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Gone to Ground
HUNTED. ALONE. AFRAID...
A heart-in-the-mouth and utterly addictive adventure thriller from a phenomenal debut Australian talent.
UN surgeon Rachel Forester is posted at a remote medical clinic deep in the jungle of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With violence escalating in the region, Dr Forester risks her life by remaining to tend an injured child while the rest of her team evacuates. On the cusp of her final desperate chance to leave, a soldier is carried into the camp by three other members of his unit, his condition so critical, his airlift must take priority over hers.
With no help coming, and in the path of warring militias, this small unit must flee through the heart of the jungle to reach the safety of the province capital. But in the dark wilderness lies a strangling web of crime and corruption. As they get deeper, they discover a sinister mining operation and stolen children with evidence indicating shadowy ties to the UN. But aren't those the people Dr Forester works for? The only people who know she's still lost out there? And now, the people who want her dead?
The further they delve, the more the web closes around them. Will they make it out alive?
PRAISE:
'A stunning debut from author Bronwyn Hall. This fast-paced, tension-fuelled ride into the darkest recesses of the Congo will keep you firmly on the edge of your seat even as you laugh and cry and fall in love with the characters. Take a breath and strap in, because you won't put this down until the final page.' - SARAH BARRIE, Australian author of UNFORGIVEN
UN surgeon Rachel Forester is posted at a remote medical clinic deep in the jungle of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With violence escalating in the region, Dr Forester risks her life by remaining to tend an injured child while the rest of her team evacuates. On the cusp of her final desperate chance to leave, a soldier is carried into the camp by three other members of his unit, his condition so critical, his airlift must take priority over hers.
With no help coming, and in the path of warring militias, this small unit must flee through the heart of the jungle to reach the safety of the province capital. But in the dark wilderness lies a strangling web of crime and corruption. As they get deeper, they discover a sinister mining operation and stolen children with evidence indicating shadowy ties to the UN. But aren't those the people Dr Forester works for? The only people who know she's still lost out there? And now, the people who want her dead?
The further they delve, the more the web closes around them. Will they make it out alive?
PRAISE:
'A stunning debut from author Bronwyn Hall. This fast-paced, tension-fuelled ride into the darkest recesses of the Congo will keep you firmly on the edge of your seat even as you laugh and cry and fall in love with the characters. Take a breath and strap in, because you won't put this down until the final page.' - SARAH BARRIE, Australian author of UNFORGIVEN
288 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2022
6 people are currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Bronwyn Hall
2 books35 followersBronwyn Hall never intended on being a writer. Her career has been spent working in health and community services, spanning aged care, disability and mental health. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature (and Psychology-for the day job) and she comes from a family of passionate readers.
Born and bred in Australia, Bronwyn has a love for new cultures and environments, having lived for several years in both Papua New Guinea and Brazil. She is deeply intrigued by the extraordinary breadth of qualities that make up the complex creatures called humans - not least, their quiet conquering of adversity.
Bronwyn lives and writes on Wurundjeri land in Melbourne, Australia.
Born and bred in Australia, Bronwyn has a love for new cultures and environments, having lived for several years in both Papua New Guinea and Brazil. She is deeply intrigued by the extraordinary breadth of qualities that make up the complex creatures called humans - not least, their quiet conquering of adversity.
Bronwyn lives and writes on Wurundjeri land in Melbourne, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
April 25, 2023
Heart-thumpingly, stressfully brilliant!!
UN doctor and specialist surgeon Rachel Forester was working at a remote clinic in jungle, in the middle of the Democratic Republic of Congo with a capable and compassionate nurse, Michael, by her side. She was caring for a young girl who'd been shot and Ketia was not well enough for the evacuation. So Rachel and Michael stayed with her until the next helicopter would lift them out. But in the meantime, three UN soldiers, carrying a badly injured comrade, arrived for Rachel's help. She had no idea if her surgery would help as he was in a bad way, but when the chopper arrived, the unconscious soldier and Ketia, accompanied by Michael, were evacuated. There was no room for Rachel.
The three soldiers were determined to get Rachel to safety but as they had a long way to go, and walking was the only option, it was a tough outlook. What they discovered along the way was horrifying - the kidnapping of young children, the murdering of villagers, and the mining of diamonds, among other things. The connection to the UN was frightening - the corruption rife. Would they make it out alive? Who could they trust?
Gone to Ground is the debut novel by Aussie author Bronwyn Hall and it was outstanding - phenomenal in fact! Fast paced, action packed adventure; this is the best heartstopping thriller I've read in a long while! I really hope this is the beginning of a series as I'd love to read more about Rachel and the UN soldiers who were such a big part of the book. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
EDIT: My husband has just finished this book (14/10/22) and declared it's the best book he's EVER read!
UN doctor and specialist surgeon Rachel Forester was working at a remote clinic in jungle, in the middle of the Democratic Republic of Congo with a capable and compassionate nurse, Michael, by her side. She was caring for a young girl who'd been shot and Ketia was not well enough for the evacuation. So Rachel and Michael stayed with her until the next helicopter would lift them out. But in the meantime, three UN soldiers, carrying a badly injured comrade, arrived for Rachel's help. She had no idea if her surgery would help as he was in a bad way, but when the chopper arrived, the unconscious soldier and Ketia, accompanied by Michael, were evacuated. There was no room for Rachel.
The three soldiers were determined to get Rachel to safety but as they had a long way to go, and walking was the only option, it was a tough outlook. What they discovered along the way was horrifying - the kidnapping of young children, the murdering of villagers, and the mining of diamonds, among other things. The connection to the UN was frightening - the corruption rife. Would they make it out alive? Who could they trust?
Gone to Ground is the debut novel by Aussie author Bronwyn Hall and it was outstanding - phenomenal in fact! Fast paced, action packed adventure; this is the best heartstopping thriller I've read in a long while! I really hope this is the beginning of a series as I'd love to read more about Rachel and the UN soldiers who were such a big part of the book. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
EDIT: My husband has just finished this book (14/10/22) and declared it's the best book he's EVER read!
January 21, 2023
This book was compulsive, fast paced and extremely easy to read. This is a debut, so I really don’t know how the author can improve! When I read debuts from Australian authors lately, I have been blown away, and this is no exception. I am intrigued to see what Bronwyn Hall will do next, I'll be waiting keenly.
Young and talented, Dr Rachel Forester is a surgeon working with the UN in the Congo. Deep in the jungle, she is able to hold her own at all times, dealing with patients, limited supplies and harsh conditions, and never complaining. She gets on with things and is an amazingly caring health care professional.
Rachel is left in the jungle when another patient needed critical care, and she finds herself in the company of a tight group, where survival becomes precarious as corruption and harm to children raise alarm bells. Her superiors and others in the UN may not be all they appear, and Rachel is caring for some of her injured crew while attempting to hike out of the depths of the jungle for many miles to get out.
All of the characters we read about are believable and well fleshed out, particularly the unit she is left with to survive, find food, and make it through an unforgiving jungle. Rachel grew up on a farm and shows some skill, along with being able to think fast and be a levelheaded and empathetic doctor wherever she goes.
Relationships are formed hard and fast in combat and survival situations; the author has crafted a tense and high paced read where I was constantly in motion to see what would happen next.
This booked bypassed my radar, but as GR is so good at, and my awesome reading friends, I found it one day and sourced in on audio the next. Annabelle Tudor was a remarkable voice actor, incorporating spot on accents where I was never once left questioning who was speaking. What a great job, and what a great debut. I recommend this book and am at a loss regarding the author having no medical, military or experience with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Outstanding!
Young and talented, Dr Rachel Forester is a surgeon working with the UN in the Congo. Deep in the jungle, she is able to hold her own at all times, dealing with patients, limited supplies and harsh conditions, and never complaining. She gets on with things and is an amazingly caring health care professional.
Rachel is left in the jungle when another patient needed critical care, and she finds herself in the company of a tight group, where survival becomes precarious as corruption and harm to children raise alarm bells. Her superiors and others in the UN may not be all they appear, and Rachel is caring for some of her injured crew while attempting to hike out of the depths of the jungle for many miles to get out.
All of the characters we read about are believable and well fleshed out, particularly the unit she is left with to survive, find food, and make it through an unforgiving jungle. Rachel grew up on a farm and shows some skill, along with being able to think fast and be a levelheaded and empathetic doctor wherever she goes.
Relationships are formed hard and fast in combat and survival situations; the author has crafted a tense and high paced read where I was constantly in motion to see what would happen next.
This booked bypassed my radar, but as GR is so good at, and my awesome reading friends, I found it one day and sourced in on audio the next. Annabelle Tudor was a remarkable voice actor, incorporating spot on accents where I was never once left questioning who was speaking. What a great job, and what a great debut. I recommend this book and am at a loss regarding the author having no medical, military or experience with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Outstanding!
July 22, 2022
Volunteering with the UN in the DRC, Australian doctor Rachel Forester is waiting for the helicopter which is coming to take her out of the jungle, where she has been running a vaccination clinic, when a critically injured Canadian soldier is brought in by three soldiers from his unit. She does what she can for him and sends him off in the helicopter in her place, leaving herself no option but to walk out of the jungle to Kananga, a journey of around 70 km, with the three other soldiers, Anton, Jax and Lucas.
Anton, the leader of the group is amazed that Rachel had been sent into such a dangerous area of the DRC with little preparation or protection. His unit has been collecting data on illegal activities in the area to send back to Canada and know how much danger is all around them.
What follows is an action packed adventure as the group encounters dangerous people involved in the illegal activity both in the jungle and outside it. Rachel shows that she might be naive but she’s certainly not helpless and will do whatever it takes to save lives. There is plenty of tension and even time for a little romance. An excellent debut novel!
With thanks to Harlequin Au via Netgalley for a copy to read
Anton, the leader of the group is amazed that Rachel had been sent into such a dangerous area of the DRC with little preparation or protection. His unit has been collecting data on illegal activities in the area to send back to Canada and know how much danger is all around them.
What follows is an action packed adventure as the group encounters dangerous people involved in the illegal activity both in the jungle and outside it. Rachel shows that she might be naive but she’s certainly not helpless and will do whatever it takes to save lives. There is plenty of tension and even time for a little romance. An excellent debut novel!
With thanks to Harlequin Au via Netgalley for a copy to read
June 27, 2022
And there it is, finally, a book I can happily give 5 stars! This is a debut from another amazing Australian author. She is not a doctor, has never lived or worked in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and has not been in the military. Despite that she brought such an amazing amount of realism to this story, I was transfixed from the very first page. This was a dynamite story!
Dr Rachel Forester is in the DRC on a UN mission, she has been sent to a remote outpost with her nurse, Michael, to administer vaccines mainly. Then a critically injured child arrives soon to be followed by a critically injured Canadian special forces soldier, Otis, also in the region on a UN reconnaissance mission. When the evac helicopter arrives it is too small to take everybody so the child and the injured soldier, along with Michel who has a prosthetic leg, are sent in the helicopter to the provincial capital, Kananga for much needed acute care. Rachel and the three soldiers who brought Otis in must leave on foot. It is about 70 km as the crow flies but is hard going when you have to hack your way through the jungle.
The journey is a harrowing and arduous one as they must steer clear of people and vehicles. Otis was shot while filming illegal activities at a village which they must avoid along with those who may be looking for them. The situation is not helped when Rachel insists they must go back and rescue three children they saw being taken to the village. It seems the children are being used as slaves in an illegal diamond mine.
Their food is dwindling and their nerves are tightly strung as they press forward, finally reaching Kananga and the promise of safety. But unfortunately safety is an illusion as Rachel learns that Otis, who should be on the mend by now is still gravely ill and the dangerous men who are running the diamond mine are too close for comfort.
Amidst the danger, the dirt, the hunger and exhaustion Rachel and the commander of the group of soldiers, Anton, find a spark that blossoms into a potential romance that cannot be. Normally I don’t like romance in my books but this was so well done with a very light touch and so right, I loved it! The soldiers were such a tight knit group, any one of them would give their life for a brother in arms. And over the long trek to Kananga Rachel also proved her worth.
I applaud the author for the level of realism that she achieved, it felt I was there slogging through the jungle with them and it was not a pleasant experience. I can’t wait to see what Ms Hall comes up with next, she is very talented for sure. Many thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Dr Rachel Forester is in the DRC on a UN mission, she has been sent to a remote outpost with her nurse, Michael, to administer vaccines mainly. Then a critically injured child arrives soon to be followed by a critically injured Canadian special forces soldier, Otis, also in the region on a UN reconnaissance mission. When the evac helicopter arrives it is too small to take everybody so the child and the injured soldier, along with Michel who has a prosthetic leg, are sent in the helicopter to the provincial capital, Kananga for much needed acute care. Rachel and the three soldiers who brought Otis in must leave on foot. It is about 70 km as the crow flies but is hard going when you have to hack your way through the jungle.
The journey is a harrowing and arduous one as they must steer clear of people and vehicles. Otis was shot while filming illegal activities at a village which they must avoid along with those who may be looking for them. The situation is not helped when Rachel insists they must go back and rescue three children they saw being taken to the village. It seems the children are being used as slaves in an illegal diamond mine.
Their food is dwindling and their nerves are tightly strung as they press forward, finally reaching Kananga and the promise of safety. But unfortunately safety is an illusion as Rachel learns that Otis, who should be on the mend by now is still gravely ill and the dangerous men who are running the diamond mine are too close for comfort.
Amidst the danger, the dirt, the hunger and exhaustion Rachel and the commander of the group of soldiers, Anton, find a spark that blossoms into a potential romance that cannot be. Normally I don’t like romance in my books but this was so well done with a very light touch and so right, I loved it! The soldiers were such a tight knit group, any one of them would give their life for a brother in arms. And over the long trek to Kananga Rachel also proved her worth.
I applaud the author for the level of realism that she achieved, it felt I was there slogging through the jungle with them and it was not a pleasant experience. I can’t wait to see what Ms Hall comes up with next, she is very talented for sure. Many thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
August 5, 2022
Another fabulous Australian author to add to the list. Hard to believe that Gone to Ground is a debut novel.. Wow 😯. What an adventure we go in this book. I read it in an afternoon, stuck in bed with the flu, feeling sorry for myself. I felt like I was in the African jungle fighting the bad guys. For a short book (under 300 pages) it certainly packed a punch. Never a dull moment.
The premise of this book hooked me right in. Australia now doctor Rachel Forester is in the DRC, working with the UN to provide vaccines for people in remote areas. Her and her nurse, Michael, are the only ones to stay behind to help save the life of a little girl who comes in as they are evacuating. As they are packing away their final possessions, a group of Canadian soldiers bring in a man who need their urgent attention. A storm hits and there is gunfire all around them. When the helicopter to get them out finally arrives, it is too small to fit them all so Michael takes the patients and Rachel decides to travel on foot with the special forces soldiers.
There is danger all around them, from the creatures in the trees to the guns going off everywhere. It is a super fast paced book that will have you holding your breath at times, wondering how they are going to get out the jungle. Full of adventure, tension and a splash of romance, Gone for Ground has something for everyone.
Highly recommend. Thanks to Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published August 3rd.
The premise of this book hooked me right in. Australia now doctor Rachel Forester is in the DRC, working with the UN to provide vaccines for people in remote areas. Her and her nurse, Michael, are the only ones to stay behind to help save the life of a little girl who comes in as they are evacuating. As they are packing away their final possessions, a group of Canadian soldiers bring in a man who need their urgent attention. A storm hits and there is gunfire all around them. When the helicopter to get them out finally arrives, it is too small to fit them all so Michael takes the patients and Rachel decides to travel on foot with the special forces soldiers.
There is danger all around them, from the creatures in the trees to the guns going off everywhere. It is a super fast paced book that will have you holding your breath at times, wondering how they are going to get out the jungle. Full of adventure, tension and a splash of romance, Gone for Ground has something for everyone.
Highly recommend. Thanks to Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Published August 3rd.
January 17, 2023
Oh my goodness it’s hard to believe this is Bronwyn Hall’s debut novel. This was fast-paced and action-packed right from the start and although at times I was holding my breath I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book.
Considering this book was just under three hundred pages it sure did pack a punch and if you enjoy these kinds of books, then I suggest you read this book as you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Considering this book was just under three hundred pages it sure did pack a punch and if you enjoy these kinds of books, then I suggest you read this book as you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
November 1, 2022
Gone to Ground by Bronwyn Hall
Synopsis /
UN surgeon Rachel Forester is posted at a remote medical clinic deep in the jungle of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With violence escalating in the region, Dr Forester risks her life by remaining to tend an injured child while the rest of her team evacuates. On the cusp of her final desperate chance to leave, a soldier is carried into the camp by three other members of his unit, his condition so critical, his airlift must take priority over hers.
With no help coming, and in the path of warring militias, this small unit must flee through the heart of the jungle to reach the safety of the province capital. But in the dark wilderness lies a strangling web of crime and corruption. As they get deeper, they discover a sinister mining operation and stolen children with evidence indicating shadowy ties to the UN. But aren't those the people Dr Forester works for? The only people who know she's still lost out there? And now, the people who want her dead?
The further they delve, the more the web closes around them. Will they make it out alive?
My Thoughts /
Australian author, Bronwyn Hall has made her debut into the world of fiction writing by serving up this fast-paced war zone thriller that is set in the jungles of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, central Africa, and is appropriately titled, Gone to Ground.
You know it’s going to be a good book when you just can’t bear to put it down; when you want to ignore the goings-on around you and just sit and read. On her webpage, Hall writes, she never intended on being a writer (or even had the urge), but, when a set of characters took residence in her head and she couldn’t get rid of them, she started writing about them. A few years, and a few manuscripts later, we are now fortunate enough to read the result.
You are all probably familiar with the song lyrics In the jungle, the mighty jungle; The lion sleeps tonight. In the jungle, the quiet jungle; The lion sleeps tonight. In Gone to Ground the lions might be sleeping but the jungle is far from quiet. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has Africa's fourth largest population and is the second biggest country in terms of area. The human rights situation across the DRC remains dire, with internal conflicts and poor governance contributing to a severe food crisis and the internal displacement of nearly 5.5 million people, more than anywhere else in Africa. Over 100 armed groups are active in eastern Congo, and the imposition of martial law has facilitated abuses by government security forces. Armed groups and often abusive security forces continue to carry out massacres, abductions, rape and sexual violence, recruitment of children, and other attacks on civilians with near total impunity. The DRC has some of the largest mineral reserves in sub-Saharan Africa and has experienced economic growth over the past ten years, based mainly on renewed activity in the mining sector. Much of the mining activity is informal, profits from which are funding the illicit activities of armed groups.
In 2010, the United Nations (UN) Security Council established the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC. The Mission was authorised to use all necessary means to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders and to support the DRC Government in its peace consolidation efforts.
We open with Australian surgeon, Rachel Forester, who is working with the UN on a medical mission. Rachel understood her work, as the only doctor in a remote DRC clinic was to be administering vaccines and basic healthcare to jungle communities. However (yes, there’s always a ‘however’!). However, she finds herself in a remote part of the jungle tending more to villagers who have been caught up in the conflict between rival drug gangs. Her patients have been severely wounded by the rival gangs constant fighting for ‘turf’. The criminal gangs are also using child labour to mine diamonds which are then smuggled out of the country, benefiting only the gang leaders, and leaving the locals in wretched poverty.
When a Canadian special forces soldier is seriously wounded, and is brought into Rachel’s camp for medical assistance, she realises the soldier needs to be evacuated to a hospital. Their small medical chopper only has room for three, so Rachel decides to send the injured soldier and two other critically ill patients, while she and the other three members of the special-forces unit will travel to the hospital on foot. As they begin the perilous journey towards the nearest town, the team come across an illegal mining operation being conducted out of sight of the authorities. They are using stolen children as slave labour. It’s a secret the mine operators will kill to protect.
‘Are you still angry with me?’ I asked. He raised his eyes to look at me and I saw he was calm. ‘With you, no,’ he said. Then he sighed. ‘At finding proof UN soldiers are complicit in using children to mine illegal diamonds … just a little bit.’ I thought of the faces of the children as they’d pulled the buckets from the mine, their desperation, and their fear. What kind of people did that to children?
Up to now the storyline has been fast paced. Now, the tension skyrockets – we are confronted with some pretty powerful topics – geopolitical issues and cartel violence, mixed with a helping of profoundly ethical and moral questions. What situations, if any, can you look the other way and ignore? Can you, are you, willing to put the welfare of others above your own?
It’s hard to get your head around the fact that this wonderfully immersive story is a debut. Rich in intrigue, mystery, and danger, you’re taken straight into the action with maximum exposure. There is a small romance element, but it doesn’t detract from the main plot. The characters, both good and evil, are appealing and humanised. One of the books many highlights, is its descriptive detail. Hall’s descriptive prose places you right in the heart of the action.
Do Dr Forester and her special forces convoy make it out to safety in the end? Well, [some of] the good guys turn out to be the bad guys……..who do you trust?
Synopsis /
UN surgeon Rachel Forester is posted at a remote medical clinic deep in the jungle of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With violence escalating in the region, Dr Forester risks her life by remaining to tend an injured child while the rest of her team evacuates. On the cusp of her final desperate chance to leave, a soldier is carried into the camp by three other members of his unit, his condition so critical, his airlift must take priority over hers.
With no help coming, and in the path of warring militias, this small unit must flee through the heart of the jungle to reach the safety of the province capital. But in the dark wilderness lies a strangling web of crime and corruption. As they get deeper, they discover a sinister mining operation and stolen children with evidence indicating shadowy ties to the UN. But aren't those the people Dr Forester works for? The only people who know she's still lost out there? And now, the people who want her dead?
The further they delve, the more the web closes around them. Will they make it out alive?
My Thoughts /
Australian author, Bronwyn Hall has made her debut into the world of fiction writing by serving up this fast-paced war zone thriller that is set in the jungles of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, central Africa, and is appropriately titled, Gone to Ground.
You know it’s going to be a good book when you just can’t bear to put it down; when you want to ignore the goings-on around you and just sit and read. On her webpage, Hall writes, she never intended on being a writer (or even had the urge), but, when a set of characters took residence in her head and she couldn’t get rid of them, she started writing about them. A few years, and a few manuscripts later, we are now fortunate enough to read the result.
You are all probably familiar with the song lyrics In the jungle, the mighty jungle; The lion sleeps tonight. In the jungle, the quiet jungle; The lion sleeps tonight. In Gone to Ground the lions might be sleeping but the jungle is far from quiet. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has Africa's fourth largest population and is the second biggest country in terms of area. The human rights situation across the DRC remains dire, with internal conflicts and poor governance contributing to a severe food crisis and the internal displacement of nearly 5.5 million people, more than anywhere else in Africa. Over 100 armed groups are active in eastern Congo, and the imposition of martial law has facilitated abuses by government security forces. Armed groups and often abusive security forces continue to carry out massacres, abductions, rape and sexual violence, recruitment of children, and other attacks on civilians with near total impunity. The DRC has some of the largest mineral reserves in sub-Saharan Africa and has experienced economic growth over the past ten years, based mainly on renewed activity in the mining sector. Much of the mining activity is informal, profits from which are funding the illicit activities of armed groups.
In 2010, the United Nations (UN) Security Council established the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC. The Mission was authorised to use all necessary means to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders and to support the DRC Government in its peace consolidation efforts.
We open with Australian surgeon, Rachel Forester, who is working with the UN on a medical mission. Rachel understood her work, as the only doctor in a remote DRC clinic was to be administering vaccines and basic healthcare to jungle communities. However (yes, there’s always a ‘however’!). However, she finds herself in a remote part of the jungle tending more to villagers who have been caught up in the conflict between rival drug gangs. Her patients have been severely wounded by the rival gangs constant fighting for ‘turf’. The criminal gangs are also using child labour to mine diamonds which are then smuggled out of the country, benefiting only the gang leaders, and leaving the locals in wretched poverty.
When a Canadian special forces soldier is seriously wounded, and is brought into Rachel’s camp for medical assistance, she realises the soldier needs to be evacuated to a hospital. Their small medical chopper only has room for three, so Rachel decides to send the injured soldier and two other critically ill patients, while she and the other three members of the special-forces unit will travel to the hospital on foot. As they begin the perilous journey towards the nearest town, the team come across an illegal mining operation being conducted out of sight of the authorities. They are using stolen children as slave labour. It’s a secret the mine operators will kill to protect.
‘Are you still angry with me?’ I asked. He raised his eyes to look at me and I saw he was calm. ‘With you, no,’ he said. Then he sighed. ‘At finding proof UN soldiers are complicit in using children to mine illegal diamonds … just a little bit.’ I thought of the faces of the children as they’d pulled the buckets from the mine, their desperation, and their fear. What kind of people did that to children?
Up to now the storyline has been fast paced. Now, the tension skyrockets – we are confronted with some pretty powerful topics – geopolitical issues and cartel violence, mixed with a helping of profoundly ethical and moral questions. What situations, if any, can you look the other way and ignore? Can you, are you, willing to put the welfare of others above your own?
It’s hard to get your head around the fact that this wonderfully immersive story is a debut. Rich in intrigue, mystery, and danger, you’re taken straight into the action with maximum exposure. There is a small romance element, but it doesn’t detract from the main plot. The characters, both good and evil, are appealing and humanised. One of the books many highlights, is its descriptive detail. Hall’s descriptive prose places you right in the heart of the action.
Do Dr Forester and her special forces convoy make it out to safety in the end? Well, [some of] the good guys turn out to be the bad guys……..who do you trust?
August 1, 2022
WOW what an awesome debut, this one will keep your heart rate up and turning the pages, fast paced, action packed and a compelling read, truly don’t miss this one come alone for a hair raising journey to Democratic Republic of the Congo and meet some real heroes and heroines.
Dr Rachel Forester is a doctor from Melbourne and has taken up a role as UN doctor and is sent to the DRC to help were she can, she and a nurse Michael and a medical team are sent out into the jungle to run a clinic for vaccinations, this area is terribly dangerous with militia everywhere but when a badly hurt child is bought in Rachel and Michael decide to stay and wait for the next ride out, just as they are hoping the next helicopter will arrive a team of UN soldiers brings a badly injured soldier in and Rachel does everything she can to save him and when the chopper arrives there is not enough room for them all so Rachel stays with the other three soldiers.
Rachel and the UN soldiers start to make their way out of the jungle and this is not an easy task with dangerous militia around not to mention the jungle and what lives in there these four people become close they need to in this situation, but what they discover is crime and the exploitation of stolen children, not only that but it appears that there are links to the UN the people who are supposed to care for these children, but greed and corrupt leaders are finding a way to rule.
Will they make it out alive, with people now chasing them, who can they trust and what will happen if they make it back to the hospital, this is an edge of your seat thriller suspense story that pulled me in from page one, an awesome story so well written these people are bought to life on the pages, I loved getting to know them and I would love to see more stories about them.
This is a story that I highly recommend you will not want to put it down once you pick it up so clear the calendar and make yourself comfortable, a must read.
My thanks to the Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review.
Dr Rachel Forester is a doctor from Melbourne and has taken up a role as UN doctor and is sent to the DRC to help were she can, she and a nurse Michael and a medical team are sent out into the jungle to run a clinic for vaccinations, this area is terribly dangerous with militia everywhere but when a badly hurt child is bought in Rachel and Michael decide to stay and wait for the next ride out, just as they are hoping the next helicopter will arrive a team of UN soldiers brings a badly injured soldier in and Rachel does everything she can to save him and when the chopper arrives there is not enough room for them all so Rachel stays with the other three soldiers.
Rachel and the UN soldiers start to make their way out of the jungle and this is not an easy task with dangerous militia around not to mention the jungle and what lives in there these four people become close they need to in this situation, but what they discover is crime and the exploitation of stolen children, not only that but it appears that there are links to the UN the people who are supposed to care for these children, but greed and corrupt leaders are finding a way to rule.
Will they make it out alive, with people now chasing them, who can they trust and what will happen if they make it back to the hospital, this is an edge of your seat thriller suspense story that pulled me in from page one, an awesome story so well written these people are bought to life on the pages, I loved getting to know them and I would love to see more stories about them.
This is a story that I highly recommend you will not want to put it down once you pick it up so clear the calendar and make yourself comfortable, a must read.
My thanks to the Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review.
June 28, 2022
Better Run Through the Jungle, Run through the jungle, Whoa don’t look back to see… 🎶
Gone to Ground is a fantastic action thriller about a brave if naive Australian surgeon, who finds herself stuck deep in the rainforest of the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) when a UN medical mission goes awry. I was invited to read this by the publisher, and while I’m trying to limit new ARCs this year, especially by unknown authors, the premise, medical aspects and rave reviews already posted convinced me to give it a go - and I quickly realised this would get another 5 star rating from me!
Rachel Forrester is working as the only doctor in a remote clinic administering vaccines and basic healthcare to jungle communities when a seriously wounded Canadian soldier is brought in by his team mates. Attacks by hostile militia forces mean they have to evacuate, but the helicopter only has room for three, and Rachel opts to send her injured patients, and escape on foot with the special forces unit. As they trudge warily towards the nearest town, they discover a sinister mining operation is being conducted out of sight of the authorities, using stolen children as slave labour, a secret the operators will kill to protect.
It’s hard to believe this was written by a debut author - it’s a wonderfully immersive story with just enough descriptive detail to feel like you’re in deepest Africa with scary creepy-crawlies behind every tree and gun-toting rebels round every corner. It’s all told from Rachel’s first person past POV and you’re taken straight into the action with minimal exposition, which I liked. There is a romance sub-plot, which would normally have me rolling my eyes, but it doesn’t detract from the story, and the main characters are appealing enough to get away with it. Rachel is a skilled doctor, not a fighter, but it turns out growing up on an Aussie farm has given her some useful skills, and I loved the evolving dynamics as she bonds with the team. The medical aspects were also completely convincing.
The plot denouement wasn’t a surprise - I don’t think it’s meant to be, and I actually appreciated not being stung by an unexpected twist for once. There’s no graphic violence and while child exploitation is mentioned, and brutality towards women implied, we don’t witness it, so I don’t think this needs any content warnings unless you’re very scared of spiders or fond of pigs. The only thing I didn’t like was the tag-line on the cover “Hunted. Alone. Afraid.” which is misleading, as Rachel is not any of these things (unless you count her arachnophobia) - but I expect that’s the publisher not the author’s input. Regardless, this was a highly enjoyable fast-paced read from a new author to watch.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Gone to Ground is published on August 3rd.
Gone to Ground is a fantastic action thriller about a brave if naive Australian surgeon, who finds herself stuck deep in the rainforest of the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) when a UN medical mission goes awry. I was invited to read this by the publisher, and while I’m trying to limit new ARCs this year, especially by unknown authors, the premise, medical aspects and rave reviews already posted convinced me to give it a go - and I quickly realised this would get another 5 star rating from me!
Rachel Forrester is working as the only doctor in a remote clinic administering vaccines and basic healthcare to jungle communities when a seriously wounded Canadian soldier is brought in by his team mates. Attacks by hostile militia forces mean they have to evacuate, but the helicopter only has room for three, and Rachel opts to send her injured patients, and escape on foot with the special forces unit. As they trudge warily towards the nearest town, they discover a sinister mining operation is being conducted out of sight of the authorities, using stolen children as slave labour, a secret the operators will kill to protect.
It’s hard to believe this was written by a debut author - it’s a wonderfully immersive story with just enough descriptive detail to feel like you’re in deepest Africa with scary creepy-crawlies behind every tree and gun-toting rebels round every corner. It’s all told from Rachel’s first person past POV and you’re taken straight into the action with minimal exposition, which I liked. There is a romance sub-plot, which would normally have me rolling my eyes, but it doesn’t detract from the story, and the main characters are appealing enough to get away with it. Rachel is a skilled doctor, not a fighter, but it turns out growing up on an Aussie farm has given her some useful skills, and I loved the evolving dynamics as she bonds with the team. The medical aspects were also completely convincing.
The plot denouement wasn’t a surprise - I don’t think it’s meant to be, and I actually appreciated not being stung by an unexpected twist for once. There’s no graphic violence and while child exploitation is mentioned, and brutality towards women implied, we don’t witness it, so I don’t think this needs any content warnings unless you’re very scared of spiders or fond of pigs. The only thing I didn’t like was the tag-line on the cover “Hunted. Alone. Afraid.” which is misleading, as Rachel is not any of these things (unless you count her arachnophobia) - but I expect that’s the publisher not the author’s input. Regardless, this was a highly enjoyable fast-paced read from a new author to watch.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Australia for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Gone to Ground is published on August 3rd.
June 30, 2023
Gone To Ground is set in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where Australian doctor Rachel Forester, working with Doctors Without Borders in a clinic in a remote jungle village. This is a tense action thriller combined with a romantic storyline to create multiple layers of jeopardy in a harsh and constantly dangerous environment.
Rachel and her nurse were due to be evacuated from the village along with the last of her patients when a group of Canadian UN soldiers arrive carrying their wounded comrade. She performs the necessary emergency surgery and decides that he has to evacuate on the chopper, taking the last available spot - her spot.
The only option for her is to join the remaining three soldiers for a long walk through the Congo jungle to the nearest sizable town and relative safety. It will be an arduous trek with militia forces close behind them adding a further dangerous aspect to their journey.
As they travel they come across the disturbing sight of local village children being captured and forced into slavery to work in a nearby mining operation. This is the kind of illegal operation that will be defended with deadly force, but it’s also the kind of thing that must be exposed to protect the lives of the local people.
This is a richly described story with the awesome natural beauty of the Congo jungle taking centre stage. In stark contrast is the ever-present danger from the wildlife as well as the human inhabitants. Bronwyn Hall does an outstanding job of balancing these two extremes as they move deeper into the jungle. The result is a tension-filled journey that brings Rachel and the soldiers closer together as they depend on each other for survival.
The setting of the majority of the book is inspired for the beauty and danger it represents. Rachel Forester is a similarly strong character, highly capable with a tendency towards rebellion yet still vulnerable. When thrust into numerous uncertain situations she manages to come out stronger and more resilient than ever.
Gone to Ground is the debut action thriller (with a touching romantic bent) by Bronwyn Hall. It demonstrates an adept hand at providing a realistic narrative and consistent pacing. She has found a way of balancing highly emotive subjects with common sense decisions and coming up with a, well, a thrilling ending.
Rachel and her nurse were due to be evacuated from the village along with the last of her patients when a group of Canadian UN soldiers arrive carrying their wounded comrade. She performs the necessary emergency surgery and decides that he has to evacuate on the chopper, taking the last available spot - her spot.
The only option for her is to join the remaining three soldiers for a long walk through the Congo jungle to the nearest sizable town and relative safety. It will be an arduous trek with militia forces close behind them adding a further dangerous aspect to their journey.
As they travel they come across the disturbing sight of local village children being captured and forced into slavery to work in a nearby mining operation. This is the kind of illegal operation that will be defended with deadly force, but it’s also the kind of thing that must be exposed to protect the lives of the local people.
This is a richly described story with the awesome natural beauty of the Congo jungle taking centre stage. In stark contrast is the ever-present danger from the wildlife as well as the human inhabitants. Bronwyn Hall does an outstanding job of balancing these two extremes as they move deeper into the jungle. The result is a tension-filled journey that brings Rachel and the soldiers closer together as they depend on each other for survival.
The setting of the majority of the book is inspired for the beauty and danger it represents. Rachel Forester is a similarly strong character, highly capable with a tendency towards rebellion yet still vulnerable. When thrust into numerous uncertain situations she manages to come out stronger and more resilient than ever.
Gone to Ground is the debut action thriller (with a touching romantic bent) by Bronwyn Hall. It demonstrates an adept hand at providing a realistic narrative and consistent pacing. She has found a way of balancing highly emotive subjects with common sense decisions and coming up with a, well, a thrilling ending.
July 2, 2022
‘When are they coming to pick us up?’
Deep in the jungle of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Nations (UN) surgeon Rachel Forester has been working with a team at a medical clinic. As violence escalates within the region, the medical team is evacuated. But tending an injured child keeps Dr Forester and her nurse Michael in situ. Then, while expecting a helicopter to evacuate them, a critically wounded soldier is carried into the camp by three members of his Canadian unit, also attached to the UN.
When the helicopter arrives, it is too small to take all personnel. The critically ill patient and Michael are evacuated, leaving Rachel and the other three soldiers to flee on foot through the jungle. The group plans to head to the UN headquarters at Kananga, a journey of about seventy kilometres.
To reach Kananga, the team needs to evade militia groups while rationing limited food. Along the way, they discover a secretive mining operation, which seems to rely on children for its workforce. And it looks like there might be a UN connection to what is surely an illegal operation.
This is Ms Hall’s first novel, and it is a terrific read. The danger is not confined to the jungle: Rachel’s history with another UN Doctor has ramifications both for her and the group she is travelling with. So, there you have it: corruption, danger, illegal mining, kidnapped children, and violence with a touch of romance.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Deep in the jungle of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, United Nations (UN) surgeon Rachel Forester has been working with a team at a medical clinic. As violence escalates within the region, the medical team is evacuated. But tending an injured child keeps Dr Forester and her nurse Michael in situ. Then, while expecting a helicopter to evacuate them, a critically wounded soldier is carried into the camp by three members of his Canadian unit, also attached to the UN.
When the helicopter arrives, it is too small to take all personnel. The critically ill patient and Michael are evacuated, leaving Rachel and the other three soldiers to flee on foot through the jungle. The group plans to head to the UN headquarters at Kananga, a journey of about seventy kilometres.
To reach Kananga, the team needs to evade militia groups while rationing limited food. Along the way, they discover a secretive mining operation, which seems to rely on children for its workforce. And it looks like there might be a UN connection to what is surely an illegal operation.
This is Ms Hall’s first novel, and it is a terrific read. The danger is not confined to the jungle: Rachel’s history with another UN Doctor has ramifications both for her and the group she is travelling with. So, there you have it: corruption, danger, illegal mining, kidnapped children, and violence with a touch of romance.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
September 18, 2022
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Set amidst the political unrest of The Democratic Republic of Congo Gone to Ground is an adrenaline fuelled race through the jungle.
Australian doctor Rachel Forester has been sent to a remote jungle post on the whim of a scorned ex-boyfriend. As a dedicated surgeon she is happy to be saving lives. When the post is evacuated she puts her patients' lives ahead of hers and stays behind to evacuate on foot with three UN soldiers.
Bronwyn Hall brings the jungle to life; the heat, insects, spiders and snakes all had me holding my breath. Throw in some close encounters with rebel militias and there was always this ominous 'what will happen next' feeling keeping me glued to the book.
Rachel was tough but believable as a civilian trekking through the jungle and I loved the addition of the romance element, it was a nice aside to the danger.
With themes of forced child labour, violence towards women, rebel militia activity and political unrest the narrative has a foreboding sense of unease that simmers throughout the novel.
The story moves along at a steady pace with the plot keeping me totally intrigued and turning the pages. Gone to Ground is a book I truly didn't want to put down.
Bravo, Bronwyn Hall, on this remarkable debut!
*I received a copy from the publisher
Set amidst the political unrest of The Democratic Republic of Congo Gone to Ground is an adrenaline fuelled race through the jungle.
Australian doctor Rachel Forester has been sent to a remote jungle post on the whim of a scorned ex-boyfriend. As a dedicated surgeon she is happy to be saving lives. When the post is evacuated she puts her patients' lives ahead of hers and stays behind to evacuate on foot with three UN soldiers.
Bronwyn Hall brings the jungle to life; the heat, insects, spiders and snakes all had me holding my breath. Throw in some close encounters with rebel militias and there was always this ominous 'what will happen next' feeling keeping me glued to the book.
Rachel was tough but believable as a civilian trekking through the jungle and I loved the addition of the romance element, it was a nice aside to the danger.
With themes of forced child labour, violence towards women, rebel militia activity and political unrest the narrative has a foreboding sense of unease that simmers throughout the novel.
The story moves along at a steady pace with the plot keeping me totally intrigued and turning the pages. Gone to Ground is a book I truly didn't want to put down.
Bravo, Bronwyn Hall, on this remarkable debut!
*I received a copy from the publisher
March 16, 2025
‘I’ve heard Australia nearly takes out the full top ten when it comes to the world’s deadliest snakes.’ – ‘True’, I grinned. ‘But it’s said more people are killed each year by beach umbrellas.’
Australia surgeon Rachel Forester, attached to the UN, has been posted to a remote clinic in the (unstable) Democratic Republic of the Congo. With militia closing in, most staff have been evacuated, leaving only Rachel and a nurse, Michael to tend the last patients – a woman succumbing to machete wounds and a young girl – when a UN Canadian Special Forces team staggers in with a wounded soldier, after trekking overland for 2 days to reach medical aid. With the man stabilised, a helicopter arrives to airlift Rachel and Michael to safety, but the patients take precedence, leaving Rachel to trek through the jungle to the regional centre with the soldiers.
Wow! As a debut novel this ticks most of the boxes for intrigue, drama, jungle nasties, nastier humans, child slave labour, illegal mining, corruption – and romance. On the rebound from a controlling relationship, Rachel finds herself falling for the team’s leader, struggling to remain professional at all times. Although the jungle itself presents many challenges, Rachel is no city bunny, raised on a sheep farm in the Echuca area, and used to thinking for herself.
This one held my attention throughout, and though it got a bit sookie post Africa – better that than leaving the reader grasping to know what happened next.
Australia surgeon Rachel Forester, attached to the UN, has been posted to a remote clinic in the (unstable) Democratic Republic of the Congo. With militia closing in, most staff have been evacuated, leaving only Rachel and a nurse, Michael to tend the last patients – a woman succumbing to machete wounds and a young girl – when a UN Canadian Special Forces team staggers in with a wounded soldier, after trekking overland for 2 days to reach medical aid. With the man stabilised, a helicopter arrives to airlift Rachel and Michael to safety, but the patients take precedence, leaving Rachel to trek through the jungle to the regional centre with the soldiers.
Wow! As a debut novel this ticks most of the boxes for intrigue, drama, jungle nasties, nastier humans, child slave labour, illegal mining, corruption – and romance. On the rebound from a controlling relationship, Rachel finds herself falling for the team’s leader, struggling to remain professional at all times. Although the jungle itself presents many challenges, Rachel is no city bunny, raised on a sheep farm in the Echuca area, and used to thinking for herself.
This one held my attention throughout, and though it got a bit sookie post Africa – better that than leaving the reader grasping to know what happened next.
August 25, 2022
Australian doctor Rachel Forrester is conducting an immunisation programme for the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of Congo but warring militia in the vicinity have contributed shooting and machete wounded patients fleeing the atrocities in their villages instead. Evacuation by helicopter has been hampered by torrential downpours and gunfire, and all who remain in the remote outpost are Rachel, her Ugandan nurse Michael and a terrified injured young girl in their care. Out of the jungle stagger 3 Canadian Special Forces soldiers with their critically injured brother-in-arms requiring Rachel’s expertise. The last chopper arrives, large enough for only the patients and Michael, whose prosthetic leg precludes him from escape on foot.
With the swift and deadly approach of the insurgents, Rachel is forced to flee into the jungle with Anton, Jax and Lucas whose reticence to explain their mission adds to her trepidation. Lack of food, impenetrably dense growth, lethal predators of various forms during the 70+ km trek to Kananga the provincial capital becomes a harrowing ordeal. But these are barely the start of Rachel’s problems.
She follows the principles of doctoring, Anton the doctrine of soldiering. She is not particularly good at following the military style instructions paramount to their survival, which has her at loggerheads with the Major. But Rachel surprises the soldiers with some skills she acquired growing up on an Aussie farm.
When a truckload of captive children trundles past their hiding spot Rachel convinces the team to investigate and they obtain photographic evidence that UN personnel are complicit in illegal diamond mining.
When the good guys are the baddies who can be trusted? Did her former lover deliberately send Rachel into danger? Is she going to succumb to an inconvenient case of jungle lust? Will they get out of this alive?
‘Gone to Ground’ proceeds at an unrelenting pace, whether it’s a medical emergency, militia attack or alarming spider situation Bronwyn Hall has the reader on the edge throughout.
Thanks to The Book Stack for an advanced reading copy.
With the swift and deadly approach of the insurgents, Rachel is forced to flee into the jungle with Anton, Jax and Lucas whose reticence to explain their mission adds to her trepidation. Lack of food, impenetrably dense growth, lethal predators of various forms during the 70+ km trek to Kananga the provincial capital becomes a harrowing ordeal. But these are barely the start of Rachel’s problems.
She follows the principles of doctoring, Anton the doctrine of soldiering. She is not particularly good at following the military style instructions paramount to their survival, which has her at loggerheads with the Major. But Rachel surprises the soldiers with some skills she acquired growing up on an Aussie farm.
When a truckload of captive children trundles past their hiding spot Rachel convinces the team to investigate and they obtain photographic evidence that UN personnel are complicit in illegal diamond mining.
When the good guys are the baddies who can be trusted? Did her former lover deliberately send Rachel into danger? Is she going to succumb to an inconvenient case of jungle lust? Will they get out of this alive?
‘Gone to Ground’ proceeds at an unrelenting pace, whether it’s a medical emergency, militia attack or alarming spider situation Bronwyn Hall has the reader on the edge throughout.
Thanks to The Book Stack for an advanced reading copy.
December 25, 2022
Gone to Ground is a fantastic debut adventure thriller by Bronwyn Hall. When United Nations Surgeon Rachel Forester received her new posting to a remote medical clinic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo jungle, she would be involved in escalated violence. The staff of the remote medical clinic decided to evacuate; however, Surgeon Rachel Forester chose to stay and look after an injured child. Rachel Forester, though she has a chance with the wounded child to have an airlift out of the dangers. For Rachel Forester, this would not happen due to the arrival of a badly injured soldier. The readers of Gone to Ground will continue to follow Rachel Forester to find out what happens.
I enjoyed reading Gone to Ground, and if Bronwyn Hall continues to write books in the same way, she will have an excellent career in writing. I engaged with the plot of this book from the turning of the first page. I love Bronwyn Hall's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Gone to Ground was well written and researched by Bronwyn Hall. I like Bronwyn Hall's description of the settings of Gone to Ground which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Gone to Ground will learn about running a small remote medical centre in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Also, the readers of Gone to Ground will understand United Nations' role in providing medical aid to disadvantaged communities.
I thank NetGalley and the publisher for my free ARC copy for an honest review. I recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading Gone to Ground, and if Bronwyn Hall continues to write books in the same way, she will have an excellent career in writing. I engaged with the plot of this book from the turning of the first page. I love Bronwyn Hall's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Gone to Ground was well written and researched by Bronwyn Hall. I like Bronwyn Hall's description of the settings of Gone to Ground which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Gone to Ground will learn about running a small remote medical centre in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Also, the readers of Gone to Ground will understand United Nations' role in providing medical aid to disadvantaged communities.
I thank NetGalley and the publisher for my free ARC copy for an honest review. I recommend this book.
June 12, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers.
This is a fabulous read, however, it brings to light abduction and child slavery in the search of diamonds in the Congo.
Dr Rachel Forester is attached to the United Nations medical team, she has just finished up at an outpost clinic and waiting for a helicopter airlift to evacuate but from the jungle four soldiers emerge, one badly hurt with a bullet wound. Suspicion is on both sides but as a doctor, Rachel has to look to the wounded man. The soldiers as it turns out are also from the United Nations, however they are a Canadian specialist force, three men and one woman and do not form part of the normal UN peacekeeping operations. The evacuation is delayed due to weather and when the helicopter does arrive with gunfire close by a hasty departure takes place. It's only a small chopper and not able to carry everyone, the result is that the wounded soldier, Otis, takes Dr Rachel Forrester's place as he needs hospitalisation, leaving nurse Michael and a young patient the only ones able to travel. Rachel now with the other three soldiers will travel by foot back to Kananga, a seventy kilometre trek. When Rachel queries the method suggested by Anton, the leader, he wonders why she hasn't been warned about the dangerous rebel militia and other criminals involved in the illegal diamond trade. Dr Forester gives the impression that apart from her medical training, her idyllic country life in Australia has not equipped her for life in the Congo and her naivety is extraordinary.
As they can't risk travelling on roads or even well used tracks the only method is through dense jungle for which causes a lot of angst for Rachel, fear of spiders, which bemuses these hardened soldiers. Danger is constantly present, for Rachel this is a quick lesson in survival skills, sleeping rough and eating army rations. In all that is occurring Rachel discovers that Anton has been hiding a wound received when trying to save Otis, she attends to his wound and it's here that some sexual tension developes.
After reaching Kananga at the hospital Rachel becomes aware that Otis's health has gone backwards and he is critically ill. It's finally revealed that her boss and ex lover Doctor Lt Colonel Janssen has been slowly poisoning Otis because of him being able to identify one of the criminals and who he, himself, is involved with the criminal activity. A gunman becomes involved in the malaise and it's at this point that all the dots start to line up.
This is a fabulous read, however, it brings to light abduction and child slavery in the search of diamonds in the Congo.
Dr Rachel Forester is attached to the United Nations medical team, she has just finished up at an outpost clinic and waiting for a helicopter airlift to evacuate but from the jungle four soldiers emerge, one badly hurt with a bullet wound. Suspicion is on both sides but as a doctor, Rachel has to look to the wounded man. The soldiers as it turns out are also from the United Nations, however they are a Canadian specialist force, three men and one woman and do not form part of the normal UN peacekeeping operations. The evacuation is delayed due to weather and when the helicopter does arrive with gunfire close by a hasty departure takes place. It's only a small chopper and not able to carry everyone, the result is that the wounded soldier, Otis, takes Dr Rachel Forrester's place as he needs hospitalisation, leaving nurse Michael and a young patient the only ones able to travel. Rachel now with the other three soldiers will travel by foot back to Kananga, a seventy kilometre trek. When Rachel queries the method suggested by Anton, the leader, he wonders why she hasn't been warned about the dangerous rebel militia and other criminals involved in the illegal diamond trade. Dr Forester gives the impression that apart from her medical training, her idyllic country life in Australia has not equipped her for life in the Congo and her naivety is extraordinary.
As they can't risk travelling on roads or even well used tracks the only method is through dense jungle for which causes a lot of angst for Rachel, fear of spiders, which bemuses these hardened soldiers. Danger is constantly present, for Rachel this is a quick lesson in survival skills, sleeping rough and eating army rations. In all that is occurring Rachel discovers that Anton has been hiding a wound received when trying to save Otis, she attends to his wound and it's here that some sexual tension developes.
After reaching Kananga at the hospital Rachel becomes aware that Otis's health has gone backwards and he is critically ill. It's finally revealed that her boss and ex lover Doctor Lt Colonel Janssen has been slowly poisoning Otis because of him being able to identify one of the criminals and who he, himself, is involved with the criminal activity. A gunman becomes involved in the malaise and it's at this point that all the dots start to line up.
May 28, 2022
Hard to believe this is a debut novel - without the disclaimer at the end (in which the author states she has no experience of the types she writes about), I’d have thought this could have been loosely based on hers, or a friend’s/relative’s experience.
Doctor Rachel has been banished (pro tip: don’t sleep with your workmates) to a clinic in a remote area of the Democratic Republic of Congo, around which a guerilla battle rages. Just as they are about to be airlifted out, EVENTS means she’s left to find her way through the jungle with a loosely affiliated UN group of soldiers, and that in itself is a hair-raising journey. Add in armed militias, both the goodies and the baddies after you, and a love interest (just on the right side of schmaltzy) along the way, and you get a fast paced, who can you trust, feat of survival. I did wonder how the author would tie up the lurv story, but it was accomplished with minimal eurgh, and a bit of awww.
With thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Harper Collins for this introduction to an exciting new name to look out for.
Doctor Rachel has been banished (pro tip: don’t sleep with your workmates) to a clinic in a remote area of the Democratic Republic of Congo, around which a guerilla battle rages. Just as they are about to be airlifted out, EVENTS means she’s left to find her way through the jungle with a loosely affiliated UN group of soldiers, and that in itself is a hair-raising journey. Add in armed militias, both the goodies and the baddies after you, and a love interest (just on the right side of schmaltzy) along the way, and you get a fast paced, who can you trust, feat of survival. I did wonder how the author would tie up the lurv story, but it was accomplished with minimal eurgh, and a bit of awww.
With thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Harper Collins for this introduction to an exciting new name to look out for.
December 10, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
Wurundjeri land resident writer Bronwyn Hall released her action-adventure novel Gone to Ground in August this year. Full of suspense, danger, military tactics, medical based drama and a touch of romance, Gone to Ground is an exciting jungle mystery tale.
Gone to Ground introduces a UN surgeon named Rachel Forester. This hardworking medical officer is stationed at an isolated clinic nestled deep in the jungle of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is a dangerous part of the world, where threats of violence are ever present. Rachel places her life on the line when she rescues a child in danger after her team has left their station. When Rachel tries to leave her post, she is compelled to help an injured solider who is in serious danger. This means that Rachel misses out on her chance to escape via a much-needed airlift. Rachel and her small unit must abandon their post as danger surrounds them, opting to head for the jungle. Hoping to find assistance at the capital, Rachel and her little group negotiate a tenuous trek through the jungle as they avoid many obstacles. But it soon becomes apparent that the jungle holds a whole host of dangers from violence, corruption, dodgy mining schemes and the forced removal of children. But Rachel faces an even bigger fight to get to safety, those who she has placed her trust in have betrayed her. Will this UN surgeon survive her jungle ordeal?
Bronwyn Hall’s Gone to Ground has been endorsed by one of my favourite Australian crime and suspense writers, Sarah Barrie. This cover quote, along with the atmospheric cover image and intriguing premise encouraged me to retrieve Gone to Ground from my review pile. I missed covering this title when it released back in early August, but I’m glad I was able to catch up on Bronwyn Hall’s book.
I can’t recall having read many books set in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before, so it was great to be introduced to a new and mysterious setting. Hall does a good job of setting her scene and immersing the reader in her very vivid jungle setting. I did feel like an extra on the main character’s medical team and I was soon swept up in the thrilling moments of this dangerous jaunt in the jungle. The action zooms along at a pulse pounding rate. This fast pace enabled me to zip through Gone to Ground in just an evening sitting. Bronwyn Hall’s book was such a quick read, I would have loved a little more! The characters were outlined well and I enjoyed the touch of romance that enters this strong action-based story. With themes of dodgy business operations, military tactics, political tensions, restricted medical care, violence, crime and the removal of children dominating this title, Hall has produced a conflict filled read. It’s a fast drive to the climatic conclusion, which will leave readers panting thanks to the nervy thrill ride through the jungle.
A taut and tension filled adventure tale, Gone to Ground is a story filled with a strong sense of unrest, along with plenty of jungle based drama. This is an exciting debut from Bronwyn Hall.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review.
3.5 stars
Wurundjeri land resident writer Bronwyn Hall released her action-adventure novel Gone to Ground in August this year. Full of suspense, danger, military tactics, medical based drama and a touch of romance, Gone to Ground is an exciting jungle mystery tale.
Gone to Ground introduces a UN surgeon named Rachel Forester. This hardworking medical officer is stationed at an isolated clinic nestled deep in the jungle of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is a dangerous part of the world, where threats of violence are ever present. Rachel places her life on the line when she rescues a child in danger after her team has left their station. When Rachel tries to leave her post, she is compelled to help an injured solider who is in serious danger. This means that Rachel misses out on her chance to escape via a much-needed airlift. Rachel and her small unit must abandon their post as danger surrounds them, opting to head for the jungle. Hoping to find assistance at the capital, Rachel and her little group negotiate a tenuous trek through the jungle as they avoid many obstacles. But it soon becomes apparent that the jungle holds a whole host of dangers from violence, corruption, dodgy mining schemes and the forced removal of children. But Rachel faces an even bigger fight to get to safety, those who she has placed her trust in have betrayed her. Will this UN surgeon survive her jungle ordeal?
Bronwyn Hall’s Gone to Ground has been endorsed by one of my favourite Australian crime and suspense writers, Sarah Barrie. This cover quote, along with the atmospheric cover image and intriguing premise encouraged me to retrieve Gone to Ground from my review pile. I missed covering this title when it released back in early August, but I’m glad I was able to catch up on Bronwyn Hall’s book.
I can’t recall having read many books set in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before, so it was great to be introduced to a new and mysterious setting. Hall does a good job of setting her scene and immersing the reader in her very vivid jungle setting. I did feel like an extra on the main character’s medical team and I was soon swept up in the thrilling moments of this dangerous jaunt in the jungle. The action zooms along at a pulse pounding rate. This fast pace enabled me to zip through Gone to Ground in just an evening sitting. Bronwyn Hall’s book was such a quick read, I would have loved a little more! The characters were outlined well and I enjoyed the touch of romance that enters this strong action-based story. With themes of dodgy business operations, military tactics, political tensions, restricted medical care, violence, crime and the removal of children dominating this title, Hall has produced a conflict filled read. It’s a fast drive to the climatic conclusion, which will leave readers panting thanks to the nervy thrill ride through the jungle.
A taut and tension filled adventure tale, Gone to Ground is a story filled with a strong sense of unrest, along with plenty of jungle based drama. This is an exciting debut from Bronwyn Hall.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review.
August 13, 2022
What a fantastic debut novel, hats off to Bronwyn for this gem of a book I loved it.
Rachel Forester is an Australia doctor working for the UN in a remote medical clinic deep in the jungle of the Congo. With violence escalating in the region, Rachel risks her life by remaining to tend an injured child while the rest of her team evacuates. On the cusp of her final desperate chance to leave, a soldier is carried into the camp by three other members of his unit, his condition so critical, his airlift must take priority over hers.
With no help coming, and in the path of warring militias, this small unit must flee through the heart of the jungle to reach the safety of the province capital. But in the dark wilderness lies a strangling web of crime and corruption. As they get deeper, they discover a sinister mining operation and stolen children with evidence indicating shadowy ties to the UN.
They are in the midst of a deadly game of cat and mouse, if they are found they will not make it out alive. As the hunt ensues I was captivated by the fast pace of this book, I was rooting for Rachel and the soldiers to make it back and blow the whole operation... there is a little romance in here which I didn't mind, and the spiders.... well I'll leave that to you to discover!
Fantastic debut, I highly recommend picking this one up. Solid 4.5 stars, Thank you for Harlequin Australia and Bronwyn Hall for my ARC of this book.
Rachel Forester is an Australia doctor working for the UN in a remote medical clinic deep in the jungle of the Congo. With violence escalating in the region, Rachel risks her life by remaining to tend an injured child while the rest of her team evacuates. On the cusp of her final desperate chance to leave, a soldier is carried into the camp by three other members of his unit, his condition so critical, his airlift must take priority over hers.
With no help coming, and in the path of warring militias, this small unit must flee through the heart of the jungle to reach the safety of the province capital. But in the dark wilderness lies a strangling web of crime and corruption. As they get deeper, they discover a sinister mining operation and stolen children with evidence indicating shadowy ties to the UN.
They are in the midst of a deadly game of cat and mouse, if they are found they will not make it out alive. As the hunt ensues I was captivated by the fast pace of this book, I was rooting for Rachel and the soldiers to make it back and blow the whole operation... there is a little romance in here which I didn't mind, and the spiders.... well I'll leave that to you to discover!
Fantastic debut, I highly recommend picking this one up. Solid 4.5 stars, Thank you for Harlequin Australia and Bronwyn Hall for my ARC of this book.
August 3, 2022
WOW! Just wow! What a journey! Gone to Ground was unexpected and totally thrilling - this debut novel by Aussie author Bronwyn Hall was brilliant! Fast paced action, packed full of a thrilling adventure with a steaming romance that is not to be missed. I loved it!
‘There’s no room. You can’t all fit.’ ‘He’s coming instead of me,’ I said. ‘What?’ ‘It’s okay, I’ll … hide or something. They’ll think I’ve gone with you, so they won’t look for me.’ Both of us knew I was talking crap.’
Set in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this is about a UN doctor risking her life to save others and a secret op Canadian military team on a mission. When things go horribly wrong they are forced to set off on foot to safety through the jungle.This book truly had it all - UN military scenario, diamond mining, child abduction, medical dramas, scary jungle with things blowing up all round. The slow burn romance between a down to earth Aussie doctor and a French Canadian soldier makes it worth the read alone - if there is a follow up book with these two I’m queuing up to buy it! All these aspects perfectly combined to produce a rollicking good tale that had me furiously turning pages with a climactic end that had me on the edge of my seat!
‘I spoke of the Congo. Of the instability, the poverty, the health needs and what I’d been doing since I’d left. There was enough colour and detail that they got insight into the difficulties and tragedy’
For a first time author who was not a doctor or had not been ‘lost’ in the jungle this was amazingly well done! I walked every painstaking step and will think of Rachel with every spider I now see 😉 The drama, the mystery and the romance all come together to form the perfectly told story. The plot builds with perfect pacing with the descriptions of the jungle terrifyingly real, the drama in the operating theatre horrifying true.
‘Being a doctor means I look after the health and wellbeing of others, and that territory comes with a lot of abstaining from judgement. But in this part of the real world, staying neutral feels like a stupid, blind luxury.’
Rachel’s writing was on point, richly detailed and immersive particularly when it comes to romance. The connection and sexual tension between Rachel and Anton was palpable. I would read it for this alone. The writing, particularly the ‘kaleidoscope’ scene is off the charts. The secondary characters enabled this to become an incredibly exciting plot - the ones you loved (Lucas and Jax) and the ones you despised (Christopher).
‘His words pierced straight through the lustful ache dominating my bloodstream and sank into my soul like water into sand.’
If you are looking for an exciting combination of a fast moving, tension filled drama that is overflowing with action this is your book. The steam of the romance smokes off the page with super writing that you can easily lose yourself in. Gone to Ground is a superb debut novel that truly excited me and I highly recommend it as I found it so engaging and fulfilling.
‘The jungle seemed impenetrable, yet I knew it was filled with creatures in their comfort zone, creatures adapted to their environment in a way I wasn’t.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
‘There’s no room. You can’t all fit.’ ‘He’s coming instead of me,’ I said. ‘What?’ ‘It’s okay, I’ll … hide or something. They’ll think I’ve gone with you, so they won’t look for me.’ Both of us knew I was talking crap.’
Set in the Democratic Republic of Congo, this is about a UN doctor risking her life to save others and a secret op Canadian military team on a mission. When things go horribly wrong they are forced to set off on foot to safety through the jungle.This book truly had it all - UN military scenario, diamond mining, child abduction, medical dramas, scary jungle with things blowing up all round. The slow burn romance between a down to earth Aussie doctor and a French Canadian soldier makes it worth the read alone - if there is a follow up book with these two I’m queuing up to buy it! All these aspects perfectly combined to produce a rollicking good tale that had me furiously turning pages with a climactic end that had me on the edge of my seat!
‘I spoke of the Congo. Of the instability, the poverty, the health needs and what I’d been doing since I’d left. There was enough colour and detail that they got insight into the difficulties and tragedy’
For a first time author who was not a doctor or had not been ‘lost’ in the jungle this was amazingly well done! I walked every painstaking step and will think of Rachel with every spider I now see 😉 The drama, the mystery and the romance all come together to form the perfectly told story. The plot builds with perfect pacing with the descriptions of the jungle terrifyingly real, the drama in the operating theatre horrifying true.
‘Being a doctor means I look after the health and wellbeing of others, and that territory comes with a lot of abstaining from judgement. But in this part of the real world, staying neutral feels like a stupid, blind luxury.’
Rachel’s writing was on point, richly detailed and immersive particularly when it comes to romance. The connection and sexual tension between Rachel and Anton was palpable. I would read it for this alone. The writing, particularly the ‘kaleidoscope’ scene is off the charts. The secondary characters enabled this to become an incredibly exciting plot - the ones you loved (Lucas and Jax) and the ones you despised (Christopher).
‘His words pierced straight through the lustful ache dominating my bloodstream and sank into my soul like water into sand.’
If you are looking for an exciting combination of a fast moving, tension filled drama that is overflowing with action this is your book. The steam of the romance smokes off the page with super writing that you can easily lose yourself in. Gone to Ground is a superb debut novel that truly excited me and I highly recommend it as I found it so engaging and fulfilling.
‘The jungle seemed impenetrable, yet I knew it was filled with creatures in their comfort zone, creatures adapted to their environment in a way I wasn’t.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
May 26, 2022
Um. Why did I unexpectedly LOVE this??
So I have to admit, I could easily have passed this right over. The cover and synopsis made me think it might be some kind of "man book" full of military jargon, ops and politics that would go way over my head, like Tom Clancy or such. Something about a UN doctor trapped in a jungle full of militia or... something? Doesn't sound like my thing.
I probably shouldn't admit this part, but the fact the author is a woman influenced me in giving this book a shot, really having no idea what to expect.
I'm so glad I did because I absolutely loved this and it was one of my favourite reads of the year so far!
Once again I find myself disagreeing with the marketing pigeon hole this one has been nested in. While certainly being full of action, I felt this read less "thriller" and more contemporary romance that just happens to have an intense jungle adventure as its catalyst. And it's closed door, sorry to all you hornbags out there.
It was definitely unlike anything I've ever read before. Military story lines, blood diamonds, medical drama, creepy jungle spiders, wild rescues, blowing things up, UN cover ups, an abusive ex, surgeries, a very sexy French Canadian soldier man.... Somehow it all added up to just a bloody good time.
The romance smoulders, the adventure is rollicking, the writing is easy to read and the pages kept turning! If you want to try something a bit different and like the sound of a good paced adventure with some swooning, look no further!
So I have to admit, I could easily have passed this right over. The cover and synopsis made me think it might be some kind of "man book" full of military jargon, ops and politics that would go way over my head, like Tom Clancy or such. Something about a UN doctor trapped in a jungle full of militia or... something? Doesn't sound like my thing.
I probably shouldn't admit this part, but the fact the author is a woman influenced me in giving this book a shot, really having no idea what to expect.
I'm so glad I did because I absolutely loved this and it was one of my favourite reads of the year so far!
Once again I find myself disagreeing with the marketing pigeon hole this one has been nested in. While certainly being full of action, I felt this read less "thriller" and more contemporary romance that just happens to have an intense jungle adventure as its catalyst. And it's closed door, sorry to all you hornbags out there.
It was definitely unlike anything I've ever read before. Military story lines, blood diamonds, medical drama, creepy jungle spiders, wild rescues, blowing things up, UN cover ups, an abusive ex, surgeries, a very sexy French Canadian soldier man.... Somehow it all added up to just a bloody good time.
The romance smoulders, the adventure is rollicking, the writing is easy to read and the pages kept turning! If you want to try something a bit different and like the sound of a good paced adventure with some swooning, look no further!
January 29, 2023
Wow, wow, what a fabulous novel and it’s a debut! Another wonderful Australian author to add to my auto buy list.
UN surgeon Rachel Forester is posted at a remote medical clinic deep in the jungle of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With violence escalating in the region, Dr Forester risks her life by remaining to tend an injured child while the rest of her team evacuates.
This fast, action packed novel has it all. Medical drama, a wonderful cast of characters, villains, hair raising tension, with a touch of romance. I was totally captivated by the pace of this book and invested in the characters. There was a small narrative that touched on a phobia I have, I literally squealed with fear and closed my kindle to take a few deep breaths before going back in. This fear that our protagonist Rachel has, just made her more endearing to me.
A truly fantastic debut, with a refreshingly unique premise. A solid 4.5 stars, highly recommended.
I look forward to what Bronwyn Hall has in store for the future.
UN surgeon Rachel Forester is posted at a remote medical clinic deep in the jungle of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With violence escalating in the region, Dr Forester risks her life by remaining to tend an injured child while the rest of her team evacuates.
This fast, action packed novel has it all. Medical drama, a wonderful cast of characters, villains, hair raising tension, with a touch of romance. I was totally captivated by the pace of this book and invested in the characters. There was a small narrative that touched on a phobia I have, I literally squealed with fear and closed my kindle to take a few deep breaths before going back in. This fear that our protagonist Rachel has, just made her more endearing to me.
A truly fantastic debut, with a refreshingly unique premise. A solid 4.5 stars, highly recommended.
I look forward to what Bronwyn Hall has in store for the future.
August 14, 2022
Trigger warnings: violence, gun violence, blood, death, graphic descriptions of wounds, gore, animal death, child endangerment, war, corruption, spiders
This was extremely fast paced and I flew through it in a couple of hours. It also wasn't entirely what I expected - I thought it would be more of a tense drama than a romantic suspense, but at the end of the day, I wasn't mad about the fact that it wasn't what I expected. I do wish it had been sliiiiiiightly longer in regards to how the crime aspects of the story played out, but this was a fantastic way to cross the Democratic Republic of Congo off my Read Around the World challenge!
This was extremely fast paced and I flew through it in a couple of hours. It also wasn't entirely what I expected - I thought it would be more of a tense drama than a romantic suspense, but at the end of the day, I wasn't mad about the fact that it wasn't what I expected. I do wish it had been sliiiiiiightly longer in regards to how the crime aspects of the story played out, but this was a fantastic way to cross the Democratic Republic of Congo off my Read Around the World challenge!
January 13, 2023
Not my normal choice of book but oddly I did enjoy this action adventure thriller with a bit of romance thrown in.
Only 280 pages so you are absorbed in the story very quickly.
Only 280 pages so you are absorbed in the story very quickly.
June 30, 2022
Thanks to Net Galley and author Bronwyn Hall, I was sent an Advanced Reader Copy of Gone to Ground.
Although Rachel and her nurse Michael were meant to be evacuated, doctor Rachel Forester decided to stay behind to care for a wounded kid in a remote community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Little did she know, however, that there was political instability at the time. When one of Anton’s team members is hurt while on a mission with his squad, he goes to Rachel, the only doctor nearby, and that’s when the fantastic narrative begins. Anton is a member of the special forces.
Oh, how I cherished this book.
The narrative is strong, and there were times when I felt uneasy. The narrative was developing quickly. the ideal ratio of each. The primary female character wasn’t a damsel in distress, and the romance was anything from clichéd. This book was excellent.
In particular, I like how skilfully our major leads and all the supporting characters were created. Between Rachel and Anton, there was such a seamless balance of all the factors. Both are without a doubt my favourites.
I liked this book since it had a quick pace and was fun to read in one sitting.
Although Rachel and her nurse Michael were meant to be evacuated, doctor Rachel Forester decided to stay behind to care for a wounded kid in a remote community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Little did she know, however, that there was political instability at the time. When one of Anton’s team members is hurt while on a mission with his squad, he goes to Rachel, the only doctor nearby, and that’s when the fantastic narrative begins. Anton is a member of the special forces.
Oh, how I cherished this book.
The narrative is strong, and there were times when I felt uneasy. The narrative was developing quickly. the ideal ratio of each. The primary female character wasn’t a damsel in distress, and the romance was anything from clichéd. This book was excellent.
In particular, I like how skilfully our major leads and all the supporting characters were created. Between Rachel and Anton, there was such a seamless balance of all the factors. Both are without a doubt my favourites.
I liked this book since it had a quick pace and was fun to read in one sitting.
May 13, 2022
UN surgeon Rachel Forester is based at a remote medical clinic in the Congo jungle. Violence is endemic and widespread in the area. Rachel risks her life by remaining in the turbulent area to provide medical care to an injured boy, Otis, while the rest of her team leaves. She meets a character called Anton who helps her and becomes her love interest. Just as she finally has a chance to leave, a soldier is carried into the medical camp by other members of his unit. The soldier’s health condition is so bad, he is airlifted out instead of her.
Rachel and the others are in the midst of combating militias. They have to escape through the dangerous jungle to get to the sanctuary of the nearest city.
The place is rife with corruption and criminality. Rachel and the others discover a secret mining venture involving skullduggery as well as stolen children. In horror, she realises that the mining venture has mendacious links with the UN. She fears that those people involved in the UN, who should be rescuing her, will instead try to kill her because of what she knows about the mining operation and the kidnapped children.
Things get very hairy for Rachel, Anton, and the others as they fight to make it to safety. A poisonous ex partner of hers, Christopher, becomes involved and acts in a sinister way.
This is a fast moving thriller. I really enjoyed reading it. It’s a short book and I read it in one sitting. I definitely recommend this book to others.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Harper Collins for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rachel and the others are in the midst of combating militias. They have to escape through the dangerous jungle to get to the sanctuary of the nearest city.
The place is rife with corruption and criminality. Rachel and the others discover a secret mining venture involving skullduggery as well as stolen children. In horror, she realises that the mining venture has mendacious links with the UN. She fears that those people involved in the UN, who should be rescuing her, will instead try to kill her because of what she knows about the mining operation and the kidnapped children.
Things get very hairy for Rachel, Anton, and the others as they fight to make it to safety. A poisonous ex partner of hers, Christopher, becomes involved and acts in a sinister way.
This is a fast moving thriller. I really enjoyed reading it. It’s a short book and I read it in one sitting. I definitely recommend this book to others.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Harper Collins for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2022
I must say first up I found this book quite easy to read and it was the perfect length with a great mix of adventure, mystery, thrills and even a bit of romance.
A debut book for this author and one that is a good start to a future in writing. Bronwyn has a talent and I am glad I had the opportunity to read her first book. From page one she had me and I found that I wanted to keep reading so I could see what was going to happen.
This is a story you can imagine is happening right now in a world you would never know, it brings to life an underworld that we don't often hear about that is real but is so unreal. It makes you think and is so emotional, scary and exciting all at once.
My only gripe is that I would have liked a little more action as there was a bit of a lull in the middle and the ending was a little predictable but was still enjoyable.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what Bronwyn Hall writes next.
Gone to Ground
Bronwyn Hall
Harlequin Australia
A debut book for this author and one that is a good start to a future in writing. Bronwyn has a talent and I am glad I had the opportunity to read her first book. From page one she had me and I found that I wanted to keep reading so I could see what was going to happen.
This is a story you can imagine is happening right now in a world you would never know, it brings to life an underworld that we don't often hear about that is real but is so unreal. It makes you think and is so emotional, scary and exciting all at once.
My only gripe is that I would have liked a little more action as there was a bit of a lull in the middle and the ending was a little predictable but was still enjoyable.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what Bronwyn Hall writes next.
Gone to Ground
Bronwyn Hall
Harlequin Australia
August 24, 2022
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
International Aid and Peace Keeping forces are a life on a front line where death and destruction is common place.
Having a UN ID badge and team is not always a guaranteed safety net in these troubled spots.
It takes special people in medical and combative fields to risk their lives for others.
Dr Rachel Forester is a UN Doctor in the middle of a war torn country, the Republic of Congo.
The mission is about to end due to safety concerns but her dedication to her last couple of patients and a recently arrived Canadian SAS team with an injured member thwarts her plans to leave.
The rescue helicopter cannot fit them all in.
Rachel selflessly forfeits a seat and decides to walk the 70 km with the Canadian team.
An arduous and dangerous trek through thick jungles.
Illegal and cruel people trafficking, children used as slaves in mines and angry militia lurking in the vines all contribute to an action packed escape.
Corruption appearing from unlikely places and love blooming in adversity adding to a climatic end.
Humanising a plight in a place where the world and media tend to forget is what made this story for me.
The blend of drama, medical scenarios and the team work required in dire situations all contributed to this great read.
International Aid and Peace Keeping forces are a life on a front line where death and destruction is common place.
Having a UN ID badge and team is not always a guaranteed safety net in these troubled spots.
It takes special people in medical and combative fields to risk their lives for others.
Dr Rachel Forester is a UN Doctor in the middle of a war torn country, the Republic of Congo.
The mission is about to end due to safety concerns but her dedication to her last couple of patients and a recently arrived Canadian SAS team with an injured member thwarts her plans to leave.
The rescue helicopter cannot fit them all in.
Rachel selflessly forfeits a seat and decides to walk the 70 km with the Canadian team.
An arduous and dangerous trek through thick jungles.
Illegal and cruel people trafficking, children used as slaves in mines and angry militia lurking in the vines all contribute to an action packed escape.
Corruption appearing from unlikely places and love blooming in adversity adding to a climatic end.
Humanising a plight in a place where the world and media tend to forget is what made this story for me.
The blend of drama, medical scenarios and the team work required in dire situations all contributed to this great read.
August 29, 2022
"...staying neutral feels like a stupid, blind luxury."
August BOM of The Book Stack. I have just scrolled back to see the last book I read that was part of The Book Stack's picks and um, the last one was for December!! I have tried a couple which I, unfortunately, decided really were not for me. However, this one, I really enjoyed. Don't be deceived by my 4-stars rating. This is a very good rating from me because 5-stars are for those "I will eschew sleep to read all night long to finish"; it's rare.
Great pacing, very easily likeable characters (with guts and skillz!), and ooh, those sparks, I feel it! Thoroughly adored reading it front to back and I foresee that this is going to be one of those comfort reads that I can go back to when having a bad day. I just love that the female protagonist is not a swoony one and while she's not without weakness, she is strong and hold up well as part of the team. Of course, the other female supporting cast is just totally kick-ass!
Look, just read it, ok?!
My thanks to The Book Stack for this paperback copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
https://www.facebook.com/BookStackAus/
August BOM of The Book Stack. I have just scrolled back to see the last book I read that was part of The Book Stack's picks and um, the last one was for December!! I have tried a couple which I, unfortunately, decided really were not for me. However, this one, I really enjoyed. Don't be deceived by my 4-stars rating. This is a very good rating from me because 5-stars are for those "I will eschew sleep to read all night long to finish"; it's rare.
Great pacing, very easily likeable characters (with guts and skillz!), and ooh, those sparks, I feel it! Thoroughly adored reading it front to back and I foresee that this is going to be one of those comfort reads that I can go back to when having a bad day. I just love that the female protagonist is not a swoony one and while she's not without weakness, she is strong and hold up well as part of the team. Of course, the other female supporting cast is just totally kick-ass!
Look, just read it, ok?!
My thanks to The Book Stack for this paperback copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
https://www.facebook.com/BookStackAus/
July 13, 2022
A fabulous debut novel from this author.
Rachel is a doctor and surgeon working for the UN in Africa. While awaiting a helicopter ride out of the base, she’s approached by a group of soldiers, one terribly wounded.
With little space in the chopper, she does what she can for the soldier and leaves him in the hands of her comrade and heads into the jungle with the remaining soldiers.
Lots of action and drama told with real heart. The characters are relatable and you can’t help but fall in love with them and the way they risk everything for what they believe in.
I loved watching Rachel come out of her shell and step up when she needed to. I loved her strength and resilience throughout and the way she took charge of the situation in the hospital.
A fantastic story full of surprises.
Rachel is a doctor and surgeon working for the UN in Africa. While awaiting a helicopter ride out of the base, she’s approached by a group of soldiers, one terribly wounded.
With little space in the chopper, she does what she can for the soldier and leaves him in the hands of her comrade and heads into the jungle with the remaining soldiers.
Lots of action and drama told with real heart. The characters are relatable and you can’t help but fall in love with them and the way they risk everything for what they believe in.
I loved watching Rachel come out of her shell and step up when she needed to. I loved her strength and resilience throughout and the way she took charge of the situation in the hospital.
A fantastic story full of surprises.
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