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The Motor Route
Devin runs the same midnight route outside Sioux Falls every night, sliding papers into the same tattered newspaper tubes along the same quiet roads. It’s boring. Routine. Forgettable. But lately, something different.
Weird sightings. Bizarre encounters. A growing sense that something — or someone — is trying to reach him.
The Motor Route is a haunting journey through the darkness of rural South Dakota, tracing one man's surreal, single-night descent into something he can't explain. As the boundaries between calm and chaos begin to blur, Devin is forced to confront the space between what’s trustworthy and diabolical.
Weird sightings. Bizarre encounters. A growing sense that something — or someone — is trying to reach him.
The Motor Route is a haunting journey through the darkness of rural South Dakota, tracing one man's surreal, single-night descent into something he can't explain. As the boundaries between calm and chaos begin to blur, Devin is forced to confront the space between what’s trustworthy and diabolical.
- GenresThriller
314 pages, Paperback
Published July 8, 2025
5 people are currently reading
1667 people want to read
About the author
Dustin Baker
1 book14 followersDustin Baker is a novelist and longtime writer from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He covers the Minnesota Vikings as editor of VikingsTerritory.com and holds degrees in Political Science and History from the University of Minnesota. A lifelong fan of the NFL and NBA, Dustin blends his love of storytelling with an eye for detail and irony. He lives in South Dakota with his wife and two kids and can be found on X (Twitter) at @DustBaker. He listens to hip hop and classic rock and proudly claims Norwegian descent.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 15, 2025
A very strong debut novel with a unique setting (can't say I've ever read a book about a newspaper delivery route before), "The Motor Route" is really one of those books where it's better for the reader to go in blind — so if the blurb sounds interesting to you, then I recommend you pick it up!
The plot is simple: we follow Devin, a newspaper delivery driver, as he goes through one rather peculiar morning on his paper route. Devin has been driving this route for a year now with minimal troubles (car maintenance and weather being his main enemies), but this particular day is ready to cause him some problems. His very first stop on his route leads to him finding an unconscious man passed out in front of a bar, and things just keep getting weirder from there.
I would argue that this isn't really much of a thriller, as it was marketed as, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable to me. If anything I got a strong sense of everything just being off-kilter rather than being truly ominous, which was a nice change from your run-of-the-mill thriller.
Now for the less positive portion of the review — I do have one complaint about this story and its with the writing style. There is a lot of rather in-depth and descriptive writing here, which has both its pros and cons. On the plus side, descriptive writing is nice to have when setting up each new and unusual occurrence, or when detailing the main character's mental and emotional state. But on the negative, it's not nearly as entertaining when we're detailing the minutiae of a completely normal trip to the bathroom. The heavy description also leads to some awkward phrasing that could trip the reader up. For example, at one point Devin is described as wiping away a tear from his eye with "his index finger knuckle" (pg. 308) and that stood out to me as unusually specific.
That said, I still want to rate this one highly because it is a very interesting plot with a great ending, and the descriptive language does in fact provide more depth to a good number of scenes in the novel. After reading this one, I'm interested to see what other stories Dustin Baker might have for us in the future!
The plot is simple: we follow Devin, a newspaper delivery driver, as he goes through one rather peculiar morning on his paper route. Devin has been driving this route for a year now with minimal troubles (car maintenance and weather being his main enemies), but this particular day is ready to cause him some problems. His very first stop on his route leads to him finding an unconscious man passed out in front of a bar, and things just keep getting weirder from there.
I would argue that this isn't really much of a thriller, as it was marketed as, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable to me. If anything I got a strong sense of everything just being off-kilter rather than being truly ominous, which was a nice change from your run-of-the-mill thriller.
Now for the less positive portion of the review — I do have one complaint about this story and its with the writing style. There is a lot of rather in-depth and descriptive writing here, which has both its pros and cons. On the plus side, descriptive writing is nice to have when setting up each new and unusual occurrence, or when detailing the main character's mental and emotional state. But on the negative, it's not nearly as entertaining when we're detailing the minutiae of a completely normal trip to the bathroom. The heavy description also leads to some awkward phrasing that could trip the reader up. For example, at one point Devin is described as wiping away a tear from his eye with "his index finger knuckle" (pg. 308) and that stood out to me as unusually specific.
That said, I still want to rate this one highly because it is a very interesting plot with a great ending, and the descriptive language does in fact provide more depth to a good number of scenes in the novel. After reading this one, I'm interested to see what other stories Dustin Baker might have for us in the future!
October 9, 2025
Dustin Baker’s The Motor Route is the kind of novel that sneaks up on you. What begins as an almost mundane depiction of a mail carrier’s daily life quietly transforms into a mind-bending journey that leaves you questioning what’s real, what’s remembered, and what’s haunting you from the outskirts of your own thoughts.
The novel unfolds in three distinct parts, each a tonal shift that deepens the emotional and psychological significance. The first part introduces us to Devin, a small-town mail carrier whose routine existence borders on the dull. But there’s a comfort in the simplicity of this beginning, until that comfort begins to fray.
The second part drags you into a disorienting blur of visions, fractured memories, and surreal experiences. It’s here that Baker’s real talent shines: he makes you feel just as off-balance as Devin, unsure if what’s unfolding is a dream, a delusion, a scheme, or something far darker.
By the third act, the story forces a reckoning—both for Devin and the reader. The tension comes to a head in a way that’s as emotional as it is psychological. Devin must confront not only the strangeness he’s encountered, but the truths he’s tried to avoid. Whether he reconciles with them is the question that lingers long after the last page.
One of the book’s most striking achievements is its atmosphere. From the very beginning, there’s an uncanny sense of being watched. It’s not just what Devin sees—or thinks he sees—but what you feel while reading. Baker crafts a penetrating feel of unease that seeps into the reading experience. It’s subtle and unsettling, making you glance over your shoulder or question the flicker in your peripheral vision.
That said, The Motor Route isn’t without its flaws. Baker’s text can be overly descriptive to the point of excessiveness. At times, the writing gets bogged down in lengthy depictions of scenery, objects, or internal monologue that threaten to stall the pacing. Additionally, while the ambiguity is clearly intentional and thematically appropriate, it occasionally veers into the realm of tedious and tiresome.
Yet, these shortcomings don’t diminish the novel’s power—they simply challenge the reader’s patience. What you get in return is worth it: a story that evokes shock, unease, suspicion, fondness, and even amusement. Few books offer such a wide range and strange mix of emotional responses, and even fewer balance them so effectively.
Ultimately, The Motor Route is a quietly disturbing, unexpectedly moving exploration of routine, reality, and the things we choose to see—or not see. If you’re looking for a story that lingers long after you’ve finished it, and aren’t afraid of a few detours along the way, this route is worth traveling.
The novel unfolds in three distinct parts, each a tonal shift that deepens the emotional and psychological significance. The first part introduces us to Devin, a small-town mail carrier whose routine existence borders on the dull. But there’s a comfort in the simplicity of this beginning, until that comfort begins to fray.
The second part drags you into a disorienting blur of visions, fractured memories, and surreal experiences. It’s here that Baker’s real talent shines: he makes you feel just as off-balance as Devin, unsure if what’s unfolding is a dream, a delusion, a scheme, or something far darker.
By the third act, the story forces a reckoning—both for Devin and the reader. The tension comes to a head in a way that’s as emotional as it is psychological. Devin must confront not only the strangeness he’s encountered, but the truths he’s tried to avoid. Whether he reconciles with them is the question that lingers long after the last page.
One of the book’s most striking achievements is its atmosphere. From the very beginning, there’s an uncanny sense of being watched. It’s not just what Devin sees—or thinks he sees—but what you feel while reading. Baker crafts a penetrating feel of unease that seeps into the reading experience. It’s subtle and unsettling, making you glance over your shoulder or question the flicker in your peripheral vision.
That said, The Motor Route isn’t without its flaws. Baker’s text can be overly descriptive to the point of excessiveness. At times, the writing gets bogged down in lengthy depictions of scenery, objects, or internal monologue that threaten to stall the pacing. Additionally, while the ambiguity is clearly intentional and thematically appropriate, it occasionally veers into the realm of tedious and tiresome.
Yet, these shortcomings don’t diminish the novel’s power—they simply challenge the reader’s patience. What you get in return is worth it: a story that evokes shock, unease, suspicion, fondness, and even amusement. Few books offer such a wide range and strange mix of emotional responses, and even fewer balance them so effectively.
Ultimately, The Motor Route is a quietly disturbing, unexpectedly moving exploration of routine, reality, and the things we choose to see—or not see. If you’re looking for a story that lingers long after you’ve finished it, and aren’t afraid of a few detours along the way, this route is worth traveling.
September 28, 2025
In Dustin Baker's debut novel The Motor Route, readers are taken on a journey where a seemingly ordinary morning delivering newspapers in rural South Dakota takes unexpected turns.
Devin Kerfeld needed a job, so when he saw a billboard ad for work that paid $2,500 per month for two hours of work in the morning, to his disbelief, it wasn't a scam. Delivering newspapers doesn't sound bad. Sure, the hours are in the middle of the night, but by dawn, you're done. So what's the catch? Devin has been assigned the Motor Route, although no one knows why it's named that. Unlike the rest of his coworkers whose delivery routes are within the city, Devin has to drive miles into rural South Dakota every day, especially since no one wants to drive that route. After being employed for over a year with the Tribune, Devin has gotten everything down to a science; when to leave, accounting for pit stops, or weather. So, when Devin comes in for another day of work doing his ordinary routine, what could go wrong?
I will say that this story took me by surprise. Normally, I'm able to guess the general direction that the storyline will go. However, the twist that occurs about 2/3 into the book to me by surprise. In the beginning, Devin is on his route, and weird things start happening to him, to the point where it seems like everything is unbelievable. Then with that surprise twist, it took this story in a different direction. Baker's writing is descriptive, which conjures up imagery of Devin's journey in the middle of the night. I will say that while Baker's writing on Devin's mental and emotional journey benefits from such profound writing, it also made it weird in certain aspects of the story where such descriptive writing was superfluous, which may prevent some from continuing reading.
With that to say, I enjoyed the story and I'm interested to see what other stories Baker will write.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Dustin Baker for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My intentions are to write feedback that reflects my genuine thoughts and is written with the book’s genre and target audience in mind. I aim to review fairly and respectfully, focusing on the story’s purpose.
Devin Kerfeld needed a job, so when he saw a billboard ad for work that paid $2,500 per month for two hours of work in the morning, to his disbelief, it wasn't a scam. Delivering newspapers doesn't sound bad. Sure, the hours are in the middle of the night, but by dawn, you're done. So what's the catch? Devin has been assigned the Motor Route, although no one knows why it's named that. Unlike the rest of his coworkers whose delivery routes are within the city, Devin has to drive miles into rural South Dakota every day, especially since no one wants to drive that route. After being employed for over a year with the Tribune, Devin has gotten everything down to a science; when to leave, accounting for pit stops, or weather. So, when Devin comes in for another day of work doing his ordinary routine, what could go wrong?
I will say that this story took me by surprise. Normally, I'm able to guess the general direction that the storyline will go. However, the twist that occurs about 2/3 into the book to me by surprise. In the beginning, Devin is on his route, and weird things start happening to him, to the point where it seems like everything is unbelievable. Then with that surprise twist, it took this story in a different direction. Baker's writing is descriptive, which conjures up imagery of Devin's journey in the middle of the night. I will say that while Baker's writing on Devin's mental and emotional journey benefits from such profound writing, it also made it weird in certain aspects of the story where such descriptive writing was superfluous, which may prevent some from continuing reading.
With that to say, I enjoyed the story and I'm interested to see what other stories Baker will write.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Dustin Baker for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. My intentions are to write feedback that reflects my genuine thoughts and is written with the book’s genre and target audience in mind. I aim to review fairly and respectfully, focusing on the story’s purpose.
November 11, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Motor Route by Dustin Baker is a haunting, slow-burn psychological thriller that grips from the first page. Baker’s writing is sharp and cinematic—each scene soaked in tension, silence, and unease. The lonely highway setting feels alive, pulsing with guilt, memory, and the weight of choices that can’t be undone.
The pacing is deliberate but never dull, leading to a dark and satisfying payoff. It’s part noir, part fever dream—beautifully written and quietly devastating.
Perfect for fans of atmospheric suspense, haunting introspection, and stories that linger long after “The End.”
The Motor Route by Dustin Baker is a haunting, slow-burn psychological thriller that grips from the first page. Baker’s writing is sharp and cinematic—each scene soaked in tension, silence, and unease. The lonely highway setting feels alive, pulsing with guilt, memory, and the weight of choices that can’t be undone.
The pacing is deliberate but never dull, leading to a dark and satisfying payoff. It’s part noir, part fever dream—beautifully written and quietly devastating.
Perfect for fans of atmospheric suspense, haunting introspection, and stories that linger long after “The End.”
March 1, 2026
It was just okay.
I received the book from a Goodreads giveaway.
I was disappointed. The book seemed like a book written by a child or teenager. It had many publishing errors. The storyline was a cautionary tale about alcoholism. It was not to my liking. I cannot recommend it.
I received the book from a Goodreads giveaway.
I was disappointed. The book seemed like a book written by a child or teenager. It had many publishing errors. The storyline was a cautionary tale about alcoholism. It was not to my liking. I cannot recommend it.
December 6, 2025
So good. I can't even say why without it being a spoiler so just do yourself a favor and READ IT
Read
February 24, 2026Engaging until chapter 15 which is unexpectedly x-rated. Lost interest after that.
December 31, 2025
I really enjoyed reading the Motor Route Book. It had a lot of twists and turns that made it feel real, and some of those twists even made me question my own thoughts as I was reading. There were a few chapters that I felt weren’t really needed, but that didn’t take away from the story too much.
What I liked most was that it’s something different — I haven’t really seen any other books about a paper route before, and that made it stand out. Overall, it’s a good read with a nice storyline, and I’d definitely recommend it to others who want something unique, realistic, and thought-provoking.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What I liked most was that it’s something different — I haven’t really seen any other books about a paper route before, and that made it stand out. Overall, it’s a good read with a nice storyline, and I’d definitely recommend it to others who want something unique, realistic, and thought-provoking.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews