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The Hike
Brad Cranston is having a normal Friday afternoon in Shelter Harbor, Michigan when he receives a desperate call from his brother, who disappeared six years ago. Conrad’s message is clear: head south, bring a boat, do not involve the police, and there is a load of money involved—click.
After enlisting the service of rookie Private Investigator Allison Shannon—a retired master diver who is haunted by her own demons—the two start to realize that Conrad Cranston has become much more than a lost hiker.
Meanwhile, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bruno has just been relocated to the Motor City to help bring down the Detroit Mafia, better known as “The Association.” What Patrick does not know, however, is that Detroit’s young new Godfather, Don Ciro Russo, has been targeted for assassination—an event that would turn the criminal organization upside down. And, a long-time confidential informant may be orchestrating the transfer of power.
As Patrick attempts to learn the truth, his path crosses with an unlikely pair: Brad Cranston and Allison Shannon. The search narrows, and the answers may lie on a small island in Lake Erie nicknamed “the Key West of the north.” However, unimaginable terror could await them on the island and in the depths offshore.
For they are about to learn that justice and discovery still come at a price.
After enlisting the service of rookie Private Investigator Allison Shannon—a retired master diver who is haunted by her own demons—the two start to realize that Conrad Cranston has become much more than a lost hiker.
Meanwhile, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bruno has just been relocated to the Motor City to help bring down the Detroit Mafia, better known as “The Association.” What Patrick does not know, however, is that Detroit’s young new Godfather, Don Ciro Russo, has been targeted for assassination—an event that would turn the criminal organization upside down. And, a long-time confidential informant may be orchestrating the transfer of power.
As Patrick attempts to learn the truth, his path crosses with an unlikely pair: Brad Cranston and Allison Shannon. The search narrows, and the answers may lie on a small island in Lake Erie nicknamed “the Key West of the north.” However, unimaginable terror could await them on the island and in the depths offshore.
For they are about to learn that justice and discovery still come at a price.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2021
101 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Landon Beach
11 books125 followersLandon was born and raised in Michigan but now lives in the Sunshine State with his wife, two children, and their golden retriever. He previously served as a Naval Officer and was an educator for fifteen years before becoming a full-time writer. Find out more at landonbeachbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 17, 2022
“The Hike” is a page turner from beginning to end. I highly recommend it!
January 13, 2024
Brad Conrad receives a message from his brother Conrad, out of the blue. Conrad disappeared off the radar 6 years ago. Due to Conrad's long history of doing drugs and being unreliable, Brad is the only family member still interested in him. Conrad's message is come now, bring a boat, don't call the police. Clearly once again, Conrad is involved in something shonky.
Allison Shannon is a veteran newly turned into an investigator. Brad becomes her first case and the two of them start searching for Conrad, once Allison has been able to confirm that Conrad is really in the area. Neither of them realise just how much trouble Conrad is in or how dangerous their search is.
Conrad has finally got clean. He is also in love with a young woman he met in rehab. Unfortunately, she is a Mafia princess. The pair of them think they can just walk away from the life but their timing is terrible. There is a hit on the new Don, the Association is in chaos, the FBI is now interested, and now they are the ones on the run.
There is an oddly cosy approach in this book considering some of the extreme violence depicted. Plus there are a number of changes in both POV and jumps around the timelines. Consequently, I din't find it particularly suspenseful, which was a shame.
3 stars.
Allison Shannon is a veteran newly turned into an investigator. Brad becomes her first case and the two of them start searching for Conrad, once Allison has been able to confirm that Conrad is really in the area. Neither of them realise just how much trouble Conrad is in or how dangerous their search is.
Conrad has finally got clean. He is also in love with a young woman he met in rehab. Unfortunately, she is a Mafia princess. The pair of them think they can just walk away from the life but their timing is terrible. There is a hit on the new Don, the Association is in chaos, the FBI is now interested, and now they are the ones on the run.
There is an oddly cosy approach in this book considering some of the extreme violence depicted. Plus there are a number of changes in both POV and jumps around the timelines. Consequently, I din't find it particularly suspenseful, which was a shame.
3 stars.
November 12, 2021
Upon reading the opening chapters of Landon Beach’s THE HIKE, Robert Frost’s poem, THE ROAD NOT TAKEN came to mind, a poem about choices made in life and all that it implies. THE HIKE focuses on the journey of life, of two brothers, Remington “Brad” Cranston and kid brother, Conrad Cranston, only not a kid, but a screw up who is a no-show on the day the two brothers were to start, in Georgia, a months long hike of the Appalachian Trail. It is the ambition of all hikers,not rock climbing type, to hike the Trail at least once in their lifetime. It takes months of preparation and planning and oodles of $ to put into operation. Yet not even so much as a phone call or text message for the no-show. Time passes.
Periodically, Conrad will pop up, but he has led his life as “one debilitating liability” after another. At age 38, the entire family has given up on him, all except Brad who’s not willing to give up on his kid brother, he sees him as a “tortured, misguided soul. Time will adjust that irrational idea. Brad is a 40-something, book illustrator who isn’t into escapism. He is a “cover all bases” kind of guy. And after several years disappearance, Conrad pops up by phone, with a bizarre, unnerving message that he is in trouble and his phone can be found in the toilet tank at Sterling State Park in Monroe, Michigan. It seems that baby brother has gotten himself caught up in an Italian Mafia war of succession between two families headquartered in greater Detroit, who call home, Lake Erie’s Gold Coast. It is a war over who gleans the sizable profits from drug trafficking, prostitution, illegal gambling, etc, in that “anything goes” world. It seems Conrad fell into drug use and fell in love with a Mafia princess,a serious user, at the same time.
This book captivated my interest. I grew up in northern Ohio, and have spent time at Cedar Point amusement park on Sandusky Bay and the Islands with its wineries just beyond. It’s beautiful in the summer and nothing beats the smooth sailing on that lake! Greater Cleveland in the late 1960s and early 1970s had a prominent Italian community where the Mafia proliferated. Think Elliot Ness who came from Cleveland area. Drugs, prostitution, illegal gambling galore. I went to university with a “Mafia princess” and it was the time of THE GODFATHER. Ever been in or to a wedding where the security guards at all doors/entrances were packing guns? I thought my parent would stroke out upon spotting that- works in court system. We always thought the bride was kidding when she said her father was with the Mafia in Cleveland. So prevalent was serious crime that the Feds launched a task force to clean it up in the mid-1970s.
So when the Beach starts discussing the inner mechanism of how these Detroit crime families operated, I knew exactly what he wrote about, its authenticity, and how it would end. Tying all this back to the novel, when Conrad fell in love with the Mafia Princess he made the decision to get both of them off of the drugs. He became the estate’s gardener. The Mafioso didn’t care as long as he kept her clean of drugs.
Landon Beach presents the reader with a detailed narrative writing style intertwined with dialogue. He develops a clear cut description of both the DeLuca family and the competitor Russo family. When death of the scion occurs, there is always a battle over succession because bottom line, it’s all about the money. There’s also the little problem of a promised hand in marriage between the two families that was denied. THAT insult was the final slap in the face to the DeLuca family. They await revenge.
When “Papa Pete” DeLuca retired, Don Ilario “The Smile” Russo became head of the Mafia family in Detroit, known as THE ASSOCIATION. Papa Pete didn’t believe in family succession, his legacy was always you select the best qualified. Don Ilario is dying, and selects son Ciro to succeed him, leaving #2 Fabio DeLuca out in the cold. It does not help that the Russos got greedy and raised their cut of the action in the drug, prostitution, illegal gambling trade to 20% and are suspecting of skimming millions more from the illicit businesses.
The Association begins taking sides and it is all out war. When the Mafioso go to war or seek revenge, they go after family members too, not just after those who wronged them in the business. Killing family, all the family, is the ultimate revenge.
THE HIKE holds your attention throughout and the bodies are racked up like cordwood. The final prize? The multi-millions squirreled away. Surprises pop up throughout the book that hold your attention. Beach has done such an outstanding job of developing the personalities of all his characters, it saddens one to see the final death count.
THE HIKE is a novel about choices, about family and what you would do for family, and is a true representation of the inner workings of the Italian Mafia as I knew it in my younger years. Today’s drug cartels have taken it a step further. Vendetta is the name of the game. With a few surprises thrown in. I think Beach has done an outstanding job of depicting organized crime today, especially as I remember it in Ohio. Landon Beach’s THE HIKE gets a big 5* from me!
Not finished
Periodically, Conrad will pop up, but he has led his life as “one debilitating liability” after another. At age 38, the entire family has given up on him, all except Brad who’s not willing to give up on his kid brother, he sees him as a “tortured, misguided soul. Time will adjust that irrational idea. Brad is a 40-something, book illustrator who isn’t into escapism. He is a “cover all bases” kind of guy. And after several years disappearance, Conrad pops up by phone, with a bizarre, unnerving message that he is in trouble and his phone can be found in the toilet tank at Sterling State Park in Monroe, Michigan. It seems that baby brother has gotten himself caught up in an Italian Mafia war of succession between two families headquartered in greater Detroit, who call home, Lake Erie’s Gold Coast. It is a war over who gleans the sizable profits from drug trafficking, prostitution, illegal gambling, etc, in that “anything goes” world. It seems Conrad fell into drug use and fell in love with a Mafia princess,a serious user, at the same time.
This book captivated my interest. I grew up in northern Ohio, and have spent time at Cedar Point amusement park on Sandusky Bay and the Islands with its wineries just beyond. It’s beautiful in the summer and nothing beats the smooth sailing on that lake! Greater Cleveland in the late 1960s and early 1970s had a prominent Italian community where the Mafia proliferated. Think Elliot Ness who came from Cleveland area. Drugs, prostitution, illegal gambling galore. I went to university with a “Mafia princess” and it was the time of THE GODFATHER. Ever been in or to a wedding where the security guards at all doors/entrances were packing guns? I thought my parent would stroke out upon spotting that- works in court system. We always thought the bride was kidding when she said her father was with the Mafia in Cleveland. So prevalent was serious crime that the Feds launched a task force to clean it up in the mid-1970s.
So when the Beach starts discussing the inner mechanism of how these Detroit crime families operated, I knew exactly what he wrote about, its authenticity, and how it would end. Tying all this back to the novel, when Conrad fell in love with the Mafia Princess he made the decision to get both of them off of the drugs. He became the estate’s gardener. The Mafioso didn’t care as long as he kept her clean of drugs.
Landon Beach presents the reader with a detailed narrative writing style intertwined with dialogue. He develops a clear cut description of both the DeLuca family and the competitor Russo family. When death of the scion occurs, there is always a battle over succession because bottom line, it’s all about the money. There’s also the little problem of a promised hand in marriage between the two families that was denied. THAT insult was the final slap in the face to the DeLuca family. They await revenge.
When “Papa Pete” DeLuca retired, Don Ilario “The Smile” Russo became head of the Mafia family in Detroit, known as THE ASSOCIATION. Papa Pete didn’t believe in family succession, his legacy was always you select the best qualified. Don Ilario is dying, and selects son Ciro to succeed him, leaving #2 Fabio DeLuca out in the cold. It does not help that the Russos got greedy and raised their cut of the action in the drug, prostitution, illegal gambling trade to 20% and are suspecting of skimming millions more from the illicit businesses.
The Association begins taking sides and it is all out war. When the Mafioso go to war or seek revenge, they go after family members too, not just after those who wronged them in the business. Killing family, all the family, is the ultimate revenge.
THE HIKE holds your attention throughout and the bodies are racked up like cordwood. The final prize? The multi-millions squirreled away. Surprises pop up throughout the book that hold your attention. Beach has done such an outstanding job of developing the personalities of all his characters, it saddens one to see the final death count.
THE HIKE is a novel about choices, about family and what you would do for family, and is a true representation of the inner workings of the Italian Mafia as I knew it in my younger years. Today’s drug cartels have taken it a step further. Vendetta is the name of the game. With a few surprises thrown in. I think Beach has done an outstanding job of depicting organized crime today, especially as I remember it in Ohio. Landon Beach’s THE HIKE gets a big 5* from me!
Not finished
May 23, 2025
I didn’t really vibe with this one as I did the previous one. Still will read the rest… didn’t realize this was a series either. 🫣
December 4, 2021
Heartbreak, suspense, intrigue, family, and the Hawkeye wave along a history lesson made this an excellent book. The tragedy at the end was heartbreaking but the following redemption made the book. If you like mob type stories this is a good book to read.
October 8, 2021
A kitchen sink approach to the story- the Mafia plot, rogue cops, a detective with a gloomy past, a brother on a missing persons case. Was a nice, quick page turner.
August 31, 2022
Pretty awful book. Might be a better movie as lots of violence and action. Very poor plotting and writing, unfortunately. Finished me on this author.
July 25, 2021
"The Hike," by Landon Beach is the fourth book in the Great Lakes Saga. Don't worry if you haven't read the other three books, this isn't a direct sequel. If you have read the other books, you will be happy to see the return of a past favorite character in a minor role. This book was an absolute joy to read. Beach's writing and storytelling are tight and concise and every detail is important to the complex plot in one way or another. Beach weaves this story together in a masterful way and when I finished, I was begging for more. The story's pace is fast and frenetic, so be prepared to hold on for a wild ride that will keep you hanging from the beginning to the very end.
"The Hike" has a very complex plot and covers themes such as family bonds, loyalty, betrayal, addiction, and even a little romance. With everything going on, you would think that Beach would miss the mark in one or more of these areas, but each is given the attention it deserves and helps add tremendous depth to all of his characters. Without giving away any spoilers, I want to briefly call out how Beach addresses the topic of addiction. Two of the main characters in the story are recovering addicts and Beach describes their journey to sobriety through their manic routines. It feels believable and authentic and helped me bond deeply to them. I felt myself cheering them on as their story unfolds and anytime their routine was threatened, I could feel my pulse quicken with worry. You know an author hits the mark when your emotions change with the story.
Like Beach's other books, characters are developed through the telling of their backstory. Some reviewers for Beach's other books have questioned the relevance of a particular backstory or felt that the use of flashback caused pace disruption, but I disagree on both points. Beach wants you to know who his characters are and why they behave the way they do and he accomplishes this through the telling of their histories. For me, the histories add significant depth to each character and allow me a deeper peek into their psyche that I may not get through their actions alone.
Overall, this is an excellent book and when I was reading it, I couldn't put it down. If you like thrillers, "The Hike", and Beach's other books, are must reads. I can't wait for the next book to come out and I think Beach has an extremely bright future as an author. I, for one, am already a huge fan!
"The Hike" has a very complex plot and covers themes such as family bonds, loyalty, betrayal, addiction, and even a little romance. With everything going on, you would think that Beach would miss the mark in one or more of these areas, but each is given the attention it deserves and helps add tremendous depth to all of his characters. Without giving away any spoilers, I want to briefly call out how Beach addresses the topic of addiction. Two of the main characters in the story are recovering addicts and Beach describes their journey to sobriety through their manic routines. It feels believable and authentic and helped me bond deeply to them. I felt myself cheering them on as their story unfolds and anytime their routine was threatened, I could feel my pulse quicken with worry. You know an author hits the mark when your emotions change with the story.
Like Beach's other books, characters are developed through the telling of their backstory. Some reviewers for Beach's other books have questioned the relevance of a particular backstory or felt that the use of flashback caused pace disruption, but I disagree on both points. Beach wants you to know who his characters are and why they behave the way they do and he accomplishes this through the telling of their histories. For me, the histories add significant depth to each character and allow me a deeper peek into their psyche that I may not get through their actions alone.
Overall, this is an excellent book and when I was reading it, I couldn't put it down. If you like thrillers, "The Hike", and Beach's other books, are must reads. I can't wait for the next book to come out and I think Beach has an extremely bright future as an author. I, for one, am already a huge fan!
July 6, 2021
I feel obliged to respectfully question Mr. Beach's intellectual stamina; I don't see how a body can keep up the pace he has since he kicked the door down in this industry, publishing a the-house-can-be-burning-down-but-I-can't-tend-to-it-until-I-find-out-what-happens-to-these-characters novel each year. Similar to his previous books, The Hike is outstanding, and I challenge readers, even those of unvoracious mind, to put this book down before the denouement. I finished it in 8 straight hours. My wife probably wants a divorce.
In addition to Mr. Beach's literary wheelhouse - naval insight; covert international warfare; scuba combat; frank and, at times, brutal dialogue; perilous travel on one of our Great Lakes - I was particularly intrigued by his exploration of both our nation's addiction crisis and the relentless conflict between narcotic suppliers and our law enforcement.
I appreciate the way he humanizes the addicts in this story, detailing not only the painful consequences of their immoderation but also the root causes of their impulsive behavior. I prefer to have empathy over judgment for people, and I enjoyed the way Beach offers more understanding than disapproval of the members of this ever-expanding tragedy.
I also liked his parallel investigation of the supply chain, focused particularly on organized crime, in which he also humanizes the characters - though offering us more greedy pleasure for blood lust and disdain - and makes clear who are the perpetrators in this addiction crisis. I dare to say Mario Puzo might enjoy Beach's exploration of mafia culture, but, more importantly, I claim that our public servants in law enforcement would greater appreciate the detailing of the grind and, at times, terror of combating the criminal forces in our country and the truly essential work they perform on our behalf.
Mr. Beach, I apologize for previously doubting your stamina, but it's hard to understand how you keep up the pace. I implore you to stock up on deer steaks, raw vegetable protein, and wild-caught seafood; replenish the chemical energy. We want more books out of you.
In addition to Mr. Beach's literary wheelhouse - naval insight; covert international warfare; scuba combat; frank and, at times, brutal dialogue; perilous travel on one of our Great Lakes - I was particularly intrigued by his exploration of both our nation's addiction crisis and the relentless conflict between narcotic suppliers and our law enforcement.
I appreciate the way he humanizes the addicts in this story, detailing not only the painful consequences of their immoderation but also the root causes of their impulsive behavior. I prefer to have empathy over judgment for people, and I enjoyed the way Beach offers more understanding than disapproval of the members of this ever-expanding tragedy.
I also liked his parallel investigation of the supply chain, focused particularly on organized crime, in which he also humanizes the characters - though offering us more greedy pleasure for blood lust and disdain - and makes clear who are the perpetrators in this addiction crisis. I dare to say Mario Puzo might enjoy Beach's exploration of mafia culture, but, more importantly, I claim that our public servants in law enforcement would greater appreciate the detailing of the grind and, at times, terror of combating the criminal forces in our country and the truly essential work they perform on our behalf.
Mr. Beach, I apologize for previously doubting your stamina, but it's hard to understand how you keep up the pace. I implore you to stock up on deer steaks, raw vegetable protein, and wild-caught seafood; replenish the chemical energy. We want more books out of you.
August 5, 2022
I have read all of the Great Lakes stories by Beach, and this is by far his best. You definitely get vibes of The Godfather in this, but one of the reasons I have liked his books is the similarity to Clive Cussler. Now some may take that as an insult, Cusslers novels are generally considered “light reading”, I’ve even heard that “they’re fluff”, but for me, this is a compliment to Landon Beach. Involving some historical elements, particularly nautical/marine history, and combining that with espionage, murder, mystery and good ole “evil-doers” is always a great recipe for a good book. Cussler was extremely talented with this, and had he been looking for a new co-author for a new series, Landon Beach would absolutely have qualified for that. Perhaps Landon will eventually find his way into Dirk Cusslers path and actually start some new underwater adventure series. Either way, Beach has a solid and successful writing platform of his own and seems to get better and better with each book. This is definitely a recommended book to read, and I’m looking forward to The Bay when it is released (soon, yes??)
For Landon directly; thanks for shining a spotlight on the Great Lakes regions, it about time someone did! As I am Canadian, I also appreciate the “Canada elements” occasionally thrown in; reading your books brings the story a little closer to home and more relatable. Keep going, can’t wait for The Bay. Cheers.
For Landon directly; thanks for shining a spotlight on the Great Lakes regions, it about time someone did! As I am Canadian, I also appreciate the “Canada elements” occasionally thrown in; reading your books brings the story a little closer to home and more relatable. Keep going, can’t wait for The Bay. Cheers.
September 4, 2021
Beach's story is nothing short of a captivating and riveting literary wonder. Being a notoriously slow and distracted reader I was surprised at how entranced I was with Beach's world, characters, and plot. Beach manages to breathe life into each character fleshing them out as living breathing people that you come to know as the story progresses.
From complex family ties to tough topics of addiction Beach sheds their keen insight as well as unique take on each of these universal topics wonderfully.
As one who just picked up the series I was worried I would be lost within the saga but was pleasantly surprised to realize this was not the case. I was able to pick this up and enjoy the tale throughout. I will say I am itching to pick up the other books in the saga and re read this chapter.
All in all The Hike is an excellent book and a wonderful thriller that you'll find impossible to put down! Landon Beach is a phenomenal author and has an incredible knack to breathe life and spirit into his characters. I can't wait for more
From complex family ties to tough topics of addiction Beach sheds their keen insight as well as unique take on each of these universal topics wonderfully.
As one who just picked up the series I was worried I would be lost within the saga but was pleasantly surprised to realize this was not the case. I was able to pick this up and enjoy the tale throughout. I will say I am itching to pick up the other books in the saga and re read this chapter.
All in all The Hike is an excellent book and a wonderful thriller that you'll find impossible to put down! Landon Beach is a phenomenal author and has an incredible knack to breathe life and spirit into his characters. I can't wait for more
July 7, 2021
This is the biggest and fastest Beach novel yet, and it’s paced perfectly: a gnarly mob succession thriller that shows off Beach’s skill for fantastic conversations, relationships exploding and regenerating, and floorboard-crunching violence. A mysterious voicemail from a lost brother starts the countdown, and a book that obviously took months of research drives along easy, with all kinds of stray genius to see on the way. Are there other thriller writers whose characters make good jokes and read Proust and Elsa Morante? Whose heroes mess up and patch up like real people, and whose bad guys meet such hideously just ends? Beach’s control of all this, the humor, love, detail, and killer timing, reminds me of the way the novel’s magically nasty Papa Pete sees the mob: like a basketball game “from the rafters above—seeing every player, every movement, the open lanes, the closed lanes, the slimmest of opportunities…”
July 1, 2021
Landon Beach knows his niche and delivers again with The Hike. It’s a page-turner escape to adventure mixing elements of family bonds, outcasts, private investigators, the mafia, the destitute and the fabulously wealthy all set in Landon’s beloved state of Michigan and the Great Lakes. The main character Brad’s love and dedication to help his lost-soul brother leads to a climactic clash that brings together all the above elements. The storyline contains raw, gritty, salacious and tender elements. Of course, there’s no shortage of action and danger. I especially liked the palpable sense of delicate, ice-cold, deadly tension which, while unsaid, was interwoven with conversational pleasantries between mafia members in their every interaction. Beach aims to provide you with a fun summer vacation read. The Hike is on target.
September 24, 2021
A Riveting Thriller, Masterfully Narrated
This was my second book in the Great Lakes saga and by this author. This is a fantastic series by a talented author. This book was thrilling, heartbreaking, wonderful and thought provoking. It is the journey of a family's black sheep, who sinks into addiction and finds... You will have to read and listen to find out. A man trying to understand his brother, a former diver turned private investigator, the mob and the FBI. What an incredible mix and a thrilling story. Immersive characterization, action and a strong plot drive this thriller. Author Beach never loses sight that people are the focus and had me rooting for heroes and hating bad guys. A thrilling book and I will be reading and listening (Scott Brick does a masterful job on narration) to the other books in this series.
This was my second book in the Great Lakes saga and by this author. This is a fantastic series by a talented author. This book was thrilling, heartbreaking, wonderful and thought provoking. It is the journey of a family's black sheep, who sinks into addiction and finds... You will have to read and listen to find out. A man trying to understand his brother, a former diver turned private investigator, the mob and the FBI. What an incredible mix and a thrilling story. Immersive characterization, action and a strong plot drive this thriller. Author Beach never loses sight that people are the focus and had me rooting for heroes and hating bad guys. A thrilling book and I will be reading and listening (Scott Brick does a masterful job on narration) to the other books in this series.
October 19, 2021
This was the first of Beach's books I've come across, and after reading it I know I'm going to have to get the others! This crime thriller keeps you on your toes throughout the story, which includes masterfully woven plots and exciting twists and turns. I couldn't put it down! The relationships in the story are so genuine; I was entranced by the brother's familial love, the cruelty and intensity of the mafia members, and of course the suspenseful and thrilling investigation by the police.
Landon Beach is an excellent writer, and if you're looking for a gripping, action-filled crime thriller, this is a great one! I binged it on a summer beach trip, but this is one of those books that will binge perfectly under a warm blanket during a chilly holiday. I will certainly be reading it again!
Landon Beach is an excellent writer, and if you're looking for a gripping, action-filled crime thriller, this is a great one! I binged it on a summer beach trip, but this is one of those books that will binge perfectly under a warm blanket during a chilly holiday. I will certainly be reading it again!
July 1, 2021
Landon Beach has nailed it again with this action-packed thriller! A hike is planned between Brad and Conrad, two estranged brothers, who want to reestablish their relationship. This changes when Conrad doesn’t show up and seems to have vanished from the face of the earth. Eventually, Brad receives an ominous and desperate message from Conrad. Now Brad is on a different journey which includes the underworld of crime, powerful and terrifying characters, and a trek filled with edge-of-your-seat events. This destination is a far cry from their once-planned hike. “The Hike” is a page turner from beginning to end. I highly recommend it!
July 2, 2021
I’ve been following the Great Lakes Series for years now, and this new adventure doesn’t disappoint. Like all of Beach’s books, The Hike keeps a fast paced and is filled with interesting characters. The Hike had more story threads to follow, which I really enjoyed. Seeing the divergent pieces come together made this an exciting read. As always, Beach’s details in fleshing out character traits made me really invested in the journey.
If you haven’t read a Landon Beach book before, this is a great place to start!
If you haven’t read a Landon Beach book before, this is a great place to start!
July 2, 2021
The Hike had me hooked from the first few pages and drew me in right away. I was swept into the action packed story of multifaceted characters that were living normal lives but things quickly took twists and turns with the mafia, the police, and love. I appreciate how Landon Beach writes because he allows me to easily create a vivid movie in my head based on his detailed descriptions and character dialogue. If you’re looking to be entertained and want a great book to escape into, then I totally recommend The Hike!
July 4, 2021
Landon Beach strikes again! Another twisting, turning, mind-bending thriller that kept me guessing the. Entire. Time. Who can be trusted? Who is playing whom? Why am I craving a crisp bottle of Evian?? A truly well-crafted story with engaging characters and an ending I never saw coming. Bonus points for the Detroit setting, obviously. Can’t wait for the final book of this Great Lakes adventure saga! No need to read the others before this penultimate page-turner but trust me, you’ll be coming back for more.
April 15, 2023
I hate to say it but I really didn’t like this book so It wouldn’t be high on my recommendation list. It started out promising but then the story became so convoluted that at times I didn’t even know what it was really about. There was too much unnecessary descriptions about things that didn’t really matter to the story.
There were way too many characters that were very unnecessary as well. It totally confused me about what and who the book was actually about.
I’m not going to spoil the end for anyone but I will say that I was very disappointed.
There were way too many characters that were very unnecessary as well. It totally confused me about what and who the book was actually about.
I’m not going to spoil the end for anyone but I will say that I was very disappointed.
April 25, 2023
Detroit Mafia Bloodbath! Lurid Gut Spiller! Landon Beach could have put those phases on the cover.
I picked this because I read some mysteries and I’m interested in the Great Lakes area, the setting for this novel. I was taken aback by the torture, gratuitous cruelty and ultra-high body count. There are are good number of characters and we can say most are now fictionally dead.
Landon Beach did create an actual story here. His writing is middling quality that occasionally falls through a trap door into cringeworthy. But I finished the novel. If you like this kind of book then have at it.
I picked this because I read some mysteries and I’m interested in the Great Lakes area, the setting for this novel. I was taken aback by the torture, gratuitous cruelty and ultra-high body count. There are are good number of characters and we can say most are now fictionally dead.
Landon Beach did create an actual story here. His writing is middling quality that occasionally falls through a trap door into cringeworthy. But I finished the novel. If you like this kind of book then have at it.
July 13, 2021
Once again Landon Beach delivers! He's a master at building different story lines and slowly intertwining them until they all converge, secrets are revealed, and the action comes together as you cross the finish line. If you like thrillers, you'll love this slow build and exciting finale. I found it difficult to put the book down because I couldn't wait to find out what was coming next. A great beach read! Kudos, and look forward to more from this author!!
July 19, 2021
A thrilling ride!
The Hike takes you on a journey across the United States, from the Appalachian trail over to the northern states, and involves you in the mafia, the FBI, and Brad and Conrad’s personal lives as well. It’s a thrilling journey, complete with The Association (aka The Mob), the top echelon of police, and ordinary people who are just trying to connect with their family. It’s a great read, and will hook you until the very end!
The Hike takes you on a journey across the United States, from the Appalachian trail over to the northern states, and involves you in the mafia, the FBI, and Brad and Conrad’s personal lives as well. It’s a thrilling journey, complete with The Association (aka The Mob), the top echelon of police, and ordinary people who are just trying to connect with their family. It’s a great read, and will hook you until the very end!
August 3, 2021
Another wonderful summer read by Landon Beach, especially if you have any familiarity with the Great Lakes region. Strong story lines. Superb character development. Twist and turns aplenty - like that Appalachian Trail. And it isn’t necessary to have read previous works by this superb authors to dive into this work. Grab a copy and enjoy it at home, on vacation, or wherever you read great stuff. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
July 1, 2021
As a first-time Landon Beach reader, The Hike has exceeded my expectations. The interconnecting, action-filled storyline, complex character development, and realistic setting made this crime thriller a page-turner from the beginning. I am looking forward to reading his other books: The Wreck, The Sail, The Cabin.
July 1, 2021
The Hike blends drama, adventure and thrills together with the tense undercurrents of a mafia drug running operation. The intrigue keeps the pages turning quickly. Good guys and the bad guys all have interesting storylines and they pull together for a dramatic ending. Thoroughly enjoyed this latest from Landon Beach!
July 7, 2021
Great action packed thriller
This book is a really great read and hard to put down. The plot has plenty of twists and angles and the mafia relationships are complex and subtle. It's a great read and will keep you engaged the entire book. Don't forget to follow the author... there's even more exciting adventures coming very soon! Hint: warm, wet, and shiny.
This book is a really great read and hard to put down. The plot has plenty of twists and angles and the mafia relationships are complex and subtle. It's a great read and will keep you engaged the entire book. Don't forget to follow the author... there's even more exciting adventures coming very soon! Hint: warm, wet, and shiny.
July 22, 2021
Despite my lack of schema for reading about organized crime, I could not put this book down. I was invested in the characters right away and drawn in by their curious idiosyncrasies. This is a great beach reach, but not for the faint of heart. Lots of intense action and drama. Landon Beach has done it again!
July 24, 2021
Landon Beach gives a great thrill and exciting ride from start to finish! He delivers vivid scenes that makes it hard to put the book down! Landon makes you feel for his characters, good or bad. Every detail from hiking , to diving, to murder, you feel immersed in this book as if you were there. A great read for the summer!
January 12, 2022
I found this novel OK to listen to but not my favorite story. It has many elements - suspense, drug addiction, mafia, family, brothers. I didn't need the detailed extent of the violence. Most of it came at the end of the story or I suspect I would have passed on it. For those who aren't bothered by that it was Ok.
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