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Dive Bar at the End of the Road: A Novel
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Expected 6 Oct 26Final 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.
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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 6, 2026
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About the author
Kelley Armstrong
302 books33.8k 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
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
March 14, 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 has 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...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This review is my opinion. I’m such a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong! She can write in any genre. She does paranormal, romance, young adult; you name it she can write a good story in it. That is what so great about Kelley Armstrong is her quality of writing. She can world build and make you see her characters and connect with them. With this story, I love how you get to see what is happening from different points of view. Kelley Armstrong wrote different chapters from different characters so you can see it from their experiences and opinions. I like it because you get to see how others think and process the information.
I’m don’t give spoilers because I want you to read this story, but I will give a general description. Please don’t judge the story by my general description. It’s is really good story that keeps you guessing.
The start of this twisted tail begins with Ellie driving and she sees a woman in the road. She serves to miss the woman’, but there is a large tree in the road. After she crashed into the tree, she gets out to look for the woman. When Ellie gets out to look, Ellie gets hit by Henry’s car. Luckily, Ellie gets mildly hurt. Her and Henry walk down a road and find a run down bar. They stop to try to use the phone. The bar is not what you think. What is it? Read the book.
As they are at the bar, another car hits Henry’s truck and two more people come into the bar (Noemi and Caleb). Ellie and Henry decided to walk back to the crash site to place warning signs in the back of the crash, but they could not open Ellie’s trunk. So, they thought to add large branches on the road in the hopes of slowing down cars, but there is something wrong with the trees. What is wrong? You must read this book.
While Ellie and Henry was at the crash, another car came along and crashed into the other cars. When they go to help, they notice the man is pinned. As they go back to find the crowbar, the man is attacked. What happens? Read the book.
When Ellie and Henry return to the bar and tell the others what happen, they hear another accident. All of them run out of the bar to the accident, this is when they meet Raymond. Now that all the characters are assembled. The true terrors start.
I’m don’t give spoilers because I want you to read this story, but I will give a general description. Please don’t judge the story by my general description. It’s is really good story that keeps you guessing.
The start of this twisted tail begins with Ellie driving and she sees a woman in the road. She serves to miss the woman’, but there is a large tree in the road. After she crashed into the tree, she gets out to look for the woman. When Ellie gets out to look, Ellie gets hit by Henry’s car. Luckily, Ellie gets mildly hurt. Her and Henry walk down a road and find a run down bar. They stop to try to use the phone. The bar is not what you think. What is it? Read the book.
As they are at the bar, another car hits Henry’s truck and two more people come into the bar (Noemi and Caleb). Ellie and Henry decided to walk back to the crash site to place warning signs in the back of the crash, but they could not open Ellie’s trunk. So, they thought to add large branches on the road in the hopes of slowing down cars, but there is something wrong with the trees. What is wrong? You must read this book.
While Ellie and Henry was at the crash, another car came along and crashed into the other cars. When they go to help, they notice the man is pinned. As they go back to find the crowbar, the man is attacked. What happens? Read the book.
When Ellie and Henry return to the bar and tell the others what happen, they hear another accident. All of them run out of the bar to the accident, this is when they meet Raymond. Now that all the characters are assembled. The true terrors start.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Like a car accident, Dive Bar at the End of the Road thrusts you right into a stormy night where your nightmares are waiting just outside your door. We follow Ellie and Henry primarily as they navigate the strange occurrence that led them to meet each other and find the odd dilapidated bar that will give them shelter. We are also introduced to 4 other unfortunate souls for this multi-POV story that gives insights to their personal lives and why this motley crew all find themselves in the same place.
I was really skeptical with the multi-POV, as I tend to find them to be to much, but I should have had more faith in Kelley Armstrong as she pulls it off with ease. She not only gives you the different characters backgrounds from their perspectives, but also allows you to experience the fear on a more direct first-hand basis. With certain genres, I enjoy when I can get right into the meat of the story as I feel it can immediately immerse you in the world. DBATEOTR did that, while also easing you into the creepy just enough to give the reader the heebie jeebies and then smack them with the truth at the midway point.
When our leading lady is the first to discover the ugly truth of the situation they are all in it adds another level of panic and unease to the story as she tries to stay calm for the sake of the others. When the other characters glean the information, all hell breaks lose and the real horror begins. Monsters, shady deals and the stark reality of what people will do to save their own skin are each given their turn to shine as we hurdle toward the conclusion of this book. The ending I feel gave the right amount of varying emotions and a satisfying conclusion.
