Some Other Eden

by Anthony Etherington

Cairo, 2010. As the vast city swelters in the summer heatwave, anti-government protesters take to the streets. When visiting businessman Geoff Ward is kidnapped, his client Khaled and Khaled’s sister, Layla, a prominent activist, set out to find the Englishman. Meanwhile, back in the UK, Geoff’s wife, Angie, frustrated by her feelings of helplessness and the government’s apparent ineffectiveness, contacts an old family friend, Shimon, to ask for help.

Who has taken Geoff and why? Can his would-be rescuers work together to find him? And how will Angie and her two teenage children cope with his disappearance? Told from multiple perspectives, Some Other Eden– part kidnap thriller, part family drama - is a gripping tale of resilience and courage in an increasingly turbulent and fragmented world.

463 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2025

About the author

A former shop manager, mental nurse and recruitment & development specialist, Anthony has written several teleplay pilots and audio plays as well as three feature length dramas. One of these, Yellow Dragon and the Red Fox, won Best Screenplay awards at the European Independent Film Festival and The International Film Festival of Wales in 2014. Two of his short scripts – Flotsam and Gemma’s War – have been filmed and are available to view on YouTube (see https://youtu.be/9vBX0tsw0T4 and https://youtu.be/PTCZ7MFHqWE).
His debut novel, mystery-thriller Europia, set in a near-future Romania, revolved around the life of a young woman with serious boyfriend troubles. Some Other Eden, his second novel, follows the events that unfold after a British businessman is kidnapped in Cairo in the run-up to the Egyptian Revolution in 2011.

Reviews

[Layla Penfold · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting story plot, there are quite a few types of genres interlinked within each other. I couldn’t imagine anything scarier than what was occurring within the characters lives. The fact is the author has created this book so delicately with the real, harsh truths of the world we live in.
This book is very interesting & has a little importance in it. Whilst reading it, occasionally it made me think of everything that is going on right now.
I’m so grateful that I was able to have a copy given to me, I have been to Egypt & extremely interested in this part of the world. It was thrilling, and I was fully gripped. I would highly recommend this to everyone.

[Arianna Holmstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book!

[Karolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is my review for Some Other Eden by Anthony Etherington

This was a truly intriguing story which I really enjoyed reading. I got drawn into the story slowly right from the start, then Geoff Ward is kidnapped so the action switches back and forth between Cairo and England where Geoff’s family is. The detail is superb and I believe the author must have done some research for this story as it shows in the writing. The book is extremely well written and brilliantly plotted. The characters have been well thought out and are described well in the story. The storyline is terrific and has been well thought of by the author. I liked the author’s writing style and I found it really easy to get into. There is a lot of suspense and tension in this story which had me worrying for Geoff’s safety and safe return to his family. This is only the author’s second novel but I would like to read more of his books in the future.

Blurb :

Cairo, 2010. As the vast city swelters in the summer heatwave, anti-government protesters take to the streets.
When visiting businessman Geoff Ward is kidnapped, his client Khaled and Khaled’s sister, Layla, a prominent activist, set out to find the Englishman. Meanwhile, back in the UK, Geoff’s wife, Angie, frustrated by her feelings of helplessness and the government’s apparent ineffectiveness, contacts an old family friend, Shimon, to ask for help.
Who has taken Geoff and why? Can his would-be rescuers work together to find him? And how will Angie and her two teenage children cope with his disappearance?

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. I enjoyed this a lot. The story was strong.

The cover is fitting for the genre and location. As a good chunk takes place in Egypt in Geoff's cell. They colours are good and it's eye catching. Great design job.

The research into this book looks phenomenal. Especially with the current events of 2010. That's was really well done and so relevant for the time. Great job Anthony!

I really like the characters. I loved Angie. She was so strong and adapted so well. I liked Geoff too and felt bad for him and his situation. The rest of the characters were fun and fit in well.

I really recommend the book!

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great thriller and a real page turner.
A chunky book but it certainly didn’t feel long, the writing flowed well making an easy read.
The descriptive words draw the reader in making it hard to put down, I read it quite quickly, with its short chapters it meant I did quite a few just one more chapter moments.
If you enjoy a good thriller this is for you, set in the Middle East in 2010 at the time of unrest it actually feels very real at times.
Excellent read and a beautiful book cover thank you for my copy ❤️

@zooloosbooktours #anthonyetherington #thebookguild #someothereden #thrillerbooks #bookstagram

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony has written this book in a way that feels highly believable and I could not put this book down. It sounds like a cliche but I really appreciate the authenticity of the plot and it's characters. The impact of what happened and how it influences the characters choices was interesting to read. The author has well researched the topic and I was excited by the kidnapping and how it played out. I would love a follow up book because I feel it is needed.

[Liz Warn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page-turner! This has kept me on the edge of my seat and up for many hours past my bedtimes. I highly recommend it.