Dive Bar at the End of the Road

by Kelley Armstrong

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 to 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 the night.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery Thriller

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2026

About the author

Kelley 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.

Reviews

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dive Bar at the End of the Road by Kelley Armstrong
Narrated by Helen Laser, Sean Patrick Hopkins, Shane Ghostkeeper

I really enjoyed this horror story because it hit on so much of what makes our nightmares and real life our very own horror stories. It all starts for us when 35 year old Ellie gets detoured on a tree lined road, with her GPS not working, and heavy rain making the dark night almost impossible to see anything. She's in the middle of woods, lost, and then a woman appears right in front of her car and Ellie can't avoid hitting her. But wait, she hit a tree? And then 41 year old Henry hits Ellie's car. The two walk until they find a decrepit building that houses a nice bar with two people. More people will show up since the wrecked car train is just beginning.

The living nightmares are just beginning, too, although one guy gets to live his sooner than the others. But all the nightmare danger is terrible and I was aware of the monsters from social media, folklore, word of mouth, and such. Henry does find out something funny about his nightmare monsters, that sometimes if you don't know the real lore, things work differently than if you did. That part of the story is pretty fun and I was fond of Henry. Which makes the terror worse is that, at some point, the victims might have to decide just how vicious they want to be. Who is really a good person, who is really a bad person? Also, the bartender might not be as low key as he seems at first.

Lots of violence here, I'd be the first to go, I'm sure. For all the monsters in this story, the scariest to me are the human monsters. You can wake up from your nightmare but bad humans will always be around. Things are wild and crazy here, in a way that I could distance myself from, but I cared about some of the characters and had no idea how this nightmare would end. I have both the ebook and audiobook and followed along with the ebook while I listened to the audiobook. The narrators are so good and Shane Ghostkeeper is perfect for Henry. I've always liked the other two narrators so this was a really good audiobook narration.

Publication October 6, 2026

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, SMP Early Readers, and NetGalley

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ It’s a dark and stormy night, and a car crashes into a fallen tree, the driver swerving to avoid something in the road. Soon, in what seems to be an inevitable incident, four more cars crash into that car, stranding five strangers on the forested road. They seek shelter and find a dive bar, hoping to find something, anything to help them get to their destinations. But with no cell service and no vehicles, the strangers are stuck, waiting for daylight. And as the night goes on, they begin to realize that this random occurrence isn’t what it seems, and that going outside, where shadows lurk hungrily behind the trees in the forest, is a death wish. Can they work together to escape this nightmare, or will they allow tensions to rise while they are trapped in their only means of refuge, which has its own secrets these strangers don’t want to know about?






──── ୨୧ ────







｛ ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: (Don’t Fear) The Reaper by Blue Öyster Cult ｝
↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺ 1:23 ────ㅇ─── 5:07







⋇⋆✦⋆⋇ They weren’t kidding when they compared this to Final Destination because holy cow! This was eerie, dark, and so good!

Granted, I only watched the latest movie in the Final Destination series, but it was enough to get a gist of what the movies are about and how gruesome it gets. 🫣 I’m not a fan of gore, so I was a tad bit nervous about reading this, but it was gory enough that I wasn’t sick to my stomach. I did cringe and grimace at some of the descriptions of horror, but that’s because I’m a wuss. 😂

I’m going to try to not spoil anything because the best part of horror is the element of surprise and the shock factors that happen throughout the story, but one of the characters that we aren’t supposed to like was one of my favorites. I know, I know. I tend to favor those who are just chumps in general, but I’m a chump, so it makes sense that I liked this character, lol. Their sarcasm, maliciousness, and rudeness were highly entertaining, and I chuckled quite a few times because of their dialogue and nonchalance. I didn’t root for them, obviously, because I’m not evil, but I did enjoy their character. It made everything and everyone wayyyy more interesting, and I appreciate that.

But I’m not saying the plot or the other characters weren’t interesting. Oh, no, not at all. The dive bar was super sketchy, and the people inside were a little suspicious. And as the story and the horrors progressed, I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen to everyone and how it was all going to end because I genuinely had no idea. And I love that. Don’t get me wrong—I love to predict endings, and I do a little happy dance when I’m right, but there’s just something so satisfying when you sit back and enjoy the ride, not caring where the road is going to take you because all you know is that it’s going to be good. And a little creepy. Can’t forget that. 😉

The author stated in the acknowledgements that she initially thought this book was going to only be in Ellie’s pov, but changed her mind and added other POVs from the rest of the characters, and that was a W move. Experiencing that horrible night from multiple perspectives, who are either nice people or complete jerks, made this feel cinematic.

Ellie was awesome. I related so much to the way she felt about herself, and I just wanted to give her a big hug. And I’d like to give one to Henry, too, because he is literally the best. He and Ellie were the dream team, and I was rooting for this dynamic duo. If crap hits the fan, I want them on my team. No hesitation, no questions asked.

Raymond was such an ass, and I shook my head every time he opened his mouth. 🤦‍♀ Caleb was a chump, and he annoyed me a bit at the beginning there, but he grew on me eventually. And Noemi was great. She didn’t deserve anything that happened to her. 😭

And when the big reveal as to why everything was happening to these five strangers was made known, it made my jaw drop. It all made sense, but then it didn’t. Like, wow. Wow. What? Okay. Dang. Everyone needs to get the hell out of there now! 😂



I think my favorite part of the book, besides Ellie and Henry’s heroism, was the supernatural aspect. It wasn’t exactly scary since I was able to read this at night and sleep like a baby, but the creatures and monsters and the odd goings-on were spooky. Ahh, it was so fun!! 🤭

Overall, this was such an enjoyable read for me, and it was perfect for the season! I definitely recommend it. 👻🖤

✦︎ Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ✦︎



《 Content Warnings 》
Death, blood, some gore, murder, and mentions stalking.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No

[tiff · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.46

This one was VERY different from anything I’ve ever read, and I mean that in the best way. From the way the story was executed to the monsters, the multiple POVs, and all the twists and turns, it was definitely a unique reading experience.

Set around a remote dive bar where strange and terrifying things begin unfolding, this horror story throws you into a world of monsters, mystery, and absolute chaos. And the atmosphere? SO well done. Creepy, unsettling, and told in a way that had me clutching my chair thinking, “Oh shit!” 😂

I loved that this book kept me guessing. It had such a strong Twilight Zone feel to it, and I was thoroughly entertained trying to piece everything together. That said, I did find myself getting a little lost at times with all the different POVs and some repetitive moments. There were definitely sections where my attention wandered.

My biggest disappointment was the ending. With all the wild buildup and craziness throughout the story, I expected a little more. It just felt somewhat flat compared to everything that came before it.

One recommendation: DEFINITELY go with the audiobook! I think the narration really adds to the eerie atmosphere and makes the whole experience even better.

Overall, a strange, creepy, entertaining ride that won’t be for everyone, but I appreciate a book that dares to be different. Props for originality! 👏

🐺🧟‍♂️🍺🐺🧟‍♂️🍺🐺🧟‍♂️🍺🐺🧟‍♂️🍺🐺🧟‍♂️🍺🐺🧟‍♂️🍺

🍻Pre Read🍻
I want a creepy eerie book and this sounds like it will be 🤞🏻

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars:
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC of Dive Bar at the End of the Road by Kelley Armstrong. Expected publication date is October 6, 2026.

This book has serious Twilight Zone vibes mixed with a healthy dose of Creepypasta.

Picture this: an unfamiliar detour on a dark and stormy night leads to a five-car pileup on a deserted road. The only sign of civilization is a dive bar just down the way. The dilapidated bar gives off creepy vibes from the start, and as the stranded motorists gather inside, the group of strangers begins to realize that something is very, very wrong.

There is no way to communicate with the outside world. No internet. No cable. No working transportation to get them back to civilization. As the night grows darker, menacing sounds begin to drift from the surrounding woods. The strangers attempt to piece together what is happening, where exactly they are, and, most importantly, how they can get to safety.

Then the bartender begins to appear to be much more than just a bartender. He knows secrets about each of them, deeply personal and potentially damaging secrets he couldn't possibly know.

So how do they get away?

Armstrong creates a wonderfully claustrophobic and creepy atmosphere. She weaves in supernatural elements such as fetches, portents, pocket universes and folklore, while also dabbling in some interesting social commentary. Whose life is more valuable? Who deserves a break? When is being "good" good enough?

For spooky season, this is the perfect read. It’s creepy, engaging, atmospheric, and filled with the stuff of nightmares.

Want Creepypasta? Read this book!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOWZA! Kelley Armstrong hit it out of the ballpark with Dive Bar at the End of the Road!!!!! I found this book to be gripping, eerie, chilling, tension filled, and hard to put down! I usually do not like when book synopsis compares books to other books and/or movies, but this time they nailed it. Dive Bar at the End of the Road does give off some Final Destination Vibes.

I knew this book was going to be good from the very beginning. The set up was perfect. It's a dark and rainy night in the middle of nowhere. That gave me chills right there. A car swerves to miss hitting what appears to be a woman standing in the middle of the road. Soon thereafter, a car crashes into the back of that car. More crashes follow, and the survivors find themselves at a dive bar! Creepy. To ramp up the tension, there is no cell service, no way to call out, and don't get me started on the surrounding woods and what may be lurking there!

This book kept me on my toes, and I loved every second of it. The cast of characters was interesting and ranged from likeable ones to downright detestable ones. There were several I came to care about and was fully invested in their fate. Kelley Armstrong had my heart rate elevated, and my fingers crossed throughout the book.

I loved the pacing and suspense in this book. There was never a dull moment. The characters never really had a chance to slow down and catch their breath. As they desperately tried to get to the bottom of things, I was trying my best to figure out what was going to happen as well. Talk about being put through the ringer!!!!!

Kelley Armstrong is a go-to author for me, and she always delivers the thrills and chills while creating characters I care about. She is a master at creating atmosphere, great settings, well thought of mysteries, and fully fleshed out characters. If you have not read one of her books, what are you waiting for. I loved this book and also love her A Rip Through Time series and Haven's Rock series.

Dark, wonderfully written, well thought out, chilling, horrific, and hard to put down!

Highly Recommend!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Tina · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Oh wow! This is not my usual kind of story but I wanted something creepy for Halloween 🎃 and boy did it deliver! It was creepy, eerie, and suspenseful!

I had both a digital copy and audio and it was fun to try both. I started this on a walk before it got dark but it was so good I just kept walking and listening and before I knew it darkness began to fall. What a mistake to listen to this in the dark 😱 I frequently was looking over my shoulder as I quickly made my way home.

I really was immersed in this story from the beginning when Ellie takes a detour in the dark. She thinks she sees a woman on the road and swerves and hits a tree. Then another car with a guy named Henry hits her car in the dark. They find their way to the end of the road where there is a dive bar. Wanting help they go in. The bartender says due to the storm there is no cell phone service or any transportation into town. They need to just wait it out and have a drink or a good cup of coffee to warm up. Things quickly start to change. More people enter that have had an accident. Things really heat up and we enter the twighlight zone! There's something in the woods outside but how will they survive it?

This was perfect for spooky season. If you enjoy a creepy paranormal horror story then this is the book for you!

Published on October 6, 2026

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the Advance Reader's Copy.

*🇨🇦 Author

[Mya Joan Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pulled me in with such a dark, eerie, and unsettling atmosphere. There was something about being stranded on a rain-soaked forest road in the middle of the night, surrounded by wrecked cars and strangers who have no idea what is happening, that immediately made me feel trapped right alongside the characters. The whole setup gave me major Final Destination vibes mixed with some isolation and supernatural dread

Five strangers end up seeking shelter inside a backwoods dive bar after a series of bizarre accidents leaves them injured and stranded. At first, it feels like they just need to survive the storm and make it through the night, but it quickly becomes clear that something much darker is happening. Time doesn't seem to work the way it should, the woods outside feel incredibly wrong, and there is something out there that definitely isn't natural. I loved the feeling of never knowing what was going to happen next or who could actually be trusted.

The atmosphere was probably my favorite part. The rain, darkness, isolated road, strange accidents, and creepy forest all created this constant feeling of impending danger. I could practically feel the tension building every time someone considered stepping outside. There was this claustrophobic quality to the story that made the dive bar feel less like a safe place and more like a temporary shelter from something they didn't understand. The more they tried to figure out what was happening, the more unsettling everything became.

I also really enjoyed watching the strangers come together. They all had their own fears, personalities, and reasons for reacting differently to what was happening around them, and I liked seeing the tension between them slowly develop. When you're trapped somewhere with no way out and no idea what is waiting for you outside, even the smallest disagreements can become terrifying. I loved the emotional side of watching these people try to make sense of the impossible while also realizing that their survival might depend on trusting one another.

There were definitely moments where I felt genuinely creeped out. The idea that simply going outside could put you in danger made every decision feel important, and I loved how the story played with that fear. There was always this sense that something was watching, waiting, or manipulating what was happening, and I was constantly trying to figure out what the hell was going on.

That being said, I did have one major issue, and that's the ending. I still loved the book overall, but after everything that happened and all the questions that kept building throughout the story, I really wanted more from the ending. I wanted a little more closure, and honestly just more of that supernatural element because I was so invested in figuring everything out. The ending wasn't enough to ruin the experience for me, but it did leave me feeling like there was more story waiting to be told.

Even with that, I really enjoyed this one. It was dark, creepy, atmospheric, emotional, and full of that trapped with strangers and something is very wrong feeling that I absolutely love. The premise hooked me immediately, and the eerie setting kept me invested all the way through. I just wish the ending had given me a little more because I wasn't quite ready to let this strange, terrifying night come to an end.

[Dutchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Liana Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 ⭐️ This audiobook had me at the edge of my seat. This is what I’d call nightmare fuel and loss of grip on reality. I kept asking my self ‘what is going on here’. Initially I thought we are in some kind of time loop but then I realized we are working with time distortion. We have several car collisions happening as the drivers see a woman standing on the road. It's heavily raining, in the middle of the woods and the only place in sight is the dive bar at the end of the road. A bartender, a woman hunched over the bar with a beer in her hand and five other strangers are basically trapped in this bar with no phone lines, no help nearby and something supernatural is keeping them there. Their worst nightmares begin to materialize and tensions rise between all of them. What is happening and why is time moving so oddly??

The pacing is extremely fast with strong Final Destination vibes. I mean.. it’s dark, suspenseful and terrifying? The creepiness definitely escalated my anxiety. This is the type of supernatural horror that will have you thinking something is VERY wrong here.






Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio for an early ALC.

Narrators: Helen Laser, Sean Patrick Hopkins, Shane Ghostkeeper
Duration: 8 hours 25 minutes
Speed: 1.5-2x

Publication date: October 6, 2026

[PamG · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

If you enjoy creepy and atmospheric supernatural horror, then look no further than Kelley Armstrong’s novel, Dive Bar at the End of the Road. A strong storm, a forested road at night, and a woman standing in the road, leads to a car swerving to avoid her and hitting a tree instead. This leads to a series of crashes as four more cars follow in a pileup. With various injuries, five strangers find themselves in a dive bar, waiting for daybreak, and hoping cell service returns quickly. Tensions rise inside as the storm rages outside. They quickly learn that going outside is a risky idea. Something unnatural in the woods. What is happening? Why is it happening? What are the rules? Who can trust who? Who, if anyone, will survive?

While the book is from multiple points of view, Ellie’s is the main perspective. Told in first person, readers learn about her life. Meanwhile, the other characters’ perspectives are in third person. Henry Armstrong is a divorced father of two, who is also a paramedic. He takes charge of assessing injuries and attempts to maintain a calmness among the group. Caleb and Noemi are a young couple who are loyal to each other. Raymond is a greedy, selfish businessman who prioritizes his own interests over the survival of the group. Edgar is an elderly man who faces his own nightmare. The bartender is friendly and offers free drinks to the group. There’s also a mysterious and silent bar patron who Ellie believes caused her accident.

The author uses the storm, the isolated woods, and the dive bar situation to create atmosphere that worked well. The book’s tension never lets up and it gets to the action quickly. The premise around fate and psychological manipulation and mind games created an intensity that made this novel hard to put down. While I was able to connect with Ellie, Henry, and Noemi, I found it harder to connect with the rest of the characters. My biggest quibbles are that certain aspects felt repetitive at times and the ending felt abrupt. However, the main mystery wraps up nicely.

Overall, this was an atmospheric book with great characterization and a fascinating premise.

St. Martin’s Press and Kelley Armstrong provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for October 6, 2026.
--------------------------
My 4.19 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Krickette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok… well this book was a gripper! Kept me wondering the whole time, and although my suspicions were initially correct, this supernatural, time loop mystery kept me enthralled and engaged.

Detour… Detour…

Set in a remote, wooded road in Michigan during a crazy wild storm, this supernatural thriller unfolds quickly as Ellie swerves her car to miss colliding with a woman… although smashes into a downed tree.

REPEAT….

A series of car pile ups continue….
As the woods collects its strangers … a cast of suspicious characters are created…. Who can you trust?

Shadowy figures clutter the dark wood, howling and growling surround your every thought…zombies? That’s ridiculous… a pack of hungry wolves? Maybe…

RUN!
RUN!
RUN!

Finally…
shelter… safety…and momentarily, relief floods them.
A run down shack at the far end of the road…
YES! a dive bar … a phone….possibly a drink?

SURPRISE….
Nothing is as it seems….

This is where this super natural, adventure survival story begins.

I had fun with this one. Creepy and suspenseful, and I got lost in this one for a while…
Definitely a read for the spooky season, if that is what you’re looking for.

Quick Thoughts:

🪾Love, Like, Hate? Like…. Did not love.
🪾Pacing and length? Ummm, a novel longer than it needed to be! Sometimes… too much does not equal better.
🪾Characters? GREAT! Enjoyed them all! Loved Naomi; Hated selfish Raymond!
🪾Overall feeling? A good book. A story of second chances.

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Christine Garrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

One car after another crashes on a dark, rainy road after a driver swerves to avoid what looks like a woman standing in the way. The stranded drivers and passengers take shelter in a nearby dive bar, but the danger doesn’t stay outside. When people venture into the woods, they encounter strange events and visions that seem to reflect their deepest fears.

Some characters suspect a prank; others blame feral dogs or reach for any explanation that might make the horror feel ordinary. But as we learn more about the painful events in their lives, it becomes clear that their pasts may shape what they see and how they understand the frightening place they’ve found themselves in.

The bartender points out how often the visitors ask, “What is happening?” A lot, as it turns out—and readers may find themselves asking the same thing as the story grows stranger and more terrifying. If you glimpsed a version of your life in which you had died, or saw someone who was already gone, how would you explain it away? Would you dismiss it as impossible, or start reconsidering your life and the choices you’ve made?

The audiobook’s three narrators (Helen Laser, Sean Patrick Hopkins, and Shane Ghostkeeper) do an excellent job giving the characters distinct voices. Their performances suit a cast shifting from cocky and confident to angry and afraid, and help bring the group’s growing panic to life.

One thing is for sure: no one is safe in this place. A giant beast, zombies, a pale, faceless man, and mounting horrors lurk in the woods. Ellie, Henry, Noemi, Caleb, and Edgar have been dropped into a mystery, and we’re left wondering who, if anyone, can get out before it’s too late.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Darla · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Ellie is driving home in the rain. On a lonely forest road. No GPS.

She brakes and swerves to avoid a person in the road and hits a tree.

It's the beginning of a chain reaction and a light leads them to the dive bar on the cover. . .

What I liked:

🌟The drivers are a diverse bunch. There is no common denominator that comes to mind with the exception of their current location. It felt a bit like an AC mystery at times (minus the monsters).

🌟Ultimately they all have the opportunity to make a deal with the devil. Will they cross over to the dark side or put others ahead of themselves?

🌟Kelley Armstrong pulls mythical monsters from cultural constants like Cujo, for example. The happenings were the stuff of nightmares and definitely a read many will love for this time of year.

🍪In About the Author we learn that she is a connoisseur of chocolate chip cookies. I salute her taste in sweet treats and have said for years that chocolate chip cookies need their own food group.

Thank you to Goodreads for giving us the half star. To my friend Nancy for pointing it out to me through her review of Fruit Fly. And to St. Martins Press and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. Available on October 6, 2026.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelley Armstrong is one of those writers that can't be put into a box. Her novels explore the paranormal, romance, and bring the suspense, but sometimes she lands squarely on horror. That's where you'll find the Dive Bar at the End of the Road if you decide to stop in for a drink.

Multiple car wrecks put the characters in walking distance of a backwoods dive bar. Weather conditions have deteriorated, no one's car is operational, cell service is down, there are no land lines, and the bartender rides ten miles a day to work on his bicycle. The only option is to wait out the storm until someone gets a signal or can go for help. But something isn't right. The way time is passing feels abnormal. They soon learn that venturing back outside is dangerous whether it is to help another accident victim or to go for help. There is something in the woods. Waiting.

Narrators Helen Laser, Sean Patrick Hopkins, and Shane Ghostkeeper made the eerie atmosphere pulse with life and the characters' fear and determination palpable. Armstrong gave a "why" to the occurrences that won major points with me because so often writers leave us hanging and her explanation made the story satisfying.

Nothing here was anything new, but sometimes a good scare doesn't have to be.

My rating would be 3.5 on this one, but I'm rounding up because this was a story that made me shudder and look forward to pressing play. A good pick for spooky season.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for providing an ARC and ALC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sara G · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

Available now! 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.

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Ohhhhh myyyyyy, I loved this. It started off a little slow, but once the characters fell upon this dive bar I was soooo sucked in to the story. This book had some gruesome body horror moments that I will never forget. You get a lot of POV's in this one, I took notes to remember who was who. The concept in this book was so good though, it was so strange and bizarre and mind bendy. By the end, I was screaming. This is perfect for fans of Cabin at the End of the World.

Here's the vlog where I read this one and a few others: https://youtu.be/21KG6qZUzKQ

[Vicki Herbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Welcome...
Looking for Shelter From the Storm?

DIVE BAR AT THE END OF THE ROAD
by Kelley Armstrong

2 stars. It was pitch dark and pouring rain, and Ellie had no idea where she was...

After all the bad luck that was her life...

Ellie was heading to her parents' home...
Her only safe place...

She had lost cell service and had lost her GPS map at 11:56 pm...

Thunder crashed, revealing she was lost in a forest, nowhere near Lake Michigan, which was her final destination...

Suddenly...
An old woman appeared in her headlights...

Ellie slammed on her brakes, causing her to crash head-on into a tree, which had fallen across the roadway...

Meanwhile...
On his way to a fishing trip...

Henry's GPS had detoured him to the same stretch of road. Now he's lost in the storm, and it's almost midnight...

Without warning and in the blackness of night, Henry rear-ended Ellie's disabled car...

With both vehicles undrivable, the two headed out in the downpour on foot to get help...

Through the dense trees, they saw a red, glowing light a hundred feet ahead at a crossroad...

As they neared...

The light became a neon light advertising a bar in the middle of nowhere...

The pub door opened up to them, and the bartender called out: Welcome! Looking for shelter from the storm?

But...

Something was wrong, and every nerve was shouting to the pair: Get out now!

Before the night was over...

There would be a five car pile-up, each car rear-ending the car before it, leaving six poor souls taking refuge in the bar...

This is a book I looked forward to, but it had some problems. The first 50% was good, and I was really enjoying it. The second half, not so much.

At 50%, this story was so repetitive that I began skimming to get past all the lengthy backstories. Unfortunately, there was no escaping those backstories, and they followed the book to the bitter end, not adding much more info, just repeating and repeating. I basically skimmed at 50% all the way to the end, and the end was a giant let-down.

I would've thrown the book across the room, but it was on my Kindle, lol.

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five strangers find themselves trapped in a bar with an eccentric yet surprisingly friendly bartender and an awkward, mostly silent woman who may have triggered the bizarre chain of events unfolding around them. It's a fantastic premise, and from the very first pages, I was hooked!

For several strange reasons, these people all become victims of car accidents. Their paths literally collide. It all begins with Ellie, a 35-year-old woman between jobs who is returning to her family home. While driving down a lonely road, she spots a gray-haired woman standing in her path and slams on the brakes to avoid hitting her. But when she looks again, the woman has vanished, replaced by a fallen tree blocking the road.

Moments later, Ellie is involved in a collision with Henry Armstrong, a 41-year-old divorced father of two college-aged daughters and a paramedic. During the aftermath of the accident, Henry accidentally injures Ellie while trying to help her. With no cell reception, no passing traffic, and nowhere else to turn, the pair make their way to the only nearby refuge: an isolated bar in the middle of nowhere.

Unfortunately, the bartender can't offer much assistance. There's no phone service, no landline, and his only means of transportation is a bicycle—not exactly helpful when someone may need medical attention. Things become even stranger when Ellie notices an awkward woman sitting quietly in the bar. The woman appears to have left a mysterious puddle beneath her chair and looks suspiciously like the same gray-haired figure Ellie almost hit on the road. Yet the bartender insists she's been there all night.

As the evening progresses, more crash victims arrive. There's snarky Caleb and his girlfriend Noemi, followed by Raymond, a businessman who is still furious after being dumped by his boyfriend. Then there's Edgar, an elderly man in pajamas who seemingly disappears after claiming he was chased by hounds through the woods.

The deeper the story goes, the stranger everything becomes. Each character begins experiencing different visions and horrors. Ellie sees armed gunmen. Henry sees zombies. Others encounter their own terrifying manifestations. The woods surrounding the bar seem to harbor something sinister, but what exactly is happening? Have these strangers stumbled into a supernatural trap? Why are they all here? And most importantly, is there any way to break the cycle and escape?

I absolutely loved the central concept. Strangers trapped together in an isolated location while confronting both supernatural horrors and personal demons is a winning formula. The atmosphere is wonderfully creepy, and the tension builds steadily throughout the novel.

My only issue was that there are perhaps too many backstories and character threads competing for attention. Just as I became invested in Ellie and Henry's journey, the narrative would introduce another mystery or another character's history. Malcolm, in particular, felt like he entered the story a bit later than expected. At times, the constant shifts made the plot feel slightly cluttered and occasionally confusing.

Thankfully, the final quarter pulls everything together. The explanations begin to fall into place, the emotional arcs pay off, and the ending delivers a satisfying conclusion that made the journey worthwhile.

Overall, I'm giving this one 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars for its incredibly effective atmosphere and tension. It's a perfect one-sitting read for fans of supernatural and psychological thrillers alike. If you enjoy stories that force characters to confront their deepest fears while making your own pulse race, this is definitely worth picking up. Consider it an excellent test of both your nerves and your vocal cords—you may find yourself wanting to scream right alongside the characters!

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sharing this intense supernatural thriller's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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[chantalsbookstuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a creepy and atmospheric read! The whole setup of strangers getting stuck at a random dive bar during a storm had me hooked, and things just kept getting weirder from there.

I really liked the eerie setting and the whole “what the hell is actually happening?” feeling. The mystery kept me guessing, and I especially enjoyed getting to know the different characters and seeing how their fears started coming into play.

I did think the beginning was a little repetitive while everyone was being introduced, and I wanted a few more answers by the end. But once the story picked up, I flew through it. It was strange, unsettling, and definitely gave me that creepy, "trapped in the middle of nowhere" feeling.

A really fun supernatural horror read, and now I definitely need to check out more of Kelley Armstrong’s books!

Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for the opportunity to review this ARC.

[Rachel Hanes · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, this was my first Kelley Armstrong read and I was super excited for it! I also enjoy a good horror novel from time to time- so count me in! Problem being- this was a fairly short read, and it unfortunately took me longer than it should have to read it.

This story starts off with Ellie crashing her car down a road in the middle of nowhere, in the pouring rain. It is midnight, and she is all alone, and she has lost cell phone service. What follows next is a series of car crashes into her car, a chain reaction of sorts, as no one can see the vehicles in the pitch dark, pouring rain- until it’s too late. The characters involved in the car crashes all eventually end up to the only place that is within walking distance, and that would be the dive bar in the middle of the forest.

Once inside the dive bar, we learn a bit of all the characters, and why they are there. Were these people meant to be there? How will they get out of this bar in the middle of nowhere? Will they ever be able to overcome their deepest fears?

I will say that the atmosphere was very creepy in this story, and some parts may be too gory for some people. However, I’ll admit I wasn’t at all scared, and believe it or not, I think this would make a better movie than a book.
Either way, if you’ve ever wondered why some of us get to live longer than others- then I recommend reading “Dive Bar at the End of the Road”. 😱

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for an early DRC of this book in which I had the pleasure of reading, for an honest review.
Publication date: October 6, 2026
Genre~ General Fiction (adult), Mystery & Thrillers, Horror

[suspenseisthrillingme · Rating 5 out of 5]

BANGER ALERT! BANGER ALERT!

Holy shit-a-moly! What a wild and crazy-a** game of survival! Dread-fueled, gory, and deliciously unhinged, Dive Bar at the End of the Road was far more than just another slasher—it was also an insightful look at guilt, regret, and fate. Don’t get me wrong, this supernatural horror novel was still every bit as nightmare-inducing as you might expect. A fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat ride of chills and thrills, the Final Destination-style scenarios paired perfectly with the Black Mirror-meets-From vibes to keep me pinned to my seat. You see, on top of the typical horror-novel tools of jump scares, mind games, and supernatural forces was a strange, reality-warping concept that had me racing through the pages at an ever-increasing speed. And let me tell you, that climax and ending didn’t disappoint in the least. Twisty, shocking, and somewhat ambiguous, it all came together into a *chef’s kiss* kind of read.

I do have to say, though, that the plot wasn’t the only well-written part of this banger and a half. Complete with a cast of shrewdly crafted characters, their backstories and personas came together to make them all feel lifelike and fully fleshed out. Thanks to the fact that they each had their own mysterious pasts filled with haunting, dark secrets, I found myself loving—or hating—them all in turn. You see, there were a few diabolical individuals in this motley crew. Balanced out nicely by a couple of root-for-able characters, I was completely invested in this immersive tale. I mean, how could I not be with that adrenaline-fueled storyline and surreal atmosphere? A nerve-wracking, one-sitting read that you couldn’t have paid me to put down, I’m utterly blown away by Ms. Armstrong’s obvious skill. So go grab this fever-dream of a novel now. It was an absolute humdinger of off-the-rails fun that I utterly loved. Rating of 5+ stars.

Read if you’re a fan of:
- Nightmare-inducing scenes
- Mind games
- A sense of foreboding
- Supernatural horror
- Locked-room settings
- Body horror
- An über-fast pace
- Thought-provoking themes
- Blood and gore
- Well-developed characters
- Mind-bending twists
- Jump scares
- Mysterious pasts
- Bodies dropping like flies

BRIEF BLURB:

Okay, so since even the publisher-provided synopsis revealed just a bit too much for my liking, here’s a short and sweet sneak peek to get your appetites whetted. After all, you really need to go into this stunner at least mostly blind…

When a young woman finds herself stranded on a dark, wooded road in the middle of nowhere after running into a downed tree, she makes her way to the closest establishment she can find—a rundown dive bar. Inside, she soon discovers that she’s cut off from civilization with just five strangers and a bartender, but no help in sight.

Stuck without a cell signal and with a thunderstorm raging outside, things begin to grow increasingly tense within the small group. But do they need to worry more about what’s going on inside the walls of the dive bar—or outside? Everything is not what it seems—and the danger is only growing. Is there a far more sinister cause for their current predicament than they could even fathom? Guess you’ll have to read this one for yourselves to find out.

Thank you Kelley Armstrong and St. Martin’s Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: October 6, 2026

Content warning: car accident, injury, alcohol use, violence, blood, gore, death, racism, gun violence, stalking, murder, torture, body horror, mention of: school shooting, child death, dementia

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Postcards from Planet Outlier.

Nobody creates creepily written atmospheres like Kelley Armstrong. She definitely does just that in Dive Bar at the End of the Road. Armstrong is a solid favorite. She most certainly has the touch. But this one just didn't rise to the occasion as all her other books have. I stumbled far too often in my enjoyment here.

Ellie is not a newbie in life. She's thirty-five and still searching to find herself in the midst of starts and stops. Nothing ventured. Nothing gained. But Ellie never brings things to fruition. Ever. She's on her way to her family home through the vehemence of a rainstorm out of control. Even with the headlights, she can barely see the road. But what she suddenly sees is a woman standing in that road. Ellie swerves and hits a tree. She gets out. No evidence of that woman, but plenty of torrential downpour.

Within moments, there will be a chain reaction of cars slamming into the rear of each vehicle. Ellie will be one of five drivers who find themselves at a seedy bar down the road seeking help. Each will have a story. Each will guard a personal secret. And sitting at that bar.....the woman that Ellie avoided hitting. But she's in a stupor hunched over her drink uttering not a word. And then there's the friendly bartender who encourages them to wait out the storm. But is something out there more threatening than the storm itself?

Dive Bar at the End of the Road started out so well. Armstrong is so good at creepster settings. We readers know that something scurrying in the back woods is not a good sign. And hours and hours pass without an inkling of daylight. Ever.

But Armstrong falls into the river of repetition.....again and again. We sit at the same juncture as each character reveals a little backstory. Expected arguments break out with expected results. It's not enough movement until the very end. It was like Armstrong dipped her pen in the ink of Twilight Zone.

Dive Bar at the End of the Road is still a good read. It's Kelley Armstrong after all. But the horror simmered and simmered instead of boiling over. Even these characters suffered from over exposure. But do take this one out for a spin. It may rate far higher on your own personal Creep-O-Meter.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to St. Martin's Press and to Kelley Armstrong for the opportunity.

[MagretFume · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! 

The atmosphere was terrifying from the very start, the tension off the charts and the paranormal elements were just developed enough to keep the mystery interesting until the end. 

The characters were really fleshed out, and they had great chemistry. 

[Jack Ace · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

I kept coming across Dive Bar at the End of the Road while scrolling through Goodreads, and eventually I thought, okay, let’s see what all the fuss is about. Glad I picked it up. A dark forest road, pouring rain, a pileup, five strangers, and a dive bar that definitely isn't as safe as it first appears. Add something unnatural lurking outside, time behaving strangely, and the feeling that leaving the bar might be the worst decision you could make. That was enough to keep me turning the pages. I liked the atmosphere, the mystery, and especially the whole trapped-together setup. There’s a nice Final Destination meets supernatural survival vibe to it, and the story keeps giving you reasons to wonder what the hell is actually going on. Sometimes the best horror is simply getting a bunch of strangers into one isolated place and then making sure none of them can leave. Kelley Armstrong does that very well here. A creepy, entertaining supernatural horror read that kept me hooked.

[Lily Steeper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trapping a group of strangers in the backwoods, Dive Bar at the End of the Road is a supernatural thriller. It all begins when Ellie, a 35-year-old woman between jobs, swerves to miss a strange figure and slams into a tree. The wreckage does not stop there; in the stormy darkness, four more cars eventually come to crash behind her. The five strangers find themselves in an isolated dive bar with a snarky yet surprisingly friendly bartender and a mostly silent woman. As tensions rise and panic mounts, it becomes clear that something is out in the woods, awaiting them.
Our second key figure that crashes into Ellie is Henry Armstrong, a 41-year-old divorced father. Our other victims are a young couple, Caleb and Noemi, followed by Raymond, a greedy businessman. Even an elderly man, Edgar, makes his way into the wreckage, facing his own untimely end. The novel shifts characters, giving us Ellie's first person and third-person of our other figures. The story unfolds in quick chapters, culminating the hours of that one fateful night.
The deeper in I got, the more paranormal things became. Each character faces their own worst fears, rooted in their real life experiences. The bartender and the mysterious woman in the dive bar only make things more confusing, and the woods outside offer no respite. It becomes clear they are stuck in some sort of time warp, trapped in their own chain of events. Is there any way to break the cycle and escape, or is their fate set in stone?
I did enjoy the central concept: strangers trapped in a paranormal and creepy woodsy setting. Going into it, I was not expecting such supernatural elements. It does become quite chaotic, with too many threads to truly understand. Since each character was supposed to have their own context, it felt a bit too fragmented for any to get a true resolution. The final leg does try to pull things together, though I finished without a sense of being satisfied.
Some of the scenes began to come across as a bit repetitive, keeping it stalled in the middle. I think certain characters did not serve much purpose, only adding to the sense of confusion. We do travel deep into the realm of the implausible, making this quite the fever dream. I did like Ellie's character chapters being in first person, balancing out the third person of the rest. Certain chapters kept me riveted more than others, and the cosmic sense of horror was a strong point. This serves as a fast and eerie read, pretty unique overall.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review!

[Stacey · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This is exactly what I need to be reading! I’m immediately hooked.😱

The title grabbed my attention and then I started reading 🫪 Ellie is driving down a dark road on a stormy night with low visibility when she thinks she sees a woman in the middle of the road. As she is getting closer, it appears it Is a woman and she isn’t getting out of the way. Ellie swerves and runs into a fallen tree. She’s disoriented and is certain she hit the woman. As she tries to clear her head, she’s rear ended. A huge man taps on her window, introduces himself as Henry, apologizes and as a paramedic is concerned about her injuries. Both of their vehicles aren’t drivable and without luck looking for the woman Ellie thought she hit, they headed down the road to look for a store, house, anything to call for help. Surprisingly, lights are shining in the distance, a bar appears in the very isolated area. No matter, they approach the run down building and step into an updated, modern bar. The friendly bartender offers drinks, but no service to call during the storm.

This is a fantastic set up as cars pile up and more people wander into the bar. Tension is high and then strange, unexplainable things start happening. There’s a lone customer at the bar and something is off about the bartender. As past indiscretions are revealed about the people gathered in the bar, the atmosphere becomes claustrophobic as tempers rise and panic settles in. Escape is urgent, but at what cost to step outside? Following those that left the bar is the making of a great horror novel with a twilight zone feel.

This is a great read for spooky season or anytime for horror thrills. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an early copy.

[Lauren W -behind! (work)- trying to stay semi-caught up♥︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-3.75
Perhaps not the best book to start reading late at night in the dark! 🫣


The story kicks off with a eerie sense of foreboding as multiple characters find themselves in the exact same unsettling situation: stranded in the middle of nowhere, caught in the rain under a blood-red sky. You quickly realize something is very, very wrong.

Things are trippy, surreal, and feel like a nightmare. Locked in a strange 'pocket universe', they face mysterious occurrences, unsettling psychological tricks, and recurring warnings of danger—all while every path seems destined to lead to a bar at the end of the road.

I was completely hooked by the first half! While the second half went a bit wild, the ending wrapped up strong. I really enjoyed the nods to folklore and urban legends. In hindsight, I think I might have enjoyed this one even more in physical print rather than audio, but it was still a creepy, atmospheric ride.

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story felt like a warning to me- STOP driving long distance through the woods and isolated towns!! 😅😅

Driving through the isolated woods during a storm, Ellie thinks she sees a woman in the middle of the road. She brakes hard, trying not to hit the woman and ends up swerving into a tree, However, when she gets out to look for the woman to make sure she is ok, there is no one there.

As she is standing there, Henry is driving through the storm on this same road. He sees lights up ahead, and a woman standing by a car. Her breaks, but hits her car. This woman is Ellie. As they are in the middle of nowhere, and Ellie is hurt, they decide to try to find a place to stay until the storm passes and they can get their cars fixed. They stumble upon a decrepit bar, but when they enter, it is fixed up inside, warm, and there is a friendly bartender. There is also a woman sitting on a barstool, not talking. She is completely dry, but looks like the woman that Ellie swerved to avoid hitting her. However, the woman denies ever being out on that road.

Soon after a young couple joins them in the bar after they have run their car into Henry's at the accident site. Eventually Raymond and Edgar are affected by the crash site. 5 Strangers, and two "locals" will spend the following hours together. They will experience tension, escalating fear and horror. Is the horror from the forest surrounding them, with the shadowy creatures running about? Or is the horror from one of the strangers that is also patronizing the bar?

I loved the atmosphere in the book. Not only do you have the woods that are dark, claustrophobic, menacing, but you have the isolation and tension in the bar that elevates the tension. There is horror, psychological mind games and fate. The inclusion of "lore", was a nice touch and begs the question, is it what we know/feel that hurts us the most? And once again, are the unknown creatures outside more dangerous that the unknown strangers in the bar? All are not who they seem!

I connected with some characters more than others. There did seem to be a little repetition, and some characters seemed like side players. Each one is facing their own brand of horror, but I felt like it was all pulled together in the end!

Overall I enjoyed this one. It has an interesting premise, and Ellie and Henry had me vested in their stories! I find that this author is an auto read for me!!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Elodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was invited by the publisher to review this story and, I'll be honest, I wish I had known it was a horror before starting it. I am a HUGE chicken and don't really ever do horror, especially of the supernatural variety.

This book was honestly terrifying and the author did a really great job at creating a super errie atmosphere. I'll probably never feel comfortable driving on a back road at night, especially if it's raining 😅

Outside of the successful setting, what I think really made this story scary is the idea of knowing you're likely going to die in the way you fear most. Sitting with this idea was very unnerving and made me wish I hadn't been reading this story at night.

I really enjoyed having this story told through multiple POVs. There are about 5 characters, which I thought allowed for a good balance. I really enjoyed learning about the different characters and what led them to that dive bar. I also really liked most of the characters themselves. While some of them did get a little annoying at times, I wasn't too bothered considering the circumstances they were facing. I don't think I'd be my most pleasant self either 🫣

While this book is less than 300 pages, I do think it took quite a while for any real action to occur. Though, once it did, it was pretty nonstop and stressful. Since I am not a huge horror fan, I did have to take breaks reading at times because I struggled with the descriptions of the various attacks. If you are used to horror though, I doubt you'll have any issue with this.

I was a little frustrated with the ending. I felt like it was very abrupt and was left more open ended than I would have hoped. I very much prefer concrete and clear endings, so this critique is very much a personal preference. Additionally, I felt like there were a fair bit of plot holes and I wish everything would have been tied up more.

The other thing I had a pretty big issue with is the use of "Indian" being used to describe an Indigenous character. While it was only used once, I feel like it was completely unnecessary. There are so many other words, such as Indigenous, Native American, Aboriginal, that could have been used instead. Seeing as it is a racial slur, I truly do not think it should ever be used unless a historical document is being quoted directly, especially when it's coming from a white author. So, I am really hoping this word is changed in the published version.

Overall, this book is a pretty creepy and tense read. It brings forward a lot of things that humans feel, such as the possibility of being forgotten and the concern that some lives are seen as more important than others. So, if you like horror stories, especially ones with supernatural elements, I highly recommend you pick a copy of this up! If you are like me and a huge chicken, might be worth skipping.

This story comes out October 6th, 2026!

[Tabitha (Reading Tabby) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copies of the book and audiobook.

This was very reminiscent of a couple of favorite stories - Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates and The Cabin in the Woods (the 2012 film) - so I really enjoyed myself while reading and listening to this. The first half is especially vibey with the woods and the storm and the bar. I'd love to see this on film, as it had some rather cinematic death scenes, even outright referencing several of its homages (including one for my favorite scary movie, John Carpenter's The Thing, a scene I loved lol).

I think Armstrong excels at pacing as this moved quite quickly from scene to scene without feeling like anything was missing. Though, and I say this rarely, this could've done with just a few more pages for each character to flesh them out a bit more. What really kind of annoyed me though was the kind of early reveal of just what is going on. I think it should've been kept a surprise a bit longer, like let the characters try to guess a bit longer just what is happening to them you know. But the twist is revealed around halfway through and then the second half turns into a real horror story... which I did enjoy, I just would've enjoyed it better with more tension surrounding what the bar is.

But overall this was a win in my opinion: a fun and gory horror story with a neat setting and quick pace.

I have no recommendation of the book over the audiobook, I enjoyed both equally tbh, though it was fun to hear Shane Ghostkeeper narrating again (I'm a fan since The Buffalo Hunter Hunter!).

A very solid four stars.