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Sonja Kurtz #3
The Cull
A heart-racing thriller from the master of adventure!
One mission ... countless enemies.
Former mercenary Sonja Kurtz is hired by business tycoon Julianne Clyde-Smith to head an elite squad. Their aim: to take down Africa's top poaching kingpins and stop at nothing to save its endangered wildlife.
But as the body count rises, it becomes harder for Sonja to stay under the radar and she is targeted by an underworld syndicate known as The Scorpions.
When her love interest, safari guide and private investigator Hudson Brand, is employed to look into the death of an alleged poacher at the hands of Sonja's team, she is forced to ask herself if Julianne's crusade has gone too far.
From South Africa's Kruger National Park to the Serengeti of Tanzania, Sonja realises she is fighting a war on numerous fronts, against enemies known and unknown.
So who can Sonja really trust?
One mission ... countless enemies.
Former mercenary Sonja Kurtz is hired by business tycoon Julianne Clyde-Smith to head an elite squad. Their aim: to take down Africa's top poaching kingpins and stop at nothing to save its endangered wildlife.
But as the body count rises, it becomes harder for Sonja to stay under the radar and she is targeted by an underworld syndicate known as The Scorpions.
When her love interest, safari guide and private investigator Hudson Brand, is employed to look into the death of an alleged poacher at the hands of Sonja's team, she is forced to ask herself if Julianne's crusade has gone too far.
From South Africa's Kruger National Park to the Serengeti of Tanzania, Sonja realises she is fighting a war on numerous fronts, against enemies known and unknown.
So who can Sonja really trust?
432 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2018
98 people are currently reading
170 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 38 reviews
November 21, 2020
4.5★s
The Cull is the third book in the Sonja Kurtz series by Australian author, Tony Park. Following the murder by poachers of two women in her anti-poaching unit, Sonja Kurtz is recruited by a wealthy British Lodge owner to aggressively undermine the poaching syndicate plaguing the African continent. Not initially interested, the deal breaker for Sonja comes in the form of a chance to revenge the death of her beloved partner, Sam Chapman.
Sonja Kurtz is an African-born mercenary with experience in Northern Ireland with the British Army, and in Sierra Leone, Angola, Iraq, Afghanistan and Namibia. To Julianne Clyde-Smith, those qualifications make her the ideal person to head an anti-poacher task force. Clyde-Smith, billionaire businesswoman, philanthropist, ardent environmentalist, is a woman about whom some locals observe: “like all foreigners – she thinks she knows better ways to fight poachers than we do.”
After a supposed surveillance/reconnaissance assignment on a golf course that sees two key figures in the poaching trade shot and one killed, then a corrupt Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Ranger is shot dead while Sonja’s small hand-picked team is present, she begins to wonder if she is being set up, or if her employer has a more aggressive agenda to poaching than she has admitted. Is Clyde-Smith actually bankrolling a hit squad?
Sonja’s erstwhile lover, Hudson Brand has, meanwhile, connected with SA Police Service Captain Sannie van Rensburg about the shooting of a possibly innocent man by Sonja’s anti-poaching unit, and with pretty young travel writer, Rosie Appleton, who seems intent on a big expose of the poaching trade, whose tenor seems to have altered from opportunistic to organised crime.
The Scorpions are probably an international organised crime syndicate that deals in high value commodities: rhino horn, ivory, drugs, guns, abalone, pangolins, baby chimpanzees and vultures. Could Clyde-Smith be taking advantage of their devastating effect on the tourist trade to aid her own acquisition of coveted resort locations? Will Sonja’s audacious plan succeed in proving this?
Once again, Park demonstrates his thorough knowledge of, and love for, the African continent and her people. The activities, methods and targets of poachers will likely be a revelation and there is, of course, plenty of action, a high body count and a clever twist by the time the exciting climax arrives. Park includes characters from previous novels, even slipping in a cameo for one of those novels, and the maps will be much appreciated by readers.
Park names a minor character James Paterson, and while this has a charity basis, some readers might wonder if this is a tongue-in-cheek dig at the ridiculous Alex Cross novel that the prolific two-t author set in Africa: clearly this JP is much better versed in all things African. This alone is probably enough to forgive him Sonja’s ongoing prickliness, which was beginning to wear thin. Addictive African action drama.
The Cull is the third book in the Sonja Kurtz series by Australian author, Tony Park. Following the murder by poachers of two women in her anti-poaching unit, Sonja Kurtz is recruited by a wealthy British Lodge owner to aggressively undermine the poaching syndicate plaguing the African continent. Not initially interested, the deal breaker for Sonja comes in the form of a chance to revenge the death of her beloved partner, Sam Chapman.
Sonja Kurtz is an African-born mercenary with experience in Northern Ireland with the British Army, and in Sierra Leone, Angola, Iraq, Afghanistan and Namibia. To Julianne Clyde-Smith, those qualifications make her the ideal person to head an anti-poacher task force. Clyde-Smith, billionaire businesswoman, philanthropist, ardent environmentalist, is a woman about whom some locals observe: “like all foreigners – she thinks she knows better ways to fight poachers than we do.”
After a supposed surveillance/reconnaissance assignment on a golf course that sees two key figures in the poaching trade shot and one killed, then a corrupt Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Ranger is shot dead while Sonja’s small hand-picked team is present, she begins to wonder if she is being set up, or if her employer has a more aggressive agenda to poaching than she has admitted. Is Clyde-Smith actually bankrolling a hit squad?
Sonja’s erstwhile lover, Hudson Brand has, meanwhile, connected with SA Police Service Captain Sannie van Rensburg about the shooting of a possibly innocent man by Sonja’s anti-poaching unit, and with pretty young travel writer, Rosie Appleton, who seems intent on a big expose of the poaching trade, whose tenor seems to have altered from opportunistic to organised crime.
The Scorpions are probably an international organised crime syndicate that deals in high value commodities: rhino horn, ivory, drugs, guns, abalone, pangolins, baby chimpanzees and vultures. Could Clyde-Smith be taking advantage of their devastating effect on the tourist trade to aid her own acquisition of coveted resort locations? Will Sonja’s audacious plan succeed in proving this?
Once again, Park demonstrates his thorough knowledge of, and love for, the African continent and her people. The activities, methods and targets of poachers will likely be a revelation and there is, of course, plenty of action, a high body count and a clever twist by the time the exciting climax arrives. Park includes characters from previous novels, even slipping in a cameo for one of those novels, and the maps will be much appreciated by readers.
Park names a minor character James Paterson, and while this has a charity basis, some readers might wonder if this is a tongue-in-cheek dig at the ridiculous Alex Cross novel that the prolific two-t author set in Africa: clearly this JP is much better versed in all things African. This alone is probably enough to forgive him Sonja’s ongoing prickliness, which was beginning to wear thin. Addictive African action drama.
September 26, 2017
* https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Cull marks author Tony Park’s fourteenth novel, after releasing thirteen previous African based action adventure fiction novels. There is no doubt Tony Park is a prolific and popular author. Until now, Park’s novels have escaped my attention, despite being highly recommended to me. The Cull marks my first taste of Tony Park’s work. I was wholly impressed by Park’s ability to weave a thrilling fiction tale around such contentious issues faced by mighty Africa today.
The Cull focuses on the operations of a superior anti poaching squad. Sonja Kurtz, a mercenary in a former time, is selected by business tycoon Julianne Clyde-Smith to oversee this exclusive squad. She has a specific plan for this special squad in mind. She wants the squad to eliminate Africa’s dangerous and greedy poaching commanders in chief. Julianne is on a mission, determined to protect Africa’s majestic and endangered wildlife in any way she can. The work is deadly and dangerous. When a major new threat emerges, via a mob called The Scorpions, it is a matter of life and death as survival tactics are employed to save Africa’s precious fauna. Anti poaching leader Sonja Kurtz’s life gets complicated further by the appearance of Hudson Brand, a private investigator and love interest who encroaches on Sonja’s mission. Hudson’s examination into the death of a poacher, which is believed to be the fault of Sonja’s squad, signals a perilous reminder for Sonja. She grapples with the decision of continuing Julianne’s relentless but lethal campaign, especially when her own life and the lives of her team are under increasing threat. The Cull is a risky, high-octane adventure tale that looks at the question of trust and how far you are willing to go to protect the things you believe in.
Prior to reading The Cull I completed a little bit of pre reading investigative work. I was concerned that being a newcomer to Tony Park’s work, I wouldn’t have the grounding to undergo a comprehensive read of this new novel, especially as this latest novel features a returning character, Sonja Kurtz, from The Delta and The Empty Coast. I was reassured by a huge fan of Park’s work that I would be able to read each of Park’s books, including The Cull, as a standalone novel. The reassurance was warranted and I am glad I took the advice. So I plunged into my first Tony Park novel and my overall impression was I enjoyed the reading experience very much.
The Cull is a pulse pounding read, perfect for those who enjoy fiction based novels that lean strongly on action and adventure. The plot featured in The Cull is layered, with plenty of sub plots that ensure the book remains interesting. It is able to draw you in from the first page and does not let go until the last page is turned. The tone of the novel and Park’s writing style is engaging. The pace was set at a steady flow throughout. Most of all, The Cull provides the reader with a crucial critique of the issues that are the very fabric of Africa’s way of life, in the form of an intriguing and well told thriller.
The Cull is a book filled with a rich and colourful cast of characters. Lead protagonist Sonja Kurtz is a full-bodied character. I liked how she moved the events of the novel. Those new to the character of Sonja, who is a returning player in Park’s books, will find there is enough back story provided by Park to connect with this character. I greatly admired Sonja’s tenacity, fearless nature and determination to carry out the task that was assigned to her, despite the obvious threats to her life. Sonja is paired well against protagonist and private investigator Hudson Brand. Their interactions provide a source of sizzling sexual tension, which was a welcome offset from the strong emphasis on action and thrills in the novel. Rounding up the character set in The Cull are an ideal combination of heroes and villains that add much substance to this novel.
I cannot go any further in this review without highlighting the aspect of the novel I appreciated the most and the component that literally drives the events of the novel, the wildlife. Park’s descriptions and passages relating to the protection from poaching of the varied protected animals of Africa blew me away. It was a true visual feast, I felt like I was on a safari holiday in Africa, from the comfort of my own armchair! The passages related to the vital protection work of preserving these magnificent creatures and the risks involved in saving these precious animals from destruction was moving indeed. I appreciated Park’s first hand knowledge of Africa’s fauna and his passion for these animals really shines through in his writing.
What I also appreciated about The Cull was Park’s vivid portrayal of the book’s setting. The prose lends to descriptions of the landscape that is best described as harsh, unforgiving but equally breathtaking. Author Tony Park includes two detailed maps at the opening of the novel, immediately providing the reader with a direct picture of where the book’s central action is set. For me, this assisted greatly in providing a comprehensive picture of the location of The Cull. The Cull is a novel firmly rooted in a strong air of authenticity, especially in providing the reader with an understanding of the landscape, people, customs, culture, political tensions and corruption that exists in Africa. All in all, The Cull is a stunning and realistic testament to the locale in which it is set.
Reading The Cull was a nail-biting, on the edge of your seat thrill ride. I enjoyed the experience of being whisked away to the wilderness of Africa and gaining an awareness of the perilous but important work of anti poaching. I now feel I have a better view of how vital this action is to preserving Africa’s precious cargo, its unique wildlife. Fans new and established will no doubt be pleased with Tony Park’s latest offering, it is an awe-inspiring read.
*I wish to thank Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Cull marks author Tony Park’s fourteenth novel, after releasing thirteen previous African based action adventure fiction novels. There is no doubt Tony Park is a prolific and popular author. Until now, Park’s novels have escaped my attention, despite being highly recommended to me. The Cull marks my first taste of Tony Park’s work. I was wholly impressed by Park’s ability to weave a thrilling fiction tale around such contentious issues faced by mighty Africa today.
The Cull focuses on the operations of a superior anti poaching squad. Sonja Kurtz, a mercenary in a former time, is selected by business tycoon Julianne Clyde-Smith to oversee this exclusive squad. She has a specific plan for this special squad in mind. She wants the squad to eliminate Africa’s dangerous and greedy poaching commanders in chief. Julianne is on a mission, determined to protect Africa’s majestic and endangered wildlife in any way she can. The work is deadly and dangerous. When a major new threat emerges, via a mob called The Scorpions, it is a matter of life and death as survival tactics are employed to save Africa’s precious fauna. Anti poaching leader Sonja Kurtz’s life gets complicated further by the appearance of Hudson Brand, a private investigator and love interest who encroaches on Sonja’s mission. Hudson’s examination into the death of a poacher, which is believed to be the fault of Sonja’s squad, signals a perilous reminder for Sonja. She grapples with the decision of continuing Julianne’s relentless but lethal campaign, especially when her own life and the lives of her team are under increasing threat. The Cull is a risky, high-octane adventure tale that looks at the question of trust and how far you are willing to go to protect the things you believe in.
Prior to reading The Cull I completed a little bit of pre reading investigative work. I was concerned that being a newcomer to Tony Park’s work, I wouldn’t have the grounding to undergo a comprehensive read of this new novel, especially as this latest novel features a returning character, Sonja Kurtz, from The Delta and The Empty Coast. I was reassured by a huge fan of Park’s work that I would be able to read each of Park’s books, including The Cull, as a standalone novel. The reassurance was warranted and I am glad I took the advice. So I plunged into my first Tony Park novel and my overall impression was I enjoyed the reading experience very much.
The Cull is a pulse pounding read, perfect for those who enjoy fiction based novels that lean strongly on action and adventure. The plot featured in The Cull is layered, with plenty of sub plots that ensure the book remains interesting. It is able to draw you in from the first page and does not let go until the last page is turned. The tone of the novel and Park’s writing style is engaging. The pace was set at a steady flow throughout. Most of all, The Cull provides the reader with a crucial critique of the issues that are the very fabric of Africa’s way of life, in the form of an intriguing and well told thriller.
The Cull is a book filled with a rich and colourful cast of characters. Lead protagonist Sonja Kurtz is a full-bodied character. I liked how she moved the events of the novel. Those new to the character of Sonja, who is a returning player in Park’s books, will find there is enough back story provided by Park to connect with this character. I greatly admired Sonja’s tenacity, fearless nature and determination to carry out the task that was assigned to her, despite the obvious threats to her life. Sonja is paired well against protagonist and private investigator Hudson Brand. Their interactions provide a source of sizzling sexual tension, which was a welcome offset from the strong emphasis on action and thrills in the novel. Rounding up the character set in The Cull are an ideal combination of heroes and villains that add much substance to this novel.
I cannot go any further in this review without highlighting the aspect of the novel I appreciated the most and the component that literally drives the events of the novel, the wildlife. Park’s descriptions and passages relating to the protection from poaching of the varied protected animals of Africa blew me away. It was a true visual feast, I felt like I was on a safari holiday in Africa, from the comfort of my own armchair! The passages related to the vital protection work of preserving these magnificent creatures and the risks involved in saving these precious animals from destruction was moving indeed. I appreciated Park’s first hand knowledge of Africa’s fauna and his passion for these animals really shines through in his writing.
What I also appreciated about The Cull was Park’s vivid portrayal of the book’s setting. The prose lends to descriptions of the landscape that is best described as harsh, unforgiving but equally breathtaking. Author Tony Park includes two detailed maps at the opening of the novel, immediately providing the reader with a direct picture of where the book’s central action is set. For me, this assisted greatly in providing a comprehensive picture of the location of The Cull. The Cull is a novel firmly rooted in a strong air of authenticity, especially in providing the reader with an understanding of the landscape, people, customs, culture, political tensions and corruption that exists in Africa. All in all, The Cull is a stunning and realistic testament to the locale in which it is set.
Reading The Cull was a nail-biting, on the edge of your seat thrill ride. I enjoyed the experience of being whisked away to the wilderness of Africa and gaining an awareness of the perilous but important work of anti poaching. I now feel I have a better view of how vital this action is to preserving Africa’s precious cargo, its unique wildlife. Fans new and established will no doubt be pleased with Tony Park’s latest offering, it is an awe-inspiring read.
*I wish to thank Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
September 30, 2024
The 3rd book to feature one-time mercenary Sonja Kurtz, The Cull deals with the poaching scourge that continues to endanger the survival of some of Africa’s most spectacular animals.
Sonja has attempted to get out of the mercenary game, preferring now to mentor women, training them into anti-poaching fighting units. But, try as she might, it seems that she’s destined to be dragged back into combat situations. This time she’s offered a position by local millionaire game reserve owner Julianne Clyde-Smith to track poachers and monitor their movements, reporting back so that other units can engage in stopping them.
She puts together a small but competent team and they set off on their mission. But, rather than being a non-combat excursion, they find themselves under attack and are soon fighting for their lives. In fact, Sonja can’t help but think that their mission was a setup by Julianne and that a battle with the poachers was orchestrated.
Sonja’s love interest throughout the series is Hudson Brand. Brand works as both a safari guide and a private investigator using the skills he picked up in the military. He’s asked to look into the death of one of the poachers by the man’s family. The man died at the hands of one of the members of Sonja’s team and by running his investigation he’s kind of on the other side to hers.
Rhino and elephant poaching continues to be a big problem in Africa and the spurious reasons for taking the horns and tusks are continually pointed out. But the money remains huge and organized crime is backing the activity. These are the people that Sonja, Hudson and their small team come up against with devastating consequences.
The Cull is a fast paced action thriller pitting the small-guy underdogs against a heavily armed militia. On the surface, the aim of the game is to fight poachers and to protect the local endangered species. But there’s more at play here and even when it appears that Sonja has figured out who her enemies are, there’s a twist or two that turns everything on its head.
As well as adding another entry in following the exploits of Sonja and Hudson, fans of Park’s Sannie van Rensburg series will be interested to know that she also has a part to play in proceedings here. She comes into play to investigate the death of a couple of poachers from early in the piece. But she also has links to Hudson and their friendship serves to cause some friction between the two main characters. It’s quite enjoyable to see this crossover from one series to another.
But, as always, it’s the vivid description of the African people, their culture, the breathtaking landscape in which it’s set and the wildlife that dwell within to life. We’re given a fully immersive experience as he takes time out from the hectic action to focus in on herds of wildebeest, elephant movements, cheetahs and leopards as they fight for survival on the periphery of the main story.
The Cull is another edge of the seat thriller that continues to establish Sonja Kurtz as a highly competent, deadly mercenary. As a fast paced action story it’s worth the read, even more so for the reminder that there’s still an important job going on to protect our wildlife.
Sonja has attempted to get out of the mercenary game, preferring now to mentor women, training them into anti-poaching fighting units. But, try as she might, it seems that she’s destined to be dragged back into combat situations. This time she’s offered a position by local millionaire game reserve owner Julianne Clyde-Smith to track poachers and monitor their movements, reporting back so that other units can engage in stopping them.
She puts together a small but competent team and they set off on their mission. But, rather than being a non-combat excursion, they find themselves under attack and are soon fighting for their lives. In fact, Sonja can’t help but think that their mission was a setup by Julianne and that a battle with the poachers was orchestrated.
Sonja’s love interest throughout the series is Hudson Brand. Brand works as both a safari guide and a private investigator using the skills he picked up in the military. He’s asked to look into the death of one of the poachers by the man’s family. The man died at the hands of one of the members of Sonja’s team and by running his investigation he’s kind of on the other side to hers.
Rhino and elephant poaching continues to be a big problem in Africa and the spurious reasons for taking the horns and tusks are continually pointed out. But the money remains huge and organized crime is backing the activity. These are the people that Sonja, Hudson and their small team come up against with devastating consequences.
The Cull is a fast paced action thriller pitting the small-guy underdogs against a heavily armed militia. On the surface, the aim of the game is to fight poachers and to protect the local endangered species. But there’s more at play here and even when it appears that Sonja has figured out who her enemies are, there’s a twist or two that turns everything on its head.
As well as adding another entry in following the exploits of Sonja and Hudson, fans of Park’s Sannie van Rensburg series will be interested to know that she also has a part to play in proceedings here. She comes into play to investigate the death of a couple of poachers from early in the piece. But she also has links to Hudson and their friendship serves to cause some friction between the two main characters. It’s quite enjoyable to see this crossover from one series to another.
But, as always, it’s the vivid description of the African people, their culture, the breathtaking landscape in which it’s set and the wildlife that dwell within to life. We’re given a fully immersive experience as he takes time out from the hectic action to focus in on herds of wildebeest, elephant movements, cheetahs and leopards as they fight for survival on the periphery of the main story.
The Cull is another edge of the seat thriller that continues to establish Sonja Kurtz as a highly competent, deadly mercenary. As a fast paced action story it’s worth the read, even more so for the reminder that there’s still an important job going on to protect our wildlife.
January 2, 2018
Another great read from Mr Park. Sonja Kurtz is a recurring character but my 1st of her novels. Shes the leader of The Leopards, a small anti poaching unit, that getd caught up in an action packed scandal. Great plotting, fun action scenes, my only concern is sometimes I felt a limited connection to the characters having not read any of Sonjas other adventures. I also found the love stories bewteen Mario, Sonja and Hudson very cliched and weird. Highlights important issues that are currently causing problems in Africa with a fun action filled story.
February 22, 2018
"The Cull" is about saving the Africa Wildlife from poaching and how two people finally found someone to trust with their hearts. Hudson Brand was safari guide and a part-time private investigator when Anna Mnisi came to ask him to look into the death of her son Shadrack. Sonja Kurtz was the leader of an elite squad that is fighting poaching of the wildlife in African's National Parks. Sonja Kurtz was the love interest of Hudson Brand, and when Sonja became a targeted of a poaching syndicate call Scorpions, Hudson Brand becomes involved in the investigation to find the kingpins of The Scorpions. The readers of The Cull will follow Hudson and Sonja blossoming romance and the twist and turns in the investigation into the poaching syndicate.
I have only recently found Tony Park's books and I was so pleased I did, and The Cull continued my love affair with his books. The twist and turns in The Cull kept me engaged in the plot. The conclusion of The Cull was surprised to me, and I did like it. I enjoyed Tony Park portrayal of his characters and the way they intertwine with each other especially Hudson Brand and Sonja Kurtz. The Cull was well written and research by Tony Park.
The readers of The Cull highlights the importance and the consequences of allowing poaching in the African Natural Parks. Also, readers of The Cull will learn about been a Safari guide and living in South Africa's Kruger National Park.
I recommend this book.
I have only recently found Tony Park's books and I was so pleased I did, and The Cull continued my love affair with his books. The twist and turns in The Cull kept me engaged in the plot. The conclusion of The Cull was surprised to me, and I did like it. I enjoyed Tony Park portrayal of his characters and the way they intertwine with each other especially Hudson Brand and Sonja Kurtz. The Cull was well written and research by Tony Park.
The readers of The Cull highlights the importance and the consequences of allowing poaching in the African Natural Parks. Also, readers of The Cull will learn about been a Safari guide and living in South Africa's Kruger National Park.
I recommend this book.
December 5, 2021
A truly aweful read. Chunky to read, repetitive and unbelievable characters and action that appears in countless other books. Shame I have enjoyed his other books.
April 24, 2018
Another good read from Tony Park.
The Cull is the third book in the Sonja Kurtz series, but the first that I've read. I liked her as a character and I'm intrigued to go back and read the others. This instalment sees her up against a shady poaching syndicate at the request of a rich business woman who wishes to take the fight to the poachers.
Park delivers another exciting, explosive, and exhilarating adventure across half of Africa, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. While some parts were a little predictable and I kinda saw the ending coming, it was still an enjoyable ride.
I quite like Park as a writer, and I recommend his books for anyone looking for a bit of action mixed with the beauty of Africa. 4 stars.
The Cull is the third book in the Sonja Kurtz series, but the first that I've read. I liked her as a character and I'm intrigued to go back and read the others. This instalment sees her up against a shady poaching syndicate at the request of a rich business woman who wishes to take the fight to the poachers.
Park delivers another exciting, explosive, and exhilarating adventure across half of Africa, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. While some parts were a little predictable and I kinda saw the ending coming, it was still an enjoyable ride.
I quite like Park as a writer, and I recommend his books for anyone looking for a bit of action mixed with the beauty of Africa. 4 stars.
December 13, 2017
You can’t go wrong with this book, if you want to read a thriller that encapsulates the feeling and vibe of Africa.
July 10, 2021
It took me a while to get into this book, I kept starting it then putting it down as it did not grab me, but I'm glad I persevered with it, excellent story, made me feel at times that I was there at times would definitely recommend it
October 22, 2025
Another action packed African adventure by Tony Park. Nice to have some similar characters from the Kurtz series of books. Plenty of action and interesting dialogue mixed with suspense and a little sex.
November 5, 2020
Great read.
Really enjoyed following Sonja. Series has spiked my interest in wildlife conservation and anti poaching projects in Africa and globally.
Really enjoyed following Sonja. Series has spiked my interest in wildlife conservation and anti poaching projects in Africa and globally.
April 1, 2021
Great read. Looking forward to reading more of his books
August 23, 2021
The Cull is another page turning exciting thrilling adventure by Tony Park
November 16, 2021
Another great read from Tony Park - love the storyline and enjoy the characters.
June 26, 2023
I have worked in the anti poaching industry for a number of years now, and as much as I tried, I couldn't get more than 4 chapters into this book, completely unbelievable characters and unrealistic.
March 18, 2024
So many twists, I did get a bit lost but enjoyed the climax. Was a long book or maybe I was just busy.
Read
May 5, 2025Good as usual, BUT some of the terminology is inconsistent and very clearly Australian not South African.
October 21, 2017
This is Tony Park’s 14th novel and the third one I’ve read. Sonja Kurtz has been a featured character in two of Park’s other novels (one of which I’ve read, The Delta and also An Empty Coast). Although I have read the first book she appears in and have a good idea of her background to be honest it’s not entirely necessary to have read the others before this one because this book does a great job explaining Sonja’s story in a clear way but without taking up too much time from this story.
Sonja is back in Africa working to train local women as an Anti-Poaching unit when they are ambushed by a group of poachers who are surprisingly well armed. As a result, Sonja is offered a job by an incredibly wealthy businesswoman named Julianne Clyde-Smith, who wants to take down the poaching kingpins ravaging the African wildlife one at a time. Employed to do “reconnaissance” it isn’t long before Sonja realises that there’s definitely a lot more to this job than meets the eye and that she might be being used. The body count is rising, the trails are getting infinitely more complicated, Sonja might be on opposing sides with her lover Hudson Brand and she’s not entirely sure who it is she should be trusting.
I love books set in Africa – mostly around South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe etc but I think that’s mostly because the majority of fiction set in Africa that I’ve read has taken place around that part of the continent and this one is no exception. Centered around the areas of large animal conservation reserves, Sonja crosses countries in her mission, occasionally having to dodge authorities due to incidents in her mercenary past. I really loathe big game hunting – people posing with guns and carcasses of elephants or giraffes or lions, beautiful creatures that should be left alone. And I have even more disdain for poaching and witch doctor rubbish that puts tens of thousands of dollars black market value on rhino horns and elephant tusks with little regard to the animal’s pain or suffering or the vast numbers in which they have been and are being slaughtered. So to be honest, I’m all for Sonja and her team and their epic array of weapons executing lethal force, but there are some cases where poverty makes poaching schemes seem easy money to locals. Julianne’s idea is to go after those at the top, dismantling entire operations from the head down. Tony Park lives part of the year in Africa and seems well versed in the various laws and intricacies of operations that might span different countries. There can be different rules for engagement when protecting property and presumably the wildlife within it – in some cases Sonja has to wait until she’s fired upon by poachers and then can she defend herself. She also has to deal with corruption in law enforcement positions, rangers and police paid off to turn a blind eye. A little bit of looking around led me to this article on the dangerous reality of being an anti-poaching ranger.
I really love Sonja as a character – she’s incredibly kick ass with all of these amazing skills and there’s pretty much nothing in terms of combat that she cannot do. But at the same time she’s also a bit awkward with people and leads a rather solitary life. She’s kind of in a relationship with Hudson Brand but she also doesn’t really quite trust him yet and can’t talk to him about what they’re doing or to clarify either of their feelings. She’s the sort of person who will walk away without asking a question, rather than put herself out there for a moment and present herself as vulnerable to another person. There’s a few misunderstandings that create some friction for Sonja and Hudson. I haven’t read the book where they met but after this I definitely plan to go back and add it to my TBR pile because I find them really interesting together. Hudson is a former CIA agent so he has mad skills of his own and now he works as a safari guide and sometime private investigator. I don’t know if there are plans to include them in future books but I’m sure there’s still plenty of ways in which they could reappear.
I found this to be a really engrossing read from the first page – I loved the setting and felt like I was learning more about the poaching situation and the lengths that are needed in order to try and present a defense to it. There were some really good secondary characters (especially Tema, she was fantastic. Park certainly writes very strong, independent female characters) and the story had a few twists and turns, some of which I guessed and some that were a surprise.
**Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Sonja is back in Africa working to train local women as an Anti-Poaching unit when they are ambushed by a group of poachers who are surprisingly well armed. As a result, Sonja is offered a job by an incredibly wealthy businesswoman named Julianne Clyde-Smith, who wants to take down the poaching kingpins ravaging the African wildlife one at a time. Employed to do “reconnaissance” it isn’t long before Sonja realises that there’s definitely a lot more to this job than meets the eye and that she might be being used. The body count is rising, the trails are getting infinitely more complicated, Sonja might be on opposing sides with her lover Hudson Brand and she’s not entirely sure who it is she should be trusting.
I love books set in Africa – mostly around South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe etc but I think that’s mostly because the majority of fiction set in Africa that I’ve read has taken place around that part of the continent and this one is no exception. Centered around the areas of large animal conservation reserves, Sonja crosses countries in her mission, occasionally having to dodge authorities due to incidents in her mercenary past. I really loathe big game hunting – people posing with guns and carcasses of elephants or giraffes or lions, beautiful creatures that should be left alone. And I have even more disdain for poaching and witch doctor rubbish that puts tens of thousands of dollars black market value on rhino horns and elephant tusks with little regard to the animal’s pain or suffering or the vast numbers in which they have been and are being slaughtered. So to be honest, I’m all for Sonja and her team and their epic array of weapons executing lethal force, but there are some cases where poverty makes poaching schemes seem easy money to locals. Julianne’s idea is to go after those at the top, dismantling entire operations from the head down. Tony Park lives part of the year in Africa and seems well versed in the various laws and intricacies of operations that might span different countries. There can be different rules for engagement when protecting property and presumably the wildlife within it – in some cases Sonja has to wait until she’s fired upon by poachers and then can she defend herself. She also has to deal with corruption in law enforcement positions, rangers and police paid off to turn a blind eye. A little bit of looking around led me to this article on the dangerous reality of being an anti-poaching ranger.
I really love Sonja as a character – she’s incredibly kick ass with all of these amazing skills and there’s pretty much nothing in terms of combat that she cannot do. But at the same time she’s also a bit awkward with people and leads a rather solitary life. She’s kind of in a relationship with Hudson Brand but she also doesn’t really quite trust him yet and can’t talk to him about what they’re doing or to clarify either of their feelings. She’s the sort of person who will walk away without asking a question, rather than put herself out there for a moment and present herself as vulnerable to another person. There’s a few misunderstandings that create some friction for Sonja and Hudson. I haven’t read the book where they met but after this I definitely plan to go back and add it to my TBR pile because I find them really interesting together. Hudson is a former CIA agent so he has mad skills of his own and now he works as a safari guide and sometime private investigator. I don’t know if there are plans to include them in future books but I’m sure there’s still plenty of ways in which they could reappear.
I found this to be a really engrossing read from the first page – I loved the setting and felt like I was learning more about the poaching situation and the lengths that are needed in order to try and present a defense to it. There were some really good secondary characters (especially Tema, she was fantastic. Park certainly writes very strong, independent female characters) and the story had a few twists and turns, some of which I guessed and some that were a surprise.
**Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 5, 2017
http://jessjustreads.com
The Cull is a heart-racing thriller from former army officer and bestselling author Tony Park — this is his 14th novel and once again he’s transported a real-life ‘wildlife war’ onto the pages of a novel.
This is the third novel with protagonist Sonja Kurtz, although I haven’t read the first two (The Delta and An Empty Coast) and I was able to read this book just fine, so The Cull definitely works as a standalone novel.
Sonja is resourceful, intelligent, observant and equipped to handle everything that she comes across in the African wilderness. She’s in Africa training women in an Anti-Poaching unit and they are ambushed by well-armed poachers. Two women in the team end up dead.
“Paterson watched the others. The TANAPA ranger, a young man, looked shaken. Ezekial, the preacher’s son, deliberately avoided eye contact with him and strode away. Tema walked with the fluid gait and cold stare of a leopard slinking through the long grass.”
Afterwards, wealthy businesswoman Julianne Clyde-Smith meets with Sonja and offers her a job — she wants to take down the poaching kingpins that are overtaking the African wildlife. She wants to find out who is at the top of these organisations and destroy them from the source. But once Sonja accepts the job and employs an exclusive team to help her, she realises that there’s a lot more to this job than Julianne let on. The team are suddenly entangled in a dangerous and deadly war between them and a poaching mob named The Scorpions.
“This wasn’t Sonja’s fight but her people were under fire. She could see Ezekiel lying on the ground, frantically pulling clubs from Julianne Clyde-Smith’s golf bag.”
Sonja is a fantastic protagonist. She’s really skilled and trustworthy, and she leads her team with strength and determination. At the same time, Sonja is a bit flawed. She can be a bit awkward, and she’s in a sort-of relationship with Hudson Brand and she really loves him but doesn’t act accordingly sometimes. She jumps to conclusions and makes assumptions and for a while it’s hard for the relationship to stay stable.
“Sonja sighed. She really had made a mess of this. She regretted bringing Mario onto the team, and what had gone on between them, but she was sure he would be enough of a gentleman not to put her on the spot. She had made this bed and would have to lie in it, with both of these handsome dark-haired men.”
There are plenty of sub plots throughout the novel to keep the reader engaged and entertained. The side characters are just an intriguing as Sonja, and I really enjoyed reading this book. It’d be a great Father’s Day gift, especially if your dad reads crime or thriller novels like James Patterson.
“Hudson left his camera and made for a stone pillar supporting the terrace roof and ducked behind it. Three men, each wearing a balaclava and armed with an AK-47, burst out into the restraint terrace. ‘Everybody down.’
People screamed.
The man who had given the order pointed his rifle at a family.”
Finally, Tony Park does a fantastic job of describing the African wildlife. His prose is rich with detailed description and imagery, and the reader can easily imagine everything that’s happening even if he/she has never been to Africa before.
I’d recommend The Cull to lovers of crime, thriller and adventure novels. It’s heavily embedded in African wildlife and the politics of poaching in the wilderness, so you’d have to be interested in reading about that or this may not be the book for you.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Cull is a heart-racing thriller from former army officer and bestselling author Tony Park — this is his 14th novel and once again he’s transported a real-life ‘wildlife war’ onto the pages of a novel.
This is the third novel with protagonist Sonja Kurtz, although I haven’t read the first two (The Delta and An Empty Coast) and I was able to read this book just fine, so The Cull definitely works as a standalone novel.
Sonja is resourceful, intelligent, observant and equipped to handle everything that she comes across in the African wilderness. She’s in Africa training women in an Anti-Poaching unit and they are ambushed by well-armed poachers. Two women in the team end up dead.
“Paterson watched the others. The TANAPA ranger, a young man, looked shaken. Ezekial, the preacher’s son, deliberately avoided eye contact with him and strode away. Tema walked with the fluid gait and cold stare of a leopard slinking through the long grass.”
Afterwards, wealthy businesswoman Julianne Clyde-Smith meets with Sonja and offers her a job — she wants to take down the poaching kingpins that are overtaking the African wildlife. She wants to find out who is at the top of these organisations and destroy them from the source. But once Sonja accepts the job and employs an exclusive team to help her, she realises that there’s a lot more to this job than Julianne let on. The team are suddenly entangled in a dangerous and deadly war between them and a poaching mob named The Scorpions.
“This wasn’t Sonja’s fight but her people were under fire. She could see Ezekiel lying on the ground, frantically pulling clubs from Julianne Clyde-Smith’s golf bag.”
Sonja is a fantastic protagonist. She’s really skilled and trustworthy, and she leads her team with strength and determination. At the same time, Sonja is a bit flawed. She can be a bit awkward, and she’s in a sort-of relationship with Hudson Brand and she really loves him but doesn’t act accordingly sometimes. She jumps to conclusions and makes assumptions and for a while it’s hard for the relationship to stay stable.
“Sonja sighed. She really had made a mess of this. She regretted bringing Mario onto the team, and what had gone on between them, but she was sure he would be enough of a gentleman not to put her on the spot. She had made this bed and would have to lie in it, with both of these handsome dark-haired men.”
There are plenty of sub plots throughout the novel to keep the reader engaged and entertained. The side characters are just an intriguing as Sonja, and I really enjoyed reading this book. It’d be a great Father’s Day gift, especially if your dad reads crime or thriller novels like James Patterson.
“Hudson left his camera and made for a stone pillar supporting the terrace roof and ducked behind it. Three men, each wearing a balaclava and armed with an AK-47, burst out into the restraint terrace. ‘Everybody down.’
People screamed.
The man who had given the order pointed his rifle at a family.”
Finally, Tony Park does a fantastic job of describing the African wildlife. His prose is rich with detailed description and imagery, and the reader can easily imagine everything that’s happening even if he/she has never been to Africa before.
I’d recommend The Cull to lovers of crime, thriller and adventure novels. It’s heavily embedded in African wildlife and the politics of poaching in the wilderness, so you’d have to be interested in reading about that or this may not be the book for you.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2020
Having heard rave reviews about this author I finally got around to reading "The Cull". I'm not sure I would read another one.
While the descriptions of the African landscapes are vivid and the problems facing both humans and animals are accurate I found much of the book to be unbelievable.
Yes - I realise it's fiction but the action scenes were basically of the "rinse and repeat" type and the romance scenes were truly awful - more Mills and Boon than anything Barbara Cartland wrote.
While the descriptions of the African landscapes are vivid and the problems facing both humans and animals are accurate I found much of the book to be unbelievable.
Yes - I realise it's fiction but the action scenes were basically of the "rinse and repeat" type and the romance scenes were truly awful - more Mills and Boon than anything Barbara Cartland wrote.
February 15, 2019
Да се прочете новият сафари екшън на Тони Парк при първото стъпване на южноафриканска земя вече ми е станало ежегодна традиция. Схемата е позната и изненади не се очакват - екологична кауза, съспенс, преследване, стрелба, атлетични тела с различен цвят на кожата и косите, командоски умения, романтика, умерена еротика, икони на африканската природа, някакво диво животно (най-често - майка), рамкиращо сюжета с камео-участие от значение за развръзката. В случая темата е за организирано бракониерство на цялата гама африкански дивеч, за който има търсене на световния пазар. И война между картелите. Но се е отпуснал. Изкарал е на сцената свои (и предполагаемо - читателски) любимци от предишни романи, без някакво особено развитие. Соня Курц, Хъдсън Бранд, Сани фан Реенсбурх. Продуктовото позициониране на сафари ложи и маркови напитки, стрелбите и любовните драми на ниво кифленска сапунка са повече от съспенса и оригиналните идеи. Кой е най-лошият не е трудно да се познае още от първата глава. А македонецът с перфектен руски Никола Певес (?!?) се появява на живо чак в третата държава - Танзания. На брега (а после и на повърхността) на езерото Танганайка. Като преди това се е стреляло на носорожко, слонско и човешко месо в частни резервати край парковете - икони Крюгер в Южна Африка, Мана пулс в Зимбабве и Серенгети в Танзания. Ако добрите не надделеят (под строгия взор на пантерата Ингве) в последната глава, за стрелби да се готвят Хванге в Зимбабве и Чобе в Ботсвана. Странична тема е възпитанието и даването на шанс за поминък и изява по екологични каузи, на хората живеещи в бедност и несъпричастие отвъд оградата на Крюгер парк.
January 27, 2018
Aside from a rollicking story Tony Park's love and knowledge of Africa is an aspect of this story that really impressed me. The fact that Park and his wife divide their time between homes in Australia and Southern Africa answers that question.
Sonya Kurtz is a former soldier and mercenary but now employed to take on the poachers of Thino horns and elephant tusks. She tries to fly under the radar as she tries to find out the details of a mysterious poaching organisation dubbed the Scorpions.
There are quite a few inter-linked characters on both sides. Sonya herself has an on again off again relationship with safari guide and private investigator Hudson Brand, as well as a similar situation with the uber rich Julianne Clyde-Smith, who is funding the operation to identify and take down the top poaching kingpin. Its a deadly battle as lethal force is used on both sides.
Park is a descriptive and well researched writer and the action is fearless from start to finish. One of the best and most realistic action stories I have read about southern Africa and the increasingly desperate attempts to protect the fast diminishing wildlife.
Sonya Kurtz is a former soldier and mercenary but now employed to take on the poachers of Thino horns and elephant tusks. She tries to fly under the radar as she tries to find out the details of a mysterious poaching organisation dubbed the Scorpions.
There are quite a few inter-linked characters on both sides. Sonya herself has an on again off again relationship with safari guide and private investigator Hudson Brand, as well as a similar situation with the uber rich Julianne Clyde-Smith, who is funding the operation to identify and take down the top poaching kingpin. Its a deadly battle as lethal force is used on both sides.
Park is a descriptive and well researched writer and the action is fearless from start to finish. One of the best and most realistic action stories I have read about southern Africa and the increasingly desperate attempts to protect the fast diminishing wildlife.
April 16, 2021
Sonja Kurtz lives in a world of protecting animals from poachers in her beloved Africa. She is using her ex military experience to help train up an all woman poaching patrol. When a night training patrol goes horribly wrong she is left in limbo until she is offered a job by a wealth park owner to take the fight to the poachers.
It all starts out honorably but Sonja soon realizes that things are not what they seem and it turns deadly. She has to rely on her single mindedness to get the job done.
Sonja is a strong independent woman who plays by her own rules but with an eye on the noble cause of protecting animals.
A really enjoyable book and another good chapter to the series. Well worth reading if not for the characters than for the setting.
It all starts out honorably but Sonja soon realizes that things are not what they seem and it turns deadly. She has to rely on her single mindedness to get the job done.
Sonja is a strong independent woman who plays by her own rules but with an eye on the noble cause of protecting animals.
A really enjoyable book and another good chapter to the series. Well worth reading if not for the characters than for the setting.
November 27, 2017
A well paced action thriller set in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. This is book three in a series of books featuring the character Sonja Kurtz, an anti-poaching action hero. It is not necessary to read the stories in order.
The main characters were well developed with some to love and some to despise.
Park's descriptions of the animals and wilderness were magnificent. The action scenes were exciting and realistic.
I found it a great insight into the murky world of poaching and how it continues despite wildlife warriors and government interventions. A complex subject which is worthy to be written about more.
The main characters were well developed with some to love and some to despise.
Park's descriptions of the animals and wilderness were magnificent. The action scenes were exciting and realistic.
I found it a great insight into the murky world of poaching and how it continues despite wildlife warriors and government interventions. A complex subject which is worthy to be written about more.
November 23, 2018
I love an action/adventure book and this didn't disappoint. Definitely a twist in there that I didn't expect! I had never read anything by Tony Park before and hadn't realised this was the third book in the Sonja Kurtz series, although I didn't feel that I missed anything from not reading the first two books. I have also never been to South Africa and am not too familiar with the poaching problems so this really opened my eyes.
The only issue I had was the ending was a little frantic. A lot seemed to happen in a short amount of time, but I suppose it reflects the action packed activities of the book.
The only issue I had was the ending was a little frantic. A lot seemed to happen in a short amount of time, but I suppose it reflects the action packed activities of the book.
May 29, 2018
On the edge of my seat
Another amazing book by author Tony Park. If you know anything of Africa, you find yourself constantly thinking I know that person or I know that place. Sometimes in real life you think you know something that happened at one of those places and realise it was in one of Tony's books. He researches everything so thoroughly and often you read things that you heard with your own ears. He soaks up everything around him and has total love for this continent. Well done, I couldn't put it down
Another amazing book by author Tony Park. If you know anything of Africa, you find yourself constantly thinking I know that person or I know that place. Sometimes in real life you think you know something that happened at one of those places and realise it was in one of Tony's books. He researches everything so thoroughly and often you read things that you heard with your own ears. He soaks up everything around him and has total love for this continent. Well done, I couldn't put it down
March 31, 2019
Found this book very entertaining. (Listened on audio) I see it is the third one if the series, but it can be read perfectly well as a stand alone. I haven't read the other two and felt at no disadvantage. Great action, and very interesting background about game parks, poaching and political aspects of same. I've recommended it to friends who are doing a safari later this year as I think it would be great background to read before you go on safari while also being very entertaining. Loved it and I will reading more...
November 2, 2017
Action and a serious issue brought to light
This is a great read. I am a fan of tony park and his latest book doesn't disappoint. The issue of poaching and criminal gangs that mastermind it are exposed. The heroine Sonja Kurtz is a great lady with complex issues of her own. The setting is perfect and this could be made into a movie or a mini series. If you haven't read tony parks books ,start you will not be disappointed. . Africa comes to light
This is a great read. I am a fan of tony park and his latest book doesn't disappoint. The issue of poaching and criminal gangs that mastermind it are exposed. The heroine Sonja Kurtz is a great lady with complex issues of her own. The setting is perfect and this could be made into a movie or a mini series. If you haven't read tony parks books ,start you will not be disappointed. . Africa comes to light
November 6, 2017
I have read all of Tony Park's books, taking great enjoyment from his depiction of the African continent and the wildlife within it.
However, this may be his best book yet. A clever plot with some unforeseen twists, and more ongoing action as the mission to rid poachers escalates. The return of the very likeable characters Sonja Kurtz and Hudson Brand give extra reasons for this being a good read.
However, this may be his best book yet. A clever plot with some unforeseen twists, and more ongoing action as the mission to rid poachers escalates. The return of the very likeable characters Sonja Kurtz and Hudson Brand give extra reasons for this being a good read.
March 19, 2019
I didn't enjoy this book. It centres around animal poaching and culling in Africa. The main characters are far fetched and the plot consists of stalking the enemy,ambush,killings,regrouping then it all starts again. This cycle occurrs several times through the book which becomes tedious. The climax and ending were predictable.
From the beginning I could tell it had been written by someone male,who had been in the army.Might interest a similar male,but definitely not for me.
From the beginning I could tell it had been written by someone male,who had been in the army.Might interest a similar male,but definitely not for me.
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