Cassie's Reviews > 49 Miles Alone

Katie and Aster are cousins, and they often hike together in Utah, where Aster lives. Being together in the wilds of the desert, at the mercy of nature, is a bonding experience they always look forward to – but this year, things are different between them. A year ago, Aster left Katie alone at a party, and Katie was subsequently assaulted. Now, Aster is overwhelmed with guilt over leaving Katie, and Katie is a shell of the fierce, vibrant young woman she used to be. They’re both hopeful that this year’s 49-mile hike will restore their bond, but they are beset by trouble from the beginning. When they meet Riley and Finn on the trail, they are at first relieved – but it soon becomes clear that there is tension simmering between the couple. After Riley confides some chilling truths about Finn, Aster and Katie hear them fighting overnight – and in the morning, they find Riley and Finn’s tent overturned and abandoned, with no sign of the couple. With their supplies dwindling and two more days of hiking through the rugged desert, will Aster and Katie be able to find Riley before Finn does?

49 Miles Alone is the first book I’ve read by Natalie D. Richards, and I found a lot about it to enjoy. The plot is propulsive, with rich atmosphere and an immediacy to the writing that fully immersed me in the world of the novel. The real strength of the book for me, though, was its portrayal of the lasting effects of trauma – on both a victim and their loved ones. The central characters of Aster and Katie are well-drawn and go through a lot of self-reflection and growth throughout the story. The relationship between the two central characters is well-written, with dialogue and decision-making that feel authentic.

The secondary characters in the story are less-developed, though, and there were some missed opportunities there. I have to admit that I guessed the direction the plot was taking pretty early on, but I was still invested in this story all the way through. If you enjoy adventure thrillers, add 49 Miles Alone to your reading list; it’s a solid entry in the genre. Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for the early reading opportunity.

Content warning: mentions of SA, which occurs off-page and is not graphically detailed.