For years, single father Toby Tucker has done his best to keep his sensitive young son, Luca, safe from the bigotry of the world. But when Toby marries Alyssa Wright—the granddaughter of a famed televangelist known for his grandiose, Old Testament preaching—he can’t imagine the world of religion, wealth, and hate that he and Luca are about to enter.
A trip to the Wright family’s compound in sun-scorched Texas soon turns hellish when Toby realizes that Alyssa and the rest of her brood might have some very strange plans for Toby and his son. The situation only grows worse when a freak storm cuts off the roads and the family patriarch is found murdered, stabbed through the heart on the roof of the family’s mansion.
Suspicion immediately turns to Toby, but when his son starts describing a spectral figure in a black suit lurking around the house with unfinished business in mind, Toby realizes this family has more than murder to be afraid of. And as the Wrights close in on Luca, no one is prepared for the lengths Toby will go in the fight to clear his name and protect his son.
Review
I loved John Fram’s debut, The Bright Lands. It was so surprising and unique and I was happy to find out about No Road Home which is just as unique and thrilling.
Toby is a single parent to Luca and he’s married rather quickly to Alyssa. He’s never met her family but he knows of them. Her grandfather is a famous televangelist and the whole family has a role in keeping the business running smoothly. Now everyone is getting together at the Wright family compound in Texas.
Things immediately feel creepy and shady. Then the grandfather is found murdered on the roof and a storm has everyone trapped. That’s when the atmosphere becomes extremely charged and intense. Toby’s anxiety ramps up as he realizes the family’s agenda and what they intend for his son.
He desperately tries to find a way out of the situation they’re in. To get out of their clutches physically and otherwise. He might have a possible ally but it’s hard to trust anyone. As if that wasn’t enough there’s a man only Luca can see. So yeah, this book has it all and seriously had me stressed!
I loved how protective Toby was of his sweet little boy who makes origami roses and wears sparkly socks. I love how this story was written, supernatural and reality melded perfectly. Nuanced characters and a lot of depth and emotion. Which I also found in The Bright Lands. It’s safe to say John Fram is a favorite author of mine and I highly recommend his books.
Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Expected Publication Date: July 23, 2024
A Good Mystery 