Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart

When a book promises a blend of sci-fi adventure and a "Twilight Zone" twist, expectations run high. Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart caught my attention with exactly that promise. I received this novel directly from the publisher and decided to dive in, hoping for a gripping journey through space and a mysterious Earth transformed. What I found was a story that felt more like a television script than a novel, with a space setting that barely materialized and an ending that left me wondering if I wanted to follow the next season.

The Premise and Initial Appeal

The description of Detour immediately appealed to my love of science fiction. The idea of traveling to Titan, one of Saturn’s moons, and returning to an Earth that had changed in unexpected ways sounded like a perfect setup for suspense and exploration. The mention of a "Twilight Zone" vibe suggested a story that would challenge reality and keep readers guessing.

This combination of space travel and eerie transformation promised a unique narrative. For fans of sci-fi who enjoy psychological twists and altered realities, it seemed like a book worth reading.

What the Story Delivers

Despite the promising setup, the space aspect of the story is surprisingly limited. The journey to Titan and the return trip happen quickly and without much detail. The focus shifts abruptly to the consequences on Earth, which has become unrecognizable in some ways. This shift might disappoint readers expecting a detailed space adventure.

The authors’ backgrounds influence the style of the book. Jeff Rake, known for his work in television, brings a screenplay-like structure to the narrative. Scenes move quickly, dialogue drives much of the story, and the pacing feels designed for visual adaptation rather than deep literary immersion.

This approach has its strengths and weaknesses. On one hand, the brisk pace keeps the story moving and maintains tension. On the other, it leaves little room for character development or world-building. Readers who enjoy rich descriptions and complex characters might find the story lacking depth.

The Television Influence on Writing Style

The book reads like it was made for TV. The chapters are short, often ending on cliffhangers that push the reader forward. This style can be engaging but also feels somewhat mechanical. The dialogue-heavy scenes sometimes replace internal thoughts or detailed explanations, which can make the story feel surface-level.

The pacing and structure suggest the authors envisioned Detour as a pilot episode for a series. This is especially clear in the ending, which delivers a sudden cliffhanger. While cliffhangers can be effective in serialized storytelling, in a standalone novel they risk frustrating readers who want resolution.

The Ending and Its Impact

The abrupt ending left me with mixed feelings. It felt like the story was cut off just as it was gaining momentum. This kind of ending works well if you plan to continue with sequels or a series, but without a clear follow-up, it can feel unsatisfying.

For readers who enjoy binge-watching TV shows, this might be a welcome hook to keep them coming back. For those who prefer a complete story in one book, the cliffhanger may feel like a letdown.

Who Will Enjoy This Book

Detour will appeal most to readers who appreciate fast-paced, dialogue-driven stories with a sci-fi twist. Fans of television dramas might find the style familiar and engaging. The book’s focus on mystery and altered reality fits well with readers who enjoy speculative fiction with a psychological edge.

However, readers looking for detailed space exploration or deep character studies may want to look elsewhere. The novel’s strengths lie in its brisk storytelling and intriguing premise rather than in-depth world-building.

Final Thoughts

Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart offers an interesting concept that blends space travel with a mysterious change on Earth. The writing style reflects the authors’ television backgrounds, resulting in a fast-moving, dialogue-heavy narrative. While the space aspect is minimal, the story’s "Twilight Zone" feel provides some suspense and intrigue.

3 Stars