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African Sky #1
African Sky
Rhodesia 1943. Paul Bryant hasn't been able to get back in a plane since a fatal bombing mission over Germany. So, instead, the Squadron Leader is flying a desk at a pilot training school at Kumalo Air Base. But one of his trainees has just been reported missing.
432 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2006
75 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Tony Park
37 books297 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 56 reviews
October 28, 2018
When a young WAAF from a WW2 training camp for pilots in Rhodesia, is found raped and murdered in the back streets of the nearby town, police and the base Sqaudron Leader, Paul Bryant, must find who killed her. Suspicion initially falls on the local African inhabitants of the town, however, policewoman Phillipa (Pip) Lovejoy suspects that the motive is more complex than sexual assault.
Other strange events are also keeping Paul Bryant busy. One of his trainees has crashed his plane on a farm he shouldn't have been anywhere near and another pilot has been found dead with his his plane nowhere in sight. Together Pip and Paul gradually find clues as to what is starting to like a much bigger plot with much wider consequences for both the airbase and the war effort.
This is a well written mystery with plenty of plot twists that will keep everyone guessing. Paul and Pip are great characters, both smart and unconventional. The backdrop of stunning African landscapes, herds of wild animals and a large cattle farm owned by a rich widow with a big sexual appetite makes for an entertaining thriller.
Other strange events are also keeping Paul Bryant busy. One of his trainees has crashed his plane on a farm he shouldn't have been anywhere near and another pilot has been found dead with his his plane nowhere in sight. Together Pip and Paul gradually find clues as to what is starting to like a much bigger plot with much wider consequences for both the airbase and the war effort.
This is a well written mystery with plenty of plot twists that will keep everyone guessing. Paul and Pip are great characters, both smart and unconventional. The backdrop of stunning African landscapes, herds of wild animals and a large cattle farm owned by a rich widow with a big sexual appetite makes for an entertaining thriller.
October 28, 2024
Set in southern Rhodesia in 1943, African Sky is an intriguing murder mystery that manages to capture the time and location in which it’s set perfectly. As well as providing a cleverly put together murder mystery, we’re given a stark reminder of the casual racism and sexism that was prevalent at the time.
When a young aircraftswoman from the Rhodesian air training school is found tied up and murdered on the streets of Buluwayo suspicion turns immediately to the local black population. It’s up to the local police, including Policewoman Constable Philippa (Pip) Lovejoy, to investigate the case.
One part of the investigation takes them to the air training school where they inform Squadron Leader Paul Bryant of the death. His initial reaction, as well as certain revelations under questioning, leads Pip to become more interested in Bryant and his relationship with the dead woman.
Battling the sexist attitudes of her immediate superior, a truly stupid man who has clearly been created to represent every incompetent fool (who has ever been promoted to his level of incompetence) who hampers every aspect of the investigation, Pip manages to employ a commonsense strategy that proves very effective. On top of that, we find out far more about Paul Bryant than expected, the wartime secrets he’s hiding and some of the more sordid relationships that have resulted in his posting to Rhodesia.
As it turns out, Bryant is something of a misunderstood war hero, a pilot with a massively guilty conscience who’s been prepared to drink away the remainder of the war. Pip has left her farm and turned to the police force after her husband entered the conflict in Europe. There’s a great deal more to both of these characters than first meets the eye. Their secrets are slowly revealed as they gain each other’s trust and respect.
African Sky is an interesting amalgam of historical wartime drama, police procedural murder mystery and international spy thriller with a healthy slice of romance to fill in the gaps. Even though it’s set during WW2 the war is really only referred to rather than experienced fully, however there is an exciting dogfight scene to get your teeth into.
The relationship developed by the two main protagonists has proven to be the main strength of the story. Together they work as a team, overcoming some pretty difficult obstacles, to conduct their investigation. This and descriptions of the surrounding landscape in which it’s set ensure that I was able to become fully immersed in the story.
This is the type of page turning mystery that allows you to savour every unexpected revelation as you try to keep up with the rapidly escalating action.
When a young aircraftswoman from the Rhodesian air training school is found tied up and murdered on the streets of Buluwayo suspicion turns immediately to the local black population. It’s up to the local police, including Policewoman Constable Philippa (Pip) Lovejoy, to investigate the case.
One part of the investigation takes them to the air training school where they inform Squadron Leader Paul Bryant of the death. His initial reaction, as well as certain revelations under questioning, leads Pip to become more interested in Bryant and his relationship with the dead woman.
Battling the sexist attitudes of her immediate superior, a truly stupid man who has clearly been created to represent every incompetent fool (who has ever been promoted to his level of incompetence) who hampers every aspect of the investigation, Pip manages to employ a commonsense strategy that proves very effective. On top of that, we find out far more about Paul Bryant than expected, the wartime secrets he’s hiding and some of the more sordid relationships that have resulted in his posting to Rhodesia.
As it turns out, Bryant is something of a misunderstood war hero, a pilot with a massively guilty conscience who’s been prepared to drink away the remainder of the war. Pip has left her farm and turned to the police force after her husband entered the conflict in Europe. There’s a great deal more to both of these characters than first meets the eye. Their secrets are slowly revealed as they gain each other’s trust and respect.
African Sky is an interesting amalgam of historical wartime drama, police procedural murder mystery and international spy thriller with a healthy slice of romance to fill in the gaps. Even though it’s set during WW2 the war is really only referred to rather than experienced fully, however there is an exciting dogfight scene to get your teeth into.
The relationship developed by the two main protagonists has proven to be the main strength of the story. Together they work as a team, overcoming some pretty difficult obstacles, to conduct their investigation. This and descriptions of the surrounding landscape in which it’s set ensure that I was able to become fully immersed in the story.
This is the type of page turning mystery that allows you to savour every unexpected revelation as you try to keep up with the rapidly escalating action.
September 10, 2016
This is an excellent thriller set in Rhodesia in 1943, during WWII. The main characters are Paul Bryant, a squadron leader at a pilot training school and Pip Lovejoy, a volunteer policewoman. When a white female is found raped and murdered in a seedy black neighborhood, things get very interesting indeed, and Paul himself becomes a suspect.
Very well written, this book is a real page turner that I just couldn't put down, with wild animals, a Nazi spy and kinky sex. What more could you ask for?
Tony Park is an excellent writer and I can't wait to read some of his other books, which are all set in Africa.
Very well written, this book is a real page turner that I just couldn't put down, with wild animals, a Nazi spy and kinky sex. What more could you ask for?
Tony Park is an excellent writer and I can't wait to read some of his other books, which are all set in Africa.
October 1, 2013
Masterpiece African thriller set in a 1943 air training school in Rhodesia. A series of puzzling murders, an inexperienced volunteer policewoman and a dashing Squadron Leader relegated to a desk job, provide the necessary ingredients for a darned good story!
November 24, 2012
African Sky is the third novel by Australian author Tony Park. The setting is Southern Rhodesia, 1943, and Australian-born bomber pilot, Paul Bryant is adjutant Squadron leader at a pilot training school near Bulawayo. When Leading Aircraftswoman Felicity Langham is found raped and murdered behind a shebeen in a nearby black township, Volunteer Policewoman Constable Philippa Lovejoy is part of the investigating team. Pip interviews Bryant and Felicity’s closest friend, Catherine de Beers, and has her suspicions about Bryant’s relationship with both Catherine and Felicity. Battling the sexist and racist attitudes of her colleagues and the Air Force officers, she manages to cast doubt on the guilt of the black man arrested for the rape and murder. Bryant has his hands full with missing airplanes, a murdered pilot and the imminent visit of Prime Ministers Jan Smuts and Sir Godfrey Huggins for the airmen’s passing out parade. Against this background, Afrikaner Ossewa Brandwag agent Hendrick Reitz is planning action at the airbase that will help the cause of Nazi Germany and South African dissidents. Park gives his readers a marvellous plot with a few twists, plenty of intrigue, sex, lots of air action including a dogfight, espionage, sabotage, quite a few murders and even a bit of romance. Park’s characters are well developed and his own Army background, his extensive research and his knowledge of Africa are apparent in every sentence. A real page-turner.
August 1, 2014
African Sky by Tony Park is centered around but also removed from the goings on around World War 2. The war between Nazi's and the British is crucial to its plot, but most of it is focused on Africa and flying. There is beautiful detail of the scenery and wildlife in Africa, so vivid it makes you want to visit.
The beginning is slightly slow with a lot of detail packed in, but part of this is down to the cynicism portrayed by Bryant, which is important for his later character development, as well as establishing the setting and context in the reader's mind. It has a great plot which significantly picks up towards the middle of the book and enough twists to make it unputdownable.
The story within the story of a black man accused of crimes against a white woman was reminiscent to me of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and indeed the themes of racism, justice and inequality are also prevalent in this book.
I enjoyed the two protagonists and their points of view,and for me the book had just the right amount of romance a midst all the action.
The only downside to this book was a personal one. I like my endings clean cut and happy, and was hoping that after all the characters had been through they would have peace! But the ambiguous way we left them was realistic of the reality of war.
All in all a beautiful cover and even better read.
The beginning is slightly slow with a lot of detail packed in, but part of this is down to the cynicism portrayed by Bryant, which is important for his later character development, as well as establishing the setting and context in the reader's mind. It has a great plot which significantly picks up towards the middle of the book and enough twists to make it unputdownable.
The story within the story of a black man accused of crimes against a white woman was reminiscent to me of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and indeed the themes of racism, justice and inequality are also prevalent in this book.
I enjoyed the two protagonists and their points of view,and for me the book had just the right amount of romance a midst all the action.
The only downside to this book was a personal one. I like my endings clean cut and happy, and was hoping that after all the characters had been through they would have peace! But the ambiguous way we left them was realistic of the reality of war.
All in all a beautiful cover and even better read.
December 9, 2018
African Sky is part romance, part murder mystery, and part spy adventure tale set in Rhodesia in 1943. The story revolves around two murders related to Kumalo air base, a site where thousands of airmen are trained in skies free of enemy aircraft before shipped to Europe for active service. The first murder is of a young daredevil WAAF, the second a pilot killed after landing his plane in the bush. Pip Lovejoy a local white farmer turned policewoman is investigating the first, Paul Bryant an Australian veteran of bombing runs over Germany the latter. They team-up to investigate their cases. While the romance and murder mystery element work okay, the spy adventure part of the tale is much weaker. In part, it is because the storyline is at the limit of plausibility, and in part, because this aspect of the story has lengthy back story tangents that detract from the main storyline. The result is a denouement that has plenty of action, but is overly melodramatic and far-fetched. Overall, some interesting history, a nice romantic hook-up, but a story that didn’t quite fit neatly enough together.
March 18, 2017
Another great story from Tony Park. must confess to being a bit concerned with the first few chapters as it appeared that the story line was buried somewhere. HOWEVER, it did develop into a great read set in and around World War II. And that is all I will tell you!
Oh! Huge kudos to the narrator. Although some of his character voices were a little difficult to understand to begin with, all characters were believable...both male and two female lead characters.
Oh! Huge kudos to the narrator. Although some of his character voices were a little difficult to understand to begin with, all characters were believable...both male and two female lead characters.
April 10, 2012
Great novel- Tony Park gets better and better every time I read him. Lots of flying in this one, based in Zimbabwe and covering Africa's involvement in WW2 and the training of RAF pilots in Zim plus German efforts to assassinate Smuts at the time, really interesting, plus a bit of romance thrown in of course.
June 18, 2012
A good read, at times unputdownable. A story set in Matabeleland during the WWII about the deputy commander of an air force training school and a policewoman, and a plot by the Ossewabrandwag and the German government to assassinate the prime ministers of South Africa, Jan Smuts, and Rhodesia, Sir Godfrey Huggins. Convincing and enjoyable.
December 14, 2012
My first book of Tony Park. Interesting story, at times unputdownable. Haven't read much of Wilbur Smith beyong one or two chapters, Mr Park reminds me of Wilbur Smith. I will be reading another Tony Park novel sometime soon
September 3, 2016
This was my first Tony Parks novel and it was a good read, with an interesting look at the impact of the First World War on Rhodesia. The murder revealed the prejudices and attitudes towards black people. An interesting story but I found a number of aspects far fetched.
January 8, 2013
Very enjoyable holiday type read. Set in Africa during WW2.
May 30, 2013
You can trust Tony Park to provide an easy and captivating story and to transport you to the wilderness in Africa from the safety and comfort of your favourite couch!
September 29, 2024
African Sky is book one in Tony Park's African Sky series. After a failed assignment over Germany, Squadron Leader Paul Bryant could not get back in a plane. When the Squadron Leader position opened at the Pilot training school at Kumalo Air Base in Rhodesia, he transferred to this position. In 1943, when one of his trainees went missing, Paul Bryant stepped up to discover what happened. The readers of African Sky will continue to follow Squadron Leader Paul Bryant to find out what happens.
African Sky is another excellent book by Tony Park. I enjoy the way Tony Park highlights Africa in his stories. I engaged with the story and the characters of this book. I understand why Tony Park is recognised as a master of adventure. I love Tony Park's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other. African Sky is well-written and researched. I like Tony Park's description of the settings of African Sky, which complemented the book's plot.
African Sky readers will learn about life in Rhodesia in the 1943s and understand the pressures on military personnel during wartime.
I recommend this book.
African Sky is another excellent book by Tony Park. I enjoy the way Tony Park highlights Africa in his stories. I engaged with the story and the characters of this book. I understand why Tony Park is recognised as a master of adventure. I love Tony Park's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other. African Sky is well-written and researched. I like Tony Park's description of the settings of African Sky, which complemented the book's plot.
African Sky readers will learn about life in Rhodesia in the 1943s and understand the pressures on military personnel during wartime.
I recommend this book.
September 21, 2023
Tony Park’s African adventures can be enjoyed at many levels for the multi layered understanding of Africa the author brings to his work.
African Sky, begins a little roughly and engagement was slow but at almost the half way mark the narrative style changed as Park settled into his story. In fact as I progressed through the book it almost seemed as if a different hand was at work. I’ve seen this many times in the past with student writers who have included in their submitted work a piece previously written, in order to help them reach their word target. The section in which Hendrick is introduced is smoother and more reflective than the grittier and uneven opening portion. Park goes on to write the remainder of the book in this manner, regardless of the return to the earlier subject matter and characters.
I wonder if the earlier section of African Sky lay unused in a drawer for some time before he completed it.
African Sky, begins a little roughly and engagement was slow but at almost the half way mark the narrative style changed as Park settled into his story. In fact as I progressed through the book it almost seemed as if a different hand was at work. I’ve seen this many times in the past with student writers who have included in their submitted work a piece previously written, in order to help them reach their word target. The section in which Hendrick is introduced is smoother and more reflective than the grittier and uneven opening portion. Park goes on to write the remainder of the book in this manner, regardless of the return to the earlier subject matter and characters.
I wonder if the earlier section of African Sky lay unused in a drawer for some time before he completed it.
March 10, 2025
This is Wilbur Smith style. So an easy read, runs along at a reasonable pace. Reasonable plot- action, army attitudes, love story etc
If you don’t understand the history of the area and if you don’t know how some people behaved when this was written- you may struggle with some of the language and attitudes. I suspect you might not find his books in UK bookshops. Read with caution if you’ve not been to Africa.
I may pick up the next in the series if I find it in second hand bookshops- The heroes are nice- the villains not so, but that’s what makes a story?
[I grew up in apartheid South Africa]
If you don’t understand the history of the area and if you don’t know how some people behaved when this was written- you may struggle with some of the language and attitudes. I suspect you might not find his books in UK bookshops. Read with caution if you’ve not been to Africa.
I may pick up the next in the series if I find it in second hand bookshops- The heroes are nice- the villains not so, but that’s what makes a story?
[I grew up in apartheid South Africa]
April 22, 2022
This was my first Tony Parker book and I got into it with great anticipation after hearing only good things. His books are a must read for wild life and Africa lovers.
I must admit, I was a bit disappointed. Although the historical context was extremely interesting, the story line itself was not that great. I found the interconnecting storylines somewhat confusing and I didn't really connect with the characters or feel like I got to know them throughout the book. Some of the happenings seem far fetched. I would like to meet a man who gets scratched and attacked by a Leopard who still goes on to run, jump on planes and fight of the enemy.
But I must admit, I learned a great deal from this book and will certainly read the follow up. It was interesting and fast paced (if you can keep up with the confusion).
I must admit, I was a bit disappointed. Although the historical context was extremely interesting, the story line itself was not that great. I found the interconnecting storylines somewhat confusing and I didn't really connect with the characters or feel like I got to know them throughout the book. Some of the happenings seem far fetched. I would like to meet a man who gets scratched and attacked by a Leopard who still goes on to run, jump on planes and fight of the enemy.
But I must admit, I learned a great deal from this book and will certainly read the follow up. It was interesting and fast paced (if you can keep up with the confusion).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2021
Not my usual genre, but I wanted something completely different, and this definitely was that. Easy reading, and a good story. It had a bit of everything in it, from action and suspense to mystery and romance. A great all rounder. Will definitely be trying Tony Park again.
June 29, 2022
This was a 5 until I got to the epilogue. After what Paul and Pip went through without their relative support networks (*Police and Airforce) they had both served their due nothing warranted continued service afar.
October 28, 2022
Just love Tony Park's books. Such great reads. This one was as good as any of his I've read. Just wish I new this was the 1st book in the 2 book series as I read the 2nd one 1st. But regardless, I can tie the stories together now and can't wait to read the rest of the books I have of his.
February 13, 2021
Want to travel to wartime Rhodesia? Read this stunning and exciting Nobel!
September 3, 2021
This is one of of Tony Parks earlier novels I've just finished and it's clear to see that he was writing well researched, thrilling page turners back then as he does today.
November 21, 2022
Enjoyed the story line and thrill of the adventures engaged by the characters
Engaging
Engaging
May 16, 2023
Wonderful description of African countries and the history.
August 4, 2023
Enjoyed the story, but the depictions of women at times were very clearly written by a man who doesn't understand women.
August 24, 2023
Great read and I will look to read more from Tony Parker in the future 😊😊
Read
January 25, 2024First book I've read by this author and it was great. Keen to read more by him
Read
March 19, 2024Absolutely loved the book and it’s sequel.
September 7, 2020
Great book, need more of his books on kindle!
If you love an adventure and a strong women character as well as loving Africa this is the author for you.
If you love an adventure and a strong women character as well as loving Africa this is the author for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews