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One Road In
'Some say, at night, you can see glowing eyes of fire between the trees, watching. Waiting...'
Sadie’s younger brother Ben went missing 5 years ago. No one knows where he went. No one knows who, or what, took him. So explain the look of guilt on Sadie’s face when her mother called with the best news possible: Ben has come home.
What does Sadie know about his disappearance? And what has her brother brought home with him?
There’s something on the small island off the coast of Rose Bay, and its glowing amber eyes are making its presence known. Sadie needs to reconcile what happened all those years ago with where she finds herself now, before it has the chance to tear her family, and her hometown, apart again.
Sadie’s younger brother Ben went missing 5 years ago. No one knows where he went. No one knows who, or what, took him. So explain the look of guilt on Sadie’s face when her mother called with the best news possible: Ben has come home.
What does Sadie know about his disappearance? And what has her brother brought home with him?
There’s something on the small island off the coast of Rose Bay, and its glowing amber eyes are making its presence known. Sadie needs to reconcile what happened all those years ago with where she finds herself now, before it has the chance to tear her family, and her hometown, apart again.
297 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 8, 2021
This standalone horror by Hannah R. Palmer is a brilliant, fast-paced read.
Set in the '90s this tale follows Sadie, still learning to cope with the after-effects of her younger brother Ben going missing on a mysterious island five years ago, when one day the unthinkable happens. He comes home. Sadie should be elated, shouldn't she? But it becomes very clear that the reasons behind his disappearance are far more insidious.
This book flips between Sadie and Ben becoming reacquainted in the present, to the horrors of what really happened the night he went missing five years previous. I loved all the 90's references in this book, loved the 'holiday' summer feel woven with something nasty lurking underneath. Hannah has a magnificent way of pulling you in and then startling you with something truly horrible. Her characters are solid, likable and I loved the tone of this book, dark and foreboding, all hidden by a lovely, quaint English seaside vibe. I cant wait to read what this author does next!
Set in the '90s this tale follows Sadie, still learning to cope with the after-effects of her younger brother Ben going missing on a mysterious island five years ago, when one day the unthinkable happens. He comes home. Sadie should be elated, shouldn't she? But it becomes very clear that the reasons behind his disappearance are far more insidious.
This book flips between Sadie and Ben becoming reacquainted in the present, to the horrors of what really happened the night he went missing five years previous. I loved all the 90's references in this book, loved the 'holiday' summer feel woven with something nasty lurking underneath. Hannah has a magnificent way of pulling you in and then startling you with something truly horrible. Her characters are solid, likable and I loved the tone of this book, dark and foreboding, all hidden by a lovely, quaint English seaside vibe. I cant wait to read what this author does next!
March 30, 2024
Enjoyed the writing style, really didn't like any of the characters though, so unfortunately I couldn't connect with this one very much.
September 9, 2021
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review
One Road In is a stylish and pacy thriller from an author who has a true affinity for her genre. The cast of characters is intimate and close-knit, as is the setting – the anonymous seaside town of Rose Bay which, in the 1990s, hides a dark secret. We follow Sadie as she returns to Rose Bay to confront the past that she’d tried to escape from when an unexpected figure comes home.
The setting is unashamedly the 1990s, and Hannah seeds the time period effectively throughout the very DNA of this story. The alternating viewpoint – split the “present” in 1995 where Sadie confronts the past, and 1990, where the events that Sadie dreads to recollect are set in motion – and this is effective as the story unfolds. There’s a ominous mood throughout the book which I found gripping and had me reading to the last page to find out the true nature of the mystery.
The characters are tight and every one we meet has a meaning. Sadie and her friends Callie and Vedat are forced to confront the past through the events of the book with a growing sense of unease, with a twist at the end that is seeded earlier but the payoff is very satisfying, and the creepy, decrepit vibe through Rose Bay and the history is thick and enveloping. The story oozes tension and dread.
Hannah has an absolute verve and affinity for the thriller genre and One Road In shows she knows the conventions well, producing a taut and gripping thriller story that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is one of the greats and is a high-quality, suspenseful and impactful book I can’t recommend highly enough, from an author whose future work I’m sure to devour.
