A book which has introduced me to the term “wild camping,” which is what I’ve always referred to as, well, camping. 😉 Suspect it is a British thing.
Blurb:
No help.
No cell coverage.
No one to hear them scream.
Burned-out by both her marriage and work, Liz is desperate for an escape. More than that, she craves an adventure, a total reset. So, when she plans a vacation with her three best friends, she persuades them to spend four nights camping in the stunning mountains of Norway. Following a trail that climbs through lush valleys, towering peaks, and past jewel-blue lakes, Liz is sure that the hike is just what they need.
But as they stride farther from civilization, it becomes clear that the women are not the only ones looking to lose themselves in the mountains. The wilderness hides secrets darker than they could ever have imagined, and if they’re not careful . . . not all of them will return.
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Bookshop.org (support your local bookstore)
Four best friends, Liz, Joni, Helena, and Maggie, are starting off on their yearly getaway. This year, however, instead of cocktails by a pool, ocean and beach, Liz has chosen a hike and camping in Norway. While it’s an unusual choice for them, Liz, after difficulties in her marriage, needs something physically challenging, exhilarating; also, it’s the location from geography class that she and Joni vowed they’d one day visit. All four women are facing issues in their personal lives, adding a great deal of drama in this destination mystery/thriller by Lucy Clarke, The Hike.
The Hike began with the usual introduction of characters: Liz, organized and disciplined, a doctor; Joni, the out-of-control rock star; Helena, serious, promiscuous, searching for love; Maggie, whining, unfocused, an artist. My favorite character was Joni because she owned herself, her mistakes, which also meant that when/if any of these hikers died, she would be the first to go. Unfortunately the author pushed Joni into stereotype-mode after a bit, which added nothing, but did subtract. In fact, characterization offered no surprises as these felt like stock characters.
Which leads me to, yes, The Hike was far too predictable for me. Even the twist at the climax didn’t feel that twisty. The plot/action felt formulaic, lending itself to an average read–good if you’re looking for a mystery that won’t keep you up all night but not if you’re looking for a thrilling read.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy.
