3.5 (2 ratings)

Joy Ride: When a Prank Turns Deadly

WHEN SIBLINGS TESSA, NATE, AND CHASE SET OUT ON A SIMPLE ROAD TRIP TO MEND THEIR FRACTURED PAST, THEY EXPECT AWKWARD SILENCES… MAYBE A FEW ARGUMENTS. WHAT THEY DON'T EXPECT IS THAT ONE STUPID GAME OF TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE WILL SPARK THE ATTENTION OF THE WRONG VOICE ON THE CB RADIO.

A VOICE THAT DOESN'T LAUGH.
A VOICE THAT DOESN'T STOP.
A VOICE THAT WANTS TO HUNT.

NOW EVERY MILE DRAGS THEM DEEPER
INTO A NIGHTMARE OF HEADLIGHTS,
METAL, AND BLOOD. OUT HERE, SURVIVAL
ISN'T ABOUT TRUTH OR LIES—IT'S ABOUT
WHO'S WILLING TO RUN, HIDE, OR FIGHT
BACK AGAINST
THE MONSTER BEHIND THE WHEEL.

SOME ROADS LEAD HOME.
OTHERS LEAD STRAIGHT TO HELL.

JUMP INTO THIS PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR
THAT WILL LEAVE YOU SHAKEN LONG
AFTER THE ENGINE STOPS.

Published: March 14, 2026

Pages: 314

ISBN: 978-1998714223

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Available in: Ebook, and on Kindle Unlimited

Reader Reviews

3.5

2 ratings

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Michele M.

Apr 17, 2026

I couldn't put this book down for the first half but then it became a bit repetitive, but that could be because in 2001 i saw a movie by the same name with the same basic premise.

Kerri D.

Apr 16, 2026

If you enjoyed the Joyride movies (I am a huge fan), then you will definitely enjoy this book. I was really excited to see that this is Book 1, and I cannot wait for the rest of the series to come out. I have seen this book recommended a lot, which is why I was so eager to pick it up.

I devoured this book in a morning. It is gory and scary and plays out very similarly to the movies in regard to violence and motive. That being said, it is not a cut and paste and they are different storylines.

My only gripe with the book (and it is a small one to be fair), is that I found Tessa irritating. I am fully aware that this is probably a ‘me’ thing but just have to put it out there. Other than that, I really loved this book.

About the Author

C.K. Smith

C.K. Smith is a Canadian award-winning author known for her gripping psychological thrillers and chilling horror stories. She has written five suspense-driven novels, with her most successful works including the The Haunting of Aberdeen Manor series and The Podcast Killer. Her stories explore fear, obsession, and the dark spaces people try to keep hidden.

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