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The Hitchhikers
On the remote Canadian highways in 1976, Tom and Alice set out to heal their fractured marriage. An RV, a new beginning, and the hope of recovery after a devastating tragedy.
Then they meet two young hitchhikers, Ocean and Blue—a seemingly innocent couple who aren’t who they seem. . . .
They are Jenny and Simon. And they have left a trail of blood, destruction, and madness behind them.
Now Tom and Alice are trapped—prisoners in a deadly game, with nowhere to turn. But as the tension builds and the lines blur, the question becomes, In whose heart does evil truly lie?
12 hrs. 21 mins.
Then they meet two young hitchhikers, Ocean and Blue—a seemingly innocent couple who aren’t who they seem. . . .
They are Jenny and Simon. And they have left a trail of blood, destruction, and madness behind them.
Now Tom and Alice are trapped—prisoners in a deadly game, with nowhere to turn. But as the tension builds and the lines blur, the question becomes, In whose heart does evil truly lie?
12 hrs. 21 mins.
13 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 7, 2025
560 people are currently reading
28160 people want to read
About the author
Chevy Stevens
15 books11.1k followersCHEVY STEVENS lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and daughter. When she’s not working on her next book, she’s spending time with her family and their two dogs. Chevy's debut novel, STILL MISSING, was a New York Times bestseller and won the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel. Her books, including THOSE GIRLS which Stephen King called "incredibly scary" have been published in more than thirty countries. Her eighth novel, THE HITCHHIKERS, is out Oct.7/25
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,593 reviews
October 16, 2025
This was great but I’m glad it’s over because I was STRESSED 😂
September 18, 2025
More like 3.25 stars. I was interested and engaged and enjoyed the story. At times the pacing was a little off for me and slowed a bit, not bad.
I've never read a Chevy Stevens book and this will be my first one! Super excited!
Set in 1976, The Hitchhikers follows Tom and Alice, a couple trying to reconnect on a road trip through British Columbia. When they pick up a young hitchhiking couple, their good intentions quickly spiral into a nightmare. As dark secrets emerge, the journey turns into a fight for survival.
Expected Pub Date - 10/07/25
Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the advanced digital copy, all thoughts are my own. 💐
I've never read a Chevy Stevens book and this will be my first one! Super excited!
Set in 1976, The Hitchhikers follows Tom and Alice, a couple trying to reconnect on a road trip through British Columbia. When they pick up a young hitchhiking couple, their good intentions quickly spiral into a nightmare. As dark secrets emerge, the journey turns into a fight for survival.
Expected Pub Date - 10/07/25
Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the advanced digital copy, all thoughts are my own. 💐
September 18, 2025
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The Book Review Crew Blog
2.5 Stars
I loved both Still Missing and Dark Roads by this author, but this one? In a word: meh. The Hitchhikers takes us to 1976, where Tom and Alice are grieving and decide to take an RV trip across Canada. On their journey, they pick up two young hitchhikers, Jenny and Simon, who also go by the names Ocean and Blue. Then the violence starts, and Tom and Alice realize nothing is as they first thought. We have these ordinary folks who are pushed to extremes. Just how far will Tom and Alice go to save themselves?
Okay, this was tense at first, and I was really getting into it, but the pacing was off. A lot would happen, and then nothing for a while. I did like the 1970s road-trip setting, especially since I am Canadian. I liked how the author wrote about Alice and Tom's grief; their vulnerability was evident, and the way they changed over the course of the trip due to Ocean and Blue's arrival was well done. A lot of the plot felt repetitive, so I became kind of numb to the violence rather than being shocked by it. While the protagonists were well-written, the antagonists weren't well-developed enough. I found the book didn't go deep enough into what their motivations were; I wasn't fully convinced. Some of the twists landed predictably, so there were no real surprises. Overall, The Hitchhikers was an okay read and is perfect for those who like lots of drama (yes, please), but I have to say this blurb is just downright wrong in all aspects: A chilling, twist-laden ride to the final page, The Hitchhikers is that rare novel that will break your heart as well as hold you in suspense. Also, NetGalley has this listed as Women's Fiction for some reason. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
2.5 Stars
I loved both Still Missing and Dark Roads by this author, but this one? In a word: meh. The Hitchhikers takes us to 1976, where Tom and Alice are grieving and decide to take an RV trip across Canada. On their journey, they pick up two young hitchhikers, Jenny and Simon, who also go by the names Ocean and Blue. Then the violence starts, and Tom and Alice realize nothing is as they first thought. We have these ordinary folks who are pushed to extremes. Just how far will Tom and Alice go to save themselves?
Okay, this was tense at first, and I was really getting into it, but the pacing was off. A lot would happen, and then nothing for a while. I did like the 1970s road-trip setting, especially since I am Canadian. I liked how the author wrote about Alice and Tom's grief; their vulnerability was evident, and the way they changed over the course of the trip due to Ocean and Blue's arrival was well done. A lot of the plot felt repetitive, so I became kind of numb to the violence rather than being shocked by it. While the protagonists were well-written, the antagonists weren't well-developed enough. I found the book didn't go deep enough into what their motivations were; I wasn't fully convinced. Some of the twists landed predictably, so there were no real surprises. Overall, The Hitchhikers was an okay read and is perfect for those who like lots of drama (yes, please), but I have to say this blurb is just downright wrong in all aspects: A chilling, twist-laden ride to the final page, The Hitchhikers is that rare novel that will break your heart as well as hold you in suspense. Also, NetGalley has this listed as Women's Fiction for some reason. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 19, 2025
Buckle up, this book is a killer ride.
Chevy Stevens hits the gas and doesn’t let up in The Hitchhikers, a chilling, character-driven thriller that left tire tracks across my psyche. Set against the lonely and atmospheric backdrop of 1976 British Columbia, this novel takes the classic “road trip to heal a marriage” setup and slams it head-on into something far darker and far more dangerous.
Tom and Alice, still reeling from a devastating tragedy, take to the open road in their RV hoping to patch things up. But when they pick up two seemingly harmless hitchhikers, Ocean and Blue, it doesn’t take long before things swerve wildly off course. The young couple aren’t who they seem. In fact, they’re Jenny and Simon, and what they bring with them isn’t peace, but chaos, carnage, and a deeply unnerving psychological cat-and-mouse game.
Stevens doesn’t just steer the plot, she peels out, drifts into dark psychological terrain, and drives straight through your comfort zone. This isn’t just a road trip gone wrong; it’s a descent into two very different, very personal hells. The suspense is relentless, with every chapter tightening the seatbelt around your chest. Even when I had to put the book down, I found myself stuck at mental rest stops, replaying scenes and wondering how things would unfold.
The real horsepower, though, is in the characters. Stevens’ knack for building deeply human, emotionally resonant characters is on full display. You care about Tom and Alice, and that’s what makes their unraveling so hard to watch and so impossible to look away from. At times, I wanted to scream at them like a horror movie audience (“Don’t pick them up!”), but that’s the brilliance of Stevens’ writing: it lures you in with empathy before slamming on the brakes and flipping everything upside down.
Her prose is sharp, cinematic, and peppered with little gut-punches that hit you when you least expect it. And just when you think you know who’s holding the wheel, she yanks it hard and sends you spinning into a twist you never saw coming. The plot turns are frequent but never cheap, every reveal adds weight to the emotional and psychological stakes.
If you’re a fan of thrillers that are equal parts pulse-pounding and heart-wrenching, The Hitchhikers should absolutely be in your to-read pile. It’s a dark, twisty trip with no GPS, no brakes, and no guarantee you’ll get out unscathed, but damn, what a ride. Stevens has once again proven she’s a master of suspense, and this might just be her most gripping book yet.
Final verdict:
Five screaming RV tires out of five. 🛣️ 🛣️ 🛣️ 🔪💔
This one hitchhikes straight into your brain
and doesn’t let go.
Chevy Stevens hits the gas and doesn’t let up in The Hitchhikers, a chilling, character-driven thriller that left tire tracks across my psyche. Set against the lonely and atmospheric backdrop of 1976 British Columbia, this novel takes the classic “road trip to heal a marriage” setup and slams it head-on into something far darker and far more dangerous.
Tom and Alice, still reeling from a devastating tragedy, take to the open road in their RV hoping to patch things up. But when they pick up two seemingly harmless hitchhikers, Ocean and Blue, it doesn’t take long before things swerve wildly off course. The young couple aren’t who they seem. In fact, they’re Jenny and Simon, and what they bring with them isn’t peace, but chaos, carnage, and a deeply unnerving psychological cat-and-mouse game.
