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Departure 37
Horror meets coming-of-age in this thrilling novel in which forgotten Cold War mysteries make a terrifying reappearance, from a writer Stephen King has called “a master.”
On a clear October day, the American skies empty after hundreds of pilots refuse to fly, triggering a complete ground stop as authorities seek to explain an act of baffling coordination that the pilots insist was anything but planned. The pilots received disturbing, middle-of-the-night calls from their mothers, and each mother had a simple and urgent do not fly today.
There are a few concerning elements to the calls. None of the mothers remember making them—and some of the mothers are dead.
While the nation’s military chiefs and artificial intelligence experts mobilize in search of answers, a sixteen-year-old girl named Charlie on the coast of Maine watches a strange, silvery balloon drift across the water and toward her home—a place she loathes. Her father’s dream of opening a craft brewery on an old airfield has been a disaster, and all she wants is an escape back to Brooklyn.
She’s about to get much more than that.
Her new home is ground zero for a story that begins at a remote naval base in Indiana during the winter of 1962, when a physicist named Martin Hazelton discovered something extraordinary—and deadly. All Hazelton wanted was time to seek an explanation, but pressure from both American and Russian actors forced him into a perilous race.
Moving between the two characters and timelines, Scott Carson deftly weaves Cold War espionage with contemporary terror in a story that explains why #1 New York Times bestseller Joe Hill has declared himself “a fan for life.”
On a clear October day, the American skies empty after hundreds of pilots refuse to fly, triggering a complete ground stop as authorities seek to explain an act of baffling coordination that the pilots insist was anything but planned. The pilots received disturbing, middle-of-the-night calls from their mothers, and each mother had a simple and urgent do not fly today.
There are a few concerning elements to the calls. None of the mothers remember making them—and some of the mothers are dead.
While the nation’s military chiefs and artificial intelligence experts mobilize in search of answers, a sixteen-year-old girl named Charlie on the coast of Maine watches a strange, silvery balloon drift across the water and toward her home—a place she loathes. Her father’s dream of opening a craft brewery on an old airfield has been a disaster, and all she wants is an escape back to Brooklyn.
She’s about to get much more than that.
Her new home is ground zero for a story that begins at a remote naval base in Indiana during the winter of 1962, when a physicist named Martin Hazelton discovered something extraordinary—and deadly. All Hazelton wanted was time to seek an explanation, but pressure from both American and Russian actors forced him into a perilous race.
Moving between the two characters and timelines, Scott Carson deftly weaves Cold War espionage with contemporary terror in a story that explains why #1 New York Times bestseller Joe Hill has declared himself “a fan for life.”
389 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 2025
337 people are currently reading
11203 people want to read
About the author
Scott Carson
4 books780 followersScott Carson is the pen name of Michael Koryta, a New York Times bestselling author whose work has been translated into more than twenty languages, adapted into major motion pictures, and won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. A former private investigator and reporter, his writing has been praised by Stephen King, Michael Connelly, and Dean Koontz, among many others. Raised in Bloomington, Indiana, he now lives in Indiana and Maine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
April 15, 2025
“Horror meets coming-of-age...?” Eh, well, not quite. I enjoy Scott Carson's writing and I'm always up for a good coming-of-age story, but this book is not at all horror. It's more of a bildungsroman meets sci-fi meets historical thriller combo, and with the exception of the creepy phone calls at the very beginning (which were immediately explained away), I'm at a loss to think of one thing in this novel that could be considered horror. That's not to say that it wasn't a good read because it mostly was, but it was not at all what I was expecting considering the blurb. There are small bits of the story that I suppose could maybe be called “scary” in more of a thriller novel sort of way, but trust me when I say that seasoned horror aficionados will not be fazed by anything that happens in this book.
But, anyway, the lack of horror aside, I did mostly enjoy this one. The 1962 timeline is especially riveting, set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Martin Hazelton is an intriguing and complex character, and his top secret work for the US government is fascinating. The present-day timeline with our main character Charlie is interesting enough, although it's at its best when it kind of … I guess you could say, intersects with the 1962 story? There are definitely some unexpected twists and turns, and while some of it is farfetched, it's certainly never boring. The ending isn't perhaps overly plausible – it seems unlikely that the US government would choose to act in such a decent manner, honestly – but I guess I'm willing to suspend some disbelief there. There were also small bits and pieces that I didn't fully understand, mostly concerning the “six months” thing at the end (why six months?? I reread that part multiple times and I still don't get it) and why the government officials would do what they did without fully testing things out first (sorry for the vagueness, trying not to spoil things here!), but it's totally possible that those are simply “me being dense” issues.
Also, Scott Carson is just a good writer. I'm not even talking about the crafting of the story, exactly, but more that the sentences themselves are just super pleasant to read. Does that even make any sense? Probably not, but I remember thinking the same thing after I read Lost Man's Lane too. There's just something about his writing style that I really, really like. And if you haven't already read Lost Man's Lane, by the way, that one actually is a bildungsroman with some light horror-y bits and it's fantastic.
So, yeah. Departure 37 isn't a horror novel, but it's still an entertaining read overall. 3.8 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is August 5, 2025.
But, anyway, the lack of horror aside, I did mostly enjoy this one. The 1962 timeline is especially riveting, set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Martin Hazelton is an intriguing and complex character, and his top secret work for the US government is fascinating. The present-day timeline with our main character Charlie is interesting enough, although it's at its best when it kind of … I guess you could say, intersects with the 1962 story? There are definitely some unexpected twists and turns, and while some of it is farfetched, it's certainly never boring. The ending isn't perhaps overly plausible – it seems unlikely that the US government would choose to act in such a decent manner, honestly – but I guess I'm willing to suspend some disbelief there. There were also small bits and pieces that I didn't fully understand, mostly concerning the “six months” thing at the end (why six months?? I reread that part multiple times and I still don't get it) and why the government officials would do what they did without fully testing things out first (sorry for the vagueness, trying not to spoil things here!), but it's totally possible that those are simply “me being dense” issues.
Also, Scott Carson is just a good writer. I'm not even talking about the crafting of the story, exactly, but more that the sentences themselves are just super pleasant to read. Does that even make any sense? Probably not, but I remember thinking the same thing after I read Lost Man's Lane too. There's just something about his writing style that I really, really like. And if you haven't already read Lost Man's Lane, by the way, that one actually is a bildungsroman with some light horror-y bits and it's fantastic.
So, yeah. Departure 37 isn't a horror novel, but it's still an entertaining read overall. 3.8 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is August 5, 2025.
August 5, 2025
"Do Not Fly" that is the message that pilots received from their mothers in the middle of the night! The interesting part is their mothers do not remember making the calls and even some of the mothers who called were deceased. The pilots don't fly but readers should fly to pick up Departure 37 by Scott Carson! I don't know how to really give a synopsis of the novel without giving away the farm so to speak, so I will speak on what I enjoyed. This was such a well thought out, gripping, and thought-provoking book told in two timelines. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. What drew me was horror meets coming of age. This, for me was more horrific than horror. It was also a merging of historical fiction, mystery, science fiction, government secrets, etc. Basically, it has a lot of elements of many genres.
This one kept me turning the pages and wanting to know all the ifs, what's, and whys of the book. Several reviewers are mentioning the twilight zone in their reviews, and I agree with them. What happens when planes are grounded? What happens when a discovery is made? What happened in the past, the military secrets, the tests, cold war tensions, bomb making, etc.
The characters are interesting and well-rounded/fleshed out. I enjoyed reading and wondering how everything was going to come together. If you are a fan of science fiction, coming of age and historical fiction, this just might be the book for you!
Thank you to Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
This one kept me turning the pages and wanting to know all the ifs, what's, and whys of the book. Several reviewers are mentioning the twilight zone in their reviews, and I agree with them. What happens when planes are grounded? What happens when a discovery is made? What happened in the past, the military secrets, the tests, cold war tensions, bomb making, etc.
The characters are interesting and well-rounded/fleshed out. I enjoyed reading and wondering how everything was going to come together. If you are a fan of science fiction, coming of age and historical fiction, this just might be the book for you!
Thank you to Atria Books | Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
August 5, 2025
With just three short words, “ Do not fly”, Passenger 57 grabs your attention immediately within the first chapter. All flights are grounded and no one knows why except for some top secret government officials. Where you think the novel may be going, you are probably incorrect based on the blurb. There are several timelines unfolding, one in 2025, after the event mentioned above and another one in 1962 set mainly out of a military base in Indiana. The current timeline follows the fallout from the grounded planes which leads to a closed down Naval base off an isolated peninsula in Maine. If I had to choose I really enjoyed the 1962 timeline with Dr. Hazelton. I could almost have done without Charlie’s character in the present timeline. She just didn’t interest me as much as Hazelton.
Trying to tie all of this together in a nice pretty review is probably going to be next to impossible. I wasn’t expecting the direction of the plot, which in itself was quite satisfying however, getting through all of the weeds, and the science of it made my head hurt. I still don’t think I understand all of the different processes. But that’s OK because all in all the novel worked out, as I understood the general concept of what was going on. I think from a current events standpoint the novel comes at almost a perfect time to compare the past events of the novel with the current events of today. It definitely has you thinking for sure about ramifications and the choices that lead to them. All of the characters were very well developed. I think this book could even have stood to be a little bit longer to dig into them further. I also have a few questions in regard to the weather balloon, and the phone calls. I don’t know if they were tied up and I missed it or if it’s just something that didn’t need to be further explained. I especially like the nod to Lost Man’s Lane, it was a nice Easter egg.
This book will certainly make you think and if you’re expecting a typical espionage thriller, this is certainly not that but it’s definitely worth giving it a try. My only criticism was the amounts of science and meteorology that was explained left this reader highly confused. I can’t wait to see what other novels. Carson is able to come out with as this reader will be first in line.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Trying to tie all of this together in a nice pretty review is probably going to be next to impossible. I wasn’t expecting the direction of the plot, which in itself was quite satisfying however, getting through all of the weeds, and the science of it made my head hurt. I still don’t think I understand all of the different processes. But that’s OK because all in all the novel worked out, as I understood the general concept of what was going on. I think from a current events standpoint the novel comes at almost a perfect time to compare the past events of the novel with the current events of today. It definitely has you thinking for sure about ramifications and the choices that lead to them. All of the characters were very well developed. I think this book could even have stood to be a little bit longer to dig into them further. I also have a few questions in regard to the weather balloon, and the phone calls. I don’t know if they were tied up and I missed it or if it’s just something that didn’t need to be further explained. I especially like the nod to Lost Man’s Lane, it was a nice Easter egg.
This book will certainly make you think and if you’re expecting a typical espionage thriller, this is certainly not that but it’s definitely worth giving it a try. My only criticism was the amounts of science and meteorology that was explained left this reader highly confused. I can’t wait to see what other novels. Carson is able to come out with as this reader will be first in line.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
June 30, 2025
4 ⭐️ I really enjoyed this science fiction, historical fiction thriller. Told from alternating timelines of 1962 and 2025, it really kept me engaged and guessing til the end.
Set during the Cold War In 1962 scientist Martin Hazelton has developed an interesting way to make things disappear and reappear a bit in the future. involving graphite, clouds and a little help from a radioactive watch, he alone knows the secret. A plan emerges to try with a nuclear armed B-52. What a great weapon!
In 2025 mysterious calls go out from mothers urging all pilots not to fly, grounding all air traffic. Teens Charlie and Lawrence, are accidentally swept up in the midst of a secret government operation.
The story is interesting, fast paced, and full of historical information. I was caught up in the time travel story and the secret government plot that spanned decades. The ending is perfect, putting all the pieces together.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bessler Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review
Set during the Cold War In 1962 scientist Martin Hazelton has developed an interesting way to make things disappear and reappear a bit in the future. involving graphite, clouds and a little help from a radioactive watch, he alone knows the secret. A plan emerges to try with a nuclear armed B-52. What a great weapon!
In 2025 mysterious calls go out from mothers urging all pilots not to fly, grounding all air traffic. Teens Charlie and Lawrence, are accidentally swept up in the midst of a secret government operation.
The story is interesting, fast paced, and full of historical information. I was caught up in the time travel story and the secret government plot that spanned decades. The ending is perfect, putting all the pieces together.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bessler Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review
July 21, 2025
This was interesting. I definitely liked it but it did take a bit for me to get a grasp on the actual story! I was a bit confused for a bit but I do think it’s totally worth the read! It’s part political thriller, part coming of age, part super natural, part historical fiction, and part time travel. Sounds confusing, right? It was… but if you hang in there it’s worth the ride!
On a day in October 2025, pilots all across America get a phone call from their moms (whether alive or dead) and tell them not to fly. With air space shut down, teenager Charlie makes a shocking discovery on the northern coast of Maine. She’s quickly pulled into a life or death situation with top secret information originating from our military 60 years earlier! We get both Charlie’s story, as well as the story of Dr Marty Hazelton who during the Cold War is working with the government to stop the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The front cover has a quote from Stephen King that says, “if you liked the twilight zone, this is for you” and I totally agree! Lots of fun, very unique story, I liked it a lot!
On a day in October 2025, pilots all across America get a phone call from their moms (whether alive or dead) and tell them not to fly. With air space shut down, teenager Charlie makes a shocking discovery on the northern coast of Maine. She’s quickly pulled into a life or death situation with top secret information originating from our military 60 years earlier! We get both Charlie’s story, as well as the story of Dr Marty Hazelton who during the Cold War is working with the government to stop the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The front cover has a quote from Stephen King that says, “if you liked the twilight zone, this is for you” and I totally agree! Lots of fun, very unique story, I liked it a lot!
August 21, 2025
"Have holy curiosity."
This is a complex multi-layered story, with a full cast of unique characters. It's absolutely thrilling and mind bending. I COULD. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN! The story focuses on three POVs, Marty, a research scientist in 1961-62, Charlie a 17-year-old girl in 2025, and Layla from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 2025.
Each of the three main characters was compelling in their own way, but I particularly enjoyed the eccentricity and inner musings of Marty. The secondary characters were just as well rounded and I enjoyed each and every arc, including the sultry one with Marilyn who Marty meets in a bar!
Marty is conducting defense experiments as he attempts to shield a B-52 bomber from nuclear fallout in the event of an atomic bomb explosion. What he discovers is far more fascinating and is the stuff of Twilight Zone. What are the practical applications for the war? How does this affect 2025?
There's several technical and historical details regarding scientific research done for the Cold War arms race, which some readers may not be interested in. I personally enjoyed the inclusion of major historical events regarding weapon tests and research and development such as The Manhattan Project and Operation Mike. I initially paired this with the audiobook, but due to the intricate nature of the story and details involved, I relied more on the physical book, though I loved Johnny Heller's performance!
This is my first book by Scott Carson ( Michael Koryta ) and it won't be my last. His writing is elegant, informative, exciting and relevant! DEPARTURE 37 is a stunning blend of historical and speculative fiction that held me in its suspenseful and thrilling grip! If you love the wonder of science, the thrills of the unexplainable, and political intrigue with a hint of espionage this is for you!
____
NARRATORS: Mia Barron, Johnny Heller, and Catherine Ho
NOTEABLE QUOTES:
"You could only seize the opportunity with the right attitude, and the right attitude was always--always--curiosity."
"We're all a collection of the same thing that will destroy us, sir. Atoms. That's human life, plant life, and it's also the bomb. Nothing but stardust. We just happen to be the most arrogant stardust."
____
Thank you Atria Books and Simon Audio for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.
This is a complex multi-layered story, with a full cast of unique characters. It's absolutely thrilling and mind bending. I COULD. NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN! The story focuses on three POVs, Marty, a research scientist in 1961-62, Charlie a 17-year-old girl in 2025, and Layla from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 2025.
Each of the three main characters was compelling in their own way, but I particularly enjoyed the eccentricity and inner musings of Marty. The secondary characters were just as well rounded and I enjoyed each and every arc, including the sultry one with Marilyn who Marty meets in a bar!
Marty is conducting defense experiments as he attempts to shield a B-52 bomber from nuclear fallout in the event of an atomic bomb explosion. What he discovers is far more fascinating and is the stuff of Twilight Zone. What are the practical applications for the war? How does this affect 2025?
There's several technical and historical details regarding scientific research done for the Cold War arms race, which some readers may not be interested in. I personally enjoyed the inclusion of major historical events regarding weapon tests and research and development such as The Manhattan Project and Operation Mike. I initially paired this with the audiobook, but due to the intricate nature of the story and details involved, I relied more on the physical book, though I loved Johnny Heller's performance!
This is my first book by Scott Carson ( Michael Koryta ) and it won't be my last. His writing is elegant, informative, exciting and relevant! DEPARTURE 37 is a stunning blend of historical and speculative fiction that held me in its suspenseful and thrilling grip! If you love the wonder of science, the thrills of the unexplainable, and political intrigue with a hint of espionage this is for you!
____
NARRATORS: Mia Barron, Johnny Heller, and Catherine Ho
NOTEABLE QUOTES:
"You could only seize the opportunity with the right attitude, and the right attitude was always--always--curiosity."
"We're all a collection of the same thing that will destroy us, sir. Atoms. That's human life, plant life, and it's also the bomb. Nothing but stardust. We just happen to be the most arrogant stardust."
____
Thank you Atria Books and Simon Audio for my gifted copies. All opinions are my own.
April 25, 2025
So I’ll start by saying: this isn’t horror.
It’s a scifi thriller, but aside from the creepy phone calls at the very beginning, it’s not frightening, scary, nightmare inducing, or even heart rate accelerating.
I was bummed out by this, was expecting something totally different from the synopsis and blurbs.
The time jumps were ok, I was a bit bored by the 1961/1962 sections where it was just detailing all the attempts at experiments. I didn’t fully understand some of the concepts or the watch’s role.
I feel like my dad or someone who lived through the Cold War and Missile Crisis, or likes spy/war novels may appreciate this more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Atria Books for a copy!
It’s a scifi thriller, but aside from the creepy phone calls at the very beginning, it’s not frightening, scary, nightmare inducing, or even heart rate accelerating.
I was bummed out by this, was expecting something totally different from the synopsis and blurbs.
The time jumps were ok, I was a bit bored by the 1961/1962 sections where it was just detailing all the attempts at experiments. I didn’t fully understand some of the concepts or the watch’s role.
I feel like my dad or someone who lived through the Cold War and Missile Crisis, or likes spy/war novels may appreciate this more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Atria Books for a copy!
June 26, 2025
I was pleased to win a copy of this novel in a Goodreads giveaway. It's a very good techno-thriller/ suspense novel with a strong historical background, and I enjoyed reading it. It has a lot of science fiction elements including advanced AI, nanotechnology, and time travel. It's a dual-perspective narrative of a contemporary young woman named Charlie and a scientist, Martin Hazelton, who makes an amazing breakthrough in 1962, and how their paths eventually cross. Charlie has been relocated to a remote area of Maine next to an apparently abandoned Military base with her father after her mother is killed in New York. Hazleton is a presumably unreliable narrator, being unable to accept to death of his brother. The government assigns him a therapist, and they have an affair (which must've been against the rules of patient-doctor relations even then, right?) The military humors Hazleton to keep him working, who keeps the operating detail of his discovery a secret, and it builds to his attempt to send a nuclear-armed B52 bomber forward in time. Apparently unethical government agents are waiting for the plane in 2025, and Charlie and her friend, the grandson of an alcoholic man she's been using to star in conspiracy-theory satiric videos, are swept up in the drama. The captain of the B52 is a sympathetic character, but the crewmen are weak and evil; they slap Charlie around while she's bound in custody on page 263 and you hope they get their just desserts. The historical events of the Cuban missile crisis are meticulously researched and portrayed as part of the interlocking plot progression; that aspect could have been just a little shorter, it was as if the author was determined to include as much of his research detail as possible, but I understand that would be the main attraction for some readers. I wondered about the Coast Guard and Marines being neglected on page 167 as part of the Pentagon, and on page 66 Hazleton uses the phrase nanotechnology many years before it was coined in 1974, and would holograms on page 316 have been a thing in 1962?... but that's just quibbling. The ending is a little more open-ended than I would have liked but is a thought-provoking closure. Best of all is the final line in the book (Don't you dare peek!), which is the best I've encountered for a long time. Cool surprise twist in perspective that didn't change anything but made you re-evaluate a lot.
Okay, I liked the book, it was a good read(!), but I didn't like the cover. It has a Stephen King quote on the front that says "Scary, and perfect." but it's neither of those things. If it had had a quote that said, "Pretty good!" or "A terrific thriller!" or something I would have agreed, but there was nothing scary about it, so I was disappointed. Also, the first line on the back cover starts: "Horror meets coming-of-age in this..." but it's not a horror book and it's not a coming-of-age book. Charlie is already a competent young woman and has already come of age; she adapts and grows a bit as she's swept into terrifying events, but there's no coming-of-age theme. Similarly, it's not a horror book. It's a science fiction book in the tradition of the near-future tech thrillers that Dean Ing and James P. Hogan wrote a generation or two back, or that made Tom Clancy a household name, or that Jonathan Maberry does with Joe Ledger... but the only thing that really struck me as belonging to the horror genre were a pair of doctors on page 230 named Kristof Golden and Brian Keene. It's a historical novel and a bit of a mystery and a bit of a political thriller and a bit of many things, but horror or coming-of-age are the last things I'd label it.
Okay, I liked the book, it was a good read(!), but I didn't like the cover. It has a Stephen King quote on the front that says "Scary, and perfect." but it's neither of those things. If it had had a quote that said, "Pretty good!" or "A terrific thriller!" or something I would have agreed, but there was nothing scary about it, so I was disappointed. Also, the first line on the back cover starts: "Horror meets coming-of-age in this..." but it's not a horror book and it's not a coming-of-age book. Charlie is already a competent young woman and has already come of age; she adapts and grows a bit as she's swept into terrifying events, but there's no coming-of-age theme. Similarly, it's not a horror book. It's a science fiction book in the tradition of the near-future tech thrillers that Dean Ing and James P. Hogan wrote a generation or two back, or that made Tom Clancy a household name, or that Jonathan Maberry does with Joe Ledger... but the only thing that really struck me as belonging to the horror genre were a pair of doctors on page 230 named Kristof Golden and Brian Keene. It's a historical novel and a bit of a mystery and a bit of a political thriller and a bit of many things, but horror or coming-of-age are the last things I'd label it.
dnf
August 24, 2025In the middle of the night, pilots are receiving calls from their mothers telling them not to fly! These women have no recollection of making these calls.
There is lots of aircraft information and other things that I couldn’t understand. It’s told from multiple timelines, one being the cold war.
Let me say that I did not finish this one because I felt lost. Some of it was pretty interesting though.
If you have read this, please convince me why I should continue on. Does it continue on like that throughout the book? I will say that I think the book would be a good fit for men who are into history and sci-fi. For the record, this is not horror, it’s a historical thriller.
There is lots of aircraft information and other things that I couldn’t understand. It’s told from multiple timelines, one being the cold war.
Let me say that I did not finish this one because I felt lost. Some of it was pretty interesting though.
If you have read this, please convince me why I should continue on. Does it continue on like that throughout the book? I will say that I think the book would be a good fit for men who are into history and sci-fi. For the record, this is not horror, it’s a historical thriller.
June 13, 2025
4.25/5 rounded up!
This was such an interesting read. The concept of vanishing planes and bringing them back at different times is FREAKY in general, but for a B52? Hella scary. This had me on edge numerous times and truly despising the government cast in the 2025 setting. But I loved Charlie and her need to get answers to every question she had. I love a character who questions everything and takes nothing at face value.
I enjoyed the dual timelines and how they led us to the ending. I also REALLY LOVED the ambiguous ending. This feels like something everyone’s dad would love to read 😂 but I’d recommend it to everyone! Thank you S&S for my arc!
This was such an interesting read. The concept of vanishing planes and bringing them back at different times is FREAKY in general, but for a B52? Hella scary. This had me on edge numerous times and truly despising the government cast in the 2025 setting. But I loved Charlie and her need to get answers to every question she had. I love a character who questions everything and takes nothing at face value.
I enjoyed the dual timelines and how they led us to the ending. I also REALLY LOVED the ambiguous ending. This feels like something everyone’s dad would love to read 😂 but I’d recommend it to everyone! Thank you S&S for my arc!
Read
August 7, 2025Departure 37 is essentially a nod to the Cold War era. It is filled with conspiracy theories and the possible terror of AI. The story begins with a bang that had me hooked.
The book alternates between three points of view, and my favorite character and perspective was Charlie’s. I really enjoyed the humorous moments, and the mystery kept me guessing. Departure 37 is classified as horror, but to me, it was definitely more of a thriller.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I did Scott’s prior work Lost Man’s Lane but I do believe that it’s because I’m not the right audience for this one. There’s a lot of airplane and technical talk in Departure 37, which ultimately left me feeling lost and bored. However, my husband listened to Departure 37 with me and he absolutely loved it.
I listened to the audiobook format which is narrated by Mia Barron, Johnny Heller, and Catherine Ho who all did amazing jobs.
Departure 37 by Scott Carson was published on August 5 so it's available now. Many thanks to Simon Audio for the gifted audiobook!
The book alternates between three points of view, and my favorite character and perspective was Charlie’s. I really enjoyed the humorous moments, and the mystery kept me guessing. Departure 37 is classified as horror, but to me, it was definitely more of a thriller.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I did Scott’s prior work Lost Man’s Lane but I do believe that it’s because I’m not the right audience for this one. There’s a lot of airplane and technical talk in Departure 37, which ultimately left me feeling lost and bored. However, my husband listened to Departure 37 with me and he absolutely loved it.
I listened to the audiobook format which is narrated by Mia Barron, Johnny Heller, and Catherine Ho who all did amazing jobs.
Departure 37 by Scott Carson was published on August 5 so it's available now. Many thanks to Simon Audio for the gifted audiobook!
August 1, 2025
My co-host, fellow bookseller, and friend, Jeanna, and I had the great privilege of speaking to Michael/Scott ahead of Departure 37’s release. Michael shared some of his writing process and inspiration behind Departure 37 and it made my understanding of the novel so much richer. You can find the full interview on our Youtube (Best in Show Books) if you’re interested!
Not horror but also not quite a true science fiction story, Departure 37 felt like a seamless blend of the Twilight Zone meets Cold War meets AI meets a bold coming of age tale…but trust me, it all works together.
Scott Carson’s newest, Departure 37, is another winner from me - surprising no one.
Not horror but also not quite a true science fiction story, Departure 37 felt like a seamless blend of the Twilight Zone meets Cold War meets AI meets a bold coming of age tale…but trust me, it all works together.
Scott Carson’s newest, Departure 37, is another winner from me - surprising no one.
May 18, 2025
Generally solid thriller from Carson (Michael Koryta's pen name) about a mysterious series of phone calls that ground hundreds of flights and the strange goings on in a town with an aviation history that may be the key to the whole thing. A young girl with video blog, her old-timer subject and his nephew get caught up in military secrets and try to unravel the long history of covert operation involving making planes disappear. The young girl, Charlie, gets self-righteously annoying as the story progresses, which seems to be the trend lately in these types of books. Despite this, the plot gets increasingly complex and the mixing of past and present works well, and the writing is top notch as usual with Carson. Not my favorite book by Carson but it's a worthwhile read in its own right. 3.5 stars bumped to 4 for the quality of writing. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2025
Departure 37 is a book unlike any other and I thoroughly enjoyed it! In the middle of the night in October, airline pilots across the country get a mysterious call from their mothers. Their mother, in every case, tells the pilot not to fly the following day. There is a complete ground stop across the country and the skies are empty. There's one problem though as none of the mothers remember making such a call and some of the mothers that called are dead! What?! Yes, that's correct. How could this happen? As the military and artificial intelligence communities try to figure this out, weird things begin to happen. Charlie is a 16 year old girl living in Maine as her father has opened a craft brewery there. The brewery is on an old airfield and it hasn't been the success her father was hoping for. One day when Charlie is outside she sees a silver balloon flying across the water and towards her home. When Charlie goes to investigate she gets more than she bargained for.
The story begins in 1962 on a remote Naval base. A physicist discovered something amazing and dangerous with pressure to use this new discovery to help American forces. The book is told in two different timelines, those from 1962 and current time. Both storylines are fascinating and you will have trouble putting this book down. I can't say much more without giving away the secrets of Departure 37, but trust me you want to read this book. Departure 37 keeps you enthralled throughout and it's so different from other books that you will love it! I didn't know where the book was going, but it caught my attention immediately and kept it until the end. I rate Departure 37 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy of Departure 37 in exchange for a fair review. #Departure37
The story begins in 1962 on a remote Naval base. A physicist discovered something amazing and dangerous with pressure to use this new discovery to help American forces. The book is told in two different timelines, those from 1962 and current time. Both storylines are fascinating and you will have trouble putting this book down. I can't say much more without giving away the secrets of Departure 37, but trust me you want to read this book. Departure 37 keeps you enthralled throughout and it's so different from other books that you will love it! I didn't know where the book was going, but it caught my attention immediately and kept it until the end. I rate Departure 37 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy of Departure 37 in exchange for a fair review. #Departure37
September 10, 2025
I went between the audiobook and the physical book for this one. I gotta say, I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook a lot. I loved how each narrator portrayed the characters. Each character was given a distinct voice and felt so vivid and fleshed out. This author's writing was so enjoyable. I had heard really great things about his previous book List Man's Lane, and I did want to get to that one, and after enjoying this one so much, I'll definitely have to do that.
This book was wild. It's fast paced, and has mystery, sci-fi, historical fiction, and coming of age tropes. The author has such an imagination to create a story like this, and I was gripped. The past timeline, 1962, was really intense and I loved that whole plot with the cold war and I found Martin's top secret work so intriguing. The current timeline with Charlie was good too, but the past pulled me in more. There were some parts of the story that confused me, and a few where you may need to suspend disbelief, but I didn't have a problem with that because that's what makes reading fun in my opinion. I loved the open ending too. It definitely worked for this book. I highly recommend this one, it was so entertaining.
Thank you to the publisher and librofm for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
This book was wild. It's fast paced, and has mystery, sci-fi, historical fiction, and coming of age tropes. The author has such an imagination to create a story like this, and I was gripped. The past timeline, 1962, was really intense and I loved that whole plot with the cold war and I found Martin's top secret work so intriguing. The current timeline with Charlie was good too, but the past pulled me in more. There were some parts of the story that confused me, and a few where you may need to suspend disbelief, but I didn't have a problem with that because that's what makes reading fun in my opinion. I loved the open ending too. It definitely worked for this book. I highly recommend this one, it was so entertaining.
Thank you to the publisher and librofm for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
July 30, 2025
4.5 stars. Loved it!!
August 5, 2025
Departure 37 by Scott Carson is a unique blend of thriller, historical fiction, and science fiction, with a dash of young adult storytelling mixed in. It weaves together two timelines—one set in the present, following a 17-year-old girl named Charlie, and the other rooted in 1962, revolving around secret government experiments involving disappearing planes. The result is an eerie, high-stakes mystery that touches on themes like surveillance, AI, and the military-industrial complex—surprisingly relevant in today’s political climate. This was a thrilling and exciting read that kept me turning the pages, always eager to see how the two timelines would eventually collide.
The present-day storyline centers around Charlie, who—let’s be honest—is not the most likable protagonist. At just seventeen, she’s unsupervised to baffling with no adult accountability. I found her annoying more often than not. Her actions felt reckless and immature, and it was frustrating to see her stumble into high-risk situations without any real awareness of the consequences. Why was she just left alone? She has flashes of determination and curiosity, but they’re often overshadowed by her need to be in control.
Then there’s her friend Lawrence. He’s a more grounded presence in the story, though maybe a bit too grounded for a teenager. His dialogue and behavior often came off as overly mature—it was like he had the wisdom of a 45-year-old in a 17-year-old’s body. That said, I appreciated his steadiness, especially when Charlie was making questionable decisions. He helped balance things out, even if he didn’t always feel totally believable as a teenager.
But the real standout for me—the absolute star of the book—was Abe, Lawrence’s grandfather. Abe is a classic eccentric conspiracy theorist, complete with newspaper clippings, dusty files, and wild theories about government coverups and unexplained disappearances. But what makes him great is that he’s not just a crackpot—he’s actually on to something. He’s sharp, insightful, and full of depth, and even when he sounds a little out there, you can’t help but wonder if he might be the only one who really understands what’s going on. Abe added both levity and mystery to the story, and I looked forward to every scene he was in. He felt like the heart of the book—quirky, endearing, and weirdly wise.
The second timeline, set in 1962, adds an entirely different layer to the story. It follows a man named Martin who is involved in a top-secret government project experimenting with the disappearance of planes from radar—technology that feels eerily close to modern-day developments in AI, surveillance, and stealth warfare. The writing here is atmospheric and filled with Cold War tension. It reminded me a bit of classic military sci-fi—full of secrets, bureaucracy, and a growing sense that something big and dangerous is spiraling out of control. I found this timeline just as compelling as the present-day storyline, if not more. It was rich with historical detail, and the way it mirrored some of the political anxieties we face today gave it extra weight.
Carson does a great job threading these two storylines together. As you move back and forth between Charlie’s present-day investigations and Martin’s 1962 experiments, the connections slowly start to reveal themselves, and it creates a strong sense of suspense. You know these timelines are going to collide—you just don’t know exactly how or when. And that anticipation keeps the pages turning. The pacing is tight, with just the right mix of action and exposition to keep you hooked without feeling overwhelmed by detail.
There’s also a deeper message running through the story about how far governments will go in the name of “progress,” and how little regard is sometimes given to the human cost. In that way, Departure 37 becomes more than just a thriller. It’s also a story about the danger of secrets, the fragility of truth, and the real-world implications of unchecked technological advancement. It’s not preachy, but it definitely leaves you thinking.
All in all, Departure 37 was a thrilling and exciting read that blended genres in a really interesting way. While I didn’t love Charlie as a main character—and found Lawrence a little too wise beyond his years—the dual-timeline plot and the overarching mystery more than made up for it. Abe was my absolute favorite character, and I could’ve read an entire book just about him and his decades-long obsession with the truth. The 1962 storyline was fascinating and tied in so well with the bigger themes. If you’re into government conspiracies, time-bending mysteries, or thrillers that make you think, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books | Atria / Emily Bestler Books for the Advanced Readers Copy. I must say that all opinions are my own which seems ridiculous when I live in a country that has freedom of speech.
The present-day storyline centers around Charlie, who—let’s be honest—is not the most likable protagonist. At just seventeen, she’s unsupervised to baffling with no adult accountability. I found her annoying more often than not. Her actions felt reckless and immature, and it was frustrating to see her stumble into high-risk situations without any real awareness of the consequences. Why was she just left alone? She has flashes of determination and curiosity, but they’re often overshadowed by her need to be in control.
Then there’s her friend Lawrence. He’s a more grounded presence in the story, though maybe a bit too grounded for a teenager. His dialogue and behavior often came off as overly mature—it was like he had the wisdom of a 45-year-old in a 17-year-old’s body. That said, I appreciated his steadiness, especially when Charlie was making questionable decisions. He helped balance things out, even if he didn’t always feel totally believable as a teenager.
But the real standout for me—the absolute star of the book—was Abe, Lawrence’s grandfather. Abe is a classic eccentric conspiracy theorist, complete with newspaper clippings, dusty files, and wild theories about government coverups and unexplained disappearances. But what makes him great is that he’s not just a crackpot—he’s actually on to something. He’s sharp, insightful, and full of depth, and even when he sounds a little out there, you can’t help but wonder if he might be the only one who really understands what’s going on. Abe added both levity and mystery to the story, and I looked forward to every scene he was in. He felt like the heart of the book—quirky, endearing, and weirdly wise.
The second timeline, set in 1962, adds an entirely different layer to the story. It follows a man named Martin who is involved in a top-secret government project experimenting with the disappearance of planes from radar—technology that feels eerily close to modern-day developments in AI, surveillance, and stealth warfare. The writing here is atmospheric and filled with Cold War tension. It reminded me a bit of classic military sci-fi—full of secrets, bureaucracy, and a growing sense that something big and dangerous is spiraling out of control. I found this timeline just as compelling as the present-day storyline, if not more. It was rich with historical detail, and the way it mirrored some of the political anxieties we face today gave it extra weight.
Carson does a great job threading these two storylines together. As you move back and forth between Charlie’s present-day investigations and Martin’s 1962 experiments, the connections slowly start to reveal themselves, and it creates a strong sense of suspense. You know these timelines are going to collide—you just don’t know exactly how or when. And that anticipation keeps the pages turning. The pacing is tight, with just the right mix of action and exposition to keep you hooked without feeling overwhelmed by detail.
There’s also a deeper message running through the story about how far governments will go in the name of “progress,” and how little regard is sometimes given to the human cost. In that way, Departure 37 becomes more than just a thriller. It’s also a story about the danger of secrets, the fragility of truth, and the real-world implications of unchecked technological advancement. It’s not preachy, but it definitely leaves you thinking.
All in all, Departure 37 was a thrilling and exciting read that blended genres in a really interesting way. While I didn’t love Charlie as a main character—and found Lawrence a little too wise beyond his years—the dual-timeline plot and the overarching mystery more than made up for it. Abe was my absolute favorite character, and I could’ve read an entire book just about him and his decades-long obsession with the truth. The 1962 storyline was fascinating and tied in so well with the bigger themes. If you’re into government conspiracies, time-bending mysteries, or thrillers that make you think, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books | Atria / Emily Bestler Books for the Advanced Readers Copy. I must say that all opinions are my own which seems ridiculous when I live in a country that has freedom of speech.
August 16, 2025
Author Scott Carson, who does not hide the fact that this is the pseudonym for award winner Michael Koryta when he steps into a supernatural tale, dedicates the novel DEPARTURE 37 to three of my personal heroes: Dean Koontz, Richard Matheson, and Rod Serling. Even if you have never read Carson’s work before, just knowing you are stepping into a story that was inspired by these three legendary figures should alert you to the fact that you are about to read something special.
This story completely captures the feel of the classic television series The Twilight Zone, which presented brilliant morality tales often filled with ironic and unexpected twists. With DEPARTURE 37 certainly is fueled with the same spirit and pays nice homage to Rod Serling and Richard Matheson, as mentioned in the dedication. The timelines in this story switch between 1961-62 and the present, but in many ways overlap and tie both of these periods in our existence together.
It all begins on an October evening in 2025 when airline pilot Brian Grayson receives a call in the middle of the night from his mother urging him not to fly the next day. His mother sounds frightened but does not provide any details beyond that warning. It turns out that Grayson was not the only pilot to receive that warning, as nearly every domestic U.S. flight was grounded the next day due to some unanticipated event that needed that airspace. What made things even creepier was the fact that none of the callers to these pilots remember making the phone calls. Even more chilling was the fact that some of the calls came from people already deceased.
In 1961, at the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dr. Martin Hazelton was working on a project that would forever change the world by manipulation of planes in flight via a combination of elements like storm clouds, magnetic force, and the clever use of graphite. In 2025 Ash Point, Maine, a teenaged girl named Charlie witnesses an odd-looking balloon, blue and silver with shimmering features, which flies overhead. This is also occurring on the day when most planes were grounded, and it would be a harbinger of other odd events to come which Charlie, and her friend Lawrence would partake in.
What frightened Charlie even more than the strange balloon was that she heard the voice of her deceased mother warning her not to fly that day. Another storyline features an employee of DARPA named Layla Chen who is watching the odd aviation circumstances of October 25, 2025, very closely and is in touch with the highest military authorities as well as the President himself throughout the day. Chen realizes that Marty Hazelton had worked wonders never before seen and he may have been behind the disappearances of a handful of planes over the years, some containing nuclear bombs. The rumor was that one of those planes, a B-52 armed with a nuclear weapon intended for a flight to Cuba in 1962, was now on its’ way back from limbo into the skies over the East Coast of the U.S. in 2025.
The term using the number 37 comes into play when reference is made to the greatest moment in artificial intelligence occurred when an AI program used Move 37 to defeat the world’s premier chess player at the time. Layla Chen is well aware of this reference and how it plays into the events she has been asked to sort out. Back in 1962, Marty Hazelton meets a woman who will have a strong impact on his work and place in hidden history, a reporter named Marilyn Metzger who some believed to be a Russian spy.
When the B-52 that departed Loring Air Force Base on October 28, 1962, arrives just before noon on October 25, 2025, things really get interesting and that Twilight Zone feeling becomes quite strong. Charlie and Lawrence will interact in a special way with the three-man flight crew of that B-52, which maintains a special connection to Hazelton throughout. To divulge anything more would truly spoil this wonderous novel that is nearly impossible to put down and presents ideas, thoughts, and its’ own morality tale. Scott Carson has another winner with DEPARTURE 37, an unforgettable novel that will very likely be one of the best of 2025.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
This story completely captures the feel of the classic television series The Twilight Zone, which presented brilliant morality tales often filled with ironic and unexpected twists. With DEPARTURE 37 certainly is fueled with the same spirit and pays nice homage to Rod Serling and Richard Matheson, as mentioned in the dedication. The timelines in this story switch between 1961-62 and the present, but in many ways overlap and tie both of these periods in our existence together.
It all begins on an October evening in 2025 when airline pilot Brian Grayson receives a call in the middle of the night from his mother urging him not to fly the next day. His mother sounds frightened but does not provide any details beyond that warning. It turns out that Grayson was not the only pilot to receive that warning, as nearly every domestic U.S. flight was grounded the next day due to some unanticipated event that needed that airspace. What made things even creepier was the fact that none of the callers to these pilots remember making the phone calls. Even more chilling was the fact that some of the calls came from people already deceased.
In 1961, at the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dr. Martin Hazelton was working on a project that would forever change the world by manipulation of planes in flight via a combination of elements like storm clouds, magnetic force, and the clever use of graphite. In 2025 Ash Point, Maine, a teenaged girl named Charlie witnesses an odd-looking balloon, blue and silver with shimmering features, which flies overhead. This is also occurring on the day when most planes were grounded, and it would be a harbinger of other odd events to come which Charlie, and her friend Lawrence would partake in.
What frightened Charlie even more than the strange balloon was that she heard the voice of her deceased mother warning her not to fly that day. Another storyline features an employee of DARPA named Layla Chen who is watching the odd aviation circumstances of October 25, 2025, very closely and is in touch with the highest military authorities as well as the President himself throughout the day. Chen realizes that Marty Hazelton had worked wonders never before seen and he may have been behind the disappearances of a handful of planes over the years, some containing nuclear bombs. The rumor was that one of those planes, a B-52 armed with a nuclear weapon intended for a flight to Cuba in 1962, was now on its’ way back from limbo into the skies over the East Coast of the U.S. in 2025.
The term using the number 37 comes into play when reference is made to the greatest moment in artificial intelligence occurred when an AI program used Move 37 to defeat the world’s premier chess player at the time. Layla Chen is well aware of this reference and how it plays into the events she has been asked to sort out. Back in 1962, Marty Hazelton meets a woman who will have a strong impact on his work and place in hidden history, a reporter named Marilyn Metzger who some believed to be a Russian spy.
When the B-52 that departed Loring Air Force Base on October 28, 1962, arrives just before noon on October 25, 2025, things really get interesting and that Twilight Zone feeling becomes quite strong. Charlie and Lawrence will interact in a special way with the three-man flight crew of that B-52, which maintains a special connection to Hazelton throughout. To divulge anything more would truly spoil this wonderous novel that is nearly impossible to put down and presents ideas, thoughts, and its’ own morality tale. Scott Carson has another winner with DEPARTURE 37, an unforgettable novel that will very likely be one of the best of 2025.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
March 10, 2025
I like the author. I really do. But good Lord in Heaven above, enough with the details! I love when an author does research, but now I know way too much about weather balloons and airplanes and AI and weather balloons and weather balloons and weather balloons and weather...get my point?
While the reason behind everything isn't nearly as mysterious as promised by the plot description, it's still a fun tale of conspiracy, technology, and some very mysterious happenings in history.
Not quite what I was hoping it would be, but I enjoyed what it was.
Oh...and, in case I didn't make it clear, weather balloons.
While the reason behind everything isn't nearly as mysterious as promised by the plot description, it's still a fun tale of conspiracy, technology, and some very mysterious happenings in history.
Not quite what I was hoping it would be, but I enjoyed what it was.
Oh...and, in case I didn't make it clear, weather balloons.
August 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Departure 37 is a speculative historical thriller with elements of science fiction, modern-day AI, government conspiracy, and Cold War history—it’s a real genre-bender of a novel, like nothing you’ve ever read before!
The story begins on October 25, 2025, when the skies above America go silent after hundreds of pilots receive a phone call—purportedly from their mothers—pleading with them not to fly today. Their mothers don’t remember making the call—and some are even deceased. Meanwhile, in Ashpoint, Maine, 16-year-old Charlie Goodwin and friend Lawrence Zimmer—and his grandfather, Abe—start investigating after a strange balloon lands near them. In 1962 Dr. Marty Hazelton, a physicist conducting experiments for the government, inadvertently uncovers a way for planes to disappear and reappear.
The writing is elegant and descriptive, and it’s evident that the author did a substantial amount of research into airplane technology, Cold War history, the Cuban missile crisis, and DARPA—all of which are brilliantly woven together to make a very original and thought-provoking story. There are some chapters that include a lot of technical aviation details, especially during Marty’s POV, which may turn off readers or cause them to tune out—but rest assured, the overall narrative is still manageable for the average thriller reader and definitely worth sticking with! The story has an addictive Twilight Zone–like feel throughout that’s all part of the fun, and this book will spark a lot of conversation amongst readers afterwards—for this reason it’s a good option for a buddy read or book club—as long as the readers are willing to stick it out!
The book alternates between 3 points of view in two timelines—Charlie and Layla Chen (the high-level DARPA insider) in the present day and Marty in 1962. As the story unfolds, the author brilliantly interweaves the two timelines, slowly building tension and gradually revealing how Hazelton’s experiments shaped the present-day catastrophe at Ash Point! Despite all the technical details and supernatural elements, this is a character-driven story that will keep readers invested with its compelling characters and their outcomes!
Charlie Goodwin is an intriguing protagonist whose backstory of losing her mother and moving to Ashpoint is key to her “coming of age” emotional arc. Lawrence and Abe become her sleuthing sidekicks once she discovers the mysterious balloon and enchanting watch that seems to absorb sunlight! Abe is another standout character with a lot of charisma and humor, especially when storytelling. He holds firsthand memories of the old B-52 crash at Ash Point, including the discovery of a survivor whose parachute failed! Dr. Martin “Marty” Hazelton, the Cold War–era physicist working for U.S. military projects, is almost like the mad scientist in the story—readers will learn more about his tragic backstory and his level of genius in the second half. The story also has a compelling romantic subplot between Marty and Marilyn, a spy who ends up on the plane that disappears in 1962 and becomes one of the time travelers—and who plays a central role in the thrilling final chapters with Charlie!
While the book is marketed as a book with horror elements, the story leans much more into science fiction, government conspiracy, and supernatural thriller elements than conventional horror. The first half is heavy on technology, historical events, and character development. If you feel overwhelmed, do know that the second half has faster pacing and feels more like a thriller—culminating in a high-stakes climax that is very unpredictable! Unfortunately the ending and explanation of what happens feels rushed and a bit unsatisfying, especially after such an intricate and scientifically detailed story—but it will still garner a lot of discussion!
Overall, Departure 37 is a standout novel for its originality, atmospheric tension, and fusion of historical fiction with speculative thriller, despite the technical parts of the story being quite involved and the conclusion a bit ambiguous. It’s an ideal read for anyone who enjoys conspiracy theories, speculative tech thrillers, Cold War historical fiction, and AI technology stories!
Departure 37 is a speculative historical thriller with elements of science fiction, modern-day AI, government conspiracy, and Cold War history—it’s a real genre-bender of a novel, like nothing you’ve ever read before!
The story begins on October 25, 2025, when the skies above America go silent after hundreds of pilots receive a phone call—purportedly from their mothers—pleading with them not to fly today. Their mothers don’t remember making the call—and some are even deceased. Meanwhile, in Ashpoint, Maine, 16-year-old Charlie Goodwin and friend Lawrence Zimmer—and his grandfather, Abe—start investigating after a strange balloon lands near them. In 1962 Dr. Marty Hazelton, a physicist conducting experiments for the government, inadvertently uncovers a way for planes to disappear and reappear.
The writing is elegant and descriptive, and it’s evident that the author did a substantial amount of research into airplane technology, Cold War history, the Cuban missile crisis, and DARPA—all of which are brilliantly woven together to make a very original and thought-provoking story. There are some chapters that include a lot of technical aviation details, especially during Marty’s POV, which may turn off readers or cause them to tune out—but rest assured, the overall narrative is still manageable for the average thriller reader and definitely worth sticking with! The story has an addictive Twilight Zone–like feel throughout that’s all part of the fun, and this book will spark a lot of conversation amongst readers afterwards—for this reason it’s a good option for a buddy read or book club—as long as the readers are willing to stick it out!
The book alternates between 3 points of view in two timelines—Charlie and Layla Chen (the high-level DARPA insider) in the present day and Marty in 1962. As the story unfolds, the author brilliantly interweaves the two timelines, slowly building tension and gradually revealing how Hazelton’s experiments shaped the present-day catastrophe at Ash Point! Despite all the technical details and supernatural elements, this is a character-driven story that will keep readers invested with its compelling characters and their outcomes!
Charlie Goodwin is an intriguing protagonist whose backstory of losing her mother and moving to Ashpoint is key to her “coming of age” emotional arc. Lawrence and Abe become her sleuthing sidekicks once she discovers the mysterious balloon and enchanting watch that seems to absorb sunlight! Abe is another standout character with a lot of charisma and humor, especially when storytelling. He holds firsthand memories of the old B-52 crash at Ash Point, including the discovery of a survivor whose parachute failed! Dr. Martin “Marty” Hazelton, the Cold War–era physicist working for U.S. military projects, is almost like the mad scientist in the story—readers will learn more about his tragic backstory and his level of genius in the second half. The story also has a compelling romantic subplot between Marty and Marilyn, a spy who ends up on the plane that disappears in 1962 and becomes one of the time travelers—and who plays a central role in the thrilling final chapters with Charlie!
While the book is marketed as a book with horror elements, the story leans much more into science fiction, government conspiracy, and supernatural thriller elements than conventional horror. The first half is heavy on technology, historical events, and character development. If you feel overwhelmed, do know that the second half has faster pacing and feels more like a thriller—culminating in a high-stakes climax that is very unpredictable! Unfortunately the ending and explanation of what happens feels rushed and a bit unsatisfying, especially after such an intricate and scientifically detailed story—but it will still garner a lot of discussion!
Overall, Departure 37 is a standout novel for its originality, atmospheric tension, and fusion of historical fiction with speculative thriller, despite the technical parts of the story being quite involved and the conclusion a bit ambiguous. It’s an ideal read for anyone who enjoys conspiracy theories, speculative tech thrillers, Cold War historical fiction, and AI technology stories!
September 10, 2025
Departure 37 is so much fun and ridiculously well plotted. I truly enjoyed reading it. Is it a horror novel though? Not so much. The marketing is a little misleading, even though government secrets can be horrifying. It has horror threads in a Twilight Zone sort of way, the same way the Cold War was horrifying. Yet this leans much more science fiction with historical fiction elements, featuring DARPA and the Cuban missile crisis, rather than horror fiction. Despite being something I would more likely recommend to fans of Andy Weir rather than fans of Richard Matheson, this book is such a good ride.
July 13, 2025
Departure 37 is a genre-defying, spine tingling, heck of a good time! It has a little something for everyone; sci-fi, action, adventure, coming-of-age, and even a smidge of romance. There are dual timelines, which keeps the pacing tight and the tension even tighter. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and finished it in 2 days. Thank you to Netgalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own. 4.25 stars
March 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I finally am on my ARC March journey and I kicked things off with this fast-paced thriller by Scott Carson, who is a pen name of Michael Koryta, who wrote one of my favorite reads of 2024 (Those Who Wish Me Dead). When I saw this pop up on @netgalley I knew I had to give it a whirl because I really loved that book.
This book starts off SO strong: pilots across the country are called by their mothers in the middle of the night and they are begged by them to not fly the next day or otherwise they will die and be responsible for the death of the souls they carry onboard. The kicker is none of these mothers remember making the call... and some of them are dead. If that premise alone doesn't grab you, I don't know what would!
This is told in multiple POVs from two different timelines - one is modern day, one is in the 1960s during the height of the nuclear arms race. My grandfather played a small part in the atomic bomb so this kind of thing has always fascinated me so this book was straight up my alley.
I will say that this book gets into the science-y weeds a bit, if those kind of details aren’t your thing just skim it - you won’t miss out really by doing so.
I flew through this book and while some things I could see coming others I definitely didn’t. It was a good balance of twists and turns and the pacing is solid.
Highly recommend this book to anyone that likes mystery/suspense and wants a thriller pacing without gore.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for an eARC copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
I finally am on my ARC March journey and I kicked things off with this fast-paced thriller by Scott Carson, who is a pen name of Michael Koryta, who wrote one of my favorite reads of 2024 (Those Who Wish Me Dead). When I saw this pop up on @netgalley I knew I had to give it a whirl because I really loved that book.
This book starts off SO strong: pilots across the country are called by their mothers in the middle of the night and they are begged by them to not fly the next day or otherwise they will die and be responsible for the death of the souls they carry onboard. The kicker is none of these mothers remember making the call... and some of them are dead. If that premise alone doesn't grab you, I don't know what would!
This is told in multiple POVs from two different timelines - one is modern day, one is in the 1960s during the height of the nuclear arms race. My grandfather played a small part in the atomic bomb so this kind of thing has always fascinated me so this book was straight up my alley.
I will say that this book gets into the science-y weeds a bit, if those kind of details aren’t your thing just skim it - you won’t miss out really by doing so.
I flew through this book and while some things I could see coming others I definitely didn’t. It was a good balance of twists and turns and the pacing is solid.
Highly recommend this book to anyone that likes mystery/suspense and wants a thriller pacing without gore.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for an eARC copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
April 28, 2025
Pilots throughout the country receive calls from their mothers, urging them not to fly. None of the mothers remember making a call. Meanwhile, a 16 year old girl, Charlie, watches a strange balloon drift toward her home in coastal Maine at the site of an old military airfield, with both events setting off a frantic search for a once lost B-52 bomber. Departure 37 is by far the best book I’ve read this year! The first page, detailing the calls to the pilots, absolutely hooks the reader and begins a captivating story that blends sci-fi and a political thriller that was nothing short of amazing. The author seamlessly joins two timelines, alternating between present day and 1962, at the height of Cold War tensions and atomic bomb tests and the two timelines provide the puzzle pieces that come together brilliantly. You’ll root hard for the likeable characters, especially wise-beyond-her years Charlie, and the story has an eerie, Twlight Zone vibe throughout, heightening the tension. Not to be missed, 5 big stars. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2025
This is different from Carson's other supernatural thrillers but quite good in it's own way. It's like a clever twilight zone tale. It's told by multiple points of view going back to 1962 (briefly to 1961) and forward to October 2025. There is so much going on in this one both past and present. It's a great story with much history and some surprising twists. I absolutely loved the ending.
August 29, 2025
Wanted very much to like this book… but I didn’t.. just couldn’t get into it. I just thought it dragged on and on (especially the 1962 timeline). I just wanted to finish and move on to another book.
August 17, 2025
Departure 37 is a sci-fi, historical fiction thriller which are all genres I enjoy.
One day every airplane pilot’s phone rings and when they answer their phone, their mother is on the other end with a message for their son or daughter… Do not fly today! The strange part is that even the mothers who have passed on are also calling. All airplane traffic stops.
The story goes back and forth between 2025 and 1962. In 1962, brilliant scientist Marty Hazleton creates a technology whereby he can make planes disappear and then reappear again at a set time. Set during the Cuba crisis, the government wants to use this technology as a weapon.
In 2025, Charlie and Lawrence discover a very old weather balloon with a watch inside a connected box. What happens next ties them to the 1962 experiments.
I found this to be an interesting read and was definitely invested in Charlie and to the bizarre technology. I can’t say too much more because… spoilers.
*Thanks so much to partner Atria Books and to
NetGalley for the gifted eARC!*
One day every airplane pilot’s phone rings and when they answer their phone, their mother is on the other end with a message for their son or daughter… Do not fly today! The strange part is that even the mothers who have passed on are also calling. All airplane traffic stops.
The story goes back and forth between 2025 and 1962. In 1962, brilliant scientist Marty Hazleton creates a technology whereby he can make planes disappear and then reappear again at a set time. Set during the Cuba crisis, the government wants to use this technology as a weapon.
In 2025, Charlie and Lawrence discover a very old weather balloon with a watch inside a connected box. What happens next ties them to the 1962 experiments.
I found this to be an interesting read and was definitely invested in Charlie and to the bizarre technology. I can’t say too much more because… spoilers.
*Thanks so much to partner Atria Books and to
NetGalley for the gifted eARC!*
August 8, 2025
They’re calling this horror, but I don’t think I agree. Science fiction? Sure. A blend of historical and contemporary drama? Absolutely. A chilling mystery? Oh, yes, it is that. But horror? No, I don’t think so.
Departure 37 is a clever, complex novel that doesn’t need to wear a horror mask to draw you in. I think it’s best to go in without knowing too much, but I will tell you this: If I was a pilot, and my mom called and, with urgency, told me not to fly today, I’d be deeply unsettled because my mother has been dead for a very long time. Some of the pilots in Departure 37 who receive that exact middle-of-night call from their mothers know exactly how I’d feel because their mothers are calling from the grave.
Departure 37 is a clever, complex novel that doesn’t need to wear a horror mask to draw you in. I think it’s best to go in without knowing too much, but I will tell you this: If I was a pilot, and my mom called and, with urgency, told me not to fly today, I’d be deeply unsettled because my mother has been dead for a very long time. Some of the pilots in Departure 37 who receive that exact middle-of-night call from their mothers know exactly how I’d feel because their mothers are calling from the grave.
July 15, 2025
Scott Carson's "Departure 37" grabbed me from its opening premise—pilots across the country receiving warning calls from their mothers, some of whom are already dead. The cold prickle that ran down my spine wasn't from supernatural horror but from something far more relevant: the terrifying potential of deepfake technology in our increasingly AI-dominated world.
Carson masterfully blends time travel, advanced technology, and shadowy government agencies in one neat package. The speculative department pulling strings behind the scenes felt unnervingly plausible—as if pulled from tomorrow's headlines rather than fiction.
The dual timeline structure worked brilliantly for me. I was equally invested in the Cold War scientist's story—his connection to the mysterious plane disappearance unfolding like a classified file being slowly declassified—and the teenage girl whose sharp perceptions threaten to expose secrets that powerful people desperately want buried. The tension between these narratives created a tightening noose of suspense that had me reading late into the night.
Despite being marketed alongside horror, this struck me as pure science fiction with historical roots. The terror doesn't come from supernatural elements but from the all-too-possible applications of technology we're already developing. I kept thinking about who actually controls these advancements—the faces we see, or unseen powers calculating moves on a board most of us don't even know exists.
The moments when these timelines intersected hit me with unexpected emotional force. Carson creates a thought-provoking exploration of how our past connects to our future through technology's double-edged sword—promising connection while enabling unprecedented deception.
My special thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for my advance review copies. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Carson masterfully blends time travel, advanced technology, and shadowy government agencies in one neat package. The speculative department pulling strings behind the scenes felt unnervingly plausible—as if pulled from tomorrow's headlines rather than fiction.
The dual timeline structure worked brilliantly for me. I was equally invested in the Cold War scientist's story—his connection to the mysterious plane disappearance unfolding like a classified file being slowly declassified—and the teenage girl whose sharp perceptions threaten to expose secrets that powerful people desperately want buried. The tension between these narratives created a tightening noose of suspense that had me reading late into the night.
Despite being marketed alongside horror, this struck me as pure science fiction with historical roots. The terror doesn't come from supernatural elements but from the all-too-possible applications of technology we're already developing. I kept thinking about who actually controls these advancements—the faces we see, or unseen powers calculating moves on a board most of us don't even know exists.
The moments when these timelines intersected hit me with unexpected emotional force. Carson creates a thought-provoking exploration of how our past connects to our future through technology's double-edged sword—promising connection while enabling unprecedented deception.
My special thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for my advance review copies. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
March 20, 2025
I just love the way Scott Carson tells a story! This one was strange and not at all like the previous book I read - Lost Man's Lane, which receives a nod at the end! - but the storytelling style was every bit as evocative and original and eerie. The beginning led me to expect a wildly different story than I got (I don't like to reread blurbs after requesting books, preferring to go in blind), but I didn't mind at all because of the facility with which the book eased me into the reality of its particular universe.
There is a lot going on here, and the mixture of science fiction and history and family drama and military conspiracy could easily have made it confusing and overblown - but it didn't. Carson has a knack for pulling seemingly disparate elements together into a whole that is so much more than the sum of its parts, and that knack is definitely on display here. The characters were compelling, the plot was action-packed and also thoughtful, and the history was fascinating.
This one was very cool and I already can't wait for his next title - fortunately, there are a couple back-catalog titles of his I haven't read yet, so I'll have to settle for those for now! (Then I may have to dig into his *other* writing to see what I think of that!)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
There is a lot going on here, and the mixture of science fiction and history and family drama and military conspiracy could easily have made it confusing and overblown - but it didn't. Carson has a knack for pulling seemingly disparate elements together into a whole that is so much more than the sum of its parts, and that knack is definitely on display here. The characters were compelling, the plot was action-packed and also thoughtful, and the history was fascinating.
This one was very cool and I already can't wait for his next title - fortunately, there are a couple back-catalog titles of his I haven't read yet, so I'll have to settle for those for now! (Then I may have to dig into his *other* writing to see what I think of that!)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
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