Bateleur

by Craig Doria

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2026

Reviews

[Sofie Ponsaerts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cliché says reading is travelling without moving and it has become a cliché for exactly the sort of book that this novel is: you will not be able to put it down (I finished it in 3 days) and afterwards, you will feel as if you travelled to Africa.
Although I was expecting a realistic, maybe even a romantic, evocation of Africa, it was so much more. Craig does indeed completely capture the mysterious but beautiful wildness that so attracts visitors - you will feel the heat, smell the jasmine, taste the dust. He has both the heartfelt experience and the extensive vocabulary to effortlessly describe it so you will be transported there. But the book is so much more than that: an exciting and surprising adventure will sweep you away, off into the dangerous world of poaching and the ongoing fight against it. Craig knows this world and it shows, every time there was a turn of events I was on the edge of my seat.
I think all we have to do now, is wait for the Netflix series based on the book? Or read the sequel, which ever one comes first.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. Doria’s way with words activated all of my senses and it was as if I was right there along for the adventure in each scene, page after page, turn after turn. The rich layering of vivid descriptions from emotions to surroundings paired with a storyline so ingrained and unpredictable was top notch. It has all of the elements I prefer in a novel - character development, action, suspense and good pace. His experience in the destinations he writes about shines through endlessly until the final page, and gives us readers a peak into what it is really like as boots on the ground in Africa and beyond, with deep history to back it up. If this was his first novel, I cannot wait to see what he has for us next as he came out of the gate swinging with talent that rivals those that have been in the business for decades.

[Nikki Streater · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly remarkable first novel, a gripping, haunting look at modern day Africa. Doria describes Africa so vividly you can feel the heat and taste the dust. So much more than a tale of the tension between poaching and tourism, it's a deeply moving look at one mans journey as he looks into the heart of darkness. A story of morality, bravery, love and the choices we all make.
An absolute must read.

[Kenneth K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sophisticated tale weaves together Africa's wild savannas, bustling towns, and darkly lit rooms where unsavory deals are made—in a style vaguely reminiscent of, dare I say, le Carre? I found myself pausing from time to time to jot down a couple of dozen memorable, uniquely emotional sentences by the author, leaving me to wonder why didn't he start his craft earlier?

[Marina Oliver]

Excellent book. Having lived over 20 years in Tanzania I felt instantly thrown back into the country and its many different realities. The novel is so well written and tells the story I know only too well. Every chapter builds more suspence throughout the book. I absolutely loved the book and can't wait for the next One!

[Rob Rucki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig’s ability to distill a lifetime of experience into singular observations about geopolitics, history, or human nature is incredible, all under the captivating arc of a story well told. It strikes just the right note of wildly entertaining and undeniably thoughtful.

[Charlie Sandefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The climax of the novel is one of the most vivid scenes of any book I have ever read. The style, storyline, and pace make it hard to put down!

[Jerry K. Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. First of all, I am fascinated by East Africa and its beauty and its darkness. There is no other place like it. It makes a truly perfect setting for Mr. Doria’s first novel that builds on all of the African contradictions and mysteries. The poaching business is bad enough without getting international terrorists organizations involved yet that’s exactly what Mr. Doria’s did to take it to the next level. Beautifully weaved in are bits of romance, danger, intrigue, and the majesty that is East Africa. I hated for this book to end and hope there is a sequel. The characters are full of life and unknowns making them both interesting and dangerous and desirable all at once. I was also impressed with Mr. Doria’s writing style. His words flow with writing techniques and style like some of my favorite authors from the 20th century. It is old school style in many ways and makes this novel even more special and fascinating. Pick up this book but only if you have time to read it from cover to cover because you won’t be able to put it down. It’s that good.