One Road In is a stylish and pacy thriller from an author who has a true affinity for her genre. The cast of characters is intimate and close-knit, as is the setting – the anonymous seaside town of Rose Bay which, in the 1990s, hides a dark secret. We follow Sadie as she returns to Rose Bay to confront the past that she’d tried to escape from when an unexpected figure comes home.
The setting is unashamedly the 1990s, and Hannah seeds the time period effectively throughout the very DNA of this story. The alternating viewpoint – split the “present” in 1995 where Sadie confronts the past, and 1990, where the events that Sadie dreads to recollect are set in motion – and this is effective as the story unfolds. There’s a ominous mood throughout the book which I found gripping and had me reading to the last page to find out the true nature of the mystery.
The characters are tight and every one we meet has a meaning. Sadie and her friends Callie and Vedat are forced to confront the past through the events of the book with a growing sense of unease, with a twist at the end that is seeded earlier but the payoff is very satisfying, and the creepy, decrepit vibe through Rose Bay and the history is thick and enveloping. The story oozes tension and dread.
Hannah has an absolute verve and affinity for the thriller genre and One Road In shows she knows the conventions well, producing a taut and gripping thriller story that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is one of the greats and is a high-quality, suspenseful and impactful book I can’t recommend highly enough, from an author whose future work I’m sure to devour.
June 12, 2022
I received this book as part of a book subscription. The cover drew me in straight away. Beautiful artwork.
The story is of a secluded uninhabited island in a large lake in a small town. The island is off limits to visitors because some people who enter there never leave!
A great supernatural suspense thriller.
I found the ending a little underwhelming if I’m honest. I felt it could have been expanded a bit more, especially Ada’s past but overall a great 3 star read
The story is of a secluded uninhabited island in a large lake in a small town. The island is off limits to visitors because some people who enter there never leave!
A great supernatural suspense thriller.
I found the ending a little underwhelming if I’m honest. I felt it could have been expanded a bit more, especially Ada’s past but overall a great 3 star read
June 3, 2022
The wish version of Stephen King's IT...but worse.
It's the 90s and the boy gets taken, 5 years later he returns but doesn't know where he has been. There's an island with some amber glowing eyes and the boy's sister comes back to town to find out where he has been while flashbacks of 5 years ago happen.
This is all spooky as well...apparently.
It's worst when you not only not enjoy a book but the writing style as well. On EVERY single page, there is forced emotion in the smallest moments.
Also, I don't think anyone has any lower lips left as the phrase 'chewed on their lower lip' is used at least once a chapter.
I don't enjoy shitting on new writers (contrary to my review) but I found this really really dull, boring, and pointless.
It's the 90s and the boy gets taken, 5 years later he returns but doesn't know where he has been. There's an island with some amber glowing eyes and the boy's sister comes back to town to find out where he has been while flashbacks of 5 years ago happen.
This is all spooky as well...apparently.
It's worst when you not only not enjoy a book but the writing style as well. On EVERY single page, there is forced emotion in the smallest moments.
Also, I don't think anyone has any lower lips left as the phrase 'chewed on their lower lip' is used at least once a chapter.
I don't enjoy shitting on new writers (contrary to my review) but I found this really really dull, boring, and pointless.
June 17, 2022
The story wasn’t bad. I didn’t find it particularly scary though.
What niggles at me though was that it hadn’t been proofread or edited properly. There were glaring typos for a start. Inconsistencies in the descriptions and timelines. Loose ends.
A shame as it could have been really good.
It does appear that it was self published.
What niggles at me though was that it hadn’t been proofread or edited properly. There were glaring typos for a start. Inconsistencies in the descriptions and timelines. Loose ends.
A shame as it could have been really good.
It does appear that it was self published.
May 31, 2022
This ended up being very different to what I thought it would be. I enjoyed it, the characters were good and the complex relationship between Sadie and her family was done really well. If I had a criticism, it would be that it was quite predictable and not massively spooky, but it was an enjoable read all the same. Beautiful cover.
November 4, 2021
Hannah did it again! Such an immersive story with complex relationships and eerie characters. Hannah has this way of pulling the readers into the story just by forcing them to live among the characters and this is the perfect escape for a reader needing a break from reality.
October 2, 2021
For a second book this is brilliant, it kept me hooked in all the time. I loved the feeling that you knew it couldn’t be true but what if it was, or what could be happening here, was someone doing this. So many questions all the time about what is happening in the story. Superb writing from Hannah, makes you wonder what the next book will be about. Fully recommend this book.
August 17, 2023
3.5 stars.
November 5, 2023
This is one that I got for Christmas off of my wishlist. It ended up there based off the awesome cover art, and I’m glad to own it. I’m happy to say that I’m equally pleased with the book’s insides as I am with the cover.
This novel is a concise, complete mystery/thriller. It’s not huge on action, but it gives you a blood-pounding feel of actual fear and panic. It’s written very well, and I was interested throughout its entirety. One quote that honestly made me drop my jaw was, “Her fingertips kept hovering back up to her throat, drifting towards her arteries to check her pulse, an obsession she was sure she’d never shake.” I don’t normally talk personal stuff in reviews, but this is one way my health anxiety manifests itself, I actually personally do this. So for me, this read as such a genuine feeling, one that I didn’t know others felt or did; the true feeling of panic. So the protagonist and I got along just fine, I immediately felt akin to her.
I will say this is a very supernatural/paranormal mystery. Think of a ghost-like mystery. Parts of the ending made me think of the Fear Street Netflix trilogy. Hopefully that will narrow it down for you in terms of taste. For me, this was totally fine and even up my alley. I personally believe it was executed quite well. Absolutely worth your time to buy, read, and support.
This novel is a concise, complete mystery/thriller. It’s not huge on action, but it gives you a blood-pounding feel of actual fear and panic. It’s written very well, and I was interested throughout its entirety. One quote that honestly made me drop my jaw was, “Her fingertips kept hovering back up to her throat, drifting towards her arteries to check her pulse, an obsession she was sure she’d never shake.” I don’t normally talk personal stuff in reviews, but this is one way my health anxiety manifests itself, I actually personally do this. So for me, this read as such a genuine feeling, one that I didn’t know others felt or did; the true feeling of panic. So the protagonist and I got along just fine, I immediately felt akin to her.
I will say this is a very supernatural/paranormal mystery. Think of a ghost-like mystery. Parts of the ending made me think of the Fear Street Netflix trilogy. Hopefully that will narrow it down for you in terms of taste. For me, this was totally fine and even up my alley. I personally believe it was executed quite well. Absolutely worth your time to buy, read, and support.
May 25, 2022
I recieved this one in my Abominable book box, never heard if it previously. It’s a fast read, scary and enjoyable.
The ending was what made it a 3 star and not a 4 star review for me. I wish the author had shown us what happened instead of relying in dialogue to get the story through. It felt like it got resolved by just blurting out a bunch of facts instead of continuing to build tension and release by showing through descriptions, actions etc. For example Ada’s story could have been revealed as her memory being replayed on the Island instead of her just talking about it. Ghosts and hauntings often do that in Classic ghost stories. It just felt like such an easy way to solve things.
It made me sad actually, because the first half of the book had so much creepy tension, anxiety, scary situations and all the ingredients it needed to make the end awesome!
I still recommend this book and would read another one by the author. I would particularly recommend this one as a creepy summer read to pick up while on a beach somewhere, preferrably with a view of an island that can only be reached by a canoe. Or even better, read it on the island after travelling there with the canoe.. perfect summer activity!
The ending was what made it a 3 star and not a 4 star review for me. I wish the author had shown us what happened instead of relying in dialogue to get the story through. It felt like it got resolved by just blurting out a bunch of facts instead of continuing to build tension and release by showing through descriptions, actions etc. For example Ada’s story could have been revealed as her memory being replayed on the Island instead of her just talking about it. Ghosts and hauntings often do that in Classic ghost stories. It just felt like such an easy way to solve things.
It made me sad actually, because the first half of the book had so much creepy tension, anxiety, scary situations and all the ingredients it needed to make the end awesome!
I still recommend this book and would read another one by the author. I would particularly recommend this one as a creepy summer read to pick up while on a beach somewhere, preferrably with a view of an island that can only be reached by a canoe. Or even better, read it on the island after travelling there with the canoe.. perfect summer activity!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book right up until the end. So many questions still unanswered, did Ada kill Christine? Why did she let Ben go after 5 years, to take Sadie? But why then specifically? What did Sadie take, the branch? If so why didn’t Ada hold Callie responsible when she’d been holding it? What was Vedat’s role in this whole book apart from to be a random filler character?
I found the start a little confusing too, it wasn’t massively clear that the disappearance of Christine was unrelated to Sadie’s family initially.
Eurgh, I had so much hope for a good ending but it just left more questions than answers and I feel totally unsatisfied.
For balance, I liked the mystery and suspense and the 90s nostalgia. I liked the very believable reaction of the families going through losing a child and the emotion around it.
Just such a shame there were so many loose ends and a disappointing ending!
I found the start a little confusing too, it wasn’t massively clear that the disappearance of Christine was unrelated to Sadie’s family initially.
Eurgh, I had so much hope for a good ending but it just left more questions than answers and I feel totally unsatisfied.
For balance, I liked the mystery and suspense and the 90s nostalgia. I liked the very believable reaction of the families going through losing a child and the emotion around it.
Just such a shame there were so many loose ends and a disappointing ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2022
This was a very well written book from a new horror writer - Hannah Palmer can write! All this aside though, the book itself did not blow me away. It follows the modern day horror novel format that I keep seeing over and over again - the book begins slowly, and it is only at the end that the action picks up. I'm a little tired of these slow burn novels. It's a very YA concept and not my favorite type of book. Sadie is a complex character and we FINALLY find out the truth about her brother's disappearance near the end of the book, but not all loose end are tied up. What happens to Lorraine and her daughter? WHY is Sadie's brother spared? Anyways, I did like the novel, but I'm not sure I would ever read this one again.
July 5, 2022
One Road In has a lot of potential going for it: I love a familial connection and a supernatural thriller is always a really good mix for me. After receiving this in my book box subscription I was excited to give it a go but can't help feeling this should have been a short story in maybe a collection from Palmer. I enjoyed the underlying concept but nothing had really happened by halfway through the book and I ended up skimming the majority of it from there on out. Nearly a DNF but I think it's important to give debut writers a chance! The concept was fresh and I hope Palmer explores further avenues because new horror ideas are always welcome but this was a swing and a miss for me.
September 9, 2021
"...the entire body was composed of tendrils and ropes and slithers of shadow that stretched out and touched the edges of the island..."
The monster that is created in 'One Road In' is simple, yet devastatingly effecting. I found myself fearful of it anytime I put my headphones in (read the book to find out why), and yet all I wanted to do was understand what it was and why it was terrorizing the characters I had grown to love. While the story is not wholly focused on the creature, I think this is the book for you if you love a supernatural story that features a terrifying antagonist.
However, as good as the villain is, the story would not be as effective as it is if you didn't love the characters. Something that is endlessly impressive about the novel is its ability to make you love and care for characters (even those that aren't in it much - shout out to Tabitha). The characters are clever and buck a lot of the clichés that make reading horror and mystery so tiresome.
I think you grow to love the characters as much as you do because of the pacing and setting as well. The novel is split between two times- so you get to see not only who these characters are, but how they became who they are. This level of development is masterfully achieved and made me desperate to read on. Nothing outstays its welcome either. An issue I have with most modern mystery is the handholding many authors have; guiding us along at a snails pace to make sure you understand every small hint and clue. 'One Road In' doesn't treat you like an idiot. While this means there were definitely story beats that I missed, I cannot wait to reread the novel and discover whole new layers to events.
