Thin Air by Michelle Paver, £12.99

The Himalayas, 1935. Kangchenjunga. Third-highest peak on earth and the greatest killer of them all.

Five Englishmen set off determined to conquer this elusive summit. But courage can only take them so far.

Following in the tracks of Lyell’s ill-fated expedition 30 years earlier a rising sense of dread and suspense follow their every footstep. The rawness of nature, the true bleakness of their isolation and the superstitions of the Sherpas swirl around them as every change of wind and mist could bring disaster.

What really happened to the climbers who went before and never returned? Is it just the altitude playing with Pearce’s mind or are the strange happenings real? Are they being watched by someone or something?

A classic mix of psychological thriller and ghost story, the tension grows from the very first page and doesn’t let up; chillingly brilliant.

CAROLINE REECE

WATERSTONES KENDAL