Four days. Two hikers. One killer.
The plot: Cousins Katie and Aster have always been close. Until last year. But Aster is hoping their 4-day backpacking trip among Utah's red rocks and slot canyons will help heal both Katie and their relationship. But their 49-mile hike in the desert brings some unexpected surprises: an illness, a storm, running low on water & food, an injury, and two strangers. Riley and Finn might be a perfectly nice couple, but something feels off. Katie is suspicious and fearful of Finn, Riley is acting nervous, and Aster isn't sure what to think. When Riley and Finn vanish into the desert night, Katie and Aster know they need to go for help. They just need to survive the last 23 miles.
My thoughts: It's no secret that I love hiking and wilderness survival stories, so I was immediately drawn to this book for that reason. Plus, it's set in the scenic red rock backcountry of Moab, Utah; and I always enjoy reading books that are set in my own home state. And I definitely had fun reading this one. It's fast, has good tension, builds suspense, and really immerses you in that isolated desert environment. Katie and Aster were relatable characters that I also liked. And I appreciated Katie's personal journey as she overcame her fears and past trauma to stand strong at the end. It's a solid 4-star adventure.
Happy Reading!
