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Silent Predator #2
The Hunter
A missing woman, a serial killer at large ... man is the most dangerous predator of all. Tony Park's trademark storytelling prowess turns this hunt into a thrilling – and deadly – escapade through some of the most dangerous, yet beautiful, places on earth.
Safari guide and private investigator Hudson Brand hunts people, not animals. He's on the trail of Linley Brown who's been named as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
Linley's friend, Kate, supposedly died in a fiery car accident in Zimbabwe, but Kate's sister wants to believe it is an elaborate fraud.
South African detective Sannie van Rensburg is also looking for Linley, as well as a serial killer who has been murdering prostitutes on Sannie's watch. Top of her list of suspects is Hudson Brand.
Sannie and Hudson cross paths and swords as they track the elusive Linley from South Africa and Zimbabwe to the wilds of Kenya's Masai Mara game reserve.
Safari guide and private investigator Hudson Brand hunts people, not animals. He's on the trail of Linley Brown who's been named as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
Linley's friend, Kate, supposedly died in a fiery car accident in Zimbabwe, but Kate's sister wants to believe it is an elaborate fraud.
South African detective Sannie van Rensburg is also looking for Linley, as well as a serial killer who has been murdering prostitutes on Sannie's watch. Top of her list of suspects is Hudson Brand.
Sannie and Hudson cross paths and swords as they track the elusive Linley from South Africa and Zimbabwe to the wilds of Kenya's Masai Mara game reserve.
Audiobook
First published November 1, 2014
28 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Tony Park
37 books298 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 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 4, 2024
The third book in the Sannie van Rensberg series, The Hunter spreads itself from the Kruger National Park in South Africa to the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Tony Park’s intimate knowledge of his setting is evident and helps to make you feel as though you’re right there as a part of the safari. This is a swiftly moving crime novel that combines the wonders of Africa’s most amazing animals with the questionable ethics of some of the humans who live with them.
The main character is safari guide Hudson Brand (also appears in Red Earth and The Cull) who supplements his guide work with some private investigator work on behalf of a British backer. Although he prefers guiding tourists through the Kruger National Park, highlighting the incredible flora and fauna living there, the pay is far more lucrative in chasing down criminals and despite his hesitancy in taking up the PI role, he agrees to investigate what appears to be a possible life insurance scam.
Linley Brown is a thief and has been working a 2-woman scam that has enabled them to rob houses that are listed for sale. She’s also named as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy for her friend who had recently died in a car accident, an accident in which Linley herself was also involved. Brand wants to speak to her to determine whether the insurance payout is legit or not.
Running in parallel is a cold-case investigation being performed by Captain Sannie van Rensberg. It’s a murder case where the prime suspect at the time was Hudson Brand. Although she’s not convinced that Brand was responsible, he knew the woman and danced with on the night of her death and there’s been no suggestion of any other potential suspect.
While Brand is working chasing down details about the potential insurance scam, his name once again crosses van Rensberg’s desk and picks up his trail again. The fact that missed calls from him have shown up on Linley Brown’s phone, now in the hands of the police, piques her interest further.
From safari guide trips in South Africa and Zimbabwe to a pair of female thieves in Johannesburg and a life insurance fraud investigation, The Hunter is quite a sprawling story that covers a lot of ground. And somewhere in the background is the ongoing cold case murder of a prostitute that’s being investigated by Sannie van Rensburg, its presence being felt intermittently through the ongoing action. Although there’s a lot going on it never loses momentum and there’s the added drawcard of the full descriptions of the surrounding landscape to capture the imagination plus the ever-present majesty of the passing wildlife.
Hudson Brand is an interesting character who is a competent guide, a doggedly determined private investigator and a ladies man who gets more than his fair share of action. There’s little doubt he’s a morally decent guy, but not above breaking the rules, jumping the queue when it helps him serve his higher purposes.
I once again enjoyed my guided tour around the game parks of South Africa and Zimbabwe courtesy of Tony Park’s wonderfully descriptive prose. The action continued to be delivered thick and fast and, with at least a double-barrelled twist delivered towards the end, there was a lot to appreciate with the way the various investigations were resolved.
The main character is safari guide Hudson Brand (also appears in Red Earth and The Cull) who supplements his guide work with some private investigator work on behalf of a British backer. Although he prefers guiding tourists through the Kruger National Park, highlighting the incredible flora and fauna living there, the pay is far more lucrative in chasing down criminals and despite his hesitancy in taking up the PI role, he agrees to investigate what appears to be a possible life insurance scam.
Linley Brown is a thief and has been working a 2-woman scam that has enabled them to rob houses that are listed for sale. She’s also named as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy for her friend who had recently died in a car accident, an accident in which Linley herself was also involved. Brand wants to speak to her to determine whether the insurance payout is legit or not.
Running in parallel is a cold-case investigation being performed by Captain Sannie van Rensberg. It’s a murder case where the prime suspect at the time was Hudson Brand. Although she’s not convinced that Brand was responsible, he knew the woman and danced with on the night of her death and there’s been no suggestion of any other potential suspect.
While Brand is working chasing down details about the potential insurance scam, his name once again crosses van Rensberg’s desk and picks up his trail again. The fact that missed calls from him have shown up on Linley Brown’s phone, now in the hands of the police, piques her interest further.
From safari guide trips in South Africa and Zimbabwe to a pair of female thieves in Johannesburg and a life insurance fraud investigation, The Hunter is quite a sprawling story that covers a lot of ground. And somewhere in the background is the ongoing cold case murder of a prostitute that’s being investigated by Sannie van Rensburg, its presence being felt intermittently through the ongoing action. Although there’s a lot going on it never loses momentum and there’s the added drawcard of the full descriptions of the surrounding landscape to capture the imagination plus the ever-present majesty of the passing wildlife.
Hudson Brand is an interesting character who is a competent guide, a doggedly determined private investigator and a ladies man who gets more than his fair share of action. There’s little doubt he’s a morally decent guy, but not above breaking the rules, jumping the queue when it helps him serve his higher purposes.
I once again enjoyed my guided tour around the game parks of South Africa and Zimbabwe courtesy of Tony Park’s wonderfully descriptive prose. The action continued to be delivered thick and fast and, with at least a double-barrelled twist delivered towards the end, there was a lot to appreciate with the way the various investigations were resolved.
July 24, 2015
Why has it taken me so long to read Tony Park the setting is Zimbabwe Kruger National Park he is on the hunt for Linley Brown who has been named as the sole beneficiary of a life insurance policy Linley's friend Kate supposedly died in a fiery car crash but Linley thinks its a fraud.
i absolutely loved the setting as it incorporated the wildlife into the dialogue as well as the story well written i thought i was there taking me to different places in Africa
i absolutely loved the setting as it incorporated the wildlife into the dialogue as well as the story well written i thought i was there taking me to different places in Africa
April 13, 2017
Underwhelming, considering the score of high reviews. Decent writing but the plot was a little thin to me and there seemed to be a lot of unconvincing interactions. Brand was not a particularly likable character, and his sexual exploits to me seemed unrealistic; same with the instant attraction between Bryce and Linley. There is so much sexual tension in this book that for me it overcrowded the story. I did love the African aspect, and loved the parts involving the wildlife, but the story itself dragged on a bit, with an unsatisfying ending. The stuff with Sannie and Tom bored me to tears and I felt it easily could have been left out, but it seems like it was included as a bit of a nod to a previous novel, which would obviously appeal more to someone who has read said previous novel. Not a particularly thrilling mystery on the whole.
December 30, 2025
The Hunter features an engrossing plot, in which threads from three different characters’ perspectives gradually overlap and come together in a dramatic conclusion. That said, the final twist felt quite jarring and opened several plot holes that on my reading hadn’t previously existed.
The setting in the National Parks of northern South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya and (briefly) Botswana was expertly developed, as I’ve always found with Tony Park’s books. I’ve never actually been to Africa, but the sights, sounds, smells and danger of the bush really leap off the page and make the reader feel fully immersed.
The setting in the National Parks of northern South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya and (briefly) Botswana was expertly developed, as I’ve always found with Tony Park’s books. I’ve never actually been to Africa, but the sights, sounds, smells and danger of the bush really leap off the page and make the reader feel fully immersed.
June 11, 2025
This is shit.
September 22, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. Great story.
February 3, 2017
Wanted to like it but too long and drawn out and inhabited by some really unpleasant characters. Didn't care who did it, by the end. The novelty of having one character narrate in the first person wore off quickly. Too many characters regularly nodding, like some repetitive nervous twitch - 95 times by my count. Needs an editor who will add genuine tension to his stories, eliminate pointless body movements and shorten overall story length.
July 21, 2024
Having read every book Wilber Smith ever wrote I cannot help but love Tony Park. I am yet to be disappointed, some are great, some are better but none are bad.
June 22, 2015
Way back when AustCrimeFiction first lurched into life, it felt like keeping up with the local crime and thriller book output would be achievable. That's been one of the wider and deeper and more delusional pipe dreams of many. Which needless to say makes THE HUNTER the first Tony Park novel I've picked up. Bit of a mistake that.
As sweeping, action packed thrillers go, THE HUNTER ticks a lot of boxes. Set in Africa you'd be forgiven for expecting a story arc that matches aspects of the landscape, big, broad, sweeping with more than a bit of danger lurking under the surface, and you do get a lot of those aspects in spades. You also get a central character who's part hero, part sympathetic character, part bit of a "lad". Hudson Brand negotiates his way through these multiple sexual encounters, lost loves, a bit of longing, and a lonely, essentially unconnected personal life whilst working as a safari guide, and a private investigator. Both of those worlds collide quite conveniently when he's investigating the possible insurance fraud behind a road death, and ferrying the dead woman's sister and husband around on a safari / search for answers.
There's a lot of complications to the plot in THE HUNTER, what with the search for the truth about the car accident death of Kate; the possibility that her friend Linley's up to no good with the insurance claim; poaching; safari's gone pear-shaped because of other idiot safari guides; the involvement of sister and brother-in-law; a robbery scam going on between two women; the occasional foray into the bush to gaze at the wildlife; and the search for a serial killer. Not all these elements are always held up in the air as firmly as they could be needless to say.
Whilst in the main this is still a real page turner, and the complications are delivered in a manner that makes them readable and enjoyable, there are a few elements that got a bit wobbly. The serial killer search aspect does seem to spend an inordinate amount of time wallowing around in the lead investigator's marital situation, and, with the benefit of hindsight in particular, the whole insurance scam / sister / grumpy brother-in-law thing was a bit drawn out, when the resolution had declared itself about half way through the book. On the upside much of the action is really good, and some of it particularly funny, so here I plead a certain sneaking liking for the two women thieves who had quite a lot of style, as well as hefty doses of front.
Now I just need to make sure that THE HUNTER's not the last of Tony Park's books that wind their way up Mt TBR.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
As sweeping, action packed thrillers go, THE HUNTER ticks a lot of boxes. Set in Africa you'd be forgiven for expecting a story arc that matches aspects of the landscape, big, broad, sweeping with more than a bit of danger lurking under the surface, and you do get a lot of those aspects in spades. You also get a central character who's part hero, part sympathetic character, part bit of a "lad". Hudson Brand negotiates his way through these multiple sexual encounters, lost loves, a bit of longing, and a lonely, essentially unconnected personal life whilst working as a safari guide, and a private investigator. Both of those worlds collide quite conveniently when he's investigating the possible insurance fraud behind a road death, and ferrying the dead woman's sister and husband around on a safari / search for answers.
There's a lot of complications to the plot in THE HUNTER, what with the search for the truth about the car accident death of Kate; the possibility that her friend Linley's up to no good with the insurance claim; poaching; safari's gone pear-shaped because of other idiot safari guides; the involvement of sister and brother-in-law; a robbery scam going on between two women; the occasional foray into the bush to gaze at the wildlife; and the search for a serial killer. Not all these elements are always held up in the air as firmly as they could be needless to say.
Whilst in the main this is still a real page turner, and the complications are delivered in a manner that makes them readable and enjoyable, there are a few elements that got a bit wobbly. The serial killer search aspect does seem to spend an inordinate amount of time wallowing around in the lead investigator's marital situation, and, with the benefit of hindsight in particular, the whole insurance scam / sister / grumpy brother-in-law thing was a bit drawn out, when the resolution had declared itself about half way through the book. On the upside much of the action is really good, and some of it particularly funny, so here I plead a certain sneaking liking for the two women thieves who had quite a lot of style, as well as hefty doses of front.
Now I just need to make sure that THE HUNTER's not the last of Tony Park's books that wind their way up Mt TBR.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
December 31, 2017
Was only going to read a chapter per day but as usual with Tony's books could not put it down until finished 5/5 yet again.
October 17, 2016
Well written and intriguing with larger than life characters and a twisting, turning plot. A grand adventure story that kept me guessing until the last page.
January 7, 2024
It's hard to place Tony Park books into series as they have many interconnecting characters. This book features Hudson Brand, safari guide and private investigator. He is suspended from his guiding duties due to an incident with poachers in South Africa, so takes on an insurance fraud case in Zimbabwe. In the background is South African detective, Sannie van Rensburg, who is obsesses with an old murder case and her prime suspect is Hudson Brand, but doesn't have enough evidence.
Both of these characters have appeared in other Tony Park books.
So we have two story lines that interconnect.
Together, we have an interesting and adventurous read that travels through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Kenya with Hudson seeking the truth about girl who died in a car accident to give relieve to her sister and avoiding being arrested for something he didn't do.
I enjoyed this though just when you think it's all sorted, there's another twist and there are a lot of them.
Both of these characters have appeared in other Tony Park books.
So we have two story lines that interconnect.
Together, we have an interesting and adventurous read that travels through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Kenya with Hudson seeking the truth about girl who died in a car accident to give relieve to her sister and avoiding being arrested for something he didn't do.
I enjoyed this though just when you think it's all sorted, there's another twist and there are a lot of them.
October 14, 2020
Another fantastic African adventure by author Tony Park. A nonstop crime thriller from page 1, moving through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. During these times of the worldwide pandemic, it is just so great to escape into another world.
Once again, descriptions of flora, fauna, wildlife and countryside takes one back to wonderful family memories of long ago. For those who love Africa or enjoy books set in Africa, this one must be on your list to read.
Thank you again for another stellar read.
Once again, descriptions of flora, fauna, wildlife and countryside takes one back to wonderful family memories of long ago. For those who love Africa or enjoy books set in Africa, this one must be on your list to read.
Thank you again for another stellar read.
November 23, 2023
I love this booked, easy to read an entertaining. He has a good plot about murders, people disappearing, and investigation with interesting characters from different walks of life. It highlights political issues in southern Africa and other related human interactions. All this entertwined with African Bush experience. Easy reading and well researched in many aspects. It took me to Afica to many places I know.
December 5, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a great read of intrigue and vivid imagery of the African Bush and crimes hidden in plain view and setting up the fall guy.
This book is excellent and sets the peeks for the next book in the series. You cannot read this book without reading the next one. They compliment each other perfectly.
This book is excellent and sets the peeks for the next book in the series. You cannot read this book without reading the next one. They compliment each other perfectly.
November 28, 2023
This was a really fun crime thriller, with some larger than life characters set across the backdrop of southern Africa. This author like to add twists to the plot as it unfolds, which are a lot of fun.
January 11, 2026
Excellent plot and pace. Great reminder of safari areas I’ve visited. Every bit as good as others of his books that I’ve read.Tony Park
September 18, 2020
Enjoyable
March 4, 2021
As alway Tony Parks thrilling and exciting story line has made The Hunter an absolute page turner. Great read and very deserving of five stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2021
Really good read. Did not expect the various twists and turns of the book. Well written and kept me engaged.
August 13, 2021
The story was really not very good! The description of the African wildlife and the landscape are completely why I stuck with this book. 58 percent!
January 3, 2023
Great mix of crime, passion and safari! A bit of an odd mix at times and sometimes too much going on.
Read
October 29, 2023This was true to label, enjoyed reading it
August 23, 2025
An enjoyable read.
November 21, 2023
Enthralling
February 15, 2019
Не му е от най-силните сафари криминалета. Май е прекарал повече време в "проучване" на луксозни лоджове в Южна Африка и Зимбабве, вместо в архивите и библиотеките с разследваща журналистика. Няма ангажираща тема (освен един убит от бракониери носорог). Има съшити с бели конци съвпадения. Биографията на главния герой по-изсмукана от пръстите трудно можеше да се получи - калър, полу бял американец, четвърт черен анголец, четвърт бял португалец, участвал във войната в Ангола на страната на белите, наемник, с полу американски - полу (бял) зимбабвийски акцент. Мистерията около изчезналата умряла или преструваща се на умряла родезийка блондинка е като за двойната Лотхен. Даже нямаше нужда да обръщат негатива. А и кой е убиецът се познава от самолет. Хайде, да не е от самолет, от моторен делтаплан. Темата е за фалшиви умирания в Зимбабве с цел източване на застраховки живот в Англия. Но изчезналата бяла бенефициентка не се покрива с профила. Тогава? Обикаляме Крюгер парк, Хванге, водопада Виктория, Чобе, Масай Мара, спим по хубави лоджове, любуваме се на дивата природа, доката я намерим. И после отиваме на заслужена почивка на Занзибар.
January 16, 2015
Tony Park is an Australian thriller writer who has written eleven novels based in Southern Africa. In the Hunter the main character is Hudson Brand, whose day job is as a safari guide, showing well heeled clients the wonders of African wildlife. As well he has developed another skill as a successful private investigator. When the safari business falters he eventually takes on an investigative job aimed at finding out about the death of a young woman in a car crash. Her sister Anne Munns and rich British surgeon Tom, want to find out whether Kate died by accident or as part of an insurance scam. From here the plot becomes quite complicated but Park's writing is very clever and it remains quite easy to keep a grip on where the story is heading. Brand, by the way, is a bit of a lad with the opposite sex, but never a cad. The culmination of the story is a real twist in the tale, moving The Hunter from good read to excellent.
September 11, 2015
An enjoyable tale, well told through the use of different narration for individual characters. An interesting perspective was presented. The plot was well structured and set against the background of urban and rural Zimbabwe, the reader is drawn into a nicely paced tale filled with intrigue and some fairly interesting characters. Will definitely have another go at this author.
November 4, 2014
Adventure, mystery - a great book
November 21, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked that the characters were slightly flawed and human. A really good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews