Hitchhiking with Serial Killers

Hitchhiking with Serial Killers is set in the Los Angeles beach communities during the turbulent 1970’s. It follows two underprivileged teenagers who encounter drug dealers, street gangs and serial killers in an attempt to escape their bleak lives. It is a story about survival; from gangs, abusive parents, violent cops and ultimately, a dark and violent drug culture.

A coming of age, cautionary tale of life in a particularly gritty and lawless era during the American 20^th Century. Poor, abused kids from the bad side of town, left to run wild. No prospects for a successful life except for unfounded optimism and youthful energy. They emulate an older, hard group and fall in with drug dealers and addicts.

Somehow an invisible guiding hand keeps them just outside of the reach of violent death and prison. Just as they find the first hints of redemption, their old lives reach out and snare them in a life-or-death struggle.

What’s the point?

A lot has been written about counter culture life in both the 1960’s and 1980’s, and most Los Angeles-based historical non-fiction focuses on the glamour of Hollywood. “Hitchhikers” focuses on life twenty-two miles south of Hollywood, and offers a realistic version of LA life in the 1970’s.

It gives a gritty, sometimes funny and ultimately poignant view of Southern California life during this time. Characters you care about, going through fantasy and tragedy.

There are dueling paths being followed – one tries to overcome crippling self-esteem issues that drive him to make very bad decisions. The other has a powerful drive to succeed in a world stacked against him. Both find their own redemption until a dark element arises to take it all away.

The violent ending asks more questions than it answers, leaving the reader to ponder the path they themselves might have taken under similar circumstances. 

Why would anyone want to read or watch this?

70’s Nostalgia. Life at the beach cities in LA during a turbulent period in history. Immersion into the culture of the period from people who were there. Up close look at the birth of LA gangs, LA punk rock, 70’s drug and surf culture. That razor’s edge moment when society changed from hippie optimism to the “no future” ethos of the punk rock generation. The lurking specter of gangs, drugs and violence hanging over an idyllic So Cal beach setting. Fast paced with action and sex, the two protagonists are alternately clueless and wise in their journey to a thrilling end.