Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books 
 The River at Night is a thriller that lives up to its name-it's dark and twisty, fast-moving, and I was never entirely certain what was lurking beneath the surface. This book is far more action-adventure than murder mystery, but there are definitely elements that will creep-out some readers. 
 The book is narrated first person POV by Wini Allen, one of four friends who get together annually for a vacation. Over the years the women have grown apart geographically as well as emotionally, as often happens with friends over time. Wini is recently divorced, still reeling from the death of her brother. Sandra is trapped in a loveless marriage. ER nurse Rachel is contemplating a job change. And then there's Pia. 
 I think that most of us have a Pia in our lives at some point: she's the friend who is exciting and energetic and cool, but everything has to be on her terms. She's also a narcissist-the friend who sleeps with your ex boyfriend days after the breakup. She's the friend you think is a friend, but who is really just pulling you deeper into a morass of her own bullshit. 
 I had expected this book to be about four women who, lost in the wilderness, had to rely on each other to survive, and it largely is that. As a group they alternate between caring for each other the way only friends can (they all curl around Sandra, who is perpetually cold, warming her in, in a particularly touching scene), and tearing each other down, overwhelmed by the terror of their situation. 
 Then, much to my surprise, another creepier element was introduced. I'm adding it here as a spoiler so that readers who are on the fence can decide if they want to proceed. It's definitely weird and could be nightmare-inducing. 
 The weirdness of the second twist worked for me though, and it certainly helped propel the story along. I finished The River at Night in one sitting, bleary-eyed and heart pounding when I'd finished. I may have said "holy shit." From a suspense and pacing standpoint, this thriller is superb. 
 The only thing I didn't care for was the end. There seemed to be a moral half-heartedly tacked on to the end of the story that felt out of place and didn't make a ton of sense either. It isn't how I'm used to thrillers wrapping up and it annoyed me a little. 
 If you aren't afraid of Creepy Shit and you want a book that's delightfully scary, a fast read, and focused on women coming together then I whole-heartedly recommend this book. If you like to hide under the covers during episodes of Dateline, you'll probably want to give it a pass. 
 - Elyse