Murder on Kilimanjaro Fantastic Ending to Series!

Kilimanjaro (Photo credit: ian 1602)
"I'd been carrying the torch for Diana ever since we'd met in Afghanistan, and though I'd thought she loved me as I loved her at one time, we'd never seemed to catch a break. Her career had kept her in New York, while mine was in the Massachusetts Berkshires working as a fellow for the Center for Middle Asian Studies. Now she was in Washington, D.C., while I was still traipsing around the world climbing mountains--too often for the Defense Intelligence Agency. It was time, I was beginning to think, for me to grow up. It was no wonder she preferred Mr. Good Teeth; I was still stuck with my own version of King of the Mountain..."
"Still, we'd never really ended it...

Murder on Kilimanjaro
A Summit Murder Mystery


Charles G. Irion
 and
Ronald J. Watkins


What an exciting ending to the Summit Murder Mystery series! Murder on Kilimanjaro by Irion and Watkins will leave readers with a feeling of total satisfaction not only with this free-standing book which easily stands on its own or in concluding the experience of climbing all seven summits of the highest mountains in the world! I climbed four and feel like a true mountaineer and maybe someday when time permits I'll tackle the remaining three...books, that is... For true mountaineers or those who love winter sports, I would think these might be must-reads for you! For those who can only dream and read about them, I highly recommend that you start with the first climb on Everest and move straight through for a fantastic climbing marathon!

You would think that the President of the United States climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro would be enough to be the central point of a final novel. Indeed, readers will find themselves caught on top of a mountain, surrounded by those who would want nothing more than to assassinate the President! The scene is exciting, full of suspense as to whether they will be able to even get off the mountain before their lives will be in danger from the weather, lack of food and all health issues humans face once they are above a certain level, where even breathing becomes impossible for many and must use oxygen to survive...

"I read the confidential report of what happened in Antartica,"
Diana said quietly.
"It was an experience, all right."
:And a very close call. You have to give all that up, Scott. If
you keep doing this, one of these days you aren't coming
back."
"I get your point, but if I could just get on a mountain without
a lot of crazy killers or military operations or super-secret
missions I think I'd start having a good time again, and the
only thing I'd need to worry about was twisting an ankle."
"Well, there's no secret mission this time--or killers either.
Just a man spending a week with his long-lost son, getting
in some quality time before resuming his run for president.
You're surrounded with security, so I think you've got your
wish."
I considered that for a moment, recalling the situation in
similar climbs when I'd set out. "I hope you're right."

Oh, but there is much more that politics to this story! You see, when the President was a young, unmarried man, he had visited and became acquainted with an African princess...

Only later had he become aware that during that time, he fathered a son. He had been providing for his son's education, but had never met him. His son, Onesphory, has lived with his tribe as the son of the Chief. Now his son, plus two of his school friends, would be climbing Kilimanjaro with his father and would be visiting his home...and seeing his former lover...

But Opie found that his father's entourage kept him isolated and talking about the publicity of the climb or the upcoming campaign. Little time was shared with his son... And, although the President had taken the initiative in introducing his son to the world, there were many who were not happy to learn of his past!

Still, when they visited his home and a celebration began, Onesphory dressed in tribal attire and danced, clearly in honor as a welcome to his father.

Once again, you will find mountaineers who have been on other climbs, plus you will meet a number of the guides, of course, who are the unsung heroes of many climbs to summits across the world. I was especially pleased to have a former lover of Scott Devlon there. It not only increased the knowledge of our main character, but allowed it to lead to discussions regarding Scott's possible retirement from climbing... Will this truly be his last climb?

I think the mystery presented in this last novel was the best of the series, given the political, terrorist, personal issues and personalities of the various characters who you find as men and women who are willing to risk their lives against ageless mountains that have existed long before them and will continue long after they are gone. I sure didn't get a clue of what was going to happen!

Will the series spark an interest in climbing for readers? I think for many it just might, even learning of the dangers that the mountains presents to them, especially during the colder times of the year on each of the continents. For those who are not physically able to even think of climbing, this last novel and the rest will provide a reading adventure that takes us to places we will never have the opportunity to ever see.

Many times, my favorite scripture came to mind as I read this series, so will close with the Hope that many scenes in these books inspired... Not that these books are Christian fiction, but just because of the majesty of each of these mountains and the awe they inspire!

121 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

² My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

May we all be mountaineers in our own lives...


GABixlerReviews

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Murder on Vinson Massif Dangerous for Mountaineers!

English: Satellite image of Vinson Massif, Antarctica. Français : Image satellite du Massif Vinson, Antarctique. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
"The single most serious problem in an Antarctic climb of Vinson Massif was the isolation of the mountain. No summit on earth was as remote. No one went near the mountain except to climb it, and there was only one expedition there at a time. In short, there was no one to call on for help...But Antarctica in the winter scamed the hell out of me. I could expect temperatures a full 50 degrees below the lowest I'd ever climbed in before, and
under the right--or, more accurately, the wrong--conditions the temperature could plunge much lower... I wasn't even certain it was possible to climb Vinson Massif in the dead of winter, which, I had always assumed, was why no one had ever attempted it before...
"The the DIA would fund the expedition for me was a
sign of just how serious they were, and the other proof was that they were willing to put me in the soup once again. At least, that was how I saw it...

Murder on Vinson Massif
A Summit Murder Mystery

By Charles G. Irion
 and
Ronald J. Watkins


This summit mystery was quite different than the other books I've read in the series. It centers around special equipment being tested by the government for use in the Antarctic! It also continues the trail of the gold Inca idols that were stolen on Aconcagua in South America, while an unknown virus is killing people--let's just say in a very scary unpleasant way...

Yes, there were researchers on the continent but they were located quite a distance from the home base for the climb.

Again Scott Devlon was requested to be there, since the rumor about the possible sale of the idols was a major issue for all...there was every indication that Hugo Chavez was still seeking those idols and everything was being done to prevent that. Scott agreed to go, but he was not planning on climbing...

If you've followed the series thus far, you know that's not going to be allowed to happen!


This novel also includes pictures of the equipment--looking like heavy-duty bulldozers that were especially outfitted for the cold weather. Those that would be climbing would be able to ride in warm comfort right up to the last part of the mountain and would be able to summit that day...

At least that was the plan...

Esmeralda was the first woman in the series that was the team guide for the mountaineers and I really enjoyed her contribution to the story. One of the issues for this particular climb was that it was continuously dark! So all equipment had to be in great shape and it was under constant checking and rechecking.

But that's not enough when sabotage is also brought into play...

Of course, there are "people" from earlier climbs that will help readers work to solve the mystery. After all, when there is nobody else anywhere close to those involved in the expedition, things should be easier, right? Not really, because when deaths start occurring due to something mysterious that might have been found there on the continent, it is already too late to know whether it was placed there on purpose!

For me, this book was much more scarier than the rest of the novels...Just being in an isolated environment is enough to make you verrry nervous. Add a rich arms dealer as a player, sabotaged equipment and something that is striking indiscriminately at anybody who gets near it, there is nowhere to turn...

In fact, few made it...

Travel to one of the most dangerous spots in the world for this latest climb, you sideline mountaineers. You'll be a lot safer! The threat and real danger, in an environment where you cannot live outside without special equipment and, then, for only so long, plus the sabotage that left climbers without the vehicles that would help sustain lives put me on edge as to whether even the hero was going to make it! Did he? Find out in this highly recommended novel in the Summit Murder Mystery Series. It's my favorite of the ones I've read thus far just because of that overwhelming  fear! It's great to be scared while you're sitting in a comfortable chair drinking a cup of hot tea! No Yak stew though, please!


GABixlerReviews

"I was inclined to believe that the scientists had inadvertently contaminated us, but there was no reason to dismiss the possibility that one of Ainsworth's many enemies had found a way to introduce a deadly bug into the expedition. If so, then it really was just a matter of time before... The skeleton crew at Patriot Hills was likely sick ofrdead already. Without maintenance, I wondered if the shelters there would even be habitable and if communications would work.

"I kept to Esmeralda's pace and stopped every hour for five minutes...

"Six hours after we'd left Esmeralda and Kira I could see nothing ahead of us. This was the earliest time when it might be possible to reach Patriot Hills. We'd cleared the low-lying hills to our flanks. I'd turned to our right and from then on kept a close watch for the telltale glow in the night that would serve as a beacon for our salvation--but there was nothing. Nothing..."

http://www.flickr.com/photos/se7ensummits/376392772/sizes/m/in/photostream/

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Love Adventure? Check Out Mystery Merged with Mountains!

Image via Wikipedia

"We arrived at Casa de Piedra shortly after noon the next day.
It had been an easy hike, the trail well marked through the
snow. The rise in elevation was only a big over 1500 feet,
not demanding at all. We'd followed a dry river valley most
of the way and so far had only caught glimpses of the majestic
vistas for which the Andes are so noted. The route I'd taken
previously had been far more panoramic, even in the first days.
But from the right location here you could see Aconcagua
looming 12,000 feet above us. It was imposing, "bigger than
God," one of the climbers noted. The Polish Glacier, which
would be our route, was clearly visible on its west side,
facing the valley from which we would approach it..."

Murder on Aconcagua:


A Summit Murder Mystery


By Charles G. Irion
  and Ronald J. Watkins




Those of you who enjoy winter sports and maybe even have had your sights on climbing some of the highest mountains around will be thrilled to learn of the Summit Murder Mystery series! Together the two authors have both professional and actual experience to create a realistic escape to the summit of the highest mountains in the world: Everest, Elbrus, Mt. McKinley, Puncak Jaya, Aconcagua, Vinson Massif, and Kilimanjaro.

Readers will learn of the climbing experience itself, seeing both the dangers and the exhilaration in accomplishing  a major physically challenging feat...especially in the winter! Other than the professionals who hosted the climb, Scott Devlon was the only other experienced climber and he had also been brought into a surveillance job during the trip. At least Scott had been on this mountain before and had some knowledge; however, climbing during this time of the year was a lot more dangerous. Would he have tried it if there wasn't another reason for him to be there?

In fact, Devlon wasn't sure that there was anybody here who were climbing just for the pure adventure of it!

Because Aconcagua was known to be haunted...

And legend claimed that there were still descendants of the Incas when they had been driven from their home by the Spanish invaders. It was also said that there was much gold, and idols that could give great power and prosperity. But nobody knew where this city was--it was considered a "sacred place..."

But many people also lived near Aconcagua and had traveled in the area...and with the right amount of money were willing to sell anything! It was known that a number of powerful men were seeking the idols, but who was there on behalf of those political giants and who was there to steal and artifacts? The ramifications of finding and claiming ownership over these precious artifacts, if they were really found, could mean significant political disruption in the area!

The search for, finding and death that came there on Aconcagua--was it worth it? And if the idols were found where were they now?

The authors give readers an intimate look into struggling for oxygen as the mountaineers went further up into freezing temperatures, through blizzards, fighting injuries, especially to their feet... adventure lovers will be thrilled! Mystery lovers will enjoy the hunt, learning what was found and looking toward what will occur in the next book! Exhilarating setting with an exciting treasure hunt! What more could you ask for?! Highly recommended!

Book Received from
Irion Books, Inc.

GABixlerReviews

Review: Hold Fast ... to God!

The Untold Story of the Mount Hood Tragedy, Holding Fast, encompasses many issues beyond sharing the background and events surrounding the loss of three mountain climbers during a major storm that was worse than had been seen in a decade. Written by Karen James, wife of mountain climber, Kelly James, it is both a tribute to her husband Kelly, as well as a significant documentary of actual events, which includes pictures that were taken by James during their climb.

For those who participate in mountain climbing activities, the pictures are beautiful illustrations of why someone chooses to climb. For Kelly James, he quickly would highlight that, for him, climbing onto mountain summits brought him closer to God than any other place. Karen shares how early in their relationship, she did go on a climbing trip. Indeed Kelly proposed marriage to Karen while they were high on a mountain! But after that, Karen normally chose to stay home while Kelly would travel with other climbers who had become close friends.

Holding Fast is also a fascinating tale of the search and rescue process. One telling point was after Karen and the family were already home. Karen called to wish the Sheriff who had led the rescue activities a merry Christmas. He had been feeling like he had failed the families because none of the climbers were rescued; however, Karen and everybody else were quite willing to gratefully compliment and thank all of those who worked long and hard, trying to find the three men.

But most of all, Holding Fast shares God's love and attendance before, during, and after the "Mount Hood Tragedy." Kelly James had been a guy's guy, but he had no problem sharing his love and faith in God. During the rescue activities, his brother, who is a minister, was the spokesman for the families and was constantly leading everyone in prayer, including placing hands of prayer on the helicopters and praying for men who were doing the search.

Kelly had been Karen's best friend. When he was gone, she found that instead of talking to Kelly about God, she started talking directly to Him and began a much more closer relationship than she had ever experienced before. Small heartwarming "incidents" occurred that would be little miracles of everlasting love and worked to heal Karen's pain.

Karen also shares several poems and emails from Kelly to her and shares intimate thoughts and feelings as she reread these over and over and faced and worked through her personal grief as well as that of the family.

Holding Fast is a personal testimony of families who place their faith in God. There is still the pain of loss that all of us must go through. But when confronted with fear and frustration and the potential loss of loved ones, there was no question in anybody's mind: God was a part of their daily lives and present as they waited and, finally, felt the pain of losing their loved ones...for a time.

Turn to this book when you need to see courage and faith in action. It will help you...hold fast... too! Thank you, Karen James, for giving us Holding Fast!

G. A. Bixler
For Thomas Nelson