Dark Heart

by Tony Park

Under the African sun, the shadow of the past is never far away. During the Rwandan genocide, three foreigners - UN worker Carmel Shang, military doctor Richard Dunlop, and journalist Liesl Nel - were forced to stand by, powerless to prevent the massacre and unable to escape witnessing the horrors. 20 years later, scattered across the world, the wounds of Rwanda still run deep. Now, a tattered photograph that was clutched in the hand of a dying man holds a clue that brings them back together...and hides a secret that is making them a target of an assassin. Hunted through South Africa's Kruger National Park to Zambia, Australia, and back to Rwanda, the three must bring themselves to confront not just the scars of a nation and a continent, but of their own hearts.

Genres: Africa, Fiction, Crime, Historical Fiction, Thriller

400 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Tony Park was born in 1964 and grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. He has worked as a newspaper reporter in Australia and England, a government press secretary, a public relations consultant, and a freelance writer.

He served 34 years in the Australian Army Reserve, including six months in Afghanistan in 2002.

Tony and his wife, Nicola, split their time between Australia and Africa, where they own a house on the edge of of the Kruger National Park.

His 18th African novel, Last Survivor, went to number 1 in South Africa. His 19th novel, Blood Trail, will be released worldwide on August 1, 2021.

Praise for Tony Park


“Wilbur Smith...fans will not be disappointed to have found a spiritual heir,” The Times, London

“Tony Park is Australia’s premier adventure writer.” Canberra Weekly

“One of our best and most consistent thriller writers.” Sydney Morning Herald

“Since Wilbur Smith in his heyday, no one has written as well about southern Africa than Tony Park.” Crime Review (UK)

The Delta: “Break-neck in pace, with narrow escapes from death on every page, its charm is infectious.” Daily Mail, UK
“Tony Park exudes a love and deep knowledge of southern Africa in every line and character he creates in his books.” The Citizen, South Africa.
Far Horizon “Watch your back, Wilbur,” Qantas, The Australian Way

Zambezi: “a compulsive page turner” Sydney Morning Herald.

African Sky: “Rootin’ tootin reading” Sun-Herald

Safari: “He just gets better and better” Sun-Herald

Silent Predator: “Memorably exciting” Sydney Morning Herald

The Prey: “Another ripping yarn based on realistic scenarios,” Daily Telegraph

An Empty Coast: “Another winner which will keep you turning pages.” Crime Review UK

Red Earth: “One helluva fine thriller.” Booklist (US)

The Cull: “A fascinating insight into a life and death struggle.” Daily Telegraph

Captive: “A compelling and fascinating read.” Sunday Tribune

Scent of Fear: “A first-rate thriller.” Canberra Weekly

Ghosts of the Past: “A fabulous tale of betrayal, greed, intrigue and love.” Drum Magazine, South Africa

Last Survivor: “Sure-footed plotting and regular gunfire makes this one of Park’s best books. Recommended.” Canberra Weekly.

Reviews

[Bryndís · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was just incredibly boring.
Still, I was prepared to give this book two stars for most of the time (because I didn't hate it), but it gets one because even though I skimmed most of the book (just couldn't focus, because, well, boring...) I still saw the ending coming a mile away. Also, I think it's really bad writing if you have this many characters, yet none of them have any substance.

[Debbe' Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Park you have done it again. What a fantastic read, must say as a Aussie you have Africa down pat. Your knowledge of South African slang is brilliant. I am a South African living in Brisbane, and all I can say "Is good on you mate". Love all your books!!!!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Heart is a beautiful book about how three people strived to make a difference for people of Rwanda and save themselves in the process. After three unrelated events happen to Lawyer Mike Ioannou, Richard Dunlop and Liesl Nel Australian War Crimes Prosecutor Carmel Shang realise they are all linked to photograph that was found on a dying man twenty years ago. It started Australian War Crimes Prosecutor Carmel Shang to face two people from her past to find the answers. The readers of Dark Heart will continue to follow the twist and turns of Australian War Crimes Prosecutor Carmel Shang investigation to find out what happens to her, Richard Dunlop and Liesl Nel.

Dark Heart is the second book I have read by Tony Park, and I enjoyed reading it. I have never been to Africa and the way Tony Park describes his settings I felt that I had visited. I love Tony Park portrayal of his characters and the way he intertwines them with each other. Dark Heart was well written and researched by Tony Park. I like the twist and turns that Tony Park put in his plot for Dark Heart.

