Private Road
Forgotten Path Publishing
ISBN 9798904525132
This book was originally recommended by Mike Aquilina, and everything he has ever recommended that I have read has been great. But this was one of the first fiction books I recall him recommending. Unfortunately at the time of writing this review it is not available in Canada. In the US there is a print and eBook edition. And it was an excellent read! The description of this volume states:
“If you were a notorious international criminal who faked your death, where would you hide?
Misfit teens Charlie and Tuesday are shocked to discover one such villain resides in their quiet little suburb just outside Pittsburgh down a woodsy private road, where he creepily goes by the name Mr. In Between.
Aided by his shadowy henchmen Chester and Jenkins and thuggish police officers Fitch and Romano, Mr. In Between is planning a satanic ceremony in the forests of Sewickley Heights centered around child sacrifice and destruction of light.
Mistrustful of authority, Charlie and Tuesday coalesce around conspiracy theorist Uncle Johnny, daring young mountain biker Diego and dogged online investigator Tampa Bae. But internal tensions arise over what to do: Stake out the forest trail that loops around Mr. In Between's property and seize the first chance to kill him, or heed the counsel of the mysterious Flag Man Dan with his seemingly magical maps, flags and lanterns?
Private Road is a gripping supernatural thriller that reminds us, even in this age of advanced technology and growing isolation, great adventures are still possible.”
About the author we are informed:
“Eric Paul Chapman was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, and currently resides in the small town of Leetsdale, PA. He has written 25 .screenplays, three of which were made into independent films. By day, he is a closed captioner for the hard of hearing. In his spore time, he likes to hike the nearby trails. He doesn’t have any pets but plays with the many stray cats in his neighborhood. Private Rood is his debut novel.”
This story is an intense read. It is way better than a lot of what I read as a teen and even young adult. It is a mystery, wrapped in the supernatural. In some ways it reminds me a bit of 100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson, and E. P. Cowley's Tales From Wakken Wood. It also reminds me of some of Madeleine L’Engle’s works. It is a story about friendship, community and finding that battles with darkness can have some serious consequences.
The characters are masterfully written; especially Charlie and Tuesday. You cannot help but feel for them. And Flagman Dan is so intriguing, I cannot but hope we will get to meet him in future offerings. The story begins with a strange girl moving in upstairs. Tuesday is unlike anyone Charlie had ever met before. And the adventure begins. But things are not all as they appear. And as Tuesday leads Charlie on a quest they soon realize a murder a few years back and a supposed dead criminal may be hiding in plain sight. But to piece things together they will need help. And Some comes in surprising ways.
The pacing is excellent. The book grabs your attention and does not let go.
I will note there are 2 alternate covers for this volume. I like both but prefer the blue myself. This is an excellent story. It is very impressive as a debut novel. I would not hesitate to pick up the next offering from Chapman’s pen. I just wish it was available in Canada. I know several people I would recommend it to or pick it up for.
A great read I can easily recommend!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books by Eric Paul Chapman:
When Will I See You Again?
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