The River at Night

The decision of four female friends pushing 40 to spend their vacation white-water rafting in a remote corner of Maine jump-starts this adrenaline rush of a novel from Ferencik (Repeaters). Winifred “Wini” Allen isn’t keen on the idea, but she goes along to be with Pia Zanderlee, who arranged the trip, and two other close friends. Wini also needs to get away—her brother has recently died, her husband has left her, and she despises her job as a graphic designer for a Boston-based food magazine. Pia has hired a hunky 20-year-old Maine college student, Rory Ekhart, to be their guide. The river outing has barely begun when tragedy strikes and the group is left without their raft and most supplies. But battling nature pales when they realize that they aren’t the only people in the area. Set over five days, this adventure tests the women’s friendship while also depicting their resilience. Fans of James Dickey’s Deliverance will enjoy this current take on the wilderness survival tale. Agent: Erin Harris, Folio Literary Management. (Jan.)

This review has been corrected. An earlier version listed the wrong name for James Dickey.