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The Women Who Stand Between
Julia Wilde is one of the best wildlife cinematographers in the business. But while on location in southern Africa, she finds herself unfairly blamed for an accident that leaves several crew members dead. Blacklisted by the movie industry, she takes a job in the film department at a Midwestern university only to discover that tenure depends on her making a movie.
With a small crew of talented filmmaking friends in tow, Julia heads back to Zimbabwe to make a documentary about the Mambas, a fierce all-female anti-poaching unit who risk their lives every day to protect endangered species.
But as Julia soon learns, being behind the lens is no protection from poachers who will do whatever it takes to protect their business and keep this movie from seeing the light of day.
With a small crew of talented filmmaking friends in tow, Julia heads back to Zimbabwe to make a documentary about the Mambas, a fierce all-female anti-poaching unit who risk their lives every day to protect endangered species.
But as Julia soon learns, being behind the lens is no protection from poachers who will do whatever it takes to protect their business and keep this movie from seeing the light of day.
- GenresAfrica
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
8 people are currently reading
1429 people want to read
About the author
Jeannée Sacken
9 books74 followersA former English professor at Rochester Institute of Technology, Jeannée Sacken is now a photojournalist who travels the world, documenting the lives of women and children. She also photographs wildlife and is deeply committed to the conservation of endangered species. When not traveling, she lives with her husband and three cats in Shorewood, Wisconsin, where she's hard at work on the next novel in the award-winning Annie Hawkins series. Follow Jeannée at jeanneesacken.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 16, 2025
The author has gone from strength to strength in her writing of compelling novels about gutsy women in exotic lands, and her latest is my favorite yet! Set in her beloved Africa where she herself has shot so many glorious photos, The Women Who Stand Between will grab, break, and remake your heart as it focuses on a courageous band of female anti-poachers who risk all to save the continent's wildlife from extinction. A tour de force!
January 2, 2026
This was my first book by Jeanenee Sacken and I am definitely a fan ! The Women Who Stand Between really spoke to my heart ❤️ and as a life long animal rescuer and animal sanctuary keeper myself ,I just adored this book , powerful and moving .The book ebbed and flowed beautifully and I am beyond honored I received this book in a giveaway, Come check this book out you won't be disappointed!
September 16, 2025
As she did so masterfully with Afghanistan in her Annie Hawkins Green novels,
author Jeanée Sacken once again transports readers—this time to the wilds of
Zimbabwe—with vivid detail, emotional depth, and a deep respect for the land,
its wildlife, and its people.
Nature photographer Julia Wilde is on assignment for National Geographic,
working with her film crew on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. But tragedy strikes
when two of her crew members are killed in a plane crash, an incident for which
Julia is unfairly blamed.
The fallout is swift and brutal: she's ostracized by the film industry back in the
U.S., and her personal life collapses when she discovers her movie-star husband,
Liam, has been unfaithful—and wants a divorce.
In search of purpose and redemption, Julia accepts a university position teaching
photography, a role that—ironically—requires her to complete a film in order to
qualify for tenure. Determined not to let her past define her, she assembles a
small team and returns to Msasa Camp in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. She’s
relieved to find her trusted guide, Tonderai, waiting for her. In a moment of pure
synchronicity, she had made the acquaintance of his grandfather—a revered
healer and seer—on her flight over, a connection that will prove unexpectedly
invaluable. Her focus: to document the Mambas—a courageous group of local
women who have survived abuse and now risk their lives to protect wildlife from
poachers.
But challenges quickly mount. Julia is shocked to learn that the film's financing
was never secured; she must now fund the project from her own dwindling
savings. She blames this mismanagement on Colin Tremblay, the Mambas’
enigmatic manager and a former British military officer, who also happens to be
clever and handsome. The stakes are high—not just for Julia’s career, but for the
Mambas themselves, who are vulnerable, brave, and gradually become open to
sharing their stories. Julia, Colin and the rest of the team hope this film will bring
visibility and resources to the Mambas cause and a new men’s group, the Cobras,
with similar goals.
Tensions rise as Julia is forced to work alongside Liam and his new partner,
Natalie, both unexpectedly tied to the project. Meanwhile, Gus Sinclair—a former
Mamba manager turned big-game hunter—lurks in the shadows. Now the owner
of the luxurious Buffalothorn Camp, Gus is determined to destroy any evidence
that could link him to the poaching underworld and a previous murder. Julia and
Colin, drawn closer by both purpose and emotion, soon realize their lives - and
the future of the entire project - are in imminent danger.
Jeanée Sacken has crafted a compelling, multi-layered narrative that explores
resilience, betrayal, conservation, and justice. With heart-pounding suspense,
richly drawn characters, and a stunning African backdrop, this novel is a gripping
thriller, a testament to strong women and their choices, and a powerful tribute to
those fighting for what’s wild and worth saving.
author Jeanée Sacken once again transports readers—this time to the wilds of
Zimbabwe—with vivid detail, emotional depth, and a deep respect for the land,
its wildlife, and its people.
Nature photographer Julia Wilde is on assignment for National Geographic,
working with her film crew on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. But tragedy strikes
when two of her crew members are killed in a plane crash, an incident for which
Julia is unfairly blamed.
The fallout is swift and brutal: she's ostracized by the film industry back in the
U.S., and her personal life collapses when she discovers her movie-star husband,
Liam, has been unfaithful—and wants a divorce.
In search of purpose and redemption, Julia accepts a university position teaching
photography, a role that—ironically—requires her to complete a film in order to
qualify for tenure. Determined not to let her past define her, she assembles a
small team and returns to Msasa Camp in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. She’s
relieved to find her trusted guide, Tonderai, waiting for her. In a moment of pure
synchronicity, she had made the acquaintance of his grandfather—a revered
healer and seer—on her flight over, a connection that will prove unexpectedly
invaluable. Her focus: to document the Mambas—a courageous group of local
women who have survived abuse and now risk their lives to protect wildlife from
poachers.
But challenges quickly mount. Julia is shocked to learn that the film's financing
was never secured; she must now fund the project from her own dwindling
savings. She blames this mismanagement on Colin Tremblay, the Mambas’
enigmatic manager and a former British military officer, who also happens to be
clever and handsome. The stakes are high—not just for Julia’s career, but for the
Mambas themselves, who are vulnerable, brave, and gradually become open to
sharing their stories. Julia, Colin and the rest of the team hope this film will bring
visibility and resources to the Mambas cause and a new men’s group, the Cobras,
with similar goals.
Tensions rise as Julia is forced to work alongside Liam and his new partner,
Natalie, both unexpectedly tied to the project. Meanwhile, Gus Sinclair—a former
Mamba manager turned big-game hunter—lurks in the shadows. Now the owner
of the luxurious Buffalothorn Camp, Gus is determined to destroy any evidence
that could link him to the poaching underworld and a previous murder. Julia and
Colin, drawn closer by both purpose and emotion, soon realize their lives - and
the future of the entire project - are in imminent danger.
Jeanée Sacken has crafted a compelling, multi-layered narrative that explores
resilience, betrayal, conservation, and justice. With heart-pounding suspense,
richly drawn characters, and a stunning African backdrop, this novel is a gripping
thriller, a testament to strong women and their choices, and a powerful tribute to
those fighting for what’s wild and worth saving.
September 25, 2025
Jeannée Sacken has once again delivered a breathtaking narrative that pulls the reader into an extraordinary world in "The Women Who Stand Between." Following the journey of Julia Wilde, a talented wildlife cinematographer, the story unfolds against the stunning backdrop of Zimbabwe, laden with danger, passion, and hope.
After facing an unthinkable tragedy on location that leaves her blacklisted from her industry, Julia's resilience shines as she transitions to a teaching role at a Midwestern university. The stakes are high: in order to secure her tenure, she must produce a documentary. Sacken beautifully articulates Julia's struggle as she decides to return to Zimbabwe to tell the powerful story of the Black Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching unit that bravely protects endangered species.
What sets this novel apart is Sacken’s exceptional ability to blend rich storytelling with poignant themes of empowerment and survival. The characters leap off the page, each one vividly drawn with their own intricacies and motivations. The tensions that Julia faces—both personally and in her filmmaking journey—are palpable, and Sacken captures the essence of fear and courage beautifully.
Moreover, the descriptive prose immerses you in the sights and sounds of the African landscape. Her background as a photojournalist shines through, creating cinematic imagery that makes it feel as if you are right there with Julia, battling her way through both the physical and emotional wilderness. The stakes escalate as poachers threaten not only the natural world but also the lives of those defending it, creating a palpable tension throughout the narrative.
Sacken's love for Zimbabwe, its wildlife, and the formidable women she portrays is evident, turning the book into much more than a gripping thriller; it’s a love letter to those who fight to preserve what is precious and often endangered. The intertwining personal and political struggles faced by Julia and the Black Mambas resonate on multiple levels, making this work thought-provoking and inspiring.
Without hesitation, I give this novel five stars—it is a must-read for those who believe in the fight for justice, conservation, and the empowerment of women. Brava!
After facing an unthinkable tragedy on location that leaves her blacklisted from her industry, Julia's resilience shines as she transitions to a teaching role at a Midwestern university. The stakes are high: in order to secure her tenure, she must produce a documentary. Sacken beautifully articulates Julia's struggle as she decides to return to Zimbabwe to tell the powerful story of the Black Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching unit that bravely protects endangered species.
What sets this novel apart is Sacken’s exceptional ability to blend rich storytelling with poignant themes of empowerment and survival. The characters leap off the page, each one vividly drawn with their own intricacies and motivations. The tensions that Julia faces—both personally and in her filmmaking journey—are palpable, and Sacken captures the essence of fear and courage beautifully.
Moreover, the descriptive prose immerses you in the sights and sounds of the African landscape. Her background as a photojournalist shines through, creating cinematic imagery that makes it feel as if you are right there with Julia, battling her way through both the physical and emotional wilderness. The stakes escalate as poachers threaten not only the natural world but also the lives of those defending it, creating a palpable tension throughout the narrative.
Sacken's love for Zimbabwe, its wildlife, and the formidable women she portrays is evident, turning the book into much more than a gripping thriller; it’s a love letter to those who fight to preserve what is precious and often endangered. The intertwining personal and political struggles faced by Julia and the Black Mambas resonate on multiple levels, making this work thought-provoking and inspiring.
Without hesitation, I give this novel five stars—it is a must-read for those who believe in the fight for justice, conservation, and the empowerment of women. Brava!
September 19, 2025
I’m, admittedly, a big fan of Jeannée Sacken’s Annie Hawkins series, so I was eager to get my hands on her newest—The Women Who Stand Between. Sacken’s novels all contain exciting plots, rich characters, and outstanding writing—the things that make books memorable and a joy to read. But the thing that sets her stories apart is her cinematic writing. Like a movie, she has the ability to transport readers to a different land and immerse them in its culture.
In The Women Who Stand Between, the reader rides on the shoulder of an American camera woman in Zimbabwe. After being unfairly blamed for the accidental death of fellow film makers and subsequently blacklisted by her colleagues, Julia Wilde takes a teaching position at a college where she finds a new sort of contentment. But when the time comes to fight for her tenure, she knows the best and most expedient way to prove her worth is to produce her own documentary about what she knows best, wildlife. In particular, she chooses to focus the film on the Black Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching unit. To put together her team of film makers, she must confront her past: the events that led to her blacklisting, her failed marriage, and her self-doubt. What she discovers on this journey is inspiring—especially what she learns from the African women who transform their lives by saving endangered species as members of the Black Mambas.
The danger that dogs the heels of the documentary makers is omnipresent, palpable, and comes from all sides—humans, animals, the terrain, and the weather. The visual and sensual descriptions make the landscape, the people, and most importantly, the wildlife come alive in the reader’s imagination. It will not be surprising to learn that Jeannée Sacken has traveled to Africa many times to photograph elephants and lions, among many other of its denizens. Take a look at her website, and you’ll know what I mean! And the Black Mambas are not fictional. Check them out. They are awesome. Without hesitation: five stars.
In The Women Who Stand Between, the reader rides on the shoulder of an American camera woman in Zimbabwe. After being unfairly blamed for the accidental death of fellow film makers and subsequently blacklisted by her colleagues, Julia Wilde takes a teaching position at a college where she finds a new sort of contentment. But when the time comes to fight for her tenure, she knows the best and most expedient way to prove her worth is to produce her own documentary about what she knows best, wildlife. In particular, she chooses to focus the film on the Black Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching unit. To put together her team of film makers, she must confront her past: the events that led to her blacklisting, her failed marriage, and her self-doubt. What she discovers on this journey is inspiring—especially what she learns from the African women who transform their lives by saving endangered species as members of the Black Mambas.
The danger that dogs the heels of the documentary makers is omnipresent, palpable, and comes from all sides—humans, animals, the terrain, and the weather. The visual and sensual descriptions make the landscape, the people, and most importantly, the wildlife come alive in the reader’s imagination. It will not be surprising to learn that Jeannée Sacken has traveled to Africa many times to photograph elephants and lions, among many other of its denizens. Take a look at her website, and you’ll know what I mean! And the Black Mambas are not fictional. Check them out. They are awesome. Without hesitation: five stars.
October 27, 2025
As a wildlife advocate, I had high hopes for this novel about a cinematographer filming a female anti-poaching team in Zimbabwe. I couldn’t wait to dive in. From the dramatic opening chapters to the heart-pounding climax, ALL of my expectations were met—and more.
Sacken’s passion for Zimbabwe and her knowledge as a photojournalist of its wildlife bring this thrilling novel to life. From the nighttime sounds of elephants munching mopane leaves right outside a tent, to the too close for comfort sight and sound of a bull elephant in musth, I was transported to the sensual landscape of Zimbabwe from the comfort of my La-Z-Boy recliner.
Beyond the setting and the subject of protecting wildlife, The Women Who Stand Between also checked boxes with its cast of characters, each well-defined and fascinating in her or his own right. As in Sacken’s previous novels, her protagonist is a strong, determined woman, facing a challenge that involves daring and danger. Julia Wilde, a cinematographer who has been unfairly blacklisted, struggles to reclaim her career while filming the Mambas, a female anti-poaching team in Zimbabwe. The Mambas, equally bold and resolute, each have individual stories that grab your heart. The male characters are also strong, as well as charming, handsome, and mysterious enough to keep the reader—and Julia—on guard as to their true intentions.
If this is not enough to entice you, there is a very satisfying love story and a page-turning suspenseful storyline as well.
I highly recommend this 5 star novel!
Sacken’s passion for Zimbabwe and her knowledge as a photojournalist of its wildlife bring this thrilling novel to life. From the nighttime sounds of elephants munching mopane leaves right outside a tent, to the too close for comfort sight and sound of a bull elephant in musth, I was transported to the sensual landscape of Zimbabwe from the comfort of my La-Z-Boy recliner.
Beyond the setting and the subject of protecting wildlife, The Women Who Stand Between also checked boxes with its cast of characters, each well-defined and fascinating in her or his own right. As in Sacken’s previous novels, her protagonist is a strong, determined woman, facing a challenge that involves daring and danger. Julia Wilde, a cinematographer who has been unfairly blacklisted, struggles to reclaim her career while filming the Mambas, a female anti-poaching team in Zimbabwe. The Mambas, equally bold and resolute, each have individual stories that grab your heart. The male characters are also strong, as well as charming, handsome, and mysterious enough to keep the reader—and Julia—on guard as to their true intentions.
If this is not enough to entice you, there is a very satisfying love story and a page-turning suspenseful storyline as well.
I highly recommend this 5 star novel!
November 6, 2025
I absolutely loved The Women Who Stand Between. Jeannée Sacken has crafted a story that celebrates purpose, resilience, and the extraordinary power of women who take risks. I’ve always been drawn to novels about strong women who refuse to stay within safe boundaries, and this one delivers beautifully.
Set amid the rugged beauty of Zimbabwe, the novel follows Julia Wilde, a wildlife cinematographer forced to reinvent herself after a devastating accident. When she travels to film an all-female anti-poaching unit—the Mambas—she steps into a landscape that feels alive: wild, dangerous, and deeply spiritual. The setting mirrors Julia’s own transformation as she rediscovers her strength and sense of purpose.
What I appreciated most it is how Sacken balances emotional vulnerability with courage. Her women are flawed, human, and unflinchingly brave. The Zimbabwean bush feels almost like a character in itself, rendered with such authenticity that I could smell the dust and hear the distant roar of lions. The story is immersive, cinematic, and heartfelt all at once.
The Women Who Stand Between invites readers into a world the author knows and loves—one that may be unfamiliar to us but feels immediate and true through her eyes. It’s a story about connection: to place, to purpose, and to the hidden parts of ourselves that only reveal themselves when we journey far from home. A beautiful, evocative novel that lingers long after the final page.
Set amid the rugged beauty of Zimbabwe, the novel follows Julia Wilde, a wildlife cinematographer forced to reinvent herself after a devastating accident. When she travels to film an all-female anti-poaching unit—the Mambas—she steps into a landscape that feels alive: wild, dangerous, and deeply spiritual. The setting mirrors Julia’s own transformation as she rediscovers her strength and sense of purpose.
What I appreciated most it is how Sacken balances emotional vulnerability with courage. Her women are flawed, human, and unflinchingly brave. The Zimbabwean bush feels almost like a character in itself, rendered with such authenticity that I could smell the dust and hear the distant roar of lions. The story is immersive, cinematic, and heartfelt all at once.
The Women Who Stand Between invites readers into a world the author knows and loves—one that may be unfamiliar to us but feels immediate and true through her eyes. It’s a story about connection: to place, to purpose, and to the hidden parts of ourselves that only reveal themselves when we journey far from home. A beautiful, evocative novel that lingers long after the final page.
October 1, 2025
I adored Sacken’s Annie Hawkins Green novels set in Afghanistan, and she hits a fourth home run with The Women Who Stand Between set in Zimbabwe.
When nature cinematographer Julia Wilde's current film ends in a disastrous plane wreck for which she is unjustly blamed, her career nosedives, and to survive, she accepts a university teaching job in the wilds of Wisconsin. Several years later, she learns that to get tenure she must make a film. With hastily organized finances, much of which comes from her own retirement fund, Julia returns to Zimbabwe to film a documentary on the Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching group. Stakes rise as she and her group are drawn into the line of fire of Gus Sinclair, a big-game hunter turned poacher as well as the corrupt government officials who tolerate his activities in exchange for kickbacks.
Having spent time in Africa, Sacken’s descriptions of the landscape, people, and multiple animal species is accurate. Best of all, her protagonist blows to bits the “great white hunter” mystique personified by Ernest Hemingway. It’s a lovely tribute to the nature and the conservation efforts of groups like the Mambas.
When nature cinematographer Julia Wilde's current film ends in a disastrous plane wreck for which she is unjustly blamed, her career nosedives, and to survive, she accepts a university teaching job in the wilds of Wisconsin. Several years later, she learns that to get tenure she must make a film. With hastily organized finances, much of which comes from her own retirement fund, Julia returns to Zimbabwe to film a documentary on the Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching group. Stakes rise as she and her group are drawn into the line of fire of Gus Sinclair, a big-game hunter turned poacher as well as the corrupt government officials who tolerate his activities in exchange for kickbacks.
Having spent time in Africa, Sacken’s descriptions of the landscape, people, and multiple animal species is accurate. Best of all, her protagonist blows to bits the “great white hunter” mystique personified by Ernest Hemingway. It’s a lovely tribute to the nature and the conservation efforts of groups like the Mambas.
December 3, 2025
Author and photojournalist Jeannee Sacken brings Zimbabwe vividly to life with a striking blend of heart-pounding action and touching tenderness.
In The Women Who Stand Between, she introduces Julia Wilde, a rare female photojournalist — fierce, fearless, and willing to risk everything to capture the truth about wildlife and the poachers who threaten it.
From the gripping opening scene, the stakes climb quickly. Julia’s crew is killed by poachers. Her charismatic husband leaves her for his glamorous costar. And the documentary she’s determined to finish must now be narrated by her ex’s new girlfriend.
This page-turner brims with danger, the lingering shadows of misogyny, and the extraordinary bravery of the Mambas — a team of women who protect elephants from poachers, putting their lives on the line with unwavering conviction. They are, in every sense, the women who stand between right and wrong.
A powerful, inspiring novel about righting injustices. Five stars!
In The Women Who Stand Between, she introduces Julia Wilde, a rare female photojournalist — fierce, fearless, and willing to risk everything to capture the truth about wildlife and the poachers who threaten it.
From the gripping opening scene, the stakes climb quickly. Julia’s crew is killed by poachers. Her charismatic husband leaves her for his glamorous costar. And the documentary she’s determined to finish must now be narrated by her ex’s new girlfriend.
This page-turner brims with danger, the lingering shadows of misogyny, and the extraordinary bravery of the Mambas — a team of women who protect elephants from poachers, putting their lives on the line with unwavering conviction. They are, in every sense, the women who stand between right and wrong.
A powerful, inspiring novel about righting injustices. Five stars!
November 6, 2025
Jeannee Sacken's new book is a testimony to bravery and those people we need around us to start over again when life gets hard. Julia is incredible relatable as a women who has her life upended on many fronts and starts again, but is living in a smaller, more diminished way. When she is forced into a new journey, she slowly comes to life again, prompted in many ways by the community of women around her. I couldn't put this book down, and want to return again and again to these people who learn to stand strong and get back up when others knock you down.
November 28, 2025
Photojournalist Jeannée Sacken is the best guide for anyone who wants to experience the African savannah and its wildlife. From the rutted roads to the elephant watering hole, and the breathtaking sunsets, readers will experience the bush lands with all their senses in The Women Who Stand Between, a story about a cinematographer who needs a second chance and the Mambas, a group of women passionate about stopping poachers in Zimbabwe. The adversity of women in the professional world occupies an important space in this suspenseful novel, especially in the parallel lives of the Mambas, women who escaped abusive relationships to claim their independence. Still, the storytelling takes center stage with adventure, beauty, and danger at every turn, compelling the reader to keep turning pages.
January 13, 2026
Warning...you'll stay up late to read one more page! I'd been curious about Jeannee's stories after meeting her in book club. Once, she told us a personal story about hippos, lions, and fearing for her life. This novel comes from her experiences as a photojournalist and her adventures in Zimbabwe, which made this fictional story shine. I love learning while I read, and this novel did not disappoint. I recommended it to a friend, who has been to Zimbabwe and is a photographer. Wonderful read!
August 30, 2025
“Pitch-perfect from the first chapter to the very last page, Sacken bares her soul amidst the breathtaking beauty of Africa, where both man and beast prove treacherous.
The Women Who Stand Between is fraught with tension and danger. And a passion so strong it transcends continents. A must-read.”
The Women Who Stand Between is fraught with tension and danger. And a passion so strong it transcends continents. A must-read.”
September 16, 2025
A vivid, multi-layered story that enthralled me from start to finish. Jeannée Sacken’s love and knowledge of Zimbabwe and its wildlife and people shine in this gripping and inspiring novel. It’s a page-turning adventure story with a feminist heart and depth that swept me away and had me applauding Julia and the Mambas.
September 13, 2025
Damn, she does it again! I read this in three sittings. A page-turner with engaging characters, and a suspenseful thriller with a nice romance intertwined. But what I most enjoyed was learning about cinematography and Zimbabwe culture. Jeannee Sacken always delivers.
October 19, 2025
This was an amazing book. It was very hard to put down. The sad thing is so much of what was in the book goes on in relation to poaching. The Mambas are a real group. I researched them after reading this book. I highly suggest this book to everyone. Thank you to the author as I won this book.
December 26, 2025
ENTICING….CAPTIVATING…IMMERSING…DAZZLING…VIBRANT…TANTALIZING..,!!!
Need I say more… and life goes on…
Need I say more… and life goes on…
December 31, 2025
I loved the setting, the adventurous main character, Julia, and the story, which was full of action, intrigue, and romance, with a dash of social justice and environmental activism. A wonderful book!
October 9, 2025
Jeannée Sacken brings us another amazing story of amazing women that will keep you reading into the night. She puts words on the page that flow beautifully. Her descriptions of the wilds of Africa put you right there. A must read!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews