The Hitchhikers
- Judith D Collins
- Oct 7
- 10 min read
By: Chevy Stevens
Narrators: Lindsey Dorcus, Moniqua Plante
Macmillan Audio
ISBN: 9781250133656
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: 10/072025
Format: Hardcover & audio
My Rating: 5 Stars ++ (ARC) (ALC)
TOP BOOKS OF 2025!
WITH OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD . . .
CHEVY STEVENS has garnered acclaim from literary giants, including Stephen King who called THOSE GIRLS “incredibly scary and suspenseful” and Gillian Flynn who called STILL MISSING “utterly absorbing.”
The acclaimed and beloved author of Dark Roads is back with her most heart-racing thriller yet.
On the remote Canadian highways in 1976, Tom and Alice are on a road trip to repair their marriage and heal the wounds of recent tragic events. An RV is their home and a leisurely adventure is what they believe they need. Early on their journey, they meet "Ocean" and "Blue," a painfully young and desperate couple who could use their help.
Blue is pregnant and the two are hitchhiking their way across the country. Out of kindness, Tom and Alice offer them a ride and soon, the foursome seem like old friends. Until Alice discovers that Ocean and Blue are really named Jenny and Simon. And Jenny and Simon have left a wake of blood and destruction behind. Now, Alice and Tom are their prisoners, forced into increasingly dangerous situations as they traverse the country.
But Jenny and Simon are not telling the whole truth and as one of them descends more deeply into madness, the question becomes: who is the hunter and who is being hunted?
About the Author
photo credit: Poppy Photography
New York Times bestselling author, CHEVY STEVENS grew up on a ranch on Vancouver Island and she still lives on the island with her husband and daughter. For most of her adult life she worked in sales, first as a rep for a giftware company and then as a Realtor. While holding an open house one afternoon, she had a terrifying idea that became the inspiration for Still Missing. Chevy eventually sold her house and left real estate so she could finish the book. Still Missing went on to become a New York Times bestseller and winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for Best First Novel.
When Chevy isn’t working on her next book, she’s hiking with her two dogs on her favorite mountain trails and spending time with her family. Chevy’s current obsessions are vintage Airstreams, all things mid-century modern, Hollywood memoirs, and stand-up comedians–not necessarily in that order. Her books, including Those Girls , which Stephen King called “incredibly scary,” have been published in more than thirty countries and optioned for film. Her seventh novel, Dark Roads, was released in 2021 and her eighth upcoming novel, THE HITCHHIKERS to be released Oct 2025. WEBSITE
Chevy's Novels
Exceptional Authors.
Standout Books. Elevator Talk.
Behind the Book & the Author
INTRIGUING QUESTIONS. INQUIRING READERS WANT TO KNOW.
An Elevator Ride QA with Chevy Stevens
and THE HITCHHIKERS
Welcome to the October #AuthorElevatorSeries and joining us today is the New York Times bestselling author, Chevy Stevens and one of my long time favorites, with her stunning new novel, THE HITCHHIKERS, out October 7th in hardcover, e-bookand audio formats by St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio. (Narrated by Lindsey Dorcus and Moniqua Plante).
Join us as we go behind the scenes of the book and this multi-talented author.
Welcome, Chevy!
Behind the Book
Q. Give us your best ELEVATOR PITCH for THE HITCHHIKERS.
CHEVY: The Hitchhikers is about a married couple on an RV trip through Canada in the seventies when they make the mistake of picking up two hitchhikers.
Q. INSPIRATION: The spark that ignited the novel. Where were you when the idea came to you?
CHEVY: This idea first came to me in a dream. I had the image of a couple in an RV, and they’d been taken over by a bad couple on the run. It evolved from there.
Q. SETTING: Tell us more about the book setting (s) and why you selected it.
CHEVY: I had initially set the book in modern day BC but eventually decided to set the book in 1976 because I was having a hard time dealing with the technology of modern day. I also love nostalgia, and I thought it would make the book more interesting. I chose that year because it was the year of the Montreal Olympics.
Q. GENRE: What continues to draw you to this genre? Your favorite genre (s) to read?
CHEVY: I like writing thrillers because they have a fast pace and are exciting to write. I am also interested in human nature, psychology, and crime. In fiction, I can make sure that good beats evil. However, I read romance and fantasy books, which might surprise people, but I need a break from the dark world my characters exist in.
Q. DID YOU KNOW? Name 1-5 things that readers may or may not know about your new book. (or a detail that readers may not find in the book).
CHEVY: There is a moment in the book where one of my characters interacts with the child version of my brother and I, who drove with my parents across Canada in 1976.
Q. UPCOMING: Can you share what you are currently working on or what is next in ten words or less (or more)?
CHEVY: In my next book I take on a new challenge and one of my characters is a ghost.
Continue reading below for more up close and personal with Chevy!
Behind the Author
BIRTH STATE? or (Country)
Canada
CURRENT STATE?
Province of BC
ZODIAC SIGN?
Taurus
FAVORITE THING ABOUT WHERE YOU RESIDE?
