31 Reads of Terror: 'What Happened on Hicks Road' by Hannah Jayne

Book lovers can sometimes feel like recovering alcoholics, surveying our shelves and pondering, “What in the world was I thinking when I bought this?” That’s precisely the conundrum I found myself in with What Happened on Hicks Road by Hannah Jayne—a book I clearly snagged at full price, despite having absolutely no recollection of its appeal. Not a drinking man, I approached this with clarity but found myself wondering again, "Why did I buy this?" I’m unfamiliar with the author, the cover is as unappealing as a rainy Sunday, and the blurb left me feeling as flat as an expired soda. Ah, the insidious addiction of book buying strikes again! In a desperate moment when nothing else fed my reading hunger, this was the unfortunate choice.

Now, let’s talk about the plot: Lennox Oliver is reveling in her new California life, finally enjoying the thrill of friendships, parties, and those youthful pranks that everyone seems to indulge in. But when one of those pranks takes a dark turn, Lennox finds herself in a terrifying predicament—she believes she hit someone with her car on a shadowy, winding road. Or, at least, that’s what her mind tells her. Her friends are quick to dismiss her hazy recollections, insisting they saw nothing. But Sadie, a silent witness to the events that transpired, can’t shake the haunting image of a girl illuminated by the headlights: bloody hair, wide, terrified eyes, and a scream frozen on her lips.

Lennox's instincts urge her to go to the police, but how can she? She wasn't exactly on her best behavior behind the wheel—her friends' insistence that there's nothing to report rings in her ears. Just when she thinks she might be losing her grip on reality, a chilling note slips through her window, reading “FIND ME.” Now, she’s caught in a chilling dilemma; is she on the brink of uncovering something monumental, or is she spiraling down the same dark path that consumed her mother?

Here’s where it gets confusing (and slightly comical): Goodreads lists Sadie Oliver as the main character. Is there another version lurking in the shadows, or did the person crafting that description indulge a little too freely in the literary after-hours? I couldn't resist checking out a few other reviews before sharing my own two cents. Curiosity got the better of me.

As a modern YA thriller, What Happened on Hicks Road isn’t a complete train wreck. The writing flows decently enough, and Hannah Jayne channels a Lois Duncan-esque vibe with a sprinkle of Fear Street nostalgia in her storytelling. I found her narration engaging—at least somewhat. But here’s where things went south for me: Lennox herself is as bland as unsalted crackers, a boring and clichéd protagonist who failed to ignite any sense of connection. While the overarching plot held intriguing potential, the narrative was padded with unnecessary fluff that muddied the pacing and left me occasionally skimming for substance. And let’s not even talk about that cover art—it’s an eyesore.

Ultimately, What Happened on Hicks Road lands squarely in the realm of the average—a handful of thrilling moments kept me turning the pages, even if I found little reason to care for the characters populating its world. It’s far from awful; I wouldn’t categorize it as a complete waste of time. So, heed my nitpicking with a grain of salt. Give it a whirl and judge for yourself—you might just find a hidden gem lurking beneath those uninviting covers. ╌★★★✰✰

〜B.J. Burgess