High Risk

More about the book

Matt Dickinson's mountain-bound narratives require no dramatic embellishment, as the inhospitable conditions of Mount Everest, where he has nearly perished twice, provide ample drama. His assertion that mere footsteps feel like marathons is entirely believable. Unlike his non-fiction work, this fictional effort is infused with heightened tension and excitement. After her tycoon husband dies on Everest, determined TV presenter Josie Turner seeks "closure," spurred on by her ratings-driven bosses. With veteran avalanche expert Hal Maher, who has his own motives for facing the mountain, they embark on a perilous ascent that quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival amid a fierce storm. Dickinson's technical expertise is impeccable, particularly regarding the mechanics of avalanches, but his true triumph lies in depicting Everest as a tangible, enigmatic adversary—both alluring and terrifying. The harsh environment, with its relentless silence, assaults both mind and body; for Josie, the cold becomes an enemy intent on her destruction. Dickinson effectively translates his firsthand experiences into fiction, crafting a gripping narrative that explores the perilous relationship between humanity and nature.