The rain came down in a torrent, soaking the grounds, flooding the roadway, and causing the already deteriorating house to decay some more. It was dark, eerie, with an evil lurking on the premise as he wandered the halls of this unfamiliar palace. Something was wrong and he was determined to figure out what it was.

No Road Home is a suspenseful horror mainly following Toby who is traveling with his wife to meet her family for the first time. But this family is unusual and not in a good way. Something sinister is going on.

This story had some things going for it… like the atmosphere, the isolated setting, the creepy decaying home, the gothic vibes… but the majority of the book dragged for me. There was a lot going on (a lot!) and you really had to pay attention, which isn’t something I like when it comes to horror novels. There were so many repetitive things as well that just took away from the story. The plot was a really captivating concept, but the execution was lacking for me. Definitely a lot of good twists though!

If you love religious horror, isolated settings, and dark family secrets, then you may enjoy this book!

John Fram once again has created an absolutely stellar horror novel with real-world issues and concerns that makes me feel seen and understood without sacrificing any amount of gore or terror. The ending twists are unpredictable and unforgiving and I'll keep picking up any and everything Fram publishes.

This was my first time reading this author. I went in to it expecting a great mystery or thriller. There were mystery elements, but I feel the whole plot could have been flushed out more.

There is a lot to unpack in this well written complicated book. I think it is one read best going in knowing nothing and letting the story reveal itself as the author intended. Hard book to read in places but an author I will read again for sure

Thank you to Atria Books @Atria @AtriaThrillers and Netgalley @Netgalley for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own.


Toby has done his best to keep his sensitive young son, Luca, safe from the bigotry of the world, but things don’t always go as planned.

When Toby and Luca take a trip to the Wright family, a televangelist, things take a turn for the worst. The situation grows worse when a freak storm cuts off the roads and then someone is found dead via stabbing.

Suspicion turns to Toby who swears he saw a figure in black lurking around the house. Toby realizes that the Wright family has more than murder to be afraid of but no one is prepared for the lengths Toby will go in the fight to clear his name and protect his son.

This book is told mostly through Toby’s POV, with a few others sprinkled in. It started with a bang by introducing the murder victim, but then we don’t hear from them until almost the very end. I felt that the story was unbalanced, being all Toby and I would have enjoyed it more had we heard more from some of the other characters. I did appreciate that all the points of views were clearly marked, a huge must for me. I appreciated how descriptive this book was, it was very vivid. However, I felt that at times it was almost overwhelming especially when talking about addiction and mental health struggles. These are sensitive topics for me, so I do have high standards when reading about them and while this book was alright, it wasn’t exactly when I needed. I found the story to be too long for me. Coming in at about 420 pages, I think that it would have been better about 100 pages less.

Overall, I didn’t mind this story, it had some strong points, but I think that it did fall a little flat for me.

No Road Home tells a story of Toby, a single father whose new wife is the granddaughter of a televangelist tycoon. Toby and Alyssa's relationship was a whirlwind; from meeting to marriage was only 6 months! Now, Toby and Alyssa venture back to Texas to her family's estate. Toby meets Alyssa's odd, wealthy family and is a bit worried about the influence they will have on his son. Soon, a storm hits, the roads are blocked, and the televangelist patriarch is found murdered on the roof. It's now up to Toby to get himself and his son to safety, while unraveling family secrets he'd rather not know.

I thought this book had a wonderful premise: Toby, keeping his son as safe as possible from the bigotry of the world, dropped into the world of ultra wealthy, ultra conservative, ultra religious televangelists. As Toby goes through the book, I was hoping for slightly better "secrets". I think the author had good ideas, but I think that too many were tried to be incorporated at once. Without giving spoilers, I thought the reveals were "too much". I think there are so many ways this book could have been written to include certain secrets while staying away from other "familial relationships".

Although I enjoyed the idea of the book, I think the writing missed the mark for me. Overall I didn't enjoy this book as much as others may have. I think I wanted something better. I wanted to root for Toby to unravel the bigotry and hatred of this family in a realistic yet thrilling way, exposing them for their hatred. Ultimately, I was underwhelmed.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sorry this was too disturbing for me. Check the trigger warnings as there's a lot of really unsavory topics discussed in here. It's relevant and timely but way too dark for me

No Road Home by John Fram

416 Pages
Publisher: Atria Books
Release Date: July 23, 2024

Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Family Dynamics, LGBTQIAP+, Religious Organization

Televangelist Jerome Write is the patriarch of a dysfunctional family and religious organization. So many secrets but at the bottom of them is greed. Alyssa Wright and Tobias “Toby” Tucker are newlyweds. She is a pediatrician with several houses and was drawn to Toby and his son, Luca. Shortly after they get married, they decide to leave California and go back to Texas to visit her wealthy family. Once there, the family expected them to become part of the ministry. What Toby did not know what Alyssa was due to come into her inheritance once she turned thirty but there was a stipulation. She must be married and have a child. Toby is afraid for Luca. He is so different, and the family is talking about sending him to camp to toughen him up.

Disaster strikes the family and then a terrible rainstorm moves in making the roads impassable. The phones and internet are down, and no one is going anywhere. They are trapped with an unknown evil. The family will do anything to protect the family business alive, including murder. The story was fast paced, the characters were developed, and it was written in the third person point of view. There was psychological intrigue and so many twists and turns that I was unsure who was the good guys.

I really enjoyed this book. It was different than anything else I've read recently. I couldn't put it down! I will keep an eye out for this author's future work!

As a huge fan of The Bright Lands, No Road Home was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024. And I'm happy to say that John Fram exceeded my expectations and then some.

Like a cross between GET OUT and KNIVES OUT, this is a fantastic locked room thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page. The story featured a brilliant mix of traditional whodunnit elements and supernatural beats.

Most impressive was the central relationship between Toby and his young son Luca. It was so refreshing to read about a dad who accepted their child sans any judgment from the jump. The lengths he will go to protect Luca truly makes you root for him.

Peeling back the layers on the individual members of the Wright family was another highlight. It would have been easy to depict them as one-note religious zealots, but that's not the case here. Even the most repugnant characters have moments of redemption.

Can't recommend this one enough! John Fram has quickly become a MUST READ author. Eagerly anticipating his next work!

Wow, this was tense, sometimes unpleasant, but always a page turner. What a story! Dark, atmospheric, twisted with a touch of religion spouting revenge and atonement.
A family whose wealth was built on lies, whose personalities were rotten to the core. John Fram created many bibliographic references throughout the novel that helped set the scenes. The claustrophobic nature of the mansion, with its endless corridors and strange rooms gave this book a touch of horror similar to The Shining by Stephen King.
There were so many twists and revelations, I read it all in one sitting. Be prepared to be horrified and anxious.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I need to read something bright and sunny next. A great read.

I love when thrillers come about that aren't of the regular formula. Granted, I read those too but it's more fun when they take an unexpected left turn. Great author to discover for me too.

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

Yes yes and even more yes! This was my first book from this author (and I’ve already looked up his previous book because now I want to read that one!) and I really enjoyed all the twists and turns and how easily the author was able to have me guessing at every turn. I absolutely loved the closed door mystery here and the strong LGBTQIA representation mixed with everything that comes with that (bigotry, religiosity, etc.). When I finished this book, I had that moment of, “…wow” where I sat for a moment to digest what I’d just read and it was such a great ending that I was happy and want this book to be made into a movie or TV series so bad because it has all the right elements!

John Fram, you speak my love language and I will forever be a huge fan of yours.

I’ve read every thriller imaginable. The cheating husband, the evil children, the woman plagued with amnesia……..but nothing and I tell you nothing has ever been written like No Road Home, to date .
No Road Home, is completely original to anything I have ever read and has left me transfixed on what this book just put me through. I might just have to read it again to make sure I did not miss anything .

I’m left with a massive book hangover and can not stop thinking about this book!!!

John Fram, is in the big leagues when it comes to skill and execution of the perfect book. What blows my mind is this was my first book by Fram. After concluding No Road Home, I instantly went into stalker mode and found/purchased, The Bright Lands

If you are looking for a book to blow your mind and satisfy your every bookish need, look no further, No Road Home, will quench your ever loving need .

Check out this teaser :

A young father must clear his name and protect his queer son when his wealthy new wife’s televangelist grandfather is found murdered in this unputdownable locked-room thriller from the acclaimed author of The Bright Lands—perfect for fans of Ruth Ware, Paul Tremblay, and Alex North.

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.

Oh, man… WOWZAH! This book has it all — twists, a dash of paranormal (queue family ghost), queer themes, religious bigotry, and lots of characters with hidden agendas, secrets, and drama. This locked room, gothic mystery grips you until the end, and it’s so important to pay attention because there’s a lot going on as the book progresses. The ending is NOT expected and highly satisfying. I highly enjoyed this eARC and thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review John Fram’s No Road Home, Pub Date 07/23/2024. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The book started out interesting but quickly devolved into a dysfunctional family novel that pulled an unwitting man and his sensitive son into their mess. I found myself losing interest as the story went on and became more wild and incoherent. I found there to be too many characters, and the second half of the book's pacing made it somewhat difficult for me to plow along.

A gripping and atmospheric closed room mystery/thriller. I wasn't the biggest fan of Bright Lands, but when I had the chance to read Fram's next book, I knew I wanted to give it a chance. I like the writing style, the clear LBGTQIA+ representation, and the "get out" type vibe. I am a sucker for weather induced separation, creepy families, and secrets.

What I don't love--religion. It's just not my topic. Now, there's no covering up that this religious discussion is to expose hypocrisy and prejudice. I can appreciate that, but in general, I find religion in books to be something I avoid, for good or bad. Not sure why anyone would think that an Evangelical family would be welcoming of an openly queer child, but I do love the support, love, and acceptance of our MC for their child.

This was a very atmospheric and descriptive story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. In the end, I think I have to admit that maybe Fram's writing isn't for me. I didn't dislike this book, but I didn't love it either. It was a little wordy for me and missed the mark on executing some themes covered.

Somewhere between Knives Out and Get Out is this thrilling and disturbing second novel from John Fram, who’s debut The Bright Lands was one of the best books of 2020. Home is a strange concept. We’re taught when we’re young that there’s no place like home. It’s the place where we grow up, and find ourselves, and are surrounded by family. But for many, it’s difficult, it’s painful, it’s something to escape rather than return to or emulate into adulthood. And very often, especially for those in the queer community, we build our own family and become our own home, our own sanctuary.

No Road Home tells the story of Toby Tucker and his son, Luca. Newly married to Alyssa Wright, the granddaughter of a famous televangelist known for his increasingly twisted prophecies, Toby is cautious when the time comes for him to travel to the Wright family home, an enormous Texas compound that houses most of the bizarre Wright family tree. Alyssa promises that her family aren’t as bad as they seem, that they’re too rich to be bigots, and more harmless than predatory. Yet, upon arrival, the promised theater seems more reality than fiction, and for some reason, everyone is looking at Luca. A freak storm causes all communication to the outside world to be cut off. And then Jerome, the family’s patriarch, dies under mysterious circumstances. Everyone is a suspect and nobody is safe until the rain lifts. And Toby will stop at nothing to make sure Luca makes it home unscathed.

It’s difficult to sum up this book. There’s so many moving parts and so many characters, but it all comes together in ways both shocking and poignant. While Toby is a little unreliable of a narrator, he’s steadfast in protecting his child and thus No Road Home becomes a tribute to the remarkable parents who protect their children and don’t try to mold them or change them. Set against the immense generational wealth and trauma of the Wrights, the difference couldn’t be more apparent. As (I hope) always, Fram’s work is also unapologetically queer and leans heavily into the way that experiences when young shape the people we become. What’s left at the end is the hard part; the internal healing, the forgiveness of self, the expungement of shame. That road may be ultimately difficult to find, covered in brambles and weeds, but it’s worth it to explore. And for many of us, that road’s end point is simple: trying to make it a better world for the next generation, trying to normalize and accept and love, being adventurers in our own minds and in action, unafraid to unlearn and choose something better. Amen.

So many intriguing and powerful literary tropes - Agatha Christie, the paranormal, the gothic - combine to make a fast-paced, must-read novel. Fram's writing style pulls you in immediately and makes it hard to put down this book. No Road Home has a little bit for all kinds of readers, but this in no way dilutes the power of the book. If anything, the combination (in this author's hands), make it all the better. Whether you pick it up for the locked room mystery, or the power play seemingly inherent in televised religion - just be sure to pick it up!