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Red River Road
Win a free print copy of this book!
5 days and 01:45:52
25 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
Anna Downes's extraordinary next thriller follows a woman desperate to discover what happened to her sister on a solo road trip through the Australian outback.
Katy Sweeney is determined to find her sister. A year earlier, just three weeks into a solo vanlife trip, free-spirited Phoebe vanished without a trace on Western Australia’s remote and achingly beautiful Coral Coast. With no witnesses, no leads, and no DNA evidence, the case has gone cold. But Katy refuses to give up.
Using Phoebe’s social media accounts as a map, Katy starts to retrace her steps, searching for the clues that the police have missed. Was Phoebe being followed? Who had she met along the way, and what danger did they pose? Was she as happy as her sun-bleached, lens-flared photos seem to suggest?
Then Katy’s path collides with that of Beth, a young woman on the run from her own dark past—and very recent present. And as Katy realizes that Beth might be her best and only chance of finding the truth, the two women form an uneasy alliance to venture forth into increasingly wild territory to find out what really happened to Phoebe in this breathtaking but maybe deadly place, and how her fate connects them all.
Anna Downes takes us on a twist-filled journey into the dark side of solo female travel, in this gripping novel that explores what drives us to keep searching for those we have lost, the family bonds that can make or break us, and the deception of memory.
Katy Sweeney is determined to find her sister. A year earlier, just three weeks into a solo vanlife trip, free-spirited Phoebe vanished without a trace on Western Australia’s remote and achingly beautiful Coral Coast. With no witnesses, no leads, and no DNA evidence, the case has gone cold. But Katy refuses to give up.
Using Phoebe’s social media accounts as a map, Katy starts to retrace her steps, searching for the clues that the police have missed. Was Phoebe being followed? Who had she met along the way, and what danger did they pose? Was she as happy as her sun-bleached, lens-flared photos seem to suggest?
Then Katy’s path collides with that of Beth, a young woman on the run from her own dark past—and very recent present. And as Katy realizes that Beth might be her best and only chance of finding the truth, the two women form an uneasy alliance to venture forth into increasingly wild territory to find out what really happened to Phoebe in this breathtaking but maybe deadly place, and how her fate connects them all.
Anna Downes takes us on a twist-filled journey into the dark side of solo female travel, in this gripping novel that explores what drives us to keep searching for those we have lost, the family bonds that can make or break us, and the deception of memory.
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 27, 2024
About the author
Anna Downes
9 books971 followersANNA DOWNES was born and raised in Sheffield, UK, but now lives just north of Sydney, Australia with her husband and two children. She worked as an actress before turning her attention to writing. She was shortlisted for the Sydney Writers Room Short Story Prize (2017) and longlisted for the Margaret River Short Story Competition (2018).
The Safe Place was inspired by Anna’s experiences working as a live-in housekeeper on a remote French estate in 2009-10.
The Safe Place was inspired by Anna’s experiences working as a live-in housekeeper on a remote French estate in 2009-10.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
May 6, 2024
EXCERPT: 'Hi everyone! I'm Phoebe and I'm a travel addict and van-lifer. I'm about to take me, myself and I off on the adventure of a lifetime - the big lap of Australia. Only two more sleeps to go. And before you ask, no I'm not scared. The first thing people say when I tell them I'm travelling alone is "Be careful". Don't even get me started on my parents' response. But the world is full of magic, and solo travel offers way more rewards than risks. It's just that the bad stories get told way more often than the good. . . .'
ABOUT 'RED RIVER ROAD': Katy Sweeney is determined to find her sister. A year earlier, just three weeks into a solo vanlife trip, free-spirited Phoebe vanished without a trace on Western Australia’s remote and achingly beautiful Coral Coast. With no witnesses, no leads, and no DNA evidence, the case has gone cold. But Katy refuses to give up.
Using Phoebe’s social media accounts as a map, Katy starts to retrace her steps, searching for the clues that the police have missed. Was Phoebe being followed? Who had she met along the way, and what danger did they pose? Was she as happy as her sun-bleached, lens-flared photos seem to suggest?
Then Katy’s path collides with that of Beth, a young woman on the run from her own dark past—and very recent present. And as Katy realizes that Beth might be her best and only chance of finding the truth, the two women form an uneasy alliance to venture forth into increasingly wild territory to find out what really happened to Phoebe in this breathtaking but maybe deadly place, and how her fate connects them all.
MY THOUGHTS: Red River Road, brilliantly written by Anna Downes and superbly narrated by Maddy Withington, blew me away. Tense, twisty, atmospheric and addictive are just a few of the superlatives I could use to describe this. I held my breath so often during the narrative, it's a wonder I didn't black out!
When I started, my first thoughts were 'FFS! Not another alcoholic, unreliable narrator!' But I'm pleased to report that's not how it panned out.
The narrative is related from three POV: Katy, Beth and a 15-year-old boy, Wyatt, whose mother is also missing. All three of these main characters come across as slightly flaky and unreliable at times. Not constantly, just at times. The tension starts pretty much straight away and never completely disappears. If Anna Downes aim is to stop women travelling on their own, she has definitely succeeded with me.
There are a lot of threads to this plot which are slowly woven together to present the full picture, which turned out to be something I had never envisaged. Not even remotely imagined. There is some pretty heavy subject matter, but very little of it graphically described, including sexual assault, mental health issues, and stalking - both physically and on social media. There are some excellent and diverting red herrings, and lots of lies and secrets.
There is a general air of creepiness - who to trust? Anyone? No one? That man with the soulful eyes, reading a book? Those two women? The person I'm travelling with? Damn, I felt unsafe just reading this and I am no shrinking violet. Much is made of local legends, myths and reports of missing women. Just how can someone and their van just disappear off the face of the earth? Well, it turns out it's quite easy . . .
What sealed the five-star rating for me was that final line in the book. Superbly chilling!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#RedRiverRoad #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: ANNA DOWNES was born and raised in Sheffield, UK, but now lives just north of Sydney, Australia with her husband and two children. She worked as an actress before turning her attention to writing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to W.F. Howes via NetGalley for providing an audio ARC of Red River Road written by Anna Downes and narrated by Maddy Withington for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'RED RIVER ROAD': Katy Sweeney is determined to find her sister. A year earlier, just three weeks into a solo vanlife trip, free-spirited Phoebe vanished without a trace on Western Australia’s remote and achingly beautiful Coral Coast. With no witnesses, no leads, and no DNA evidence, the case has gone cold. But Katy refuses to give up.
Using Phoebe’s social media accounts as a map, Katy starts to retrace her steps, searching for the clues that the police have missed. Was Phoebe being followed? Who had she met along the way, and what danger did they pose? Was she as happy as her sun-bleached, lens-flared photos seem to suggest?
Then Katy’s path collides with that of Beth, a young woman on the run from her own dark past—and very recent present. And as Katy realizes that Beth might be her best and only chance of finding the truth, the two women form an uneasy alliance to venture forth into increasingly wild territory to find out what really happened to Phoebe in this breathtaking but maybe deadly place, and how her fate connects them all.
MY THOUGHTS: Red River Road, brilliantly written by Anna Downes and superbly narrated by Maddy Withington, blew me away. Tense, twisty, atmospheric and addictive are just a few of the superlatives I could use to describe this. I held my breath so often during the narrative, it's a wonder I didn't black out!
When I started, my first thoughts were 'FFS! Not another alcoholic, unreliable narrator!' But I'm pleased to report that's not how it panned out.
The narrative is related from three POV: Katy, Beth and a 15-year-old boy, Wyatt, whose mother is also missing. All three of these main characters come across as slightly flaky and unreliable at times. Not constantly, just at times. The tension starts pretty much straight away and never completely disappears. If Anna Downes aim is to stop women travelling on their own, she has definitely succeeded with me.
There are a lot of threads to this plot which are slowly woven together to present the full picture, which turned out to be something I had never envisaged. Not even remotely imagined. There is some pretty heavy subject matter, but very little of it graphically described, including sexual assault, mental health issues, and stalking - both physically and on social media. There are some excellent and diverting red herrings, and lots of lies and secrets.
There is a general air of creepiness - who to trust? Anyone? No one? That man with the soulful eyes, reading a book? Those two women? The person I'm travelling with? Damn, I felt unsafe just reading this and I am no shrinking violet. Much is made of local legends, myths and reports of missing women. Just how can someone and their van just disappear off the face of the earth? Well, it turns out it's quite easy . . .
What sealed the five-star rating for me was that final line in the book. Superbly chilling!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#RedRiverRoad #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: ANNA DOWNES was born and raised in Sheffield, UK, but now lives just north of Sydney, Australia with her husband and two children. She worked as an actress before turning her attention to writing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to W.F. Howes via NetGalley for providing an audio ARC of Red River Road written by Anna Downes and narrated by Maddy Withington for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 6, 2024
This was a book that I had to think about for some time. It's very trippy in that I was never sure about what was going on, who was being honest, who to believe, was everything real, who is being reliable, who is unreliable, etc. I just didn't know what to think, and that is the beauty of this book. Anna Downes created the sensation in me that I believe that her main character was feeling.
Katy Sweeney is searching for her sister, Phoebe, who vanished a year ago on Western Australia’s coral coast. Katy doesn't have much to go on except her determination and drive to find her sister. She will rely on Phoebe's social media posts as a guide. Along her search, Katy meets Beth, a woman on the run.
The setting and atmosphere in this book were wonderful. Plus, this book has an eerie and creepy vibe to it. It is unsettling in many ways. As Katy experienced many things along her search, she meets many people. Things get intense at times and having the POV of Katy, Wyatt, and Beth made the book interesting. I had an inkling around the 60% of the book about one aspect and was right; however, that did not affect my enjoyment of the book at all.
One downside of this book for me was it is a bit of a slow burn. I don't do well with slow burns. I don't care for them, but I found I was able to overlook this to a small degree in this book.
While I guessed one major reveal at the end of the book, I think many will be shocked. Even when I had that element figured out, I still had some aha moments when I learned even more.
Red River Road kept me on my toes and turning the pages. As I mentioned, it has an unsettling feeling to it. I can see this being made into a movie.
Atmospheric, creepy, unsettling, well written, and well thought out.
Thank you to Minotaur Books 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.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Katy Sweeney is searching for her sister, Phoebe, who vanished a year ago on Western Australia’s coral coast. Katy doesn't have much to go on except her determination and drive to find her sister. She will rely on Phoebe's social media posts as a guide. Along her search, Katy meets Beth, a woman on the run.
The setting and atmosphere in this book were wonderful. Plus, this book has an eerie and creepy vibe to it. It is unsettling in many ways. As Katy experienced many things along her search, she meets many people. Things get intense at times and having the POV of Katy, Wyatt, and Beth made the book interesting. I had an inkling around the 60% of the book about one aspect and was right; however, that did not affect my enjoyment of the book at all.
One downside of this book for me was it is a bit of a slow burn. I don't do well with slow burns. I don't care for them, but I found I was able to overlook this to a small degree in this book.
While I guessed one major reveal at the end of the book, I think many will be shocked. Even when I had that element figured out, I still had some aha moments when I learned even more.
Red River Road kept me on my toes and turning the pages. As I mentioned, it has an unsettling feeling to it. I can see this being made into a movie.
Atmospheric, creepy, unsettling, well written, and well thought out.
Thank you to Minotaur Books 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.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
May 5, 2024
Anna Downes you star! I loved this book so much, and I am never going to forget that ending.. just wow!
This is a different kind of story than Anna’s previous books. A slow burning mystery that will just get into your head. Set on the coast of Western Australia, the beautifully written setting is a big part I& the story. I could see it in my mind so vividly as I was reading, and it made me want to travel there…without all the other scary stuff of course!
This is the story of Katy, who is sick of waiting for the police investigation into her missing sister Phoebe to find anything. She decides to get herself a van and follow her sister trip up the coast. She uses Phoebes Instagram page as a guide, determined to find out what happened a year ago. Where is her sister and why can’t the police find her? Along the way she picks up another two man, who is travelling alone and is hiding things of her own.
With danger at every turn, I was completely engrossed in this trip. Both women are hiding things from each other, and there is more than meets the eye. The people they encounter along the way, the struggles for women travelling on their own, it was all so realistic and I felt like ai was going on this journey with them.
And that ending 😱just wow. So very clever, and the more I think about it the more hints and clues I see that I missed. No spoilers, but it is amazing and you do not want to miss it.
Thanks so much to Affirm Press for sending me this stunning looking ARC. Absolutely loved it. Published in Australia on April 30th
This is a different kind of story than Anna’s previous books. A slow burning mystery that will just get into your head. Set on the coast of Western Australia, the beautifully written setting is a big part I& the story. I could see it in my mind so vividly as I was reading, and it made me want to travel there…without all the other scary stuff of course!
This is the story of Katy, who is sick of waiting for the police investigation into her missing sister Phoebe to find anything. She decides to get herself a van and follow her sister trip up the coast. She uses Phoebes Instagram page as a guide, determined to find out what happened a year ago. Where is her sister and why can’t the police find her? Along the way she picks up another two man, who is travelling alone and is hiding things of her own.
With danger at every turn, I was completely engrossed in this trip. Both women are hiding things from each other, and there is more than meets the eye. The people they encounter along the way, the struggles for women travelling on their own, it was all so realistic and I felt like ai was going on this journey with them.
And that ending 😱just wow. So very clever, and the more I think about it the more hints and clues I see that I missed. No spoilers, but it is amazing and you do not want to miss it.
Thanks so much to Affirm Press for sending me this stunning looking ARC. Absolutely loved it. Published in Australia on April 30th
July 8, 2024
“I just keep thinking about how hard it is to be the detective of your life, and also the mystery of your life.” – Glennon Doyle
What really happened to Katy’s sister?
In this road trip, 3 narrators will give readers their version of a road trip.
Grief struck Katy who wants to desperately figure out what happened to her sister Phoebe when she went on a solo road trip in her van. Then there is Beth who is also a solo traveler escaping an abusive relationship with Lucas. And, finally, Wyatt, the younger brother of Lucas who lives with their father following their mother’s disappearance.
Everyone has their own story. And, unfortunately for me, this is a psychological thriller. (I say unfortunately, because these-type-of-stories have a tendency to create confusion and twists and darkness that take the story down a road that leaves readers a bit exasperated.) At least, this one.
I prefer a good old-fashioned mystery that doesn’t hurt my head with so much twisty darkness. It is also difficult when you have an unreliable narrator, such as Katy.
So, what happens when Katy and Beth connect? Can Beth be trusted? And, what does Wyatt’s point of view bring to the story?
But wait, there might be another narrator? (No spoilers from me.)
The book will give a sense of strong female characters against all odds, but…and there is that but… it will touch on domestic violence, and trauma. And, the risks of stranger danger. On the pretty side…It will be quite scenic with the Australian outback.
The question is, will readers find the conclusion intriguing, satisfying or confusing? With all the red herrings, it will be hard to know how best to decide.
For me, the story didn’t seem to come to life until towards the end, and by then I just wanted the book to end. By then, I seemed more fascinated with the author’s note.
I am probably an outlier here, so please read other’s reviews.
3.5 stars rounded down.
What really happened to Katy’s sister?
In this road trip, 3 narrators will give readers their version of a road trip.
Grief struck Katy who wants to desperately figure out what happened to her sister Phoebe when she went on a solo road trip in her van. Then there is Beth who is also a solo traveler escaping an abusive relationship with Lucas. And, finally, Wyatt, the younger brother of Lucas who lives with their father following their mother’s disappearance.
Everyone has their own story. And, unfortunately for me, this is a psychological thriller. (I say unfortunately, because these-type-of-stories have a tendency to create confusion and twists and darkness that take the story down a road that leaves readers a bit exasperated.) At least, this one.
I prefer a good old-fashioned mystery that doesn’t hurt my head with so much twisty darkness. It is also difficult when you have an unreliable narrator, such as Katy.
So, what happens when Katy and Beth connect? Can Beth be trusted? And, what does Wyatt’s point of view bring to the story?
But wait, there might be another narrator? (No spoilers from me.)
The book will give a sense of strong female characters against all odds, but…and there is that but… it will touch on domestic violence, and trauma. And, the risks of stranger danger. On the pretty side…It will be quite scenic with the Australian outback.
The question is, will readers find the conclusion intriguing, satisfying or confusing? With all the red herrings, it will be hard to know how best to decide.
For me, the story didn’t seem to come to life until towards the end, and by then I just wanted the book to end. By then, I seemed more fascinated with the author’s note.
I am probably an outlier here, so please read other’s reviews.
3.5 stars rounded down.
April 30, 2024
Oooh this book is so creepy and suspenseful! I know it’s early in the year, but I’m predicting this will be in my top five of 2024.
Phoebe Sweeney is a young lady who gets some wanderlust and decides to get into #vanlife. She starts an Instagram account, “PheebsInWonderland”, and is documenting her solo journey through The Big Lap - a giant loop around Australia, starting and ending in Perth. We follow her Instagram posts/comments as the book goes on, and one commenter in particular posts some pretty creepy things…
After a few weeks, her posts stop and her family can’t reach her. Phoebe often goes off grid, but they’ve never gone this long without contact. The police get involved, but they come up with nothing - no traces of Phoebe, no sightings of her van, and no witnesses. It’s considered a cold case - just another woman gone missing in the massive state of Western Australia.
Her sister Katy, despite being someone who is scared of this kind of travel, decides to get a van and follow her sister’s social media posts, trying to find any clues or people who may know something. She begins her journey, but as she’s taking a break at the side of the road, someone sneaks into her van.
Beth (who calls herself Lily) is soon found hiding in the van, and after the initial screaming and shock wears off, Katy listens to her story- well, at least Beth’s version of her story. She says her name is Lily, and she’s an American who was also traveling around Australia, but she was attacked and all of her belongings were taken. She’s injured, she has no ID, no money, not even any clothes. Katy relents and lets “Lily” join her on her quest to find her sister.
The book is written from the perspective of three people: Katy, Beth and Wyatt, a 15-year-old boy with a troubled home life. His mother is also a #vanlifer who’s gone missing, and his big brother has been traveling trying to find her, leaving him alone with his angry father. All three of these characters are fantastic, and as the ending approaches, everything about them begins to fall into place.
The ending did get a little crazy, and that’s my only complaint about the book. It’s almost like every twist possible was packed in, and it used a trope that isn’t used often, but is pretty unbelievable. Other than that, this book is flawless. It’s pretty ignorant for anyone traveling (especially a female on their own) to do live updates on social media, and this is a cautionary tale…you never know who’s watching. Packed with breathtaking scenery and a thrilling plot, I loved this book! 4.5 stars, rounded up.
(Thank you to Minotaur Books, Anna Downes and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on August 27, 2024.)
Phoebe Sweeney is a young lady who gets some wanderlust and decides to get into #vanlife. She starts an Instagram account, “PheebsInWonderland”, and is documenting her solo journey through The Big Lap - a giant loop around Australia, starting and ending in Perth. We follow her Instagram posts/comments as the book goes on, and one commenter in particular posts some pretty creepy things…
After a few weeks, her posts stop and her family can’t reach her. Phoebe often goes off grid, but they’ve never gone this long without contact. The police get involved, but they come up with nothing - no traces of Phoebe, no sightings of her van, and no witnesses. It’s considered a cold case - just another woman gone missing in the massive state of Western Australia.
Her sister Katy, despite being someone who is scared of this kind of travel, decides to get a van and follow her sister’s social media posts, trying to find any clues or people who may know something. She begins her journey, but as she’s taking a break at the side of the road, someone sneaks into her van.
Beth (who calls herself Lily) is soon found hiding in the van, and after the initial screaming and shock wears off, Katy listens to her story- well, at least Beth’s version of her story. She says her name is Lily, and she’s an American who was also traveling around Australia, but she was attacked and all of her belongings were taken. She’s injured, she has no ID, no money, not even any clothes. Katy relents and lets “Lily” join her on her quest to find her sister.
The book is written from the perspective of three people: Katy, Beth and Wyatt, a 15-year-old boy with a troubled home life. His mother is also a #vanlifer who’s gone missing, and his big brother has been traveling trying to find her, leaving him alone with his angry father. All three of these characters are fantastic, and as the ending approaches, everything about them begins to fall into place.
The ending did get a little crazy, and that’s my only complaint about the book. It’s almost like every twist possible was packed in, and it used a trope that isn’t used often, but is pretty unbelievable. Other than that, this book is flawless. It’s pretty ignorant for anyone traveling (especially a female on their own) to do live updates on social media, and this is a cautionary tale…you never know who’s watching. Packed with breathtaking scenery and a thrilling plot, I loved this book! 4.5 stars, rounded up.
(Thank you to Minotaur Books, Anna Downes and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on August 27, 2024.)
April 29, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Aug. 27, 2024
Anna Downes, author of “The Safe Place”, returns with her new missing person thriller, “Red River Road”.
Katy Sweeney’s sister, Phoebe, disappeared a year ago while on a solo road trip through the Australian outback. Even though no one has heard from her, and there has been no forensic evidence, Katy will stop at nothing to find out what happened to Phoebe. Desperate, Katy embarks on her own solo quest, following Phoebe’s exact itinerary, hoping that she will be able to collect her own clues. When Katy crosses paths with a young woman named Beth, who claims to be fleeing from danger, Katy takes pity and brings Beth along for the ride. Beth agrees to help Katy find Phoebe in exchange for the ride, but what both women discover about Phoebe, themselves and each other, is something neither of them expected.
“Road” is narrated by several characters; Katy, Beth, Phoebe and Wyatt (who we find out has a connection to the other characters, but not until later on in the story). The multi-protagonist format helps to build suspense, as the reader slowly learns more and more about our key players, including how they are all connected. There are a lot of plot lines that Downes manages to connect flawlessly, and by the end of the novel she has tied up all of the loose ends answered any lingering questions.
Downes manages to touch on some pretty wrenching topics in this novel, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault and mental health challenges, so for those who appreciate trigger warnings, well, just be prepared for some pretty heavy subject matter. That being said, Downes manages to cover these topics in a human and honest way, while still making the novel entertaining and unputdownable.
The twists and turns in this one are beyond unpredictable, and although I made a few educated guesses that came close, the truth to what happened to Phoebe was something I never saw coming. Although I have earmarked Downes’ novels for my TBR list, they seem to be ones that I never quite get to. So, though “Red River Road” was my first Downes’ novel, I sincerely hope it won’t be my last.
Expected publication date: Aug. 27, 2024
Anna Downes, author of “The Safe Place”, returns with her new missing person thriller, “Red River Road”.
Katy Sweeney’s sister, Phoebe, disappeared a year ago while on a solo road trip through the Australian outback. Even though no one has heard from her, and there has been no forensic evidence, Katy will stop at nothing to find out what happened to Phoebe. Desperate, Katy embarks on her own solo quest, following Phoebe’s exact itinerary, hoping that she will be able to collect her own clues. When Katy crosses paths with a young woman named Beth, who claims to be fleeing from danger, Katy takes pity and brings Beth along for the ride. Beth agrees to help Katy find Phoebe in exchange for the ride, but what both women discover about Phoebe, themselves and each other, is something neither of them expected.
“Road” is narrated by several characters; Katy, Beth, Phoebe and Wyatt (who we find out has a connection to the other characters, but not until later on in the story). The multi-protagonist format helps to build suspense, as the reader slowly learns more and more about our key players, including how they are all connected. There are a lot of plot lines that Downes manages to connect flawlessly, and by the end of the novel she has tied up all of the loose ends answered any lingering questions.
Downes manages to touch on some pretty wrenching topics in this novel, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault and mental health challenges, so for those who appreciate trigger warnings, well, just be prepared for some pretty heavy subject matter. That being said, Downes manages to cover these topics in a human and honest way, while still making the novel entertaining and unputdownable.
The twists and turns in this one are beyond unpredictable, and although I made a few educated guesses that came close, the truth to what happened to Phoebe was something I never saw coming. Although I have earmarked Downes’ novels for my TBR list, they seem to be ones that I never quite get to. So, though “Red River Road” was my first Downes’ novel, I sincerely hope it won’t be my last.
February 9, 2024
HOLY OLLIE PANTS this was a good book. Amazing. The freaking red herrings and plot line. Add this to your TBR ASAP
March 22, 2024
First off, I love the way this title rolls off my tongue. It is very fun to say. That being said, I also really liked the story about a couple of women traveling by van, one in search of her missing sister, the other on the run from a most awful guy. Both have secrets they have not revealed to each other which kept the thrilling mystery going, and they may or may not have someone following them on every leg of the journey. While there is much danger I found it interesting to catch a glimpse into the #vanlife that people go on in Australia. It made me want to go see all the sites and attractions that Katy and Beth traveled to. Though not with the creepy notes left and stones that mysteriously showed up around their van at night.
This book had just the right amount of creepiness (especially the messages that were left on Phoebe's Instagram) and the things that Wyatt discovered about his family. Despite being so diverse, all the characters end up nicely connected and when all is revealed I had a very satisfying what the heck moment. So, I really liked this book and gobbled it down happily. I do enjoy the books that Anna Downes writes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book to read and review.
This book had just the right amount of creepiness (especially the messages that were left on Phoebe's Instagram) and the things that Wyatt discovered about his family. Despite being so diverse, all the characters end up nicely connected and when all is revealed I had a very satisfying what the heck moment. So, I really liked this book and gobbled it down happily. I do enjoy the books that Anna Downes writes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book to read and review.
April 7, 2024
I just finished reading the ARC for Red River Road by Anna Downes and it’s a WOW for me! The story is told from the viewpoint of three characters, Katy, Beth and Wyatt, with posts from a solo female traveler named Phoebe interspersed amongst them. Phoebe was definitely a palpable presence, and while not physically interacting with the three main characters, definitely a presence. I felt on edge the entire time I read, and was definitely kept guessing until the very end. There are a few subplots and a superbly created creepy atmosphere throughout, and so many ways this could have gone! It’s definitely a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book will be released on 8/27/24 and should definitely be added to your TBR list if you’re a fan of dark and twisty, atmospheric, page-turner thrillers. Thank you Anna and Goodreads for the advanced copy! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a follow up. 🤞🏽 🚐 #solofemaletravel #weneedanother #patientlywaiting
March 21, 2024
If you’re looking for a roadtrip thriller, this is for you! Set on the coast of Western Australia and truly soooo twisty! My guesses for how it would end changed at least three times and still left me stumped until the very end! I really loved it! So many red herrings but they all worked SO well with the plot and the character arcs. Still shocked by the ending!
March 11, 2024
Red River Road
Anna Downes
TBR August 27, 2024 —your next fun mystery!
2024-22❤️❤️❤️❤️4.8
Mystery
📚📚📚 summary. Katy isn’t used to the vanlife, but it’s a necessity if she wants to find her sister, Phoebe, who has gone missing in the outback of Western Australia. Feeling exposed one evening, she flees only to find a woman hiding in her van. Beth has secrets she’s fleeing from herself, and decides to team up with Katy to help her find Phoebe. But Phoebe isn’t the only woman to go missing in the outback, and secrets aren’t the only things chasing the women. An addictive thrilling roadtrip makes for a can’t put down evening.
Review. Spectacular mystery. I didn’t figure it all out until the end and couldn’t stop reading until the last page. Unlike many twisty ending, I didn’t feel cheated and believed the book to have been fair in how it was presented. Adding Downs to my list of must read authors.
❤️❤️❤️JJ’s last words. I’ll think twice about a solo roadtrip!
Disclaimer: Thank you to Minotaur Books for providing me an electronic ARC to read in exchange for my honest review. #minotaurbooks #redriverroad #annadowneswriter
Anna Downes
TBR August 27, 2024 —your next fun mystery!
2024-22❤️❤️❤️❤️4.8
Mystery
📚📚📚 summary. Katy isn’t used to the vanlife, but it’s a necessity if she wants to find her sister, Phoebe, who has gone missing in the outback of Western Australia. Feeling exposed one evening, she flees only to find a woman hiding in her van. Beth has secrets she’s fleeing from herself, and decides to team up with Katy to help her find Phoebe. But Phoebe isn’t the only woman to go missing in the outback, and secrets aren’t the only things chasing the women. An addictive thrilling roadtrip makes for a can’t put down evening.
Review. Spectacular mystery. I didn’t figure it all out until the end and couldn’t stop reading until the last page. Unlike many twisty ending, I didn’t feel cheated and believed the book to have been fair in how it was presented. Adding Downs to my list of must read authors.
❤️❤️❤️JJ’s last words. I’ll think twice about a solo roadtrip!
Disclaimer: Thank you to Minotaur Books for providing me an electronic ARC to read in exchange for my honest review. #minotaurbooks #redriverroad #annadowneswriter
Want to read
March 31, 2024ARC received! Thank you, Minotaur!!
I really enjoy Anna Downes writing and plot construction, so am definitely looking forward to checking this one out. The Australian setting is a nice extra draw!
I really enjoy Anna Downes writing and plot construction, so am definitely looking forward to checking this one out. The Australian setting is a nice extra draw!
May 9, 2024
Ok. I’ve had this book since February. And I’ve been reading it since, February!! I give up. I’ve tried so hard to like this book and I know it has really good reviews, but I can’t keep torturing myself. It’s very much a slow burn. And I’m the type of person that likes things to pick up quickly and keep me interested. Although it starts off with a bang, it couldn’t hold my attention. I didn’t care about the characters or what happened to the sister. I made it 68% and still had no clue what was going on. The writing is good and atmospheric but I just wasn’t the right audience for this. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review. I tried lol.
March 11, 2024
I loved the setting of an Australian van life trip. It was adventurous and thrilling. The plot for Red River Road is well executed and it was a great psychological thriller. The social media posts with comments added a variety to the reading. The multiple point of views continue to give us insight and red herrings while propelling the story forward at a fast pace. The big reveal and ending were so shocking and not one that I had anticipated. I have to admit the big reveal did seem like a cop out from a tangled mess, but nevertheless it was still very jaw dropping and unexpected. This is one not to miss!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 19, 2024
This was so very good and so hard to put down!
I loved the whole concept of female solo travelers and vanlife. I loved all the descriptive language around the different scenery and places in West Australia.
The story captivated me right from the beginning. We have Katy, who is following the route her sister Phoebe had taken before she mysteriously disappeared. Katy is trying to find her.
Beth is on the run from someone and ends up traveling with Katy, promising to help her find Phoebe.
The way these two stories wove together was so intriguing! I had many different theories going and was blown away by the ending!
You definitely want to pick this one up if you are a fan of this genre.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
I loved the whole concept of female solo travelers and vanlife. I loved all the descriptive language around the different scenery and places in West Australia.
The story captivated me right from the beginning. We have Katy, who is following the route her sister Phoebe had taken before she mysteriously disappeared. Katy is trying to find her.
Beth is on the run from someone and ends up traveling with Katy, promising to help her find Phoebe.
The way these two stories wove together was so intriguing! I had many different theories going and was blown away by the ending!
You definitely want to pick this one up if you are a fan of this genre.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
June 16, 2024
I am obviously not the intended reader of this book.
I did not like this book at all. Awful writing, terrible story telling, clunky, dull, non engaging... I could go on.
This might be your cup of tea, but it absolutely wasn't mine.
I did not like this book at all. Awful writing, terrible story telling, clunky, dull, non engaging... I could go on.
This might be your cup of tea, but it absolutely wasn't mine.
May 31, 2024
Woweee! Strap in for this excellent outback thriller, that will leave you guessing right until the very end! Highly recommend!
Katy’s sister Phoebe has gone missing. Pheebs was travelling solo living her #vanlife up the Western Australian coast and hasn’t been seen for over a year, she has completely disappeared and so has her caravan
Katy has taken matters into her own hands, now in her own caravan, she tries to retrace Pheebs steps using her Instagram posts as clues. Trying to find answers to what happened to her sister
Beth on the run from her boyfriend Lucas and stumbles onto Katy’s camper and sneaks inside and pleads with Katy for help. Trying to keep her identity safe, Beth introduces herself as Lily, and is clearly distressed and in trouble, Katy is weary at first but agrees to offer her shelter. As they get to know each other Lily/Beth offers to travel with Katy to help her find Phoebe, while keeping her past a secret and hoping to be moving as far away from Lucas as possible
Is Beth hiding something else? Will Katy get any answers on her sister’s disappearance?
I really do love an Aussie outback crime thriller, and this one was such a great read. Told from the POV of Beth, Katy and Wyatt (Lucas’ brother) the story moves at a solid pace with short chapters. Phoebe’s Instagram posts add a glimpse of her travels as your try to piece together what happened to her
Katy’s sister Phoebe has gone missing. Pheebs was travelling solo living her #vanlife up the Western Australian coast and hasn’t been seen for over a year, she has completely disappeared and so has her caravan
Katy has taken matters into her own hands, now in her own caravan, she tries to retrace Pheebs steps using her Instagram posts as clues. Trying to find answers to what happened to her sister
Beth on the run from her boyfriend Lucas and stumbles onto Katy’s camper and sneaks inside and pleads with Katy for help. Trying to keep her identity safe, Beth introduces herself as Lily, and is clearly distressed and in trouble, Katy is weary at first but agrees to offer her shelter. As they get to know each other Lily/Beth offers to travel with Katy to help her find Phoebe, while keeping her past a secret and hoping to be moving as far away from Lucas as possible
Is Beth hiding something else? Will Katy get any answers on her sister’s disappearance?
I really do love an Aussie outback crime thriller, and this one was such a great read. Told from the POV of Beth, Katy and Wyatt (Lucas’ brother) the story moves at a solid pace with short chapters. Phoebe’s Instagram posts add a glimpse of her travels as your try to piece together what happened to her
June 27, 2024
RED RIVER ROAD by Anna Downes
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books for the ARC ebook to read.
This story is told in three narratives: Katy who is grieving her missing free-spirited sister, Phoebe, while on a solo road-trip along WA’s Coral Coast; Beth who is escaping an abusive relationship with Lucas and comes in contact with Katy; and Wyatt, Lucas’s younger brother living with his father after the disappearance of their mother.
This twisted and terrifying fast-paced thriller of a trip through the Coral Coast is frightening right from the start of the book. Not many thrillers scare me when reading alone at night, however this one had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. Katy uses Phoebe’s social media account as a rough map to follow in trying to find her. Things are becoming stranger and more darker than Katy ever expected. Was Phoebe being followed? Did she meet up with danger or get caught up in some nefarious behavior? Or is she just having a good time as all her pics show? The less you know about the book going in, the better.
I’ve never read anything by Anna Downes before, but she will now be a go-to-author for a good thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books for the ARC ebook to read.
This story is told in three narratives: Katy who is grieving her missing free-spirited sister, Phoebe, while on a solo road-trip along WA’s Coral Coast; Beth who is escaping an abusive relationship with Lucas and comes in contact with Katy; and Wyatt, Lucas’s younger brother living with his father after the disappearance of their mother.
This twisted and terrifying fast-paced thriller of a trip through the Coral Coast is frightening right from the start of the book. Not many thrillers scare me when reading alone at night, however this one had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. Katy uses Phoebe’s social media account as a rough map to follow in trying to find her. Things are becoming stranger and more darker than Katy ever expected. Was Phoebe being followed? Did she meet up with danger or get caught up in some nefarious behavior? Or is she just having a good time as all her pics show? The less you know about the book going in, the better.
I’ve never read anything by Anna Downes before, but she will now be a go-to-author for a good thriller.
May 13, 2024
Thank you Affirm Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
A tense, atmospheric and refreshing reading experience.
Red River Road is the latest creepy thriller by popular Aussie author Anna Downes.
Adventurer and solo camper van social media influencer Phoebe goes missing on her journey through the dusty wilderness.
Now her sister Katy is following in her footsteps to attempt to find her.
As she sets out, she feels like someone is following her.
Then Katy is hauled into a net of secrets, lies and ultimately danger….
An attention grabbing, bingeable read with a selection of sinister tones.
I quite enjoyed this read and the twist and ending was great.
The build up of the plot had me guessing and my theories were wrong and when all was revealed, I can honestly say I was surprised.
Makes you rethink van life and outback travel adventures and I won’t be touring country Western Australia anytime soon.
There’s multiple perspectives woven throughout, as the story progressed and when it all meets, I was convinced of something else.
Applause to Anna’s current release.
A tense, atmospheric and refreshing reading experience.
Red River Road is the latest creepy thriller by popular Aussie author Anna Downes.
Adventurer and solo camper van social media influencer Phoebe goes missing on her journey through the dusty wilderness.
Now her sister Katy is following in her footsteps to attempt to find her.
As she sets out, she feels like someone is following her.
Then Katy is hauled into a net of secrets, lies and ultimately danger….
An attention grabbing, bingeable read with a selection of sinister tones.
I quite enjoyed this read and the twist and ending was great.
The build up of the plot had me guessing and my theories were wrong and when all was revealed, I can honestly say I was surprised.
Makes you rethink van life and outback travel adventures and I won’t be touring country Western Australia anytime soon.
There’s multiple perspectives woven throughout, as the story progressed and when it all meets, I was convinced of something else.
Applause to Anna’s current release.
June 2, 2024
I think my actual tension kicked in at about page 8, then ramped up from thereon in. Phoebe, Katy’s sister, has gone missing on her solo trek around Australia, so Katy gets a van, and tries to find the clues left on Phoebe’s social media accounts as to her whereabouts/fate. A calamitous/serendipitous meeting with Beth leads them both into danger, but as the strings draw ever more taut, who can be trusted?
A highly recommended read, probably the best of the 3 I’ve read from this author now.
A highly recommended read, probably the best of the 3 I’ve read from this author now.
June 18, 2024
This is my first Anna Downes book and it won’t be my last! Red River Road is an exceptional outback thriller, set along the stunning Coral Coast of Western Australia.
The story centres around Katy who is retracing the steps of her missing sister Phoebe, who set off on a solo adventure around Australia 12 months prior. Equipped in the same type of camper van, Katy uses Phoebe’s social media as a guide to visit and stay at the same places hoping to find clues of what happened.
Katy starts to realise that she’s not alone on this journey and is soon swept up in a web of lies, deception, secrets and stories that has her questioning how well she actually knew her sister.
Told from the points of view of Katy, Beth and Wyatt, this is a book that has a sinister feel right from the start. Through fabulous scene setting and pace, it twists and turns in a complex and thrilling direction that will keep you enthralled.
I did suspect what happened to Phoebe, but as for the rest 🤯 wow…just wow!
If you love outback thrillers then this is the book for you!
The story centres around Katy who is retracing the steps of her missing sister Phoebe, who set off on a solo adventure around Australia 12 months prior. Equipped in the same type of camper van, Katy uses Phoebe’s social media as a guide to visit and stay at the same places hoping to find clues of what happened.
Katy starts to realise that she’s not alone on this journey and is soon swept up in a web of lies, deception, secrets and stories that has her questioning how well she actually knew her sister.
Told from the points of view of Katy, Beth and Wyatt, this is a book that has a sinister feel right from the start. Through fabulous scene setting and pace, it twists and turns in a complex and thrilling direction that will keep you enthralled.
I did suspect what happened to Phoebe, but as for the rest 🤯 wow…just wow!
If you love outback thrillers then this is the book for you!
July 8, 2024
Loved this one, whew had me on the edge of my seat. I used to live in WA many moons ago so the references to several of the places I’ve visited was very nostalgic.
Loved the authors note, great read I read this book in two sittings
Loved the authors note, great read I read this book in two sittings
April 27, 2024
Katy is worried about her sister. She has been missing for over a year. This book grabbed my attention from the start
June 3, 2024
I was addicted from the very beginning. Anna's style of writing, being in my home country. I never seen the ending coming and I must say, I was excited the entire time!
June 8, 2024
“At its heart, Red River Road is about the joy of travel and the right of all women to move through the world without harassment, judgment, or constraint. It explores perceptions of safety, personal responsibility, and gendered violence. It’s a story about stories, those we tell each other and those we tell ourselves, and the power we each carry within us to break a particular cycle.“
I don’t often read a thriller that I know I’ll be thinking about long after it’s over, but Red River Road is one I know I’ll be replaying in my head for a while. The book is atmospheric, twisty, gripping, and perfectly unsettling.
Set on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, the book is told through three perspectives as two of the characters journey up the coast on a long distance road trip. As clues are dropped, more questions arise, and as the story progresses it is less and less clear which (if any) of the narrators are reliable in their perspectives. We start to question what is real, what is perception, and what is being covered up.
I had correct predictions about parts of how the book would conclude by the halfway point, but I didn’t guess the whole end by any means. As someone who usually figures most of the twists out early on, it thrilled me to no end that I didn’t have a completely clear picture of how the book would end! But even if I had, I would have enjoyed the book even with that. The slow build of suspense, the gorgeous descriptions of the stops along the way, and the growing sense of unease kept me glued to the pages, and I truly didn’t want to put it down.
This is a thriller I definitely recommend, and if you read it, definitely read the author’s note at the end! Also, be aware of the content warnings that include domestic violence and stalking.
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
I don’t often read a thriller that I know I’ll be thinking about long after it’s over, but Red River Road is one I know I’ll be replaying in my head for a while. The book is atmospheric, twisty, gripping, and perfectly unsettling.
Set on the Coral Coast of Western Australia, the book is told through three perspectives as two of the characters journey up the coast on a long distance road trip. As clues are dropped, more questions arise, and as the story progresses it is less and less clear which (if any) of the narrators are reliable in their perspectives. We start to question what is real, what is perception, and what is being covered up.
I had correct predictions about parts of how the book would conclude by the halfway point, but I didn’t guess the whole end by any means. As someone who usually figures most of the twists out early on, it thrilled me to no end that I didn’t have a completely clear picture of how the book would end! But even if I had, I would have enjoyed the book even with that. The slow build of suspense, the gorgeous descriptions of the stops along the way, and the growing sense of unease kept me glued to the pages, and I truly didn’t want to put it down.
This is a thriller I definitely recommend, and if you read it, definitely read the author’s note at the end! Also, be aware of the content warnings that include domestic violence and stalking.
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
June 23, 2024
Red River Road is a thriller set in Australia. Katy is looking for her sister, Phoebe, who disappeared a year ago after solo traveling the coast in a van. Vanlife is just one of the hashtags she used in her Instagram posts.
The beginning begins a little creepy as Katy is traveling along a road at night. It looks like someone is following her. Turning off the main road she comes upon a woman needing help. But who is this woman? She has a mysterious past of her own, but with her help Katy continues to search for her sister.
This is a pretty unique thriller. It's slower paced and characters driven. There is also an element of creepiness sometimes. I liked the setting, but I wasn't fully able to envision it. I wish the vanlife community had been incorporated more.
Chapters are told from Katy, Beth, and Wyatt's point of view. I enjoyed Wyatt's chapters the most as that is where things seemed to happen the most. Otherwise there is a lot of repetition and things that don't make sense. We get answers later but in the meantime I was annoyed by Katy. Beth is more likeable.
I can't say much about how Katy and Beth go about finding what happened to Phoebe without spoilers. I enjoyed the scenes when some major things happen. There is a twist that I don't think readers will see coming. It makes me appreciate the story more after everything is finished. The journey to get there is long and not always satisfying, but story is one to remember.
3.5/5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read.
The beginning begins a little creepy as Katy is traveling along a road at night. It looks like someone is following her. Turning off the main road she comes upon a woman needing help. But who is this woman? She has a mysterious past of her own, but with her help Katy continues to search for her sister.
This is a pretty unique thriller. It's slower paced and characters driven. There is also an element of creepiness sometimes. I liked the setting, but I wasn't fully able to envision it. I wish the vanlife community had been incorporated more.
Chapters are told from Katy, Beth, and Wyatt's point of view. I enjoyed Wyatt's chapters the most as that is where things seemed to happen the most. Otherwise there is a lot of repetition and things that don't make sense. We get answers later but in the meantime I was annoyed by Katy. Beth is more likeable.
I can't say much about how Katy and Beth go about finding what happened to Phoebe without spoilers. I enjoyed the scenes when some major things happen. There is a twist that I don't think readers will see coming. It makes me appreciate the story more after everything is finished. The journey to get there is long and not always satisfying, but story is one to remember.
3.5/5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read.
May 12, 2024
I struggled to get into this one initially because it was confusing but I'm so glad I hung in there because the twists and turns were mind boggling!!
June 7, 2024
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Red River Road by Anna Downes
The tension oozes out of the pages of this outback thriller, just brilliant! I took this book away with me when we were camping and if you know the essence of the story you can imagine how it certainly gave me the creeps and made me more aware of my surroundings.
If you love a twisty, nail biting journey then this is it! Read River Road features a female solo traveller named Katy who takes a road trip in a camper van along the remote Coral Coast of Western Australia looking for her missing sister Phoebe who also travelled the same route in her camper van solo.
Katy uses Phoebe’s Instagram account to map and retrace her sisters last steps, searching for clues. Along the way another traveller Beth who is on the run joins her, together they travel the wilderness with the feeling they are not alone. Both women are holding secrets and are in danger.
Don’t let this one escape you, a well written and atmospheric must read!
Publication Date 30 April 2024
Publisher Affirm Press
Thanks to the lovely team at Affirm Press for a copy of the book.
Red River Road by Anna Downes
The tension oozes out of the pages of this outback thriller, just brilliant! I took this book away with me when we were camping and if you know the essence of the story you can imagine how it certainly gave me the creeps and made me more aware of my surroundings.
If you love a twisty, nail biting journey then this is it! Read River Road features a female solo traveller named Katy who takes a road trip in a camper van along the remote Coral Coast of Western Australia looking for her missing sister Phoebe who also travelled the same route in her camper van solo.
Katy uses Phoebe’s Instagram account to map and retrace her sisters last steps, searching for clues. Along the way another traveller Beth who is on the run joins her, together they travel the wilderness with the feeling they are not alone. Both women are holding secrets and are in danger.
Don’t let this one escape you, a well written and atmospheric must read!
Publication Date 30 April 2024
Publisher Affirm Press
Thanks to the lovely team at Affirm Press for a copy of the book.
May 27, 2024
*And then I woke up, it was all just a dream* vibes. Wayyyyy too many unnecessary 'side quests' and not enough character development of the antagonists.
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