The Hitchhiker

The Red Series

by Tanisha Stewart, Carrie Bledsoe (illustrator)

They call it stranger danger for a reason... The Hitchhiker is a pulse pounding psychological thriller by the bestselling author of Everybody Ain't Your Friend and The Quiet Ones series.

When Vanessa Thompson agrees to fly across the country to meet her online crush, she never imagines she's walking straight into a killer's trap. Kidnapped and tortured by a sadistic predator, Vanessa endures unspeakable horrors as the clock ticks down on her survival. With only seven days before her captor's deadly countdown ends, every breath could be her last.

As investigators search for a woman who seems to have vanished without a trace, Vanessa faces a desperate battle against time itself. Trapped in a nightmare where hope fades with each passing hour, she must find the strength to outsmart a monster – or become another missing person who never makes it home.

A pulse-pounding drama full of twists and turns. This series is fast-paced, straight to the point, and packs a powerful punch that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Red Series is composed of self-contained stories – they can be read in any order.

Genres: Thriller

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2025

Reviews

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up for this one! It was a wild ride but I loved every second of it. The creeping dread and suspense literally had me at the edge of seat, as the fear of the unknown settles through you with each page turn. The pacing was great, with alternating POVs and the perfect amount of back story that shows the readers why the antagonist in this story behaves the way that he does. Simply put, an amazing psychological thriller that I would absolutely recommend on release day 5/31/25. This isn’t a “add it to my TBR for later” kinda book. You’ll want to take a ride with the hitchhiker expeditiously!

[Octavia Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY SHHHH

Tanisha NEVERRRR disappoints. I was so stunned that I didn’t know to react. This book deserves more than 5 stars!!!!

[RAWFIZZLE · Rating 4 out of 5]

WTF?! 🤯

This was a wild and lowkey terrifying ride! Fast paced and sickening…I ate up every single page! I read this while listening to the audiobook and the narration really added to the reading experience. I’m creeped out and my heart hurts!!

[Reading_Utopia! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful & Heart Pounding!

In her author’s note, Tanisha Stewart mentioned at the end of The Hitchhiker: A Psychological Thriller (The Red Series) that she was concerned because horror isn't her specialty. I'm truly impressed because stories like this are the reason I love reading. Only a remarkable book can create that magical feeling that transports you to another world. The Hitchhiker introduces us to Vanessa Thompson, who is all set to meet her online crush after two years of anticipation. But I’m not spilling any more tea; you’ve got to dive in and discover it for yourself. The Hitchhiker has skyrocketed to my favorite installment in The Red Series and it’s officially my top horror selection for this spooky season! The pacing had me on the edge of my seat, and I can’t express how much I loved this book! A solid 1000 stars!

[Sherri Burrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was interesting!

[Samyra Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done!

This story wasted no time jumping into the action. One of the characters went through hell and back, and a few characters should have never been born. The characters were well written, the story was believable, even the diabolical parts. This thriller gave me a nightmare, so I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fast paced thrillers with diabolical twists.

[Lupita_333 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warnings
-on page child abuse
-on page torture of a kidnapped woman

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I loved this story! Absolutely terrifying. Many shocking plot twist but some of them were predictable. The ties between the characters were mind blowing!

Some malicious characters that are petrifying to read about but there’s also a relentless woman and an investigator that refuses to give up finding the woman’s sister.

I didn’t like the relationship formed at the end especially given the reason that they had met.

[Renada Boddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not everything is as it seems

I can always count on Tanisha Stewart to pull me through several emotions at the exact same time.
Vanessa learns a very hard lesson that not everything you see online is as it seems. The twists in this story completely blindsided me in the best way. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another plot twist. Now I have to continue The Red Series!!!!!

[Amanda C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Some parts were hard to get through, she was very descriptive in what that weirdo was into. Really enjoy that plot twist at the end, wasn’t expecting it. Overall this was a good read.

[Kswag · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not gonna lie to you in the beginning I was intrigued but also a bit skeptical on just absolutely absurd it was for Vanessa to be so careless. But then I thought her carelessness is going to bring forth a level sinister that I know Tanisha to do.

And did she deliver.

Yes readers Vanessa spent 2 years falling in love with the man of her dreams and they decide to meet face to face for the first time. BUT all they have ever done is talk on the phone.

No FaceTime.. she has the photos from his dating site and the many late nights on the phone driving this Cupid love.

And so he says hop on the plane stay at this hotel and let’s have a blissful weekend together.

I know we should never victim blame/shame cause what Vanessa endured was hell but damn Vanessa … just damn. Can we shake her a little bit ??? No?

I could not put this down. Although you already know it’s a disastrous situation you have no earthly idea just how bad it got.

[alissa a ᖭིᖫྀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you’re not reading this, then what are you doing?? this book is different then the author’s other books in the ‘Red Series’ it’s more horror. this isn’t the type of book that should stay in your TBR, it needs to be read immediately. this book had me scared to be in the dark by myself, i wish the female character Vanessa would’ve listened to her sister—red flags was shown before she even flew out there. the way they planned the whole thing..was very scary, stuff like this happens in real life..more than we know. females meeting people they meet online, even if it’s a female or a guy—then sometimes never returning home. i can’t lie, Adais story was pretty heartbreaking..no kid should go through that, childhoods should be memorable not something that’s…sad. though, that didn’t give him a right to cause all this drama and heartbreak for other families. Vanessa’s sister was not playing with those detectives..she was going to found out where her sister was, i love how detective Coleman Fareed was added into the story—my jaw was dropped when i got towards the end. Adais wife Delilah?..was crazy too, allowing a man to do that? let alone you’re husband?!? was unbelievable. lastly, this whole book was really good..the characters felt extremely real, i loveeee the ending..it was veryyy cute—she deserves that..to feel safe and love, but trust me when i say..if you read this book read it with the audiobook 😀 get scared like how i did

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing!!! Tanisha Stewart definitely did her big one again with this book from her Red Series! This book is filled with drama, suspense, and of course thrills! I also decided to do an immersive experience with reading the physical book along with the audiobook performed by the great J.R. Mason and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! The audiobook only added even more depth and adventure to this book and made it come alive! For the story to start off innocently with Vanessa going to visit her online love interest Brandon for the first time to the dramatic ending was mind blowing! I seriously could see and feel every part of this book and could easily see it being an episode of a crime thriller series or a movie! Just amazing work and I know I will be thinking of this book long after today! I highly recommend this one!

[Deedeesaidso · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've been dating/talking to each other for two years but we've never video chatted. IT'S DEFINITELY SCREAMING CATFISH, RUNNNNN GIRL. Vanessa is going to meet her boyfriend Brandon, he's flying her out and putting her up in a hotel. BUT she's never seen his face (on video chat that is, only pictures). Her sister Patrice is totally against it, and wants Brandon to come see her, but Vanessa trusts her man her man her man. What could go wrong? Apparently everything. DROP what you're doing and go check out this book you won't regret it. TANISHA come to the front because the horror of what Vanessa went through was unimaginable, I'm still reeling about it.

Thanks for this arc copy, thoroughly enjoyed it, couldn't put it down.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a little late posting this review, I am sorry.

But let me tell you, as I was reading this book I thought back to when online dating first came out. Times have really really changed cause ain't no way I would do it now. But Ms. Vanessa still had faith in the online dating scene. So much so that she went to a whole nother state to meet a man that she had only seen a picture of. Needless to say she got so much more then she would have imagine that would be in store for her. I think she will never never do something like that again. Shout out to her sister because she was going to find her sister come hell or high water. You should really check out The Hitchhiker it was so good.

[Toni Larue · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love shows like Criminal Minds...

I just finished “The Hitchhiker” by Tanisha Stewart, and omg—the “Red Series” just keeps getting better and better! This book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.  


It reminded me so much of “Criminal Minds.” The author has an incredible way of building suspense and keeping you hooked until the very last page.  


If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or crime dramas, this book is an absolute must-read. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series!  

[Tina Transformation · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning, I was drawn into Vanessa’s world. The characters felt real, the emotions authentic—and the plot twists? Absolute jaw-droppers. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Stewart flipped the script in the best possible way.

Her pacing is flawless: short chapters that fly by, each one leaving me desperate to know what happens next. Some moments genuinely made me pause—like, this?—and others that sent shivers racing down my spine. A few nights later, I still catch myself replaying scenes in my head. That’s powerful writing.

[Elonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Excellent!! I absolutely love Tanisha Stewart’s writing style and creativity! I loved every bit of the story, the complexity of the characters, the characters drove me crazy (in a good way) and the vivid imagery displayed of each scene was magnificent! A true page-turner, it will keep you on your toes. I can appreciate the shorter chapters, it moves the story along and builds so much anticipation for the next chapter and the next. The entire Red Series is excellently written!

[Wind · Rating 5 out of 5]

They call it stranger danger for a reason! This was a wild ride! Vanessa decided to meet a guy she’s been talking to for two years from a dating app and all hell breaks loose! I totally recommend this book🎧

[BeautifullyFlawedKAH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on Audible, JR Mason was fabulous reading this. Tanisha had me by the throat. I don’t know why I’m not use to it by now. SMH! Another great read. Make sure you listen to this or read it. You will not be disappointed

[Alicia Krage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this while browsing the plus catalog on audible and decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did! This was so good. The creepy music and sound effects made it better.

[Ashley Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong story, strong plot, amazing friendship between sisters just overall a story short thriller. This is the cautionary tale everybody tells you about when you go on a dating site. As somebody that got married off of one I think this was hilariously accurate to what my mom thought it was gonna be like for me. 😝 this author could write anything and I would probably read it! The narrator on the audiobook was made for this kind of stuff. She brings the story to life so well. Any format you do with this book and you’re going to really enjoy it.

[Jacknthebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end. There were so many plot twists that I didn't see coming. Patrice was such a good sister. She was determined that her sister wasn't gonna be another forgotten black woman. She fought tooth and nail for the police to look for her. I can't wait to read more books from the red series.

[R. Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vanessa has been lonely, getting older, and looking for her forever person. It's probably just me though but two years seems like too long of a time to spend talking to somebody you met through a dating app, never met in person, and then think you're in love with and want to marry. Meeting them in person may have tanked that illusion before so much time was invested. Nevertheless, Vanessa accepts the invite to meet her app man in a state she's never been to and knows absolutely no one.

Vanessa and her man get into a minor tiff because originally, he was supposed to take time off and pick her up at the airport. Instead, he has to attend an important unscheduled meeting at his job, and since that means he can't pick her up, he arranges a car rental for her. At least he's very thoughtful. Right?

Her younger sister doesn't know of this change in plans as Vanessa never tells her. Although she's seen a picture of the man through the app and is familiar with the relationship, she thinks the whole thing of Vanessa going to meet him on his territory stinks. She is suspicious, sees numerous red flags, and alarm bells are clanging. She tries to strongly dissuade Vanessa from going. They almost get into a huge argument. Vanessa has also had some persistent doubts herself but always swats them away as if they are annoying fruit flies.

Whelp, it turns out that ole 'Nessa should've listened to her baby sister.

I might be able to understand why you're required to wait at least 24 hours before police act in every missing person case as I'm assuming they might not have the resources--but sometimes their initial failure to act comes across as uncaring and an assumption that it's just an overreaction on the family's part. But in Vanessa's case when the circumstances are her meeting someone in person for the first time from a dating app, disappearing and suddenly going radio silent, the least they could do is send officer friendly to the hotel to ask some pertinent questions, look around in the room she was using, or if permitted, get a view of what surveillance cameras may have captured. But they made her sister wait--which was precious time lost.

This book had me from its beginning and it never let up. The two villains were creeptabulous and made for each other. There was also a nice twist incorporated.

[readandtellwithshantel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hitchhiker
Tanisha Stewart

Vanessa, Vanessa, Vanessa Lord have mercy.

Hindsight is 20/20 when you’re laser focused on the possibility of a life changing experience. From the start, Vanessa ignored her intuition at every turn. The true mistake was meeting a strange man in an unfamiliar place. She didn’t have a chance after she left Maine. She was far too trusting of people she didn’t know.

Patrice and Maxwell were so solid. Come hell or high water someone was going to help them. Patrice is persistent in the pursuit of her sister’s recovery.

The twists are twisting. Once you get the big picture it all makes sense. A few characters are not only crazy, but sadistic. There is a difference.

