Friday, July 1, 2011

Death in High Places-Jo Bannister

Death in High Places
Jo Bannister
Minotaur, Aug 2 2011, $25.99
ISBN 9780312573539

Four years ago, experienced global mountain climbers Nicky Horn and Patrick Hanratty were climbing Little Horse, an Alaskan peak that has never been documented as done as no one found a way across “Anarchy Ridge”. However tragedy occurred when Patrick fell to his death. Filled with remorse, Nicky blames himself for the death of his best friend; as does Patrick’s drug-king father Tommy. In England a mobster is about to kill Nicky when Robert McKendrick rescues him and takes him to his castle.

Nicky assumes he is fortunate that the stranger saved his life. However, he soon learns why when he meets his rescuer’s daughter Beth who knew Patrick and Robert’s sibling William who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Robert implies that Nicky owes him a yet to be revealed favor equivalent to saving his life.

Although over the top of Mount McKinley with several extremely unlikely events, Death in High Places is an exciting character driven taut thriller. The tense story line contains several twists as Robert, Beth and Nicky trade truths and lies while Patrick waits. Readers will not know what to expect as the spins between the trio keep on coming with betrayal a highly valued method while Patrick continues to vigilantly wait.

Harriet Klausner

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