📖 Overview
Safari follows Australian lawyer Joss van Burren as she investigates the death of a young British woman in Zimbabwe. The case leads her into the complex world of African hunting safaris and conservation politics.
Former mercenary Cameron McMurtrie becomes entangled in Joss's investigation while managing a safari operation in Zimbabwe. Their paths intersect amid mounting tensions between anti-hunting activists and those who depend on the hunting industry for survival.
The story moves between luxury safari lodges, remote bush territories, and urban centers in Zimbabwe as the characters navigate corruption, competing interests, and personal conflicts. Both Joss and Cameron must confront their own assumptions about conservation, justice, and human nature.
The novel examines the ethical complexities of African wildlife conservation and the clash between Western ideals and local realities. Through its exploration of the hunting industry, Safari raises questions about privilege, cultural perspectives, and what it means to protect the natural world.
👀 Reviews
Readers found this to be a fast-paced thriller that brought the African safari experience to life through authentic details about wildlife, conservation, and poaching. Multiple reviews noted the author's firsthand knowledge of safari operations added credibility.
Liked:
- Vivid descriptions of African landscapes and animals
- Technical accuracy about weapons and military tactics
- Balance of action scenes with character development
- Educational aspects about conservation challenges
Disliked:
- Some found the romance subplot predictable
- A few readers said the pacing slowed in the middle sections
- Several mentioned too many characters to track easily
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (182 ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 ratings)
Reader quote: "Park writes with authority about Africa - you can tell he's lived what he describes rather than just researched it." - Goodreads reviewer
Quote: "Good action but the love story felt forced and unnecessary." - Amazon reviewer
📚 Similar books
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The Lions of Tsavo by John Henry Patterson A British military officer documents his pursuit of two man-eating lions during the construction of a railway bridge in East Africa.
The Eye of the Elephant by Delia Owens Two conservationists recount their fight against poaching in Zambia's North Luangwa Valley while studying elephants.
The Last Safari by Bob Mealing A former professional hunter leads his final expedition through Tanzania while confronting conservation issues and local politics.
The Hunter by James Byron Huggins A tracker pursues a genetically engineered creature through the African wilderness while dealing with military forces and tribal conflicts.
The Lions of Tsavo by John Henry Patterson A British military officer documents his pursuit of two man-eating lions during the construction of a railway bridge in East Africa.
The Eye of the Elephant by Delia Owens Two conservationists recount their fight against poaching in Zambia's North Luangwa Valley while studying elephants.
The Last Safari by Bob Mealing A former professional hunter leads his final expedition through Tanzania while confronting conservation issues and local politics.
The Hunter by James Byron Huggins A tracker pursues a genetically engineered creature through the African wilderness while dealing with military forces and tribal conflicts.
🤔 Interesting facts
🦁 Tony Park wrote Safari while living in South Africa, where he spends six months of each year in the bush researching and writing his novels.
🌍 The book draws on real-world issues facing African wildlife conservation, particularly the illegal rhino horn trade and poaching crisis.
📚 Safari is Park's 19th novel, building on his extensive experience writing thrillers set in Africa, where he's been traveling since 1995.
🔍 The author conducted hands-on research with anti-poaching units and conservation experts to create authentic details for the book's plot.
🏆 Tony Park previously served as a Major in the Australian Army Reserve, which influences the tactical and military elements in his writing, including Safari's action sequences.