The pacing is appropriate given how intense the plot is. I liked that there are multiple points of views and flashbacks that gave critical context.

Happy Release Day! Thank you for the ARC.

#readandtellwithshantel #tanishastewart #thehitchhiker

[Sherley's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a really good read that kept me on my toes and guessing up until the end. It was an unpredictable, fast-paced read with heart-pounding action that will have you wondering how and if the victim will survive and whether the antagonist will end up being the victor.

There were so many shocking, and quite honestly, amazingly well-done, twists and turns, and the reveal towards the end of the story....I did not see that one coming!

I loved the way this story was told. We are given two different stories with different timelines and characters, and I just loved how they were connected at the end. Like I said, this was completely unexpected for me.

Tanisha Stewart is an amazing thriller author! I knew I was going to enjoy The Hitchhiker, and I ended up getting way more than I expected. It was thrilling with a little bit of horror and a satisfying ending! 10/10 I would most definitely recommend The Hitchhiker!

[Keira N. James]

Don't Call It A Comeback!!

The Hitchhiker was the perfect way to bring back the Red Series. From page one, I was locked in. What I really enjoyed and appreciated was the flashbacks. They gave just the right amount of depth, letting me peel back the layers on each character and really understand what made them tick.

And the plot? 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾 Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Tanisha hit me with another twist that I did not see coming! Her style of misdirection is masterful and payoff is sooo satisfying.

Now, I will say, this book felt a little darker than her usual stories, but honestly... I'm here for it! It worked, and it worked well!

I found myself thinking about Vanessa and the rest characters when I wasn't even reading and couldn’t wait to get back to see what mess they were in next.

Overall, I give The Hitchhiker 5 stars ⭐ and would absolutely recommend to any thriller lover who enjoys being surprised—and a little stressed out in the best way.

[LaKeisha W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

🚨ARC Review🚨

This book gripped me from page one and didn’t let go until the very last line. Tanisha Stewart delivers a wild, pulse pounding thriller that’s as unpredictable as it is addictive. From eerie roadside encounters to secrets that unravel with razor-sharp twists. The Hitchhiker is a masterclass in psychological suspense.

The pacing is flawless, tense without ever feeling rushed, and the characters are layered in ways that make you question everything. Just when you think you know where it’s going… you absolutely don’t.

Getting to read this as an ARC was a thrill in itself. If you’re into dark twists, unreliable narrators, and books that leave your jaw on the floor, this one belongs on your radar. Tanisha Stewart does it again, this is a must-read!

[Eros Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from the red series and I’m not mad at it!
Tanisha Stewart is quickly becoming one of my favorite thriller authors.

-steady thrill
-sisterhood
-9/10 audiobook with chilling background sounds
-fast paced
-cult vibes
-4/10 gore x disturbing descriptions
-conversational banter
-felt like a movie

I can’t stand a goofy acting FMC. Vanessa was stressing me out with her lack of leaning into her common sense. There were some plot holes that had me wanting to know how certain moments tied into others. It would’ve made the story flow better. But, it didn’t take away from the quality of the overall plot.
The epilogue was disappointing but unsurprising. This is a book that I would recommend. I look forward to see what else this series has in store.

[Maresha Braswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this ARC read. Book release date is 5/31 make sure you run 🏃‍♀️ to preorder this asap!

This book I absolutely devoured like a sandwich afterschool. The different pov’s is one of my favorite things to read because you get all angles of the story and not just one. Vanessa gets flown out by someone she met online and should’ve listened to her gut and stayed home. This thriller had me on edge and the scenes I imagined (lawd) idk how these authors do it but i love it! I literally was staring at the wall at certain scenes!!! Tanisha you did it again in the red series can’t wait to read more.

[Antoinette Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

What in the Horrorified Catfish episode is this... And I say that
with admiration to Tanisha.

With all the Red Flags presented Vanessa
was crazy in love with an image and a voice Someone she had
Never met in person. If your sister isn't persistent and attentive
like Patrice... You need to question your upbringing.
The twisted connection between Fareed and Adais the anger was
misplaced.. Adais was a broken man that only wanted the love
he never received growing up and was rejected not once but twice
by the person he felt should have always loved him.

Can't wait for the next book of the Red Series.