Thriller set in Bangkok and Ko Samet
Thriller set around Villars-sur-Ollon, Canton Vaud
30th September 2022
The Hike by Susi Holliday, thriller set around Villars-sur-Ollon, Canton Vaud
A weekend in the Swiss Alps, promising a good hike in the Argentine area above Villars and a mismatched set of people: Cat and her husband Paul are joined by her sister Ginny and her husband Tristan. Right from the off, there are spats and unease that pre-empt a tricky time spent on the mountains. However this is all about bonding and getting to know each other better and a smoothing of the hostilities that have recently arisen between the two sisters, after the untimely death of their parents.
First mistake is that they all agree to leave their phones in the car, so that they have no distractions and can prioritise their bonding as they admire the glorious scenery. A rookie error, of course but initiated by Cat, who, we soon discover, has a master plan to punish her sister, with a willing accomplice to carry it out. We learn that Ginny is a seemingly vacuous and ditsy stay-at-home wife who curates a Social Media following, yet demonstrates an astute barbed tongue. As Cat emphasises, everything her sister does is about herself, Ginny, with little care for anyone else. There is also the question her their parents legacy which has added to Cat’s ire.
The novel opens with two very injured people, a man and a woman, who have returned from their mountain hike on the Sunday morning. There is no clear indication who they are, so what did actually happen at high altitudes? There are plenty of twists and turns and switchbacks to keep the reader entertained. And just when you think all the pieces are in place, there is a final denouement that is well thought out – and you probably won’t see it coming. A good, quick read that is well laid out and has pace.
Tina for the TripFiction Team
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Ooh! I am definitely adding this one to my wish list. I loved the many walking holidays we took in the alps of the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland, so this will not only rekindle some of those memories, but it sounds like a good thriller to boot! 🙂