The readers of Dark Heart will understand the role and procedures of a War Crimes Prosecutor. Also, the readers of Dark Heart will learn devastation that pouching does on African wildlife.

I recommend this book.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

2014
This was my first Tony park book...but not my last. Love the plot and central characters.

Made also more enjoyable as I was able recognise many of the South African towns mentioned in the story. My mental picture, of towns and national parks, made the book come alive.

Written in 2012 it is probably the most recent of his books and I have some others on my listening list.

2017
Must confess to re-listening to Dark Heart only because it was still on my iPod and for the first third of the story there were only snippets which triggered déjà vu thoughts in my memory. As the story progressed I began to remember more of it and enjoyed as much the second time around as I did the first.

I still rated Dark Heart as a four star experience and recommend it to anyone who has been in and around Kruger National Park. Whilst not all the story is located in that area there are many mentions which had me thinking ‘I have been there.’

Dark Heart has all the necessary features to make it a good read and maybe even a good movie. Wildlife poaching, civil war, romance, some really bad dudes and a good guy who just happens to be an Aussie, are all integrated into a fast paced story.

I read several of Tony Park’s novels after my initial reading of Dark Heart and enjoyed each one.

[Durinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, page turner once I concentrated and go into the story line, great read but scary. But definitely not for the faint of heart as it is gruesome, extremely vivid, and so relevant in today's world, in Africa!!! I so enjoyed the book that I sat up until 1.30 am to finish the book as I couldn't go to bed not knowing the final outcome.

Well written, Tony Park. Will definitely be reading all the rest.

[T.C. Correy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first Tony Park book I've read. There are good and not so good comments and I've been tossing between 3 and 4 stars. The main problem was the overload of characters. If not every character would have had a 'life' and a full story and background, it would have been easier to follow. But besides Richard, everyone seemed kind of the same person, especially the female characters.

Spoiler alert: the part up the mountain to see the gorillas is very far fetched. Why would they go with the bad guy???? I don't think anyone would be that stupid.

However. Even though the story takes a few boring dips, especially towards the middle, it suddenly exploded into an 'unputdownable' thriller of action. And that's when I couldn't stop reading. It was nail biting and and incredible journey, even though the twist at the end was predictable. I also enjoyed learning about the African culture and well, the not so good sides in the country which is pretty much unknown to many of us. Certainly worth a read

[Neville · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy Tony Park books as they are well written, and the stories are well written.
Richard Dunlop is a washed-out medico who has seen a lot of death in the 1994 Rwanda genocide and after he left the UN, he turned to alcohol as an escape for what he had seen.
A photo that has telling details of a possible attack on an aircraft carrying two of the local presidents which was shot down leading to the start of the killings. This photo makes Richard, Liesl Nel (photographer/writer), Carmal Shang (UN Lawyer) all targets for the knowledge the have of the genocide and some of the main perpetrators.
The story takes you to South Africa, Zambia, Australia and Rwanda and will keep you glued to the book from start to finish. There is a little twist at the end that you may have had suspicions about or will catch you off guard.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read a book by this author for some time and had forgotten how much African history is packed into he stories. However, it is quite confronting and deals with the genocide in Rwanda in the 1990's. The book speed along and included three main characters Richard, Liesl and Carmel. Richard being a UK born doctor who now lives in Africa, Liesl an African born photo -journalist and Carmel an Australian Human Rights Lawyer who all worked in Rwanda during the genocide and who are now all targets for someone who seems to think they have knowledge about the inception of the genocide and who was behind it.
The book gives very graphic accounts of large scale human atrocities as well as shedding light on the black market trade of human organs and rare animals. Not a book for the faint hearted.

[Chris Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a riveting and exciting book with plenty of action and multiple story lines.

It is also a bit of African history that many are not aware of, dealing as it does with the genocide of Tutsi, and moderate Hutu populations.

Throw in modern day criminal proceedings aimed at the perpetrators of these atrocities, some wildlife smuggling, African witchdoctor details and you have a rip-roaring tale on your hands.

This also deals with the toll people who lived through these events must pay.

Well written, I will be looking up other books by Tony Park

[Kathy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do so enjoy the books of Tony Park. They have it all: interesting locations, lots of action, sex and a tight story line. But the thing that I love most is the passion for African wildlife and bush and the inclusion of so much history and political background. This book focussed on the genocide in Rwanda which we all know about but don’t really know the details. The author succinctly explains about the war in Rwanda and the UNs role afterwards. I always learn so much as I am entertained.

[Danie Vermeulen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I am a South African and have visited Rwanda a few times. I am also a keen supporter of anti-human and animal trafficking. I found this book absolutely riveting. I could not put it down. The twist at the end was an utter surprise. Well done Tony Park! I have enjoyed every book you’ve written.

[Claire Louisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok, I wasn't fussed on the narrator which is sad because he narrates a lot of Tony Parks books. I also wasn't a big fan of the three main characters. I did like the ending and I liked learning more about Rwanda's history.

[Robyn Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, this one had my heart racing at times. Suspense, action, murder, love ..... You name it, it had it all. Another great read from Tony Park. This was the paperback edition and not the Kindle (I do not read on a Kindle or the like).

[Graeme · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I got to read one of Tony Parks earlier books Dark Heart. What an absolute thrilling page turner! All I can add is if you like exciting, action, page turning thrilling reads then Tony Park is most definitely one hundred percent an author to follow.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual I enjoyed Tony Park's style of writing. I found the story line interesting and the characters were engaging. I needed to keep reading to see where the story was leading. A good read.

[Dave Rademan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me ages to finish reading this book. I battled through a lot of the Rwandan history. But I must admit the amount of research and detail is fantastic. Interesting twist at the end.

[D L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Enjoyed this book but was disappointed with the way it finished! A good reminder of the terrible genocide in Rawander.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Park is always a good read!

[Lisa Heyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, to this day (5 years later) this is still the best book I've ever read.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unable to really engage with the story
More sec than substance

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventeen years after the Rwandan genocide its witnesses face a real danger.

Michael Ioannou, prawnik ICTR (International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda) ginie w niewyjaśnionych okolicznościach. Prawdopodobnie 17 lat po ludobójstwie natrafił na nowy trop. Zebrane przez niego materiały przekazane zostają australijskiej prawniczce Carmeli Shang, a do złożenia zeznań Trybunał wzywa brytyjskiego lekarza Richarda Dunlopa oraz południowoafrykańską fotoreporterkę i dziennikarkę Liesl Nel. Cała trójka była przed laty świadkami rwandyjskiej rzezi. Kiedy wszyscy po kolei ledwo uchodzą z życiem w zamachach, wydaje się oczywiste, że trop, na który natrafił Ioannou musi wiązać się z ich wiedzą oraz że istnieją ludzie, którzy zrobią wszystko, aby ta wiedza nie ujrzała światła dziennego. Czy może chodzić o fotografię, którą 17 lat temu Richardowi przekazał umierający Hutu? Zdjęcie co prawda zostało zniszczone, ale Liesl wcześniej je sfotografowała.

Pasjonująca lektura. Tony Park, podobnie jak w innych swoich powieściach, mocno komplikuje akcję, włączając w nią wątki dzikiej afrykańskie przyrody i jej zagrożeń oraz perturbacji miłosnych bohaterów. Jednak faktografia dotycząca ludobójstwa jest nieźle udokumentowana, a główny sensacyjny wątek wydaje się wiarygodny, nawet jeśli niektóre jego elementy z naszego, europejskiego punktu widzenia wyglądają egzotycznie.

Tony Park był jednym z moich odkryć roku. Lubię wszystkie jego książki, które przeczytałam, opisy zagrożeń zwierząt i ludzi żyjących w Afryce i ich przygód, także miłosnych. Jedynie rozstrzygnięcia wątków kryminalnych bywają czasami zbyt efekciarskie, a przez to mało wiarygodne. Na półce roku 2016 umieściłam tę pozycję nie tylko ze względu na wagę tematu (mordercze polowania kłusowników też na to zasługują), ale na nieco inne niż reporterskie jego ujęcia, które znałam wcześniej.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Park's Dark Hear is an action packed thriller that weaves the threads of the Rwandian genocide, the trade in Africa's wildlife, the use of human parts for mutti (traditional African remedies) with issues of love, loss, betrayal, greed, violence and hope.

The hit and run death of Australian lawyer Mike Ioannou and violent attacks on British Doctor Richard Dunlop, South African photo journalist Liesl Nel and Australian war crimes prosecutor Carmel Shang seem unrelated except for their connection with a mysterious photo of three men taken 17 years ago in Rwanda. Richard, Carmel and Liesl, with the help of Rwandan orphan Colette, need to overcome past betrayals and clashes in Rwanda to track down and defeat the man who wants them dead.

The story takes place in a few short months while spanning three continents and five different countries, from the southern hemisphere to the northern, from South Africa to Rwanda. I appreciated Park's nuanced portrayal of South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda and Australia (three of these places I've lived in or visited), as well as his exploration of the causes and the unspeakable tragedy of the events in Rwanda.

The plot is complex but fast paced; the characters flawed, searching and sympathetic; the villains chilling. For my tastes, there was far too much causal, sozzled (and explicit) sexual encounters and a rather high and brutal body count (that's excluding accounts of the genocide), usually committed by the 'good guys' (in self-defence). I also thought that more could have be said about attempts of reconciliation in Rwanda after the genocide. Some parts of the plot stretch plausibility and I was expecting the major twist from a quarter the way in (so the 'am I right' 'am I wrong' for 3/4rds of the book tempered my enjoyment a bit). But having said that, Park does get a lot of things right with this book with much to enjoy.

[Kerri · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be fair, I would have never picked up this book, if it wasn't a book club selection at my local library. In our book club discussions, where we all read different novels by Park, it is pretty obvious he has a model he follows for all his books. The middle aged, handsome man who is generally ex military beds a number of smart attractive women, never being held done and managing to save (or almost save) at least one of them in the process while solving a major crime.
Don't get me wrong, the book was fast paced enough, and Park obviously does his research. His knowledge on the genocide in Rwanda, to the workings of the Australian military, to in depth knowledge of the plight of African fauna was incredible.
I am sure there are many people who love his books, he definitely would have mass appeal for this type of genre, but I myself found it far too contrived and self indulgent.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real page turner. Liked the Rwanda theme. Characters were mostly well drawn and compelling. did kind of pick one of the twists, but thought I'd got it wrong until the epilogue. The sex scenes though. Arghh! Generally pretty cheesy - and the one in the plane? Didn't further the storyline at all. Couldn't think of a single reason it was there. Overall though, not a bad read. I'd probably be up for reading another of his.
Read ahead of the event I'm organising with the author for work - https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/sub...
Oh yeah, should also mention [spoiler] the bit with the gorilla at the end was completely ridiculous. He kind of lost me a bit there. There were other somewhat unbelievable bits that I could go along with - it is fiction after all - but the gorilla? Really?

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've never been to Africa and never had any great desire to go there. It has always struck me as a tough, brutal place with funny accents and apart from the South African cricket team and those bloody vuvuzelas at the World Cup, it is one part of the world I really know nothing about. So it was interesting getting a dummys guide to the Rwandan genocide.
The story itself was enjoyable and quite well written. It's a fairly decent adventure thriller but the main characters were hard to warm to and there is a scene towards the end that cost the book an extra star (no spoilers here suckers).
After reading this, I want to watch Gorillas In The Mist and Hotel Rwanda but I still have zero desire to visit Africa. If only they didn't have those funny accents!

[Reinalyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This books has a lot to say about the main characters with or without the supporting characters than the main story or the main point. It focuses more on them that makes you want to dnf it, in other words i don't like it in other words that is the reason i didn't give five star. I had given 2 star for two reasons, number 1 the romance and second is the main story that is why i bought it, I didn't buy this to get to know more about them and there twisted relationship.. It just goes on and on about them. #sodissappointed #lame #itstoomuch #goodbye

[Cathy Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting entanglement of characters and countries with past and present stories. I would be interested to read how people in South Africa and Rwanda respond to his story. Some powerful and unforgettable images and events. It has motivated me to discover more about the genocide in Rwanda. Did note that he called Worcestershire sauce , Worcester sauce when describing the creation of a Bloody Mary. Is it called this in Africa?

[Tony Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Heart

I'm quite a Tony Park fan, but I have to say that Dark Heart is one of his best.

I found the story gripping with lots of edge-of-your-seat reading.
The opening few chapters were complex and I had to go back once or twice to refresh my memory, but once I got the hang of what was going on, it was Tony Park at his very best.

Highly recommended

[Rosemary Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is based around the Rwandan genocide, and the illegal trade in wildlife, this book was a good enough adventure/action romp. Maybe somewhat implausible at times, but it kept me going, wanting to know what would happen in the end, so I'm fine with that. As we say in South Africa, it's "skop, skiet en donner" story. (meaning "kicking, shooting and beating people up") If that's your sort of story, you'll enjoy it.

[Annica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is very much a typical Park story. My gripe is that the introduction of the many different characters was a bit abrupt and I had to look back a few times to understand who is who. The culmination at the end was also rather predictable and since I had other books with better prospects waiting by my bedside I didn't actually bother finishing this 'drama'.