What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ambassadors Daughter: A Novel Out of Africa
This is another thrilling novel straight out of Africa. It is full of suspense, false accusations, injustice and intrigue. Once you pick it up you will not be able to put it down. What exactly happened to the lost child? Someone knows! Another excellent story by this internationally acclaimed author, whose previous novels have transported her readers back to a place once so loved, and still loved, even though many of them have moved to other countries. For anyone who has lived, or visited Southern and Eastern Africa, here is a story which will tug at your heartstrings right up until the very last extraordinary chapter. During a violent storm deep in the African bush, a child disappears. Sara, the ex-British ambassador’s daughter, and mother of the child, is arrested. Twenty years later, journalist Jack Taylor, travels from London to the magnificent landscape of the Eastern Cape, in South Africa, where the unforgiving bush hides long-forgotten secrets of loss, hate, betrayal and revenge. A staggering story awaits. A deadly secret threatens to destroy the lives of people who thought themselves now safe - a story which has fascinated the media for decades. Only one person knows exactly what happened on that day - a nomadic shepherd called Eza - but can Jack find him? “This is simply the best book I've read in a very long time. This talented lady brings Africa alive. Wilbur Smith you have some competition!” “A cracking good story with a totally unexpected twist at the end!” John Gordon Davis – author of Hold My Hand I’m Dying “Having read all Wilbur Smith’s books, this author ranks up with the best of them. Best read I’ve had for years!” Peter C. Morgan This is Samantha's 4th gripping novel out of Africa and may well be her best. Get your copy now and decide for yourself.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2020
447 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 24, 2024
A mystery spanning 20 years in South Africa
The Ambassador’s Daughter is a mystery that starts in South Africa about the time Nelson Mandela becomes President – about 1994.
Sara Courtney-Saunders, the daughter of Sir Miles Courtney, the former British ambassador to South Africa, wakes up after taking a 2-hour nap to find Charlie, her youngest child, is missing. Sara had taken a powerful drug while napping, and Charlie and Sara’s older child, Ben, were playing hide and seek, and Charlie had disappeared. An extensive search of the area finds no trace of Charlie.
As the search turns into an investigation, Sara is charged and convicted with Charlie’s murder based primarily on a secret witness; however, because she had taken Rohypnol, a powerful drug for migraine headaches, but a drug with hypnotic affects that could cause the user to perform acts with no knowledge or memory, Sara was committed to a psychiatric prison for 8 years. While there, Sara becomes friends with Dr. Karen O’Hare who helps Sara come to terms with were mental issues.
When released Sara and Karen relocate to London.
Meanwhile back in South Africa the truth of what happened to Charlie slowly comes out; Charlie is actually still alive, rescued by a bushman shepherd but never reported to the police or returned to Sara.
The story then goes through the slow convergence of events on that terrible day with the reuniting of Charlie with Sara.
This was a complicated story involving a lot of circumstantial evidence and a clash of cultures between the native bushmen and the Whites, both Afrikaner and English, in the disappearance, rescue, upbringing and eventual discovery of Charlie alive after 20 years, with a huge surprise at the end.
The Ambassador’s Daughter is a mystery that starts in South Africa about the time Nelson Mandela becomes President – about 1994.
Sara Courtney-Saunders, the daughter of Sir Miles Courtney, the former British ambassador to South Africa, wakes up after taking a 2-hour nap to find Charlie, her youngest child, is missing. Sara had taken a powerful drug while napping, and Charlie and Sara’s older child, Ben, were playing hide and seek, and Charlie had disappeared. An extensive search of the area finds no trace of Charlie.
As the search turns into an investigation, Sara is charged and convicted with Charlie’s murder based primarily on a secret witness; however, because she had taken Rohypnol, a powerful drug for migraine headaches, but a drug with hypnotic affects that could cause the user to perform acts with no knowledge or memory, Sara was committed to a psychiatric prison for 8 years. While there, Sara becomes friends with Dr. Karen O’Hare who helps Sara come to terms with were mental issues.
When released Sara and Karen relocate to London.
Meanwhile back in South Africa the truth of what happened to Charlie slowly comes out; Charlie is actually still alive, rescued by a bushman shepherd but never reported to the police or returned to Sara.
The story then goes through the slow convergence of events on that terrible day with the reuniting of Charlie with Sara.
This was a complicated story involving a lot of circumstantial evidence and a clash of cultures between the native bushmen and the Whites, both Afrikaner and English, in the disappearance, rescue, upbringing and eventual discovery of Charlie alive after 20 years, with a huge surprise at the end.
November 1, 2024
This is a fascinating read. Sara, the daughter of a former Ambassador to South Africa, has one of her children disappear. She is charged with the murder even though the child is never found based on evidence of a bloody shirt found under her mattress. The tale of what happens to the child and the prison sentence of Sara and her relationship with another person in the prison, which is a mental hospital, because of her condition with discovered drugs leading to being sent to a mental hospital. This relationship and the child's story taken in by indignant tribespeople are wonderful. The plot is complicated, and a journalist is finally sent to discover what happened to this child. All the twists and turns made the book one I could not put down.
December 9, 2020
Twists and Turns
What a wonderful book, couldn’t put it down from the first page till the last. This story kept me spell bound with its wonderful characters, the story line twist and turns and you can feel this sadness and emotion of the main character in this absolutely wonderful novel. If you are looking for a very good book then this is it. Thank you Samantha your writing skills are exceptional, well worth the 4 star rating
What a wonderful book, couldn’t put it down from the first page till the last. This story kept me spell bound with its wonderful characters, the story line twist and turns and you can feel this sadness and emotion of the main character in this absolutely wonderful novel. If you are looking for a very good book then this is it. Thank you Samantha your writing skills are exceptional, well worth the 4 star rating
October 27, 2022
A Fascinating Story
I was gripped by this book from beginning to end. The mystery deepened and as it unravelled I couldn’t put it down till I had finished it. I had recently read The House Called Mbabati, by the same author, & was surprised at the fleeting references to this book & some of the characters but they were woven well into the story. Another good read from Samantha Ford. Perhaps on to the next one now?
I was gripped by this book from beginning to end. The mystery deepened and as it unravelled I couldn’t put it down till I had finished it. I had recently read The House Called Mbabati, by the same author, & was surprised at the fleeting references to this book & some of the characters but they were woven well into the story. Another good read from Samantha Ford. Perhaps on to the next one now?
July 1, 2024
All tell and no show
As a born and bred African I looked forward to experiencing my land. Reviews gurgled about the surprise ending. What a disappointment in both cases. Pretty much any reader can figure out the clumsy attempt at dissimulation within the first few chapters. Add to that the flat plot and stereotypical descriptions, & this was one of the few times I have actually resented the money I spent on a book.
As a born and bred African I looked forward to experiencing my land. Reviews gurgled about the surprise ending. What a disappointment in both cases. Pretty much any reader can figure out the clumsy attempt at dissimulation within the first few chapters. Add to that the flat plot and stereotypical descriptions, & this was one of the few times I have actually resented the money I spent on a book.
November 6, 2020
Terrific read, enthralling plot and engaging story.
This latest book has all the hallmarks of a bestselling novel. Set in South Africa and England it draws together many social issues facing the world today, and the trauma of family tragedies. Compelling story, and a great follow on from her previous 3 books. All in all a brilliant read.
This latest book has all the hallmarks of a bestselling novel. Set in South Africa and England it draws together many social issues facing the world today, and the trauma of family tragedies. Compelling story, and a great follow on from her previous 3 books. All in all a brilliant read.
January 6, 2022
Captivating story with a twist
I could not put down this book. I loved the accurate descriptions of various places in South Africa, recreating the smells, sights and sounds of where the characters find themselves. Wonderful story line with delicious twists, keeping one on the edge of one’s chair.
I could not put down this book. I loved the accurate descriptions of various places in South Africa, recreating the smells, sights and sounds of where the characters find themselves. Wonderful story line with delicious twists, keeping one on the edge of one’s chair.
September 30, 2022
I certainly agree with the other 5 star reviewers. I would give it more stars if I could! I was totally surprised with the facts about Charlie that we didn’t know until almost the end! A wonderful story by a wonderful author. I got to 75% and could NOT put it down and read to the finish at 2AM! A very happy ending. I have recommended it to many friends as a must read!
November 17, 2022
An amazing story about Africa where the characters start out as San people and through a very clever story line find there way into colonial South Africa and London. The description of the lives of the San people is enchanting and in true Samantha Ford style the characters are gutsy and colourful. Good pace well researched a very good read
April 11, 2023
unbelievably captivating story
It is rare to find a book that completely captivated my thought’s wondering what will happen next while I try to unravel the plot. Beautifully written set in South Africa’s chequered history and wildlife, this book will not disappoint those who have grown to love Africa.
It is rare to find a book that completely captivated my thought’s wondering what will happen next while I try to unravel the plot. Beautifully written set in South Africa’s chequered history and wildlife, this book will not disappoint those who have grown to love Africa.
Read
August 17, 2021Loved it!
This brought me back home to Africa and all its mysteries. You never really know the entire story and Charlie until almost the end of the book. It kept me intrigued and wanted to keep on reading
This brought me back home to Africa and all its mysteries. You never really know the entire story and Charlie until almost the end of the book. It kept me intrigued and wanted to keep on reading
September 3, 2023
Amazing
Love this story and this and author. She has the ability to take you visibility to Africa. She blends her people story together so amazing . Great story with everything in it. Love,hate murder, redemption. Highly recommended .
Love this story and this and author. She has the ability to take you visibility to Africa. She blends her people story together so amazing . Great story with everything in it. Love,hate murder, redemption. Highly recommended .
Read
September 30, 2023This book started out slow for me but had so many twists and turns it really caught my attention after several chapters. The conclusion of the book had a real surprise. Never read this author before but will try another one of her books. Enjoyed it very much
December 11, 2023
Samantha Ford weaves a very interesting story, however her style of writing does not appeal to me. Her characters are all one dimensional, there is no substance to them and the story progresses through conversations had between various people. I doubt I will read anything else by her.
May 17, 2024
This is the second book of Samantha Ford's that I have read and again I could not put this book down last night I was at page 169 and I stayed up until the wee hours to finish it. Just an excellent book from beginning to end.
March 2, 2025
Well I
learned a lesson. Do not question Samantha’s writing because in the end all things are made clear. This book is a journey of a read. At times I would question, why? But the writing just flowed and all was made clear. Excellent!
learned a lesson. Do not question Samantha’s writing because in the end all things are made clear. This book is a journey of a read. At times I would question, why? But the writing just flowed and all was made clear. Excellent!
October 24, 2020
Amazing story
Another amazing book. Held my interest from the first to the last page. Highly recommend this and all Samantha's other books to enyone who enjoys reading.
Another amazing book. Held my interest from the first to the last page. Highly recommend this and all Samantha's other books to enyone who enjoys reading.
November 23, 2020
A good read
Enjoyable book. Love that it’s in Africa. A good storyline with a twist. 3rd book of hers I have read and enjoyed now.
Enjoyable book. Love that it’s in Africa. A good storyline with a twist. 3rd book of hers I have read and enjoyed now.
January 23, 2021
Really enjoyable read. A few twists and turns to keep you interested.
Read
January 27, 2021I couldnt put this book down. After reading the mesmerizing book House of Mbabati i was not disappointed. Its riveting has a great plot, interesting characters and a few twists to the story.
March 8, 2021
Great story. Poor editing, loads of typos
March 23, 2021
good yarn
April 20, 2021
Great story
This was a really good tale with lots of twists and turns. Unfortunately I needed to look past some poor grammar and typos. Once I did I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This was a really good tale with lots of twists and turns. Unfortunately I needed to look past some poor grammar and typos. Once I did I thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 1, 2021
20 years who did it
A great story hence the 5 stars. Will the real truth come out you will have to get the book to find out you will not regret it.
A great story hence the 5 stars. Will the real truth come out you will have to get the book to find out you will not regret it.
June 27, 2021
Fabulous story. I couldn’t put it down. Really looking forward to reading more by the author.
July 4, 2021
Great story, but poor editing.
This book had a good and captivating story, but it was hard to ignore the errors in the sentence structure, punctuation and spelling.
This book had a good and captivating story, but it was hard to ignore the errors in the sentence structure, punctuation and spelling.
October 9, 2021
Unputdownable!!!
A wonderful story, hope there are lots more by Samantha Ford
First half felt sad, then it picked up & I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
A wonderful story, hope there are lots more by Samantha Ford
First half felt sad, then it picked up & I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
January 8, 2022
Charli
Main characters circle around family violence and mental illness. Plot twists and turns, lead to an unexpected, but satisfying close
Main characters circle around family violence and mental illness. Plot twists and turns, lead to an unexpected, but satisfying close
January 2, 2023
An enjoyable story with Unforeseeable twists and turns. I enjoyed it very much
January 28, 2023
Stunning story
This novel has everything. Grief, love, chilling fear,and it is a page Turner. The portrayal of rural South Africa adds to this well crafted story.
This novel has everything. Grief, love, chilling fear,and it is a page Turner. The portrayal of rural South Africa adds to this well crafted story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews