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The Protector
A gripping thriller by Australia's master of adventure about rescue, revenge and redemption, and the things we do to protect the ones we love.
Professor Denise 'Doc' Rado is South Africa's expert on pangolins, busting poachers and freeing the endangered anteaters in elaborate undercover stings.
After a risky operation backfires, Doc's life is shattered, but she still has to lead an eclectic group of donors on a wildlife tour of southern Africa.
But there's a target on her back.
As the safari ventures deep into Africa, Doc fears they're being followed and she will do anything to keep them all safe - especially Ian Laidlaw, a handsome Australian businessman turned accidental philanthropist.
Is Doc being hunted by the poachers she once fought, or is there some other bloodthirsty predator prowling the wilderness?
Professor Denise 'Doc' Rado is South Africa's expert on pangolins, busting poachers and freeing the endangered anteaters in elaborate undercover stings.
After a risky operation backfires, Doc's life is shattered, but she still has to lead an eclectic group of donors on a wildlife tour of southern Africa.
But there's a target on her back.
As the safari ventures deep into Africa, Doc fears they're being followed and she will do anything to keep them all safe - especially Ian Laidlaw, a handsome Australian businessman turned accidental philanthropist.
Is Doc being hunted by the poachers she once fought, or is there some other bloodthirsty predator prowling the wilderness?
391 pages, Paperback
Published July 30, 2024
43 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Tony Park
37 books299 followersTony 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 27, 2025
Doc Rado is a half-Indian pangolin expert, born and raised in South Africa, who also fights their trafficking. When things go wrong on a sting she loses the love of her life and her driving purpose. 3 months later she is giving a pangolin tour when people around her start to die. Is she a target because of her previous work taking down illegal pangolin buyers or is something else at play?
I didn’t have high expectations for this title based on the awful cover however I was sold on by the pangolins. For the most part it reads like a standard but solid crime thriller where the villian is unknown but there is a clear strong contendor. There is also a dash of romance and open door sex. I didn’t see an editor credited and it certainly could have used one.
My real qualm with this was that the last minute twist ending rewrote so many different details that it was difficult to keep track of how they all fit together. The overall crime motivation and means were made clear but the whys behind one of the last events evaded me even though I read the last 10% 2x. This is very much just my personal experience though and the storyline may read much clearer for someone else more familiar with Park’s work.
I didn’t have high expectations for this title based on the awful cover however I was sold on by the pangolins. For the most part it reads like a standard but solid crime thriller where the villian is unknown but there is a clear strong contendor. There is also a dash of romance and open door sex. I didn’t see an editor credited and it certainly could have used one.
My real qualm with this was that the last minute twist ending rewrote so many different details that it was difficult to keep track of how they all fit together. The overall crime motivation and means were made clear but the whys behind one of the last events evaded me even though I read the last 10% 2x. This is very much just my personal experience though and the storyline may read much clearer for someone else more familiar with Park’s work.
July 9, 2025
Well this was a wild, thrilling ride!
If I had to create a genre for The Protector, by Tony Park, I'd call it bush-thrill.
It's about the Pangolin poaching and illegal Pangolin trade in SA, which I knew NOTHING about a week ago, and now I feel really invested in these little guys, who are in big danger, people!
This is a white knuckle ride through the African bush, chased by predators and poachers and plot twists you'll NEVA see coming.
Tony really gets pace and tension. Also though, it's prettttty sexy 😉 🦁 🐆 🦒 🐘 🦅 (We need to rally for a pangolin emoji!)
If I had to create a genre for The Protector, by Tony Park, I'd call it bush-thrill.
It's about the Pangolin poaching and illegal Pangolin trade in SA, which I knew NOTHING about a week ago, and now I feel really invested in these little guys, who are in big danger, people!
This is a white knuckle ride through the African bush, chased by predators and poachers and plot twists you'll NEVA see coming.
Tony really gets pace and tension. Also though, it's prettttty sexy 😉 🦁 🐆 🦒 🐘 🦅 (We need to rally for a pangolin emoji!)
May 31, 2025
It's a good entertaining read. I didn't really buy the ending and also the romance factor was a bit over the top. However I do appreciate the authors efforts to draw attention to the pangolins, therefore I am rounding my 3,5 stars up to 4.
August 2, 2024
Tony Park’s books are thrillers set in Africa, with a romantic element, and always featuring a strong message about conservation of endangered animals and the fight against poaching.
In The Protector, Tony focuses on the plight of pangolins, a species of beautiful anteaters which are unique to Africa. Pangolin scales, while having no possible application in medicine or any other benefit to humans, are highly prized in some countries. It would seem that their rarity gives them value as a status symbol, much like rhino horn, and there are always unscrupulous people looking to make a buck (make that lots of bucks), no matter how evil the proposition.
This is where the thrilling part of The Protector comes in. Professor Denise (Doc) Rado is a researcher into pangolins who has been involved in many dangerous ‘sting’ operations, trapping criminals engaged in the insidious pangolin trade, until one shocking day when a sting goes horribly wrong and Doc’s life is shattered. She goes back to teaching graduate students specialising in the care and preservation of pangolins, leading field trips through sections of the African bush where pangolins are harboured.
Enter Ian Laidlaw, an Australian businessman who has bid at auction and won a trip to Southern Africa, trailing Doc and her students in their research. Ian is struck by the beauty of the African bush and the stunning, previously unimagined wonder of the animal life. Ian gets more than he bargained for as the story hurtles towards a heart stopping conclusion.
There is action aplenty, fabulous scene setting and, as always, lots of interesting, varied characters to keep the story going at Tony’s usual pace. If you have been to Africa this book will evoke your memories in glorious technicolor, and if you haven’t, and you’ve got a pulse, it will have you wondering what you’ve missed.
Published by Pan Macmillan
In The Protector, Tony focuses on the plight of pangolins, a species of beautiful anteaters which are unique to Africa. Pangolin scales, while having no possible application in medicine or any other benefit to humans, are highly prized in some countries. It would seem that their rarity gives them value as a status symbol, much like rhino horn, and there are always unscrupulous people looking to make a buck (make that lots of bucks), no matter how evil the proposition.
This is where the thrilling part of The Protector comes in. Professor Denise (Doc) Rado is a researcher into pangolins who has been involved in many dangerous ‘sting’ operations, trapping criminals engaged in the insidious pangolin trade, until one shocking day when a sting goes horribly wrong and Doc’s life is shattered. She goes back to teaching graduate students specialising in the care and preservation of pangolins, leading field trips through sections of the African bush where pangolins are harboured.
Enter Ian Laidlaw, an Australian businessman who has bid at auction and won a trip to Southern Africa, trailing Doc and her students in their research. Ian is struck by the beauty of the African bush and the stunning, previously unimagined wonder of the animal life. Ian gets more than he bargained for as the story hurtles towards a heart stopping conclusion.
There is action aplenty, fabulous scene setting and, as always, lots of interesting, varied characters to keep the story going at Tony’s usual pace. If you have been to Africa this book will evoke your memories in glorious technicolor, and if you haven’t, and you’ve got a pulse, it will have you wondering what you’ve missed.
Published by Pan Macmillan
January 6, 2025
Doc is a fierce protector of the pangolins, an anteater from Southern Africa that’s being poached for its scales. She helps catch these poachers with the help of the Police, doing elaborate sting operations. Still feeling she doesn’t do enough; she agrees to do a very dodgy sting operation with limited time to plan. It went horribly wrong and Doc’s whole world came tumbling down.
Doc decided to focus on her teaching job at university instead of doing more sting operations. Her job includes field work with students and tours of their work to bring in money for conservation. It’s been three months since the disastrous sting operation and Doc and three of her students are planning a trip of Southern Africa with some donors to see the pangolins in action.
The trip begins with quite a bang – a murder, an old rival as guest, dodgy looking relationships and a missing pangolin. Determined not to let the dodgy start undermine the goal of the trip, Doc decides to continue with this doomed-looking-tour. How will Doc keep her guests safe when the bodies keep piling up? Is someone targeting her, a guest or the location of the pangolins?
My thoughts: Another great action-adventure book by Tony Park! It’s a book that keeps you guessing who the target or who bad guys might be. Full of action, beautiful animals, drama and adventure
Doc decided to focus on her teaching job at university instead of doing more sting operations. Her job includes field work with students and tours of their work to bring in money for conservation. It’s been three months since the disastrous sting operation and Doc and three of her students are planning a trip of Southern Africa with some donors to see the pangolins in action.
The trip begins with quite a bang – a murder, an old rival as guest, dodgy looking relationships and a missing pangolin. Determined not to let the dodgy start undermine the goal of the trip, Doc decides to continue with this doomed-looking-tour. How will Doc keep her guests safe when the bodies keep piling up? Is someone targeting her, a guest or the location of the pangolins?
My thoughts: Another great action-adventure book by Tony Park! It’s a book that keeps you guessing who the target or who bad guys might be. Full of action, beautiful animals, drama and adventure
Read
August 1, 2024Tony Park delivers another thrilling adventure, this time whisking readers all around southern Africa on a wildlife tour featuring endangered pangolins and murder. When an undercover sting backfires, Professor Denise 'Doc' Rado finds herself shattered. She's lost the man she loves, who she had just started to find happiness with, and she still has to shepherd an eclectic group of donors on a wildlife tour. When two more men close to Doc are murdered, everyone starts to wonder - is this all a coincidence, or is someone out to get her?
This is an entertaining, fast-paced read, and teaches readers a surprising amount about pangolins and their plight as the most trafficked animal in the world. It's perfect for fans of David Baldacci or Wilbur Smith and will delight faithful Tony Park readers. A must-read for thriller fans.
- Beth
This is an entertaining, fast-paced read, and teaches readers a surprising amount about pangolins and their plight as the most trafficked animal in the world. It's perfect for fans of David Baldacci or Wilbur Smith and will delight faithful Tony Park readers. A must-read for thriller fans.
- Beth
August 4, 2024
Another excellent part of the series. A definite page-turner, excitement from the beginning, in other words unputdownable. The twists and turns in book #22 had me guessing at the end of each and every chapter, changing my mind who the bad guy(s) were, and I definitely did not see the end twist. This book takes us from South Africa across the border into Zimbabwe.
Well done, Tony Park, on one of the best so far. I cannot wait for book #23. I usually wait until our Canadian winters to read one of his books, as a child of Africa i need my fix during our long cold winters to transport me back to the dust filled bushveld, but I could not wait any longer to devour this book, the anticipation got to me, and I read it in a day.
Well done, Tony Park, on one of the best so far. I cannot wait for book #23. I usually wait until our Canadian winters to read one of his books, as a child of Africa i need my fix during our long cold winters to transport me back to the dust filled bushveld, but I could not wait any longer to devour this book, the anticipation got to me, and I read it in a day.
August 25, 2024
An interesting outing in South Africa and Zimbabwe, following the main characters as they meet on a wild life safari and then survive members of the safari being killed, kidnapped and terrorised.
Doc, a zoologist, specialising in the study of pangolins and preventing them from being trafficked, looses her close friend when he is shot in front of her.
Ian from Australia, only came on the tour because he was trying to impress a girl, and paid $15,000 for it to silent charity auction.
Doc is acting as a guide on the tour months after the shooting and she likes Ian and his innocent enjoyment of the environment they travel through.
The bad guys are caught and the main characters decide to explore more of the country by themselves.
Doc, a zoologist, specialising in the study of pangolins and preventing them from being trafficked, looses her close friend when he is shot in front of her.
Ian from Australia, only came on the tour because he was trying to impress a girl, and paid $15,000 for it to silent charity auction.
Doc is acting as a guide on the tour months after the shooting and she likes Ian and his innocent enjoyment of the environment they travel through.
The bad guys are caught and the main characters decide to explore more of the country by themselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2024
What is a Pangolin, you may ask? They are a creature you will want to know more about after reading this book!
As always, Tony Park writes a fantastic page turner that hooks you from page one! Lions, hunting, guns, Safaris, and men with South African accents. Plus, an Aussie who reminds me of Travis Fimmel - Sold!! Another cast of awesome characters!
Amazing!!! Another excellent South African safari thriller from one of my favorites, Tony Park! Every time I read one of these books, it makes me want to travel to South Africa
As always, Tony Park writes a fantastic page turner that hooks you from page one! Lions, hunting, guns, Safaris, and men with South African accents. Plus, an Aussie who reminds me of Travis Fimmel - Sold!! Another cast of awesome characters!
Amazing!!! Another excellent South African safari thriller from one of my favorites, Tony Park! Every time I read one of these books, it makes me want to travel to South Africa
December 30, 2024
Thank you Tony Park for a phenomenal book! My dad used to love your books and this was the first one I have now read. Having grown up in Phalaborwa, I knew many of the places you mentioned in the book and felt like i was right there with the characters of this story. I read this book in 2 days and could not put it down. You had me on the edge of my seat guessing the whole time. I enjoyed learning more about pangolins and the teams out there protecting them. Thank you for sharing this story with us all.
August 8, 2024
Another great read from Tony park
A serious look at poaching of a rare animal the pangolin. I had never heard of it Tony park writes an outstanding story of troubled people faced with difficult decisions on life and morality. This is a can’t miss read Enjoy this story it is unique from a very clever author
A serious look at poaching of a rare animal the pangolin. I had never heard of it Tony park writes an outstanding story of troubled people faced with difficult decisions on life and morality. This is a can’t miss read Enjoy this story it is unique from a very clever author
December 30, 2024
how precious is the wild
As always a great read. We have a lodge in this area and the familiar encounters in the book enhance my appreciation of being lucky enough to still be able to experience these beautiful creatures in the wild. The protractors and game rangers do a phenomenal job .
As always a great read. We have a lodge in this area and the familiar encounters in the book enhance my appreciation of being lucky enough to still be able to experience these beautiful creatures in the wild. The protractors and game rangers do a phenomenal job .
November 5, 2024
The True Africa and could be true !!
A reverting read and very factual. Well done Tony.
As i always say having read all your books and knowing Africa very well researched. Await the next story/novel.
A reverting read and very factual. Well done Tony.
As i always say having read all your books and knowing Africa very well researched. Await the next story/novel.
November 20, 2024
I’ve read all of Tony Parks book oks and loved them all except this on. Not up to his usual exciting standard I’m sad to say. Found it very confusing at the end with way too many characters to keep a track of. Not the usual page turner I’m used to.
August 1, 2025
Another great Tony Park book that brings attention to wildlife conservation, this time for pangolins. Tony Park has such a beautiful way of describing Africa so you feel like you're there while educating you on the topic through thrilling, page turning, books. I can never get enough!
August 23, 2024
Another great read!
October 15, 2024
Tony Parks, The Protector is another excellent page turning thriller featuring the wildlife of South Africa. Thanks heaps for the entertainment and sharing the well researched knowledge Tony.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 20, 2024First of the author for me. Twists, turns, and as expected, description of game life as it is.
February 8, 2025
Another excellent African thriller.
February 27, 2025
Makes an African wildlife visit very attractive - but - the violence etc! Great to hear of the efforts to protect pangolins and other spp
March 8, 2025
First time reader of Tony Park. Just an observation but very few Goodreads reviewers leave an actual review just a star rating. Is this the norm for this writer?
August 5, 2025
Love when you get the characters that you know and they show you more and develop well
October 18, 2025
I enjoyed this book.
October 23, 2025
Audiobook.
December 14, 2025
DNF
Chapter 2 / Loc 252 / 4% / 00:23:07
Chapter 2 / Loc 252 / 4% / 00:23:07
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews