 Murder on Everest (A Summit Murder Mystery) by Charles G. Irion and Ronald J. Watkins Paperback and Kindle 328 Pages, 6x9 $25.95   |
When Derek Sodoc, only son of the world’s richest and most powerful man, dies attempting to climb Everest, questions are raised. Why did he fail? Was he left to die? He had the finest equipment, state-of-the-art communications, the very best guides. His death took place amid the glare of the world’s media and now, one year later, surviving members from that expedition are sent to recover his body the following year. What really happened when Derek died? Did Scott Devlon, Derek’s trusted friend abandon him to die? What about his guides? And the other climbers? Join us on this extraordinary journey as we explore high adventure atop the seven major continental summits beginning with Murder on Everest. Was Derek murdered? Will the mountain extract its own deadly justice? Was it the mountain? Or perhaps something far worse ...
Reviews:
"It was so real I had to keep reminding myself it was fiction. Derek Sodoc became a real person to me as he pursued the challenge set before him. Although fiction, the facts about mountain climbing, the conditioning that the climber has to endure beforehand and what actually happens on the climb make all the events so real. Add a murder and a cast of characters suspicious of being murderers and you're set to be entertained for hours. Irion and Watkins have collaborated to write an intriquing novel with a unique storyline. There are so many things that are noteworthy about this novel so ... read it and find out for yourself." -- Judy "readaholic" Lane, Canada
"Watkins and Irion do a decent-enough job with Murder on Everest. The reveal is a nice surprise. The plot was decently conceived. Overall, I'd give Murder on Everest a B to B- for writing and execution." -- Kimberly A. Hitchens, Editor/Book Reviewer and frequent contributor on dorothyl.com
"Irion and Watkins have woven quite a compelling story with diversity in their characters. A bizarre plot with on target descriptions not only of Everest, but the area and history surrounding it. Readers will feel the authenticity of the book with the portrayal of the weather and efforts of the climbers. An interesting look at people's emotions and needs in a dire location." -- Connie Gregory, Book Reviewer - ConniesReviews.blogspot.com
"I love murder mysteries in general but I never have read one about a murder on Mt. Everest. Who would have thought to murder someone on Mt. Everest. How original! It was well written and full of great information about climbing."
-- Grant Stoaks, Phoenix
"Charles Irion and Ronald Watkins are wordsmiths extraordinaire! Abandoned on Everest was an exciting preguel to Murder on Everest. As the story continues, more characters are introduced and the excitement builds to frenzy after frenzy, people literally dropping like flies, along with the temperatures. Bundle up in front of the fire and prepare yourself for an adventure you are not soon to forget. Can't wait for the next book in the series. This is the stuff that Book Clubs live for."
-- Carol P., New River, AZ
Excerpt:
“What’s going on?” I asked Tom.
“That Sherpa woman is in trouble.”
“Laki?”
“That’s the one. I saw her for a moment. Horrible. Her eyes were all bugged out. Cal tried a shot of dexamethazone, but it doesn’t seem to be working.”
Dexamethazone was the drug of last resort in such a situation. It was an anti-inflammatory steroid that in certain situations was a lifesaver. That it wasn’t working was very bad news.
I went into the clinic. Calvin was still arguing with Harlan, who was making no attempt to explain himself. Laki lay nearby and looked dreadful. To see a snapshot of someone suffering from HACE with edema, you cannot imagine what you are actually looking at. Such a photo might even look funny, with the eyes bugging out in an unnatural way. What was taking place was that her brain was swelling, and there was nowhere for it to go except through the openings that held her eyes.
Laki was panting like a dog in summer. Her face was gaunt. She looked at me for help and I had none to give. She knew she was in trouble and was very, very frightened. You didn’t have to be a doctor to know that she was at the end of her rope.
Tom joined me. He glanced at her, grimaced, then turned to me. “Calvin said she’s got to be carried down now. The shot doesn’t seem to be helping. Harlan told him that the woman is already dead and he won’t risk the Sherpa in the dark.”
Harlan was right. A few minutes later, Laki stopped breathing. Calvin worked to revive her, but it was hopeless. He finally gave up and stalked off as angry as I’ve ever seen him. The Sherpa who had been nearby ,moved away, not wishing to come in contact with her ghost. Someone pulled a blanket over the woman’s face, frozen in horror.
