The Contest : The exhilarating and addictive thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author, perfect for summer 2026

THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME. A PRIZE WORTH KILLING FOR. 'Brilliant twists and an absolutely killer reveal in the final pages' ? ? ? ? ? READER REVIEW'I flew through this in a day' ? ? ? ? ? READER REVIEW'Karen Hamilton is the queen of thrillers' ? ? ? ? ? READER REVIEW'Peak tension and perfect plotting' Victoria Selman'A hike from hell... one that will make you feel thankful for keeping your feet firmly on the ground' Daily Mail'Leaves you breathless' The Sun'Karen Hamilton moves from sly comedy to tragedy with unsettling ease' Sunday Times'Exhilarating and addictive' PrimaWe call it the Great Escape.The annual trip where my boss asks us expert travel guides to escort a group of privileged, uber-wealthy clientele on some far-flung expedition, a cut-throat contest for riches and glory. The stakes have never been higher, nor the challenge harder: I must summit Mount Kilimanjaro before my rival guide to win the ultimate prize. But this once-in-a-lifetime trip was never about winning to me.I'm here for answers, even if no one is ready to give them up.By the time we reach the top I will have the truth, if it kills me. THE QUESTION IS, HOW FAR WILL THEY GO TO KEEP ME QUIET?Praise for Karen Hamilton:'Fabulously dark' Harriet Tyce'An irresistible slice of escapism' TM Logan'Full of twists and turns, it will keep you furiously turning the pages' Sarah Pearse'Compelling, absorbing and highly entertaining.' Allie Reynolds'Sizzles with tension, desire, and menace.' Jack Jordan'Be prepared to put your life on hold' Good Housekeeping'This is the must read book of the summer!' Steph Broadribb'Fast-moving and fun' Observer