A review by thegrimhobbyist
The Road by JJ Carpenter

4.0

The Road, the second installment in The Corner of Her Eye series, is a compelling continuation of Charlie and her friends’ adventures as they unravel paranormal mysteries steeped in Australian history. With a few side mysteries added to the mix, this book keeps the intrigue alive - and that twist at the end? Completely unexpected! But I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoilers.

While I did manage to solve the mysteries - besides the twist - fairly easily, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. Watching the characters - Charlie, Tess, Trent, and Maryanna - piece things together at their own pace made the journey worthwhile. For me, an easily solvable mystery doesn’t ruin the experience; it’s about immersing myself in the story.

One of my favorite aspects of this series is the way it continues to expand the paranormal world. Discovering the rules alongside the characters adds a sense of wonder and curiosity. I’m particularly enjoying the deepening friendships, especially between Charlie, Tess, and Trent, which feel authentic and engaging. The historical elements remain a standout feature, providing rich layers to the narrative, while the eerie, tension-filled moments firmly root this series in the horror genre. There were several instances when I found myself on edge, completely absorbed in the story’s creeping dread.

As with the first book, readers should be mindful of potential triggers. The story doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker sides of Australian history and other heavy topics, so it’s worth approaching with caution if those themes might affect you.

Overall, I’m eagerly looking forward to picking up book three! I can’t wait to see what new mysteries this trio will tackle next.