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Dive Bar at the End of the Road
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Final Destination meets The Cabin at the End of the World in this supernatural horror from New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong, in which a series of car accidents traps a group of strangers at a dive bar.
A forested road at night, slick from the pounding rain and eerily illuminated by flashes of lightning. Just before midnight, a car swerves to avoid something—or someone—mysteriously standing in the road, only to slam into a fallen tree instead. In the pitch black, four more cars follow in a pileup no one can seem avoid.
Stumbling out of the wreckage, soaked from the rain and nursing various injuries, five strangers find themselves in a backwoods dive bar, waiting for daybreak and hoping for cell service. But as tensions rise and the storm rages on outside, the occupants of the dive bar start to notice that not everything is as it seems. Time is moving differently, and they quickly learn that going outside—whether to assist another accident victim or to hike for help—is a very bad idea.
There’s something in the woods, something that isn't natural. Could the figure in the road have been a warning? Or something more sinister? None of this is normal, and they'll need to work together to figure out what’s happening if they have any hope of surviving through the night.
A forested road at night, slick from the pounding rain and eerily illuminated by flashes of lightning. Just before midnight, a car swerves to avoid something—or someone—mysteriously standing in the road, only to slam into a fallen tree instead. In the pitch black, four more cars follow in a pileup no one can seem avoid.
Stumbling out of the wreckage, soaked from the rain and nursing various injuries, five strangers find themselves in a backwoods dive bar, waiting for daybreak and hoping for cell service. But as tensions rise and the storm rages on outside, the occupants of the dive bar start to notice that not everything is as it seems. Time is moving differently, and they quickly learn that going outside—whether to assist another accident victim or to hike for help—is a very bad idea.
There’s something in the woods, something that isn't natural. Could the figure in the road have been a warning? Or something more sinister? None of this is normal, and they'll need to work together to figure out what’s happening if they have any hope of surviving through the night.
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
301 books34.1k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 454 reviews
July 27, 2026
A group of strangers converge in a dive bar to take cover from a nasty storm. However, once there, they begin to suspect events leading them to the bar are not as random as they thought, nor are things as they seem.
There were parts of this I really liked and other parts I didn’t (more a personal preference), but it all blended together to be a highly entertaining novel. The storm and dilapidated bar combined with the characters’ confusion gave this the perfect atmosphere.
My only quibble would be the beginning was a bit repetitious as we met all of the different characters. I feel like maybe it was just a bit heavy on the characters, specifically Edgar. However, once everyone is introduced, things definitely took off. And lastly, there was no epilogue. Not that it necessarily needed one; the ending was definitely complete. I just was a little surprised to turn the page and it was over.
This is my second novel by this author, and I definitely liked this one much more for sure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
There were parts of this I really liked and other parts I didn’t (more a personal preference), but it all blended together to be a highly entertaining novel. The storm and dilapidated bar combined with the characters’ confusion gave this the perfect atmosphere.
My only quibble would be the beginning was a bit repetitious as we met all of the different characters. I feel like maybe it was just a bit heavy on the characters, specifically Edgar. However, once everyone is introduced, things definitely took off. And lastly, there was no epilogue. Not that it necessarily needed one; the ending was definitely complete. I just was a little surprised to turn the page and it was over.
This is my second novel by this author, and I definitely liked this one much more for sure.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 ⭐
There is a specific brand of terror found in a location you cannot escape, where a forest feels alive and time completely loses its meaning. Kelley Armstrong masterfully taps into this cosmic dread in Dive Bar at the End of the Road.
Following a chaotic multi-car pileup during a raging storm, five strangers find themselves stranded at a remote backwoods bar in the middle of nowhere. With no cell service or landlines, they are entirely severed from the outside world. Since the nearest town is miles away, escaping on foot becomes absolutely out of the question. There is simply no way out, and their worst nightmare is waiting in the woods. What I loved most about this setup was the sheer, suffocating claustrophobia of the setting. Armstrong does a fantastic job of building the psychological friction between the characters as they struggle to understand their bizarre surroundings and question their own reality.
The story had me utterly hooked until the midpoint, when the core mystery was revealed a bit too early in my opinion. At that point, it changed direction entirely. Once the cards were on the table, the plot shifted from a suspenseful mystery into a survival story, and the slow-burn tension I was so engrossed in began to deflate. I still enjoyed the last half, but losing that mystery, combined with some repetitive character backstories, kept me from staying fully immersed.
As my first introduction to Kelley Armstrong's work, this was still an incredibly fast, eerie, and reality-bending read that makes me want to check out her other books. I would definitely recommend it to fans of claustrophobic, psychological horror.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There is a specific brand of terror found in a location you cannot escape, where a forest feels alive and time completely loses its meaning. Kelley Armstrong masterfully taps into this cosmic dread in Dive Bar at the End of the Road.
Following a chaotic multi-car pileup during a raging storm, five strangers find themselves stranded at a remote backwoods bar in the middle of nowhere. With no cell service or landlines, they are entirely severed from the outside world. Since the nearest town is miles away, escaping on foot becomes absolutely out of the question. There is simply no way out, and their worst nightmare is waiting in the woods. What I loved most about this setup was the sheer, suffocating claustrophobia of the setting. Armstrong does a fantastic job of building the psychological friction between the characters as they struggle to understand their bizarre surroundings and question their own reality.
The story had me utterly hooked until the midpoint, when the core mystery was revealed a bit too early in my opinion. At that point, it changed direction entirely. Once the cards were on the table, the plot shifted from a suspenseful mystery into a survival story, and the slow-burn tension I was so engrossed in began to deflate. I still enjoyed the last half, but losing that mystery, combined with some repetitive character backstories, kept me from staying fully immersed.
As my first introduction to Kelley Armstrong's work, this was still an incredibly fast, eerie, and reality-bending read that makes me want to check out her other books. I would definitely recommend it to fans of claustrophobic, psychological horror.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2026
The Dive Bar at the End of the Road is a sci-fi and paranormal horror novel about a group of strangers who find themselves at a dive bar after several car accidents. A storm traps them inside, cutting off cell service and any hope of help. As the night goes on, they start to sense that something dangerous is lurking in the forest, and the people in the bar are hiding secrets. Will they figure out what’s really happening before time runs out?
Kelley Armstrong is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read all her books from the past two years and plan to start her Rip Through Time series soon. The Dive Bar at the End of the Road is my top pick so far. As someone just getting into the horror genre, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The atmosphere is truly creepy, and I felt my heart race as the group tried to survive whatever was in the forest. The conclusion left the interpretation open to many possibilities, and I still think about the ending days later. This book was an easy 5 stars for me.
The Dive Bar at the End of the Road is out October 6th.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to review The Dive Bar at the End of the Road. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kelley Armstrong is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read all her books from the past two years and plan to start her Rip Through Time series soon. The Dive Bar at the End of the Road is my top pick so far. As someone just getting into the horror genre, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The atmosphere is truly creepy, and I felt my heart race as the group tried to survive whatever was in the forest. The conclusion left the interpretation open to many possibilities, and I still think about the ending days later. This book was an easy 5 stars for me.
The Dive Bar at the End of the Road is out October 6th.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to review The Dive Bar at the End of the Road. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Dive Bar at the End of the Road is incredible. My heart is still pumping like crazy. Immediate movie, please!
I am a die‑hard Kelley Armstrong fan. I’ve made no secret of this. I’ve consumed nearly her entire catalogue, across all genres, because I earnestly enjoy her style of writing, her characters and her plots. I am not a blind superfan, I truly respect her art. I want that to be very clear so that when I say this is one of my favourite novels of hers, you know I’m not playing.
This is Armstrong at her absolute best. This is Crank‑style momentum, adrenaline‑junkie speed horror. This is The Watchers by A.M. Shine meets Sandman S1E5 psychological warfare meets The Cabin at the End of the World. Please, more of this!!
This is ice‑cold dread sluicing through your veins - heart racing, eyes flying across the page, nearly tripping over the words. This is reading at break‑neck speed because you need to know what happens next, because the tension never gives you a moment to breathe.
Also, can we talk about the darkly hilarious title? It's a perfect amusing double entendre to set the exact tone for the chaos inside.
I haven’t had this much fun since The Watchers, and it is so deliciously weird and unnerving. Armstrong holds the tension on the head of a pin, and there is nowhere to go but stew in it. I was genuinely glued to my book until it was over, and it ended in the only way it could end. Aka perfectly.
This was a wild ride, folks. I read a lot of books, but this one deserves “seventy‑hundred” stars. I also need compensation in the form of time because I am absolutely not looking forward to my stack of homework I've put off.
Please go read this book. It is outstanding. Publishing date: October 6, 2026 - just in time for Halloween!
“Because this is how we live our lives from the moment we are old enough to understand that we will die someday. We live knowing we will die, and maybe we all hope for a loophole. Or, at least, we hope to wring as much time from this life as we can.”
Shoutout to St. Martin’s Press for trusting me to reliably fangirl over excellent home‑grown stock. You made my year with this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Kelley Armstrong for the ARC. These crazed but honest opinions are all my own.
I am a die‑hard Kelley Armstrong fan. I’ve made no secret of this. I’ve consumed nearly her entire catalogue, across all genres, because I earnestly enjoy her style of writing, her characters and her plots. I am not a blind superfan, I truly respect her art. I want that to be very clear so that when I say this is one of my favourite novels of hers, you know I’m not playing.
This is Armstrong at her absolute best. This is Crank‑style momentum, adrenaline‑junkie speed horror. This is The Watchers by A.M. Shine meets Sandman S1E5 psychological warfare meets The Cabin at the End of the World. Please, more of this!!
This is ice‑cold dread sluicing through your veins - heart racing, eyes flying across the page, nearly tripping over the words. This is reading at break‑neck speed because you need to know what happens next, because the tension never gives you a moment to breathe.
Also, can we talk about the darkly hilarious title? It's a perfect amusing double entendre to set the exact tone for the chaos inside.
I haven’t had this much fun since The Watchers, and it is so deliciously weird and unnerving. Armstrong holds the tension on the head of a pin, and there is nowhere to go but stew in it. I was genuinely glued to my book until it was over, and it ended in the only way it could end. Aka perfectly.
This was a wild ride, folks. I read a lot of books, but this one deserves “seventy‑hundred” stars. I also need compensation in the form of time because I am absolutely not looking forward to my stack of homework I've put off.
Please go read this book. It is outstanding. Publishing date: October 6, 2026 - just in time for Halloween!
“Because this is how we live our lives from the moment we are old enough to understand that we will die someday. We live knowing we will die, and maybe we all hope for a loophole. Or, at least, we hope to wring as much time from this life as we can.”
Shoutout to St. Martin’s Press for trusting me to reliably fangirl over excellent home‑grown stock. You made my year with this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Kelley Armstrong for the ARC. These crazed but honest opinions are all my own.
done-with
June 5, 2026I'm in the vast minority here but this one did not do it for me at all, despite my being a huge fan of Armstrong's writing and storytelling. I was as surprised by that as anyone, since I was really enjoying this one until about a third of the way in. It started to feel a little repetitive, like a very excellent short story or novella that just wouldn't end. Then at just about 40%, with the introduction of yet another new character in another car accident, an absolutely ridiculous thing happened that I don't want to mention because it would be a spoiler - and that's where the book lost me.
I'm not sure where Armstrong was going with this one, but it's not a place I'm interested in traveling to. It was a fabulous concept and the first two car accidents, finding the bar, and the weirdness in the woods would have made a fantastic story on their own. But then it kept going - and at that point there was a lot more than half the book left! It traveled into the realm of the implausible at that point - which I realize is a funny thing to say about this type of story, but it did. What was supposed to be a horrifying event actually made me laugh out loud because it felt absurd, and that's where I lost the menacing threatening atmospheric feel of the story - and also lost interest...
I'm not sure where Armstrong was going with this one, but it's not a place I'm interested in traveling to. It was a fabulous concept and the first two car accidents, finding the bar, and the weirdness in the woods would have made a fantastic story on their own. But then it kept going - and at that point there was a lot more than half the book left! It traveled into the realm of the implausible at that point - which I realize is a funny thing to say about this type of story, but it did. What was supposed to be a horrifying event actually made me laugh out loud because it felt absurd, and that's where I lost the menacing threatening atmospheric feel of the story - and also lost interest...
July 6, 2026
oooooh this is so eery and creepy. I absolutely loved the concept of this book! A never ending pile up of crashes where the cars seem to appear out of nowhere, a spooky forest with questionable creatures and a random bar in the middle of no where with a sketchy bar tender. i couldn’t put this down! it just kept getting more and more interesting. an easy 5⭐️
Want to Read
July 16, 2026thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this ARC
June 15, 2026
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. This book gave me a sense of deja vu. I felt like I’d seen a movie with a similar premise before, though the story ultimately took its own path. The plot hooked me right away and I was invested in what was happening. However, after several intriguing developments the story began to feel repetitive, with the same types of events occurring over and over. I also found some of the dialogue unnecessarily overdescriptive, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. I think the book would have worked better for me if it had stayed focused on Ellie’s perspective. The multiple POVs diluted some of the tension and made it harder to stay fully engaged with her storyline as the fmc. Overall, I enjoyed the premise and was interested in seeing how things would unfold, but the repetition and shifting perspectives kept this from being a higher rated read for me.
June 16, 2026
I had a lot of fun reading this and I finished it in two sittings because I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next. This book was fast paced, there’s always something happening, and it never felt like it dragged.
The most unique part of this book (amongst a lot of unique elements) was that each character was pursued by there own worst fear, many of them monsters that were throwbacks to classic horror media which is very cool. 🧟
There is a main character who is Native American named Henry and written to be a lovable antithesis to Native stereotypes. However, the character of Raymond really annoyed me. He was the token over the top asshole you find in horror stories that you can guess is there so that someone can die a brutal death that we can be glad about when in reality people don’t really behave like he does even if they are an asshole. The only redeeming quality about him was that he was gay. 🌈
This is marketed as Final Destination meets The Cabin at the End of the World meets Twilight Zone which is accurate and reads like a movie itself. I think there’s some overlap between readers who enjoyed The Caretaker or Headlights and readers who will enjoy this one. It has that same mix of unexplainable mystery, weirdness, and horror, with creepy paranormal atmosphere.🖤🧟
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
The most unique part of this book (amongst a lot of unique elements) was that each character was pursued by there own worst fear, many of them monsters that were throwbacks to classic horror media which is very cool. 🧟
There is a main character who is Native American named Henry and written to be a lovable antithesis to Native stereotypes. However, the character of Raymond really annoyed me. He was the token over the top asshole you find in horror stories that you can guess is there so that someone can die a brutal death that we can be glad about when in reality people don’t really behave like he does even if they are an asshole. The only redeeming quality about him was that he was gay. 🌈
This is marketed as Final Destination meets The Cabin at the End of the World meets Twilight Zone which is accurate and reads like a movie itself. I think there’s some overlap between readers who enjoyed The Caretaker or Headlights and readers who will enjoy this one. It has that same mix of unexplainable mystery, weirdness, and horror, with creepy paranormal atmosphere.🖤🧟
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
May 25, 2026
ARC review
This is the craziest/ strangest/ most exciting ride you will take in novel form. If you like Black Mirror, Twilight Zone, the book “Nowhere” and “The Caretaker” and things that are slightly sci-fi with it being completely other-worldly this will blow you away
A cast of several characters but never do you feel overwhelmed as a reader, each character having their own space and time, easy to recognize and recall, with “home base” being the dive bar at the end of the street. Strange things happen in the woods, and these group of strangers must navigate a world that is unreal and real at the same time. Such a fun and different concept, with action so quick it leaves you breathless and flipping pages faster than you can comprehend what you just read. I am not a sci-fi reader at all—and I would not really classify this as such, more horror-supernatural Such a surprisingly great read
This is the craziest/ strangest/ most exciting ride you will take in novel form. If you like Black Mirror, Twilight Zone, the book “Nowhere” and “The Caretaker” and things that are slightly sci-fi with it being completely other-worldly this will blow you away
A cast of several characters but never do you feel overwhelmed as a reader, each character having their own space and time, easy to recognize and recall, with “home base” being the dive bar at the end of the street. Strange things happen in the woods, and these group of strangers must navigate a world that is unreal and real at the same time. Such a fun and different concept, with action so quick it leaves you breathless and flipping pages faster than you can comprehend what you just read. I am not a sci-fi reader at all—and I would not really classify this as such, more horror-supernatural Such a surprisingly great read
June 3, 2026
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually think this would be a better movie than it was a book. I’m not saying it was bad, it was OK. I just think the psychological and horror elements probably would have hit better on a screen.
The description gave a decent amount away, so I knew where this book was headed. It felt like it was one of those “who is going to walk off into the sunset at the end” kind of movies/books.
There wasn’t a big lesson at the end or major character growth. Events happen and the end. Like I said, I think this would make a good movie with a great final scene.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
The description gave a decent amount away, so I knew where this book was headed. It felt like it was one of those “who is going to walk off into the sunset at the end” kind of movies/books.
There wasn’t a big lesson at the end or major character growth. Events happen and the end. Like I said, I think this would make a good movie with a great final scene.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
July 12, 2026
I really wanted to love this one, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me. There were so many characters to keep track of that I found myself getting lost, and the plot felt like it dragged through the first half of the book.
I also wish there had been more world-building. I loved the concept of grim reapers and purgatory, but I wanted those elements to be explored in more depth. The premise had so much potential, and I just found myself wanting more from the world and its lore.
I also wish there had been more world-building. I loved the concept of grim reapers and purgatory, but I wanted those elements to be explored in more depth. The premise had so much potential, and I just found myself wanting more from the world and its lore.
May 27, 2026
Thanks to St. Martins press and Net Galley for a copy of this arc
This novel explores the concept of purgatory in a fresh and fun way adding in some death games and grim reapers to the plot.
Unfortunately the setup to get there (roughly 50% of the book) is pretty repetitive.
It’s not a particularly long book so I’m torn on whether I think the repetition could even have been cut and still have it feel complete.
The characters are ok nothing like mind blowing but theres enough there that you can care about them.
I really liked the last quarter of the book but it was somewhat rough getting there
Id recommend this for fan of death game books, the anime Death Parade. If you liked this particularly the concept of the fears manifesting you might like Chuck Tingles burry you gays and Nat Cassidy’s when the wolf comes home.
This novel explores the concept of purgatory in a fresh and fun way adding in some death games and grim reapers to the plot.
Unfortunately the setup to get there (roughly 50% of the book) is pretty repetitive.
It’s not a particularly long book so I’m torn on whether I think the repetition could even have been cut and still have it feel complete.
The characters are ok nothing like mind blowing but theres enough there that you can care about them.
I really liked the last quarter of the book but it was somewhat rough getting there
Id recommend this for fan of death game books, the anime Death Parade. If you liked this particularly the concept of the fears manifesting you might like Chuck Tingles burry you gays and Nat Cassidy’s when the wolf comes home.
May 28, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced copy! This book was a wild ride. If you enjoy the tv shows From, The Twilight Zone, Something Very Bad is Going to Happen, or the Final Destination series, this one is for you! Imagine driving during a rainstorm and seeing a person in the road, you swerve and then poof they are gone. In their place is a tree blocking your path. Soon another person hits your car. Then another person hits them and so on and so on. You and this group of strangers find your way to a dive bar nearby in search of a phone or some way to get help. Once inside, things get even stranger and soon you realize no where but the inside of the dive bar is safe. Terrifying right?! That’s exactly where we find our protagonist Ellie. Without going into spoiler territory I will say this was a super fun, edge of your seat horror novel that really managed to make me care so much about the characters (especially Ellie and Henry.) Each character has an interesting backstory and I wasn’t ever really sure how this story was going to end. This is my third Kelley Armstrong book and definitely my favorite that I have read so far. Perfect spooky read.
June 15, 2026
4.5/5 🌟
This book was wild! I was hooked from the very first chapter and could not put it down! I had a bunch of theories about what was really going on, only one of them ended up actually being correct!
I don’t really want to say much more because I don’t want to give anything away!
If you enjoy a twisty, supernatural horror story then I highly recommend this one for you!
This book was wild! I was hooked from the very first chapter and could not put it down! I had a bunch of theories about what was really going on, only one of them ended up actually being correct!
I don’t really want to say much more because I don’t want to give anything away!
If you enjoy a twisty, supernatural horror story then I highly recommend this one for you!
June 13, 2026
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had a really good time with this one.
The premise alone was enough to hook me: strangers stuck together at a random dive bar after a series of accidents, only to realize that something is very, very wrong. The more I read, the more I needed to know what was happening, and I ended up flying through this book way faster than I expected.
One of my favorite things was the cast of characters. Every time a new person was introduced, I thought, "Okay, surely that's enough people now," and then somehow I became invested in all of them. Kelley Armstrong did a great job making them feel like actual people instead of just bodies thrown into a mystery. I genuinely cared about what happened to them and loved seeing the group dynamics evolve as the story progressed.
The atmosphere was also fantastic. There was this constant feeling that something wasn't quite right. The isolated road, the dive bar, the weirdness surrounding everything... it kept me on edge the whole time and made it really hard to put the book down.
Now, my one little frustration: the ending.
I don't know if I missed something, read too fast, or if this was completely intentional, but I finished the book still wondering why. Not necessarily what happened, but why it happened. I kept waiting for that final piece of the puzzle to click into place, and for me it never quite did. From what I've seen, other readers felt similarly, so I don't think I actually missed anything major. I think the ending is meant to stay somewhat open to interpretation.
Did it ruin the book for me? Not at all.
I still really enjoyed the ride, loved the characters, and was completely invested in the mystery. I just personally would have loved one or two more answers before turning that last page.
Overall, this was a creepy, addictive read with a great cast of characters and an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing the whole way through. If you like stories where ordinary people get thrown into extraordinary circumstances and everything slowly gets weirder and weirder, definitely give this one a shot.
Tropes / vibes:
🛣️ Strangers trapped together
👀 "Something is very wrong here" energy
🕰️ Reality-bending mystery
😱 Atmospheric supernatural horror
And now excuse me while I sit here wondering if I somehow missed a clue... because that ending is still living rent-free in my head.
I had a really good time with this one.
The premise alone was enough to hook me: strangers stuck together at a random dive bar after a series of accidents, only to realize that something is very, very wrong. The more I read, the more I needed to know what was happening, and I ended up flying through this book way faster than I expected.
One of my favorite things was the cast of characters. Every time a new person was introduced, I thought, "Okay, surely that's enough people now," and then somehow I became invested in all of them. Kelley Armstrong did a great job making them feel like actual people instead of just bodies thrown into a mystery. I genuinely cared about what happened to them and loved seeing the group dynamics evolve as the story progressed.
The atmosphere was also fantastic. There was this constant feeling that something wasn't quite right. The isolated road, the dive bar, the weirdness surrounding everything... it kept me on edge the whole time and made it really hard to put the book down.
Now, my one little frustration: the ending.
I don't know if I missed something, read too fast, or if this was completely intentional, but I finished the book still wondering why. Not necessarily what happened, but why it happened. I kept waiting for that final piece of the puzzle to click into place, and for me it never quite did. From what I've seen, other readers felt similarly, so I don't think I actually missed anything major. I think the ending is meant to stay somewhat open to interpretation.
Did it ruin the book for me? Not at all.
I still really enjoyed the ride, loved the characters, and was completely invested in the mystery. I just personally would have loved one or two more answers before turning that last page.
Overall, this was a creepy, addictive read with a great cast of characters and an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing the whole way through. If you like stories where ordinary people get thrown into extraordinary circumstances and everything slowly gets weirder and weirder, definitely give this one a shot.
Tropes / vibes:
🛣️ Strangers trapped together
👀 "Something is very wrong here" energy
🕰️ Reality-bending mystery
😱 Atmospheric supernatural horror
And now excuse me while I sit here wondering if I somehow missed a clue... because that ending is still living rent-free in my head.
June 25, 2026
Rating - 4.5 stars
Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an eARC copy. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was my first book by this author, and I’m definitely excited to read more of her work. This was wild!
I’d heard this described as Final Destination with a supernatural twist, and I definitely got those vibes. It also reminded me a lot of the show From. A group of strangers gets stranded after a fallen tree blocks the road, only to end up at a mysterious dive bar in the middle of nowhere. As they spend more time there, they realize they all have something in common, and that’s when things start getting really weird.
The atmosphere was easily my favorite part. It had that creepy, isolated small town feeling where you know something is wrong, but you can’t quite figure out what. Then you start watching everyone’s worst nightmares slowly come to life, and I had a lot of fun trying to piece everything together.
Now, is this the most groundbreaking horror story I’ve ever read? No. I think there was definitely room to dig a little deeper into the characters and flesh out parts of the story even more. I also wasn’t completely sold on the ending. I didn’t hate it, but I found myself wishing for just a little more. I don’t mind an ending that leaves some things open to interpretation, but this one left me wanting a bit more closure.
That said, I still had a really fun time with this book, and honestly, that’s what matters most to me. Not every book has to be a masterpiece to be enjoyable. If you’re looking for something that’s creepy, supernatural, has Final Destination meets From energy, and gives you that “ trapped in a small town with no way out” feeling, I think this is worth picking up.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an eARC copy. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was my first book by this author, and I’m definitely excited to read more of her work. This was wild!
I’d heard this described as Final Destination with a supernatural twist, and I definitely got those vibes. It also reminded me a lot of the show From. A group of strangers gets stranded after a fallen tree blocks the road, only to end up at a mysterious dive bar in the middle of nowhere. As they spend more time there, they realize they all have something in common, and that’s when things start getting really weird.
The atmosphere was easily my favorite part. It had that creepy, isolated small town feeling where you know something is wrong, but you can’t quite figure out what. Then you start watching everyone’s worst nightmares slowly come to life, and I had a lot of fun trying to piece everything together.
Now, is this the most groundbreaking horror story I’ve ever read? No. I think there was definitely room to dig a little deeper into the characters and flesh out parts of the story even more. I also wasn’t completely sold on the ending. I didn’t hate it, but I found myself wishing for just a little more. I don’t mind an ending that leaves some things open to interpretation, but this one left me wanting a bit more closure.
That said, I still had a really fun time with this book, and honestly, that’s what matters most to me. Not every book has to be a masterpiece to be enjoyable. If you’re looking for something that’s creepy, supernatural, has Final Destination meets From energy, and gives you that “ trapped in a small town with no way out” feeling, I think this is worth picking up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2026
Dive Bar at the End of the Road needs to be your next read on a dark, stormy night. As a public service announcement, just make sure you’re reading at home and not in a car.. otherwise, who knows where/when you might wind up!
Kelley Armstrong is a prolific author, with this being my first read by her. I thoroughly enjoyed this work! I would describe as a paranormal horror novel with the feel of a post-apocalyptic vibe and a dash of body horror thrown in. It’s a good first step into body horror for those who shy aware from this trope. This novel is more suspenseful than truly frightening in my opinion; I don’t think it’ll keep you up at night (or maybe it will if you have a long road trip coming up)!
I also enjoyed the alternating POVs from our random array of characters trapped by the crash. Armstrong takes a unique approach and introduces new characters throughout the first half of the novel. This really worked for the plot development; you’ll care about each member of this ragtag group regardless of their page count.
This is a quick, enjoyable read. I was impressed by Armstrong’s ability to accomplish world building and character development in such a limited space. Give this one a shot!
Kelley Armstrong is a prolific author, with this being my first read by her. I thoroughly enjoyed this work! I would describe as a paranormal horror novel with the feel of a post-apocalyptic vibe and a dash of body horror thrown in. It’s a good first step into body horror for those who shy aware from this trope. This novel is more suspenseful than truly frightening in my opinion; I don’t think it’ll keep you up at night (or maybe it will if you have a long road trip coming up)!
I also enjoyed the alternating POVs from our random array of characters trapped by the crash. Armstrong takes a unique approach and introduces new characters throughout the first half of the novel. This really worked for the plot development; you’ll care about each member of this ragtag group regardless of their page count.
This is a quick, enjoyable read. I was impressed by Armstrong’s ability to accomplish world building and character development in such a limited space. Give this one a shot!
June 20, 2026
I honestly started reading this without knowing which genre Kelley was writing in - I remember looking up at my husband and saying, “What am I reading?” He laughed and replied, “Why are you reading it?” I said, “Because Kelley Armstrong wrote it! So clearly I have to read it!” Then immediately diving back in. I was addicted! Turns out Dive Bar at the End of the Road is supernatural horror/mystery.
Positives:
- It’s fast-paced and hard to put down.
- The atmosphere is perfect for the story - a storm, crashes, creepy dive bar in a forest.
- The mystery just keeps getting more twisted and kept me guessing the whole time.
- This could easily have another book or novella written about the bar or even some of the characters. It’s that intriguing.
Negatives:
- I like my mysteries with more answers. This one leaves some things open to interpretation, which frustrated me.
- I also would have loved a glimpse into the future (an epilogue).
Overall, for me, it’s a 4⭐️ supernatural, reality-blending horror. I loved it!
Thank you to Kelley Armstrong, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
Positives:
- It’s fast-paced and hard to put down.
- The atmosphere is perfect for the story - a storm, crashes, creepy dive bar in a forest.
- The mystery just keeps getting more twisted and kept me guessing the whole time.
- This could easily have another book or novella written about the bar or even some of the characters. It’s that intriguing.
Negatives:
- I like my mysteries with more answers. This one leaves some things open to interpretation, which frustrated me.
- I also would have loved a glimpse into the future (an epilogue).
Overall, for me, it’s a 4⭐️ supernatural, reality-blending horror. I loved it!
Thank you to Kelley Armstrong, NetGalley, and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
June 4, 2026
Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for this ARC!
I thought the concept and execution was very well done! This would be a great horror book to read on a rainy night. I loved getting to know all the characters, especially Ellie and Henry. Armstrong did a great job at creating an eery, addictive atmosphere.
However, the dialogue, at times, felt unnatural more so like the author was trying to explain things/ events through dialogue, when that isn't how people normally speak. I also felt like there was a lot of over-explaining all throughout the book, besides just the dialogue. In terms of the monsters towards the end of the book, things felt a little excessive.
All in all, I would recommend!!
I thought the concept and execution was very well done! This would be a great horror book to read on a rainy night. I loved getting to know all the characters, especially Ellie and Henry. Armstrong did a great job at creating an eery, addictive atmosphere.
However, the dialogue, at times, felt unnatural more so like the author was trying to explain things/ events through dialogue, when that isn't how people normally speak. I also felt like there was a lot of over-explaining all throughout the book, besides just the dialogue. In terms of the monsters towards the end of the book, things felt a little excessive.
All in all, I would recommend!!
June 27, 2026
When multiple car accidents end up ensnaring several people with differing personalities, they end up in a supernatural dive bar that splices them in and out of pockets of reality. We focus on five individuals, learn their lives and what makes them tick, and see the true beauty in a struggle for survival. The sheer creepiness was insane- the terror felt like it slowly crept but simultaneously ratcheted up with each word. I genuinely couldn't get enough. Armstrong wrote a truly vile person in here, IYKYK, and I look forward to more from Armstrong. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
July 17, 2026
The premise/reveal for this eerie horror novel is unique and keeps you guessing. The book feels heavy with atmosphere and dread. If you are looking for a page turner, Dive Bar at the End of the Road has you covered.
I liked how we got a sense of the personality for our main characters. There wasn’t a lot of room for back story with so many folks turning up at the bar, but I still felt connected to them.
The vibes:
run down country bar
lost in the woods
storms and fog
creatures that go bump in the night
feeling trapped
horror mystery
RUN
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I liked how we got a sense of the personality for our main characters. There wasn’t a lot of room for back story with so many folks turning up at the bar, but I still felt connected to them.
The vibes:
run down country bar
lost in the woods
storms and fog
creatures that go bump in the night
feeling trapped
horror mystery
RUN
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.
May 30, 2026
2.5
really liked the idea of this book — strangers all end up in a dive bar after having freak accidents near said bar and eventually realise that they were all pulled in there for a reason while revisiting their worst nightmares. but after about 30%it started to get really repetitive, every character’s introduction felt the exact same and then they’d get introduced to the group similar ways as well. it wasn’t until about 75% in that i felt like something was happening but even the sudden reveals didn’t manage to get me pulled into the story unfortunately.
really liked the idea of this book — strangers all end up in a dive bar after having freak accidents near said bar and eventually realise that they were all pulled in there for a reason while revisiting their worst nightmares. but after about 30%it started to get really repetitive, every character’s introduction felt the exact same and then they’d get introduced to the group similar ways as well. it wasn’t until about 75% in that i felt like something was happening but even the sudden reveals didn’t manage to get me pulled into the story unfortunately.
June 25, 2026
Thank you Kelley Armstrong, St. Martins Press, and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I read the description of this and loved how it really gave like nothing away. It stated that a bunch of strangers get caught in a storm, end up having to wait it out at a dive bar, then things are weird, time starts to not make sense, and the dive bar is not as it seems. IMMEDIATE intrigue. It also stated it gives a bit of Final Destination meets Cabin In The Woods and I am a huge horror movie fan so I dove right in.
I am super glad I went in with very little background because this is a book you want to go blind into. I loved that you read the POVs of each stranger who ended up stuck near the bar, I LOVED how eery the entire book felt from the start (like seriously read it with the lights on), and I loved how charismatic the bartender was.
I truly did not know what was going on and where it was going at any given point in the book. I also did not know who to trust as you are getting more details. I read this in two sittings because I NEEDED to know what was going on in this dive bar.
I do not want to give to much away but I absolutely loved the entire theme of the book once the big reveal happens, I do not think any book or movie I have read has explored this type of spin on the main theme this book entails. It also mentioned many issues involving race, gun violence, relationships and it was done so well that it fit within the horror story seamlessly.
This would make a fantastic movie because there is so much details of the psychological horror aspects and I would love to see it visually portrayed. This was my first book by Kelley Armstrong and I will now be exploring many more by her.
I read the description of this and loved how it really gave like nothing away. It stated that a bunch of strangers get caught in a storm, end up having to wait it out at a dive bar, then things are weird, time starts to not make sense, and the dive bar is not as it seems. IMMEDIATE intrigue. It also stated it gives a bit of Final Destination meets Cabin In The Woods and I am a huge horror movie fan so I dove right in.
I am super glad I went in with very little background because this is a book you want to go blind into. I loved that you read the POVs of each stranger who ended up stuck near the bar, I LOVED how eery the entire book felt from the start (like seriously read it with the lights on), and I loved how charismatic the bartender was.
I truly did not know what was going on and where it was going at any given point in the book. I also did not know who to trust as you are getting more details. I read this in two sittings because I NEEDED to know what was going on in this dive bar.
I do not want to give to much away but I absolutely loved the entire theme of the book once the big reveal happens, I do not think any book or movie I have read has explored this type of spin on the main theme this book entails. It also mentioned many issues involving race, gun violence, relationships and it was done so well that it fit within the horror story seamlessly.
This would make a fantastic movie because there is so much details of the psychological horror aspects and I would love to see it visually portrayed. This was my first book by Kelley Armstrong and I will now be exploring many more by her.
May 26, 2026
4.25 ⭐️ Thanks to netgalley for an ARC of this novel.
Wow this was quite a (gory) but fun ride!
I was so excited to get to this book and it did not disappoint. This sci-fi horror novel by Kelley Armstrong was unique, interesting and thrilling.
Right away we are thrown into a very interesting scenario where Ellie is driving on the highway at night. She is driving to her parents house and her GPS goes offline, sending her in the wrong direction. All of a sudden she notices a woman in the road and ends up hitting her. When she gets out of the car, the woman has vanished and a big tree has appeared horizontally on the road. (This part reminded me so much of ‘from’ which made me want to read more!)
Multiple people come driving down the highway afterwards having a similar experience. And even when noticing the other cars broken down on the road or the big tree in the road, they are unable to brake causing them to hit the other vehicles. As people show up in this odd place, they quickly discover a local bar to get some help. However everything goes downhill from there.
‘The dive bar at the end of the world’ was character and plot driven which I enjoyed. We learnt a lot about the characters lives, their stories and the reason why they ended up there. I enjoy how Kelley Armstrong writes a gory, atmospheric sci-fi horror novel, it’s so graphic I feel like the scene is front of me!
This novel was very high stakes and kept me on the edge of my seat, I read this is under 36 hours, I had to know where it was going to go next! I would absolutely recommend this book to others.
Wow this was quite a (gory) but fun ride!
I was so excited to get to this book and it did not disappoint. This sci-fi horror novel by Kelley Armstrong was unique, interesting and thrilling.
Right away we are thrown into a very interesting scenario where Ellie is driving on the highway at night. She is driving to her parents house and her GPS goes offline, sending her in the wrong direction. All of a sudden she notices a woman in the road and ends up hitting her. When she gets out of the car, the woman has vanished and a big tree has appeared horizontally on the road. (This part reminded me so much of ‘from’ which made me want to read more!)
Multiple people come driving down the highway afterwards having a similar experience. And even when noticing the other cars broken down on the road or the big tree in the road, they are unable to brake causing them to hit the other vehicles. As people show up in this odd place, they quickly discover a local bar to get some help. However everything goes downhill from there.
‘The dive bar at the end of the world’ was character and plot driven which I enjoyed. We learnt a lot about the characters lives, their stories and the reason why they ended up there. I enjoy how Kelley Armstrong writes a gory, atmospheric sci-fi horror novel, it’s so graphic I feel like the scene is front of me!
This novel was very high stakes and kept me on the edge of my seat, I read this is under 36 hours, I had to know where it was going to go next! I would absolutely recommend this book to others.
June 22, 2026
Thank you #NetGalley, St. Martins press, and Kelley Armstrong for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
My honest initial thought after reading this book… what the fuck did I just read.
I thought the book synopsis was interesting, hence why I applied for this ARC. I was quickly lost through the first part of this book. I was confused and thought it was redundant. It felt like it just wouldn’t end, the way she would introduce a new character the same way over and over again. It was a car crash I was really waiting to be over. She honestly lost me with every car crash after Ellie and Henry’s. I was all into Ellie and Henry and this creepy dive bar.
The second half, was just kind of like a mindfuck and I was confused most of the time. I never felt like I had a good grip on what was going on and if the characters could get out of this time warp whatever it was location. And the end of the book pissed me off. I waited all that time for them to get out and it ends as soon as they get into the car. No follow up or where are they now, it just flat out ends and goes to acknowledgments.
I’m really not sure what the author was going for when writing this book. It felt like she had too many concepts she wanted to write about and just crammed them half assed into a book.
Im giving this book a 2 because I think the author really had something here if she would have just focused on maybe one or two concepts and not 12.
My honest initial thought after reading this book… what the fuck did I just read.
I thought the book synopsis was interesting, hence why I applied for this ARC. I was quickly lost through the first part of this book. I was confused and thought it was redundant. It felt like it just wouldn’t end, the way she would introduce a new character the same way over and over again. It was a car crash I was really waiting to be over. She honestly lost me with every car crash after Ellie and Henry’s. I was all into Ellie and Henry and this creepy dive bar.
