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Evan Buckley #7
The Road To Deliverance
Two roads. One reckless decision. No turning back.
EVAN BUCKLEY’S wife Sarah went to work one day and didn’t come home. He’s been looking for her ever since.
The Road To Deliverance is her story. A chilling lesson in the life-shattering consequences of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, of how a seemingly trivial decision made in the space of one vengeful second can set you on a road from which there will be no return.
As Evan digs deeper into the unsolved death of a man killed by the side of the road, the last known person to see Sarah alive, he stirs up a can of worms that threatens not only himself but everyone dear to him. Re-tracing the footsteps of Sarah’s torturous journey, he unearths a dark secret from her past that drove her desperate attempts to make amends for the guilt she can never leave behind.
And as his six-year search draws to a close, Evan, like Sarah before him, discovers a bitter truth – there are some roads you walk alone.
EVAN BUCKLEY’S wife Sarah went to work one day and didn’t come home. He’s been looking for her ever since.
The Road To Deliverance is her story. A chilling lesson in the life-shattering consequences of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, of how a seemingly trivial decision made in the space of one vengeful second can set you on a road from which there will be no return.
As Evan digs deeper into the unsolved death of a man killed by the side of the road, the last known person to see Sarah alive, he stirs up a can of worms that threatens not only himself but everyone dear to him. Re-tracing the footsteps of Sarah’s torturous journey, he unearths a dark secret from her past that drove her desperate attempts to make amends for the guilt she can never leave behind.
And as his six-year search draws to a close, Evan, like Sarah before him, discovers a bitter truth – there are some roads you walk alone.
- GenresProcedural
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2019
447 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 24, 2019
This is the 7th book in the Evan Buckley Thriller Books series and it certainly lives up to its title. This book is almost totally different in a way from any previous ones of the Evan Buckley series. It is finally giving you a lot of the story behind the disappearance of his wife Sarah, years beforehand. And can I just say WOW, WOW, WOW! I couldn’t believe how this book progressed through the pages. If you have read any of the previous books then you know how much this event has affected Evan’s life since the event and also any relationships he has had. The possible shady events he may even get into with those that may know a little bit more about her disappearance.
There are two stories going on at the same time. Evan and his latest tips on his wife’s disappearance and also the story from Sarah’s viewpoint and also from some of those involved in the events. Their paths crossed by accident and some events occur in the opposite manner in which they should have! The slightest thing can have an unexpected outcome. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time and its consequences are a hard pill to follow for those that love you.
Evan’s internet search for the person he has been given the name of, Cole Nix, from his many investigations, leads to him being forcibly visited by men in suits. Some sort of secret government organisation. But it isn’t just Evan that they are taking an interest in. It is everybody he has a connection to and this affects Kate badly, so soon after her recent trouble with a paedophile gang. They have their reasons, but that may stop Evan from getting an answer and that will never sit well with him.
The story is full of action, answers to parts of the mystery, but as expected, leaves you with further questions about this secret organisation and what exactly they are trying to cover up. Evan won’t be giving up, that’s for sure! Whether Sarah is still alive, is possibly solved, but why she never came back to Evan is fully explored and described to readers and leaves you wanting more, yet somewhat satisfied about events in the past.
This book is a fantastic thrill of a read and just gets better and better. A story with many parts and many different views of the past and present. Some secrets are still yet to come out, but will need to wait and see what the author comes up with next! I would advise anyone reading the blurb for the book or checking the reviews to definitely get this book, as it is by far the best book yet! I absolutely loved it and read it in one sitting, even though it is reasonably long. I can’t wait for the next books to see whatever happens next. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
There are two stories going on at the same time. Evan and his latest tips on his wife’s disappearance and also the story from Sarah’s viewpoint and also from some of those involved in the events. Their paths crossed by accident and some events occur in the opposite manner in which they should have! The slightest thing can have an unexpected outcome. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time and its consequences are a hard pill to follow for those that love you.
Evan’s internet search for the person he has been given the name of, Cole Nix, from his many investigations, leads to him being forcibly visited by men in suits. Some sort of secret government organisation. But it isn’t just Evan that they are taking an interest in. It is everybody he has a connection to and this affects Kate badly, so soon after her recent trouble with a paedophile gang. They have their reasons, but that may stop Evan from getting an answer and that will never sit well with him.
The story is full of action, answers to parts of the mystery, but as expected, leaves you with further questions about this secret organisation and what exactly they are trying to cover up. Evan won’t be giving up, that’s for sure! Whether Sarah is still alive, is possibly solved, but why she never came back to Evan is fully explored and described to readers and leaves you wanting more, yet somewhat satisfied about events in the past.
This book is a fantastic thrill of a read and just gets better and better. A story with many parts and many different views of the past and present. Some secrets are still yet to come out, but will need to wait and see what the author comes up with next! I would advise anyone reading the blurb for the book or checking the reviews to definitely get this book, as it is by far the best book yet! I absolutely loved it and read it in one sitting, even though it is reasonably long. I can’t wait for the next books to see whatever happens next. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
March 27, 2019
Evan Buckley is an admittedly witty, brave & stubborn “Everyman”. This is what I like - no, more than like - about him best. His relationships with those around him are characterised by the sharpest wit, cracking humour & tense, terse prose.
James Harper’s writing - already of a very, VERY high standard - improves steadily with every book, and this is his best to date. From the first few paragraphs you are gripped & drawn into this final revelation of the mystery that drives Buckley so, throughout the first several novels. I only hope this does not mean we shall see less of him - although I would understand any writer’s desire to explore and build new characters.
So here is an Oliver-style plea to the author... Please, sir, spare Buckley this fate and give us more? MORE!
No spoilers here. Just know that if you buy this novel, you will not be disappointed, one single iota. As satisfying as it is thrilling, as tense as it is hilarious, this is Harper at his very best and, boy oh boy, is it worth the time and pennies you might spend to travel the Road to Deliverance, alongside my newest favourite sleuth. The way he depicts his characters, describes events, is purely cinematic and plays out, on my “mindscreen”, in such a way as makes me almost beg for the movie rights to Buckley’s various tales to be optioned...? I can not recommend these novels - this novel, in particular - more highly, to any reader considering a new series to indulge and immerse oneself in.
I don’t say that lightly. I read voraciously - usually around a book a day, although admittedly a jaw infection interfered, here, and slowed this review down, somewhat. This is, quite simply, one of the two best novels I have read in the last year. It is, without a shadow of hyperbole, superb. In fact, I could run out of superlatives in describing it.
Just know that if you read this book, I guarantee you will be as delighted and transported as I was, dreading the end, knowing that the secret, the key to the mystery, is nigh...
I was delighted to receive an advance reading copy of this novel for which I was neither paid, nor agreed to write any review. I simply choose to do so, knowing that it is the best novel I have read in 2019, and one of the best two novels - out of several hundred so far - of the last 12 months of reading.
James Harper’s writing - already of a very, VERY high standard - improves steadily with every book, and this is his best to date. From the first few paragraphs you are gripped & drawn into this final revelation of the mystery that drives Buckley so, throughout the first several novels. I only hope this does not mean we shall see less of him - although I would understand any writer’s desire to explore and build new characters.
So here is an Oliver-style plea to the author... Please, sir, spare Buckley this fate and give us more? MORE!
No spoilers here. Just know that if you buy this novel, you will not be disappointed, one single iota. As satisfying as it is thrilling, as tense as it is hilarious, this is Harper at his very best and, boy oh boy, is it worth the time and pennies you might spend to travel the Road to Deliverance, alongside my newest favourite sleuth. The way he depicts his characters, describes events, is purely cinematic and plays out, on my “mindscreen”, in such a way as makes me almost beg for the movie rights to Buckley’s various tales to be optioned...? I can not recommend these novels - this novel, in particular - more highly, to any reader considering a new series to indulge and immerse oneself in.
I don’t say that lightly. I read voraciously - usually around a book a day, although admittedly a jaw infection interfered, here, and slowed this review down, somewhat. This is, quite simply, one of the two best novels I have read in the last year. It is, without a shadow of hyperbole, superb. In fact, I could run out of superlatives in describing it.
Just know that if you read this book, I guarantee you will be as delighted and transported as I was, dreading the end, knowing that the secret, the key to the mystery, is nigh...
I was delighted to receive an advance reading copy of this novel for which I was neither paid, nor agreed to write any review. I simply choose to do so, knowing that it is the best novel I have read in 2019, and one of the best two novels - out of several hundred so far - of the last 12 months of reading.
March 23, 2019
This Evan Buckley thriller is the book best yet, each book gets better and better and are action packed and ultimately brings a close to the previous books and with Evan eventually finding out the truth behind the disappearance of his wife Sarah six years ago. But does it end here?
The story moves between past and present with Evan first being visited and warned off any further investigations into Cole Nix who could lead Evan to learn about his wife’s disappearance but gets Tasered then awakens shackled and cuffed by handcuffs by a man called Smith a government agency of some kind? Some three letter acronym FBI – CIA – DEA - WTF? Then his partner Kate Guillory who has also been assisting him in his search is also visited and warned off.
Then the story goes back in time to where Sarah had too much to drink and decides to sleep it off in her car rather than take a chance driving; thus starting an increasable dangerous journey after mistakenly being kidnapped which turns out to be a race against time to save a life.
What started with a drink in a bar turns out to be an adventure that grips and shifts but always in top gear with Sarah a man called Cole Nix his half brother Jay Killinger half brother, Bill Dalton, the retired Deputy Sheriff down in Laredo and bad men called Beau Cody and Junior and then the government agency all leading up to a grand finale that “knocks your socks off!”
A brilliant must read book and one of the best books read this year to date. Can’t wait for more and the next Evan thriller.
The story moves between past and present with Evan first being visited and warned off any further investigations into Cole Nix who could lead Evan to learn about his wife’s disappearance but gets Tasered then awakens shackled and cuffed by handcuffs by a man called Smith a government agency of some kind? Some three letter acronym FBI – CIA – DEA - WTF? Then his partner Kate Guillory who has also been assisting him in his search is also visited and warned off.
Then the story goes back in time to where Sarah had too much to drink and decides to sleep it off in her car rather than take a chance driving; thus starting an increasable dangerous journey after mistakenly being kidnapped which turns out to be a race against time to save a life.
What started with a drink in a bar turns out to be an adventure that grips and shifts but always in top gear with Sarah a man called Cole Nix his half brother Jay Killinger half brother, Bill Dalton, the retired Deputy Sheriff down in Laredo and bad men called Beau Cody and Junior and then the government agency all leading up to a grand finale that “knocks your socks off!”
A brilliant must read book and one of the best books read this year to date. Can’t wait for more and the next Evan thriller.
March 22, 2019
I am not sure I know what to say, I am stunned at the turn of events in this the 7th book in the series. It is so far from what I could ever have imagined. Does it make sense if I say it is complex in its simplicity? You will have to read the series to even begin to understand what I mean by that phrase. Somebody makes a decision and that decision radiates out and its repercussions spread far and wide.........
I really admire the authors work I think it is outstanding. He pulls no punches. Everything is not just sweetness and light he adds the reality of sadness and grief in equal measures. He lets us mourn as well as smile just as we do in real life.
5 stars is not enough for this superlative work.
I really admire the authors work I think it is outstanding. He pulls no punches. Everything is not just sweetness and light he adds the reality of sadness and grief in equal measures. He lets us mourn as well as smile just as we do in real life.
5 stars is not enough for this superlative work.
March 24, 2019
This is my first book of this author and of the series so catching up was a little slow going on my part but the author did a good job of explaining a little of the back story so it did work as a stand alone novel. The characters are so engaging that I want, no make that need, lol, to go back and read the previous books in the series!
The decisions the characters make and the interactions between them are very down to earth, what I could see myself doing. The twists and intrigue were great.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy but the opinions are all mine and I say this as a full complement to James Harper. This book convinced me to follow his series, it's honestly as good as any Patterson's series and I'm a major fan of James Patterson.
The decisions the characters make and the interactions between them are very down to earth, what I could see myself doing. The twists and intrigue were great.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy but the opinions are all mine and I say this as a full complement to James Harper. This book convinced me to follow his series, it's honestly as good as any Patterson's series and I'm a major fan of James Patterson.
July 1, 2021
Dinner with Kate and his credit cards being denied,going outside to wait for her, he senses something isn’t right, when a man tases him. Later asking why they were doing it. Replied ‘because they can" And to teach him a lesson. His missing wife Sarah and Cole Nix ,and drugs. By Evan checking on Nix alerted who ever this agency was, nothing much is found. What changed is this Smith guy knew all about him, and within a second could destroy him and his credibility. A plot about his wife Sarah, Evan one imagines is stunned, is there holes in the story. Good story that drew you to the end. Showing the vulnerability of Evan, and will there be a beginning now with Kate. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
March 23, 2019
The Road to Deliverance is probably the best book that James Harper has written. It ties up a few loose ends in Evan’s life- mainly what happened to his wife, Sarah. The book grabs you from the second page and takes you on a wild ride throughout the book. It’s one of those books that make readers say hmm… I started the book as soon as I received the ARC and finished it the next morning; I just couldn’t find a place to stop. I purchased the book as soon as it was released because I wanted a copy for my library. In my opinion, Mr. Harper’s books are some of the best thrillers available on Amazon.
October 7, 2025
Wow! My heart was in my mouth for so much of this book. Every book so far has been leading up to this point in some way. Every book after relies on this book for part of the background. Having started reading this series at a later book that I was lucky enough to receive for free I have slowly been trying to catch up. Without a shadow of a doubt this is the best of them all, the book where we find out what happened to Sarah and what makes Evan tick.
The writing just has you hooked and you won't want to stop reading. For me this book brought everything together and has answered all my questions (you won't have this problem if you read them in the right order!).
The writing just has you hooked and you won't want to stop reading. For me this book brought everything together and has answered all my questions (you won't have this problem if you read them in the right order!).
March 23, 2019
Evan Buckley, PI, is having dinner with his detective girl friend. When he attempted to pay for their meals, he finds his accounts have been hacked. He is told to not follow leads into his wife's disappearance. But being Evan, he does not back down. He pursues the investigation. He runs into someone who knew his wife and gets leads to what happened to her. He runs into people who want to kill him for getting in the way. Will Evan find what happened and why his wife disappeared 6 years ago. This novel is hard to put down. A lot of action and a thrilling conclusion.
March 24, 2019
Evan has been looking for his wife ever since she left for work and didn't come home. He has been lied to with the promise of information on Sarah if he would do some investigating for others. This is her story. Will he find out just what happened to her? Did she leave on her own? What caused her to leave in the first place and why didn't she come to him for help? You will have to read this story for the answers. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book. I have read the entire series.....you should too!
August 14, 2024
The Road to Deliverance, #7 of the Evan Buckley Terror Series, is essentially Sarah's story, and well told. We now understand how and why he has made the moves we saw in his past and why he can't focus on tomorrow, despite the very real presence of Detective Kate Guillory in his life. And James Harper leaves us with a mighty hook at the end - know in advance you will have to buy #8 in a great hurry. Poor Sarah.
Reviewed on August 14, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or B&N.
Reviewed on August 14, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or B&N.
March 22, 2019
Two stories weaving seamlessly together, past and present are joint into the mystery of Evan's wife disappearance years ago.
This is yet another great story, full of suspense and action, and with the usual good writing offered by Mr. Harper. And yes, it is part of a series and, although I wholly recommend you to read it complete, you don't need to do so to follow what's going on in this book. A very recommended read.
This is yet another great story, full of suspense and action, and with the usual good writing offered by Mr. Harper. And yes, it is part of a series and, although I wholly recommend you to read it complete, you don't need to do so to follow what's going on in this book. A very recommended read.
March 22, 2019
Recommended. This book is definitely a 5 star. Edge of your seat suspense, and a plot that twists like a labyrinth. Evan gets threatened by another group entirely during his search for his wife’s fate. He gets a lot of explanations in this book, but there are the inevitable new questions and feelings that some answers either don’t ring true or leave out some of the truth. Don’t miss this one.
March 22, 2019
I got through 95% of this book and didn't want to finish it because I had reached a level of satisfaction that I felt couldn't be topped. I even wrote the author explaining my dilemma. This took us through everything that had come before and gave us the answers we needed, OR did it? This is one book you don't want to miss. James Harper is an extraordinary author whom I must continue to follow. I wouldn't want to miss a minute of where his mind goes next.
June 10, 2020
Of the three Evan Buckley books I've read, this is the best. We finally learn what happened to his wife. And what a rollercoaster ride it was. This is three days since I finished the book and I am still musing over the revelations. Obviously, I highly recommend this book and the other Evan Buckley books. The mystery of Sarah's disappearance is solved.
February 17, 2021
Interesting But Jumps Shark for Sarah
The book was interesting but really has moved into fantasy thriller mode. To tie all together I mean the military has terms and this has become a jolly good one and thrives totally on people making wrong decision and never following gut. People make the right decisions sometimes ...it is roll of dice. Is a good read.
The book was interesting but really has moved into fantasy thriller mode. To tie all together I mean the military has terms and this has become a jolly good one and thrives totally on people making wrong decision and never following gut. People make the right decisions sometimes ...it is roll of dice. Is a good read.
August 6, 2021
My least favorite of the series so far. Convoluted, leaving more questions unanswered than otherwise.
Is Sarah dead, or not? Why is a shadowy unnamed government agency involved in her disappearance?
And, are Evan and Kate EVER going to get their personal act together? And, where was Rider, AKA Donut? It ain't a Buckley novel without those two verbally cleaning each others clocks.
Is Sarah dead, or not? Why is a shadowy unnamed government agency involved in her disappearance?
And, are Evan and Kate EVER going to get their personal act together? And, where was Rider, AKA Donut? It ain't a Buckley novel without those two verbally cleaning each others clocks.
March 27, 2019
This time you’ve REALLY done it James!! This book was absolutely amazing!! I loved every minute of this book and had a hard time putting it down! Im hoping for a follow up from this one as well!! BRAVO!!
April 19, 2019
I loved it. Harper has done it again. Suspenseful from beginning to end. Buckley finally finds out what happened to his wife, Sarah. BUT the story doesn't end there. Excellent cliffhanger ending. I can't wait for the next instalment.
July 17, 2019
Stunning series
Absolutely fantastic series. Loved every book, funny in parts, sad in other parts, but thrilling throughout. I'm just sad I've finished the series. Must read this series
Absolutely fantastic series. Loved every book, funny in parts, sad in other parts, but thrilling throughout. I'm just sad I've finished the series. Must read this series
September 19, 2020
I Want More!
A great read that somehow answers as many old questions as it generates as many new ones. I was a bit thrown off by the early circumstances of how what happened to Buckley's wife occurred but the end was wonderfully unpredictable. Reading the next book...NOW!
A great read that somehow answers as many old questions as it generates as many new ones. I was a bit thrown off by the early circumstances of how what happened to Buckley's wife occurred but the end was wonderfully unpredictable. Reading the next book...NOW!
October 29, 2021
Starting to get a bit boring.
After reading 5 or 6 books of the series, it's like watching a TV series. And is getting boring, I prefer different stories using the same characters but not the same villians.
After reading 5 or 6 books of the series, it's like watching a TV series. And is getting boring, I prefer different stories using the same characters but not the same villians.
April 7, 2020
Exhilarating
More questions were answered and new ones asked. Can't wait to start reading the next book. I love reading investigative books. This and the others in the series are 👍.
More questions were answered and new ones asked. Can't wait to start reading the next book. I love reading investigative books. This and the others in the series are 👍.
July 21, 2020
Harper’s best in the Evan Buckley series and development of Sarah’s saga.
September 6, 2020
Finally
Finally found out what happened to Evan’s long lost wife. Or did we? Good read, fast-paced, not as much beatings as previous books.
Finally found out what happened to Evan’s long lost wife. Or did we? Good read, fast-paced, not as much beatings as previous books.
March 29, 2022
Better
Each one seems better than the one before. At least you learn more than questions about Sarah. But do you have answers??
Each one seems better than the one before. At least you learn more than questions about Sarah. But do you have answers??
November 19, 2023
Best in the series so far!
January 21, 2024
Read a while back but only just getting round to updating on here! I do love Evan Buckley
September 21, 2024
If you want to know what happened to Sarah... Read this.
September 16, 2024
This might be the book where the series jumps the shark. Previous books had some believability and grit and then this one. In just the matter of days Evan’s wife chooses a man she just met over giving her husband a call to know she is ok. Then the men in black piece of it is ridiculous as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews