Review: "The Hike" by Lucy Clarke

The Hike by Lucy Clarke
Published 2023
★★★

Four women go into the Norwegian wilderness. Their preparation for hiking a gruelling trail is spotty, and their enthusiasm for the outdoors equally so, but they're determined that it will be good for them, and for their friendship. They do not have a clue what they're in for.

I've been going through a murder-mystery-in-the-woods phase, and this seemed just the ticket—especially since I had my own first foray into Norway last winter, and I would absolutely love to go back some summer for a hiking trip. The hiking part is well enough (though these women are absolutely not prepared), but the mystery felt like something of an afterthought, and the real mystery is which of the present day women will and won't make it out alive. The drama at the lodge felt rather heavy-handed to me—so many bad vibes, and so many people trying to warn them away from the trail they've chosen—such that it ended up dulling the suspense for me rather than heightening it.

And...I have to say. When you are an inexperienced hiker, you are hiking with your even less experienced friends, and multiple experienced locals tell you to check the weather and reconsider your route because you're heading into trouble...? Listen to the experienced locals. Don't be a Liz.