Reading 'One Road In' is the first time in a long time that I have finished a book and wanted to stay in the world that it created. The homely seaside town that you find yourself in is, despite being eerie and full of a supernatural creature that would likely make me immediately flee, perfectly wonderful. Much like Maine in Salem's Lot, or Gilead in The Handmaid's Tale, Rose Bay is very much a developed character (and a fantastic one at that).
With all of this said, it would be impossible for me to give 'One Road In' anything less than five stars. I was captivated and intrigued the entire read, and no plot points or characters overstayed their welcome. A refreshing read that I would recommend to anyone that likes the horror, mystery, or thriller genre.
The monster that is created in 'One Road In' is simple, yet devastatingly effecting. I found myself fearful of it anytime I put my headphones in (read the book to find out why), and yet all I wanted to do was understand what it was and why it was terrorizing the characters I had grown to love. While the story is not wholly focused on the creature, I think this is the book for you if you love a supernatural story that features a terrifying antagonist.
However, as good as the villain is, the story would not be as effective as it is if you didn't love the characters. Something that is endlessly impressive about the novel is its ability to make you love and care for characters (even those that aren't in it much - shout out to Tabitha). The characters are clever and buck a lot of the clichés that make reading horror and mystery so tiresome.
I think you grow to love the characters as much as you do because of the pacing and setting as well. The novel is split between two times- so you get to see not only who these characters are, but how they became who they are. This level of development is masterfully achieved and made me desperate to read on. Nothing outstays its welcome either. An issue I have with most modern mystery is the handholding many authors have; guiding us along at a snails pace to make sure you understand every small hint and clue. 'One Road In' doesn't treat you like an idiot. While this means there were definitely story beats that I missed, I cannot wait to reread the novel and discover whole new layers to events.
Reading 'One Road In' is the first time in a long time that I have finished a book and wanted to stay in the world that it created. The homely seaside town that you find yourself in is, despite being eerie and full of a supernatural creature that would likely make me immediately flee, perfectly wonderful. Much like Maine in Salem's Lot, or Gilead in The Handmaid's Tale, Rose Bay is very much a developed character (and a fantastic one at that).
With all of this said, it would be impossible for me to give 'One Road In' anything less than five stars. I was captivated and intrigued the entire read, and no plot points or characters overstayed their welcome. A refreshing read that I would recommend to anyone that likes the horror, mystery, or thriller genre.
February 14, 2024
A fusion of immersive description, mystery and psychological horror.
‘One Road In’ is a British horror story that fuses some wonderful immersive description with mystery and psychological elements and kept me turning pages until the very end.
It’s the mid 90’s and ‘Sadie’ is forced to return home from her new life in London in the wake of her missing brother reappearing after 5 years. The circumstances, memories and overall trauma she and her family faced all come crashing back as the mystery begins to unfold and all of which centres around a small offshore island.
This book is packed with description that I found immersive and it heightens the mystery and psychological elements that essentially carry the reading experience. With some nice retro references to the times it is set along with the small sea side town of ‘Rose Bay’ and a tight cast of characters it is definitely a well put together tale with plenty of themes. There is something out there on that island and that concept is the driving force for readers wanting to know more which they do get by the end. The cover art is also quite brilliant!
Some of my favourite quotes:
‘They were why she came to the city in the first place. The silence of the countryside was oppressive and concerning, unnerving even. In the silence of her tiny hometown, there was no escaping your own thoughts. The most awful things that had ever happened in her life happened between the loudest noises.’
‘The island had sunk its teeth into her chest, the desire to return pulling on her muscles like fishing hooks…’
‘The fear did not hide itself well on either of their faces. It shuddered through every bone in their bodies…’
‘One Road In’ is a British horror story that fuses some wonderful immersive description with mystery and psychological elements and kept me turning pages until the very end.
It’s the mid 90’s and ‘Sadie’ is forced to return home from her new life in London in the wake of her missing brother reappearing after 5 years. The circumstances, memories and overall trauma she and her family faced all come crashing back as the mystery begins to unfold and all of which centres around a small offshore island.
This book is packed with description that I found immersive and it heightens the mystery and psychological elements that essentially carry the reading experience. With some nice retro references to the times it is set along with the small sea side town of ‘Rose Bay’ and a tight cast of characters it is definitely a well put together tale with plenty of themes. There is something out there on that island and that concept is the driving force for readers wanting to know more which they do get by the end. The cover art is also quite brilliant!
Some of my favourite quotes:
‘They were why she came to the city in the first place. The silence of the countryside was oppressive and concerning, unnerving even. In the silence of her tiny hometown, there was no escaping your own thoughts. The most awful things that had ever happened in her life happened between the loudest noises.’
‘The island had sunk its teeth into her chest, the desire to return pulling on her muscles like fishing hooks…’
‘The fear did not hide itself well on either of their faces. It shuddered through every bone in their bodies…’
January 14, 2022
'Some say, at night, you can see glowing eyes of fire between the trees, watching. Waiting...'
Sadie’s younger brother Ben went missing 5 years ago. No one knows where he went. No one knows who, or what, took him. So explain the look of guilt on Sadie’s face when her mother called with the best news possible: Ben has come home.
What does Sadie know about his disappearance? And what has her brother brought home with him?
There’s something on the small island off the coast of Rose Bay, and its glowing amber eyes are making its presence known. Sadie needs to reconcile what happened all those years ago with where she finds herself now, before it has the chance to tear her family, and her hometown, apart again.
.
After the beautiful cover artwork caught my eye, I felt compelled to know more. After reading the synopsis, I had to have it!!
.
The story follows Ellie in 1995, whose younger brother disappeared 5 years earlier and as the story unfolds you find out more and more about how and why Ben disappeared, and I really wasn't prepared lol. Each chapter switches between 1995 and 1990, unveiling what happened simultaneously in seamless style. I was absolutely hooked from the outset and the last third of the book was so full on, i felt exhausted when I finished. I can't wait to read more of Hannahs work.
Sadie’s younger brother Ben went missing 5 years ago. No one knows where he went. No one knows who, or what, took him. So explain the look of guilt on Sadie’s face when her mother called with the best news possible: Ben has come home.
What does Sadie know about his disappearance? And what has her brother brought home with him?
There’s something on the small island off the coast of Rose Bay, and its glowing amber eyes are making its presence known. Sadie needs to reconcile what happened all those years ago with where she finds herself now, before it has the chance to tear her family, and her hometown, apart again.
.
After the beautiful cover artwork caught my eye, I felt compelled to know more. After reading the synopsis, I had to have it!!
.
The story follows Ellie in 1995, whose younger brother disappeared 5 years earlier and as the story unfolds you find out more and more about how and why Ben disappeared, and I really wasn't prepared lol. Each chapter switches between 1995 and 1990, unveiling what happened simultaneously in seamless style. I was absolutely hooked from the outset and the last third of the book was so full on, i felt exhausted when I finished. I can't wait to read more of Hannahs work.
December 21, 2022
I'm confused about what happened in this book. I won't give into much for spoilers but I had a hard time thinking about the motivations of some of the characters in this book.
Particularly at the end with the monster of the Book and Sadie and her friends. At the end I was left with so many more questions and wasn't satisfied with how it was left.
Particularly at the end with the monster of the Book and Sadie and her friends. At the end I was left with so many more questions and wasn't satisfied with how it was left.
July 17, 2022
An excellent thriller with suspense, perfect pacing, and intrigue which pulls you in and makes you question until the very end. Well worth the read for any reader who loves the thriller/horror genre set in the 90s!
May 31, 2022
This should have been a short story written with some other short stories, maybe in a compilation about loss and grieving.
August 9, 2022
Really gripping book only thing for me I would have liked a little more at the ending but other than that good read
August 24, 2023
This was ok. Felt too long and drawn out in places and probably would have worked better as a novella.
May 15, 2025
I liked the premise but didn’t draw me in.
August 9, 2022
Never quite lives up to the premise but it’s not bad
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews