The Country Road Murders: A Thriller

by James Patterson; Mike Lupica

Genres: Audiobook

1 pages, Audio CD

Published July 13, 2026

Reviews

[Lindsay P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.

As someone who's read quite a few James Patterson novels over the years, I went into this one with high expectations—and it didn't disappoint.

From the very beginning, The Country Road Murders draws you into the close-knit community of Cross Rivers, North Carolina. The small-town atmosphere feels authentic, making it easy to become invested in the people who call it home. That emotional connection only raises the stakes as secrets begin to surface, loyalties are tested, and unexpected betrayals unfold.

One thing I especially appreciated was that while football is central to Silas Tucker's story, you don't need to know anything about the sport to enjoy the novel. The athletic background adds depth to his journey without overwhelming the story with technical details, allowing the focus to remain on the mystery, the relationships, and Silas's path toward rebuilding his life.

I listened to the audiobook, and I honestly think it elevated the experience. The narrator's smooth Southern drawl fit the setting perfectly and brought each character to life in a way that made Cross Rivers feel like a real place. The pacing stayed steady throughout, keeping the tension building without ever feeling rushed or dragging. It was an immersive listening experience that made every twist land even harder.

If you're looking for a thriller with memorable characters, a strong comeback story, plenty of suspense, and enough corruption and betrayal to keep you guessing, this is one worth picking up.

📚 Recommended For Readers who enjoy:
Small-town crime thrillers
Character-driven mysteries
Redemption and comeback stories
Family secrets and betrayal
Audiobooks with exceptional narration

🍪 Pair It With
Sweet tea, crispy fried chicken, warm cornbread, and a cozy evening on the porch. Fair warning—you'll probably find yourself craving Southern comfort food while listening.

🏡 Worth a Spot by the Hearth?
Absolutely. If you enjoy suspenseful mysteries with heart, memorable characters, and a Southern setting, The Country Road Murders is well worth adding to your reading list.

[Savonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of the Jane Smith thrillers by Patterson and Lupica, so I was really excited to start this one. It’s the story of Silas Tucker, a sports phenom from Cross Rivers, NorthCarolina. He’s just finished college and is about to embark on a professional football career when tragedy strikes, shattering his dreams and putting his whole future in jeopardy. Silas is no stranger to adversity. His father was murdered when he was 10 and his mother died shortly thereafter. He’s consequently conducted his life trying to live up to his father’s example.

When Silas goes home, he’s confronted by local thugs who won’t let him have any peace. They’re part of the Southern Mafia and are responsible for turning his small town into a haven for crime and drug dealing. He risks his life and those of his family and friends to take his town back because that’s what he thinks his father would do. Danger and tragedy ensue, leaving Silas determined to win this competition, the most important of his life.

This book is a good action/mystery in which sports and country music feature prominently. Though the story itself is engaging and the characters interesting, I’m not a sports or country music fan, so I didn’t enjoy it as much as I have other work by these writers. Readers who appreciate these topics probably will.

Thanks to NetGalley and James Patterson Books | Little, Brown & Company for a digital review copy of this book.

[Beleisha Bernhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

When two of my favorite authors collaborate, the final project is fantastic!

This story combines two of my favorite subjects, football and murder. This gave a lot of the same feels as "The House of Wolves." (Which for those who have powers and may see this, I would love a second book to continue!) Though less football play in this story. After a tragedy that has claimed both Silas's best friend and football career, Silas is stuck in his hometown finding a new path. In this case, the path leads to investing some hometown crime, including his father's murder. There are several story lines going on and several twists. I loved how well the feel of a small, country hometown was captured.

I loved the audio of this story. The narrator did a great job of adding to the story with his North Carolinian accent.

Thank you James Patterson, Mike Lupica, Netgalley and Hachette Audio for this ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Michelle Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Country Road Murders is a thrilling tale about residents of a small town reclaiming it from the criminal enterprise destroying their way of life. Silas Tucker was all set to be a quarterback in the NFL until he was severely injured in a car accident. Now, he’s back home on the family farm with his grandmother. This story has it all-suspense, mystery, murder, intrigue and a little romance. Want to know more? See how the tables are turned on the criminals? Sit back, relax and get ready for a wild ride.
The solo narration by Tom Pelphery was absolutely phenomenal. He portrayed each and every complicated character perfectly. I highly recommend listening to this audiobook.
Thanks to the authors, NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this ALC.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Story 5 stars Narration 5 stars

[Sheldon · Rating 3 out of 5]

well, I finally understood at the end of the book why Mike Lupica was Patterson’s co-author for this mystery sports combination. As a thriller, it was lacking as a sports book. It was mediocre. Mike Lupica does such a great job when he does Robert Parker mysteries his ability with dialogue and humor flow. But in this co-author book, his skills were lacking. Yes go ahead and listen or read the book but understand it’s just the trite way of wasting some time. there is a lot better stuff out there.

[Gerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure it matters but I read the paperback but for some reason can't change from audio to book format and I did not read twice as indicated.. Not being a Patterson fan I was hesitant to pick this up at my library but I do enjoy the writings of Mike Lupica. The read is very quick even though the book is about 400 pages long. Lots of twists and turns but the storyline soon became very predictable as to how everything would unfold at the end. I understand how Patterson fans would love this one and thank Lupica for his part in making this a decent read.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, a lot more of Mike Lupica writing of sports in this thriller than the last they co-authored.

Small farm town of North Carolina being run by the Southern Mafia meets their match in a football star who returns home before heading to the big leagues. Read this thriller as it twists and turns as bullies, drug dealers, hit men and the good guys chase each other to save innocent girls that were abducted in a trafficking ring and stop the drugs.

Highly recommend!

[Pattyh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to preview’. The country road Murders. If you are looking for a solid summer read that is filled with of mystery and adventure this one is for you. Patterson and Lupica continue to enchant with a mixture of humor and suspense. Good book. 3.5 stars

[Ashley Jakob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette audio for the ALC!

I enjoyed the story line. The book was a fast read. I’m normally irritated when male narrators do the female parts however this narrator did a really good job.

[Vanessa Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a wanna-be king pin tries to rule a small town mayhem ensues. Deaths, drug overdoses, human trafficking, blackmail are all fair game for this man. But when the local boy returns to town and decides enough is enough he convinces the townsfolk to take their town back!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book 📕 it was hard to get “into” at first
and actually more than one storyline.

(Goodreads) wasn’t registering my reading time it kept going to finished book 😑) it took me from July 22 to finish August 1

[Stephanie webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patterson & Lupica’s novels are great quick reads. Character development, story lines and always an “I-didn’t-see-that-coming” twist.

[Lorinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really well written. If you've read Lupica books in the past, you will read his writing within this story. Good solid plot which leaves room for a spin-off.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy summer read

[Trina DelZotto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. I love all the characters. I could not put this book down. And it had a great ending.

[Petra Fordham · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book about Silas Tucker and very little about the murders or kidnapping of the girls. It was about Silas Tucker’s workouts and Silas Tucker’s football games. Disappointing

[Kristin Kidd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love James Patterson books, but this felt like Alex Cross 2.0. EJ is Nana mama. The book was too predictable.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommend. This is a good one.

[Fritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book to read.

[Veronika George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not find this book very realistic. Not a fan of the main character.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book! Lupica and Patterson are great togethe.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typical platters on page turner. Tay and Silas and crocketts dead or in prison

[Misty Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good James Patterson book that’s not a series.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual with these James Patterson collaborations, I always wonder how much the famous author contributed vs. the secondary author. I suspect this is mostly Mike Lupica's baby, and overall, The Country Road Murders was an enjoyable book to preview, thanks to NetGalley.

This is one of those stories where the local hero returns home and finds a bigger cause to fight for when his football future is left shattered after a fatal accident. The plot has characters you love to root for, against characters you love to hate, with some down south good ole boy bravado and Southern accoutrements stirred into the mix. It's a pretty straightforward story with few surprises, where there's mostly black and white, with very little grey to distract from the inevitable outcome for our hero and his supporting crew.

If this sounds like your cup of sweet tea, you'll enjoy reading The Country Road Murders!