The second half, was just kind of like a mindfuck and I was confused most of the time. I never felt like I had a good grip on what was going on and if the characters could get out of this time warp whatever it was location. And the end of the book pissed me off. I waited all that time for them to get out and it ends as soon as they get into the car. No follow up or where are they now, it just flat out ends and goes to acknowledgments.
I’m really not sure what the author was going for when writing this book. It felt like she had too many concepts she wanted to write about and just crammed them half assed into a book.
Im giving this book a 2 because I think the author really had something here if she would have just focused on maybe one or two concepts and not 12.
July 4, 2026
3.75⭐️ rounded ⬆️
The fate of five strangers converges at a dive bar they all find themselves at in the middle of the night, seeking refuge from their respective car accidents. As they start taking stock of what’s going on (random storm, lost cell signals, unexplainable triggers for the accidents, brakes not working, etc…) they decide it’s best to wait out the storm in the bar until the morning.
What unfolds is just like a scary movie where everyone is experiencing something in vastly different ways at the same time. It’s gory and visceral at many turns. Each time a character was introduced/walked into the bar the story just got creepier and creepier. It also got increasingly wild with the forest around them uncovering their greatest fears. I did not expect slender man, pocket universes, zombies and the twist of why all the strangers ended up there in the first place. With unreliable narrators and plots that will have your head spinning, this is definitely a story to keep you up at night! This was my first Kelley Armstrong book and I’d gladly check out her vast backlog after this.
~Thank you to the publisher St. Martin’s Press for the eARC. All opinions in this review are are my own~
The fate of five strangers converges at a dive bar they all find themselves at in the middle of the night, seeking refuge from their respective car accidents. As they start taking stock of what’s going on (random storm, lost cell signals, unexplainable triggers for the accidents, brakes not working, etc…) they decide it’s best to wait out the storm in the bar until the morning.
What unfolds is just like a scary movie where everyone is experiencing something in vastly different ways at the same time. It’s gory and visceral at many turns. Each time a character was introduced/walked into the bar the story just got creepier and creepier. It also got increasingly wild with the forest around them uncovering their greatest fears. I did not expect slender man, pocket universes, zombies and the twist of why all the strangers ended up there in the first place. With unreliable narrators and plots that will have your head spinning, this is definitely a story to keep you up at night! This was my first Kelley Armstrong book and I’d gladly check out her vast backlog after this.
~Thank you to the publisher St. Martin’s Press for the eARC. All opinions in this review are are my own~
July 5, 2026
This was my first read from this author and I absolutely loved the writing style and suspense throughout.
Dive Bar at the End of the Road gave Cabin in the Woods meets From vibes and I was so here for it.
The atmosphere was perfection! An old dive bar in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a dense forest during on and off raging thunderstorm. Add in a series of car accidents that leave everyone trapped there and you've got the perfect Summerween horror slasher read.
This book packs in a little bit of everything from monsters, creatures, ghosts, zombies, hungry dogs and dark secrets lurking around every corner. The violence, gore and eerie situations kept the pages flying by. There were characters I couldn't help but root for, while others were clearly meant to be the villains and they played those roles SO well.
My only real con is that the ending dragged a bit and became repetitive in a few places. Even so, it was an incredibly fun ride and I can confidently say I hope I never find myself stopping at this dive bar... ever!
Dive Bar at the End of the Road gave Cabin in the Woods meets From vibes and I was so here for it.
The atmosphere was perfection! An old dive bar in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by a dense forest during on and off raging thunderstorm. Add in a series of car accidents that leave everyone trapped there and you've got the perfect Summerween horror slasher read.
This book packs in a little bit of everything from monsters, creatures, ghosts, zombies, hungry dogs and dark secrets lurking around every corner. The violence, gore and eerie situations kept the pages flying by. There were characters I couldn't help but root for, while others were clearly meant to be the villains and they played those roles SO well.
My only real con is that the ending dragged a bit and became repetitive in a few places. Even so, it was an incredibly fun ride and I can confidently say I hope I never find myself stopping at this dive bar... ever!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC for an avid readers' review of this book! OMGISH 5 STARS!!!! This is my first Kelley Armstrong horror novel and I must say that this book had me terrified! I love horror and mystery books, and this book was that and MORE! I literally would gasp or say "oh noooo!" as I read! This book kept me wanting more, kept me engaged and if it wasn't for work I probably would have finished in a day rather than 2 days lol I love how we have the main character Ellie, but also included other characters and their perspectives and backgrounds. I have a very visual mind and the way Kelley Armstrong wrote this book makes it even more appealing! She kept me guessing at every corner and when it finally ended, it was a very good ending to a terrifying book! Now that I have discovered Kelley Armstrong, I'm looking forward to looking at other horrors/mystery books she has written! Thank you for an AMAZING read!
July 31, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't had the best luck with other Kelley Armstrong books in the past, but this one was actually a good time.
It had an interesting group of characters; each with their own unique traumas that they must face during the story. The horror in this book was extremely well written and had me a little squeamish at times.
The only reason I tacked off a star was I felt like it was getting a little repetitive when a new character was introduced. There were some characters who I wished we explored a bit further (Raymond for instance...there seemed to be a lot more weird/creepy possessive vibes there that weren't explored far enough in my opinion).
Overall this was a good time though. The book is expected to be published October 6 of this year.
I haven't had the best luck with other Kelley Armstrong books in the past, but this one was actually a good time.
It had an interesting group of characters; each with their own unique traumas that they must face during the story. The horror in this book was extremely well written and had me a little squeamish at times.
The only reason I tacked off a star was I felt like it was getting a little repetitive when a new character was introduced. There were some characters who I wished we explored a bit further (Raymond for instance...there seemed to be a lot more weird/creepy possessive vibes there that weren't explored far enough in my opinion).
Overall this was a good time though. The book is expected to be published October 6 of this year.
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