3.5 ⭐️⭐️🌟 rounds up to 4 for Goodreads

4 childhood friends who come together for an annual vacation getaway, this year destination: Norway to hike the mountain of Blafjell. They arrive the night before they set foot on the trail and emerge themselves into the local town and get acquainted with some of the locals. They spend the night at the local hotel and learn one of the locals went missing while hiking Blafjell and was never to be found. The next morning the 4 friend set out working together and fighting through some secrets and regrets all to get them back home. Crossing some locals as they set off one of them is warned to turn around and go home, but fighting her own personal demands she decided to not tell the others and move on with the hike. There is an ominous presence in the forest and throughout the hike. Is there a killer on then trail? The 4 friend work to repair their friendship to survive the trials of Blafjell and escape the killer.

This book has the very familiar character plot of 4 friends setting out on a trip where they run into murders and mysteries, I don’t hate it and I think this book had a very strong character plot. I enjoyed each of the characters and learning about their secrets and history. This book also have a strong location plot. I love the dynamic of being lost in the mountains of Norway. The author did a great job painting a picture of the landscape. That being said, it felt like the murder mystery aspect took the back seat to these. There was only really 1 twist towards the end, but it was a good one and the chapters lead up kept me guessing. If you’re looking for a nail bitting twist and turn mystery thriller this book is not it, but it is a great thriller with a great sorry of friendship. I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a nice cleansing read.

Thank you Putman Books and NetGalley for the ARC copy for my honest review.

Three forever friends who like to take a vacation each year with each other to catch up and let loose. Each year one of them picks the place to go. This year Liz the dr., mother and wife picks hiking the trails in Norway. Maggie the single divorced mother is dreading the trip she just wants to be with her daughter. Then there is Helene who is still getting over the death of her mom. She cannot seem to keep a relationship and the only one she did keep is gone. There is a fourth friend Joni who is a famous singer entertainer who always seems to miss these trips because of her touring. Or is that the real reason. You see not only is this book a thriller it also lets you in on the lives of these three women and what possible secrets they could be hiding. Why does Liz the doctor want to take such a dangerous trip knowing that a person like Maggie would be so nervous to go on. Why is Helene so reckless in her love life and why is the real reason Joni misses these trips?

The backdrop the beautiful mountains of Norway. A lovely inn run by two brothers for people who like an adventure. Is adventure what these four women get when the set off to hike these mountains? A body is found and it seems like its been there awhile. One of the brothers Erik is blamed for the disappearance of his girlfriend Karin. How does his brother Leif fit into all of this? There are many other dark characters in this novel that made it very thrilling. It started like a normal trip which then turned dark and scary. Why??

I really enjoyed this book because it was told through the eyes of each friend. As you kept reading it starts to unravel not only the mystery within the mountains and how many of these characters tie in. It also starts to tell you the back story of why these women are who they are and what their secrets are. One secret destroys a long friendship and one has a big decision to make.

Thank you Lucy Clarke for such a thrilling and engrossing book. I couldn't put it down. I needed to find out the ending and who did what. The plot was interesting, characters full of life and the setting was very descriptive and made you feel like you were hiking with these women.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Will be looking forward to more books by Ms. Clarke.

This was a quick read for me! I enjoyed the layout of the book- each chapter dedicated to a different character. That always makes for a speedy read for me. The book centers around 4 girlfriends and their annual trip away together. Someone different picks the location every year. This year, it's hiking a mountain in Norway.

The book starts off giving background on each of the four main characters It allows time to get to know them, and the baggage they're bringing on this annual girls trip. The anticipation grows as they venture further along the trip, and everyone is a suspect as things begin to happen along the trail. Friendships are tested, secrets are revealed. Bodies are battered and bruised, so are egos.

The ending was a little eye-rolling and cringe, but it made for a good thriller that kept me reading and finishing it in one day. I would definitely read other books by this author. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

'The Hike' takes readers on an exhilarating journey where the desire for adventure collides with the consequences of seeking solace in the untamed wilderness. With a perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and personal growth, this book by Lucy Clarke captures the essence of exploration and the haunting secrets that lie hidden amidst the natural beauty of Norway.

The story revolves around Liz, a woman yearning for a break from the shackles of her crumbling marriage and mundane work routine. Her plan to embark on a camping trip with her three best friends promises to be the getaway they all crave. From the very first page, the vivid descriptions of Norway's majestic landscapes had me longing to be part of their expedition.

As the group delves deeper into the wilderness, the author skillfully builds tension, masterfully revealing the ominous undertones that permeate the seemingly idyllic scenery. The sense of isolation intensifies, with no cell coverage and the absence of any potential saviors. I found myself fully immersed, feeling both exhilaration and foreboding as I turned each page.

The character development in this novel is noteworthy. Liz is a relatable protagonist, her desires and frustrations palpable, and as she grapples with her own personal demons, readers are compelled to root for her resilience. The camaraderie between the four friends is heartwarming, lending a touch of familiarity and warmth to the chilling circumstances they face.

The author's ability to create a sense of claustrophobia within an expansive setting is commendable. The juxtaposition of the breathtaking landscapes with the lurking darkness creates an unrelenting atmosphere of suspense. Every twist and turn adds fuel to the mounting tension, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next revelation.

While 'The Hike' is a captivating tale, I longed for more exploration of the secrets hiding within the wilderness. The macro view overshadowed some potential opportunities for deeper dives into the intriguing enigmas of the mountains. Nonetheless, the narrative's strength lies in its ability to paint a haunting backdrop against which the characters must navigate.

In conclusion, 'The Hike' is a satisfying page-turner that artfully combines elements of adventure, mystery, and personal growth. With breathtaking backdrops, well-developed characters, and an undercurrent of lurking danger, this novel is sure to captivate readers seeking a thrilling escape. Although I would have appreciated a more in-depth exploration of the secrets, the overall experience warrants a solid four-star rating. Escape into this enthralling journey and be prepared to hold your breath until the last page.

In retrospect, perhaps not the best book selection before leaving for a hike but nonetheless this was a great thriller!

Liz, Joni, Maggie and Helena have been best friends for over two decades, always getting together for an annual girls trip despite the different directions their lives have pulled them as adults.

There's really no place better to air resentments and hurt feelings than in the middle of the wilderness! Each of these women arrives for the hike with personal baggage beyond the survival packs on their backs. This is very different than their typical beach vacations, and each is hoping to prove something by completing this four-day hike.

Along the way they are challenged by the elements, their own bottled up emotions, and other hikers on the path. Danger comes in a variety of forms and they seem to be finding it around every corner.

A fast-paced and well-written thriller.

This was a great mystery thriller that will appeal to outdoorsy readers. I really enjoyed learning about each of the main characters and their secrets as the story went on.

I enjoyed this book. At times I felt like there was too much going on. Too many personal problems with every character, none of them were prepared for this hike, etc. It just all seemed like a disaster and I found myself wondering would this really happen in real life? This was a typical popcorn thrill and the ending was meh and to be expected. Overall I would recommend this book and will continue to read this author (I've read all her books!)

Three out of four friends are meeting up for their yearly trip. The fourth can't make it because she's a famous rock star. The rest of the girls have busy lives but look forward to this yearly trip to unwind. This year they are going to Norway to hike a difficult trail up a mountain! The trips are usually warm and poolside, so this is way different. Everything is going pretty well and then the rock star shows up!!! Now all 4 will get to band together on this journey! The problem is that one of them looks exactly like a girl who went missing exactly a year ago. There are some suspicious people hanging around as well.

This was a really nice story. I loved the reality of the friendships between the 4 girls. The aspects of their fears and insecurities just made everything much more relatable. I can see peices of myself in each character. The suspense is a bit of a slow build but it sure gets there!

Four women, friends since childhood; embark on an adventure which includes hiking on a rugged mountain.
Typically, their annual vacation together includes drinks by a pool in the sun. This year will be different. What started as a get away from all their different problems quickly becomes their worst fears. This book was a real page turner! It keeps the reader guessing until the end. Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Group Putnam, and the author for the arc read in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Couldn’t stop reading this addictive thriller that I read it in two days.
An atmospheric setting in the deep mountains of Norway, four lifelong friends embark on a hiking trip with deadly results.

Wildly entertaining & has me guessing till the very end!

For their annual trip together, four friends decide to hike up a mountain in Norway, even though it seems like an impossible trek. Each of the women comes with their own set of baggage - Liz is on a trial separation from her husband, Joni is a famous singer who is tired of being in the limelight, Maggie and Helena. They start out with a night at a nearby lodge and meet the rest of the characters who will inhabit the story. But can they trust any one of them?

Both the beginning and the end were filled with thrills and chills. The middle sagged a little for me and that's the reason I gave it four stars instead of five. There's cocaine, a bracelet, a cave, a body at the bottom of a ravine, adultery, pregnancy and a group of criminals.

Lucy Clarke writes bestselling psychological thrillers and does a marvelous job of it. I highly recommend any of her books including "The Hike."

I think this one was a case of the Not For Mes.

It's Liz's turn to decide where she and her group of friends go on vacation. Trying to escape the blues brought about by her crumbling marriage, she elects to gather them together in Norway on a hiking trip, something neither of her friends are supper jazzed about because their lives are moving with such rapidity that they have no time to train.

There's Maggie. For her, the trip will mean a separation from her daughter, spending her first night with her ex-husband unsupervised.

Helena's got a secret thrumming in the back of her mind.

And Joni skips out on her band's world tour, trying to run away from coke addiction and vindictive boyfriend.

I really thought I was getting a book similar to The Ritual by Adam Nevill - four friends out in the wilderness, creepy stuff happening. What I got was a LOT and I mean A LOT of friendship dynamics and a weird amount of stuff about motherhood, which is not something I'm interested in and tend to avoid in fiction.

I think this is a serviceable thriller and those interested in the dynamics between middle aged women and parenthood will love this. I desperately wish there had been more focus on the hike itself, though.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️What a great book! Loved the main characters and the story itself. The friendship between these four women is truly the center of the story. The ending was the “ thriller” part. Well written and the story just flowed so smoothly. Literally read this book in one evening- I could not put it down. A great book- be prepared to stay up late to finish it! Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group and Lucy Clarke for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Such a smooth, good read! 4 friends set off to hike a mountain. Only one of them is really prepared. Although reluctant,all of them set off into the wilderness. They are not alone in the woods, of course! It was an unexpected twist to the story and a heartfelt ending. I felt all the characters were well developed and the story flowed really well. Thank you netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"No help. No cell coverage. No one to hear them scream."

The Hike centers on a group of friends undertaking the titular hike in the Norwegian wilderness. The synopsis made the book sound like a thriller, but it's very slow burning and focuses more on the journey and the four friends than the danger. This is fine, just something to know going into it. While it didn't deliver on the heart-pounding twists and turns I had hoped for, it was a decent read. It is noteworthy, however, that the dual perspective in the book is a bit hard to follow with regard to timeline. Overall, less of a thriller than expected but still worth a read.

This was…fine. Not great. I really wanted it to be better. the characters and storyline. were all pretty cookie-cutter and nothing really made it stand out. I finished it and pretty much immediately forgot about it, so it’s a fine beach read..

It took me a little while to get into this book, but I once I did it was great! It gave just enough of those eery creepy vibes that it kept me interested!

On the annual girls’ trip, it’s Liz’s turn to choose a destination for Helena, Maggie and Joni (if Joni, a musician touring in Berlin right now, can make it). And after choosing beach holidays in Corfu or the south of France, this time she wants her friends to “wild camp” and hike in Norway. The trail they have chosen, unfortunately, was also the last place a local girl was hiking before she disappeared. Blafjell summit is known as a “thin place” where earth and mist meet the sky and a peculiar vibration and unease persist.

Each of them, in their early thirties, have complicated lives. Liz is a doctor married to her childhood sweetheart, but now she feels bored. Maggie, a struggling artist and neglectfully unprepared for hiking, is finally leaving her daughter Phoebe with her ex-husband for this first trip apart. Joni realizes she’s overdoing the drugs on tour and has made a panicked exit. Helena, a successful businesswoman, just might be pregnant.

The story is told via each woman’s POV as they hike and encounter a storm and other strange things, plus an interspersed view from Leif, the lodge keeper who, four days after hikers set out and were due back, has been told by other mountaineers that there’s a body on the side of the mountain. His brother, Erik, the boyfriend of the missing woman, Karin, was also on the mountain at the same time. Leif appears to be rushing towards the end of the story as it’s still being told.

“The Hike” is suspenseful, twisty and thrilling and will remind non-hikers to not agree to do something this dangerous as a girls’ holiday. Stay on the beach. 5 stars!

Thank you to Penguin/GP Putnam and NetGalley for a free advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Both Joni and a baby have bright green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Although this almost totally takes place in nature, nothing horticulturally specific is described.

Whew! I just finished this book and I think I may have been holding my breath the last few chapters. Four childhood girlfriends who take yearly trips decide to embark on a Hike in Norway. Liz- married mom of 2, but currently in a separation from her husband, Maggie- single mom of 1, Helena- single and grieving the loss of her mom and Joni- a famous singer-- have I mentioned none of them have hiked before?

There are so many secrets, resentments and drama in this novel, I really enjoyed it. 4 stars because it just felt a bit far fetched, but still enjoyed so much.

This book is a wonderful addition to the many mysteries and thrillers that are arriving on our shelves! Middle-aged marriages are tough, it's great to read about how you're not alone.