The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens

Downright terrifying! I may never want to travel again. A thriller set in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, The Hitchhikers is a ride through hell with a desperate young couple who have fled the scene of a bloody murder.

Set in the 1970’s, the story follows Simon and Jenny, a hippy-like pair of travellers who are picked up by Alice and Tom as they journey across Canada in their RV, a vacation meant to help them heal after a tragic loss. When Alice hears on the radio that the police are searching for a man and woman who are wanted in connection with brutal killings, she frantically looks for a way to report them and escape the danger they pose. Anyone who has driven through this area knows how unpopulated it is. The beauty of nature set against this isolation creates a creepy stage for two couples trying to survive what life has thrown their way. On the run, willing to do whatever it takes, the hitchhikers turn a pleasure trip into a horrific nightmare.

With shocking revelations throughout, the book has many jaw-dropping moments. Author Stevens provides flashbacks to flesh out her characters’ motivations, which build an emotional connection between the reader and their decisions despite the poor choices they make. I didn’t particularly like the characters (apart from Alice), but came to an understanding of why they acted as they did. The pace varies from slow burn to rushed; some sections seemed like a list telling the actions performed by the characters and took me out of the scene. And although there is plenty of action in terms of suspense, I found parts somewhat repetitive.

The Hitchhikers is a great read for thriller fans who enjoy a suspenseful story in an isolated setting. A heart-pounding survival tale! Probably not a good choice for anyone who is planning a trip through the mountains unless you are travelling in a group. The premise is just too real.