What do you think?
Blood on the Veld
In the blink of an eye, his whole life changed.
Now he’s back in search of answers. But will the truth destroy him?
When seventeen-year-old Christian Bekker killed a poacher, he claimed it was self-defense. But the judge disagreed. He gave Christian a go to prison or leave his home in South Africa and never return.
Following his father’s suicide, conservation director Dr. Christian Bekker uncovers a plea from the grave to find out what really happened on that fateful day more than twenty years ago.
Suddenly, he’s on a plane headed for Johannesburg, leaving behind his life in London in search of answers. Were his father’s suspicions correct or the result of twenty years spent dreaming about what might have been?
All thoughts of staying under the radar disappear as his past plunges him into a murky and profitable world where police officers and government officials conspire with criminals to exploit what remains of South Africa’s wildlife. Soon he finds himself in the criminals’ sights…
Blood on the Veld is the first book in the Christian Bekker Wildlife Crime Thriller series, featuring compelling characters, surprising plot twists and a man searching for the truth.
If you like an action-packed adventure that delves into the depths of corruption, power and greed, then you’ll love the first installment in award-winning author S. A. McLain’s page-turning series.
Harlan Coben meets Wilbur Smith with a touch of Carl Hiaasen.
Now he’s back in search of answers. But will the truth destroy him?
When seventeen-year-old Christian Bekker killed a poacher, he claimed it was self-defense. But the judge disagreed. He gave Christian a go to prison or leave his home in South Africa and never return.
Following his father’s suicide, conservation director Dr. Christian Bekker uncovers a plea from the grave to find out what really happened on that fateful day more than twenty years ago.
Suddenly, he’s on a plane headed for Johannesburg, leaving behind his life in London in search of answers. Were his father’s suspicions correct or the result of twenty years spent dreaming about what might have been?
All thoughts of staying under the radar disappear as his past plunges him into a murky and profitable world where police officers and government officials conspire with criminals to exploit what remains of South Africa’s wildlife. Soon he finds himself in the criminals’ sights…
Blood on the Veld is the first book in the Christian Bekker Wildlife Crime Thriller series, featuring compelling characters, surprising plot twists and a man searching for the truth.
If you like an action-packed adventure that delves into the depths of corruption, power and greed, then you’ll love the first installment in award-winning author S. A. McLain’s page-turning series.
Harlan Coben meets Wilbur Smith with a touch of Carl Hiaasen.
481 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2026
About the author
S.A. McLain
2 books30 followersI'm thrilled to finally be on Goodreads and I'm really looking forward to sharing books, reviews and ideas with all you Goodreads folks!
My first book, When Red Is Blue, came out in March 2012. I call it a "mevel" (memoir/novel) both because I like the word (I think I made it up) and "autobiographical novel" is simply too much of a mouthful.
I'm a writer with a day job - in fact, two day jobs - so I have to try to stay focused (very difficult) to keep my books progressing at a reasonable pace. The bread and butter job is currently in finance, and I still do the odd editing job for people, though I expect to put that one to rest soon. I also enjoy metal detecting (don't laugh!) and doing DIY around the house.
My first book, When Red Is Blue, came out in March 2012. I call it a "mevel" (memoir/novel) both because I like the word (I think I made it up) and "autobiographical novel" is simply too much of a mouthful.
I'm a writer with a day job - in fact, two day jobs - so I have to try to stay focused (very difficult) to keep my books progressing at a reasonable pace. The bread and butter job is currently in finance, and I still do the odd editing job for people, though I expect to put that one to rest soon. I also enjoy metal detecting (don't laugh!) and doing DIY around the house.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 7, 2026
This was an alright book, but
I read fairly fast, but had a really hard time reading this. It was difficult to get through the first chapters. Once you got through the first 5-6 chapters you can get into it except not being able to figure out what some of the words mean as they are South African. The outcome was really nice to read though. The ending was a complete surprise though.
I read fairly fast, but had a really hard time reading this. It was difficult to get through the first chapters. Once you got through the first 5-6 chapters you can get into it except not being able to figure out what some of the words mean as they are South African. The outcome was really nice to read though. The ending was a complete surprise though.
July 24, 2026
an important subject, I really wanted to like this book but found it very hard to keep track of all the characters. the reading was exceptional, Kate Loretto really brought the book to life.
August 12, 2024
The book’s advertising blurb cites Wilbur Smith as a comparable author, and I can see why. But the book also brought back memories of thrillers (some set in Africa) by Desmond Bagley, which I devoured as a teenager.
Right from the start, there is action – poachers shooting elephants – followed by the kind of scene-setting – the funeral of the main character’s father - that makes you want to know more. And the action never really stops, as the main character (Christian Bekker) returns to his native South Africa to try to uncover the truth about why he had to flee the country as a teenager in order to avoid jail. Perhaps not surprisingly, it gradually becomes clear that this truth is connected with present-day wrongdoing in South Africa, and indeed internationally.
If I’m honest, I was slightly sceptical of the plot device of a hidden note left for Christian by his father before the latter’s apparent suicide – whenever I come across this in a book, I always think how the note might never have been found. But that’s quickly forgotten here as Christian’s investigation reveals the extent of political and police corruption in South Africa – a country that, as one character says, isn’t exactly the ethics capital of the world.
The author gives a content warning at the start of the book, advising of animal deaths, misogyny, strong language and profanity, suicide, violence, and scenes of a sexual nature. I am not convinced that we need to be warned of all of these in a book that is advertised as a crime thriller (misogyny is, regrettably, still part of everyday life), but the cruelty to animals on and off the page will upset some, and you should be aware of this. According to the author’s bio, she spent time volunteering in a South African game reserve, and this experience shows (in a good sense) in her writing. We learn a lot about the issues that affect wildlife in South Africa and about the difficult practical decisions that conservationists have to take, eg the fact that rhinos are a particularly attractive target for poachers can make them a less attractive proposition for game reserves to buy. I’ve never been to South Africa, but I have friends from there and the book resonated with me because of what I have heard – namely that it is a country which, in spite of its problems, can inspire deep affection even from those no longer living there. So it is a moving and though-provoking book as well as a page-turner.
As other reviewers have noted, I think it is slightly weakened by having so many characters – especially when you don’t know if they are going to be important to the story or just bit actors. I wasn’t therefore as emotionally involved with the characters (other than Christian) as I would have liked. And, personally, I would have liked a few more changes in pace, to give me chance to draw breath and reflect on the characters and the positions they are in. But all in all a very enjoyable book and one which makes me look forward to the second in the series.
Right from the start, there is action – poachers shooting elephants – followed by the kind of scene-setting – the funeral of the main character’s father - that makes you want to know more. And the action never really stops, as the main character (Christian Bekker) returns to his native South Africa to try to uncover the truth about why he had to flee the country as a teenager in order to avoid jail. Perhaps not surprisingly, it gradually becomes clear that this truth is connected with present-day wrongdoing in South Africa, and indeed internationally.
If I’m honest, I was slightly sceptical of the plot device of a hidden note left for Christian by his father before the latter’s apparent suicide – whenever I come across this in a book, I always think how the note might never have been found. But that’s quickly forgotten here as Christian’s investigation reveals the extent of political and police corruption in South Africa – a country that, as one character says, isn’t exactly the ethics capital of the world.
The author gives a content warning at the start of the book, advising of animal deaths, misogyny, strong language and profanity, suicide, violence, and scenes of a sexual nature. I am not convinced that we need to be warned of all of these in a book that is advertised as a crime thriller (misogyny is, regrettably, still part of everyday life), but the cruelty to animals on and off the page will upset some, and you should be aware of this. According to the author’s bio, she spent time volunteering in a South African game reserve, and this experience shows (in a good sense) in her writing. We learn a lot about the issues that affect wildlife in South Africa and about the difficult practical decisions that conservationists have to take, eg the fact that rhinos are a particularly attractive target for poachers can make them a less attractive proposition for game reserves to buy. I’ve never been to South Africa, but I have friends from there and the book resonated with me because of what I have heard – namely that it is a country which, in spite of its problems, can inspire deep affection even from those no longer living there. So it is a moving and though-provoking book as well as a page-turner.
As other reviewers have noted, I think it is slightly weakened by having so many characters – especially when you don’t know if they are going to be important to the story or just bit actors. I wasn’t therefore as emotionally involved with the characters (other than Christian) as I would have liked. And, personally, I would have liked a few more changes in pace, to give me chance to draw breath and reflect on the characters and the positions they are in. But all in all a very enjoyable book and one which makes me look forward to the second in the series.
July 20, 2024
From the moment that Christian Bekker steps off the plane at Oliver Tambo airport in Johannesburg, the suspense begins to ratchet up. Like a fast action movie the plot moves at pace as Christian reconnects with old acquaintances and tries to solve the mystery that lay behind his family’s exile from his native country. Ostensibly they were banished because he had killed a poacher, and a bargain was made, but was there more to it, as his recently deceased father suspected? Our determined hero is compelled to find out.
The country he has returned to however, would seem to be riddled with corruption, largely centred around the lucrative foreign trade in animal parts. Was Christian’s family traduced because of these practices?
The story is told by a third person subjective narrator, and in the course of events we meet many characters, both heroes and villains, so that, apart from the sympathetically drawn character of Christian, we cannot possibly get to know them in detail. To some extent they are caricatures. We hardly pause for breath as animals are gruesomely slaughtered and hacked to pieces by poachers, while power both in the police and government bodies is abused. Behind the scenes , corrupt international bargains are made. Christian threatens to expose some of this, so he is tracked down, and his life comes under threat. The stakes are high.
The story is exceedingly detailed, and immaculately plotted, while the writing is clear, and graphic. It is a fast ride, and one has to hold on tightly and concentrate to avoid confusion. I would have preferred fewer characters, and a little more subtlety in terms of relationships. However, readers who prefer complex plots and fast action should feel well rewarded.
For me the strongest aspect of the book is the central character of South Africa itself. This is a wonderful country and the author makes it clear that she knows and understands it very well. The beautiful descriptions of the landscape in its different moods make me long to return. As for the magnificent wild life, S A McLain puts this first and foremost at the centre of the plot. She shows how so many South Africans love and care for their animal heritage. But sadly, the question of abuse and illegal trafficking of animal parts is very real, and it is good that this story highlights this. Let us hope that the wonderful country that S A McLain describes, can and will defeat this for the good of all its citizens.
The country he has returned to however, would seem to be riddled with corruption, largely centred around the lucrative foreign trade in animal parts. Was Christian’s family traduced because of these practices?
The story is told by a third person subjective narrator, and in the course of events we meet many characters, both heroes and villains, so that, apart from the sympathetically drawn character of Christian, we cannot possibly get to know them in detail. To some extent they are caricatures. We hardly pause for breath as animals are gruesomely slaughtered and hacked to pieces by poachers, while power both in the police and government bodies is abused. Behind the scenes , corrupt international bargains are made. Christian threatens to expose some of this, so he is tracked down, and his life comes under threat. The stakes are high.
The story is exceedingly detailed, and immaculately plotted, while the writing is clear, and graphic. It is a fast ride, and one has to hold on tightly and concentrate to avoid confusion. I would have preferred fewer characters, and a little more subtlety in terms of relationships. However, readers who prefer complex plots and fast action should feel well rewarded.
For me the strongest aspect of the book is the central character of South Africa itself. This is a wonderful country and the author makes it clear that she knows and understands it very well. The beautiful descriptions of the landscape in its different moods make me long to return. As for the magnificent wild life, S A McLain puts this first and foremost at the centre of the plot. She shows how so many South Africans love and care for their animal heritage. But sadly, the question of abuse and illegal trafficking of animal parts is very real, and it is good that this story highlights this. Let us hope that the wonderful country that S A McLain describes, can and will defeat this for the good of all its citizens.
June 27, 2026
Blood on the Veld by SA McLain is a mystery with a different focus. It begins with a death in London but the protagonist is quickly led to South Africa, where he grew up. Because of an action on his part, his family had to sell their farm and their dreams and leave, never to return, or so the court said. Now, In London, before his death, Franz Bekker has uncovered evidence that his employers are smuggling illegal ivory and rhino tusks out of the country. He leaves a trail for his son, Christian, to follow, and follow it he must. He still knows people, there, friends. His first stop is at an animal preserve owned by his father’s friend, Lawrence Davis, and his daughter, Beth, and her husband, Patrick. At first Patrick is not thrilled with his arrival but as time goes on, he becomes appreciative of it. Needless to say, any smuggling of this nature must be helped along by one or more (corrupt) government officials. The same officials who control the police. It is an intriguing story of corruption and greed. It is a life where no one trusts any of their colleagues, or even family.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, both good and criminal. The author has provided a character/relationship guide at the front of the book which proved useful. It is a long book, but proves to be worth it when the web of evil starts to unravel. There are those who truly love the animals: a pregnant rhino, a white elephant. There are too many that simply don’t care one way or another. And, of course, there are those who see these animals in terms of cash. There are some interesting characters thrown in along the way: Sunny, who is an American tele-evangelist who longs for a son, for instance. Most interesting. There are a lot who can be hired to kill, no personalities, just names. But, there are those who, as always, fight for justice. They are the ones taking center place in the story. Many of them have almost super-human skills, just to keep things interesting. Good book. Very different setting. Decent plot. Good characters. Worth the time.
I was invited to read Blood on the Veld by Black Rose Writing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BlackRoseWriting #SAMcLain #BloodOnTheVeld
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, both good and criminal. The author has provided a character/relationship guide at the front of the book which proved useful. It is a long book, but proves to be worth it when the web of evil starts to unravel. There are those who truly love the animals: a pregnant rhino, a white elephant. There are too many that simply don’t care one way or another. And, of course, there are those who see these animals in terms of cash. There are some interesting characters thrown in along the way: Sunny, who is an American tele-evangelist who longs for a son, for instance. Most interesting. There are a lot who can be hired to kill, no personalities, just names. But, there are those who, as always, fight for justice. They are the ones taking center place in the story. Many of them have almost super-human skills, just to keep things interesting. Good book. Very different setting. Decent plot. Good characters. Worth the time.
I was invited to read Blood on the Veld by Black Rose Writing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BlackRoseWriting #SAMcLain #BloodOnTheVeld
July 27, 2024
Blood on the Veld is a fast, enthralling read which provides a fascinating insight into South African wildlife, the threats it faces and the threats its protectors face in turn.
The book revolves around Christian Bekker, who as a teenager was forced to leave South Africa with his parents after shooting a poacher in murky circumstances. Decades later, his father dies in London, where the family settled. Christian’s mother believes that his death was suicide, prompted by a recent diagnosis of terminal cancer. But Christian finds a well hidden note left by his father; the note, with no suicidal slant, urges him to return to South Africa and ‘make things right’. Thus begins Christian’s quest to find out the truth behind his trial and exile, and the consequential sale of their beloved home.
The narrative follows Christian as he arrives in Johannesburg and revisits his old haunts. His persistent questioning causes alarm in certain police circles and the stakes get ever higher as he, helped by a few trusty friends from his youth, pursue the threads that they find which lead them to uncover a veritable web of intrigue. The story touches on corruption, murder, poaching, smuggling, wildlife trafficking and trophy hunting, all with international tentacles. The author writes with the assurance of someone who is at ease with the geography and has the benefit of impeccable research.
The book is well written and well plotted, with twists aplenty, double bluffs and red herrings. The colourful characters are convincingly depicted but it’s a large cast and a dramatis personae would perhaps help the reader navigate the many names and people who are introduced. I also struggled slightly with the time line a couple of times early in the book. But these are minor quibbles, and even more trivial is what seems to me the author’s excessive use of ‘smirk’ and its cognates.
Overall, a gripping, pacy thriller that was hard to put down and an excellent and informative read.
The book revolves around Christian Bekker, who as a teenager was forced to leave South Africa with his parents after shooting a poacher in murky circumstances. Decades later, his father dies in London, where the family settled. Christian’s mother believes that his death was suicide, prompted by a recent diagnosis of terminal cancer. But Christian finds a well hidden note left by his father; the note, with no suicidal slant, urges him to return to South Africa and ‘make things right’. Thus begins Christian’s quest to find out the truth behind his trial and exile, and the consequential sale of their beloved home.
The narrative follows Christian as he arrives in Johannesburg and revisits his old haunts. His persistent questioning causes alarm in certain police circles and the stakes get ever higher as he, helped by a few trusty friends from his youth, pursue the threads that they find which lead them to uncover a veritable web of intrigue. The story touches on corruption, murder, poaching, smuggling, wildlife trafficking and trophy hunting, all with international tentacles. The author writes with the assurance of someone who is at ease with the geography and has the benefit of impeccable research.
The book is well written and well plotted, with twists aplenty, double bluffs and red herrings. The colourful characters are convincingly depicted but it’s a large cast and a dramatis personae would perhaps help the reader navigate the many names and people who are introduced. I also struggled slightly with the time line a couple of times early in the book. But these are minor quibbles, and even more trivial is what seems to me the author’s excessive use of ‘smirk’ and its cognates.
Overall, a gripping, pacy thriller that was hard to put down and an excellent and informative read.
July 29, 2026
Blood on the Veld is a gripping thriller that stands out not only for its compelling mystery but also for its remarkable setting. S. A. McLain has created a story that combines crime, wildlife conservation, and unforgettable characters into an engaging and thought-provoking read.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its vivid portrayal of the African veld. The landscape feels alive throughout the story, and the author's descriptions of the wildlife and natural environment add an incredible sense of realism. The conservation themes are seamlessly woven into the mystery, making the novel feel both entertaining and meaningful.
Christian Bekker is an excellent protagonist. His background in wildlife conservation gives him a unique perspective that separates him from many traditional thriller heroes. His determination, integrity, and connection to the land make him someone readers can easily invest in throughout the investigation.
The pacing is well balanced, allowing moments of intense suspense to sit alongside quieter scenes that develop both the setting and the characters. The mystery unfolds naturally, revealing new layers at just the right moments while maintaining tension throughout.
Although some of the conservation details may feel quite technical for readers unfamiliar with the subject, they also add authenticity to the story. I would have welcomed a little more development for some supporting characters and a slightly longer conclusion, simply because I wasn't ready to leave this world behind.
Overall, Blood on the Veld is an impressive debut that successfully combines an exciting crime thriller with powerful environmental themes. It's an intelligent, atmospheric novel that offers far more than a traditional mystery and leaves me looking forward to the next Christian Bekker adventure.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its vivid portrayal of the African veld. The landscape feels alive throughout the story, and the author's descriptions of the wildlife and natural environment add an incredible sense of realism. The conservation themes are seamlessly woven into the mystery, making the novel feel both entertaining and meaningful.
Christian Bekker is an excellent protagonist. His background in wildlife conservation gives him a unique perspective that separates him from many traditional thriller heroes. His determination, integrity, and connection to the land make him someone readers can easily invest in throughout the investigation.
The pacing is well balanced, allowing moments of intense suspense to sit alongside quieter scenes that develop both the setting and the characters. The mystery unfolds naturally, revealing new layers at just the right moments while maintaining tension throughout.
Although some of the conservation details may feel quite technical for readers unfamiliar with the subject, they also add authenticity to the story. I would have welcomed a little more development for some supporting characters and a slightly longer conclusion, simply because I wasn't ready to leave this world behind.
Overall, Blood on the Veld is an impressive debut that successfully combines an exciting crime thriller with powerful environmental themes. It's an intelligent, atmospheric novel that offers far more than a traditional mystery and leaves me looking forward to the next Christian Bekker adventure.
October 15, 2024
Intense, often heartbreaking wildlife trafficking thriller. “Blood on the Veld” is the first book in author S.A. McLain’s new “Christian Bekker Wildlife Crime Thriller” series. Christian Bekker is struggling. His marriage is falling apart. His career consumes all his time. And he worries about his relationship with his teenaged daughter. His fragile world is shaken even more when his father Franz suddenly dies. Then Christian uncovers his father’s hidden note telling him to travel from London to their former home in South Africa. The note includes photos and information exposing elephant tusk trafficking, but the clues are not clear. Christian has not set foot in South Africa since a teenager, when his family was forced to leave their ranch behind after Christian killed a poacher. Though it was self-defense, the justice system found otherwise. The terrible night when he shot the poacher haunts Christian. He wonders if everything is somehow related: his father’s strange death, the elephant trafficking clues, and the family’s forced sale of their ranch decades ago. He is nervous about returning home. What dangers await? The plot is filled with corruption, double-crossing, blackmail, and assassins (both good and not so good). It is clear the author has done a lot of research into the terrible underworld of wildlife poaching and trafficking. There are parts of the story that are heartbreaking to read. “Blood on the Veld” is a complex, involving thriller that transports the reader into the frightening wildlife criminal world, and introduces Christian Bekker, an intriguing main character in this new series.
August 9, 2024
This novel pulls you in with its detailed research and vivid scene setting. The author dives into some visceral and, at times, pretty confronting details about hunting practices and the harsh situations that arise when people end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. The detail around poaching and corruption is particularly well done, making the material even more engaging as the author does a great job helping the reader visualize these intense scenarios. These gritty details add a raw, authentic feel to the story, making it both gripping and intense.
The story moves at a fast pace, jumping between a number of characters, each playing a different role in the mystery. If you enjoy stories that offer multiple perspectives, you’ll appreciate how this one handles that aspect. However, I did find it a bit challenging to keep up with the frequent shifts between characters. With so many chapters, it was hard to stay fully connected to the characters and their individual journeys. I think it would have been even better if it had spent more time on a few key characters to help the reader form a deeper emotional connection.
That being said, it's still a solid read, and the author does a great job bringing the setting and events to life. If you're into fast paced mysteries, this one is definitely worth checking out.
The story moves at a fast pace, jumping between a number of characters, each playing a different role in the mystery. If you enjoy stories that offer multiple perspectives, you’ll appreciate how this one handles that aspect. However, I did find it a bit challenging to keep up with the frequent shifts between characters. With so many chapters, it was hard to stay fully connected to the characters and their individual journeys. I think it would have been even better if it had spent more time on a few key characters to help the reader form a deeper emotional connection.
That being said, it's still a solid read, and the author does a great job bringing the setting and events to life. If you're into fast paced mysteries, this one is definitely worth checking out.
July 24, 2024
Christian Bekker, a native of South Africa, is asked to leave the country permanently for an accidental killing of a poacher caught in the act during his pre-adult days. He returns to South Africa twenty years after he comes across a note from his father, following his apparent suicide, asking him to find the truth leaving the evidence he had collected about the poaching cartel killing and selling protected species. The main thrust of the story is about the wildlife conservation efforts and how the poachers with tacit support from high government officials including ministers find ways and means to kill rare animals for personal gain. The story is beautifully narrated with a detailed description of the rare animals and their care by the conservators and how their efforts are neutralised by the cartel. The pace is steady, keeps you engrossed and anxious to know how Bekker overcomes all these hurdles and aided by his childhood friends finally unravels the mystery of his father’s death and destroys the cartel with its influence reaching to the highest levels in the South African Government. An enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2025
A Gripping, Action-Packed Wildlife Crime Thriller
“Blood on the Veld (Christian Bekker Wildlife Crime Thriller)” is a riveting tale that masterfully weaves suspense, action, and environmental intrigue into one unforgettable story. From the very first page, the stakes feel sky-high, and the pace never lets up. Set against the vivid backdrop of the African veld, the novel immerses you in a world of poachers, corruption, and heart-pounding chases.
Christian Bekker is the kind of protagonist you can’t help but root for: courageous, resourceful, and fiercely devoted to protecting wildlife. His passion for justice breathes life into every scene, whether he’s following a dangerous lead or grappling with moral dilemmas in the face of ruthless criminals. The author does a fantastic job of blending detailed descriptions of African landscapes with the tense atmosphere of a high-stakes crime investigation. You’ll practically feel the heat of the sun and hear the distant roar of wildlife echoing through the pages.
“Blood on the Veld (Christian Bekker Wildlife Crime Thriller)” is a riveting tale that masterfully weaves suspense, action, and environmental intrigue into one unforgettable story. From the very first page, the stakes feel sky-high, and the pace never lets up. Set against the vivid backdrop of the African veld, the novel immerses you in a world of poachers, corruption, and heart-pounding chases.
Christian Bekker is the kind of protagonist you can’t help but root for: courageous, resourceful, and fiercely devoted to protecting wildlife. His passion for justice breathes life into every scene, whether he’s following a dangerous lead or grappling with moral dilemmas in the face of ruthless criminals. The author does a fantastic job of blending detailed descriptions of African landscapes with the tense atmosphere of a high-stakes crime investigation. You’ll practically feel the heat of the sun and hear the distant roar of wildlife echoing through the pages.
December 13, 2024
GRIPPING WILDLIFE THRILLER
McLain's debut thriller "Blood on the Veld" explodes with a a teenage Christian Bekker kills a poacher in self-defense and gets exiled from his South African homeland.
Two decades later, Bekker's world gets rocked again when his father's suicide leads him back to Johannesburg, hunting for the real story behind that life-changing night.
What starts as a personal quest for truth snowballs into something way bigger as Bekker uncovers a nasty web of corrupt cops, shady government officials, and wildlife trafficking that makes his teenage troubles look like child's play.
The author nails the sweaty, dusty vibes of South Africa's wilderness while serving up enough twists to give you whiplash.
This book in the Christian Bekker series is like a safari gone wrong in all the right ways - it's wild, dangerous, and once you start, you're in for the whole ride.
McLain's debut thriller "Blood on the Veld" explodes with a a teenage Christian Bekker kills a poacher in self-defense and gets exiled from his South African homeland.
Two decades later, Bekker's world gets rocked again when his father's suicide leads him back to Johannesburg, hunting for the real story behind that life-changing night.
What starts as a personal quest for truth snowballs into something way bigger as Bekker uncovers a nasty web of corrupt cops, shady government officials, and wildlife trafficking that makes his teenage troubles look like child's play.
The author nails the sweaty, dusty vibes of South Africa's wilderness while serving up enough twists to give you whiplash.
This book in the Christian Bekker series is like a safari gone wrong in all the right ways - it's wild, dangerous, and once you start, you're in for the whole ride.
July 19, 2024
I have just finished Blood on the Veld and I couldn't put it down, it's a cracking read. I feel like I have just been on a trip to Africa, the sights and sounds so vividly described. The plot is clever weaving the personal story of Christian Bekker against the backdrop of the real and horrific world of poaching and trafficking. It's well researched and a very interesting read for anyone wanting to know more about these topics. Despite this difficult subject the story is about so much more and weaves a wonderful tale of intertwined families, their history and the animals they love, look out for Erawan! I loved all the characters but especially Christian and the Hawks Detective Ruben Van Dyk, so believable.
Can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 11, 2025
I struggled a bit at first with keeping track of the characters. There are a lot of players in this novel. Once I got into the story, however; I couldn't stop reading. Set in South Africa, this is a top notch story. Christian Bekker has spent twenty years exiled from his home due to an unfortunate shooting when he was a teen that killed a man. He returns to South Africa at the risk of arrest to learn the truth about his father's death.
Much of the story takes place on a nature preserve. Wild animal poaching is a major sub text of the book. The author has done excellent research on the operation of a wild animal preserve and the problem of poaching. I learned some things reading this book.
I liked the interaction between characters and the dialogue. This is a well crafted novel and well worth the read.
Much of the story takes place on a nature preserve. Wild animal poaching is a major sub text of the book. The author has done excellent research on the operation of a wild animal preserve and the problem of poaching. I learned some things reading this book.
I liked the interaction between characters and the dialogue. This is a well crafted novel and well worth the read.
July 15, 2026
While I am a self-professed animal and wildlife fanatic, you don’t have to share that predisposition to love this book. Blood on the Veld is a fast-paced, thought-provoking thriller with smart, snappy and realistic dialogue; a broad cast of wonderfully vivid characters; and significant cameos by wildlife characters, most notably an albino elephant named Erawan.
The plot is fairly complex, each character harboring their own agenda, but it holds together, the various pieces interlocking like a perfectly designed puzzle. Humor, and horror at the crimes committed by humans against nature, are sprinkled throughout, but mostly this is a classic thriller with a very likeable hero attempting to unravel mysteries impacting him, his family, and African wildlife.
The plot is fairly complex, each character harboring their own agenda, but it holds together, the various pieces interlocking like a perfectly designed puzzle. Humor, and horror at the crimes committed by humans against nature, are sprinkled throughout, but mostly this is a classic thriller with a very likeable hero attempting to unravel mysteries impacting him, his family, and African wildlife.
July 15, 2026
Predators, poachers and protectors! Blood on the Veld is all about suspense and setting. Journey to South Africa’s Eastern Cape and follow Christian Bekker as he unravels the mystery of his father’s death. Readers will be immersed in a web of lies and corruption surrounding a poaching scheme. Realistic details about African wildlife and law enforcement and a host of characters—human and animal—fill this novel. An albino elephant will make your palms sweat and capture your heart. This is truly a story of good versus evil. I highly recommend that you venture onto the veld!
October 24, 2024
slow start, smashing ending
I am hoping the situation in Africa and elsewhere is not as corrupt as described and l grieve for the elephants and other prize game. The evil minister may be right that game animals must pay their ‘fair share’ but destroying a species with illegal poaching will destroy that income stream as well. After a spine tingling series of events, the evil poachers get their comeuppance and it is comforting to know that drones can have their good uses.
I am hoping the situation in Africa and elsewhere is not as corrupt as described and l grieve for the elephants and other prize game. The evil minister may be right that game animals must pay their ‘fair share’ but destroying a species with illegal poaching will destroy that income stream as well. After a spine tingling series of events, the evil poachers get their comeuppance and it is comforting to know that drones can have their good uses.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set in South Africa, what an action packed ride this book is. With a plot centred around corruption and greed, a host of interesting characters and African wildlife, its an easy 5* from me. Beware of the poaching descriptions though as they may be upsetting for some readers. My only negative, there are perhaps too many characters. A very enjoyable fast paced thriller which will appeal to fans of the genre. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Did Not Finish
July 17, 2026DNF at ~29%
Man, I have some bad luck with fiction books about poachers. There is nothing wrong with the plot, prose, or any of the technical stuff, but I just couldn’t bring myself to read further. It’s very easy to put down and I feel none of that tension or suspense that usually makes me finish even badly-written thrillers. I may come back to it at some point, but right now, I think I’ll spend my summer reading something else.
Man, I have some bad luck with fiction books about poachers. There is nothing wrong with the plot, prose, or any of the technical stuff, but I just couldn’t bring myself to read further. It’s very easy to put down and I feel none of that tension or suspense that usually makes me finish even badly-written thrillers. I may come back to it at some point, but right now, I think I’ll spend my summer reading something else.
September 27, 2024
The conservation of wildlife has always been a concern for many people, especially South Africans. But the world, in general, has yet to fully embrace the global impact of what a world without those animals may mean. The author successfully enrobed that notion as the son detects the nefarious undertakings that disposed of his father. It's a good read.
March 14, 2026
Right up my alley! The novel mixes fast paced action with a powerful message about conservation and the fight against wildlife crime.
June 25, 2026
A man life is changed forever when he killed a poacher. An intriguing tale of one man battle against the background of corruption in his old country. A very powerful read about one man journey to find what really is going on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a powerful read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a powerful read
July 2, 2026
This is an honest NetGalley review. This is a murder mystery/poaching crime novel predominantly set in South Africa. I found the South African setting and poaching storyline interesting and different from the crime novels that I usually read and enjoy. The characters were engaging. Whilst I enjoyed the overall storyline I found the book in general a slog to get through and found that it lacked pace and tension. For context I would usually read this kind of book in a few days but this took me over a month as I found it easy to put down and didn’t feel any urge to pick it up again. I think it could be greatly improved with a more aggressive edit and a little more tension at the end of some of the chapters. It only really became a page turner for me when I got 80% of the way through. Though I found it difficult to get into I am glad I got to the end, I liked the ending and I will look out for other books set in South Africa in the future as I enjoyed that setting/genre.
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