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An Awol Thriller #1
The Trail
Paul Leroux is a serial killer wanted for murdering women in North Carolina. When the police start to catch up with Leroux, he panics and decides to escape to Canada on the Appalachian Trail, where thru-hikers use trail names and travel anonymously. Leroux, who is overweight and unhealthy, struggles at first on the trail but begins to relax as he gets stronger and can utilize the physical changes he gains from his intense hiking as a disguise. His urge to kill, however, is invigorated by the nearness of female hikers, and his intention to stay away from them on his trip begins to weaken. His life is further complicated when Desert Storm veteran Karl Bergman, who is also trying to escape his own failure, becomes suspicious of Leroux and begins to pay careful attention to his every move. Leroux becomes increasingly panicked as he realizes that both Bergman and the police are close on his tail as he races to the border hoping to find a haven with his Canadian family. In this cat-and-mouse thriller, Ray Anderson dives inside two men’s minds as they struggle to fight their identities and confront their fears and internal turmoil.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2015
6 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
Ray K. Anderson
5 books24 followersSo far, I've hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Long Trail (VT), and parts of the Continental Divide Trail.
I developed an abiding interest in hiking when I began climbing the 67 four-thousand footers in New England. Completed that quest and will now begin hiking the four-thousand footers in the Adirondacks (NY).
I'm a graduate of Wentworth Institute and Boston University.
"THE TRAIL" (thriller) which is my debut novel was released by Turner Publishing in October 2015. "The Trail" is not just another walk in the woods!
The second novel in my Karl "Awol" Bergman hiking-thriller series is "SIERRA," (released in 2016) which takes place along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Book three of the "Awol" series, THE DIVIDE, an eco-terrorist novel, released 8/18/'20.
My next book is Sci-fi. Specifically, a dystopian fantasy - LIFT: The Rise of Mathe-Lingua-Musica. It releases in May of 2024 and concerns the creation of a new optimum language for humanity.
My novels are available in all bookstores.
Thank you, and happy trails to all!
I developed an abiding interest in hiking when I began climbing the 67 four-thousand footers in New England. Completed that quest and will now begin hiking the four-thousand footers in the Adirondacks (NY).
I'm a graduate of Wentworth Institute and Boston University.
"THE TRAIL" (thriller) which is my debut novel was released by Turner Publishing in October 2015. "The Trail" is not just another walk in the woods!
The second novel in my Karl "Awol" Bergman hiking-thriller series is "SIERRA," (released in 2016) which takes place along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Book three of the "Awol" series, THE DIVIDE, an eco-terrorist novel, released 8/18/'20.
My next book is Sci-fi. Specifically, a dystopian fantasy - LIFT: The Rise of Mathe-Lingua-Musica. It releases in May of 2024 and concerns the creation of a new optimum language for humanity.
My novels are available in all bookstores.
Thank you, and happy trails to all!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 8, 2015
Ok. I have never been on even a day hike so I went into this novel with no preconceived notions about hiking and whether it would serve as a good setting to interest me but I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book purely on the the hiking aspect. I thought it served as a fantastic setting for a thriller and I was thoroughly entertained.
November 2, 2015
Excellent. Would make a GREAT movie too.
November 3, 2015
A tremendous first novel--hope there are more!
Ray Anderson's debut novel THE TRAIL is an excellent read. Ray is an accomplished hiker and mountaineer, and he blends those skills with a truly suspenseful tale about the hunt for a serial killer loose on the Appalachian Trail. I learned a great deal about the techniques and traditions of the "through hikers", the people who are walking the entire AT from Georgia to Maine (or Maine to Georgia) and found it all fascinating.
Anderson's ability to vividly describe the terrain and the scenery adds a great deal to the story without losing the suspense. Speaking as someone who's carried a pack and hiked some tough ground over the years, I found myself reliving many of those experiences as I was enjoying this book. If you've ever walked on blisters, strung up a temporary shelter, or cooked a meal on a pocket stove, this is for you.
Ray Anderson's debut novel THE TRAIL is an excellent read. Ray is an accomplished hiker and mountaineer, and he blends those skills with a truly suspenseful tale about the hunt for a serial killer loose on the Appalachian Trail. I learned a great deal about the techniques and traditions of the "through hikers", the people who are walking the entire AT from Georgia to Maine (or Maine to Georgia) and found it all fascinating.
Anderson's ability to vividly describe the terrain and the scenery adds a great deal to the story without losing the suspense. Speaking as someone who's carried a pack and hiked some tough ground over the years, I found myself reliving many of those experiences as I was enjoying this book. If you've ever walked on blisters, strung up a temporary shelter, or cooked a meal on a pocket stove, this is for you.
Want to read
October 14, 2015This was an engrossing book.Could not put it down. I guess partly because I am so familiar with Trail living near Blue Ridge Parkway. Well-written Mystery. Thank you.
May 21, 2016
Creepy novel about a serial killer/stalker on the AT. Loved descriptions of the trail. Thoughts of serial killer, not so much.
May 22, 2018
My Review: I had picked this book up a while ago at a RI Author event, the author had a very interesting story and I was intrigued, but suspense/thrillers are not my usual go-to books. I finally picked it up just yesterday and could not put it down! This is definitely a great read for the summer or early fall, it was very atmospheric. There are a lot of trail terms, but it was easy to decipher for non-hikers and the descriptions of the events really show the author's knowledge and experience, you can't help but imagine being on the trail. I enjoyed the dual story lines of the two characters, though some of the timelines are a little confusing. I like that you have all the knowledge of what is going on, as many suspense/thriller type books tend to take on a bit of a mystery, and what keeps you going is wanting to find out the endgame of both Awol and Moonwalker. Definitely a fast paced and engrossing read, I am looking forward to reading the next book!
December 1, 2017
Ray Anderson has created a terrific blend of a serial killer thriller with first-hand expertise of the Appalachian Trail. Unique plot and well crafted characters. Ray keeps your attention with action and details. Look forward to his second book Sierra about the Pacific Coast Trail as the scene of another crime.
March 30, 2021
Great book with a lot of action. I read it in one day. I have been on the Appalachian Trail, although not nearly to the extent of the author, who is clearly a very experienced hiker. His descriptions of what it is like are spot on. It was like I was living and experiencing what happened. His attention to detail makes the story come alive.
July 31, 2025
I picked this book up during my "I want to hike the trails" phase.
I enjoyed the fast-paced action and would like to continue reading the series.
Disclaimer: I read it a few months ago but just now getting the chance to log it. Therefore, I can't remember the exact details but I do remember that I liked the main character and thought the novel was quite the page-turner.
I enjoyed the fast-paced action and would like to continue reading the series.
Disclaimer: I read it a few months ago but just now getting the chance to log it. Therefore, I can't remember the exact details but I do remember that I liked the main character and thought the novel was quite the page-turner.
November 21, 2019
Excellent thriller/adventure story about hiking the Appalachian Trail and hunting for a serial killer. Great descriptions of the trail and difficulties in hiking it. The serial killer plot adds to the suspense.
March 5, 2021
This just didn't do it for me as a psychological thriller. I didn't really identify with the protagonist or the antagonist.
May 30, 2025
Read in 2 sittings! This thriller captures the spirit of the AT as some great characters come under threat from a serial killer. The chase and the twists kept the story trekking forward!
December 21, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. Action thriller a must read.
January 23, 2017
Excellent. Well written, fast paced page turner. I wanted to stay up all night to finish it.
Read
March 21, 2017Good read. Held my interest although I don't know if it would be as interesting to a non-hiker. Nice light read.
May 26, 2016
Ray Anderson has written a lively tale about hiking the Appalachian Trail. But it is also a story of two men with major dysfunction in their lives. We quickly learn that Paul Leroux has major issues and a penchant for making things worse. The protagonist, Karl Bergmann, also has problems -- a tough back story from the first Iraq war and a tendency to overdo the booze. His life is a mess and he's left behind a girlfriend in Boston, Linda, who has had about enough of his antics. But he loves hiking and knows how to do it well. So he embarks on a quest to hike the full Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine, in a single season. Linda doesn't get it, but he's hoping that this hike will turn his life around.
Leroux lives in North Carolina, but his latest butchering of a woman in the back woods forces him to find a way out of town. Along the way, he bumps into some hikers who are starting the long thru-hike up the trail and decides this might be the perfect way to dodge an all-points stakeout. He goes to a hiking equipment store and has a young man load him up with all of the right stuff. Leroux knows nothing about hiking, but he's going to have to learn fast.
We quickly learn that the thru-hikers all adopt trail names. Its a brilliant way for both Bergmann and Leroux to leave their pasts behind and re-brand themselves. Bergmann takes on the name Awol and Leroux is dubbed Moonwalker by another hiker and decides to go with it.
Author Anderson clearly knows all about hiking and we are placed on the trail by his words. And like the hikers, we're inclined to want to stay there once we've begun the two thousand mile hike. These two men begin to walk the trail, each with their own reasons, and soon encounter each other. Awol senses there's something odd about Moonwalker and the feeling of instant dislike is mutual. They try to avoid each other at first and end up mingling with the many other hikers on the trail. We get acquainted with Malibu, Nightwind, Songbird and others.
It's a long haul from Georgia to Maine, but the hike seems to be transforming for all who take it. For many, this is an attempt at some kind of redemption, for others a respite from their other life. Over the course of the trip, Anderson builds up the suspense and takes us through a wild series of twists and turns as we follow both Awol and Moonwalker on their quests. Can Awol turn his life around? Will there be any kind of redemption or justice for Moonwalker? Or will this be yet another dead end for two desperate men?
Leroux lives in North Carolina, but his latest butchering of a woman in the back woods forces him to find a way out of town. Along the way, he bumps into some hikers who are starting the long thru-hike up the trail and decides this might be the perfect way to dodge an all-points stakeout. He goes to a hiking equipment store and has a young man load him up with all of the right stuff. Leroux knows nothing about hiking, but he's going to have to learn fast.
We quickly learn that the thru-hikers all adopt trail names. Its a brilliant way for both Bergmann and Leroux to leave their pasts behind and re-brand themselves. Bergmann takes on the name Awol and Leroux is dubbed Moonwalker by another hiker and decides to go with it.
Author Anderson clearly knows all about hiking and we are placed on the trail by his words. And like the hikers, we're inclined to want to stay there once we've begun the two thousand mile hike. These two men begin to walk the trail, each with their own reasons, and soon encounter each other. Awol senses there's something odd about Moonwalker and the feeling of instant dislike is mutual. They try to avoid each other at first and end up mingling with the many other hikers on the trail. We get acquainted with Malibu, Nightwind, Songbird and others.
It's a long haul from Georgia to Maine, but the hike seems to be transforming for all who take it. For many, this is an attempt at some kind of redemption, for others a respite from their other life. Over the course of the trip, Anderson builds up the suspense and takes us through a wild series of twists and turns as we follow both Awol and Moonwalker on their quests. Can Awol turn his life around? Will there be any kind of redemption or justice for Moonwalker? Or will this be yet another dead end for two desperate men?
April 26, 2016
Karl Bergman is suffering from PTSD. He has nightmares and this has driven a wedge between him and his wife. Maybe a trip along the Appalachian Trail will get him back on track. Meanwhile, a brutal serial killer and rapist may have left too many clues behind when he committed his last crime. The police have a name and description. He also thinks disappearing on the AT might be a good way to make his way north and to family in Canada. With AWOL and Moonwalker moving north and both aware of the other, things are not going to end well.
I have to admit that I've never been a hiker, since I was a kid and I haven't been camping for several decades. The idea of walking the Appalachian trail or any other long hike has no appeal to me. However, I am fascinated by those who do. I know an ex-coworker who left her job and did walk the AT for months. Her own attempt cut short by concerns about another hiker. Her tales of her hike on the AT, plus the Bill Bryson book, A Walk in the Woods, had me interested enough that I picked up this book when I had the chance.
Writer Anderson, a long-time hiker himself, really captures what it must be like walking the wilderness. It certainly matches up with my friend's recollections of the people she met, the shelters along the way and the 'trail angels' that helped hikers while not seeking anything in return. He has created two characters who could not be less alike, but also are damaged in different ways.
The book doesn't change my lack of desire to pack a bag and hit the trail, but I'm certainly hoping that Anderson writes more about what it would be like. Well done.
I have to admit that I've never been a hiker, since I was a kid and I haven't been camping for several decades. The idea of walking the Appalachian trail or any other long hike has no appeal to me. However, I am fascinated by those who do. I know an ex-coworker who left her job and did walk the AT for months. Her own attempt cut short by concerns about another hiker. Her tales of her hike on the AT, plus the Bill Bryson book, A Walk in the Woods, had me interested enough that I picked up this book when I had the chance.
Writer Anderson, a long-time hiker himself, really captures what it must be like walking the wilderness. It certainly matches up with my friend's recollections of the people she met, the shelters along the way and the 'trail angels' that helped hikers while not seeking anything in return. He has created two characters who could not be less alike, but also are damaged in different ways.
The book doesn't change my lack of desire to pack a bag and hit the trail, but I'm certainly hoping that Anderson writes more about what it would be like. Well done.
December 3, 2016
I don't normally read thrillers, so perhaps my expectations are too high for this kind of material. But I found the writing to be brief and disorganized; the author would often tell you what people did, said, or felt rather than show you.
As a social worker and researcher, the entire premise of why the man was a serial killer was trite, stereotypical, and inaccurate. The narrative was sympathetic to him, seeming to view the fact he was laughed at by women as an adolescent to be a valid reason one becomes a serial killer.
I found our "hero" awol to be sexist and emotionally oblivious to himself and others. He rapes his wife, coercing her and forcing himself on her. He harasses her constantly after being told to leave her alone. Then at the end of the book, he proposes by letter and she excitedly accepts, as if all of her complaints about his alcoholism and abusive behavior were just her trying to get him to settle down and marry her. The women in this book are only there to be raped and murdered, or to be raped and married.
The book also perpetuates the inaccurate and harmful idea that people who experience PTSD shouldn't engage in therapy or medication, but only a walk in the woods to clear their head. It framed medication for PTSD as harmful and "poison."
And at the end of the day, this book is snuff porn. Someone wrote all these scenes of rape and murder; he had these ideas in his head. And scariest of all, they were the better written portions of this book.
As a social worker and researcher, the entire premise of why the man was a serial killer was trite, stereotypical, and inaccurate. The narrative was sympathetic to him, seeming to view the fact he was laughed at by women as an adolescent to be a valid reason one becomes a serial killer.
I found our "hero" awol to be sexist and emotionally oblivious to himself and others. He rapes his wife, coercing her and forcing himself on her. He harasses her constantly after being told to leave her alone. Then at the end of the book, he proposes by letter and she excitedly accepts, as if all of her complaints about his alcoholism and abusive behavior were just her trying to get him to settle down and marry her. The women in this book are only there to be raped and murdered, or to be raped and married.
The book also perpetuates the inaccurate and harmful idea that people who experience PTSD shouldn't engage in therapy or medication, but only a walk in the woods to clear their head. It framed medication for PTSD as harmful and "poison."
And at the end of the day, this book is snuff porn. Someone wrote all these scenes of rape and murder; he had these ideas in his head. And scariest of all, they were the better written portions of this book.
April 8, 2016
Okay, let me start out by saying I don’t love serial killer like plots, and I wanted to try one out, and I wasn’t sure if I would like it, so I was very pleased I did! The adventure and character development grows on you, and in such a way that you grow really strong feelings for the main characters. I loved the aspect of the Appalachian Trail. The fact that these two men were on this incredible journey, and to bring more drama, to add the serial killer and complicated lives of real characters into that was very well done. Although some could say the ending was predictable, while reading, I did find myself thinking, what if something else happens. There were so many possibilities, and you never knew what to expect. I liked some of the imagery of the book, being someone who loves hiking and nature filled scenes, it was a wonderful world to experience. I did get annoyed with the main character at times because even though he was dealing with his personal issues, he didn’t know how to handle himself, and since it happened quite frequently, I was a little disappointed, however, the ending was so bold and just brought a smile to my face, so overall, it was a pleasant read. Thank you to Turner Publishing for sending me it!
May 28, 2016
Must disclose at the outset that "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson is one of my favorite all time books. At the same time I read books such as those by Greg Iles involving dark subject matter, such as serial killers. So I should love a well crafted book about a serial killer loose on the Appalachian Trail, right? Maybe it was like letting your peas get in your potatoes but I was troubled by the mix. That said, this is a very well done book written in two voices , that of the serial killer and that of the troubled combat veteran through hiking the AT to exorcise his demons. The author having hiked the AT fills the book with interesting detail, particularly what it takes to accomplish such an endeavor the character development is also strong and , I suspect, so strong that I found the voice of the serial killer disturbing. The plot is entirely plausible and we'll executed even through and including the ending I will never hike the Appalachian Trail and am certainly not an outdoorsman, but I do love getting on it for short spells when the opportunity presents itself and find the various motivations for those who undertake to hike its entire length in one season endlessly fascinating
December 6, 2015
Told from three perspectives: Karl Bergman, a through hiker; Paul Leroux, a serial killer; and Chief Stevens, a policeman, keeping it interesting. The story unfolds along the Appalachian Trail, which Bergman, a trauma sufferer from Desert Storm, is hiking to find himself, hoping to get back together with his girlfriend. Leroux enters the trail, leaving a trail of blood behind him, trying to escape the law and get to safety in Canada. Along the way he meets other unsuspecting young women who he can't resist... While you can guess how this might turn out, there are plenty of twists, thrills, and turns along the way that will keep you guessing and string you along to the end. The travails of hiking the full length of the trail are well described and evocative without overloading the reader with unnecessary details. Major characters are well-developed and the minor ones well-conceived. It'll keep you reading. A footnote on my 4-star rating: I reserve 5-stars for the extremely talented writers of literary fiction; names of whom you're no doubt familiar. I'll be buying Mr. Anderson's next book when it comes out
September 4, 2016
I received a copy of The Trail from Turner Publishing, in exchange for an honest review.
The story unfolds along the Appalachian Trail, which Karl Bergman, a trauma sufferer from Desert Storm, is through-hiking, trying to work out his issues and get back together with his girlfriend. Serial killer, Paul Leroux, an out-of-shape chain smoker, enters the trail, trying to escape the law and get to Canada. Along the way he meets other unsuspecting young women and he can't resist. Chief of Police Stevens, in North Carolina, realizes the young women who are found dead all have similar injuries. He has no idea where to start looking for the killer, but with persistence, facts start to come together.
Hiking the full length of the trail is well described without overloading the reader with extra details. An excellent mystery, well done.
The story unfolds along the Appalachian Trail, which Karl Bergman, a trauma sufferer from Desert Storm, is through-hiking, trying to work out his issues and get back together with his girlfriend. Serial killer, Paul Leroux, an out-of-shape chain smoker, enters the trail, trying to escape the law and get to Canada. Along the way he meets other unsuspecting young women and he can't resist. Chief of Police Stevens, in North Carolina, realizes the young women who are found dead all have similar injuries. He has no idea where to start looking for the killer, but with persistence, facts start to come together.
Hiking the full length of the trail is well described without overloading the reader with extra details. An excellent mystery, well done.
January 9, 2016
I surprised myself by really liking this book. The narrator is a flawed character and I hated the ending, but it was so readable I didn't, ultimately, care.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail (or any other trail) is not something I aspire to. Camping, sure, but you can keep the blisters and the knee surgery and the GORP. However, by reading this book I got an insider's glimpse into long distance hiking that was eye opening and informative and entertaining. The author has hiked that trail and a few others, so he isn't just a dilettante.
The writing is clear and flows effortlessly and I found myself picking this book up every chance I got during a bad couple of weeks when reading was really not an easy thing to accomplish.
Give it a chance.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail (or any other trail) is not something I aspire to. Camping, sure, but you can keep the blisters and the knee surgery and the GORP. However, by reading this book I got an insider's glimpse into long distance hiking that was eye opening and informative and entertaining. The author has hiked that trail and a few others, so he isn't just a dilettante.
The writing is clear and flows effortlessly and I found myself picking this book up every chance I got during a bad couple of weeks when reading was really not an easy thing to accomplish.
Give it a chance.
October 11, 2019
An excellent fictional account of the AT. Prepare for a good thriller.
I enjoy thrillers and The Trail was a good one. It had many twists and turns and always kept the reader guessing. I particularly liked the descriptions given of the areas being hiked. I felt and could envision what the hiker was experiencing. Never having hiked overnight, I felt what a thru hiker endured on his journey from Georgia to Maine. I recommend this book to all who love mysteries and thrillers. Hikers would also enjoy this book as hiking information is well documented in The Trail.
I enjoy thrillers and The Trail was a good one. It had many twists and turns and always kept the reader guessing. I particularly liked the descriptions given of the areas being hiked. I felt and could envision what the hiker was experiencing. Never having hiked overnight, I felt what a thru hiker endured on his journey from Georgia to Maine. I recommend this book to all who love mysteries and thrillers. Hikers would also enjoy this book as hiking information is well documented in The Trail.
December 30, 2015
I loved this book. I admit that I initially bought it because I have met Ray a few times and he is truly a good guy & gentleman. I am very happy for him. This book is amazing. As a hiker, I do enjoy reading about hiking. That may not be for everyone but the story includes hiking & the trail as an amazing backdrop with great characters. I was on the edge of my seat a bit & really wanted to avoid life to finish reading.
November 9, 2015
A Real Thriller!
I loved this particular thriller because it took place in a unique setting that set it apart from other thrillers. Also the author made the story and characters easy to follow and I was never taken out of the story because I didn't know who someone was. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller!
I loved this particular thriller because it took place in a unique setting that set it apart from other thrillers. Also the author made the story and characters easy to follow and I was never taken out of the story because I didn't know who someone was. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller!
December 5, 2015
This is a great first book by Ray Anderson. It qualifies as a "thriller," rather than a mystery and it truly is. The suspense is delivered artfully. Can't wait for the next one. Don't think I'll read it while hiking, though.
November 7, 2015
One of the best thrillers I have read in a while. Super terrific read I hated to put the book down. It would make an awesome movie. Would def read this author again.
December 21, 2015
I had a hard time putting it down. It was enthralling in a strangely disturbing way. The fact that it all takes place on the Appalachian Trail drew me in even deeper.
April 13, 2016
A fun read if you have hiked sections of the AT as you can picture where the hikers are. A murder mystery that will help you pass the time on the beach.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews