Title: THE HIKE
Author: Lucy Clarke
ISBN: 978 0008 4624 20
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 400
Source: ARC from NetGalley
Wish you were here?
Think again . . .
Maggie, Liz, Helena & Joni. Old friends bound by history, adventures, old secrets.
And now, bound by murder.
They lace up their hiking boots for the adventure of a lifetime in the Norwegian wilderness: a place of towering mountains, glass-like lakes, log cabins and forests stolen from a fairytale.
It’s the perfect place to lose yourself – until a broken body is found at the bottom of a ravine.
Somewhere out there, someone knows exactly why a woman has died. And in this deep, dark wilderness, there’s a killer on the trail . . .
Official Summary
16 March 2023
I was introduced to this author last year when Random Things Tours invited me to participate in a blog tour for One of the Girls (which I loved). Receiving an email from the publisher suggesting I try The Hike sent me flying to NetGalley to secure my copy. This book starts slowly but turns into a twisty thriller that will keep you intrigued. A story about friendship, betrayal and murder that will have you engrossed as the stunning scenery captivates your imagination. After reading this one, I am not sure if I want to plan a hike or stay far away from the idea of hiking.
Lucy Clarke tells a story about a long-standing friendship. The women in this story have a long history filled with good and bad memories. Added to that she places them on a mountaintop in bad weather and adds murder and revealed secrets to spice things up. You can expect the unexpected when you reach for this book.
Four friends, Liz, Maggie, Helena and Joni find themselves hiking in Norway for their annual getaway. The hike was Liz’s idea and the others are not prepared for the gruelling physicality of this adventure. These women find their friendships are pushed to the limits when they are stuck in horrible weather which leaves them stumbling into a dangerous situation they did not see coming. Can these friendships survive the pressure and can they forgive the betrayals that are revealed?
This story kicked off slowly, but when it got going there was no putting it down. I loved the long-term friendships and how these women while each very different managed to maintain a closeness while leading hectic lives of their own. The scenery in this story left me eager to escape to a quiet mountain top while the disasters they faced along the way left me feeling that staying on solid ground was probably a better call.
The author mixed up her characters beautifully. It was realistic that these four women were very different people. Each has their own priorities and lifestyle. I enjoyed each one’s uniqueness and loved how they managed to maintain a reasonably close relationship despite their different lifestyle.
I cannot believe that I have only read two of Lucy Clarke’s books. I enjoy her style and must find some time to read more of her work. This one kept me entertained from start to end and it’s an easy addition to my loved list for 2023.
If you are keen on a thriller full of twists with a group of long-term friends at its centre facing a life-threatening situation while secrets are revealed, then this is a book you will not want to miss. Go ahead, and add this one to your TBR – you will not be left disappointed.
Also By Lucy Clarke
One of the Girls
One of us is a liar. One of us is a stranger. One of us is a cheater.
But who could be a killer?
The six of us arrived on the beautiful, sunbaked island of Aegos to leave it all behind, our suitcases packed with flip flops and beach towels, our heads full of dreams for the perfect weekend away with friends…
On the first night, we laughed and danced under the stars. On the second night, we went skinny dipping in the warm, summer sea. On the third night, the wine loosened our tongues, the lies spilling and the masks starting to slip.
And on the final night, it all ignited as we celebrated around the beach fire – for someone, the holiday in Greece would be their last…
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Sunday Times bestseller Lucy Clarke writes from a beach hut, using the inspiration from the wild south coast to craft her stories. Her debut novel, The Sea Sisters, was a Richard & Judy Book Club pick, and she has since published A Single Breath, The Blue/No Escape, Last Seen, You Let Me In, and The Castaways, which was a Waterstones Thriller of the Month. Lucy lives by the sea with her husband and two children.
Thank you to Harper Collins for suggesting this book. After reading this one, I am hunting for more books by this author. Do you have any suggestions? Leave a comment below.
As always, thank you for visiting the blog and reading my review. I look forward to hearing what you think of this book.
