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!

Slow in the beginning, but enough to keep my interest. A captivatingly narrative, weaving a claustrophobic locked-room mystery with strong LGBTQ representation. A blend of suspense, mystery, and inclusive storytelling in a rich gothic atmosphere, also supernatural - delicious! Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and the Author John Fram for advanced copy for honest review.

Toby's life was about to change for better or worse only God knew. He was a single father to son Luca and making it by until a whirlwind romance with Alyssa Wright. The Alyssa Wright of the famed televangelist family of Texas. When the time came to meet her famous family, signs were not looking too good and they should've taken a clue from that, but on they went. Shortly after arriving, they find the family patriarch dead on the roof with a storm that has cut off means of communication and they find themselves trapped. Without any spoilers, the family is not what they seem, not how they portray themselves, and Toby will do anything to protect his son. 4 stars, recommend

John Fram's No Road Home is a locked-room murder-mystery with an eerie atmosphere, dark secrets, and complex characters. Great writing, and bonus points for the sinister religious elements.

I really enjoyed John Fram’s debut The Bright Lands, but unfortunately this one just didn’t work for me quite as well. The writing felt really repetitive — I was honestly SO sick of hearing about “mind palaces” by the end of this. The pacing of reveals was kind of weird too. I’m always a little annoyed when information is revealed to a protagonist but kept from the reader, despite being in that character’s POV. It just feels like I’m being tricked. Maybe it would’ve worked if there’d been more changes in perspective, but it was just weird to be so much in Toby’s head except for when he learns any relevant information. And by not learning about Toby’s true motivations until the very very end of the book, I spent most of the time feeling frustrated by how hopelessly naive he seemed to be, and annoyed that he would’ve placed his son in such obvious danger in the first place.

All that said, there were certain elements I enjoyed. The atmosphere was very good, and I loved the way this family’s house was slowly rotting away. Very eerie and gothic. I also enjoyed the way that the supernatural was woven into the story. Overall, I would read John Fram’s next book, even if this one wasn’t my favorite.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

I loved John Fram’s debut novel, The Bright Lands, so I was excited to get a copy of his newest book from Netgalley. No Road Home centres around single dad Toby Tucker and the absolutely deranged televangelist family he marries into. When the family’s patriarch preacher is found dead, things quickly devolve, exposing all manners of sins and secrets; Toby is accused of murder; and it becomes clear that his new wife had ulterior—and shady—motives for welcoming him and his son to her family. This story had lots of twists and turns, and I loved every minute of it.

This is a shocking, twisty and crazy (but in only the best way) locked room thriller. After a single father marries into a family of famous televangelists in Texas, a trip to their compound leads to revelations and dark secrets coming to light.

This is a thriller that involves a bit of supernatural and a smidge of horror. The characters are boldly defined, and the setting is vivid and unsettling. If you’re alright suspending disbelief and going along on a wild ride, you’ll really enjoy this.

Personally, I loved it and read it in one day because I couldn’t put it down. Because of how daring and sharply drawn the characters and some of the scenes are in this book, I already know that it’ll be one of those reads I won’t soon forget.

This comes out in July 2024!

Thank you Atria Books for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with a digital ARC.

No Road Home follows Toby, a single father of a queer son, who has recently married into a wealthy family who’s patriarch is a famous televangelist. When that same patriarch is found murdered, Toby must fight to clear his name and protect his son from the family that now surrounds him.

Y'all - this one was wild. It’s a locked room, murder mystery - with supernatural elements. I was not expecting that part of the story. I thought it was going to be your run of the mill whodunnit - but it certainly was not.

There are quite a number of twists and turns that keep you guessing - some reveals are more surprising than others! What I love about this one, though - is that Fram has created such a layered and dynamic character in Toby - who comes into this story with so much past trauma. It was really fascinating to see him navigate the family dynamics that he found himself tied up in. It was also really great to see the lengths which he is willing to go to secure the safety of his son.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I imagine if you enjoyed Fram’s other work, The Bright Lands, then this one will be right up your alley!

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This book publishes July 23, 2024.

This is a queer horror book that follows a man from California who is newly married to the granddaughter of a famous televangelist from Texas. The MC moves to Texas with his new wife and brings his queer preteen son with him on this move. They move to the estate of the televangelist which includes 10-15 members of the extended family living there and somehow involved in the family business.

The MC is thrown into the bigoted family drama including trying to solve a murder that occurs, discovering the mystery behind the creepy house, while also trying to save himself and his son from the family.

What worked for me:
-Fun setup that kept me engaged for about the first half
-The rich estate setting keeping creepy secrets was written about in an ominous way that kept me engaged
-The queer preteen son character made this murder mystery plot setup stand out compared to other books with this setup
-Enjoyed the religious commentary interwoven with queer themes interwoven with horror elements

What didn’t:
-Way too many characters. It was difficult to keep track of who was who and ultimately made the twists and whodunnit of it all less impactful.
-Wanted more focus on the preteen son and what he was going through. Was hoping for more pay off regarding the family trying to get him put on air as part of their television program.
-The characters that we learn more about towards the end of the book ended up being the most intriguing and I would’ve liked to hear about them more in the first part of the book rather than all at the end when we have mostly wrapped up. This contributed to pacing issues.
-The pacing in the second half made me lose interest quickly and ultimately made this book fall flat

Overall this book was a let down compared to Fram’s previous book The Bright Lands. Still read it if you want a queer horror book with religious trauma though. Pay more attention to the details of the character list at the beginning than I did and maybe the payoff of this book will be stronger for you than it was for me. Will still read more from this author!

I feel like it took me forever to read this book. It was a slow burn for me. I did not really connect to the book. I am not really into the gothic vibe. I felt like everyone in the book was mistreated and that was a little unsettling. This would be a great book for anyone looking for books with LGBTQ characters.