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Strange Karma
2nd in Romance Writers of America Kiss of Death's Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense!Strange Karma, is a mystery/ thriller set in two 1920s England and Tibet, and the present-day Himalayan mountains.Mountain climber Cynthia Graham learns, to her peril, that some inheritances can trigger a deadly avalanche of events that reverberate through time. She finds, in her deceased grandmother’s desk, a secret compartment with a red diamond, the world’s rarest gem, along with a batch of her great grandfather, Andrew Irvine’s, 1924 Mount Everest expedition letters, which tell of a homicidal Sherpa, a murdered Buddhist monk, and the existence of a missing twin to her red diamond. Intrigued, she travels to Nepal and, guided by ex-Gurkha soldier Dorje, attempts to solve the mystery. But, when multiple attempts are made on her life, she realizes that some secrets should remain forever buried...
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2020
341 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Willow Healy
1 book9 followersI’ve lived, traveled, and worked all over the world. I use my experiences and adventures in Japan, Nepal, Tibet,
Lesotho, Germany, and Canada, as a source of inspiration to write novels set in exotic locales and populated with memorable characters.
In Japan, I taught English to businessmen, and in Tokyo worked on NHK television and radio. In Nepal, I was marketing manager for a resort in the Himalayas. In Lesotho, Africa, I was representative for a Canadian parastatal which brought out short term volunteers to assist with a multitude of wonderful projects. While in Canada, I did marketing for a Native American art gallery specializing in stone sculpture. In the United States, among other things, I was a travel agent and customer relations manager for a software company.
I love discovering new and exciting authors, artists, musicians, hiking and travel.
Awards 2018
2020 Adventure Writers semi finalist
2nd in RWA Kiss of Death's Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mainstream Mystery/Suspense. http://www.rwakissofdeath.org/daphne
Lesotho, Germany, and Canada, as a source of inspiration to write novels set in exotic locales and populated with memorable characters.
In Japan, I taught English to businessmen, and in Tokyo worked on NHK television and radio. In Nepal, I was marketing manager for a resort in the Himalayas. In Lesotho, Africa, I was representative for a Canadian parastatal which brought out short term volunteers to assist with a multitude of wonderful projects. While in Canada, I did marketing for a Native American art gallery specializing in stone sculpture. In the United States, among other things, I was a travel agent and customer relations manager for a software company.
I love discovering new and exciting authors, artists, musicians, hiking and travel.
Awards 2018
2020 Adventure Writers semi finalist
2nd in RWA Kiss of Death's Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mainstream Mystery/Suspense. http://www.rwakissofdeath.org/daphne
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 19, 2020
What a trip! I have to admit; I read this book twice. Not because I missed something the first time, but because I simply missed "being there." Thrillers usually don't thrill me, but this one was just so darn well-written, it did.
Healy is such a clever writer that the plot, while all over the place timewise and geographically -- LA, London, Cumbria, Mount Everest in 1924, South Africa, Nepal, and from Katmandu to the crest of Mount Ama Dablan -- was solid and tight. The Himalayan scenery was, of course, breathtaking, in every sense of the word. But flashbacks to 1924 London and the British countryside were as full, rich and posh as any Agatha Christie setting.
Strange Karma is a book of trails. Cynthia Graham, a young woman in her 20s, discovers that her grandfather was Andrew (Sandy) Irvine who died in the 1924 attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest. She finds among her grandmother's possessions a red diamond -- one of a pair, and thus her quest begins. As with any good thriller there are heroes and villains, but not until the end, does the reader know which is which. The last segment of the book has Cynthia traversing moraine, dodging "the white wrath" of an avalanche, and pausing to watch ravens drift in the thermals. And then ... karma sets in.
Healy is such a clever writer that the plot, while all over the place timewise and geographically -- LA, London, Cumbria, Mount Everest in 1924, South Africa, Nepal, and from Katmandu to the crest of Mount Ama Dablan -- was solid and tight. The Himalayan scenery was, of course, breathtaking, in every sense of the word. But flashbacks to 1924 London and the British countryside were as full, rich and posh as any Agatha Christie setting.
Strange Karma is a book of trails. Cynthia Graham, a young woman in her 20s, discovers that her grandfather was Andrew (Sandy) Irvine who died in the 1924 attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest. She finds among her grandmother's possessions a red diamond -- one of a pair, and thus her quest begins. As with any good thriller there are heroes and villains, but not until the end, does the reader know which is which. The last segment of the book has Cynthia traversing moraine, dodging "the white wrath" of an avalanche, and pausing to watch ravens drift in the thermals. And then ... karma sets in.
August 24, 2020
A compelling mystery with unforgettable characters set against gorgeous backdrops in the Lake District and Nepal. This is a well constructed tale that's a pleasure to read and goes by much too fast! Very much looking forward to this author's next book!
October 2, 2020
Reposted from BookViral
The BookViral Review:
With its perilous central premise and rare fusion of methodical research and focused storytelling, Strange Karma proves a powerful debut for Healy who not only entertains but reminds us of mankind’s enduring fascination with the world’s most formidable summits.
Weaving between past and present she convincingly depicts freezing conditions, full-blown storms and avalanches as the hardship of the trek is vividly and stomach-lurchingly portrayed. Giving us a detailed and realistic depiction of climbers—of various experiences—facing the worst possible conditions, at heights and climates that seem designed to shut a human body down.
The feeling here is one of authenticity as Healy sets up the main thread of her plot but for novels like Strange Karma to hit the mark they need good characters and it’s one of the achievements of Strange Karma to convince us that Cynthia, Dorje and Alden (The Foreigner) are evenly matched. Cynthia with her intriguing backstory and links to the ill-fated Mallory expedition of 1924, Dorje for his strong moral compass and resilience and Alden who cares for nothing but the elusive red diamonds and his own skin.
