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Legacy: A Thriller
“Hodgetts' skillful combination of murder mystery, horrific political events, and multiple perspectives and timelines makes this a unique tale. She writes with ease, producing text that flows smoothly and will immediately pull readers into the story.” - The Booklife Prize
1963 - European settlers flee the Belgian Congo leaving behind a legacy of hatred and an abandoned eight year old boy with a thirst for vengeance. Sixty years later, the boy has become a great warlord and only one person can halt his reign of terror - an American teenager with a legacy of her own.
Sarah Jensen wants to go home to America but an African warlord is holding her prisoner and the CIA will not come to her rescue
Seeking the African side of her mixed-race family tree, Jensen travels to a small East African village and into an international crisis. A Peace Corps worker is murdered, a baby is stolen, and a notorious warlord terrorizes the countryside.
When Jensen is kidnapped, she realizes that the warlord is not what he seems. He is a tool of the CIA, and Jensen and the kidnapped children are at the center of America’s War on Terror.
While diplomats argue, and the warlord prepares to offer up a terrible sacrifice, Jensen must find the courage to escape and find help for the children who are held prisoner.
1963 - European settlers flee the Belgian Congo leaving behind a legacy of hatred and an abandoned eight year old boy with a thirst for vengeance. Sixty years later, the boy has become a great warlord and only one person can halt his reign of terror - an American teenager with a legacy of her own.
Sarah Jensen wants to go home to America but an African warlord is holding her prisoner and the CIA will not come to her rescue
Seeking the African side of her mixed-race family tree, Jensen travels to a small East African village and into an international crisis. A Peace Corps worker is murdered, a baby is stolen, and a notorious warlord terrorizes the countryside.
When Jensen is kidnapped, she realizes that the warlord is not what he seems. He is a tool of the CIA, and Jensen and the kidnapped children are at the center of America’s War on Terror.
While diplomats argue, and the warlord prepares to offer up a terrible sacrifice, Jensen must find the courage to escape and find help for the children who are held prisoner.
- GenresThriller
318 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2023
About the author
Eileen Enwright Hodgetts
37 books119 followersEileen Enwright Hodgetts is a much traveled writer. Brought up in England and Wales, she has also lived and worked in South Africa and Uganda. Eileen and her husband, Graham, now make their home in Baden, PA. Eileen’s life experiences allow her to use exotic backgrounds for her novels and to understand how an adventure can begin with just one small incident. For ten years she directed a humanitarian mission in East Africa as an employee of Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley, PA. and her whole family continues to be involved in Uganda through the Ugandan Gold Coffee project bringing coffee to the United States and returning the profits to Uganda to be used for drilling water wells. She writes historical fiction from Arthurian sagas to World War Two murder mysteries. The major movie "Unsinkable", currently in production, is based on her national award-winning stage play "Titanic to all Ships". Her latest work "The Girl on the Carpathia - A novel of the Titanic" reflects over twenty years of research into both the US senate hearings and the British inquiry into the sinking.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 15, 2023
Heartbreaking, uplifting, enraging and extremely well written.
While this is a fictional story it is also based on facts. Uganda’s destiny like many third world countries are remotely controlled by the constant interference of the assorted spy agencies of some first world countries. Sadly millions of lives are destroyed and yet the true perpetrators are never held to account. This is a fictional story within a much larger true story. The story is of a grandmother and her granddaughter who both finally grew up and learned about the realities of life.
Congratulations to the author Eileen Enwright Hodgetts for yet another incredible book.
This is 100% my personal opinion.
While this is a fictional story it is also based on facts. Uganda’s destiny like many third world countries are remotely controlled by the constant interference of the assorted spy agencies of some first world countries. Sadly millions of lives are destroyed and yet the true perpetrators are never held to account. This is a fictional story within a much larger true story. The story is of a grandmother and her granddaughter who both finally grew up and learned about the realities of life.
Congratulations to the author Eileen Enwright Hodgetts for yet another incredible book.
This is 100% my personal opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
In summary this story is multi-faceted; an enjoyable read; highlights the brutality of the warlord and his reign of terror; reminds one of the power and terror inflicted by witch doctors; alludes to the European and American cover up; the emergence of a young woman’s emotions and growth; and the difference between the two worlds of Africa and Western civilisations.
I thoroughly recommend this, as the story is captivating, style and prose is easy to read and has a few humorous and unexpected twists. I received a complimentary copy and leave this review voluntarily.
I read the previous version of this book (called ‘Afric’) and enjoyed the story. Reading this version ‘Legacy’ although the story was the same, I still enjoyed the same story but also found the embellishments filled in a few gaps and enhanced the story. Rereading a story often highlights parts that were overlooked. Such was my case with the international undertone of the American involvement. I even went back and reread the original and couldn’t believe I had glossed over them. In my haste to absorb the story I failed to see the numerous snippets of a much bigger story.
The story starts in 1963 as European colonists flee the Congo, a witchdoctor finds an abandoned child and teaches him the power of hatred. A hundred miles to the east, six American hippies on a joy ride across Africa, crash their VW bus into a cemetery. While they wait for repairs they scandalise the local missionaries and Brenda Carter known as Songbird impulsively marries an African student. 60 years later she returns with her 18 year old granddaughter, Sarah, hoping to show her the beauty of the area that she remembers and to meet her African grandfather. However Sarah is not impressed and is presented as a troubled woman not sure of what she wants. She had a high IQ which resulted in a rapid educational progress at the expense on non socialisation with others of her age. When a Peace Corps worker is murdered, a baby is kidnapped, and all contact with the outside world is severed by a torrential rain storm, Sarah reluctantly agrees to investigate on the condition that the young 11 year old Matthew receive hospitalisation for his broken leg.
Descriptions of the various personalities of the key players are colourfully executed. Sarah, who knew something about being little, and overlooked, befriends the young crippled boy Matthew. Her indifference changes and she begins to mature and finds what she really wants. Her grandmother Brenda still displays her insensitivity, brash personality with glimpses of a tender loving person. Margaret, the missionary with cerebral malaria discloses some of her past, and Rory’, one of the other 6 hippy Americans involvement with the CIA becomes apparent. Snippets of the American involvement are scattered throughout with a little dedicated section near the end that clears up some loose ends.
I thoroughly recommend this, as the story is captivating, style and prose is easy to read and has a few humorous and unexpected twists. I received a complimentary copy and leave this review voluntarily.
I read the previous version of this book (called ‘Afric’) and enjoyed the story. Reading this version ‘Legacy’ although the story was the same, I still enjoyed the same story but also found the embellishments filled in a few gaps and enhanced the story. Rereading a story often highlights parts that were overlooked. Such was my case with the international undertone of the American involvement. I even went back and reread the original and couldn’t believe I had glossed over them. In my haste to absorb the story I failed to see the numerous snippets of a much bigger story.
The story starts in 1963 as European colonists flee the Congo, a witchdoctor finds an abandoned child and teaches him the power of hatred. A hundred miles to the east, six American hippies on a joy ride across Africa, crash their VW bus into a cemetery. While they wait for repairs they scandalise the local missionaries and Brenda Carter known as Songbird impulsively marries an African student. 60 years later she returns with her 18 year old granddaughter, Sarah, hoping to show her the beauty of the area that she remembers and to meet her African grandfather. However Sarah is not impressed and is presented as a troubled woman not sure of what she wants. She had a high IQ which resulted in a rapid educational progress at the expense on non socialisation with others of her age. When a Peace Corps worker is murdered, a baby is kidnapped, and all contact with the outside world is severed by a torrential rain storm, Sarah reluctantly agrees to investigate on the condition that the young 11 year old Matthew receive hospitalisation for his broken leg.
Descriptions of the various personalities of the key players are colourfully executed. Sarah, who knew something about being little, and overlooked, befriends the young crippled boy Matthew. Her indifference changes and she begins to mature and finds what she really wants. Her grandmother Brenda still displays her insensitivity, brash personality with glimpses of a tender loving person. Margaret, the missionary with cerebral malaria discloses some of her past, and Rory’, one of the other 6 hippy Americans involvement with the CIA becomes apparent. Snippets of the American involvement are scattered throughout with a little dedicated section near the end that clears up some loose ends.
July 12, 2023
I'm really not sure the tags I've put on this book adequately describe it.
I loved this book. In my opinion it's Eileen Enwright Hodgetts best book so far. I read it as an ARC reader and this is absolutely my honest opinion. We read about dangerous, ruthless warlords surrounded by child soldiers and girls who are kidnapped and raped in far off Africa, a world away - so much so that it can never touch us. But what about those caught up in the sheer terror of living in this world? Ms Hodgetts describes the environment and situation in Uganda at the time the book is set, so well I could feel it. I found it quite telling that the comfortably off American woman, an 80 year old still trying to be the free wheeling, careless hippy she was 60 years previously understands nothing of what is happening and repeatedly says, wistfully, that "This country isn't what it used to be" while the Irishman who lived through the troubles in Ireland understands and can feel the fear in the air. The aged hippy has taken her granddaughter to meet her grandfather, the African man she met and impulsively married during a drug fuelled, hedonistic road trip across Africa when she was a young girl herself, thinking to connect her to her African roots - the mother being the child of the marriage. The young American is irritating in that she would never stay put when she was told and got herself into trouble as a consequence - but if she didn't, there wouldn't have been as much of the story! One thing to take away from this book is the plight of the women, not only being captives but, like most of the people outside privileged compounds, having no choice but to drink filthy water that could kill them - just to stay alive. All of the characters in this book are extremely well drawn and the whole book well written, well researched and a really great read
I loved this book. In my opinion it's Eileen Enwright Hodgetts best book so far. I read it as an ARC reader and this is absolutely my honest opinion. We read about dangerous, ruthless warlords surrounded by child soldiers and girls who are kidnapped and raped in far off Africa, a world away - so much so that it can never touch us. But what about those caught up in the sheer terror of living in this world? Ms Hodgetts describes the environment and situation in Uganda at the time the book is set, so well I could feel it. I found it quite telling that the comfortably off American woman, an 80 year old still trying to be the free wheeling, careless hippy she was 60 years previously understands nothing of what is happening and repeatedly says, wistfully, that "This country isn't what it used to be" while the Irishman who lived through the troubles in Ireland understands and can feel the fear in the air. The aged hippy has taken her granddaughter to meet her grandfather, the African man she met and impulsively married during a drug fuelled, hedonistic road trip across Africa when she was a young girl herself, thinking to connect her to her African roots - the mother being the child of the marriage. The young American is irritating in that she would never stay put when she was told and got herself into trouble as a consequence - but if she didn't, there wouldn't have been as much of the story! One thing to take away from this book is the plight of the women, not only being captives but, like most of the people outside privileged compounds, having no choice but to drink filthy water that could kill them - just to stay alive. All of the characters in this book are extremely well drawn and the whole book well written, well researched and a really great read
July 26, 2023
Legacy by Eileen Enwright Hodgetts pulled me in with the summary. Once I read the summary I knew right then and there that I had to read it. Legacy pulled me into its depths from the first page and kept me hanging on page after page.
Legacy is one of those stories that will pull all sorts of emotions from you. It is a sad story. It will also leave you with rage and heartbreak on many occasions throughout.
Sarah Jensen is very gifted. She finished high school early and graduated college by the time she was eighteen years old. There has been no time left for her to be a teenager. And Sarah wants nothing more than to be able to do that now if she so desires.
Sarah’s grandmother, Brenda takes her to Africa so she can learn more about her African ancestors. Brenda first went to Africa in 1963 and she expected it to be the same place as it was when she was there the first time when she met Sarah’s grandfather. But things have changed tremendously over the years.
Upon their arrival, Sarah meets Matthew a young boy that also happens to be her uncle. Matthew disappears and Sarah is determined to find him and bring him back. In the meantime, she learns about an American young man who was murdered. Then a baby is taken.
Sarah sets out to find out what happened to the young man and find the baby. She hopes that by investigating the young man’s death it will lead her to the baby and Matthew.
Can Sarah and her family find out who killed the American and find the baby and Matthew before it is too late? Where is Matthew? Where is the baby?
Sarah’s investigation takes her across Africa. She runs into some pretty bad people along the way. Her journey is a very dangerous one.
Grab a copy of Legacy today and follow Sarah across Africa!
Legacy is one of those stories that will pull all sorts of emotions from you. It is a sad story. It will also leave you with rage and heartbreak on many occasions throughout.
Sarah Jensen is very gifted. She finished high school early and graduated college by the time she was eighteen years old. There has been no time left for her to be a teenager. And Sarah wants nothing more than to be able to do that now if she so desires.
Sarah’s grandmother, Brenda takes her to Africa so she can learn more about her African ancestors. Brenda first went to Africa in 1963 and she expected it to be the same place as it was when she was there the first time when she met Sarah’s grandfather. But things have changed tremendously over the years.
Upon their arrival, Sarah meets Matthew a young boy that also happens to be her uncle. Matthew disappears and Sarah is determined to find him and bring him back. In the meantime, she learns about an American young man who was murdered. Then a baby is taken.
Sarah sets out to find out what happened to the young man and find the baby. She hopes that by investigating the young man’s death it will lead her to the baby and Matthew.
Can Sarah and her family find out who killed the American and find the baby and Matthew before it is too late? Where is Matthew? Where is the baby?
Sarah’s investigation takes her across Africa. She runs into some pretty bad people along the way. Her journey is a very dangerous one.
Grab a copy of Legacy today and follow Sarah across Africa!
Read
July 21, 2023Legacy by Eileen Enwright Hodgetts is an absolute page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set in Uganda, this thrilling novel introduces a captivating cast of characters who are both endearing and dangerous. Hodgetts' storytelling prowess shines through in Legacy, as she effortlessly weaves together an entertaining and thought-provoking narrative.
What sets Legacy apart from Hodgetts' previous works is its ability to delve deep into the lives and history of the Ugandan people during uncertain times. The author's meticulous research and attention to detail are evident throughout the book, providing readers with an insightful look into a fascinating culture.
One of the standout aspects of Legacy is its ability to keep readers guessing with its clever plot twists. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Hodgetts throws in unexpected surprises that will leave you spinning. This constant sense of anticipation and suspense makes Legacy a truly gripping read.
Overall, Legacy is a must-read for fans of thrillers and those interested in exploring different cultures. Eileen Enwright Hodgetts has once again proven her talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking stories. Don't miss out on this captivating journey into the heart of Uganda and its people.
I've read many of Eileen's books and this is definitely one of my favorites. Love her Titanic series and her WWII series with War Brides, Air Raid, etc.
What sets Legacy apart from Hodgetts' previous works is its ability to delve deep into the lives and history of the Ugandan people during uncertain times. The author's meticulous research and attention to detail are evident throughout the book, providing readers with an insightful look into a fascinating culture.
One of the standout aspects of Legacy is its ability to keep readers guessing with its clever plot twists. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Hodgetts throws in unexpected surprises that will leave you spinning. This constant sense of anticipation and suspense makes Legacy a truly gripping read.
Overall, Legacy is a must-read for fans of thrillers and those interested in exploring different cultures. Eileen Enwright Hodgetts has once again proven her talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking stories. Don't miss out on this captivating journey into the heart of Uganda and its people.
I've read many of Eileen's books and this is definitely one of my favorites. Love her Titanic series and her WWII series with War Brides, Air Raid, etc.
July 27, 2023
This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won't be my last! This is a fantastic book. It has an excellent storyline, outstanding characters, and is very well written.
Legacy grabs you from the get go and keeps you engaged in the story until the very end! It is a true page turner with many tense scenes in it. There is a lot of intrigue, drama, mystery, tons of action, romance and much more!! Brenda has talked her granddaughter, Sarah, into going to Uganda with her. Brenda is wanting to revisit a time in her youth, when she went to Uganda and married a young man there and wound up pregnant before she returned to the US. Sarah, is a genius of a young woman, who is 18 and already graduated college, but has no clue to a lot of things in life beyond the classroom. Right away when they get to Uganda and Sarah meets her Grandfather, a leader in his area of the country, there is a murder of a young Peace Corps man. Brenda challenges her hubby that their Granddaughter can solve who did it. This is a gripping story with a lot of action in it and a few twists that weren't expected. You get to see how Sarah starts to adapt to having feelings for humanity and caring for others.
Legacy grabs you from the get go and keeps you engaged in the story until the very end! It is a true page turner with many tense scenes in it. There is a lot of intrigue, drama, mystery, tons of action, romance and much more!! Brenda has talked her granddaughter, Sarah, into going to Uganda with her. Brenda is wanting to revisit a time in her youth, when she went to Uganda and married a young man there and wound up pregnant before she returned to the US. Sarah, is a genius of a young woman, who is 18 and already graduated college, but has no clue to a lot of things in life beyond the classroom. Right away when they get to Uganda and Sarah meets her Grandfather, a leader in his area of the country, there is a murder of a young Peace Corps man. Brenda challenges her hubby that their Granddaughter can solve who did it. This is a gripping story with a lot of action in it and a few twists that weren't expected. You get to see how Sarah starts to adapt to having feelings for humanity and caring for others.
August 1, 2023
I could not put this book down, what a great read!
Sarah is an 18-year-old American girl who has been brought to Uganda by her grandmother, Brenda to help her figure out her identity and meet her grandfather, an African man Brenda impulsively married in the carefree, hippy 60s, an era Brenda has not altogether let go of.
Legacy is an excellent novel with well-developed, engaging characters and a storyline that makes you want to keep on reading. But it’s also chilling - an up-close view of the atrocities many women face in Africa, and enlightening - insight into the perspectives and many versions of the truth and necessity that exist. I came away from reading this book with a greater understanding of the multiple tiers of challenges and complexities that exist in African countries.
Eileen Enwright Hodgetts is an outstanding storyteller and has written an absolute winner with Legacy, delivering on so many levels - a treatise on the multiple tiers of challenges and complexities in an African country, wrapped in a fast-paced, page-turner that will have you on the edge of your seat, rooting for good to prevail.
Sarah is an 18-year-old American girl who has been brought to Uganda by her grandmother, Brenda to help her figure out her identity and meet her grandfather, an African man Brenda impulsively married in the carefree, hippy 60s, an era Brenda has not altogether let go of.
Legacy is an excellent novel with well-developed, engaging characters and a storyline that makes you want to keep on reading. But it’s also chilling - an up-close view of the atrocities many women face in Africa, and enlightening - insight into the perspectives and many versions of the truth and necessity that exist. I came away from reading this book with a greater understanding of the multiple tiers of challenges and complexities that exist in African countries.
Eileen Enwright Hodgetts is an outstanding storyteller and has written an absolute winner with Legacy, delivering on so many levels - a treatise on the multiple tiers of challenges and complexities in an African country, wrapped in a fast-paced, page-turner that will have you on the edge of your seat, rooting for good to prevail.
July 27, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the author and I would willingly give it more than 5 stars if I could.
This is a political thriller that, although just a story, has opened my eyes to the horror of life in Uganda under the reign of terrorists.
Fast paced, this story pulls the reader into the lives of the characters and you find yourself willing them to be alright.
Told from the perspective of two visiting Americans (one revisiting a place of her youth), an American living there and some native Ugandans, this is an intriguing story of the terror that ordinary people lived with and some still live with today.
There were many instances throughout the book that I wondered which side certain characters were on (I don’t want to give anything away).
The characters are well described as is the setting with first the rain and mud and then the blistering hot sun and humidity of the area.
This is no ordinary thriller story and I recommend it as a good read even if the political side does not entice you to read it.
This is a political thriller that, although just a story, has opened my eyes to the horror of life in Uganda under the reign of terrorists.
Fast paced, this story pulls the reader into the lives of the characters and you find yourself willing them to be alright.
Told from the perspective of two visiting Americans (one revisiting a place of her youth), an American living there and some native Ugandans, this is an intriguing story of the terror that ordinary people lived with and some still live with today.
There were many instances throughout the book that I wondered which side certain characters were on (I don’t want to give anything away).
The characters are well described as is the setting with first the rain and mud and then the blistering hot sun and humidity of the area.
This is no ordinary thriller story and I recommend it as a good read even if the political side does not entice you to read it.
July 21, 2023
This book is certainly an eye opener on the country of Uganda, that will pull at your heart strings. The story is present day but filled with memories of events from years ago, showing how they effected the characters and their actions in the present. Fact and fiction interspersed to create a suspenseful story with believed betrayals, intrigue, a touch of romance and the customs of this country. Brenda takes her granddaughter to Africa so she can learn about her African heritage but encounter unexpected surprises. A Peace Corp worker's murder and attempting to solve it, starts the discoveries for Sarah into her African blood and what life is really like in Uganda. The devastation, the fear, the pride of these people as they try to survive. Definitely worth your time to read this book. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.
August 1, 2023
Sarah Jensen heads to Africa with her grandmother, formerly known as Songbird when she was last in Africa, who wants her to know the African side of her heritage. But it's changed a lot since her grandmother's time and Sarah finds herself trapped between local terrorists and their leader who engage in all kinds of horrible behavior, her grandfather who has his own agenda, and other white visitors who have their own agendas. Legacy is fast paced and action packed, as Sarah finds herself kidnapped, escapes from bad guys, rescues others....all at the tender of 19 or so. At the same time we get to witness Sarah's growth from moody teen to thoughtful and brave woman.
It's a fast read with lots of twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages (or the screen) until the very end.
It's a fast read with lots of twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages (or the screen) until the very end.
August 15, 2023
This is a story with many layers - containing a fictional story about 2 self-centered women with no understanding of Africa, Ugandan culture, or people; and a story containing true atrocities and elements pulled straight from the news. I thought that the elements of true-life horror were well-woven into the main story so that the reader wasn't beat over the head but rather introduced almost gently. The 2 main female characters were very frustrating - a grandmother lost in her hippy past and a young woman with no understanding of how the real-world works. Thankfully, by the end both grew a bit.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2023
Hodgetts has outdone herself with a story of a modern day Uganda full of beauty, violence and secrets that go back 60 years. 18 year old Sarah is taken to Africa by her grandmother to find her heritage but when they become involved in trying to solve a white man's murder, they discover much more than either expected.
A great story told by an author with first hand experience of life in Uganda.
Well worth reading.
A great story told by an author with first hand experience of life in Uganda.
Well worth reading.
July 17, 2023
Well-written with attention to detail. Brenda returns to Africa many years later with her granddaughter and they become embroiled with the politics of the country and a wicked warlord, Matapa. An engaging story from start to finish. Contains hardship, fear, rape, death secrets, lies and so much more. A worthy read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2023
A very interesting and thought provoking book. A teenage girl gets a new understanding of the world and how very privileged children in the US really are. The story twists and turns and at times I wanted to shake Sarah for being so stupid, as well as her grandmother. I thought the story dragged a bit in some spots, but overall it was very good.
August 8, 2023
I got a little lost but once I got into Legacy it reminded me of all the news stories over the years and how lucky we are. I really appreciate the opportunity to be introduced to Eileen Enwright Hodgetts book.
September 6, 2023
An amazing story that doesn’t disappoint. Sarah walks right into danger in an African village. When she’s kidnapped, her kidnapper isn’t who he seems to be. Action, suspense and definitely danger. Loved it.
February 29, 2024
I was thrown off by the heavy religion talk, but there is always something new to figure out. A coming of age that has a lot of dark in it. Love the strength and resilience of the characters, while we learn more about different cultures.
August 2, 2023
An interesting read
July 28, 2023
I read this under the original title, AFRIC, and added my review there.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews