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Never Stop on the Motorway (Kindle Single): A Story
A gripping short story from master storyteller and #1 New York Times bestseller Jeffrey Archer, released for the first time as a stand-alone e-original.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Archer again conquers the short story form in the thrilling Never Stop on the Motorway . This classic story will have readers’ hearts racing along with single mother Diana, attempting to escape a dangerous van on the highway. However, the unplanned high-speed journey is not the only surprise in this hair-raising and riveting story, and Archer keeps his readers guessing until the last moments.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Archer again conquers the short story form in the thrilling Never Stop on the Motorway . This classic story will have readers’ hearts racing along with single mother Diana, attempting to escape a dangerous van on the highway. However, the unplanned high-speed journey is not the only surprise in this hair-raising and riveting story, and Archer keeps his readers guessing until the last moments.
22 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2011
About the author
Jeffrey Archer
658 books12.8k followersJeffrey is published in 114 countries and more than 47 languages, with more than 750,000 5* reviews with international sales passing 275 million copies.
He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).
Jeffrey has been married for 53 years to Dame Mary Archer DBE. They have two sons, William and James, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca.
He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction (nineteen times), short stories (four times) and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).
Jeffrey has been married for 53 years to Dame Mary Archer DBE. They have two sons, William and James, three grandsons and two granddaughters, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 23, 2021
My first book by Jeffrey Archer. Yes, this is a very short book but it's a good mystery and I just had to know how it plays out. A gripping shortie!
June 23, 2023
A well written suspenseful retelling and fleshing out of one of the variations of an old urban legend with the usual twist at the end. Better enjoyed if the reader is not familiar with the legend.
Something similar actually happened to my wife, many years ago but she ended it very quickly. Speeding up, slowing down, etc. did no good. The man stayed right beside her on the interstate, motioning her to pull over until she pulled her large WWI era .45 caliber Webley from under her seat. He left quickly. Incidentally both he and my wife fit various profiles for a serial killer operating in the area. Thank goodness for the Second Amendment and various Mississippi laws and attitudes.
Something similar actually happened to my wife, many years ago but she ended it very quickly. Speeding up, slowing down, etc. did no good. The man stayed right beside her on the interstate, motioning her to pull over until she pulled her large WWI era .45 caliber Webley from under her seat. He left quickly. Incidentally both he and my wife fit various profiles for a serial killer operating in the area. Thank goodness for the Second Amendment and various Mississippi laws and attitudes.
June 4, 2017
Diana is doing her best to clear the work on her desk and be out of the office by 5:00 when a co-worker hands her another report. Grudgingly Diana tackles the report hoping that she can get out soon for her one weekend away a month to spend with friends in the country as her children spend the weekend with Diana's ex.
At a little before 6:00 Diana heads to her car to tackle the long ride out to her friend's farmhouse. After leaving the city traffic and heading onto the motorway though Diana ends up with quite the surprise. Before she knows it there is a black van in her rear-view mirror getting ever closer and closer.
Never Stop on the Motorway is a short story from Jeffrey Archer which was originally part of a collection of short stories called Twelve Red Herrings. Even though my first complaint is usually I want more with a short read I really didn't feel that with this one. I would compare reading this to skipping ahead to the juicy action in a thriller.
The story is only around 25 pages but within those pages you do learn enough about Diana and her life, a bit of build up to why she's concerned and a rather twisty ending that I loved. Easy to say this one had me gripped all the way through and would definitely recommend it to any fan of short reads.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
At a little before 6:00 Diana heads to her car to tackle the long ride out to her friend's farmhouse. After leaving the city traffic and heading onto the motorway though Diana ends up with quite the surprise. Before she knows it there is a black van in her rear-view mirror getting ever closer and closer.
Never Stop on the Motorway is a short story from Jeffrey Archer which was originally part of a collection of short stories called Twelve Red Herrings. Even though my first complaint is usually I want more with a short read I really didn't feel that with this one. I would compare reading this to skipping ahead to the juicy action in a thriller.
The story is only around 25 pages but within those pages you do learn enough about Diana and her life, a bit of build up to why she's concerned and a rather twisty ending that I loved. Easy to say this one had me gripped all the way through and would definitely recommend it to any fan of short reads.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 16, 2017
THE BLURB: Taken from Jeffrey Archer's third collection of short stories, Twelve Red Herrings, comes this irresistible, witty and ingenious short read. Diana, a busy single mother, looks forward to her regular retreat into the countryside to have dinner with friends. A horrible shock she receives as she is driving along the motorway unsettles her – and when she realizes that a black van is increasingly in her rear-view mirror, Diana begins to feel seriously scared. Soon terrified for her life, she does whatever it takes to stick to the stark warning given to motorists: never stop on the motorway . . . Praise for Jeffrey Archer 'Probably the greatest storyteller of our age' Mail on Sunday
MY THOUGHTS: heart-pounding very short read (25 pages) from master story teller Jeffrey Archer.
Highly recommended.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Thank you to St Martins Press via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Never Stop on the Motorway by Jeffrey Archer for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
MY THOUGHTS: heart-pounding very short read (25 pages) from master story teller Jeffrey Archer.
Highly recommended.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Thank you to St Martins Press via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Never Stop on the Motorway by Jeffrey Archer for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
May 19, 2017
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Jeffrey Archer, and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Lord Jeffrey Archer has made a name for himself, with spellbinding novels spanning over three decades. He has also proven to be equally talented when it comes to the short story, as is exemplified in this electronic republication of a past piece. Diana is a successful divorced mother of two, who enjoys life whenever possible. During her only childless weekend, she accepts an invitation to a country getaway. After a brief delay, Diana dodges commuter traffic and hopes to make up for lost time. However, she is soon being followed by a large van she cannot shake, its headlights glaring into her rearview mirror. No matter what she does, Diana is unable to lose this crazed driver, who follows her when she executes the most Bond-like driving off the A1. As panic sets in, Diana recollects some recent police alert about a serial rapist who has been targeting single women on the road. With this madman on her bumper, will she be the next victim? Archer weaves a wonderful story that keeps the reader on edge for the short time they are enveloped in this piece. Perfect for that coffee or lunch break, with just enough thrill to keep the heart pumping rapidly.
In all the years I have been reading Lord Jeffrey Archer, I have yet to be underwhelmed. His stories are always full of intrigue and he hashes out his characters with ease. In a short story, it is essential to pull the reader in and have them connect to the character, which Archer does as he spins the backstory needed to feel for Diana. From there, it is the swift development of the plot and some of the subplots that keep the reader pushing forward. Archer has that mastered here, leaving the reader to wonder about this mysterious van driver and how far things will go, even as Diana has her destination in sight. As with many Archer pieces, the end is where it all comes together, pushing the protagonist to the limits before injecting a wonderful twist. This is Archer at his best, bar none.
Kudos, Lord Archer for this wonderful piece, which I cannot remember reading in the past. You have such a way with words and I can only hope you will continue churing out masterful pieces for many years to come.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Lord Jeffrey Archer has made a name for himself, with spellbinding novels spanning over three decades. He has also proven to be equally talented when it comes to the short story, as is exemplified in this electronic republication of a past piece. Diana is a successful divorced mother of two, who enjoys life whenever possible. During her only childless weekend, she accepts an invitation to a country getaway. After a brief delay, Diana dodges commuter traffic and hopes to make up for lost time. However, she is soon being followed by a large van she cannot shake, its headlights glaring into her rearview mirror. No matter what she does, Diana is unable to lose this crazed driver, who follows her when she executes the most Bond-like driving off the A1. As panic sets in, Diana recollects some recent police alert about a serial rapist who has been targeting single women on the road. With this madman on her bumper, will she be the next victim? Archer weaves a wonderful story that keeps the reader on edge for the short time they are enveloped in this piece. Perfect for that coffee or lunch break, with just enough thrill to keep the heart pumping rapidly.
In all the years I have been reading Lord Jeffrey Archer, I have yet to be underwhelmed. His stories are always full of intrigue and he hashes out his characters with ease. In a short story, it is essential to pull the reader in and have them connect to the character, which Archer does as he spins the backstory needed to feel for Diana. From there, it is the swift development of the plot and some of the subplots that keep the reader pushing forward. Archer has that mastered here, leaving the reader to wonder about this mysterious van driver and how far things will go, even as Diana has her destination in sight. As with many Archer pieces, the end is where it all comes together, pushing the protagonist to the limits before injecting a wonderful twist. This is Archer at his best, bar none.
Kudos, Lord Archer for this wonderful piece, which I cannot remember reading in the past. You have such a way with words and I can only hope you will continue churing out masterful pieces for many years to come.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 15, 2017
I confess that I didn't realize when I started this that the story was taken from a collection of short stories entitled Twelve Red Herrings which I had read as a teenager. The sense of deja vu was a little eery, but did not dampen the tension Archer managed to successfully create. During this suspense-filled ride the reader meets Diana and sympathizes with her.
This is set in the eighties in London and outskirts. There is a strong sense of time and place with references to political figures and events of the day. Overall, it is suspense-filled with strong character development in a short story.
~Copy provided by NetGalley~
This is set in the eighties in London and outskirts. There is a strong sense of time and place with references to political figures and events of the day. Overall, it is suspense-filled with strong character development in a short story.
~Copy provided by NetGalley~
June 28, 2017
3.5 stars. Clever short distraction. I've never read Jeffrey Archer. Not sure this is representative. But it was worth the 15 minutes of my time. Can't say much more about something so short. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.
May 14, 2018
This was a tension filled short story that really gripped me from start to finish. The suspense just kept cranking up a notch with every page and I was totally pulled in.
A brilliant short story that has an ending that left me thinking "now that's how you end a short story with a bang!" I've never read any Jeffrey Archer novels but after tasting this I will be now!
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All options are my own and totally unbiased.
A brilliant short story that has an ending that left me thinking "now that's how you end a short story with a bang!" I've never read any Jeffrey Archer novels but after tasting this I will be now!
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All options are my own and totally unbiased.
April 16, 2017
I have ready many Jeffrey Archer books both full length and his short stories and have always found them addictive and extremely well written.
Jeffrey Archer is definitely an excellent story teller and his work is always entertaining. This short story is much the same, fast flowing, tense and addictive.
This short story features single mother Diana, attempting to escape a dangerous van on the highway. However, the unplanned high-speed journey is not the only surprise in this fast paced story that keeps you guessing to the very end.
I would like to thank Net Galley and St Martin's press for supplying a copy of this short story in exchange for an honest review.
Jeffrey Archer is definitely an excellent story teller and his work is always entertaining. This short story is much the same, fast flowing, tense and addictive.
This short story features single mother Diana, attempting to escape a dangerous van on the highway. However, the unplanned high-speed journey is not the only surprise in this fast paced story that keeps you guessing to the very end.
I would like to thank Net Galley and St Martin's press for supplying a copy of this short story in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2019
Diana gathered up her bag and walked purposefully toward the door, dropping the contract on Phil’s desk without bothering to suggest that he have a good weekend. She suspected that the paperwork had been on his desk since 9:00 that morning, but that holding it until 4:37 was his only means of revenge now that she had been made head of department. Once she was safely in the elevator, she pressed the button for the basement garage, calculating that the delay would probably add an extra hour to her journey.
---
That was a tense ride! Took me a minute to come back to reality afterwards. I was wary of spending money on a such a short story even though it was cheap but so glad I did :).
Not going to summarize the story to avoid accidentally spoiling it but I highly recommend.
The ending was a spine chiller, had me thinking twice about pulling over on a freeway. *shudders*
Afterward, it did remind me of an episode of Beyond Belief I saw years ago (that one gave me chills as well.. Mom and I used to love watching that but I digress). In a good way though.
I'm fairly new to Jeffrey Archer myself (Goodreads Giveaways win of one of his was my first experience). If you are new to his work, in my opinion this one would be a good one start with.
---
That was a tense ride! Took me a minute to come back to reality afterwards. I was wary of spending money on a such a short story even though it was cheap but so glad I did :).
Not going to summarize the story to avoid accidentally spoiling it but I highly recommend.
The ending was a spine chiller, had me thinking twice about pulling over on a freeway. *shudders*
Afterward, it did remind me of an episode of Beyond Belief I saw years ago (that one gave me chills as well.. Mom and I used to love watching that but I digress). In a good way though.
I'm fairly new to Jeffrey Archer myself (Goodreads Giveaways win of one of his was my first experience). If you are new to his work, in my opinion this one would be a good one start with.
April 16, 2026
Available to read online
Part one:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...
Part two:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...
Part one:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...
Part two:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...
April 18, 2025
قصة تشويقية منمنمة تقرأ في ربع ساعة.
March 15, 2018
That was fast, literally and figuratively, and that end! Thanks Hitessh for the recommendation!
April 29, 2025
لا أبد، بس أحب اقرأ قصص قصيرة ابدأ فيها يومي تخوفني لبقية اليوم.
.. (عادي لو مانمت ذي الليلة اعتقد..)
.. (عادي لو مانمت ذي الليلة اعتقد..)
April 17, 2025
حكاية عن سيدةٍ تسعى لقضاء عطلة نهاية الأسبوع مع الأصدقاء، لكنها تقضي الطريق إليهم كمطاردة... حكاية بسيطة توضّح كيف يمكن لخوفنا مما نجهله في المحيط الخارجي أن يبني الخطر الحقيقي في داخلنا...
لم تُوفَّق الحكاية كثيراً فيما طرحت؛ لربما لأنها قصاصة عن كيف يمكن للخوف وانتزاع الأمان أن يُشلا حياتنا... والسؤال: ماذا لو كان الخوف الذي نخافه حقيقيّاً إلى درجةٍ لم يعد فيها خوفاً، بل أضحى واقعاً لا بد له أن يكون؟
لكِ الله، غزتنا الحبيبة...
لم تُوفَّق الحكاية كثيراً فيما طرحت؛ لربما لأنها قصاصة عن كيف يمكن للخوف وانتزاع الأمان أن يُشلا حياتنا... والسؤال: ماذا لو كان الخوف الذي نخافه حقيقيّاً إلى درجةٍ لم يعد فيها خوفاً، بل أضحى واقعاً لا بد له أن يكون؟
لكِ الله، غزتنا الحبيبة...
April 18, 2017
It was too short for me to praise the plot, but though enough to assume that it was good written.
But it still felt like a chapter from the book I've never finished.
Probably this short suspended road movie is more suitable for those readers who enjoy the author's works and also know his strength as a writer.
**Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
But it still felt like a chapter from the book I've never finished.
Probably this short suspended road movie is more suitable for those readers who enjoy the author's works and also know his strength as a writer.
**Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
July 20, 2025
قصيرة وتبدو عادية للوهلة الأولى لكن نهايتها حلوة 🫶
May 12, 2025
good plot twist
December 8, 2016
This is the epitome of a fantastic plot twist. What an amazing piece of writing. Jeffrey Archer does so much with so few words. He's a literary genius. A brilliant clincher.
April 11, 2018
Not my favorite of his. I could not get into it and honestly, I skimmed a lot.
July 24, 2022
Very suspenseful
October 1, 2023
I've read a similar story before.
November 6, 2024
I read this short story because it was recommended to me by someone. I have never read Jefferey Archer before, but this book reminded me of the film Wrecker (2015) with Anna Hutchinson, though this is not the same story. I feel this story would be a thrilling narrative if it got adapted into a film.
Overall it was somewhat interesting!
Overall it was somewhat interesting!
May 3, 2026
عشان زهقت من الpdfات المتهربة قولت انزل كتب بشكل رسمي من منصة هنداوي الجميلة واخترت حاجات عشوائية من ضمنهم قصتنا...
قصة قصيرة تخلصها في عشر دقايق، وبيختصرها المثل القائل "اللي يخاف من العفريت يطلعله"
قصة قصيرة تخلصها في عشر دقايق، وبيختصرها المثل القائل "اللي يخاف من العفريت يطلعله"
May 26, 2025
قصة قصيرة لطيفة، هادئة ومملة حتى المنتصف وبعدها سرد فيه بعض التشويق، النصف الآخر من القصة أوضحت انعدام الأمان وكم كانت المشكلة أكبر وأقرب ولحضيه
March 14, 2018
Short Crisp.. Thrilling in just Few Pages. From the master story teller himself :)
July 8, 2017
Very quick read about a woman traveling alone that has a minor accident. After leaving her car briefly, she gets back in only to have a van constantly follow her. The reason why the van is following her is a twist. Good read, quick and easy. Thanks to NetGalley, , the author and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.
May 29, 2026
حرق اعصابي
June 12, 2017
thank you to netgallery for the chance to review this book
a short story by jeffrey archer, one of the most difficult things to do is write a brilliant short story, and this one is exceptional, it has all the elements that is needed to quickly bring you into the lives of the characters with background information and then to bring the story to ahead in just 25 pages....
diana is a single working mother who has a free weekend and every so often she spends that time with friends on their farm, she is delayed from leaving work but continues on with her journey which because of traffic is stop go stop go
once outside of the city its plain sailing to the farm...but diana never suspected what would happen next...she accidently runs over a cat..and being the good citizen she stops to check if the cat is alive...and so the nightmare begins
a black car follows and intimidates and frightens diana as the driver is much to close and wont lower his beams on his car..what follows is an horrendous car chase right to the farm
i have to admit to having my heart in my throat and at this car chase wondering how it would all finish and i never suspected the ending in the month of sundays
jeffrey archer has written an amazing short story that gets all the emotions going...well worth a read
a short story by jeffrey archer, one of the most difficult things to do is write a brilliant short story, and this one is exceptional, it has all the elements that is needed to quickly bring you into the lives of the characters with background information and then to bring the story to ahead in just 25 pages....
diana is a single working mother who has a free weekend and every so often she spends that time with friends on their farm, she is delayed from leaving work but continues on with her journey which because of traffic is stop go stop go
once outside of the city its plain sailing to the farm...but diana never suspected what would happen next...she accidently runs over a cat..and being the good citizen she stops to check if the cat is alive...and so the nightmare begins
a black car follows and intimidates and frightens diana as the driver is much to close and wont lower his beams on his car..what follows is an horrendous car chase right to the farm
i have to admit to having my heart in my throat and at this car chase wondering how it would all finish and i never suspected the ending in the month of sundays
jeffrey archer has written an amazing short story that gets all the emotions going...well worth a read
June 22, 2017
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
This story is very short, only about 25 pages, so it is a very quick read. Even though short it is complete. There is suspense and Diana is a fully developed character. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat but not for long.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This story is very short, only about 25 pages, so it is a very quick read. Even though short it is complete. There is suspense and Diana is a fully developed character. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat but not for long.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews