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Route 100
Carly Moore has spent countless hours preparing for her newborn son's first party. She wants everything absolutely perfect. For Carly and her husband, Bill, the day to show off and celebrate Mac's birth has been a long, treacherous journey.
Molly, Carly's sister, arrives at the party late with her son. Molly's son is different than his cousins. While the other kids swim and run around in the summer sun, Thomas shies away and keeps to himself. The isolation is something Molly hopes Thomas breaks out of. Post-trauma heals in its own time, is what the doctors said, but each day that passes worries Molly more and more. Although they wouldn't say it to his face, the rest of the family finds Thomas... strange.
After greeting some family members, Carly insists on showing her sister the latest additions to Mac's bedroom. Molly agrees, but everyone stops in their tracks when Thomas asks to hold Mac. Unsure of what to do, Molly and Carly stare at him. One sees a light in her son's eyes that has been missing for years. The other sees her unsettling, untrustworthy nephew.
Bill hops in to break the tension. He'll watch over Thomas and Mac while the sisters catch up. Carly still isn't on board with the idea, but knowing Bill will be right next to Thomas while he holds Mac helps her lower her protective guard.
She carefully hands Mac to Thomas. It's the worst decision she could have possibly made...
Molly, Carly's sister, arrives at the party late with her son. Molly's son is different than his cousins. While the other kids swim and run around in the summer sun, Thomas shies away and keeps to himself. The isolation is something Molly hopes Thomas breaks out of. Post-trauma heals in its own time, is what the doctors said, but each day that passes worries Molly more and more. Although they wouldn't say it to his face, the rest of the family finds Thomas... strange.
After greeting some family members, Carly insists on showing her sister the latest additions to Mac's bedroom. Molly agrees, but everyone stops in their tracks when Thomas asks to hold Mac. Unsure of what to do, Molly and Carly stare at him. One sees a light in her son's eyes that has been missing for years. The other sees her unsettling, untrustworthy nephew.
Bill hops in to break the tension. He'll watch over Thomas and Mac while the sisters catch up. Carly still isn't on board with the idea, but knowing Bill will be right next to Thomas while he holds Mac helps her lower her protective guard.
She carefully hands Mac to Thomas. It's the worst decision she could have possibly made...
321 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2025
About the author
1X?X3
12 books21 followersI write psychological-thriller novels and short stories. New books every October. Visit 1XBOOKSX3.COM
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 13, 2025
There's so much to unpack! This novel perfectly illustrates how the happiest, sun-filled day can quickly turn dark and cold. Good intentions may not be enough to justify actions. When you think you've predicted the outcome, traumatizing twists and turns jerk those thoeries away. This thriller kept calling to me after placing my bookmark to rest each night. I was left wanting more thru the concluding sentence.
I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, searching for the light at the end of the tunnel.
Was the light found?
You'll need to find out for yourself.
I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, searching for the light at the end of the tunnel.
Was the light found?
You'll need to find out for yourself.
May 12, 2026
I picked this book up last fall at Printer’s Row Lit Fest and added it to my growing TBR list of indie authors. Once I finally started reading it, I found myself unable to put it down and ended up devouring it in just two days.
While there were a couple of pacing moments where I wanted things to move a little faster, the character development was strong, and I became deeply invested in several of the characters. The story was intense at times and definitely one that will stick with you long after finishing it.
Do not skip the epilogue!! That final page left me speechless and absolutely wanting more.
While there were a couple of pacing moments where I wanted things to move a little faster, the character development was strong, and I became deeply invested in several of the characters. The story was intense at times and definitely one that will stick with you long after finishing it.
Do not skip the epilogue!! That final page left me speechless and absolutely wanting more.
August 2, 2025
A terrifying story that takes a brutal turn fast. This one will hit home with many people, leaving you second-guessing whether to leave your kids with anyone else. Must read!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews