“We call it the Great Escape. The annual trip where my boss asks us expert travel guides to escort a group of privileged, uber-wealthy clientele on some far-flung expedition, a cut-throat contest for riches and glory.

The stakes have never been higher, nor the challenge harder: I must summit Mount Kilimanjaro before my rival guide to win the ultimate prize.

But this once-in-a-lifetime trip was never about winning to me. I’m here for answers, even if no one is ready to give them up. By the time we reach the top I will have the truth, if it kills me.

THE QUESTION IS, HOW FAR WILL THEY GO TO KEEP ME QUIET?”

Hello and welcome to damppebbles. Today I am delighted to share my review of The Contest by Karen Hamilton. The Contest was published by Wildfire Books on 20th July 2023 and is available in hardcover, audio and digital formats with the paperback to follow later this year. I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Contest but that has in no way influenced my review.

Blackmore Vintage Travel offer their exclusive, wealthy customers the ultimate travel experience. They go above and beyond to make sure every aspect of their customers’ vacation is perfect. And for those extra special customers, there’s the opportunity to attend The Great Escape. An annual excursion that money simply can’t buy (well, clearly it can!). Two teams led by two of the company’s most promising guides pit themselves against each other to prove which team is superior (both team leaders driven by the promise of a more lucrative future in the company). This year’s Great Escape will be climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Florence is delighted to have been chosen as a team leader as she’s not really looking for glory but answers to difficult questions. Her competitor is the rather obnoxious Jacob, son to Hugo, the CEO. Can Florence reach the summit before Jacob or will her awkward questions lead her down a deadly path…?

The Contest is a well-written, slow burn, psychological suspense thriller which I enjoyed from start to finish. I’ve read several mountain-based thrillers over the years, which this is. In fact, I would go as far as saying I make a bee-line for them when the opportunity arises. There’s something about the isolated setting, the way the characters are cut off from help, that I just love. The author has clearly done her research for this book as the experience of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro felt very true to life (based solely on the small number of other mountain-based thrillers I have read over the years!). Very absorbing stuff indeed!

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of The Contest. Florence is a very likeable character who, unlike the rest of her colleagues, isn’t out for herself. She’s looking for answers but how far is she prepared to go to get them? When her boss, Hugo, drops a bombshell on her hours before the climb starts, she has to manage her own situation whilst carrying out a demanding customer service job and keeping her own secret safe. I couldn’t help but warm to her. She was pretty much the only character I did warm to though! Her rival team leader, Jacob, is a spoilt, totally self-centred character – quite the opposite of Florence. But when you meet his father, Hugo, things start to make more sense. Hugo is a demanding, controlling boss (and father) who pushes his employees (and his son) beyond natural limits and has completely unreasonable expectations, setting challenges and pitting staff against each other. Jacob never stood a chance! The characters, whether likeable or loathsome, all really add something to the story. All in all, I very much enjoyed The Contest. The setting was perfect, I found it truly fascinating to live the experience of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro alongside the characters. The plot moved at a good pace keeping me engaged throughout, with the tension building as the end of the book approached. Fabulous escapism with a cast of fascinating characters keeping me company. I look forward to seeing what the author has for us next! Recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Contest. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

The Contest by Karen Hamilton was published in the UK by Wildfire Books on 20th July 2023 and is available in hardcover, audio and digital formats with the paperback to follow (please note, the following links are affiliate links which means I receive a small percentage of the purchase price at no extra cost to you): | amazon.co.uk | Waterstones | Foyles | bookshop.org | Goodreads | damppebbles bookshop.org shop | damppebbles amazon.co.uk shop | damppebbles amazon.com shop |

Karen Hamilton spent her childhood in Angola, Zimbabwe, Belgium and Italy and worked as a flight attendant for many years. She has now put down roots in the UK to raise her three children with her husband and she also writes full time.