Neatly sidestepping the clichés of lesser novels in the genre Strange Karma makes for a highly enjoyable edge of your seat read for fans of historical fiction and thrillers alike. You won’t be disappointed!
The BookViral Review:
With its perilous central premise and rare fusion of methodical research and focused storytelling, Strange Karma proves a powerful debut for Healy who not only entertains but reminds us of mankind’s enduring fascination with the world’s most formidable summits.
Weaving between past and present she convincingly depicts freezing conditions, full-blown storms and avalanches as the hardship of the trek is vividly and stomach-lurchingly portrayed. Giving us a detailed and realistic depiction of climbers—of various experiences—facing the worst possible conditions, at heights and climates that seem designed to shut a human body down.
The feeling here is one of authenticity as Healy sets up the main thread of her plot but for novels like Strange Karma to hit the mark they need good characters and it’s one of the achievements of Strange Karma to convince us that Cynthia, Dorje and Alden (The Foreigner) are evenly matched. Cynthia with her intriguing backstory and links to the ill-fated Mallory expedition of 1924, Dorje for his strong moral compass and resilience and Alden who cares for nothing but the elusive red diamonds and his own skin.
Neatly sidestepping the clichés of lesser novels in the genre Strange Karma makes for a highly enjoyable edge of your seat read for fans of historical fiction and thrillers alike. You won’t be disappointed!
March 2, 2021
I gave the author credit for research or personal experience that seemed to ground the work in the real world. That was impressive and I believed it to be accurate. I didn’t suspend disbelief concerning the plot: too many villains, a plot that seemed to squeeze in sex and action until it made me lose interest in the characters and their stories, or at least, left me never becoming vested in their lives.
Good on details of culture, mountain climbing and geography. Just didn’t strike the right note on a believable plot. I think the absurdly wealthy ex-boyfriend stalking her, following her on a mountain climbing expedition with no apparent idea of what to expect in accommodations, etc.—-didn’t seem necessary to the plot line, jumped the shark, and had a negative affect on my involvement in the book.
Good on details of culture, mountain climbing and geography. Just didn’t strike the right note on a believable plot. I think the absurdly wealthy ex-boyfriend stalking her, following her on a mountain climbing expedition with no apparent idea of what to expect in accommodations, etc.—-didn’t seem necessary to the plot line, jumped the shark, and had a negative affect on my involvement in the book.
March 18, 2021
When American Cynthia Graham inherits a cottage in the Lake District, England from a Grandmother she never knew, little does she realise that what she finds there will not only change her life but take her on a perilous journey to the top of the world….
Strange Karma is a well-structured, thoughtfully written mystery thriller with the action set across locations in England, America, Nepal and Tibet. The narrative switches from 1920s to present day so there is also a historical element which I loved. In both periods, intriguing conflicts and a creeping feeling of sinister intent are introduced early on; the plotting is really carefully considered so that there is credibility and continuity. Each story ultimately leads to one conclusion but Ms Healy has engineered lots of side-angles and separate tangents in both narratives which really add texture and interest; there are a number of villains and red herrings which are involving and ratchet the tension up to nail-biting levels. Then, towards the end it hurtles towards a straightforward whodunnit. In this respect, Strange Karma had quite an old-fashioned feel and I mean that as an immense compliment. The elements of writing, plotting and character are carefully multi-layered to really provide a fully rounded and entertaining read that gradually narrows to the final reveal which involves few characters and options yet, as a reader, you are still considering all that went before. It’s a clever and unusual technique by today’s standards when mystery thrillers tend to be a little more straightforward and concerned with the protagonist, often at the expense of story.
The 1920s is well-rendered, a lot of care is taken in evoking the period through dress, mannerism and interior furnishing and it works well without being overdone. Although the characters of Andrew ‘Sandy’ Irvine and Emma do not figure as heavily once we make the shift to Cynthia’s present-day trek to Everest, they are written with such care that you really feel them echo through the decades to maintain a contemporary presence. All locations are wonderfully realised from the atmospheric, foggy Lake District to the brilliant, descriptive imagery of Nepal and Tibet. Ms Healy’s attention to detail in illuminating the Himalayas and the beautiful, distinctive culture of the Nepalese and Tibetan peoples was staggering in its immersive authenticity. I especially enjoyed the mystical, almost supernatural aura that hung over this part of the story.
Overall, present day characters were nicely developed. Dorje and ‘The Foreigner’ were particularly good. I know nothing of climbing/mountaineering but it appeared to be comprehensively written in this regard and, consequently, I found it very interesting. The level of research employed in Strange Karma is not to be under-estimated. The end could be considered a touch far-fetched and possibly abrupt. There are also couple of loose-ends left floating with a few characters but notwithstanding, I found Strange Karma to be a gripping, skilfully-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable novel that ably straddles the genres of mystery, thriller and historical fiction. Highly recommended.
Strange Karma is a well-structured, thoughtfully written mystery thriller with the action set across locations in England, America, Nepal and Tibet. The narrative switches from 1920s to present day so there is also a historical element which I loved. In both periods, intriguing conflicts and a creeping feeling of sinister intent are introduced early on; the plotting is really carefully considered so that there is credibility and continuity. Each story ultimately leads to one conclusion but Ms Healy has engineered lots of side-angles and separate tangents in both narratives which really add texture and interest; there are a number of villains and red herrings which are involving and ratchet the tension up to nail-biting levels. Then, towards the end it hurtles towards a straightforward whodunnit. In this respect, Strange Karma had quite an old-fashioned feel and I mean that as an immense compliment. The elements of writing, plotting and character are carefully multi-layered to really provide a fully rounded and entertaining read that gradually narrows to the final reveal which involves few characters and options yet, as a reader, you are still considering all that went before. It’s a clever and unusual technique by today’s standards when mystery thrillers tend to be a little more straightforward and concerned with the protagonist, often at the expense of story.
The 1920s is well-rendered, a lot of care is taken in evoking the period through dress, mannerism and interior furnishing and it works well without being overdone. Although the characters of Andrew ‘Sandy’ Irvine and Emma do not figure as heavily once we make the shift to Cynthia’s present-day trek to Everest, they are written with such care that you really feel them echo through the decades to maintain a contemporary presence. All locations are wonderfully realised from the atmospheric, foggy Lake District to the brilliant, descriptive imagery of Nepal and Tibet. Ms Healy’s attention to detail in illuminating the Himalayas and the beautiful, distinctive culture of the Nepalese and Tibetan peoples was staggering in its immersive authenticity. I especially enjoyed the mystical, almost supernatural aura that hung over this part of the story.
Overall, present day characters were nicely developed. Dorje and ‘The Foreigner’ were particularly good. I know nothing of climbing/mountaineering but it appeared to be comprehensively written in this regard and, consequently, I found it very interesting. The level of research employed in Strange Karma is not to be under-estimated. The end could be considered a touch far-fetched and possibly abrupt. There are also couple of loose-ends left floating with a few characters but notwithstanding, I found Strange Karma to be a gripping, skilfully-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable novel that ably straddles the genres of mystery, thriller and historical fiction. Highly recommended.
October 17, 2020
I’m starting this review by trying, and failing, to recall another suspense novel I’ve read that’s based on the ill-fated 1924 attempt by George Mallory and Andrew “Sandy” Irvine to become the first to ascend to the summit of Mt. Everest. There have been many non-fiction books on the topic. But one that’s simultaneously a historical and current day suspense novel? I don’t know of any.
The novelty of the plot here is based on the premise that Irvine had a great granddaughter who is alive now, in this century. She’s drawn to Nepal by curiosity. I won’t disclose exactly what the subjects of her speculation are, but the concept concocted by the author is realistic, credible and flawlessly presented.
Throughout the novel, the level of minute detail given to the surroundings, clothing, even each character’s thoughts and emotions, puts the reader right there with them. We learn a bit about the Nepalese customs and religions, the attitudes of the English of the 1920’s, and sundry other things – enough, along with the suspense, to hold our attention from start to finish. There’s also a slight bit of fantasy, or perhaps folklore is more accurate, to add a little spice to the story.
Of course, there are complications. One well-drawn antagonist in particular brings the story’s drama to a head. Without giving anything away, I think it’s safe to say that the penultimate scene is staged in a most unlikely place. Maybe some other suspense novel has a similar locale for that chapter, but if so, I haven’t read it.
I guess it was my not so strange karma to be bedazzled by this story, but when it was over, I didn’t want to take my leave of the main characters. Perhaps our author can give us a sequel, if we ask politely enough. Ms. Healy, how about it?
The novelty of the plot here is based on the premise that Irvine had a great granddaughter who is alive now, in this century. She’s drawn to Nepal by curiosity. I won’t disclose exactly what the subjects of her speculation are, but the concept concocted by the author is realistic, credible and flawlessly presented.
Throughout the novel, the level of minute detail given to the surroundings, clothing, even each character’s thoughts and emotions, puts the reader right there with them. We learn a bit about the Nepalese customs and religions, the attitudes of the English of the 1920’s, and sundry other things – enough, along with the suspense, to hold our attention from start to finish. There’s also a slight bit of fantasy, or perhaps folklore is more accurate, to add a little spice to the story.
Of course, there are complications. One well-drawn antagonist in particular brings the story’s drama to a head. Without giving anything away, I think it’s safe to say that the penultimate scene is staged in a most unlikely place. Maybe some other suspense novel has a similar locale for that chapter, but if so, I haven’t read it.
I guess it was my not so strange karma to be bedazzled by this story, but when it was over, I didn’t want to take my leave of the main characters. Perhaps our author can give us a sequel, if we ask politely enough. Ms. Healy, how about it?
September 5, 2020
Title – Strange Karma
Author – Willow Healy
Genre – Adventure-Thriller-Mystery
Word Count 71,270
Rating 5 stars out of 5
No. 30 - 2020
Posted 9/5/2020
My Impressions: Excellent tale of subterfuge and greed, great characters and plot
Main Characters:
Cynthia Graham – Twenty-seven-year-old descendent of Andrew Irving who died climbing Mt. Everest in 1923.
Dorje – Nepal Sherpa mountain climber, businessman, village elder. Ex-British Gurkha soldier.
Paul Bellame – Cynthis’s dad’s billionaire boss who wants to possess her.
Jon White – Professor on a mountain clime to the top of Ama Dablam mountain.
Ang – Thief wanting to make Dorje’s families’ mountain trekking business fail.
Alden Droiter – Engineer on an airport expansion project, friend of Dorje.
The Foreigner - An evil, mysterious foreign national intent on becoming wealthy through crime.
Cynthia Graham has had a troubled life. Her mother died in a house fire when she was eight, and she grew up knowing her father was a habitual gambler who constantly weaseled money from her to pay his debts. She was also disappointed in his choice of girlfriends who were her age or younger. Her father was a weak worm manipulated by his billionaire employer who wanted to own Cynthia. The father pushed her to again date Paul so he can milk money from her after she is married to Paul
She was shocked when a letter arrived from a British barrister stating her grandmother on her mother’s side made her the sole heir to her estate. Cynthia travelled to England to claim her inheritance: a small amount of money and a rural cottage. In the cottage, she read letters sent by her grandfather to her grandmother and followed clues to discover a large, uncut red diamond. She was an instant millionaire. Her grandfather, Andrew Young, sent the diamond to his love, Emma, days before he died while attempting to scale Mt. Everest.
Curious about her grandfather, she booked a climb on nearby Mt. Ama Dablam in sight of Mt. Everest but easier to climb. She intended to write a book about her grandfather’s failed 1923 attempt to scale Mt. Everest based on local color.
While in Nepal she met Dorje the climb leader and was attracted to the forty-two-year-old mountain man.
Unknown to Cynthia, a dastardly thief has learned of the existence of another large, red diamond. Her diamond The Foreigner, as he is known, intends to steal Cynthia’s diamond and murder her.
Toward the end there is heavy religious mysticism concerning the Buddhist monks and an old Sherpa.
The editing is poor. I struggled to justify a five star rating and did so on the strength of the plot and story-telling.
The sentence structure is good with few exceptions.
Character development provides a through insight into the main characters and several support characters.
Details of the 1923 mountain expedition and the present scenes are well covered.
Research is evident in the information concerning mountain climbing in general.
The plot is fresh and exciting with danger and conflict galore
The writing style is fast, intense, and well-written.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – Willow Healy
Genre – Adventure-Thriller-Mystery
Word Count 71,270
Rating 5 stars out of 5
No. 30 - 2020
Posted 9/5/2020
My Impressions: Excellent tale of subterfuge and greed, great characters and plot
Main Characters:
Cynthia Graham – Twenty-seven-year-old descendent of Andrew Irving who died climbing Mt. Everest in 1923.
Dorje – Nepal Sherpa mountain climber, businessman, village elder. Ex-British Gurkha soldier.
Paul Bellame – Cynthis’s dad’s billionaire boss who wants to possess her.
Jon White – Professor on a mountain clime to the top of Ama Dablam mountain.
Ang – Thief wanting to make Dorje’s families’ mountain trekking business fail.
Alden Droiter – Engineer on an airport expansion project, friend of Dorje.
The Foreigner - An evil, mysterious foreign national intent on becoming wealthy through crime.
Cynthia Graham has had a troubled life. Her mother died in a house fire when she was eight, and she grew up knowing her father was a habitual gambler who constantly weaseled money from her to pay his debts. She was also disappointed in his choice of girlfriends who were her age or younger. Her father was a weak worm manipulated by his billionaire employer who wanted to own Cynthia. The father pushed her to again date Paul so he can milk money from her after she is married to Paul
She was shocked when a letter arrived from a British barrister stating her grandmother on her mother’s side made her the sole heir to her estate. Cynthia travelled to England to claim her inheritance: a small amount of money and a rural cottage. In the cottage, she read letters sent by her grandfather to her grandmother and followed clues to discover a large, uncut red diamond. She was an instant millionaire. Her grandfather, Andrew Young, sent the diamond to his love, Emma, days before he died while attempting to scale Mt. Everest.
Curious about her grandfather, she booked a climb on nearby Mt. Ama Dablam in sight of Mt. Everest but easier to climb. She intended to write a book about her grandfather’s failed 1923 attempt to scale Mt. Everest based on local color.
While in Nepal she met Dorje the climb leader and was attracted to the forty-two-year-old mountain man.
Unknown to Cynthia, a dastardly thief has learned of the existence of another large, red diamond. Her diamond The Foreigner, as he is known, intends to steal Cynthia’s diamond and murder her.
Toward the end there is heavy religious mysticism concerning the Buddhist monks and an old Sherpa.
The editing is poor. I struggled to justify a five star rating and did so on the strength of the plot and story-telling.
The sentence structure is good with few exceptions.
Character development provides a through insight into the main characters and several support characters.
Details of the 1923 mountain expedition and the present scenes are well covered.
Research is evident in the information concerning mountain climbing in general.
The plot is fresh and exciting with danger and conflict galore
The writing style is fast, intense, and well-written.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
September 20, 2020
STRANGE KARMA BY WILLOW HEALY
If you need some good Karma, Strange Karma by Willow Healy is a must read.
I didn’t know how badly I needed a good read that was longer than 140 characters and didn’t have pictures. This suspenseful thriller has its share of bad guys, danger, and even murder that holds the abbreviated attention span of today’s readers with its intriguing characters and multiple time lines.
From living in L.A. to inheriting a home, unknown heritage, and a rare gem from her English grandmother, Cynthia Graham finds herself traveling to Nepal in search of her great grandfather’s demise in an infamous 1924 summit attempt on Mount Everest that ended in a shrouded mystery.
The book follows Cynthia’s journey, while simultaneously revealing the saga of her great grandmother and great grandfather’s fate in 1924 that lead to the path Cynthia must now take.
Strange Karma kept me turning pages while in line at the grocery, imagining the noise surrounding me was the bustle of busy Katmandu streets, so vividly described by the author. And during a leg numbing wait at the DMV, I commiserated with the aching calves of the book’s mountain climbers during their deadly trek.
At last, I summitted my front porch, turned down my AC and felt the cold of Mount Everest and the chill of an English cottage through the author’s words. I savored the story as it took me through different centuries and jumped at every creak of my floor, filled with dread that the wicked Foreigner had leapt from the pages and was now after me instead of Cynthia.
I needed no pictures as the author’s prose described in delicious detail the scenes and events with perfect pacing. The author added layers and layers throughout the book keeping this reader interested in every twist and turn. The characters are fully fleshed out, each with its own voice and motivation, making it so you hear their voices as you read.
Strange Karma has been extensively researched and melds history with fiction in a story that will appeal to a broad audience.
If you need some good Karma, Strange Karma by Willow Healy is a must read.
I didn’t know how badly I needed a good read that was longer than 140 characters and didn’t have pictures. This suspenseful thriller has its share of bad guys, danger, and even murder that holds the abbreviated attention span of today’s readers with its intriguing characters and multiple time lines.
From living in L.A. to inheriting a home, unknown heritage, and a rare gem from her English grandmother, Cynthia Graham finds herself traveling to Nepal in search of her great grandfather’s demise in an infamous 1924 summit attempt on Mount Everest that ended in a shrouded mystery.
The book follows Cynthia’s journey, while simultaneously revealing the saga of her great grandmother and great grandfather’s fate in 1924 that lead to the path Cynthia must now take.
Strange Karma kept me turning pages while in line at the grocery, imagining the noise surrounding me was the bustle of busy Katmandu streets, so vividly described by the author. And during a leg numbing wait at the DMV, I commiserated with the aching calves of the book’s mountain climbers during their deadly trek.
At last, I summitted my front porch, turned down my AC and felt the cold of Mount Everest and the chill of an English cottage through the author’s words. I savored the story as it took me through different centuries and jumped at every creak of my floor, filled with dread that the wicked Foreigner had leapt from the pages and was now after me instead of Cynthia.
I needed no pictures as the author’s prose described in delicious detail the scenes and events with perfect pacing. The author added layers and layers throughout the book keeping this reader interested in every twist and turn. The characters are fully fleshed out, each with its own voice and motivation, making it so you hear their voices as you read.
Strange Karma has been extensively researched and melds history with fiction in a story that will appeal to a broad audience.
September 1, 2020
To tell the truth, my review of Strange Karma is somewhat of a contrary one. This is actually a pretty good book, yet strangely I struggled with large parts of it, finding it a little difficult at times to get into and stay with the story. Not that it was particularly complicated, rather convoluted perhaps, as a woman traces the steps of her great-grandfather, decades earlier, into the mountains of Tibet, whilst in possession of a valuable gemstone; unbeknown to her, she is being tracked by a vicious killer, also desperate to get his hands on her ancestor’s legacy, which died on the unforgiving peak of Everest with him.
Willow has chosen two alternating timelines as the format for her book, though it has to be said that the present day takes up the lion’s share of it. I think this perhaps muddles a multiple-stranded narrative, and in honesty I couldn’t help thinking that it would have been easier to follow and more enjoyable a read if she had opted for two distinct parts, and a completely linear timeline. I have to say, also, that I actually found the love story from 1924 a touch more engaging than the suspense-thriller aspect of the modern-day storyline. This book is very wordy, its scenes comprehensively detailed, and occasionally it does feel a touch heavy on digression.
Still, even though there is a lot going on, Willow is a good writer. I would suggest that Strange Karma would be recommended for a committed, disciplined reader; anyone less than so may find themselves distracted at times. But, her professionalism isn’t in question at all; she knows the craft of writing well. The proof could do with a touch of revision, for grammar errors and particularly some jaw-clenching punctuation, but otherwise there is hard work, dedication and knowledge in her writing. As an author, she is quality, to be sure.
Willow has chosen two alternating timelines as the format for her book, though it has to be said that the present day takes up the lion’s share of it. I think this perhaps muddles a multiple-stranded narrative, and in honesty I couldn’t help thinking that it would have been easier to follow and more enjoyable a read if she had opted for two distinct parts, and a completely linear timeline. I have to say, also, that I actually found the love story from 1924 a touch more engaging than the suspense-thriller aspect of the modern-day storyline. This book is very wordy, its scenes comprehensively detailed, and occasionally it does feel a touch heavy on digression.
Still, even though there is a lot going on, Willow is a good writer. I would suggest that Strange Karma would be recommended for a committed, disciplined reader; anyone less than so may find themselves distracted at times. But, her professionalism isn’t in question at all; she knows the craft of writing well. The proof could do with a touch of revision, for grammar errors and particularly some jaw-clenching punctuation, but otherwise there is hard work, dedication and knowledge in her writing. As an author, she is quality, to be sure.
September 6, 2020
This is a well written, entertaining, pager turner. I really enjoyed those sections of the story that are set in England and Mount Everest during 1924, which build a solid background for the protagonist's (Cynthia Graham) adventurous search into her past. The author knows England and the Himalayas; thus doing a great job of describing the settings of the story with vivid and rich descriptions. Cynthia is a character of intelligence and grit; her Nepalese mountain-climbing guide, Dorje is an ex-Gurkha, strong, and street smart; the villain, The Foreigner, who is pursuing Cynthia is a sociopathic criminal and killer. Plus, there is the great adventure of mountain climbing, both the historical 1924 summit attempt of Mount Everest and a present day climb of Alma Dablam. Strange Karma is a well written intense, adventure thriller.
July 18, 2020
Suspenseful Thriller
Told from multiple points of view and different time periods, author Willow Healy captures the essence of the mountain-climbing experience to Mount Everest in Strange Karma. Strong characters, a dynamic setting, a tragic love story, and a mysterious killer keeps the reader intrigued to the end.
The reader is drawn in immediately with the historical 1924 Mount Everett expedition and then switches to the present day when the main character, Cynthia Graham discovers that she is a descendant of the climber Andrew Irvine with an inheritance that includes old photos, letters, and rare red diamonds. She travels to Nepal to experience the trek to Mount Everest, trace her great-grandfather’s journey, but eventually discovers a stranger is after her and her diamonds.
Strange Karma is a must-read with its many twists and turns, an exceptional description of the Himalayas and a thrilling ending.
Told from multiple points of view and different time periods, author Willow Healy captures the essence of the mountain-climbing experience to Mount Everest in Strange Karma. Strong characters, a dynamic setting, a tragic love story, and a mysterious killer keeps the reader intrigued to the end.
The reader is drawn in immediately with the historical 1924 Mount Everett expedition and then switches to the present day when the main character, Cynthia Graham discovers that she is a descendant of the climber Andrew Irvine with an inheritance that includes old photos, letters, and rare red diamonds. She travels to Nepal to experience the trek to Mount Everest, trace her great-grandfather’s journey, but eventually discovers a stranger is after her and her diamonds.
Strange Karma is a must-read with its many twists and turns, an exceptional description of the Himalayas and a thrilling ending.
October 30, 2020
This is one of the few books I was able to finish reading despite the careless (or absent) editing. The story was compelling and well researched, the characters believable, and the prose well crafted. But there were some plot points that could have been tightened up so that the various venues and timeframes fit together better, and the random insertion of commas in odd places was quite distracting. (A few misplaced words as well - one that comes to mind is the use of "defused" to describe diffused light.)
I would love to read more of this author's work. Better yet, I would love to edit her next book. :-D
I would love to read more of this author's work. Better yet, I would love to edit her next book. :-D
April 19, 2021
This book is excellent read. Well written with wonderful background descriptions as the exciting story unfolds. Characters are good and you learn about a well known climbing area as you move along. BR
November 16, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)
Strange Karma is the kind of historical thriller that reminds you why dual-timeline mysteries are so addictive, when done right, the past and present don't just coexist, they collide in ways that make you hold your breath.
Willow Healy has written a debut that tackles one of mountaineering's greatest unsolved mysteries: Did George Mallory and Andrew Irvine summit Mount Everest in 1924, 29 years before Edmund Hillary? And what happened to the pocket camera they carried, which might hold proof frozen in the ice?
In the present day, American mountain climber Cynthia Graham inherits a cottage from her estranged grandmother and discovers a red diamond, the world's rarest gem, hidden in a secret desk compartment, along with letters from her great-grandfather Andrew Irvine detailing his 1924 Everest expedition. The letters mention a homicidal Sherpa, a murdered Buddhist monk, and the existence of a twin to her red diamond.
Intrigued (and honestly, who wouldn't be?), Cynthia travels to Nepal with ex-Gurkha soldier Dorje as her guide to solve the mystery. But when multiple assassination attempts are made on her life, she realizes someone else wants that twin diamond, and they'll kill for it.
What makes this extraordinary is Healy's authenticity. She actually trekked to Everest base camp and met climbers searching for the lost 1924 camera. That lived experience shows in every frozen, oxygen-deprived, avalanche-threatened scene. You feel the altitude, the danger, the brutal beauty of the Himalayas. The mountaineering details are meticulous without being textbook dry.
The dual timeline structure works beautifully. The 1924 chapters give us the tragic love story between Andrew Irvine and Cynthia's great-grandmother Emma, the acquisition of the red diamonds, and the doomed expedition. The present-day chapters deliver pulse-pounding action as Cynthia races to solve the mystery before "the Foreigner", a mysterious killer with the twin diamond, catches up to her.
Cynthia is a fantastic protagonist: smart, athletic, resourceful, and morally grounded. Dorje is swoon-worthy without being a cliché (ex-Gurkha soldier with honor, competence, and genuine affection for Cynthia). And "the Foreigner" is terrifyingly patient and relentless.
Healy also weaves in Buddhist mysticism, Sherpa culture, and the folklore surrounding Everest without ever feeling like she's giving you a travel brochure. The cultural details enrich the story organically.
Fair warning: The ending introduces a mythological element that some readers might find jarring (Kirkus mentioned this, and I see their point). But honestly, after 350+ pages of breathtaking adventure, I was willing to go wherever Healy took me.
Perfect for fans of Kate Mosse's Labyrinth, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child's archaeological thrillers, Dan Brown's dual-timeline mysteries, and anyone fascinated by the Mallory-Irvine Everest mystery. If you've ever watched an Everest documentary and thought "I need a fictional version of this with murder, rare gemstones, and international intrigue," this is your book.
Healy is a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Mystery/Suspense, and it shows. This is confident, accomplished storytelling from a debut author with serious chops. I'm desperate to know what she writes next, and if you love historical thrillers with adventure, romance, and real stakes, you'll feel the same.
Highly recommend for readers who want their historical fiction smart, their adventure authentic, and their mysteries rooted in real unsolved questions that still haunt us today.
Strange Karma is the kind of historical thriller that reminds you why dual-timeline mysteries are so addictive, when done right, the past and present don't just coexist, they collide in ways that make you hold your breath.
Willow Healy has written a debut that tackles one of mountaineering's greatest unsolved mysteries: Did George Mallory and Andrew Irvine summit Mount Everest in 1924, 29 years before Edmund Hillary? And what happened to the pocket camera they carried, which might hold proof frozen in the ice?
In the present day, American mountain climber Cynthia Graham inherits a cottage from her estranged grandmother and discovers a red diamond, the world's rarest gem, hidden in a secret desk compartment, along with letters from her great-grandfather Andrew Irvine detailing his 1924 Everest expedition. The letters mention a homicidal Sherpa, a murdered Buddhist monk, and the existence of a twin to her red diamond.
Intrigued (and honestly, who wouldn't be?), Cynthia travels to Nepal with ex-Gurkha soldier Dorje as her guide to solve the mystery. But when multiple assassination attempts are made on her life, she realizes someone else wants that twin diamond, and they'll kill for it.
What makes this extraordinary is Healy's authenticity. She actually trekked to Everest base camp and met climbers searching for the lost 1924 camera. That lived experience shows in every frozen, oxygen-deprived, avalanche-threatened scene. You feel the altitude, the danger, the brutal beauty of the Himalayas. The mountaineering details are meticulous without being textbook dry.
The dual timeline structure works beautifully. The 1924 chapters give us the tragic love story between Andrew Irvine and Cynthia's great-grandmother Emma, the acquisition of the red diamonds, and the doomed expedition. The present-day chapters deliver pulse-pounding action as Cynthia races to solve the mystery before "the Foreigner", a mysterious killer with the twin diamond, catches up to her.
Cynthia is a fantastic protagonist: smart, athletic, resourceful, and morally grounded. Dorje is swoon-worthy without being a cliché (ex-Gurkha soldier with honor, competence, and genuine affection for Cynthia). And "the Foreigner" is terrifyingly patient and relentless.
Healy also weaves in Buddhist mysticism, Sherpa culture, and the folklore surrounding Everest without ever feeling like she's giving you a travel brochure. The cultural details enrich the story organically.
Fair warning: The ending introduces a mythological element that some readers might find jarring (Kirkus mentioned this, and I see their point). But honestly, after 350+ pages of breathtaking adventure, I was willing to go wherever Healy took me.
Perfect for fans of Kate Mosse's Labyrinth, Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child's archaeological thrillers, Dan Brown's dual-timeline mysteries, and anyone fascinated by the Mallory-Irvine Everest mystery. If you've ever watched an Everest documentary and thought "I need a fictional version of this with murder, rare gemstones, and international intrigue," this is your book.
Healy is a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award for Mystery/Suspense, and it shows. This is confident, accomplished storytelling from a debut author with serious chops. I'm desperate to know what she writes next, and if you love historical thrillers with adventure, romance, and real stakes, you'll feel the same.
Highly recommend for readers who want their historical fiction smart, their adventure authentic, and their mysteries rooted in real unsolved questions that still haunt us today.
January 2, 2021
Debut novel by Willow Healy is a story set in 2 time frames: 1924 in England & Tibet (Mt. Everest); present day in L.A., England, Nepal (Himalayas, Ama Dablam). The historical background is the 1924 doomed attempt by George Mallory and Andrew "Sandy" Irvine to be the first to summit Mt. Everest. The fiction begins with a love story between Sandy and Emma Laughton in 1923-1924. From Tibet, he mailed her love letters, enclosed in one was a blueberry-sized red stone, one of a pair. He did not return to bring her the other.
The gap in time is to present day. Cynthia Graham, age 27, living in L.A., is the great-granddaughter of Sandy and Emma. She is sole heir to the estate of her grandmother Lydia Dunton, whom she never met--inheriting an English country cottage in Cumbria, a little money, old letters, and discovering the flawless, incredibly rare uncut red diamond—worth millions.
A climber herself, Cynthia sets out on a quest to co-experience this mystery in her own history. She heads to Kathmandu to join an expedition to summit Ama Dablam in Nepal, a mountain in view of Everest, hoping to learn more about her great-grandfather and, even more specifically, to try to discover if he and Mallory made it to the top of Everest. Included in the cast of characters are Dorje, age 42, a Nepalese climber and trek guide, and former British Gurkha soldier; Base, nephew of Dorje, owner of trekking company and trek organizer; a professor; a millionaire businessman; and the Foreigner, a mysterious thief and killer who has the twin diamond, wants to steak Cynthia's and will willingly murder her.
Much of the story glimpses authentic experiences climbers face, including many dangers from fast-changing weather and avalanche; the effects on the body of altitude, and the limits of body strength; knowledge of equipment. Healy adds doses of the mysticism of Buddhist monks, folklore and cultural superstitions; the connections, reliance, and conflicts in the expeditionary adventure, and an old Sherpa trader.
Excellent debut novel by this author. Some editing snags were noted.
The gap in time is to present day. Cynthia Graham, age 27, living in L.A., is the great-granddaughter of Sandy and Emma. She is sole heir to the estate of her grandmother Lydia Dunton, whom she never met--inheriting an English country cottage in Cumbria, a little money, old letters, and discovering the flawless, incredibly rare uncut red diamond—worth millions.
A climber herself, Cynthia sets out on a quest to co-experience this mystery in her own history. She heads to Kathmandu to join an expedition to summit Ama Dablam in Nepal, a mountain in view of Everest, hoping to learn more about her great-grandfather and, even more specifically, to try to discover if he and Mallory made it to the top of Everest. Included in the cast of characters are Dorje, age 42, a Nepalese climber and trek guide, and former British Gurkha soldier; Base, nephew of Dorje, owner of trekking company and trek organizer; a professor; a millionaire businessman; and the Foreigner, a mysterious thief and killer who has the twin diamond, wants to steak Cynthia's and will willingly murder her.
Much of the story glimpses authentic experiences climbers face, including many dangers from fast-changing weather and avalanche; the effects on the body of altitude, and the limits of body strength; knowledge of equipment. Healy adds doses of the mysticism of Buddhist monks, folklore and cultural superstitions; the connections, reliance, and conflicts in the expeditionary adventure, and an old Sherpa trader.
Excellent debut novel by this author. Some editing snags were noted.
January 1, 2021
Strange Karma by Willow Healy is, in her own words, "a mystery/thriller set in two eras: 1920s England and Tibet, and the present-day Himalayan mountains." The book opens in 1924 on the cusp of the thrilling British expedition to climb Mt. Everest. One of the main characters from 1924 has a mysterious connection to the main character in the present day. We meet Cynthia Graham in a lawyer's office in England as she is sorting out a surprising inheritance from a grandmother she never met. She soon discovers a deeper mystery surrounding her grandmother and the Mt. Everest expedition in 1924. Only when Cynthia travels to Nepal to make her own mountain climb does the mystery unfold, and her searching questions are answered in the end.
Willow Healy describes her book as a mystery/thriller, and it is. The thrills are in the scenery, which the author describes well and without cliches, and in the dangerous situations in which the characters find themselves. The mystery is much more than a "whodunit"; the mystery includes discovering why certain things happen and the motives behind the actions of characters. I would encourage the author to do a deeper investigation about how people would respond and react to dangerous situations. The historical fiction sections of the book and the vivid descriptions of the places are where this author really shines. The pacing of the story was even, and the characters were real and relatable.
Willow Healy describes her book as a mystery/thriller, and it is. The thrills are in the scenery, which the author describes well and without cliches, and in the dangerous situations in which the characters find themselves. The mystery is much more than a "whodunit"; the mystery includes discovering why certain things happen and the motives behind the actions of characters. I would encourage the author to do a deeper investigation about how people would respond and react to dangerous situations. The historical fiction sections of the book and the vivid descriptions of the places are where this author really shines. The pacing of the story was even, and the characters were real and relatable.
November 6, 2020
I'll give this novel 3-1/2 stars in my Reading Log. I was interested in it mainly due to the setting being the Himalayas--and specifically both Everest & Ama Dablam. It also said it was connected with the famous 1924 Everest expedition of Mallory & Irvine--where both of them perished on the north face of Everest while attempting to be the first ones to reach the summit. It's never been proven whether or not they made the summit and perished on their way down--or if they perished on or just after the difficult Second Step. This fictional account makes a story out of Irvine's relationship with a gal who he planned to marry upon his return--and some gifts he sent/left for her.
A bit unrealistic in parts and a bit sparse on actual climbing details, so that was a disappointment. Writing was OK, but there were some weak characters and plot that bordered on the unbelievable. Sorry, but gunfights/shooting just doesn't happen at 24,000+ ft in those kinds of conditions. Bunch of loose ends left hanging. Got the book cheap--read it on my Kindle.
A bit unrealistic in parts and a bit sparse on actual climbing details, so that was a disappointment. Writing was OK, but there were some weak characters and plot that bordered on the unbelievable. Sorry, but gunfights/shooting just doesn't happen at 24,000+ ft in those kinds of conditions. Bunch of loose ends left hanging. Got the book cheap--read it on my Kindle.
July 30, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the vivid, detailed descriptions of the Himalayas, weather, customs, yaks, and much more. The characters are interesting. The story is well written, but poorly edited--spelling and punctuation errors, missing a word here and there, and conflicting facts re mailing film vs. photos and the location of her gem. It is actually a 4.5 for me.
She is a good writer. The vivid details of such an unusual location made the adventure even better. I will search to see if she has other novels.
She is a good writer. The vivid details of such an unusual location made the adventure even better. I will search to see if she has other novels.
September 14, 2020
Enjoyed this fast-paced mystery! Vivid descriptions of surroundings let me experience another culture and foreign landscape while traveling with Cynthia, the main character, on her quest for answers regarding the world’s rarest gem, a red diamond, she inherited from her great-grandmother.
You’ll encounter a host of colorful characters, and be privy to long-held secrets, while the threads of the mystery unravel and answers revealed.
A page-turner that had me intrigued to the last page.
You’ll encounter a host of colorful characters, and be privy to long-held secrets, while the threads of the mystery unravel and answers revealed.
A page-turner that had me intrigued to the last page.
Read
September 20, 2020Strange Karma by Willow Healy is a page turner. I just could not put the book down; she kept me in suspense from beginning till end. The vocabulary and the descriptive settings pulled me right into the adventure. A story in which the author put heart and soul. A must read for all who love adventurous mysteries and those who have or who are planning to climb Mt. Everest Base Camp. You will find yourself there!
February 14, 2021
A girl inherits red diamonds from a great grandmother that she didn’t even know she had. Looking thru papers she finds they came from her great grandfather, her great grandmothers betrothed, a man who climbed Everest in the 1920s but did not make it back. He had sent the gem to her with very little info of where they came from. The girl decides to go on a trek to find answers herself so to Everest, and danger, she goes.
Want to read
September 17, 2020Strange Karma is a well-written fast-paced thriller; a really good read! Excellent descriptions of Kathmandu, Mount Ama Dablam area, Sherpa people, monks and temples in the area so the reader feels like they are there. The book has a gripping plot with many twists that will keep you turning the pages until the exciting finale.
November 15, 2020
Loved this book! It took a little while to get into it, but the pace picked up, and by part way through could not put it down! The author does a great job keeping up the suspense until the final climax. There are some dangling threads that don't get resolved about some of the characters, but the main theme of the story is brought to resolution. Enjoyable read!
November 26, 2020
This book sounded interesting but was so disappointing. There were too many sub-stories going on and not all of them were fully addressed by the end of the book. And the injuries some of the characters endured? Surviving the trek to get medical help was totally unrealistic.
This story was very disappointing. I'm sorry I wasted my time on it.
This story was very disappointing. I'm sorry I wasted my time on it.
December 24, 2020
Good karma
A great book for interest, action and education. I learned lots of things about climbing mountains. I decided that's not something I will try, but the author did her research. The story kept my interest and included mystery, adventure and murder. Just a little romance rounded out the plot. Good read.
A great book for interest, action and education. I learned lots of things about climbing mountains. I decided that's not something I will try, but the author did her research. The story kept my interest and included mystery, adventure and murder. Just a little romance rounded out the plot. Good read.
April 6, 2021
Adventurous, filled with thrill and suspense.
Adventurous, never read adventure story before, along with that it's filled with thrill and suspense mystery as well. Got this one as a free deal from Bookbub. Thank you Bookbub for such deals. Will keep searching for such material to read in future. Nice read, enjoyed it a lot.
Adventurous, never read adventure story before, along with that it's filled with thrill and suspense mystery as well. Got this one as a free deal from Bookbub. Thank you Bookbub for such deals. Will keep searching for such material to read in future. Nice read, enjoyed it a lot.
August 19, 2020
What a great book. It brings Nepal and the wonderful Sherpa people back to life. Willow’s detail and great stories make the a wonderful read. I couldn’t put it down. Her research and detail makes the story very real.
October 31, 2020
Good start but.....
This book starts off with an interesting story but then gets very drawn out and ends sort of abruptly. I really wanted to like the main female character but there was no depth.
This book starts off with an interesting story but then gets very drawn out and ends sort of abruptly. I really wanted to like the main female character but there was no depth.
October 31, 2020
Clear and concise with plenty of action on steep slopes and amidst rocky terrain. Likable characters with a plausible plot. The setting, Himalayan Mountains and ascent challenges, felt real and was not mired in minutiae. Kept my interest and spawned a few Wikipedia searches.
November 28, 2020
An interesting adventurre.
I found this book aa d subject matter very interesting. The story matter transported me to another life time and given me some understanding of other cultures.
I found this book aa d subject matter very interesting. The story matter transported me to another life time and given me some understanding of other cultures.
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