Novelist Imogen Blum, one of the principals in this satisfying if initially slow-moving psychological thriller from Stage (Wonderland), is feeling even more introverted and isolated than usual after witnessing a deadly shooting at her Pittsburgh synagogue. To get Imogen "out of her hermit's cave," her older sister, Beck, a doctor living in Arizona, proposes a weeklong backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon, like the ones they enjoyed in their youth. Beck invites their childhood friend Tilda Jimenez, whose appearance on American Idol and subsequent stardom as an influencer have led to a six-figure book deal, to join them. Imogen and Tilda, who parted ways in college, haven't really spoken in 20 years. Tensions and long-repressed resentments flare as they face the dangers of the rocky trails. But their personal differences fade when they realize they're being stalked and their lives depend on their resourcefulness, courage, and unity. Stage thrillingly describes the perils and the beauty of nature while providing sage advice for hikers. This works better as a tale of friendship and personal growth than a survival adventure. Agent: Sarah Bedingfield, Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary. (Aug.)

Beck sets up a camping trip for herself, twin sister Imogen, and their shared best friend, Tilda, having decided it's time to address the Thing that has lived like a ghost among them for years. They set off into a remote part of the Grand Canyon, the sisters confident with years of trail experience, but Tilda not so much, upending the normal dynamic of their relationship, in which Tilda was the alpha. The Thing is overshadowed a few days out when their food stores are raided, and, soon after, their entire campsite is ransacked. They find themselves weaponless and vulnerable to an unknown predator. To say more would spoil an outstanding read. Suffice it to say that what follows is a stunning--at times sensitive, at times feral--exploration of just how deep and powerful the bonds of sisterhood and female friendship can be and how a squeaky mouse can become a roaring lion. By far, the winning character is the Grand Canyon itself. The women become "part of something elemental," drawing strength from its majesty when their fear runs as deep down as its river. This bildungsroman, mixed with a dark fairy tale and a touch of Kate DiCamillo's The Tale of Despereaux, makes Stage's third triumph, following Wonderland (2020) and Baby Teeth (2018). Recommend as women's fiction as well as psychological suspense.

Stage's (Baby Teeth) new psychological thriller centers on three women fighting for survival in the wilderness. They've embarked on a backcountry camping trip in the Grand Canyon, organized by Beck, who hopes it will help her sister Imogen process her grief and trauma after narrowly escaping a mass shooting at her synagogue. Beck also invites an estranged old friend of Imogen's, influencer Tilda. The trip starts off well until their food and medical supplies are stolen--almost unheard of among experienced hikers. The women figure out where the thief is camping out and decide to confront him. After all, there are three of them and only one of him, right? Though the plot moves swiftly, and all of the characters are fully fleshed out, this is very much Imogen's story. As the nightmare scenario unfolds, her choices and motivations drive the story and build a complete, satisfying arc for the character. Brittany Pressley's narration is spot-on. VERDICT An essential library purchase. Recommend to fans of survival stories and thrillers set in remote wilderness.--Stephanie Klose, Library Journal