The Hike

By: Lucy Clarke

Narrated by: David Johansen-Menkin, Stephanie Racine

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.

Critic reviews

One of Real Simple’s Best Books of the Year

"Suspenseful . . . This page-turner deftly chronicles the fallout as it navigates back and forth through time and space while racing to its thrilling peak.” —Criminal Element

"Another thrilling novel from author Lucy Clarke . . . This one keeps you engaged throughout.” —Red Carpet Crash

"The strengths of the novel lie in the knife-sharp tension of the first half as well as the beautifully nuanced friendship of the four main characters. While there is danger and tragedy aplenty, hope and loyalty also abound." —Kirkus Reviews

"A taut, compulsively readable, and elegantly written thriller—Lucy Clarke has done it again! The Hike transports you to the Norwegian wilderness where a group of female friends are pushed to their absolute limits and beyond. I couldn’t stop turning the pages! A brilliant exploration of female friendship and all that it entails. A must-read for 2023." —Sarah Pearse, author of The Sanatorium

"An eerie 'alpine atmospheric' suspense novel about four friends on a wilderness trip that goes terribly wrong. Prepare for the cliff-hangers and nail-biting!" —Nita Prose, author of The Maid

"A surprising, twisty thriller with compelling characters who are fierce but out of their depth, that keeps you guessing until the end. Lucy Clarke has done it again!” —Sarah Pinborough, author of Behind Her Eyes and Insomnia

"Atmospheric, haunting, and beautifully written. This is Lucy Clarke at her best." —Gillian McAllister, author of Wrong Place, Wrong Time

"A tear-those-pages thriller which is also a great meditation on female friendship. The Hike navigates tough terrain and luscious fjords, but it also navigates motherhood, envy, longing, how to grapple with your worst possible instincts. I’d travel anywhere in the world with Lucy Clarke." —Abigail Dean, author of Girl A

"A breathtaking thriller of friendship pushed to the absolute limit – and beyond – amid the dangerous beauty of the Norwegian wilderness." —TM Logan, author of The Holiday

"An immense achievement. The power, beauty and fear inspired by those Norwegian mountains feels utterly real, as do the emotions and physical demands they impose. The tension runs like a tight thread throughout the narrative; but though we never forget the threats that surround the group, getting closer all the time, we are allowed moments of wonder." —Jane Shemilt, author of Daughter

Very, very slow burn

I had a hard time getting into the story or connecting with any of the characters. The author has a nice writing style, making it easy to listen to. Unfortunately, most of the time I was waiting for something, anything to happen. Nothing remotely interesting begins until Chapter 30. And I felt really let down by the climax. Immediately after the climax, the story fast forwards a few months. Disappointed that I pre-ordered, should have waited for it to be at the library. The female narrator was terrific. I might not have finished if it wasn’t for her.

Great Adventure

The presentation was good. I enjoyed the narrators. A little predictable but overall a good story.

Very entertaining

Really have enjoyed this author and her books. I thought the book was entertaining and engaging. Liked the characters and their development. The storyline was good but a little predictable.

Loved it!

Great narration and fun, twisty story. I definitely recommend it. I love the strength and bonds of female friendship.

Good thriller

Good thriller, a little predictable. Ending feels a little rushed after the character build-up. The narration is good!