inexorably drawn into a desperate, comedic, and murderous scheme to steal its precious cargo.
Curtis, a newly hired dispatcher with a newly pregnant wife at home, holds a scrap of paper that identifies a semi-truck trailer that shouldn’t exist.
Billy Trask is a weathered and charismatic sociopath, who thinks nothing of quietly killing whomever may come in his way, and carefully guards the coordinates for a truck loaded with $5 million dollars-worth of Canadian pharmaceuticals.
Jimmy, Theo, and Sarah are the not-so-innocent locals poised to stand in Billy's way, none more so than Sarah, a local party girl with the heart and will of a colossus, and who will leave her own trail of mayhem and carnage in her 75-mile-per-hour wake.
In the rough-and-tumble tradition of Dennis Lehane, S.A. Cosby, and classic American noir, Freight is a thrill-ride view of the world of labor, life and love--a searing portrait of men at work and also at their worst.
Curtis, a newly hired dispatcher with a newly pregnant wife at home, holds a scrap of paper that identifies a semi-truck trailer that shouldn’t exist.
Billy Trask is a weathered and charismatic sociopath, who thinks nothing of quietly killing whomever may come in his way, and carefully guards the coordinates for a truck loaded with $5 million dollars-worth of Canadian pharmaceuticals.
Jimmy, Theo, and Sarah are the not-so-innocent locals poised to stand in Billy's way, none more so than Sarah, a local party girl with the heart and will of a colossus, and who will leave her own trail of mayhem and carnage in her 75-mile-per-hour wake.
In the rough-and-tumble tradition of Dennis Lehane, S.A. Cosby, and classic American noir, Freight is a thrill-ride view of the world of labor, life and love--a searing portrait of men at work and also at their worst.
- GenresFiction
374 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Freight by Ryan Lowell is a recommended atmospheric noir following employees of a New England trucking company and others who know them.
The narrative opens with Billy Trasker picking up two buckets of illegal pills from his dying/dead Uncle Bernier after killing a good Samaritan who stopped to help. Following this we are introduced to the cast of characters. Curtis is a dispatcher working the third shift. His wife Rachel is pregnant. Billy is his uncle and he agrees to assist him in stealing a truck load of pharmaceuticals from Canada. Theo has Sarah riding with him which is against the rules. Jimmy is assisting Billy. Phil begs Curtis for more hours and is sent on a 1,800-mile haul. Stephanie is looking for Sarah after she missed her shift.
After the opening, the first half (or more) of the plot is very slow moving as it introduces the various characters and provides insight into their lives. While these characters are slowly developed as very flawed individuals, they also all resembled each other in many ways. They are all unlikable. It did take a moment for me to initially keep track of all the characters as distinct individuals. I'll also have to admit their actions and vocabulary throughout the novel did alienate me as a reader.
Once all the characters are sorted out, the dark and gritty plot settles down to following their everyday lives. The narrative didn't seem sharply focused throughout the novel. The plot to steal the trailer Theo is driving is there, but, alternately there is the story line following Phil on his long haul. Much of Theo's tale is his increasing annoyance with Sarah and regret in bringing her along. Basically, we get to know the daily lives of these incredibly damaged individuals in their ill-fated daily lives. In the final chapters the action does pick up.
Freight would be a good choice for those who enjoy dark, gritty noir filled with very flawed characters and don't mind a lot of expletives. Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
The narrative opens with Billy Trasker picking up two buckets of illegal pills from his dying/dead Uncle Bernier after killing a good Samaritan who stopped to help. Following this we are introduced to the cast of characters. Curtis is a dispatcher working the third shift. His wife Rachel is pregnant. Billy is his uncle and he agrees to assist him in stealing a truck load of pharmaceuticals from Canada. Theo has Sarah riding with him which is against the rules. Jimmy is assisting Billy. Phil begs Curtis for more hours and is sent on a 1,800-mile haul. Stephanie is looking for Sarah after she missed her shift.
After the opening, the first half (or more) of the plot is very slow moving as it introduces the various characters and provides insight into their lives. While these characters are slowly developed as very flawed individuals, they also all resembled each other in many ways. They are all unlikable. It did take a moment for me to initially keep track of all the characters as distinct individuals. I'll also have to admit their actions and vocabulary throughout the novel did alienate me as a reader.
Once all the characters are sorted out, the dark and gritty plot settles down to following their everyday lives. The narrative didn't seem sharply focused throughout the novel. The plot to steal the trailer Theo is driving is there, but, alternately there is the story line following Phil on his long haul. Much of Theo's tale is his increasing annoyance with Sarah and regret in bringing her along. Basically, we get to know the daily lives of these incredibly damaged individuals in their ill-fated daily lives. In the final chapters the action does pick up.
Freight would be a good choice for those who enjoy dark, gritty noir filled with very flawed characters and don't mind a lot of expletives. Thanks to Little, Brown and Company for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/0...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you very much to the publisher for providing me an advance reader copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
The majority of Freight is a dive into the different, but similar, lives of different people involved in the trucking business. Several truck drivers of course, a dispatcher, women associated with truckers, etc. It zeroes in on topics like poverty, escape, desperation, and lots of infidelity. There is a light plot centered around a sort of heist, and how this ultimately touches each of our characters, but that really manifests mostly at the end of the book.
I'll be honest, about the first half of this book I found to be quite slow. We are introduced to our expansive cast of characters, but with their similarities, keeping them separate in my mind was difficult. And the plot of the "heist" is introduced, but doesn't pick up much traction. We are simply getting short chapters of our characters navigating through the tedium of their lives, worrying about finances, drinking, driving, and getting into trouble and avoiding accountability for it.
But once it picks up, it really starts to hit home. I won't say the forward action that kicks up in the second half is what made it better, but rather I think the integration of the story and the themes pay off more when the plot is moving forward. We see how the conflict drives the motivations of the characters, their desperation, or fight for survival for a life they may not even value that much. I thought it was really well done, and the character work here stood out compared to the first half. They are all deeply flawed, and most completely unlikable, but you still can't help but root for them as they are largely victims of circumstance. They all felt very human.
There's a lot to like here, I can appreciate how familiar it feels the author is with the entire industry, and in some ways he pays respect to it while also criticizing it. The details of the trucking industry I found to be interesting, even if it did reinforce my lack of desire to ever become a trucker.
The majority of Freight is a dive into the different, but similar, lives of different people involved in the trucking business. Several truck drivers of course, a dispatcher, women associated with truckers, etc. It zeroes in on topics like poverty, escape, desperation, and lots of infidelity. There is a light plot centered around a sort of heist, and how this ultimately touches each of our characters, but that really manifests mostly at the end of the book.
I'll be honest, about the first half of this book I found to be quite slow. We are introduced to our expansive cast of characters, but with their similarities, keeping them separate in my mind was difficult. And the plot of the "heist" is introduced, but doesn't pick up much traction. We are simply getting short chapters of our characters navigating through the tedium of their lives, worrying about finances, drinking, driving, and getting into trouble and avoiding accountability for it.
But once it picks up, it really starts to hit home. I won't say the forward action that kicks up in the second half is what made it better, but rather I think the integration of the story and the themes pay off more when the plot is moving forward. We see how the conflict drives the motivations of the characters, their desperation, or fight for survival for a life they may not even value that much. I thought it was really well done, and the character work here stood out compared to the first half. They are all deeply flawed, and most completely unlikable, but you still can't help but root for them as they are largely victims of circumstance. They all felt very human.
There's a lot to like here, I can appreciate how familiar it feels the author is with the entire industry, and in some ways he pays respect to it while also criticizing it. The details of the trucking industry I found to be interesting, even if it did reinforce my lack of desire to ever become a trucker.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of Digital Galley Edition
Long-haul driver Billy Trask is waiting for his uncle Bernier to meet him at the storage facility where he has parked his truck. But when he arrives, Billy finds that the man is dying. Billy pops the trunk of the Buick in anticipation of retrieving something when another car comes along. The woman behind the wheel asks abut Bernier; Billy wastes no time in killing her before returning to Bernier’s car to retrieve two buckets filled with Canadian pharmaceuticals.
Are there other truck drivers involved in the pharmaceutical smuggling? Exactly how was Bernier involved and what is Billy planning to do next?
=========
Dark and atmospheric, this story follows the truckers, the dispatchers, and their families, giving readers a peek into the world of long-haul trucking. Each character is distinctive, and his or her story is unique. There’s an undercurrent of tension throughout the unfolding story; readers will find themselves pulled into the telling of the tales of each of the characters.
The struggle of ordinary people in ordinary jobs is a theme here, but the overall feel of the story is unsettling. Yes, these are people working at what might be a difficult job, one that takes them away from their homes and families for an extended time. However, the coarse language throughout the book is a bit over the top. The overuse of a particularly loathsome expletive is likely to offend many readers and lowers the rating for this book.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#Freight #NetGalley
Long-haul driver Billy Trask is waiting for his uncle Bernier to meet him at the storage facility where he has parked his truck. But when he arrives, Billy finds that the man is dying. Billy pops the trunk of the Buick in anticipation of retrieving something when another car comes along. The woman behind the wheel asks abut Bernier; Billy wastes no time in killing her before returning to Bernier’s car to retrieve two buckets filled with Canadian pharmaceuticals.
Are there other truck drivers involved in the pharmaceutical smuggling? Exactly how was Bernier involved and what is Billy planning to do next?
=========
Dark and atmospheric, this story follows the truckers, the dispatchers, and their families, giving readers a peek into the world of long-haul trucking. Each character is distinctive, and his or her story is unique. There’s an undercurrent of tension throughout the unfolding story; readers will find themselves pulled into the telling of the tales of each of the characters.
The struggle of ordinary people in ordinary jobs is a theme here, but the overall feel of the story is unsettling. Yes, these are people working at what might be a difficult job, one that takes them away from their homes and families for an extended time. However, the coarse language throughout the book is a bit over the top. The overuse of a particularly loathsome expletive is likely to offend many readers and lowers the rating for this book.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#Freight #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Freight” hit hard. I’m a child of a truck driver. My father passed away 7 years ago and there were so many day-to-day parts of my life that my dad missed out on. Before this starts sounding like some kind of therapy session, let’s focus on the review. Just letting you see my perspective.
First, this short novel (a little longer than a novella, but shorter than most novels) is hard to classify as enjoyable. The lives of drivers and those in their realm of influence are an absolute mess. I kept thinking, man, if this was dad’s experience then he lived in a soap opera! Don’t get me wrong, there is something that makes us all slow down when we pass an accident. That’s what Ryan Lowell’s creation feels like. You know you shouldn’t do it, but you find yourself pressing the brake or at least letting up on the gas and soaking it all in.
Ryan Lowell has crafted a well-written tragedy. Some of the sophomoric conversations are unfortunately accurate. I can remember my dad having to turn off the CB radio we had in our car when we were travelling because of some of the language and conversations. It can make for a tough read.
I do have to thank the author for one scene in particular. There is a scene where a dad calls his son from the road. It was so real to me. Brought back a lot of good, but tough memories. Thank you, Mr. Lowell.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
First, this short novel (a little longer than a novella, but shorter than most novels) is hard to classify as enjoyable. The lives of drivers and those in their realm of influence are an absolute mess. I kept thinking, man, if this was dad’s experience then he lived in a soap opera! Don’t get me wrong, there is something that makes us all slow down when we pass an accident. That’s what Ryan Lowell’s creation feels like. You know you shouldn’t do it, but you find yourself pressing the brake or at least letting up on the gas and soaking it all in.
Ryan Lowell has crafted a well-written tragedy. Some of the sophomoric conversations are unfortunately accurate. I can remember my dad having to turn off the CB radio we had in our car when we were travelling because of some of the language and conversations. It can make for a tough read.
I do have to thank the author for one scene in particular. There is a scene where a dad calls his son from the road. It was so real to me. Brought back a lot of good, but tough memories. Thank you, Mr. Lowell.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Freight is a unique look into the workings of a long haul trucker company in Maine. We meet truckers and their dispatchers. We also see how complicated the lives of these truckers are, and
how affected their loved ones are. Curtis and his wife are on opposite shifts because Curtis dispatchers on third shift. Phil is a trucker whose girlfriend has dumped him. He begs Curtis to give him extended driving hours even though he us prohibited from doing so. Theo risks his job and his marriage by allowing a younger lady to ride along on his trip to Canada. Also, there is a plot to highjack a truck carrying pharmaceuticals which ultimately affects many of the company's employees. This novel was fascinating.
how affected their loved ones are. Curtis and his wife are on opposite shifts because Curtis dispatchers on third shift. Phil is a trucker whose girlfriend has dumped him. He begs Curtis to give him extended driving hours even though he us prohibited from doing so. Theo risks his job and his marriage by allowing a younger lady to ride along on his trip to Canada. Also, there is a plot to highjack a truck carrying pharmaceuticals which ultimately affects many of the company's employees. This novel was fascinating.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Read this book in 1 day. It keep me reading because i needed to know what happened next. 1 semi truck makes its way to US-Canadian border packed with five million dollars worth of pharmaceuticals. Billy decides he needs to steal it and make millions. Unbeknownst to him Sarah, a young party girl is hiding in the back when they hijack the truck. She kills the guy driving before he can kill her and stops the hijackers from continuing. 5 people are involved in this scheme but only 2 of them really are. The other 3 have no idea whats about to happen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I like a good character driven novel but not when the characters are all self absorbed jerks. This felt less like a novel and more like a bunch of truck drive anecdotes strung together by a flimsy plot line that didn't seem to go anywhere. The pacing was extremely slow and the story was really pretty boring. Sorry this one didn't do it for me. Not recommended
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for an advanced reader copy
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for an advanced reader copy
Did Not Finish
April 8, 2026DNF at 40% - I tried, tried again, and tried a third time as I was given an ARC for an honest review.
I just struggled so hard to connect with the characters. I just don't think this one was for me.
I just struggled so hard to connect with the characters. I just don't think this one was for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Freight. Not quite a thriller. Mostly I found this more about truck drivers and the characters are high octane.
Several plot lines and a lot of characters to follow.
3 stars
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
ARC
Broadly fine, fun little brief story with a nice little ending I never saw coming
Broadly fine, fun little brief story with a nice little ending I never saw coming
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This was a good book! I like the way everything tied together at the end. Definitely left me wanting to know what happens next.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Different and interesting besides spooky. Edge of seat by end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This novel was like watching a movie! It was very different, unique and interesting. It is a literary crime, mystery book that starts off on the slow side, but comes with a strong ending. There are a lot of characters in this book and they are all very complex. It’s a short read, less than 300 pages long. It is in the New England trucking industry, on the U.S. and Canada border. It is about hope, crime, and moral compromise. It is written in multiple points of views and contains morally grey characters.
This is a very, very slow burn crime story. It took me a while to get into it. I was not fully engaged while reading this. It is very much character driven and the characters were all unlikable to me. Furthermore, I could not connect with any of the characters in the story. With the big cast of characters and a plot that took a long time to get to, this book was just not my cup of tea. I will have to give this a 2 out of 5 stars rating. I can really see why people would love and enjoy reading this book though!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Ryan Lowell and Little, Brown and Company for the digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book gets published on August 11, 2026!
This is a very, very slow burn crime story. It took me a while to get into it. I was not fully engaged while reading this. It is very much character driven and the characters were all unlikable to me. Furthermore, I could not connect with any of the characters in the story. With the big cast of characters and a plot that took a long time to get to, this book was just not my cup of tea. I will have to give this a 2 out of 5 stars rating. I can really see why people would love and enjoy reading this book though!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Ryan Lowell and Little, Brown and Company for the digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book gets published on August 11, 2026!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews