Ghosts of the Past

by Tony Park

German South West Africa 1906, Australian horse trader Cyril Blake is executed in cold blood by the Kaiser's soldiers.

Sydney, the present day. Blake's great nephew, recently widowed Nick Eatwell, is approached by South African journalist Susan Vidler who is investigating his ancestor's mysterious demise.

Intrigued and looking for distraction, Nick discovers a long-lost manuscript which tells how Blake stayed in South Africa after serving in the Anglo-Boer War and joined the Nama people in their rebellion against the Germans in South West Africa, modern-day Namibia.

In Munich, historian Anja Berghoff, researching the origin of the wild 'ghost' horses of Namibia, stumbles across intriguing letters from Irish-German spy Claire Martin, with whom Blake had an affair.

As Nick and Anja's paths cross, they find themselves racing through southern Africa, and through time, on the trail of a legend.

But they're not alone. Someone else is chasing these ghosts of the past, looking for clues for a hidden treasure worth killing for.

Ghosts of the Past is based on a true story.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Africa, Adventure, Action

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Tony 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.

Reviews

[Jay Dwight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Park is one of my favourite storytellers, and this is another entertaining read.

A bit of a change in tack with this one. Another set in Africa, but encompasses some historical fiction, underpinned by real events in 1904 - 1906 Namibia. The Anglo-Boer war is the backdrop. The historical tale is interwoven with current events, as journalist Nick Eatwell searches out the events of that period involving an ancestor. Plenty of action in a fast paced adventure - both in the historical tale and the current day narrative.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully crafted novel by Tony Park. An amazing plot which moves frequently and seamlessly between the early 1900 wars of Africa to the present day. Park has undertaken a monumental amount of research for this novel and includes several pages under 'historical note and acknowledgements' further explaining where he got his information from and how he crafted it into a novel. Factually outstanding and the characters equally so.

[Stephen Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, though perhaps for some reasons unrelated to its literary qualities.

Like the novels of Robert Goddard the plot centres on a mystery of the past that comes to haunt people in the present, in this case (as in many of this genre) the mystery is about hidden treasure.

Nick Eatwell, an Australian working for a Sydney PR firm, is approached by a journalist who claims to be researching the story of a distant relative of his who had died in Namibia in 1906. He visits an aunt who has been interested in family history, and becomes interested himself and, having been fired from his job, decides to go to southern Africa and follow in the footsteps of his great grand uncle.

We are interested in family history, and some of my wife's ancestors have some very interesting stories that happen to be in the same times and places as those in this novel -- South Africa, Namibia, Australia and Germany. In the earlier times it includes both the Second Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, and the revolt of Herero and Nama people against German colonial rule in what is now Namibia.

Part of the reason for enjoying this book may therefore be because our own family history overlaps so much of if in time and place. One of the characters is Jacob Morenga, a real historical leader of the Nama revolt. Another of the leaders of the revolt, Abram Morris, may have been related to my wife. He isn't mentioned in the book, but he was involved in the same events in the same general area.

[Ed Stoddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work of fiction, based on a true story, was quite a riveting read which has wet my appetite to more fully explore the Nama/German conflict. One could easily envision this novel being adapted to the big screen. It has swashbuckling adventure, romance, big critter attacks on humans, and hidden treasure. It's a perfect read with a gin and tonic overlooking an African landscape.

[RG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really always enjoy Tony Parks novels. Reading them are like comfort food. Again set in Africa with a hint of a true story. Good action, hint of romance and great setting. He does have a formula for these novels but they're always fun.

[Lesley Moseley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 3/4 rounded up. What a rollicking, fast-paced, novel. Except the last chapter speeded up so fast I kinda lost track of which timeline I was in. Maybe a bit too long for the payoffs. I did enjoy it, though.

[Angelique Simonsen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This had potential but it lost me after a couple of chapters

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good. I don't trust books where the author's name is bigger than the title of the actual book, but Tony Park surprised me. He truly is a master story teller. There are twists and turns and plot twists that I definitely did not see coming. With his work praised, I do have a few negatives, because no one is perfect. Firstly, one of the main characters is a history phd candidate or something along those lines. And she is super secretive about her work. Now, sure, that's okay. But most historians, and definitely the Masters and PhD students that I have met have all been more than happy to talk about their work, even when it would be better for them to keep their mouths shut. Most will be happy to share information. Then, she also takes the archival documents with her from Germany to Namibia. And its for the plot, I get it. But there is no way that any archivist will let you take those documents out of the building nevermind the country and any good historian won't even wear rings when handling archival material. Maybe I read it wrong, but even if I did, then she would still be able to access those archives in Germany, as would anyone else. Archives (for the most part) are open to the public.

I saw people complain about the sex being too much and I sort of agree. It was a lot more than I expected, but I think Tony Park wrote it well, the romance did just feel fast for me. But it was for the plot and it was during war, so I get it.

And SPOILER,

he kills a horse. That is unforgivable.

Other than that, I highly recommend!

[Neville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based in Africa in the early 1900's, and Australian (Cyril Blake), fighting a war to help locals defeat the German killers, ends up being a target for the Germans he is helping to fight. He meets Claire Martin and falls in love with this spy and thief. They form a partnership to get gold out of German controlled Africa, meet with many hazards along the way.
Current time - Nick Eatwell, a journalist in Sydney is bored with his job and his employer makes him redundant, not that that worries Nick as he has met a South African, Susan Vidler who is investigating Nick's link to Blake who is his great-great uncle but is Susan all she seems to be. Nick is fast falling for Susan as his wife died of cancer eight months previously, so he heads to South Africa with her.
He also meets a German historian, Anja Berghoff, also researching Nick's family.
This story is well written and the changing from the Anglo-Boer War to present time, didn't worry me as much as it has with other authors. I think you will enjoy this book from cover to cover.

[Singer_SA · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was a rollicking romp of a story. Although it apparently was based on fact surrounding the Anglo-Boer war, the scenarios and character development were somewhat superficial. Women were so attractive that the men were falling over themselves to get them into bed and the men were also physically attractive.
It was a crime story within a historical narrative, which should have been interesting, but the characters let it down.

[Robyn Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghosts of the Past - another great read. Tony Park is an exceptional writer. (The book was the paperback edition NOT the Kindle Edition). I didn't realise till the Author's note at the end that so much of this book was real and most of the characters also. WOW!!! Sad though to think that the atrocities that happened were real and that so many people were killed in the Wars, but, as they say, that is history!!!!!

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars.

This was a fun read. A mash up of genres with a bit of everything. Essentially it was a historical fiction/crime novel but there was plenty of action, adventure and romance. A few too many coincidences perhaps, and people seemed to fall in and out of love rather quickly but enjoyable nonetheless.

[Burk · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author came highly recommended, but I was sorely disappointed. Below average plot, superficial character development, terrible pacing with the unbelievable conclusion "wrapping up all the loose end" in the last few pages.

[Rozzi Bazzani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical adventure and modern day thriller seamlessly meld to create a full on action packed epic about war, greed, betrayal and love. Africa on the page. I found some of the history hard to assemble at times, but whenever I was struggling, the modern day story brought me right back. What a ride!

[Aryna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good novel by Tony!

[Jennifer Hooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed the switches from past to present and the African setting and historical references. Good story and good reading, but for me it didn't have that 'can't put it down' factor.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read, it's quite interesting stuff that is mentioned about the history of Nimibia

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking in historical accuracy. My eyes, as a German-born South African who thought she knew the history of SA and Namibia, were opened in the most heartbreaking way...

[Flyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Park storytelling at its best.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

a simple two word review: beautifully described!

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting tale, with a number of true elements. The back and forth between the Anglo-Boer War and today was done quite well.

[Kim Tranter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting historical read. My first Tony Park. I will read another.

[Wim Stolz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reading

[Lizz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghosts of the past is based on a true story of a 24 year old Australian who fought in the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, and during the Herero and Nama wars in German South West Africa.

While Ghosts of the past is based on a true story, and has some fictiicious points through out, overall it was a interesting and insightful read into a war that, to be honest, I never knew had ever happened nor existed.

Ghosts of the pasts goes through such in depth detail of the war, soldiers, what I believe is one of the first of many concentration camps and I think a main focal point of the story, the desert horses of Namibia.

We see how gold and greed can change anybody, and that people show strength and resilliance in the most heroic and heartfelt ways.

In between the throwback chapters of the war, we also have current time chapters where a decendant of the main character in this story, Cyril Blake, has become interested in chasing up his own family history after being contacted by a journalist who is wanting to write a story.

As you go back and forth between the past and present, you learn about these men and women from the past, and how they fought and tried to survive during the war, and how and old wives tale so to speak (lost treasure anyone?) and peoples greed can lead to unimaginable things

Tony’s descriptive writing style and slow burning action paced storyline keeps you turning the pages wanting more, and thinking about it once its done, leave me completely enthralled from start to finish.

A huge thank you as always to the team at Pan Macmillan Australia for sending me a copy!

[Sarah Sanyahumbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read...

As always the story grips you from the beginning and right to the end keeps you wanting more. I loved the history entwined with fiction.

[Talia Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale for the ages.

I've read all of Park's recent novels (AEC onwards), and I have to say this is my favourite so far. Ghosts of the Past has all the usual Park fair, action and adventure, romance, beautiful African Landscapes, and fast paced stories. Yet this is a little different, this time he blends this usual modern day story with a historical counterpart set during the Second Anglo-Boer War and the Herero and Nama uprising. The two tales intertwine.

This was great. I loved the way Park weaved the two narratives, slowly giving more of the historical backstory as the modern events progressed. The level of research is impressive, and it is clear how Park has taken real historical events and fictionalised them just enough to create his own story. I also found it interesting that this story didn't really highlight poaching like his other books, and this time focused on some of the human struggles while still appreciating the wildlife.

Although different, this still had many of the hallmarks of his previous work. This made certain elements of the story quite easy to predict, as they follow a similar pattern to his other novels. I personally didn't find the modern day story as compelling as the historical one, but maybe that's just because the past has a romantic notion of mystery and adventure.

I'd highly recommend to anyone who is after a fun and engaging adventure story, while also wanting to learn a little of Africa's history. Another great read from Tony Park.

[Marno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and might I add, it was one of the best African historical fiction books I've read so far. I was highly intrigued by the events of both timelines, each worthy and weighty enough for solo stories. Yet, I wouldn't have preferred it otherwise. The interconnectedness rightly complements the Title of the story, "Ghosts of the past" and one can clearly sea how the past, quite literally for Nick Eatwell caught up to him in the present.

Tony Park gripped me in this book and at times I could sense and visualise his love for Africa and the bush by the way he described his scenery. IT MADE ME WANT MORE OF AFRICA! In the same breath, his description of the wars fought and the consequences thereof gave one a deep sense and empathy for the ones fighting n the wars, as well as illustrated the type of behaviour common in such wars, which is frightening as it is.

The two timelines complemented each other so well that you never quite felt lost with the events as both timelines often carried on with events mentioned and reflected on in both times, whereby explaining each event clearly to the reader.

I LOVED THIS STORY!

I highly recommend this book to Historical Fiction -, African -, wildlife -, war, and adventure lovers!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous read based on a true story starts in German South West Africa 1906 with Cyril Blacks murder .

Then in Sydney, the present day. Blake's is approached by South African journalist Susan Vidler who is investigating his ancestor's mysterious demise.

Nick discovers a long-lost manuscript which tells how Blake stayed in South Africa after serving in the Anglo-Boer War and joined the Nama people in their rebellion against the Germans in South West Africa, modern-day Namibia. This book is filled with intregue and suspicion and excellent character. We jump around in time.

In Munich, historian Anja Berghoff is researching the origin of the wild 'ghost' horses of Namibia, she stumbles across intriguing letters from Irish-German spy Claire Martin, with whom Blake had an affair.

As Nick and Anja's paths cross, they find themselves racing through southern Africa, and through time, on the trail of a legend. I really enjoyed the book. I had not read much on this war and I found it very interesting.

[Amy Heap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great African/Australian adventure from Tony Park, this time with an historical element. An Australian man is approached by a South African journalist about one of his ancestor’s time in South Africa, and German South West Africa, now Namibia, around the time of the Anglo-Boer War. He becomes involved in a dangerous mystery, and both the modern and historical storylines are full of action, intrigue, historical detail, and romance. Fast paced, with twists and turns, and a lot of fun.

[Cookie1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but it didn’t enthrall me. It is the first book I have read by To y Park and I will definitely read another one. I really liked the ending of the story. I also enjoyed the crossing between the present day and in the early 1900’s. I found Claire to be a little light weight as she seemed to flit between men, but that may well have been because of what she hoped to achieve. I liked Blake, he seemed a very good man. Some of the atrocities were horrid, but that was the times.