If you like horror, this was a good quick read that kept me turning pages to uncover the next piece of the puzzle while trying to decipher each characters fate.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kelley Armstrong and St.Martins Press for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.
I was really skeptical with the multi-POV, as I tend to find them to be to much, but I should have had more faith in Kelley Armstrong as she pulls it off with ease. She not only gives you the different characters backgrounds from their perspectives, but also allows you to experience the fear on a more direct first-hand basis. With certain genres, I enjoy when I can get right into the meat of the story as I feel it can immediately immerse you in the world. DBATEOTR did that, while also easing you into the creepy just enough to give the reader the heebie jeebies and then smack them with the truth at the midway point.
When our leading lady is the first to discover the ugly truth of the situation they are all in it adds another level of panic and unease to the story as she tries to stay calm for the sake of the others. When the other characters glean the information, all hell breaks lose and the real horror begins. Monsters, shady deals and the stark reality of what people will do to save their own skin are each given their turn to shine as we hurdle toward the conclusion of this book. The ending I feel gave the right amount of varying emotions and a satisfying conclusion.
If you like horror, this was a good quick read that kept me turning pages to uncover the next piece of the puzzle while trying to decipher each characters fate.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kelley Armstrong and St.Martins Press for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of 'Dive Bar at the End of the Road' by Kelley Armstrong.
I'll start off by saying that I am a hardcore Kelley Armstrong fan; I've read almost everything she's written, but I was a bit apprehensive about reading this. Horror is not really a genre I've ever delved into before, and I'll admit I was nervous. I have avoided most of Armstrong's other Horror novels so far, with the exception of 'Hemlock Island' (which took me far longer than I'd like to admit to read as I was so scared), but after reading this one I might just have to go back and revisit the others!
This is Kelley Armstrong at her best! 'Dive Bar at the End of the Road' is a fast paced, character-driven story, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right up to the last page. In my mind, I associate horror with gore, violence and hopelessness. While this definitely has elements of the first two items on that list, the story is also full of hope. Even when the characters are at their breaking point, when there seems like no way out, they still persevere.
I knew very little about the premise before starting the book, I didn't read the blurb and just dove right in, and honestly, I think that was the best choice. The movie comparisons are basically spoilers for twists in the story, so I'd personally recommend skipping the description.
Overall, this was a real treat to read! It definitely had me spooked at first (I had to stop reading it at night as the early forest scenes were creeping me out), but as I got into the meat of the story I enjoyed it more and more. The ending is somewhat open-ended, but I think that was the best choice for the story, and I know I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.
I'll start off by saying that I am a hardcore Kelley Armstrong fan; I've read almost everything she's written, but I was a bit apprehensive about reading this. Horror is not really a genre I've ever delved into before, and I'll admit I was nervous. I have avoided most of Armstrong's other Horror novels so far, with the exception of 'Hemlock Island' (which took me far longer than I'd like to admit to read as I was so scared), but after reading this one I might just have to go back and revisit the others!
This is Kelley Armstrong at her best! 'Dive Bar at the End of the Road' is a fast paced, character-driven story, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right up to the last page. In my mind, I associate horror with gore, violence and hopelessness. While this definitely has elements of the first two items on that list, the story is also full of hope. Even when the characters are at their breaking point, when there seems like no way out, they still persevere.
I knew very little about the premise before starting the book, I didn't read the blurb and just dove right in, and honestly, I think that was the best choice. The movie comparisons are basically spoilers for twists in the story, so I'd personally recommend skipping the description.
Overall, this was a real treat to read! It definitely had me spooked at first (I had to stop reading it at night as the early forest scenes were creeping me out), but as I got into the meat of the story I enjoyed it more and more. The ending is somewhat open-ended, but I think that was the best choice for the story, and I know I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Armstrong delivers a thrilling and grotesque sci-fi horror in Dive Bar at the End of the Road which sees a cast of characters become stranded at the titular dive bar after a chain reaction of car crashes on a nearby deserted road.
The first chapter is intriguing and ominous when Ellie (the only character with a first person point of view), lost in the dark and rainy night, starts the chain reaction of car accidents. It immediately pulled me in with its spookiness and pretty soon I found myself halfway through the story without even realizing it. The chapters alternate between Ellie’s first person POV and the third person POVS of a variety of other characters (5 more POVs by my count).
While I was excited to read another lakeside horror by Armstrong, this is more a sci-fi horror than a gothic or ghost story. It’s interesting and features some grotesque monsters and violent ends though at times the horror reads a little campy. And if you’re in this for a romance, the story has only the faintest hints of a whiff of a romantic arc; after all, the characters spend 98% of their time trying to survive.
This was a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me: it’s a fun, fast paced horror and despite the number of character viewpoints, I enjoyed seeing all the different perspectives on what was going on.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
The first chapter is intriguing and ominous when Ellie (the only character with a first person point of view), lost in the dark and rainy night, starts the chain reaction of car accidents. It immediately pulled me in with its spookiness and pretty soon I found myself halfway through the story without even realizing it. The chapters alternate between Ellie’s first person POV and the third person POVS of a variety of other characters (5 more POVs by my count).
While I was excited to read another lakeside horror by Armstrong, this is more a sci-fi horror than a gothic or ghost story. It’s interesting and features some grotesque monsters and violent ends though at times the horror reads a little campy. And if you’re in this for a romance, the story has only the faintest hints of a whiff of a romantic arc; after all, the characters spend 98% of their time trying to survive.
This was a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me: it’s a fun, fast paced horror and despite the number of character viewpoints, I enjoyed seeing all the different perspectives on what was going on.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I'm a big fan of Kelley Armstrong's mystery/thriller books. Although I wasn't wild about the only other horror novel I've read by her—HEMLOCK ISLAND—I still decided to give DIVE BAR AT THE END OF THE ROAD a chance. I mean, it's a new book by Kelley Armstrong! What can I say?
DIVE BAR AT THE END OF THE ROAD has a simple, but intriguing premise. I was drawn into the story instantly, immediately enthralled by its atmospheric setting, creepy vibe, and the mystery of why random drivers were being lured into a dangerous forest. The main characters are likeable, especially Ellie and Henry, who are both compassionate and kind. I cared about them, another reason I kept reading the book. Even though the novel gets gory and scary, I couldn't look away. Armstrong's writing is THAT compelling! I zipped through the book because I HAD to know what was going to happen next. Although not everyone in the tale gets a happy ending, I was satisfied with how everything turned out. Horror isn't a genre I read much these days, but I enjoyed DIVE BAR AT THE END OF THE ROAD, even though it's more graphic than what I usually read.
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for strong language, violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
DIVE BAR AT THE END OF THE ROAD has a simple, but intriguing premise. I was drawn into the story instantly, immediately enthralled by its atmospheric setting, creepy vibe, and the mystery of why random drivers were being lured into a dangerous forest. The main characters are likeable, especially Ellie and Henry, who are both compassionate and kind. I cared about them, another reason I kept reading the book. Even though the novel gets gory and scary, I couldn't look away. Armstrong's writing is THAT compelling! I zipped through the book because I HAD to know what was going to happen next. Although not everyone in the tale gets a happy ending, I was satisfied with how everything turned out. Horror isn't a genre I read much these days, but I enjoyed DIVE BAR AT THE END OF THE ROAD, even though it's more graphic than what I usually read.
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for strong language, violence, blood/gore, and disturbing subject matter
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dive Bar at the End of the Road follows a group of strangers after they each have a car accident and are trapped in the middle of nowhere. The only building nearby is a bar and they take shelter there. But something very unnatural is happening and as the dangers become prevalent, they have to figure out the truth before its too late.
This was such a wild ride!! I do love Kelley Armstrong’s horrors/thrillers. She’s really great in this genre. I loved the vibes of this one. It was so spooky and I had no idea what was really going on. It felt a lot like some really great horror movies like Cabin at the End of the World and a bit of Cabin in the Woods vibes meets Final Destination. Which I loved. Super fun and so fast. At a little under 300 pages, this one is really easy to fly through and the twists and ending are satisfying.
The characters were super fascinating and I loved that we got to see multiple perspectives. Their background stories were so tragic and I felt so bad for them. Well, most of them. I especially loved Ellie and Henry. They really stole the show.
If you’re a horror fan, definitely check this one out!
Thank you St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the arc!!
This was such a wild ride!! I do love Kelley Armstrong’s horrors/thrillers. She’s really great in this genre. I loved the vibes of this one. It was so spooky and I had no idea what was really going on. It felt a lot like some really great horror movies like Cabin at the End of the World and a bit of Cabin in the Woods vibes meets Final Destination. Which I loved. Super fun and so fast. At a little under 300 pages, this one is really easy to fly through and the twists and ending are satisfying.
The characters were super fascinating and I loved that we got to see multiple perspectives. Their background stories were so tragic and I felt so bad for them. Well, most of them. I especially loved Ellie and Henry. They really stole the show.
If you’re a horror fan, definitely check this one out!
Thank you St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the arc!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I adore Kelley Armstrong's writing. This paranormal horror was so good. I truly could feel the adrenaline and fear of the characters is the book. It's hard to describe this book without giving anything away. Ellie is the first character to get into a car accident that starts the chain reaction. She slams into a tree in the road on a dark night after seeing a woman standing in the road, except when she gets out of her totaled car, she can't find the woman anywhere. As she's looking, Henry comes along the road and hits the back of her car with his truck. Both felt like they couldn't prevent or swerve to avoid the collision. They walk to try and find help up ahead and find a deserted dive bar with only one customer. With no cell service, they are forced to wait for help. Several other cars come along and crash into theirs. The group starts to realize that the forest isn't just creepy looking, and the dive bar isn't what it seems. After the final accident victim arrives at the bar, they are faced with the true terror of the night ahead. I highly recommend if anyone is looking for a quick horror novel.
I adore Kelley Armstrong's writing. This paranormal horror was so good. I truly could feel the adrenaline and fear of the characters is the book. It's hard to describe this book without giving anything away. Ellie is the first character to get into a car accident that starts the chain reaction. She slams into a tree in the road on a dark night after seeing a woman standing in the road, except when she gets out of her totaled car, she can't find the woman anywhere. As she's looking, Henry comes along the road and hits the back of her car with his truck. Both felt like they couldn't prevent or swerve to avoid the collision. They walk to try and find help up ahead and find a deserted dive bar with only one customer. With no cell service, they are forced to wait for help. Several other cars come along and crash into theirs. The group starts to realize that the forest isn't just creepy looking, and the dive bar isn't what it seems. After the final accident victim arrives at the bar, they are faced with the true terror of the night ahead. I highly recommend if anyone is looking for a quick horror novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The roads are rain soaked, the night is too dark to see anything, and flashes of lightening serve to cast everything in dancing lights. Just before midnight, a car swerves to avoid hitting something - or someone - setting of a chain of events that no one involved can seem to avoid.
I absolutely love Kelley Armstrong’s writing. It is vivid and fluid, while not being overly flowery. The glow-up from YA novels to thriller/horror has been wonderful. I wasn’t overly fond of Ellie as an MC, and was glad when the story switched from her view to a multiple POV telling. Armstrong does an amazing job at giving each MC their own realized personality and background. I truly was not expecting the way this story unfolded at the end.
Tropes to look forward to
Trauma bonding MCs
Fated deaths
Zombies
References to horror books/films from the 1980s
Content Warnings:
Major - Death, Violence, Body horror, Car accident
Moderate - Classism, Stalking, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement
Minor - Medical content, Hate crime, Grief
I absolutely love Kelley Armstrong’s writing. It is vivid and fluid, while not being overly flowery. The glow-up from YA novels to thriller/horror has been wonderful. I wasn’t overly fond of Ellie as an MC, and was glad when the story switched from her view to a multiple POV telling. Armstrong does an amazing job at giving each MC their own realized personality and background. I truly was not expecting the way this story unfolded at the end.
Tropes to look forward to
Trauma bonding MCs
Fated deaths
Zombies
References to horror books/films from the 1980s
Content Warnings:
Major - Death, Violence, Body horror, Car accident
Moderate - Classism, Stalking, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement
Minor - Medical content, Hate crime, Grief
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ Five Stars for the Nightmares
I’ve been a huge Kelley Armstrong fan since high school — to the point where I’ve been reading her horror even though it absolutely gives me nightmares. Lol.
So when I picked up The Dive Bar at the End of the Road, I knew I was in for something wild.
This book is pure adrenaline. Armstrong has this incredible ability to hold you suspended in dread while still making the story darkly funny in the most unexpected ways. The title alone sets the perfect tone for what's to come.
And listen — I was already a little wary of driving at night in the woods, but after this? Absolutely not. This book had me side‑eyeing every shadow on the road like I was in my own personal horror movie.
It’s weird, unnerving, fast‑paced, and so much fun. Armstrong knows exactly how to twist the tension tight and keep you glued to the page. I tore through it and loved every minute.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC — all opinions (and all the new nighttime driving fears) are entirely my own.
I’ve been a huge Kelley Armstrong fan since high school — to the point where I’ve been reading her horror even though it absolutely gives me nightmares. Lol.
So when I picked up The Dive Bar at the End of the Road, I knew I was in for something wild.
This book is pure adrenaline. Armstrong has this incredible ability to hold you suspended in dread while still making the story darkly funny in the most unexpected ways. The title alone sets the perfect tone for what's to come.
And listen — I was already a little wary of driving at night in the woods, but after this? Absolutely not. This book had me side‑eyeing every shadow on the road like I was in my own personal horror movie.
It’s weird, unnerving, fast‑paced, and so much fun. Armstrong knows exactly how to twist the tension tight and keep you glued to the page. I tore through it and loved every minute.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC — all opinions (and all the new nighttime driving fears) are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
* Thank you Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review *
Dive Bar at the End of the Road is a pretty self explanatory title. Five strangers, one dark and rainy road, a tree blocking their path, with a creepy little dive bar the only refuge from the storm. Only this dive bar and everyone inside it is not what it seems. Something lurks outside - and something even scarier lurks inside with them.
This was not my favorite Armstrong novel, but I'll tell you this: on a scale of great to AMAZING, it was still a great book and I had a lot of fun. Armstrong has written a lot of amazing books recently (I LOVED Hemlock Island, I'll Be Waiting and The Haunting of Paynes Hollow, not to mention my beloved Rockton/Haven's Rock) and this was another fun addition. I definitely recommend it for fans of locked-room horrors, and anyone who just likes a good thriller.
As usual, my love for Armstrong remains. Can't wait to see what comes next.
Dive Bar at the End of the Road is a pretty self explanatory title. Five strangers, one dark and rainy road, a tree blocking their path, with a creepy little dive bar the only refuge from the storm. Only this dive bar and everyone inside it is not what it seems. Something lurks outside - and something even scarier lurks inside with them.
This was not my favorite Armstrong novel, but I'll tell you this: on a scale of great to AMAZING, it was still a great book and I had a lot of fun. Armstrong has written a lot of amazing books recently (I LOVED Hemlock Island, I'll Be Waiting and The Haunting of Paynes Hollow, not to mention my beloved Rockton/Haven's Rock) and this was another fun addition. I definitely recommend it for fans of locked-room horrors, and anyone who just likes a good thriller.
As usual, my love for Armstrong remains. Can't wait to see what comes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I adore Kelley Armstrong but this didn't come together. Too much is happening here and, while I found the concept interesting, all the disparate angles never congealed into something greater.
The core issue is that this isn't anyone's story. It's fine to have a large cast, but it was boring to actually dive back into everyone's backstories for constant info dumps rather than teasing these out through dialogue, adding to the mystery. And, given that Ellie is the only character whose POV is written in first-person, it's clear she's meant to be the protagonist and will most likely survive.
Rather than switching between all these POVs, we could have stayed entirely in Ellie's head and lived in her anxiety as she moved through the plot, unsure which of her fellow survivors she should trust or not.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing a copy of Dive Bar at the End of the Road via NetGalley.
The core issue is that this isn't anyone's story. It's fine to have a large cast, but it was boring to actually dive back into everyone's backstories for constant info dumps rather than teasing these out through dialogue, adding to the mystery. And, given that Ellie is the only character whose POV is written in first-person, it's clear she's meant to be the protagonist and will most likely survive.
Rather than switching between all these POVs, we could have stayed entirely in Ellie's head and lived in her anxiety as she moved through the plot, unsure which of her fellow survivors she should trust or not.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing a copy of Dive Bar at the End of the Road via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This may be my favorite of Armstrong's horror books. It is so creepy!
The atmosphere inDive Bar at the end of the Road immediately draws you in. Even in the first few pages you get that something-is-watching-from-the-shadows vibe.
And Armstrong does not disappoint. I really liked that she takes the time to helps you connect with the characters, but manages to keep the plot moving rather quickly. I also really appreciate her style. Some of the scenes/actions/things seem so much more brutal because of the almost casual way they are presented.
I don't know how to talk about the book without giving thigs aways, so let's just say, if you like your horror with a big dose of supernatural, this one is for you!
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.
The atmosphere inDive Bar at the end of the Road immediately draws you in. Even in the first few pages you get that something-is-watching-from-the-shadows vibe.
And Armstrong does not disappoint. I really liked that she takes the time to helps you connect with the characters, but manages to keep the plot moving rather quickly. I also really appreciate her style. Some of the scenes/actions/things seem so much more brutal because of the almost casual way they are presented.
I don't know how to talk about the book without giving thigs aways, so let's just say, if you like your horror with a big dose of supernatural, this one is for you!
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kelley Armstrong is a must read author for me, though I must admit that these sort of sci-fi, paranormal thrillers are not my favourite. This has nothing to do with Armstrong as a writer, and entirely to do with taste.
The book has an intriguing premise, and despite not being into this genre of book, was unique enough that I remained curious about what exactly was actually happening. The characters are interesting and I did like that their backstories were woven in that built up the thriller vibes, but gave you that subtle need to know. I would definitely recommend it for fans of fast paced reads, and anyone who likes supernatural or horror elements.
For me, 3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this ARC.
The book has an intriguing premise, and despite not being into this genre of book, was unique enough that I remained curious about what exactly was actually happening. The characters are interesting and I did like that their backstories were woven in that built up the thriller vibes, but gave you that subtle need to know. I would definitely recommend it for fans of fast paced reads, and anyone who likes supernatural or horror elements.
For me, 3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I just finished reading this book so this review is very fresh!
I am not sure where to start... I will say this, Kelley Armstrong has really grown as a horror author. Up until now, The Haunting of Paynes Hollow had been my favourite (her third horror novel), but I believe Dive Bar at the End of the Road is my new favourite! The Haunting was truly scary. I feared for the main characters, which is the sign of a well-written horror story. Dive Bar drives that up a notch. I love to read at night when I can't sleep, but I couldn't do that with this book! I was seriously spooked!
Fast-paced, heart-thumping, nerve-wracking.
More of this, please!
P.S. Go into this blind! So fun!
P.S.S. Warning: some highly descriptive grotesque scenes!
I am not sure where to start... I will say this, Kelley Armstrong has really grown as a horror author. Up until now, The Haunting of Paynes Hollow had been my favourite (her third horror novel), but I believe Dive Bar at the End of the Road is my new favourite! The Haunting was truly scary. I feared for the main characters, which is the sign of a well-written horror story. Dive Bar drives that up a notch. I love to read at night when I can't sleep, but I couldn't do that with this book! I was seriously spooked!
Fast-paced, heart-thumping, nerve-wracking.
More of this, please!
P.S. Go into this blind! So fun!
P.S.S. Warning: some highly descriptive grotesque scenes!
April 20, 2026
I had a really good time reading this one! About 50% of the way in it went in a direction that isn’t my favorite type of horror but I still enjoyed it. I truly cared about these characters and thats a sign of a great writer. I think this book would do so well as a movie. Some parts of it seemed a bit repetitive but it was all for the plot so I understand why it was done that way. Overall I think it’s a great read for any horror fan.
4/5 Stars
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an arc copy in exchange for my honest review.
4/5 Stars
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an arc copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Great horror book. A must read. Kelly Armstrong delivered again!
Five strangers taking refugee in a bar during a storm. Nothing and no one is as they appear.
Fast paced story that you can’t put down. Lots of violence with a touch (small touch) if romance.
You won’t regret reading this book. The writing is well done. Author can certainly write a story !!
Five strangers taking refugee in a bar during a storm. Nothing and no one is as they appear.
Fast paced story that you can’t put down. Lots of violence with a touch (small touch) if romance.
You won’t regret reading this book. The writing is well done. Author can certainly write a story !!
March 12, 2026
super creepy, fun, and even had a great cast of characters
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Not as big of a fan of horror from Kelley, but will read anything she deigns to write ;)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was such a smart, scary, and creative book. It has an original plot that I enjoyed SO MUCH. It scared the crap out of me, but I couldn't stop reading. Excellent!
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