by Sarah Erwin

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase the book from Amazon.

The Everest Enigma is the first entry in a new mystery series by Jeannette de Beauvoir, and readers looking for armchair adventures need look no further.

Our main character, Abbie Bradford, is an independently wealthy, recent PhD graduate not sure what to do next with her life. She loves the research and writing required to earn a doctorate in history, but isn’t necessarily interested in teaching, so what will her next move be? Interestingly, bestselling romance novelist Emma Caulfield appears at Abbie’s door with a fascinating job for Abbie. Emma is an acquaintance of Abbie’s brother, and invites Abbie to join Emma as her research assistant on a grueling trek from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

While this reader’s answer would have been a hard no on such an offer, the journey did make a great story – perfect armchair travel. Abbie throws herself into preparation for the trip and it’s not until the trip has begun that she begins to feel like there is more Emma is not sharing. And then the adventure takes a deadly turn, and Abbie bumps into secrets and mysteries around every corner. What are Emma’s true motivations? Are the women in danger? As any good amateur sleuth would do, Abbie begins asking questions and looking under rocks to find the truth.

This is such a unique mystery that revolves around historical attempts to climb Everest. Interspersed between the chapters of the current day story are chapters from historical journals of past climbers, specifically related to Emma’s work.

Abbie’s a humorous, thoughtful, and brave character. She’s curious and not afraid to try big new things. I found myself holding my breath as I read, so nervous for Abbie as she uncovered secrets and unraveled clues. The danger and intensity of the setting blended perfectly with the mystery and made this a page-turning read.

The author’s note about Mt. Everest at the end is well worth a read. I learned a great deal about the area and its history. I do wonder what adventure Abbie will say yes to next.

You can click here to purchase this book from Amazon.

To enter to win a copy of The Everest Enigma, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “everest” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen June 28, 2025. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. Also listen to our new mystery podcast where mystery short stories and first chapters are read by actors! They are also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify.

Sarah Erwin started her career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director and now she’s a stay at home mom. While her career might have changed, her love of reading has been a constant since 4th grade and she reads over 200 books a year. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband and a family dog and cat.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.