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Captive
Captive by Tony Park, the author of Red Earth and The Cull, is a action-packed thriller that will engross fans of Clive Cussler, Scott Mariani and Andy McDermott.
As a soldier turned wildlife veterinarian, Dr Graham Baird is no stranger to the dangers of the African bush. While on a trip to track down a baby elephant, he’s caught up in a deadly shootout with poachers.
Among the fatal casualties of the firefight is the brother of Fidel Costa – corrupt politician and Mozambique’s poaching kingpin. Hearing of the death of his younger sibling, Costa unleashes a brutal vendetta to exact his revenge against Baird.
Caught up in his campaign of terror is Australian lawyer, Kerry Maxwell. In Africa to volunteer alongside Dr Baird at a wildlife rehabilitation centre, she soon finds herself in the middle of a bloody feud when she’s kidnapped by Costa.
Finding themselves on the frontline of the war on poaching, both Baird and Maxwell must fight for their lives if they are to escape a terrifying enemy . . .
As a soldier turned wildlife veterinarian, Dr Graham Baird is no stranger to the dangers of the African bush. While on a trip to track down a baby elephant, he’s caught up in a deadly shootout with poachers.
Among the fatal casualties of the firefight is the brother of Fidel Costa – corrupt politician and Mozambique’s poaching kingpin. Hearing of the death of his younger sibling, Costa unleashes a brutal vendetta to exact his revenge against Baird.
Caught up in his campaign of terror is Australian lawyer, Kerry Maxwell. In Africa to volunteer alongside Dr Baird at a wildlife rehabilitation centre, she soon finds herself in the middle of a bloody feud when she’s kidnapped by Costa.
Finding themselves on the frontline of the war on poaching, both Baird and Maxwell must fight for their lives if they are to escape a terrifying enemy . . .
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2018
91 people are currently reading
149 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 36 reviews
May 29, 2024
Captive is another strong story by Tony Park pitting the cruelty and senselessness of poaching against the difficult work of conservationists in Africa. With an intimate knowledge of the wild and unpredictable continent, Park brings the landscape to vivid life while placing dangerous and ruthless humans within its heart to create a pulse-pounding thriller with few rules.
We start by meeting Dr Graham Baird who is a vet working at a wildlife refuge, a charity organisation in South Africa. He prefers animals to people and is fighting the good fight against poachers in a bid to preserve the local wildlife. He’s also a raging alcoholic and not what you’d call reliable.
Kerry Maxwell has travelled from Australia, where she works as a lawyer, to South Africa to work as a volunteer to assist Baird in his work. She’s paid (donated) a lot of money for the opportunity to do some good in the fight to help save Africa’s endangered animals.
She arrives at the agreed place at the agreed time, but Baird’s not there and the accommodation booking hasn’t been made. He’s in a Mozambique prison having shot a couple of poachers, one of whom was the brother of local politician and poaching kingpin Fidel Costa.
Costa’s out for revenge and has an extraordinarily wide reach within Mozambique and its neighbours. With local police in his back pocket, an army of mercenary poachers who aren’t particular about what they shoot and a burning desire to make Baird pay, he’ll stop at nothing, including kidnapping the visiting Australian lawyer to satisfy the anger burning inside.
Plenty of gunplay ensues, pitched battles, narrow escapes and awkward moments between the chief protagonists. It all happens in a blurring rush with barely enough time to formulate plans of escape, attack or where to head next. In short, it’s your typical action thriller with the most glorious backdrop behind it.
There is an important message being conveyed throughout the course of Captive and it has to do with the scourge of poaching in Africa and the disastrous effect it’s having on the animal population. In particular, the plight of the black rhino which is targeted for the horn and its supposed healing properties. Protecting these magnificent creatures is a difficult task and Tony Park provides important information about the impact that the illegal trade is having on them.
The relationship between Baird and Kerry was reminiscent of the one in African Queen between Bogart and Hepburn. The crusty unkempt Bogart and the staid, proper Hepburn with vastly differing outlooks on life to start with before a gradual understanding and appreciation for the other. This is the kind of dynamic found between Graham Baird and Kerry Maxwell.
Billed as part of the Sannie van Rensburg series, she appears very late in the piece when the cops are called in to sort out the mayhem that has gone on before. Her role, while quite minor, is important to the outcome of the story, but could have been performed by any police detective for all the expertise and experience displayed.
It’s clear that Tony Park is passionate about Africa and the wildlife that inhabits the land. Poaching has become a frequent theme within his books, clearly because it continues to be a problem with no real simple answers. This story also shines a bit of a spotlight on the charitable organisations that raise money to help in the fight to save the animals and their potential for falling prey to unscrupulous characters too.
Entertaining as well as educational, Captive is high speed action, despicable bad guys and the occasional amusing moments to lighten the mood a little. Once again, descriptions of the African wildlife steal the show.
We start by meeting Dr Graham Baird who is a vet working at a wildlife refuge, a charity organisation in South Africa. He prefers animals to people and is fighting the good fight against poachers in a bid to preserve the local wildlife. He’s also a raging alcoholic and not what you’d call reliable.
Kerry Maxwell has travelled from Australia, where she works as a lawyer, to South Africa to work as a volunteer to assist Baird in his work. She’s paid (donated) a lot of money for the opportunity to do some good in the fight to help save Africa’s endangered animals.
She arrives at the agreed place at the agreed time, but Baird’s not there and the accommodation booking hasn’t been made. He’s in a Mozambique prison having shot a couple of poachers, one of whom was the brother of local politician and poaching kingpin Fidel Costa.
Costa’s out for revenge and has an extraordinarily wide reach within Mozambique and its neighbours. With local police in his back pocket, an army of mercenary poachers who aren’t particular about what they shoot and a burning desire to make Baird pay, he’ll stop at nothing, including kidnapping the visiting Australian lawyer to satisfy the anger burning inside.
Plenty of gunplay ensues, pitched battles, narrow escapes and awkward moments between the chief protagonists. It all happens in a blurring rush with barely enough time to formulate plans of escape, attack or where to head next. In short, it’s your typical action thriller with the most glorious backdrop behind it.
There is an important message being conveyed throughout the course of Captive and it has to do with the scourge of poaching in Africa and the disastrous effect it’s having on the animal population. In particular, the plight of the black rhino which is targeted for the horn and its supposed healing properties. Protecting these magnificent creatures is a difficult task and Tony Park provides important information about the impact that the illegal trade is having on them.
The relationship between Baird and Kerry was reminiscent of the one in African Queen between Bogart and Hepburn. The crusty unkempt Bogart and the staid, proper Hepburn with vastly differing outlooks on life to start with before a gradual understanding and appreciation for the other. This is the kind of dynamic found between Graham Baird and Kerry Maxwell.
Billed as part of the Sannie van Rensburg series, she appears very late in the piece when the cops are called in to sort out the mayhem that has gone on before. Her role, while quite minor, is important to the outcome of the story, but could have been performed by any police detective for all the expertise and experience displayed.
It’s clear that Tony Park is passionate about Africa and the wildlife that inhabits the land. Poaching has become a frequent theme within his books, clearly because it continues to be a problem with no real simple answers. This story also shines a bit of a spotlight on the charitable organisations that raise money to help in the fight to save the animals and their potential for falling prey to unscrupulous characters too.
Entertaining as well as educational, Captive is high speed action, despicable bad guys and the occasional amusing moments to lighten the mood a little. Once again, descriptions of the African wildlife steal the show.
September 25, 2018
I won't lie, I am a big fan of Tony Park's books, and Captive was no exception.
It has all the trademark elements of a good Tony Park yarn, the spectacular backdrop of Africa's Game Parks, evil money-hungry poachers and corrupt officials, plenty of gun-toting explosive action, life-threatening situations and a drop (and I mean just the tiniest little drop, blink and you'll miss it) of romance.
But this one had something a little extra - an added dose of comedy. Normally I find his books entertaining but serious, I found this reminiscent of the old 80's action adventures. Combine a naive pretty city lawyer with a drunken ex -army wildlife veterinarian jaded with life and you start thinking along the lines of "Jewel of the Nile". It was quite easy to see a scruffy Michael Douglas in the role of Graham Baird.
It also made a bit of a change of pace from his fairly formulaic stories, though some of his traditional fans may feel it's a bit trite in comparison to his earlier work.
Like Park's previous books, the issue of poaching in Africa is still the central theme of the story, and the author's knowledge and passion for this subject is evident.
If you are after a quick fast-paced and enjoyable action adventure read then look no further than Captive
It has all the trademark elements of a good Tony Park yarn, the spectacular backdrop of Africa's Game Parks, evil money-hungry poachers and corrupt officials, plenty of gun-toting explosive action, life-threatening situations and a drop (and I mean just the tiniest little drop, blink and you'll miss it) of romance.
But this one had something a little extra - an added dose of comedy. Normally I find his books entertaining but serious, I found this reminiscent of the old 80's action adventures. Combine a naive pretty city lawyer with a drunken ex -army wildlife veterinarian jaded with life and you start thinking along the lines of "Jewel of the Nile". It was quite easy to see a scruffy Michael Douglas in the role of Graham Baird.
It also made a bit of a change of pace from his fairly formulaic stories, though some of his traditional fans may feel it's a bit trite in comparison to his earlier work.
Like Park's previous books, the issue of poaching in Africa is still the central theme of the story, and the author's knowledge and passion for this subject is evident.
If you are after a quick fast-paced and enjoyable action adventure read then look no further than Captive
March 14, 2018
Captive is a wonderful addition to the excellent Tony Park collection.
We get our "normal" wonderful depiction of the African continent, its beauty and its wildlife, but this is probably the most frenetically paced opening of any of Tony's books. So much happens in the fight to save Africa's threatened wildlife.
I absolutely whizzed through the first 120 pages or so. And although the pace slows a little as we go deeper into the storyline, I remained totally hooked to the very end.
We get our "normal" wonderful depiction of the African continent, its beauty and its wildlife, but this is probably the most frenetically paced opening of any of Tony's books. So much happens in the fight to save Africa's threatened wildlife.
I absolutely whizzed through the first 120 pages or so. And although the pace slows a little as we go deeper into the storyline, I remained totally hooked to the very end.
October 8, 2020
If u r south african - and ex pat - this is for u! Great thriller and eye opener to the conservationist movement and poaching
New respext for animals!!!
New respext for animals!!!
September 19, 2018
Not as good as some of his previous work, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Captive has all the classic elements of a Tony Park story; action, adventure, and Africa. Once again focusing on the issues of poaching and illegal animal trade, this story stretches from Cape Town to Victoria falls and everything in between. Young lawyer Kerry Maxwell and jaded vet Graham Baird must come together to thwart the plotting of corrupt politician and poaching kingpin Fidel Costa.
This is a fast paced book that gives constant action and scenery. Park really knows his stuff when it comes to Africa, and his research and experience there always shines through. I love that he shows the beauty of the continent but at the same time is not afraid to pull back the curtain on many of the serious issues faced; especially poaching.
My main problem with this novel was that it lacked some of the heart and substance of his previous works. This was released early in the year instead of towards the end, and therefore not long after The Cull last year. This showed in the final work as it was much shorter than his last few books and the plot just seemed a little thin.
In the end though if your looking for something that has some action and descriptions of exotic landscapes, then look no further than Tony Park.
Captive has all the classic elements of a Tony Park story; action, adventure, and Africa. Once again focusing on the issues of poaching and illegal animal trade, this story stretches from Cape Town to Victoria falls and everything in between. Young lawyer Kerry Maxwell and jaded vet Graham Baird must come together to thwart the plotting of corrupt politician and poaching kingpin Fidel Costa.
This is a fast paced book that gives constant action and scenery. Park really knows his stuff when it comes to Africa, and his research and experience there always shines through. I love that he shows the beauty of the continent but at the same time is not afraid to pull back the curtain on many of the serious issues faced; especially poaching.
My main problem with this novel was that it lacked some of the heart and substance of his previous works. This was released early in the year instead of towards the end, and therefore not long after The Cull last year. This showed in the final work as it was much shorter than his last few books and the plot just seemed a little thin.
In the end though if your looking for something that has some action and descriptions of exotic landscapes, then look no further than Tony Park.
October 19, 2019
Published 2019 - from library
A very eager - and rather naive - Australian lawyer Kerry Maxwell flies into South Africa to volunteer at a wildlife orphanage run by notorious vet, Graham Baird.
Graham is as jaded and reckless as Kerry is law-abiding and optimistic. When Kerry arrives at the animal sanctuary it's to the news that Graham is imprisoned in Mozambique following a shootout with elephant poachers. In the gunfight he killed the brother of corrupt politician and poaching kingpin Fidel Costa.
Kerry's earnest sense of justice takes her to Massingir to help Graham with his case, and into a world of danger. Kidnapped, chased, attacked and betrayed, Kerry learns the bitter truth about the complexities and deadly nature of the war on poaching.
Even the motivations of well-meaning charities, wealthy donors and private zoos are not all they appear.
Kerry's perilous entanglement may be what Graham needs to shake off his drunken cynicism and rejoin the fight for Africa's animals, but is it enough, and in time, to stop Costa's quest for revenge
A very eager - and rather naive - Australian lawyer Kerry Maxwell flies into South Africa to volunteer at a wildlife orphanage run by notorious vet, Graham Baird.
Graham is as jaded and reckless as Kerry is law-abiding and optimistic. When Kerry arrives at the animal sanctuary it's to the news that Graham is imprisoned in Mozambique following a shootout with elephant poachers. In the gunfight he killed the brother of corrupt politician and poaching kingpin Fidel Costa.
Kerry's earnest sense of justice takes her to Massingir to help Graham with his case, and into a world of danger. Kidnapped, chased, attacked and betrayed, Kerry learns the bitter truth about the complexities and deadly nature of the war on poaching.
Even the motivations of well-meaning charities, wealthy donors and private zoos are not all they appear.
Kerry's perilous entanglement may be what Graham needs to shake off his drunken cynicism and rejoin the fight for Africa's animals, but is it enough, and in time, to stop Costa's quest for revenge
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2018
Tony Park knows Africa. He writes action/thriller/ adventure storys thats always involve Africa and some political/environmental issue that is relevant the time and place. The storys all contain the same formula. Protagnosit gets caught up in some scandal, this time poaching, with a local, somewhere theres an ex military man, theres a love interest. The male and female always hate eachother at first then grow attached. Theres the evil mastermind or criminal. This is not to say the novel is bad, its just after reading a few of his novels, you understand the formula. Its a good fun quick easy read, but I feel like with some of these authors that bust out a book a year, it sometimes becomes a little too repetitive and cliched. Give Mr Parks a shot if you like simple popcorn adventure in the vein of Blood Diamond. However, expect the same style 1st 2nd and 3rd acts. I found this one started off explosive but then the last 100 pages just became a little too nice so to speak.
March 4, 2019
Тук си връща загубената в миналия роман звездичка с нови герои (макар и картонени) и по-завързана екологична кауза. Южноафриканец, ветеринар, алкохолик, загубил жена си от малария край водопада Виктория. И болезнено независима австралийка, данъчна адвокатка, с азиатска жилка и склонен към сърдечни болести баща с виетнамска война в биографията. Налага им се един друг да се спасяват от плен у мозамбишки кръстник контрабандист на слонова кост и рогове от носорози. И им се дава възможност да се харесат на някои от най-клиширано романтичните места на южноафриканския субконтинент. На прицел са традиционните разбирания и методи за събиране на средства за екологична благотворителност. И се дава поле на дискусията дали да се отглеждат носорози специално за рязане на роговете им в регулирани стопанства е пътят към спасението им. Или прехвърлянето им от Африка в Австралия. Или инвестиране в повече оръжие, екипировка и тренировка на антибракониерските отряди в Южна Африка и Мозамбик.
March 30, 2018
Captive is all action with a cause. Set in South African national parks, and Mozambique, it follows Aussie lawyer, Kerry, as she comes to volunteer at a wildlife orphanage. No time to settle in, as violent action ensues, as the good guys fight the war on poaching, where the enemy is not always as expected. Captive is fast paced, with lots of African scenery and wildlife, an international cast of characters but a deeply Australian, even ocker, flavour. Lots of fun.
November 7, 2020
This book was marginally better than "The Cull" which is the only other book I've read by this author. I think I said I wouldn't bother reading another one but .......
Love the descriptions of the African landscape and the knowledge of the animals which this author obviously has. I also appreciate the conservation message coming through.
Less romance in this book (welcome) but the action formula is still very much the same - rinse and repeat.
Love the descriptions of the African landscape and the knowledge of the animals which this author obviously has. I also appreciate the conservation message coming through.
Less romance in this book (welcome) but the action formula is still very much the same - rinse and repeat.
May 9, 2021
Another fantastic thrilling read by Tony Park. An absolute page turner
July 17, 2023
I always learn more about Africa in between the gun battles.
October 6, 2024
Kerry Maxwell heads from Australia to South Africa as a volunteer to assist Dr Graham Braid, but it does not start off well when she finds out that Braid has incorrectly booked her accommodation for the following month, and he spends more time drunk than he does sober.
The story looks at the elephant and rhino poaching for their horns which are then shipped to Vietnam to us in native medicines.
Kerry is shot at and nearly rapped during her time with Braid, but still has a developing love for the wildlife.
This is another great Tony Park read.
The story looks at the elephant and rhino poaching for their horns which are then shipped to Vietnam to us in native medicines.
Kerry is shot at and nearly rapped during her time with Braid, but still has a developing love for the wildlife.
This is another great Tony Park read.
April 29, 2025
I hadn't read a book by Tony Park for quite a while, but I had 2 to catch up on, this being one of them and I definitely was not disappointed. A wonderfully written story and as I just loved my holiday in South Africa and parts of Africa these books bring back memories (the good bits about animals nothing to do with danger, killings, abductions or death). I enjoyed it so much I am about to start 'Scent of Fear' and then have read all Tony Park's books except for the newest one out, which I will be purchasing very soon. Thank you Tony for your great writing, a definite winner in my books.
June 1, 2021
Another good read from Tony Park. It was a good focus on animal conservation. I however thought the ending was a bit too sudden otherwise it would have probably got a five star rating from me. It's great reading a book that is written about places that you know and have visited. Kudos on the research that went into the book.
October 26, 2023
Whether you’re in a city apartment, sitting on a train, lying on a beach, or wherever you are, Tony Park’s Captive will whisk you away to the African bush. There, you’ll join Australian Kerry Maxwell, who arrives to begin a stint as a volunteer at a wildlife orphanage, only to find herself entangled in a life-and-death struggle against a notorious poacher and his gang.
Kerry Maxwell is a lawyer, but one with a good heart. Graham Baird is a scruffy, hard-drinking bush veterinarian. They’re obviously the good guys.
Graham’s nemesis is notorious poaching kingpin, Fidel Costa. And as if being a poacher isn’t odious enough, Costa is also a politician. The kind of guy I’d like to see pushed up against the wire fence at the Ukuphila Hyena enclosure with his man bits sticking through the diamond mesh. But that doesn’t happen in this story because the author and his protagonist Graham would never subject a hyena to something as terrible as that.
I found this to be a well-paced, entertaining read. Sweet, determined Kerry and gruff Graham are characters you’ll cheer and fear for in a desperate struggle to protect Africa’s most endangered animals.
Once again, Tony Park reminds us that the meanest creatures in the bush aren’t the ones that slither in the grass or stalk their prey on padded paws.
Kerry Maxwell is a lawyer, but one with a good heart. Graham Baird is a scruffy, hard-drinking bush veterinarian. They’re obviously the good guys.
Graham’s nemesis is notorious poaching kingpin, Fidel Costa. And as if being a poacher isn’t odious enough, Costa is also a politician. The kind of guy I’d like to see pushed up against the wire fence at the Ukuphila Hyena enclosure with his man bits sticking through the diamond mesh. But that doesn’t happen in this story because the author and his protagonist Graham would never subject a hyena to something as terrible as that.
I found this to be a well-paced, entertaining read. Sweet, determined Kerry and gruff Graham are characters you’ll cheer and fear for in a desperate struggle to protect Africa’s most endangered animals.
Once again, Tony Park reminds us that the meanest creatures in the bush aren’t the ones that slither in the grass or stalk their prey on padded paws.
March 27, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read of Tony Park. It was a pretty good read however felt a bit far fetched with so many things going wrong for Kerry. Almost didn’t continuing reading as I didn’t like the portrayal of Kerry or Graham initially. I’ll give some of his other books a go
September 7, 2023
Not as enjoyable as other books I’ve read by the same author.
July 9, 2024
A top rate thriller. It moves at a hundred miles per hour.
February 11, 2025
A good read for anyone who enjoys the Southern African bush and wildlife.
The story keeps one turning pages. There are a few places where the writing is weak though.
The story keeps one turning pages. There are a few places where the writing is weak though.
August 2, 2025
I like his style of writing. It is very captivating for the reader however the storyline is quite predictable. I enjoyed reading this about KNP and the surrounding areas.
April 17, 2018
Already with fourteen African focused novels in his name Australian born Tony Park does an exceptional job in capturing the essence of modern Africa. Its an Africa that's sometimes lawless and where the poaching of big game animals is still rampant.
Australian lawyer Kerry Maxwell is out for adventure when she naively heads for a volunteer position at a wildlife orphanage run by a down on his luck and reckless vet Graham Baird. Their initial connection is the opposite of what Kerry expected as she has to try and have him released from a Mozambique jail after a shootout with poachers. Despite his innocence of the crime he is charged with this is a lawless situation overseen by local politician and poaching kingpin Fidel Costa.
Graham is released but then Kerry is taken into custody by the Mozambique pirates. From there we head through a helter skelter engagement between Graham and his supporters and Costa's murderous crew. There's plenty of adventure but not the kind that Kerry had anticipated. Its a complex world, survival isn't just about the animals, humans are just as vulnerable in the battle when poachers and animal activists like Graham and Kerry.
In "Captive" Tony Park has delivered yet another high octane thriller.
Australian lawyer Kerry Maxwell is out for adventure when she naively heads for a volunteer position at a wildlife orphanage run by a down on his luck and reckless vet Graham Baird. Their initial connection is the opposite of what Kerry expected as she has to try and have him released from a Mozambique jail after a shootout with poachers. Despite his innocence of the crime he is charged with this is a lawless situation overseen by local politician and poaching kingpin Fidel Costa.
Graham is released but then Kerry is taken into custody by the Mozambique pirates. From there we head through a helter skelter engagement between Graham and his supporters and Costa's murderous crew. There's plenty of adventure but not the kind that Kerry had anticipated. Its a complex world, survival isn't just about the animals, humans are just as vulnerable in the battle when poachers and animal activists like Graham and Kerry.
In "Captive" Tony Park has delivered yet another high octane thriller.
October 25, 2019
This is a well written & well researched book that I did enjoy but the reason it only gets 3 stars is because I just didn’t really find that I was finding the main characters engaging enough.
There is a hint of a Mick Dundee type love story weaving itself gently in the background that I found a little too teenage crush like and didn’t enrich the plot but rather detracted from it.
These are the negatives but believe me, there are many positives & understanding that the book is no doubt only one step from the reality of the current situation with regard to the world of illegal poaching it is definitely worth buying.
There is a hint of a Mick Dundee type love story weaving itself gently in the background that I found a little too teenage crush like and didn’t enrich the plot but rather detracted from it.
These are the negatives but believe me, there are many positives & understanding that the book is no doubt only one step from the reality of the current situation with regard to the world of illegal poaching it is definitely worth buying.
August 26, 2021
This was action, action, action.
Then slow, slow, slow.
Then action, action, action.
But it was just too slow and meandering in the middle to be as enjoyable as it could have been.
This is the story of Kerry-Ahn Maxwell's adventures in southern Africa when she becomes a paying volunteer for wildlife charity. But nothing goes right from the very beginning and she has to fight for her survival against rhino poaches and corrupt politicians. Then she learns just how ruthless a charity fund raising manager can be.
If not for the slow middle, it might have been a good read.
Then slow, slow, slow.
Then action, action, action.
But it was just too slow and meandering in the middle to be as enjoyable as it could have been.
This is the story of Kerry-Ahn Maxwell's adventures in southern Africa when she becomes a paying volunteer for wildlife charity. But nothing goes right from the very beginning and she has to fight for her survival against rhino poaches and corrupt politicians. Then she learns just how ruthless a charity fund raising manager can be.
If not for the slow middle, it might have been a good read.
February 21, 2018
What can I say about this book, an absolutely fabulous read. I enjoyed every minute and found putting it down very hard.
Tony Park brings Africa alive with wonderfully detailed descriptions of the landscape and wildlife, his characterisation is brilliant. He doesn't pull any punches when it comes to the seamy underbelly of poaching and corruption in Africa.
A fast paced engaging thriller that leaves you wanting more.
Tony Park brings Africa alive with wonderfully detailed descriptions of the landscape and wildlife, his characterisation is brilliant. He doesn't pull any punches when it comes to the seamy underbelly of poaching and corruption in Africa.
A fast paced engaging thriller that leaves you wanting more.
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April 3, 2018Captive is explosive, fast paced and the surprises along the way are indescribable. At times you notice you are holding your breath or skipping a heart beat.
Tony sets the scene early on and you think you know what is going to happen throughout the book, you are so wrong! If your father is or has been in the military, listen to him, it could save your live. As you are reading, you can visualise everything that is happening. This is addictive reading at it's best! - Ian
Tony sets the scene early on and you think you know what is going to happen throughout the book, you are so wrong! If your father is or has been in the military, listen to him, it could save your live. As you are reading, you can visualise everything that is happening. This is addictive reading at it's best! - Ian
April 26, 2018
An exciting fast paced african thriller
Another great read from tony park as he brings real life issues to fictional characters. Park develops a complicated ,troubled veterinarian and his issues about life and wildlife to the forefront. Poaching is exposed as a far reaching problem with the idea of relocation of rhinos and the falsehoods that surround it. A very enjoyable book as I am a big fan of tony park
Another great read from tony park as he brings real life issues to fictional characters. Park develops a complicated ,troubled veterinarian and his issues about life and wildlife to the forefront. Poaching is exposed as a far reaching problem with the idea of relocation of rhinos and the falsehoods that surround it. A very enjoyable book as I am a big fan of tony park
October 28, 2019
Plenty of action and wildlife. A glimpse into NGOs in Africa and their methods saving wildlife, poachers, national parks, and some good characters. The author doesn't get bogged down in too much backstory with characters, just enough to satisfy. Worth a read. This was a library book. Read my action novels.
September 30, 2018
'Captive' is a good old fashioned 'wildlife-conservationists-versus-evil-poachers' adventure. It doesn't try to be too clever or ask too much of you and the plot romps along with heroes and villains you'll like or hate respectively — enjoy!
July 23, 2019
While I liked the background of Africa and its wildlife, I found this story very cliched and cheesy. It would make a good movie with a parody of characters, scruffy drunken well meaning “hero”, naive idealistic heroine, villains, greedy investors.
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