Review of Rough Way to the High Way
Posted: 30 Dec 2021, 13:55
[Following is a volunteer review of "Rough Way to the High Way" by Kelly Mack McCoy.]
Rough Way to the High Way by Kelly Mack McCoy is a witty suspense novel. Admittedly, Mack is struggling with his faith and grieving over the loss of his wife. After spending the majority of his adult life as a preacher, he returns to his familiar roots as an over-the-road trucker. On the surface, Mack is hauling a typical load from Texas to Chicago, but along the route, he inexplicitly pickups a hitchhiker. Consequently, this unlikely duo is caught up in an intrigue that goes far beyond hauling a load of beef. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced mystery with a bit of Texas humor tossed in for good measure. Indeed, Mr. McCoy applies a quirky style of writing where nicknames like Mr. Tobacco, Mr. Bull Hauler, and Dragon Man create a witty dialog. If you enjoy mysteries with multiple layers that unravel effortlessly, then you will definitely enjoy this book. Furthermore, the book is inspirational, with biblical references to Mack’s past life as a preacher. Written in a simplistic, wholesome narrative, this book is suitable for any audience.
Utilizing his practical experience as a trucker, Mack is optimistic that some “windshield theory” will help him come to grips with the unexpected death of his wife. However, one setback after another is making for an arduous trip, and soon we wonder if Mack will ever make it out of Texas. Clearly, Mack’s past is catching up with him.
I liked the premise of the book. I also liked that the book started quickly and that there was something mysterious about the hitchhiker. As Mack finds himself ministering to a young hitchhiker, we learn that Mack is both stalwart and compassionate. When we comprehend that Mack is the center of a power struggle between competing truckers and that the future of the business depends on Mack, we realize that Mack is in for the ride of his life. Moreover, I enjoyed the idea of traveling to gain perspective and as a way to mend a broken heart.
Regrettably, I had problems with the lack of details and narrative. I believe the book would have been more interesting if written in a first-person narrative. The omniscient narration diminishes the opportunity to discover firsthand what Mack is thinking and feeling. Furthermore, every so often I found it difficult to imagine the backdrop. There were opportunities to capitalize on other senses such as sound, taste, and smell to describe the environment at the truck stop and the restaurant. In addition, I felt that the mystery unfolded without sufficient clues for the reader to anticipate that next twist. Definitely, a fast read, and at times, the plot moves too fast. I prefer a book that will build up to a crescendo, before providing an escape. Consequently, Mack gains information that helps clarify what was going on, without much anticipation by the reader.
Indeed, the book was exceptionally well-edited as I did not note any grammatical errors. I enjoyed the premise of the book, but I wanted more. The book forfeited the opportunity to be an exceptional read because it lacked sufficient details to fully develop the environment and create an emotional intensity that would connect me to the story. The book yielded some of its appeal when it took a deeper dive into explaining Mack’s nemesis and left other issues concerning Mack’s wife and the hitchhiker unresolved. Consequently, I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars.
******
Rough Way to the High Way
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Rough Way to the High Way by Kelly Mack McCoy is a witty suspense novel. Admittedly, Mack is struggling with his faith and grieving over the loss of his wife. After spending the majority of his adult life as a preacher, he returns to his familiar roots as an over-the-road trucker. On the surface, Mack is hauling a typical load from Texas to Chicago, but along the route, he inexplicitly pickups a hitchhiker. Consequently, this unlikely duo is caught up in an intrigue that goes far beyond hauling a load of beef. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced mystery with a bit of Texas humor tossed in for good measure. Indeed, Mr. McCoy applies a quirky style of writing where nicknames like Mr. Tobacco, Mr. Bull Hauler, and Dragon Man create a witty dialog. If you enjoy mysteries with multiple layers that unravel effortlessly, then you will definitely enjoy this book. Furthermore, the book is inspirational, with biblical references to Mack’s past life as a preacher. Written in a simplistic, wholesome narrative, this book is suitable for any audience.
Utilizing his practical experience as a trucker, Mack is optimistic that some “windshield theory” will help him come to grips with the unexpected death of his wife. However, one setback after another is making for an arduous trip, and soon we wonder if Mack will ever make it out of Texas. Clearly, Mack’s past is catching up with him.
I liked the premise of the book. I also liked that the book started quickly and that there was something mysterious about the hitchhiker. As Mack finds himself ministering to a young hitchhiker, we learn that Mack is both stalwart and compassionate. When we comprehend that Mack is the center of a power struggle between competing truckers and that the future of the business depends on Mack, we realize that Mack is in for the ride of his life. Moreover, I enjoyed the idea of traveling to gain perspective and as a way to mend a broken heart.
Regrettably, I had problems with the lack of details and narrative. I believe the book would have been more interesting if written in a first-person narrative. The omniscient narration diminishes the opportunity to discover firsthand what Mack is thinking and feeling. Furthermore, every so often I found it difficult to imagine the backdrop. There were opportunities to capitalize on other senses such as sound, taste, and smell to describe the environment at the truck stop and the restaurant. In addition, I felt that the mystery unfolded without sufficient clues for the reader to anticipate that next twist. Definitely, a fast read, and at times, the plot moves too fast. I prefer a book that will build up to a crescendo, before providing an escape. Consequently, Mack gains information that helps clarify what was going on, without much anticipation by the reader.
Indeed, the book was exceptionally well-edited as I did not note any grammatical errors. I enjoyed the premise of the book, but I wanted more. The book forfeited the opportunity to be an exceptional read because it lacked sufficient details to fully develop the environment and create an emotional intensity that would connect me to the story. The book yielded some of its appeal when it took a deeper dive into explaining Mack’s nemesis and left other issues concerning Mack’s wife and the hitchhiker unresolved. Consequently, I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars.
******
Rough Way to the High Way
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon