The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens

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!

Tragedy and pain touch every character in this suspenseful thriller. Stevens doesn’t simply tell a survival story… she makes you live it alongside these characters. Through slow reveals of their troubled backstories, each character feels believable and emotionally grounded. The short chapters, dual POVs, and steady pacing kept me fully engaged, making this an intriguing and immersive read.

Set in beautiful Canada, just before the 1976 Olympics, Stevens constantly reminders us that there is no modern technology like GPS or easy access to phones during this period. This enables the story to deliver a compelling blend of psychological depth and high-stakes terror. It’s the kind of novel that leaves you asking: What would I do in their shoes?

That said, the book contains repeated graphic violence, some of which felt unnecessary… particularly when Simon continues to beat people long after they’re no longer a threat. Still, beneath the fear and tension lies a raw exploration of grief, guilt, and survival, brought to life through the incredibly brave Alice and the young Jenny.

The final 15% is action-packed, with twists that were shocking, though not entirely surprising. This was my first time reading this author, so I can’t compare it to her other work, but I’m glad I gave this book a chance.

The Canadian landscapes have never looked so beautiful… or so dangerous!

Reviewed by Diane Stewart
Library Manager