Stevens doesn’t just steer the plot, she peels out, drifts into dark psychological terrain, and drives straight through your comfort zone. This isn’t just a road trip gone wrong; it’s a descent into two very different, very personal hells. The suspense is relentless, with every chapter tightening the seatbelt around your chest. Even when I had to put the book down, I found myself stuck at mental rest stops, replaying scenes and wondering how things would unfold.
The real horsepower, though, is in the characters. Stevens’ knack for building deeply human, emotionally resonant characters is on full display. You care about Tom and Alice, and that’s what makes their unraveling so hard to watch and so impossible to look away from. At times, I wanted to scream at them like a horror movie audience (“Don’t pick them up!”), but that’s the brilliance of Stevens’ writing: it lures you in with empathy before slamming on the brakes and flipping everything upside down.
Her prose is sharp, cinematic, and peppered with little gut-punches that hit you when you least expect it. And just when you think you know who’s holding the wheel, she yanks it hard and sends you spinning into a twist you never saw coming. The plot turns are frequent but never cheap, every reveal adds weight to the emotional and psychological stakes.
If you’re a fan of thrillers that are equal parts pulse-pounding and heart-wrenching, The Hitchhikers should absolutely be in your to-read pile. It’s a dark, twisty trip with no GPS, no brakes, and no guarantee you’ll get out unscathed, but damn, what a ride. Stevens has once again proven she’s a master of suspense, and this might just be her most gripping book yet.
Final verdict:
Five screaming RV tires out of five. 🛣️ 🛣️ 🛣️ 🔪💔
This one hitchhikes straight into your brain
and doesn’t let go.
did-not-finish
May 30, 2025Nope, I'm out. DNF'ing at 31%. For some reason I thought this would be a psychological thriller about a couple who picks up two hitchhikers and slowly starts to suspect that there's more to their passengers than meets the eye. This is … not that. I have a hard time with books that portray realistic violence (or even threats of violence) being committed by someone in a position of control over another, and there's no way I'm going to make it through 200+ more pages of coercion via intimidation and physical abuse. The writing is good and the author is obviously talented, but unfortunately this just isn't the right book for me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is October 7, 2025.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is October 7, 2025.
June 1, 2025
Gripping, shocking, thrilling, thought provoking, heartbreaking, and hard to put down! Chevy Stevens took me on a wild roller coaster of a ride with The Hitchhikers! Whew! I had a hard time putting this book down as took me on a journey of emotions, thrills, chills, and danger! I loved the tension, the sense of danger, the dread, and how this book had me on the edge of my seat turning those pages as fast as I could read!!!
Its 1976 and Tom and Alice, are traveling in their RV hoping to not only mend their marriage after tragedy but to go on an adventure. They hope that this trip on a remote Canadian highway will bring them closer together. Unfortunately, it brings them into the path of danger.
Jenny and Simon are on the run and have left a trail of blood and devastation in their wake. They are a young, troubled couple who come upon Tom and Alice and see an opportunity to not only get transportation but to take hostages!
Holy Moly! This book had me feeling so many things. I felt sorry and had my fingers crossed for so many of the characters. The characters in this book went through so much before this book even started. Chevy Stevens does a great job of slowly telling readers the characters backstories making the characters feel more believable and real. Tragedy and pain affected all the characters in their lives. I went from disliking some of the characters to feeling for them and their circumstances. I thought the author nailed this aspect of the book.
Reading The Hitchhikers was like being on an adrenaline ride of survival. Be warned, there are some acts of violence in this book. As I mentioned this book put me and the readers through the ringer. Matching the violence and the quest for survival was the pacing which never let up. This book kept me on the edge as the tension, dread, and danger mounted. There were a few twists and turns along the way until a shocking moment at the end of the book - a moment that I never saw coming! I love it when that happens!
It has been quite some time since I have read a book by Chevy Stevens, and I am kicking myself. I forgot just how thrilling and shocking her books are!
Wonderfully written, well thought out, gripping, thrilling and hard to put down!
*This was a wonderful witches words buddy read with Norma, Brenda, and Mary Beth. Please read their terrific reviews as well to see their thoughts on The Hitchhikers!
4.5 review to follow
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Its 1976 and Tom and Alice, are traveling in their RV hoping to not only mend their marriage after tragedy but to go on an adventure. They hope that this trip on a remote Canadian highway will bring them closer together. Unfortunately, it brings them into the path of danger.
Jenny and Simon are on the run and have left a trail of blood and devastation in their wake. They are a young, troubled couple who come upon Tom and Alice and see an opportunity to not only get transportation but to take hostages!
Holy Moly! This book had me feeling so many things. I felt sorry and had my fingers crossed for so many of the characters. The characters in this book went through so much before this book even started. Chevy Stevens does a great job of slowly telling readers the characters backstories making the characters feel more believable and real. Tragedy and pain affected all the characters in their lives. I went from disliking some of the characters to feeling for them and their circumstances. I thought the author nailed this aspect of the book.
Reading The Hitchhikers was like being on an adrenaline ride of survival. Be warned, there are some acts of violence in this book. As I mentioned this book put me and the readers through the ringer. Matching the violence and the quest for survival was the pacing which never let up. This book kept me on the edge as the tension, dread, and danger mounted. There were a few twists and turns along the way until a shocking moment at the end of the book - a moment that I never saw coming! I love it when that happens!
It has been quite some time since I have read a book by Chevy Stevens, and I am kicking myself. I forgot just how thrilling and shocking her books are!
Wonderfully written, well thought out, gripping, thrilling and hard to put down!
*This was a wonderful witches words buddy read with Norma, Brenda, and Mary Beth. Please read their terrific reviews as well to see their thoughts on The Hitchhikers!
4.5 review to follow
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
July 15, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ rounded down.
After a devastating tragedy shatters their lives, Tom and Alice set out from Seattle on a healing road trip across Canada in their new RV. Along the way, they cross paths with Ocean and Blue, a seemingly carefree young couple hitchhiking at a remote campground. At first, they appear harmless, but appearances can be dangerously deceiving.
I was really looking forward to my first Chevy Stevens book, especially with that eye-catching cover, a story about hitchhikers, and a 70s setting which I usually love, but unfortunately, this just didn’t work for me. It took me just over a month to finish this book, but it felt more like a year. I managed to read nine other books since starting this one, which says a lot about how little motivation I had to return to it.
I found myself so frustrated with the two FMCs and their constant inaction. And then there’s Tom, who more often than not felt like an afterthought in his own scenes. I expected him to have a much bigger role in the story. The narrative dragged for most of the book, often feeling repetitive and overly long. It could’ve easily been tightened without losing anything important. While the ending offered a touch of satisfaction, it came after such a slow buildup that the rushed conclusion felt anticlimactic. Ultimately, the payoff just wasn’t worth the effort it took to get there.
I have a few Chevy Stevens books on my TBR and plan to read them, hoping this was just a one-off miss.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my ARC.
After a devastating tragedy shatters their lives, Tom and Alice set out from Seattle on a healing road trip across Canada in their new RV. Along the way, they cross paths with Ocean and Blue, a seemingly carefree young couple hitchhiking at a remote campground. At first, they appear harmless, but appearances can be dangerously deceiving.
I was really looking forward to my first Chevy Stevens book, especially with that eye-catching cover, a story about hitchhikers, and a 70s setting which I usually love, but unfortunately, this just didn’t work for me. It took me just over a month to finish this book, but it felt more like a year. I managed to read nine other books since starting this one, which says a lot about how little motivation I had to return to it.
I found myself so frustrated with the two FMCs and their constant inaction. And then there’s Tom, who more often than not felt like an afterthought in his own scenes. I expected him to have a much bigger role in the story. The narrative dragged for most of the book, often feeling repetitive and overly long. It could’ve easily been tightened without losing anything important. While the ending offered a touch of satisfaction, it came after such a slow buildup that the rushed conclusion felt anticlimactic. Ultimately, the payoff just wasn’t worth the effort it took to get there.
I have a few Chevy Stevens books on my TBR and plan to read them, hoping this was just a one-off miss.
My thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my ARC.
April 10, 2025
Sometimes I feel like a jerk telling people to push through a book and wait until the end before forming their final thoughts. BUT…I’m going to say it anyway. This was one of those books where I found myself almost frustrated with the situation the whole way through, but the ending pulled it together enough that I ended up liking the book overall. I’m not bold enough to say the ending completely saved it, but it definitely helped put things into perspective. I also appreciated that there were hints sprinkled throughout, so the ending didn’t feel like a total 180.
This one leans more thriller than mystery, with a dash of angst—not too much, but just enough to keep me invested in seeing how it would all unfold. There were definitely moments where I thought, “Okay, these characters could have handled this better,” but I also get that it’s easier to judge from the outside looking in.
It’s my first time reading this author, so I can’t say how it compares to her usual style. That said, I still found it enjoyable even if I got bored here and there. This isn’t my typical kind of read, but I’m glad I gave it a chance. I might be a little conflicted on my feelings overall, but I feel good about my rating especially since the ending had me shedding a few tears!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This one leans more thriller than mystery, with a dash of angst—not too much, but just enough to keep me invested in seeing how it would all unfold. There were definitely moments where I thought, “Okay, these characters could have handled this better,” but I also get that it’s easier to judge from the outside looking in.
It’s my first time reading this author, so I can’t say how it compares to her usual style. That said, I still found it enjoyable even if I got bored here and there. This isn’t my typical kind of read, but I’m glad I gave it a chance. I might be a little conflicted on my feelings overall, but I feel good about my rating especially since the ending had me shedding a few tears!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 4, 2025
I loved this book, it was intense and once started I didn't want to stop. Waiting anxiously for the next hit. Felt a little bad for Alice and Tom, the feeling of helplessness was truelly felt at each turn. Great storyline, and although not a huge bang of an ending it did leave me warm and fuzzy.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.
April 19, 2025
WOW! This was a great fictional book! I absolutely loved reading it from beginning to the very end. This story made me emotional! It is dark, suspenseful, unpredictable, and heartbreaking. This was my first book written by this author and it definitely won’t be my last! It took me on a journey that I will never forget! This book comes with short chapters, a dual POV, and great character developments! It is a medium paced read and is very easy to follow. Some of the themes in this book include good versus evil, lingering effects on trauma and the dynamics of trust. Picking up these hitchhikers is something that nobody could be prepared for!
“The Hitchhikers” is about Tom and Alice going on a trip in their RV in the 70’s, after suffering a loss of their own. They are roadtripping to Canada, then see two hitchhikers! Stranger danger!! These hitchhikers are named Jenny and Simon and they are full of secrets and deceit. These hitchhikers end up being two people they should have never picked up! Things get wild and there are twists and turns you don’t see coming! Be sure to read the trigger warnings prior to reading this book. I give this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Chevy Stevens and St. Martin's Press publishing for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on October 7, 2025! You are going to want to add this book to your to be read list!
“The Hitchhikers” is about Tom and Alice going on a trip in their RV in the 70’s, after suffering a loss of their own. They are roadtripping to Canada, then see two hitchhikers! Stranger danger!! These hitchhikers are named Jenny and Simon and they are full of secrets and deceit. These hitchhikers end up being two people they should have never picked up! Things get wild and there are twists and turns you don’t see coming! Be sure to read the trigger warnings prior to reading this book. I give this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Chevy Stevens and St. Martin's Press publishing for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on October 7, 2025! You are going to want to add this book to your to be read list!
October 19, 2025
Holy Shooty Balls!!!! The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens absolutely blew me away. Equal parts terrifying and heartbreaking, this twisty, relentless stunner gripped me from start to finish.
Gritty, chilling, and unrelenting!
Starting off in Golden, BC, then winding through Kimberley, down to Cranbrook, and east along the Crowsnest Highway toward Alberta, this novel hit every nerve. I know those roads well. The tight curves, thick forest, remote stretches and uneasy quiet between mountain towns are etched into my memory, and Chevy Stevens brings them to life with eerie, cinematic precision. I also loved the 1970s setting, which added such a raw, nostalgic edge to the story. And when an iconic local motel was mentioned, a place that is no longer there, it gave me a true blast from the past. That jolt of recognition pulled me even deeper into the tension and atmosphere.
Tom and Alice’s road trip is meant to be a fresh start after an unbearable tragedy, but when they pick up two seemingly harmless hitchhikers, things spiral into a nightmare. Ocean and Blue, also known as Jenny and Simon, are more than just dangerous. They are chaos in human form.
I love Chevy Stevens’ prose. It is cinematic and peppered with emotive gut punches that hit me when I least expected them. The plot is packed with twists I did not see coming. Every turn adds depth rather than shock for shock’s sake, raising the emotional and psychological stakes in ways that felt earned and impactful. It is equal parts pulse pounding and heart wrenching, a dark and twisty ride I could not look away from.
There is a creeping dread that builds beautifully throughout, but what sets this apart is the emotional core. Beneath all the terror and tension is a raw, aching exploration of grief, guilt and survival. The shifting perspectives, the painful secrets, the complex characters, I was completely riveted. And just when I thought I could breathe, another revelation left me reeling.
The Hitchhikers gave me all the feels. It is gritty and gripping from start to finish, a masterclass in suspense with real emotional weight behind every twist.
A Witches Words read that I had the pleasure of buddy reading with Brenda, Debra and Mary Beth. Be sure to check out their reviews.
Canadian Author 🇨🇦
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy. Highly recommended for readers who like their thrillers dark, character driven and impossible to put down.
Gritty, chilling, and unrelenting!
Starting off in Golden, BC, then winding through Kimberley, down to Cranbrook, and east along the Crowsnest Highway toward Alberta, this novel hit every nerve. I know those roads well. The tight curves, thick forest, remote stretches and uneasy quiet between mountain towns are etched into my memory, and Chevy Stevens brings them to life with eerie, cinematic precision. I also loved the 1970s setting, which added such a raw, nostalgic edge to the story. And when an iconic local motel was mentioned, a place that is no longer there, it gave me a true blast from the past. That jolt of recognition pulled me even deeper into the tension and atmosphere.
Tom and Alice’s road trip is meant to be a fresh start after an unbearable tragedy, but when they pick up two seemingly harmless hitchhikers, things spiral into a nightmare. Ocean and Blue, also known as Jenny and Simon, are more than just dangerous. They are chaos in human form.
I love Chevy Stevens’ prose. It is cinematic and peppered with emotive gut punches that hit me when I least expected them. The plot is packed with twists I did not see coming. Every turn adds depth rather than shock for shock’s sake, raising the emotional and psychological stakes in ways that felt earned and impactful. It is equal parts pulse pounding and heart wrenching, a dark and twisty ride I could not look away from.
There is a creeping dread that builds beautifully throughout, but what sets this apart is the emotional core. Beneath all the terror and tension is a raw, aching exploration of grief, guilt and survival. The shifting perspectives, the painful secrets, the complex characters, I was completely riveted. And just when I thought I could breathe, another revelation left me reeling.
The Hitchhikers gave me all the feels. It is gritty and gripping from start to finish, a masterclass in suspense with real emotional weight behind every twist.
A Witches Words read that I had the pleasure of buddy reading with Brenda, Debra and Mary Beth. Be sure to check out their reviews.
Canadian Author 🇨🇦
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy. Highly recommended for readers who like their thrillers dark, character driven and impossible to put down.
August 24, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down for a book that is more of a thriller than a mystery, as the criminals are revealed early on. Tom and Alice are in an RV, driving through British Columbia, Canada. They have stopped at a campground when they befriend a couple of hitchhikers, who introduce themselves as Ocean and Blue. Unbeknownst to Tom and Alice, the couple are wanted for murder. Tom and Alice soon become their prisoners. Simon, Blue's actual name, beats Tom viciously.
Simon forces Alice to drive them in the RV as they embark on a crime spree. How Alice and Tom survive makes for a thrilling story.
Pros: The characters are believable, and there is a satisfactory ending. There are some surprising twists in the plot.
Cons: There is repeated graphic violence, some of it gratuitous, as Simon repeatedly beats people even after they are not a threat to him.
One quote, on Simon beating a Dairy Queen worker, during a robbery: "He gave the kid one final kick, so hard that it moved his body a few inches, then he walked away."
Thank You St. Martin's Press for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
Pub Date Oct 07 2025
Simon forces Alice to drive them in the RV as they embark on a crime spree. How Alice and Tom survive makes for a thrilling story.
Pros: The characters are believable, and there is a satisfactory ending. There are some surprising twists in the plot.
Cons: There is repeated graphic violence, some of it gratuitous, as Simon repeatedly beats people even after they are not a threat to him.
One quote, on Simon beating a Dairy Queen worker, during a robbery: "He gave the kid one final kick, so hard that it moved his body a few inches, then he walked away."
Thank You St. Martin's Press for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
Pub Date Oct 07 2025
October 21, 2025
You cant be too trusting of people
A couple in their RV on the Canadian highways
A chance for them to reconnect after a tragedy
About to make the biggest mistake of their lives.
I love Chevy Stevens and her books and was so excited when I saw she had a new book coming out as it felt like it had been forever since her last release. The Hitchhikers started off strong and I really enjoyed the atmospheric 70s vibe. The book was all about the characters using their intuition and wits and not having the luxury of technology to source out information.
The beginning had me locked in and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the discoveries to kick in and how it was going to impact all involved. Around the middle mark it started to falter a bit for me, and I found myself being disengaged with the story and its characters. I was expecting at this point to have strong feelings towards the characters, but it still felt surface, and I wasn’t as invested.
The last 15% was action packed, and some twists were given that were shocking but not surprising in the same sense. I could tell how the story was going to end, and I am not mad at it.
Chevy is a fantastic writer, and I will always read whatever she writes. This one for me was good but not groundbreaking.
3.5 ⭐
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pre read
Chevy has a new book!!!!!!!
Oh I am so ready for my heart to be pounding and pulsating!
Time to dive in!
🧡🧡🧡
A couple in their RV on the Canadian highways
A chance for them to reconnect after a tragedy
About to make the biggest mistake of their lives.
I love Chevy Stevens and her books and was so excited when I saw she had a new book coming out as it felt like it had been forever since her last release. The Hitchhikers started off strong and I really enjoyed the atmospheric 70s vibe. The book was all about the characters using their intuition and wits and not having the luxury of technology to source out information.
The beginning had me locked in and I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the discoveries to kick in and how it was going to impact all involved. Around the middle mark it started to falter a bit for me, and I found myself being disengaged with the story and its characters. I was expecting at this point to have strong feelings towards the characters, but it still felt surface, and I wasn’t as invested.
The last 15% was action packed, and some twists were given that were shocking but not surprising in the same sense. I could tell how the story was going to end, and I am not mad at it.
Chevy is a fantastic writer, and I will always read whatever she writes. This one for me was good but not groundbreaking.
3.5 ⭐
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
Chevy has a new book!!!!!!!
Oh I am so ready for my heart to be pounding and pulsating!
Time to dive in!
🧡🧡🧡
October 26, 2025
She was HIS and he was HERS…. and nobody was going to stop them. 😳 OMGG how is this my first @chevystevens book?!! I absolutely loved it!! Thank you SO much @stmartinspress #smpinfluencers for my gorgeous gifted copy!! 🥰 Hands down.. 5 stars ⭐️
This is an adrenaline filled ride from the very start. It was dark, disturbing and I was here for every second of it!! I was on the edge of my seat.. just waiting for the other shoe to drop…because it seemed like things were going from bad to worse.. very quickly. 😳
When a couple picks up some hitchhikers… 👍 … they are in for all very big WAKE UP call. Look guys.. it was 1976… things were different then… or were they? 😬 As we learned more about these two love birds.. things all started to fall into place. 😳
I never saw that ending coming!! 😳 WOW!! I loved it!! Absolute perfection!! 👏
🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡 Is this on your TBR? I seriously am placing an order for @chevystevens backlist. Tell me your favorites!!
This is an adrenaline filled ride from the very start. It was dark, disturbing and I was here for every second of it!! I was on the edge of my seat.. just waiting for the other shoe to drop…because it seemed like things were going from bad to worse.. very quickly. 😳
When a couple picks up some hitchhikers… 👍 … they are in for all very big WAKE UP call. Look guys.. it was 1976… things were different then… or were they? 😬 As we learned more about these two love birds.. things all started to fall into place. 😳
I never saw that ending coming!! 😳 WOW!! I loved it!! Absolute perfection!! 👏
🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡 Is this on your TBR? I seriously am placing an order for @chevystevens backlist. Tell me your favorites!!
August 21, 2025
I never should have picked up "THE HITCHHIKERS".
WHY?
1) Both female protagonists expressed YA thoughts/emotions/dialogue, and I am not a fan of the YA genre.
2) The book had excessive violence and repetitive text.
3) TWs: Stilborn baby/pregnancy loss.
(Repeated mentions)
4) The ending was sweet, cheesy, and contrived. Also not a not a fan of sweet, cheesy, and contrived endings.
WHY DID I PICK UP "THE HITCHHIKERS"?:
I was wowed by author Chevy Stevens' 2010 release, "STILL MISSING."
Unfortunately, this book was not in the same league as "STILL MISSING."
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Lindsey Dorcus and Moniqua Plante.
Both narrators did a superb job with the full-cast narration.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2025
3.5 Stars
Let me just start off and say that I’ve loved every book I’ve read from Chevy Stevens. For some reason, this one just didn’t connect with me.
Tom and Alice are trekking it across Canada in their new RV, when they happen upon two young hitchhikers. They offer them a ride into the next town and things seem to be going OK until they’re not.
Where this went wrong for me is the characters were, in my opinion, super one dimensional. They each on the surface, had their own demons but it just wasn’t explored enough to get a good feel of who the characters were besides their intended purpose. The plot itself seemed to also drag on quite a bit and was rather repetitive. By the time the end occurred it did pick up and the ending should have had a bigger impact than what it did. I think had the characters been more developed and the book just a touch shorter the ending could have been received by me differently.
Overall, it still was a decent read just not one of her best. With that said, I of course, will be checking out any new offerings in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Let me just start off and say that I’ve loved every book I’ve read from Chevy Stevens. For some reason, this one just didn’t connect with me.
Tom and Alice are trekking it across Canada in their new RV, when they happen upon two young hitchhikers. They offer them a ride into the next town and things seem to be going OK until they’re not.
Where this went wrong for me is the characters were, in my opinion, super one dimensional. They each on the surface, had their own demons but it just wasn’t explored enough to get a good feel of who the characters were besides their intended purpose. The plot itself seemed to also drag on quite a bit and was rather repetitive. By the time the end occurred it did pick up and the ending should have had a bigger impact than what it did. I think had the characters been more developed and the book just a touch shorter the ending could have been received by me differently.
Overall, it still was a decent read just not one of her best. With that said, I of course, will be checking out any new offerings in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
April 8, 2025
ARC for review. To be published October 7, 2025.
3 stars
It’s 1976 and according to the back of the book Tom and Alice are trying to save their marriage by heading out on an RV trip across the remote Canadian highways. Allow me to pause and say that if my husband thought he could heal our marriage with anything involving the words “RV” and “remote Canadian highways” I would knock his teeth out just before I took him for everything he’s worth. But I digress.
I would also note, however, that Alice and Tom seem to have an absolutely wonderful marriage, they are just a little, understandably sad, that’s all. Their marriage doesn’t need saving, so the dumb back of the book doesn’t even know what it is talking about. Anyway.
Along the way A&T meet Ocean and Blue (hey, it’s 1976,) two hitchhikers. They are really Jenny and Simon. And they are trouble. Killer trouble.
This was a decent little thriller. The first Chevy Stevens book I read was very good; it involved a woman being held captive. Those I’ve read since have been perfectly serviceable. There’s a lot of reading of maps, since no GPS. Not nearly enough road snacks. Of course, no Buc-ees on the “remote Canadian highways” or in Canada at all. That’s too bad for Canada. Because I’ll bet Canadians like a good brisket sandwich. Oh, and if you don’t see one thing coming, clearly you’re new.
3 stars
It’s 1976 and according to the back of the book Tom and Alice are trying to save their marriage by heading out on an RV trip across the remote Canadian highways. Allow me to pause and say that if my husband thought he could heal our marriage with anything involving the words “RV” and “remote Canadian highways” I would knock his teeth out just before I took him for everything he’s worth. But I digress.
I would also note, however, that Alice and Tom seem to have an absolutely wonderful marriage, they are just a little, understandably sad, that’s all. Their marriage doesn’t need saving, so the dumb back of the book doesn’t even know what it is talking about. Anyway.
Along the way A&T meet Ocean and Blue (hey, it’s 1976,) two hitchhikers. They are really Jenny and Simon. And they are trouble. Killer trouble.
This was a decent little thriller. The first Chevy Stevens book I read was very good; it involved a woman being held captive. Those I’ve read since have been perfectly serviceable. There’s a lot of reading of maps, since no GPS. Not nearly enough road snacks. Of course, no Buc-ees on the “remote Canadian highways” or in Canada at all. That’s too bad for Canada. Because I’ll bet Canadians like a good brisket sandwich. Oh, and if you don’t see one thing coming, clearly you’re new.
September 25, 2025
4.5 stars
Buckle up, because this one does not mess around. Canadian thriller queen Chevy Stevens proves once again that she can brew emotionally charged suspense that digs into the darkest corners of human nature. Trauma, survival, twisted relationships, they are all here, set against a Canadian backdrop.
What Lit My Mood
What I love most about Stevens is her ability to take the Canadian landscape and turn it into a psychological minefield. The tension kicks in from the very first mile in Golden, BC, barreling through Kimberley, Cranbrook, and into Alberta along the Crowsnest Highway. Knowing these roads made the suspense hit even harder. There is this constant feeling of danger lurking, like driving straight into the unknown, where the roads can turn unpredictable in an instant. I was on the edge of my seat, knuckles gripping my Kindle, caught between dread, danger, and the stunning beauty surrounding every turn.
At the heart of the story are Tom and Alice, hoping an RV and the open road can patch up what is broken between them. Enter Ocean and Blue, young and magnetic hitchhikers whose real names, Jenny and Simon, bring nothing but terror, giving me Bonnie and Clyde vibes. There are some dark scenes you might need to be prepared for.
I was so caught up in the pages I was yelling at the characters. That is the magic of her writing, she makes you feel the desperation of the characters.
Where My Mood Flickered
There usually is something even when I love a book but I can’t pin point anything other than that frustration with the characters actions at times that had me yelling at them but that was part of the fun.
Witchy Mood Reader Rating
Mood Met: Witchfully Satisfied, the energy matched, and I walked away both spell-fed and wrung out. Darker than I expected from Chevy Stevens, but the emotional pull more than makes up for it.
Verdict
Add this to your altar if you crave thrillers that weave raw emotion with relentless suspense. Stevens does not just tell a survival story, she makes you live it, along with the characters. Canadian landscapes have never looked so beautiful or so dangerous.
This was an exciting witches words buddy read with Norma, Debra, and Mary Beth.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
Buckle up, because this one does not mess around. Canadian thriller queen Chevy Stevens proves once again that she can brew emotionally charged suspense that digs into the darkest corners of human nature. Trauma, survival, twisted relationships, they are all here, set against a Canadian backdrop.
What Lit My Mood
What I love most about Stevens is her ability to take the Canadian landscape and turn it into a psychological minefield. The tension kicks in from the very first mile in Golden, BC, barreling through Kimberley, Cranbrook, and into Alberta along the Crowsnest Highway. Knowing these roads made the suspense hit even harder. There is this constant feeling of danger lurking, like driving straight into the unknown, where the roads can turn unpredictable in an instant. I was on the edge of my seat, knuckles gripping my Kindle, caught between dread, danger, and the stunning beauty surrounding every turn.
At the heart of the story are Tom and Alice, hoping an RV and the open road can patch up what is broken between them. Enter Ocean and Blue, young and magnetic hitchhikers whose real names, Jenny and Simon, bring nothing but terror, giving me Bonnie and Clyde vibes. There are some dark scenes you might need to be prepared for.
I was so caught up in the pages I was yelling at the characters. That is the magic of her writing, she makes you feel the desperation of the characters.
Where My Mood Flickered
There usually is something even when I love a book but I can’t pin point anything other than that frustration with the characters actions at times that had me yelling at them but that was part of the fun.
Witchy Mood Reader Rating
Mood Met: Witchfully Satisfied, the energy matched, and I walked away both spell-fed and wrung out. Darker than I expected from Chevy Stevens, but the emotional pull more than makes up for it.
Verdict
Add this to your altar if you crave thrillers that weave raw emotion with relentless suspense. Stevens does not just tell a survival story, she makes you live it, along with the characters. Canadian landscapes have never looked so beautiful or so dangerous.
This was an exciting witches words buddy read with Norma, Debra, and Mary Beth.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
April 3, 2025
Chevy Stevens really knocked my socks off nearly fifteen years ago with Still Missing. While not every new release has lived up to that one, they have all satisfied my taste for an occasional thrill and I really dug her last one Dark Roads. I also really dig that she’s an author who takes her time and doesn’t seem to just churn out one after another (looking at you, Freida!).
When this was offered as a 48 hour Read Now over on NetGalley I was all over it. I mean the cover, the title, the 70s, hitchhikers????? I was full on hoping for some natural born killers. Sadly, that was not the case . . .
This was not good.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
When this was offered as a 48 hour Read Now over on NetGalley I was all over it. I mean the cover, the title, the 70s, hitchhikers????? I was full on hoping for some natural born killers. Sadly, that was not the case . . .
This was not good.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
Want to read
January 14, 2025I was thrilled to see this is coming soon!
So excited!
So excited!
August 21, 2025
I have not met a Chevy Stevens book that I did. It love. I was thrilled to be approved for The Hitchhikers, thank you so much St Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio.
This was such a thrill ride, with characters that I had very strong feelings about one way or another. I don’t want to give anything away, but when you read it you will see what I mean.
I loved the 1976 setting. Tom and Alice are trying to fix their marriage after a tragedy struck them. They bought an RV and are travelling across Canada on their way to the summer Olympic Games. They meet a young couple who seem to need help and they offer them a lift. They will wish they had never met them
This is so good!! it is dark and intense and never predictable. You really get to know the 4 main characters well and feel for what they are going through. The narrators were fantastic at giving all of the characters a unique voice and bringing this story alive in my ears.
Add this to your TBR now. Out on October 7th.
This was such a thrill ride, with characters that I had very strong feelings about one way or another. I don’t want to give anything away, but when you read it you will see what I mean.
I loved the 1976 setting. Tom and Alice are trying to fix their marriage after a tragedy struck them. They bought an RV and are travelling across Canada on their way to the summer Olympic Games. They meet a young couple who seem to need help and they offer them a lift. They will wish they had never met them
This is so good!! it is dark and intense and never predictable. You really get to know the 4 main characters well and feel for what they are going through. The narrators were fantastic at giving all of the characters a unique voice and bringing this story alive in my ears.
Add this to your TBR now. Out on October 7th.
December 3, 2025
the setup…
Tom and Alice Bell are on their way from Seattle to the 1976 Montreal Olympics, leisurely traveling cross country in their Winnebago. They’re both recovering from a recent tragedy but Alice has been struggling. While at a campground in Hope, they meet a young couple who are hitchhiking in their direction. Tom offers “Ocean” and “Blue” shelter near their RV for the night and a ride in the morning. Little did they know that their trip of a lifetime would be far different from the one they’d planned as these hitchikers weren’t even close to the innocents they pretended to be.
the heart of the story…
Alice provides most of the narrative and her initial instincts about giving these two a ride were on target. Things get rough fairly quickly when Ocean and Blue’s true identities are discovered, too late to escape them. Alice has to keep her wits about her as Blue’s violent nature is never far from being triggered. There were so many dangerous moments, keeping my tension high as I braced myself for what was coming next…rescue or more misses.
the narration…
Lindsey Dorcus and Moniqua Plante are new-to-me narrators and I was highly impressed with how they gave voice to their characters and others, as well as their impressive storytelling skills. They brought this story to life…even more than I wanted!
the bottom line…
I went into this knowing it would scare me silly and it did. But I couldn’t put it down, needing to know how it would play out. Buckle up for this one because it’s not like any RV ride you’ve ever experienced.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Tom and Alice Bell are on their way from Seattle to the 1976 Montreal Olympics, leisurely traveling cross country in their Winnebago. They’re both recovering from a recent tragedy but Alice has been struggling. While at a campground in Hope, they meet a young couple who are hitchhiking in their direction. Tom offers “Ocean” and “Blue” shelter near their RV for the night and a ride in the morning. Little did they know that their trip of a lifetime would be far different from the one they’d planned as these hitchikers weren’t even close to the innocents they pretended to be.
the heart of the story…
Alice provides most of the narrative and her initial instincts about giving these two a ride were on target. Things get rough fairly quickly when Ocean and Blue’s true identities are discovered, too late to escape them. Alice has to keep her wits about her as Blue’s violent nature is never far from being triggered. There were so many dangerous moments, keeping my tension high as I braced myself for what was coming next…rescue or more misses.
the narration…
Lindsey Dorcus and Moniqua Plante are new-to-me narrators and I was highly impressed with how they gave voice to their characters and others, as well as their impressive storytelling skills. They brought this story to life…even more than I wanted!
the bottom line…
I went into this knowing it would scare me silly and it did. But I couldn’t put it down, needing to know how it would play out. Buckle up for this one because it’s not like any RV ride you’ve ever experienced.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
September 11, 2025
This was not exactly what I was expecting but that didn’t make it bad. I will say that this book portrays realistic and graphic violence so if that is not your thing you don’t want to read this one. Alice and Tom are camping across Canada to get to the Olympics. A trip to help them get over the loss of their stillborn son. They pick up a young couple who says they were hoping to get a ride, but there is so much more to their story than the couple could have ever guessed. This isn’t a mystery except for in how it would end. The villains don’t hide very long or very well. I listened to the audiobook and I think the narrator did an excellent job bringing the story to life. The story was hard to read at times, but it was also hard to put down.
November 9, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own
It's the summer of 1976, and an American couple, Alice and Tom, have packed up the RV and are touring the Canadian province of British Columbia when they meet Ocean and Blue. Although Alice feels wary about letting the young Canadian couple intrude on their summer vacation, Tom cannot help but offer them a ride to the next town. However, it turns out that they are not just a pair of hippies making their way across Canada- they are actually Simon and Jenny, and they're wanted for murder. As the chapters alternate between Alice and Jenny's perspectives, it's a pulse-pounding race to see who will live and who will die.
Well, it has been a while since I have read a book in one sitting, but that is exactly what happened yesterday evening. The bath water cooled, but I just kept turning the pages. There were some terrifying moments and some times when the pace slowed. The setting and timeline really worked at giving a claustrophobic feeling to Alice and Tom's predicament.
If I had a criticism, it's maybe with the conclusion of the story. I hate when suspense books have cheery, heartwarming endings. For me, it rings false when earlier people were getting shot and killed and kidnapped.
Overall, I would recommend this story or any story of Chevy Stevens because she has some great titles( Those Girls is where I would have you begin).
Publication Date 07/10/25
Goodreads Review 09/11/25
It's the summer of 1976, and an American couple, Alice and Tom, have packed up the RV and are touring the Canadian province of British Columbia when they meet Ocean and Blue. Although Alice feels wary about letting the young Canadian couple intrude on their summer vacation, Tom cannot help but offer them a ride to the next town. However, it turns out that they are not just a pair of hippies making their way across Canada- they are actually Simon and Jenny, and they're wanted for murder. As the chapters alternate between Alice and Jenny's perspectives, it's a pulse-pounding race to see who will live and who will die.
Well, it has been a while since I have read a book in one sitting, but that is exactly what happened yesterday evening. The bath water cooled, but I just kept turning the pages. There were some terrifying moments and some times when the pace slowed. The setting and timeline really worked at giving a claustrophobic feeling to Alice and Tom's predicament.
If I had a criticism, it's maybe with the conclusion of the story. I hate when suspense books have cheery, heartwarming endings. For me, it rings false when earlier people were getting shot and killed and kidnapped.
Overall, I would recommend this story or any story of Chevy Stevens because she has some great titles( Those Girls is where I would have you begin).
Publication Date 07/10/25
Goodreads Review 09/11/25
October 11, 2025
4⭐️ I really enjoyed this crime thriller set in the 1970’s in remote parts of Canada. Tom and Alice set off on a road trip in their new RV hoping to heal after the death of their newborn son.
They encounter a young couple of hitchhikers at one of their stops, “Ocean” and “Blue” that they befriend and invite along to their next stop.
Unbeknownst to Tom and Alice the couple, Simon and Jenny, are on the run and wanted for murder. When their true identity is discovered the trouble and terror begins with a harrowing journey filled with crime and murder.
A real page turner had me invested and rooting for Tom and Alice. I enjoyed the chapters with Jenny’s back story and felt the ending was very uplifting.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
They encounter a young couple of hitchhikers at one of their stops, “Ocean” and “Blue” that they befriend and invite along to their next stop.
Unbeknownst to Tom and Alice the couple, Simon and Jenny, are on the run and wanted for murder. When their true identity is discovered the trouble and terror begins with a harrowing journey filled with crime and murder.
A real page turner had me invested and rooting for Tom and Alice. I enjoyed the chapters with Jenny’s back story and felt the ending was very uplifting.
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 9, 2025
NYT Bestselling author and a long-time personal favorite, Chevy Stevens returns with her latest masterpiece and eighth novel, THE HITCHHIKERS, which might be her most captivating work to date!
This heart-pounding 'thriller with heart' immerses readers in a whirlwind of emotions and relentless action, ensuring you're glued to the page from the very first sentence to the thrilling conclusion. As a seemingly innocent couple embarks on a road trip, their decision to pick up hitchhikers unravels into a harrowing nightmare.
The stakes skyrocket as they find themselves ensnared in a dangerous game of survival, filled with unexpected twists and chilling suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
About...
Set against the vibrant backdrop of July 1976, Tom and Alice, a devoted couple from Seattle, embark on a long-overdue road trip across the stunning landscapes of Canada. Having been married for sixteen years, the couple seeks solace and rejuvenation after enduring a recent tragedy that has cast a shadow over their once joyful lives. They traverse the open roads in their beloved Winnebago, a cozy home on wheels filled with memories and anticipation of new adventures.
As they drive along winding highways bordered by lush coniferous forests and shimmering lakes, they come across a young couple hitchhiking. The teen girl, with a gentle smile and a rounded belly, is visibly pregnant, while the guy exudes a carefree spirit. They introduce themselves as Ocean and Blue, sharing their dreams of a future, complete with a wedding.
Alice's heart swells with compassion for the young couple, and in an act of kindness, she convinces Tom to invite them for dinner. They gather around a small campsite, playing cards under a blanket of stars, laughter mingling with the crackling of the campfire. Everything seems blissful, and they offer Ocean and Blue a lift, thinking it’s just a simple, friendly gesture for one leg of their journey.
However, the night takes a chilling turn. At a dimly lit rest stop, Alice's eyes widen in horror as she peruses a newspaper and stumbles upon a shocking headline: a couple wanted for murder. The stark realization hits her like a cold wave; the names glaring back at her are Jenny and Simon, not Ocean and Blue. Panic surges through her veins as she exchanges a furtive glance with Tom, the gravity of their situation weighing heavily upon them.
Now, trapped in a web of deception and danger, they must devise a plan to outwit the unsuspecting couple and prevent themselves from becoming victims in a sinister game. As the tension mounts, Alice and Tom find themselves forced to confront their own morals when Jenny and Simon compel them to aid in a series of crimes, coercing them into a harrowing fight for survival.
The clock is ticking—will they manage to escape the clutches of these criminals before it’s too late, or will the road trip turn into a nightmare from which they cannot awaken?
My thoughts....
WOW! THE HITCHHIKERS is an electrifying and intense thriller that grips you from the very first page. Alice and Tom find themselves in a harrowing situation, held captive by two young suspects—eighteen and twenty-one years old—accused of the grim White Cliff Double Homicide. These assailants are not just dangerous; they are unpredictable, and the air is thick with impending doom.
The atmosphere is suffused with a chilling sense of dread, as darkness looms over the couple trapped in their own RV. Panic courses through them as they realize they can’t escape the piercing gaze of their captors—no chance to call for help, no glimmer of hope. And then there’s Jenny, the enigmatic girl caught in the web of this terrifying scenario. Is she a victim too, or does she harbor her own secrets?
Chevy Stevens masterfully builds suspense and tension; the narrative is as chilling as it is captivating. We delve deeply into the perspectives of Alice and Jenny, unraveling their backgrounds and discovering layers of complexity in each character. The question looms large: can they trust Jenny? What dark truths are they all hiding?
I was utterly captivated by THE HITCHHIKERS and would make for a fascinating movie. As a devoted fan of Chevy Stevens (having read all her works), this one stands out as my absolute favorite. It’s a thrilling ride infused with emotional depth like none I’ve ever experienced. Alice and Jenny’s stories are enthralling, and I devoured this book in just two sittings.
Stevens is on FIRE, delivering yet another standout piece in her repertoire. BRAVO! This dazzling thriller will undoubtedly be one of my top reads of the year.
Interview...
Get ready for an exciting experience in my upcoming #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A with the incredibly talented Chevy on October 7 on my blog! Join us as we delve deep into the world behind the book and explore the journey of this multi-faceted author. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation!
Audiobook...
I had the delightful experience of immersing myself in the book while also listening to the captivating audiobook narrated by the incredibly talented Lindsey Dorcus and Moniqua Plante. Their voices infused the characters with a vivid sense of suspense, emotion, and intensity, making each moment pulse with life and drama. The skillful performance brought the narrative to a new level, allowing me to experience the story in a deeply engaging and dynamic way!
Recs...
If you're a fan of Chevy Stevens, "The Hitchhikers" is an essential addition to your reading list. This gripping tale will resonate not only with her loyal followers but also with those who relished the heart-pounding suspense of Taylor Adams' No Exit. It's a perfect match for aficionados of thrilling narratives like those penned by Simone St. James, Lisa Gardner, Lisa Unger, and Karin Slaughter. The novel promises to deliver an electrifying experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for providing an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts and the honor of hosting Chevy!
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Oct 7, 2025
Oct 2025 Must-Read Books
Oct featured #AuthorElevatorSeries
#TopBooksof2025
This heart-pounding 'thriller with heart' immerses readers in a whirlwind of emotions and relentless action, ensuring you're glued to the page from the very first sentence to the thrilling conclusion. As a seemingly innocent couple embarks on a road trip, their decision to pick up hitchhikers unravels into a harrowing nightmare.
The stakes skyrocket as they find themselves ensnared in a dangerous game of survival, filled with unexpected twists and chilling suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
About...
Set against the vibrant backdrop of July 1976, Tom and Alice, a devoted couple from Seattle, embark on a long-overdue road trip across the stunning landscapes of Canada. Having been married for sixteen years, the couple seeks solace and rejuvenation after enduring a recent tragedy that has cast a shadow over their once joyful lives. They traverse the open roads in their beloved Winnebago, a cozy home on wheels filled with memories and anticipation of new adventures.
As they drive along winding highways bordered by lush coniferous forests and shimmering lakes, they come across a young couple hitchhiking. The teen girl, with a gentle smile and a rounded belly, is visibly pregnant, while the guy exudes a carefree spirit. They introduce themselves as Ocean and Blue, sharing their dreams of a future, complete with a wedding.
Alice's heart swells with compassion for the young couple, and in an act of kindness, she convinces Tom to invite them for dinner. They gather around a small campsite, playing cards under a blanket of stars, laughter mingling with the crackling of the campfire. Everything seems blissful, and they offer Ocean and Blue a lift, thinking it’s just a simple, friendly gesture for one leg of their journey.
However, the night takes a chilling turn. At a dimly lit rest stop, Alice's eyes widen in horror as she peruses a newspaper and stumbles upon a shocking headline: a couple wanted for murder. The stark realization hits her like a cold wave; the names glaring back at her are Jenny and Simon, not Ocean and Blue. Panic surges through her veins as she exchanges a furtive glance with Tom, the gravity of their situation weighing heavily upon them.
Now, trapped in a web of deception and danger, they must devise a plan to outwit the unsuspecting couple and prevent themselves from becoming victims in a sinister game. As the tension mounts, Alice and Tom find themselves forced to confront their own morals when Jenny and Simon compel them to aid in a series of crimes, coercing them into a harrowing fight for survival.
The clock is ticking—will they manage to escape the clutches of these criminals before it’s too late, or will the road trip turn into a nightmare from which they cannot awaken?
My thoughts....
WOW! THE HITCHHIKERS is an electrifying and intense thriller that grips you from the very first page. Alice and Tom find themselves in a harrowing situation, held captive by two young suspects—eighteen and twenty-one years old—accused of the grim White Cliff Double Homicide. These assailants are not just dangerous; they are unpredictable, and the air is thick with impending doom.
The atmosphere is suffused with a chilling sense of dread, as darkness looms over the couple trapped in their own RV. Panic courses through them as they realize they can’t escape the piercing gaze of their captors—no chance to call for help, no glimmer of hope. And then there’s Jenny, the enigmatic girl caught in the web of this terrifying scenario. Is she a victim too, or does she harbor her own secrets?
Chevy Stevens masterfully builds suspense and tension; the narrative is as chilling as it is captivating. We delve deeply into the perspectives of Alice and Jenny, unraveling their backgrounds and discovering layers of complexity in each character. The question looms large: can they trust Jenny? What dark truths are they all hiding?
I was utterly captivated by THE HITCHHIKERS and would make for a fascinating movie. As a devoted fan of Chevy Stevens (having read all her works), this one stands out as my absolute favorite. It’s a thrilling ride infused with emotional depth like none I’ve ever experienced. Alice and Jenny’s stories are enthralling, and I devoured this book in just two sittings.
Stevens is on FIRE, delivering yet another standout piece in her repertoire. BRAVO! This dazzling thriller will undoubtedly be one of my top reads of the year.
Interview...
Get ready for an exciting experience in my upcoming #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A with the incredibly talented Chevy on October 7 on my blog! Join us as we delve deep into the world behind the book and explore the journey of this multi-faceted author. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation!
Audiobook...
I had the delightful experience of immersing myself in the book while also listening to the captivating audiobook narrated by the incredibly talented Lindsey Dorcus and Moniqua Plante. Their voices infused the characters with a vivid sense of suspense, emotion, and intensity, making each moment pulse with life and drama. The skillful performance brought the narrative to a new level, allowing me to experience the story in a deeply engaging and dynamic way!
Recs...
If you're a fan of Chevy Stevens, "The Hitchhikers" is an essential addition to your reading list. This gripping tale will resonate not only with her loyal followers but also with those who relished the heart-pounding suspense of Taylor Adams' No Exit. It's a perfect match for aficionados of thrilling narratives like those penned by Simone St. James, Lisa Gardner, Lisa Unger, and Karin Slaughter. The novel promises to deliver an electrifying experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for providing an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts and the honor of hosting Chevy!
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Oct 7, 2025
Oct 2025 Must-Read Books
Oct featured #AuthorElevatorSeries
#TopBooksof2025
October 13, 2025
3.5
A nightmare vacation!
In 1976, after a personal tragedy, Alice and Tom embark on a vacation in Canada with their new RV, hoping for healing and reconnection. Their trip turns terrifying after they pick up two hitchhikers, Ocean and Blue, whose real names are Jenny and Simon.
Initially, Alice and Tom are kind to the young pair, but their goodwill falters when Alice discovers their names in a local newspaper. The police are searching for them in connection with the brutal murder of Jenny’s mother and her husband. Alice and Tom try to leave them behind, but they are overpowered by Simon, who is unstable and prone to violence.
Can Alice and Tom survive?
The Hitchhikers contains significant violence, which made it challenging to read. Still, it was easy to empathize with each character in this tragic situation. My favorite character was Alice—her endurance through such horrific circumstances was, to say the least, remarkable.
I did the audio version and I thought the narration by Lindsey Dorcus and Moniqua Plante was spot on.
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Macmillan Audio via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
A nightmare vacation!
In 1976, after a personal tragedy, Alice and Tom embark on a vacation in Canada with their new RV, hoping for healing and reconnection. Their trip turns terrifying after they pick up two hitchhikers, Ocean and Blue, whose real names are Jenny and Simon.
Initially, Alice and Tom are kind to the young pair, but their goodwill falters when Alice discovers their names in a local newspaper. The police are searching for them in connection with the brutal murder of Jenny’s mother and her husband. Alice and Tom try to leave them behind, but they are overpowered by Simon, who is unstable and prone to violence.
Can Alice and Tom survive?
The Hitchhikers contains significant violence, which made it challenging to read. Still, it was easy to empathize with each character in this tragic situation. My favorite character was Alice—her endurance through such horrific circumstances was, to say the least, remarkable.
I did the audio version and I thought the narration by Lindsey Dorcus and Moniqua Plante was spot on.
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Macmillan Audio via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
November 17, 2025
After reading several great reviews on this one, I thought it sounded like a good read. Unfortunately, I’m going to be an outlier on this one. I'm not the right target market for this story.
The book summary pretty much lays out the primary storyline. What the book summary doesn’t mention is that the “Hitchhikers”, pregnant Jenny and wacko Simon, are on the run from the murder scene of Jenny’s parents, who were stabbed to death in a pretty gruesome scene. It’s 1976 and Alice and Tom, from Seattle, are working their way up to the summer Olympics in Canada, in their brand-new RV, when they see a young couple walking on the side of the highway. Thinking they’re just helping some young couple get to the next town, Alice and Tom offer to give them a ride. Back then, picking hitchhikers up was much more prevalent, but for Alice and Tom, it turned out to be a decision that would forever change their lives. None of this is a spoiler since it was revealed in the first 20% of the story.
The story was mostly narrated by Alice, with a bunch of chapters narrated by Jenny. It’s not long before something that Simon said to Jenny that I then knew exactly how this story was going to end. I wasn’t almost spot on the mark. After a boatload of chaos and mayhem, the story starts to sound like a remake of the Badlands. I’m dating myself with that reference, but for those of you too young to recognize it, it’s a 70’s film with Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen. Google it. However, it's the same time frame as this story, so it kind of clicked with me.
By the second half, I’m really feeling like I’ve had enough of psycho Simon and spineless Jenny, and this crazy story. Then enters Bones, a good doggie of William and Ruth, an old couple that became two of Simon’s victims. I can tolerate a lot of crap from a story but killing a beloved and innocent doggie is a deal breaker for me and I will automatically DNF. It never seems to annoy me that writers and their publishers think this is ok simply for shock value. Thank goodness, no harm ever came to Bones. I know a lot of people won’t appreciate that spoiler, but a lot will be thankful for it.
I’m kind of at a loss as to what to say about the character development, storyline and writing of this story. I’ll let my “disappointing” 2star review speak for itself. I will say the pacing was steady to fast, especially in the second half so the end came fast (thank goodness). The finale was the best part of the story, more ways than one, and I even saw that too. However, that epilogue was just a little creepy. I guess if I could rate it 2.5, I would, but I'm not feeling compelled to round up. I want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #TheHitchhikers
The book summary pretty much lays out the primary storyline. What the book summary doesn’t mention is that the “Hitchhikers”, pregnant Jenny and wacko Simon, are on the run from the murder scene of Jenny’s parents, who were stabbed to death in a pretty gruesome scene. It’s 1976 and Alice and Tom, from Seattle, are working their way up to the summer Olympics in Canada, in their brand-new RV, when they see a young couple walking on the side of the highway. Thinking they’re just helping some young couple get to the next town, Alice and Tom offer to give them a ride. Back then, picking hitchhikers up was much more prevalent, but for Alice and Tom, it turned out to be a decision that would forever change their lives. None of this is a spoiler since it was revealed in the first 20% of the story.
The story was mostly narrated by Alice, with a bunch of chapters narrated by Jenny. It’s not long before something that Simon said to Jenny that I then knew exactly how this story was going to end. I wasn’t almost spot on the mark. After a boatload of chaos and mayhem, the story starts to sound like a remake of the Badlands. I’m dating myself with that reference, but for those of you too young to recognize it, it’s a 70’s film with Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen. Google it. However, it's the same time frame as this story, so it kind of clicked with me.
By the second half, I’m really feeling like I’ve had enough of psycho Simon and spineless Jenny, and this crazy story. Then enters Bones, a good doggie of William and Ruth, an old couple that became two of Simon’s victims. I can tolerate a lot of crap from a story but killing a beloved and innocent doggie is a deal breaker for me and I will automatically DNF. It never seems to annoy me that writers and their publishers think this is ok simply for shock value. Thank goodness, no harm ever came to Bones. I know a lot of people won’t appreciate that spoiler, but a lot will be thankful for it.
I’m kind of at a loss as to what to say about the character development, storyline and writing of this story. I’ll let my “disappointing” 2star review speak for itself. I will say the pacing was steady to fast, especially in the second half so the end came fast (thank goodness). The finale was the best part of the story, more ways than one, and I even saw that too. However, that epilogue was just a little creepy. I guess if I could rate it 2.5, I would, but I'm not feeling compelled to round up. I want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #MacmillanAudio #TheHitchhikers
May 3, 2025
Bonnie and Clyde: MOVE OVER! The new kids in town in Chevy Stevens' The Hitchhikers have usurped your tarnished crowns with their infamous cruelty!
We all know by now what to expect from a Chevy Stevens novel: you have to be prepared to literally roll with the punches in this one!
The story starts off tamely enough - you even start to wonder if the author has changed her style? Gone all touristy and domestic bliss on us?
Nope. Not a chance!
The descriptions of the B.C. and Alberta countryside lulled you into a pleasant mood - only to be slammed with all that sudden violence and mayhem!
Alice and Tom are taking a break from the stress of a sadly failed pregnancy. On their way to the 2010 Olympic games in their shiny new RV, they pick up a young couple (Ocean and Blue - aka, Simon and Jenny) who appear seemingly normal. but on a quick stop to gas up and fetch some snacks, Alice catches sight of a newpaper and discovers that these youngsters are wanted by the police!
The pace begins to pick up, the dread builds, and that shattering climax had me holding my breath.
But, wait for it! There is a heartbreaking twist in those final few chapters. Chevy Stevens just about shatters your heart, but then puts it back together again with that last chapter.
I admit that I had to speed read through some of the very violent parts, but I knew what to expect from a Chevy Stevens novel, so I am not complaining! (I also agree with some reviewers that the meal preps and shower schedules could have been omitted from the story, but I'm not really complaining. It made the story more realistic, in my opinion.)
Once again, Chevy Stevens has given us another well-written, edge of your seat story that will keep you turning the pages well into the night. Four out of five stars for this scenic trip through the Canadian countryside in a state of the art (for 2010) RV! My thanks to Chevy Stevens, her publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
We all know by now what to expect from a Chevy Stevens novel: you have to be prepared to literally roll with the punches in this one!
The story starts off tamely enough - you even start to wonder if the author has changed her style? Gone all touristy and domestic bliss on us?
Nope. Not a chance!
The descriptions of the B.C. and Alberta countryside lulled you into a pleasant mood - only to be slammed with all that sudden violence and mayhem!
Alice and Tom are taking a break from the stress of a sadly failed pregnancy. On their way to the 2010 Olympic games in their shiny new RV, they pick up a young couple (Ocean and Blue - aka, Simon and Jenny) who appear seemingly normal. but on a quick stop to gas up and fetch some snacks, Alice catches sight of a newpaper and discovers that these youngsters are wanted by the police!
The pace begins to pick up, the dread builds, and that shattering climax had me holding my breath.
But, wait for it! There is a heartbreaking twist in those final few chapters. Chevy Stevens just about shatters your heart, but then puts it back together again with that last chapter.
I admit that I had to speed read through some of the very violent parts, but I knew what to expect from a Chevy Stevens novel, so I am not complaining! (I also agree with some reviewers that the meal preps and shower schedules could have been omitted from the story, but I'm not really complaining. It made the story more realistic, in my opinion.)
Once again, Chevy Stevens has given us another well-written, edge of your seat story that will keep you turning the pages well into the night. Four out of five stars for this scenic trip through the Canadian countryside in a state of the art (for 2010) RV! My thanks to Chevy Stevens, her publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2025
Chevy Stevens’ The Hitchhikers is a psychological thriller set in 1976, following Tom and Alice Bell as they embark on a road trip meant to heal their strained marriage. Their journey takes a dark turn when they pick up two hitchhikers—Ocean and Blue—whose presence quickly disrupts the fragile peace between the couple and sets off a chain of unsettling events.
The novel blends elements of suspense, survival, and emotional reckoning. Stevens uses the historical setting to evoke a sense of nostalgia, with references to pop culture and roadside Americana that ground the story in its era. For me the pacing was just slowwww.
Character development centers primarily on Alice, whose internal transformation becomes a focal point. While some readers may find the psychological dynamics compelling, others might feel that certain character motivations and plot turns rely heavily on familiar thriller conventions.
Overall, The Hitchhikers delivers an atmospheric ride with moments of emotional intensity. It may appeal to fans of domestic thrillers and survival narratives, especially those drawn to stories set in isolated or transient landscapes.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The novel blends elements of suspense, survival, and emotional reckoning. Stevens uses the historical setting to evoke a sense of nostalgia, with references to pop culture and roadside Americana that ground the story in its era. For me the pacing was just slowwww.
Character development centers primarily on Alice, whose internal transformation becomes a focal point. While some readers may find the psychological dynamics compelling, others might feel that certain character motivations and plot turns rely heavily on familiar thriller conventions.
Overall, The Hitchhikers delivers an atmospheric ride with moments of emotional intensity. It may appeal to fans of domestic thrillers and survival narratives, especially those drawn to stories set in isolated or transient landscapes.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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