The beautiful scenery
FAVORITE FLOWER?
Roses, in any color other than red. Hydrangeas, and this year I have come to appreciate Gladiolus flowers.
FAVORITE COLOR?
Blue
WHAT IS YOUR WRITING KRYPTONITE?
Tik Tok
YOUR FAVORITE GO TO DRINK OR FOOD WHEN THE WORLD GOES A LITTLE CRAZY?
Ice cream and ginger snap cookies.
FAVORITE FOOD/DRINK?
Sushi
MORNING/NIGHT PERSON?
Morning
DOG/CAT LOVER?
I love both but I have only had dogs in my adult life.
FAVORITE HOBBY?
Spending time with my daughter, reading, walking with my dogs, paddle boarding, doing puzzles, and listening to podcasts.
FAVORITE TYPE OF MUSIC?
Indie and pop.
FAVORITE SONG OR ARTIST?
Taylor Swift
IF YOU WERE STUCK IN AN ELEVATOR ALONE WITH ONE CELEBRITY, AUTHOR, OR CHARACTER— WHO WOULD IT BE? (Male or Female)
Stephen King
THE FIRST BOOK YOU REMEMBER READING THAT MADE YOU WANT TO BECOME AN AUTHOR—THE ONE YOU CANNOT STOP THINKING OF.
THE POWER OF ONE by Bryce Courtenay.
IT by Stephen King.
FAVORITE HOLIDAY OR SEASON?
Summer
FAVORITE READING FORMAT?
1. Hardcover
2. Paperback
3. Digital
4. Audio
MOST MEMORABLE PLACE YOU HAVE TRAVELED?
Amsterdam and Germany.
IF YOU WERE GRANTED 3 MONTHS OF UNINTERRUPTED WRITING TIME—WHERE WOULD IT BE?
8. A Nostalgic Lake House
WHEN YOU RECEIVE A SPARK OF INSPIRATION FOR A BOOK:
1. Do you immediately get out of bed or stop what you are doing and start typing? Totally immersed.
2. Make a few quick notes on a pad or device?
3. Save it for later when you are at your desk or office during your regular working hours?
YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO WRITE?
The couch
HOW DO YOU RELAX?
Reading, walking with my dogs, watering the garden, listening to podcasts, doing jigsaw puzzles.
DESCRIBE ONE THING ON YOUR DESK, CURRENTLY?
A unicorn snow globe
WHICH DO YOU ENJOY WRITING MORE: DIALOGUE OR INTERNAL THOUGHTS?
Internal thoughts
YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM? (Or would you prefer none of them)?
Tik Tok
HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN?
Eight
NAME ONE THING YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF TO BE BAD AT?
Dancing and singing
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HORROR MOVIE (OR LOVE STORY)?
The Holiday (love story)
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Beautiful scenery, creative people, a good book, music, and nostalgia.
INTROVERT OR EXTROVERT?
Introvert
IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?
Pick Up Trucks and Ponytails
THE LAST BOOK YOU RAVED ABOUT?
Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher
WHAT ARE YOU ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT?
Old Hollywood and celebrity lore
WHAT ARE EARLIER JOBS YOU HAD BEFORE BECOMING AN AUTHOR?
Real Estate Agent
GO TO A PARTY, OR A QUIET EVENING AT HOME?
Evening at home
WHAT AREA WOULD YOU LIKE ONE OF FUTURE BOOKS TO BE SET?
Arizona, Palm Springs, LA.
AT WHAT AGE DID YOU CONSIDER BECOMING A WRITER?
When I was a kid.
IF YOU COULD WRITE ANOTHER GENRE IN ADDITION TO THE CURRENT ONE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Fantasy and women’s fiction.
YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO AS A CHILD?
Read books
THE GENRE YOU READ THE MOST?
Romance and fantasy
Thank you, Chevy, for spending time with us today!
Praise
“Stevens offers a white-knuckle adrenaline ride. Fans of her previous novels will be enthralled, and those who enjoy the gritty intensity of Taylor Adams and Simone St. James will devour this gripping new thriller.” –Library Journal, starred review
"A frightening and viscerally chilling road-trip-gone-wrong story."
–KARIN SLAUGHTER
“A full-throttle survival thriller that demands to be read in a single setting. Intense, harrowing, and unputdownable. Do not miss this one."
–USA Today bestselling author Lucinda Berry
“Relentless, terrifying. A powerhouse of a book.” –BOOKLIST, starred review
“Incredibly scary and suspenseful”
-- STEPHEN KING on THOSE GIRLS
“Utterly absorbing.”
-- GILLIAN FLYNN on STILL MISSING
"As always, true to her modus operandi, Stevens keeps the ultimate twists firmly up her sleeve until the final pages. Stevens maintains the speed and frights in this on-the-road psychological thriller.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
My Review
NYT Bestselling author and a long-time personal favorite, Chevy Stevens returns with her latest masterpiece and eighth novel, THE HITCHHIKERS, which might be her most captivating work to date!
This heart-pounding 'thriller with heart' immerses readers in a whirlwind of emotions and relentless action, ensuring you're glued to the page from the very first sentence to the thrilling conclusion. As a seemingly innocent couple embarks on a road trip, their decision to pick up hitchhikers unravels into a harrowing nightmare.
The stakes skyrocket as they find themselves ensnared in a dangerous game of survival, filled with unexpected twists and chilling suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
About...
Set against the vibrant backdrop of July 1976, Tom and Alice, a devoted couple from Seattle, embark on a long-overdue road trip across the stunning landscapes of Canada. Having been married for sixteen years, the couple seeks solace and rejuvenation after enduring a recent tragedy that has cast a shadow over their once joyful lives. They traverse the open roads in their beloved Winnebago, a cozy home on wheels filled with memories and anticipation of new adventures.
As they drive along winding highways bordered by lush coniferous forests and shimmering lakes, they come across a young couple hitchhiking. The teen girl, with a gentle smile and a rounded belly, is visibly pregnant, while the guy exudes a carefree spirit. They introduce themselves as Ocean and Blue, sharing their dreams of a future, complete with a wedding.
Alice's heart swells with compassion for the young couple, and in an act of kindness, she convinces Tom to invite them for dinner. They gather around a small campsite, playing cards under a blanket of stars, laughter mingling with the crackling of the campfire. Everything seems blissful, and they offer Ocean and Blue a lift, thinking it’s just a simple, friendly gesture for one leg of their journey.
However, the night takes a chilling turn. At a dimly lit rest stop, Alice's eyes widen in horror as she peruses a newspaper and stumbles upon a shocking headline: a couple wanted for murder. The stark realization hits her like a cold wave; the names glaring back at her are Jenny and Simon, not Ocean and Blue. Panic surges through her veins as she exchanges a furtive glance with Tom, the gravity of their situation weighing heavily upon them.
Now, trapped in a web of deception and danger, they must devise a plan to outwit the unsuspecting couple and prevent themselves from becoming victims in a sinister game. As the tension mounts, Alice and Tom find themselves forced to confront their own morals when Jenny and Simon compel them to aid in a series of crimes, coercing them into a harrowing fight for survival.
The clock is ticking—will they manage to escape the clutches of these criminals before it’s too late, or will the road trip turn into a nightmare from which they cannot awaken?
My thoughts....
WOW! THE HITCHHIKERS is an electrifying and intense thriller that grips you from the very first page. Alice and Tom find themselves in a harrowing situation, held captive by two young suspects—eighteen and twenty-one years old—accused of the grim White Cliff Double Homicide. These assailants are not just dangerous; they are unpredictable, and the air is thick with impending doom.
The atmosphere is suffused with a chilling sense of dread, as darkness looms over the couple trapped in their own RV. Panic courses through them as they realize they can’t escape the piercing gaze of their captors—no chance to call for help, no glimmer of hope. And then there’s Jenny, the enigmatic girl caught in the web of this terrifying scenario. Is she a victim too, or does she harbor her own secrets?
Chevy Stevens masterfully builds suspense and tension; the narrative is as chilling as it is captivating. We delve deeply into the perspectives of Alice and Jenny, unraveling their backgrounds and discovering layers of complexity in each character. The question looms large: can they trust Jenny? What dark truths are they all hiding?
I was utterly captivated by THE HITCHHIKERS and would make for a fascinating movie. As a devoted fan of Chevy Stevens (having read all her works), this one stands out as my absolute favorite. It’s a thrilling ride infused with emotional depth like none I’ve ever experienced. Alice and Jenny’s stories are enthralling, and I devoured this book in just two sittings.
Stevens is on FIRE, delivering yet another standout piece in her repertoire. BRAVO! This dazzling thriller will undoubtedly be one of my top reads of the year.
Interview...
Get ready for an exciting experience in my upcoming #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A with the incredibly talented Chevy on October 7 on my blog! Join us as we delve deep into the world behind the book and explore the journey of this multi-faceted author. You won’t want to miss this insightful conversation!
Audiobook...
I had the delightful experience of immersing myself in the book while also listening to the captivating audiobook narrated by the incredibly talented Lindsey Dorcus and Moniqua Plante. Their voices infused the characters with a vivid sense of suspense, emotion, and intensity, making each moment pulse with life and drama. The skillful perfromance brought the narrative to a new level, allowing me to experience the story in a deeply engaging and dynamic way!
Recs...
If you're a fan of Chevy Stevens, "The Hitchhikers" is an essential addition to your reading list. This gripping tale will resonate not only with her loyal followers but also with those who relished the heart-pounding suspense of Taylor Adams' No Exit. It's a perfect match for aficionados of thrilling narratives like those penned by Simone St. James, Lisa Gardner, Lisa Unger, and Karin Slaughter. The novel promises to deliver an electrifying experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for providing an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts and the honor of hosting Chevy!
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Oct 7, 2025
Oct featured #AuthorElevatorSeries
