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Silent Predator #1
Silent Predator
In a luxury safari lodge in Kruger National Park, Detective Sergeant Tom Furey has woken to a protection officer's worst nightmare. The government minister in his charge has been abducted.
Furey, and his local counterpart, Inspector Sannie van Rensburg, go against official orders and track the kidnappers to the coastal waters of Mozambique, and then north to the shores of Lake Malawi. Sannie can't resist becoming involved in Tom's mission, even risking her job to help him.
Africa is a land of danger as well as beauty, and soon lives are at risk. The hunt spirals into a fight to the death, and involves a crime beyond anyone's worst imaginings...
Furey, and his local counterpart, Inspector Sannie van Rensburg, go against official orders and track the kidnappers to the coastal waters of Mozambique, and then north to the shores of Lake Malawi. Sannie can't resist becoming involved in Tom's mission, even risking her job to help him.
Africa is a land of danger as well as beauty, and soon lives are at risk. The hunt spirals into a fight to the death, and involves a crime beyond anyone's worst imaginings...
423 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2008
47 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Tony Park
37 books299 followersTony Park was born in 1964 and grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. He has worked as a newspaper reporter in Australia and England, a government press secretary, a public relations consultant, and a freelance writer.
He served 34 years in the Australian Army Reserve, including six months in Afghanistan in 2002.
Tony and his wife, Nicola, split their time between Australia and Africa, where they own a house on the edge of of the Kruger National Park.
His 18th African novel, Last Survivor, went to number 1 in South Africa. His 19th novel, Blood Trail, will be released worldwide on August 1, 2021.
Praise for Tony Park
“Wilbur Smith...fans will not be disappointed to have found a spiritual heir,” The Times, London
“Tony Park is Australia’s premier adventure writer.” Canberra Weekly
“One of our best and most consistent thriller writers.” Sydney Morning Herald
“Since Wilbur Smith in his heyday, no one has written as well about southern Africa than Tony Park.” Crime Review (UK)
The Delta: “Break-neck in pace, with narrow escapes from death on every page, its charm is infectious.” Daily Mail, UK
“Tony Park exudes a love and deep knowledge of southern Africa in every line and character he creates in his books.” The Citizen, South Africa.
Far Horizon “Watch your back, Wilbur,” Qantas, The Australian Way
Zambezi: “a compulsive page turner” Sydney Morning Herald.
African Sky: “Rootin’ tootin reading” Sun-Herald
Safari: “He just gets better and better” Sun-Herald
Silent Predator: “Memorably exciting” Sydney Morning Herald
The Prey: “Another ripping yarn based on realistic scenarios,” Daily Telegraph
An Empty Coast: “Another winner which will keep you turning pages.” Crime Review UK
Red Earth: “One helluva fine thriller.” Booklist (US)
The Cull: “A fascinating insight into a life and death struggle.” Daily Telegraph
Captive: “A compelling and fascinating read.” Sunday Tribune
Scent of Fear: “A first-rate thriller.” Canberra Weekly
Ghosts of the Past: “A fabulous tale of betrayal, greed, intrigue and love.” Drum Magazine, South Africa
Last Survivor: “Sure-footed plotting and regular gunfire makes this one of Park’s best books. Recommended.” Canberra Weekly.
He served 34 years in the Australian Army Reserve, including six months in Afghanistan in 2002.
Tony and his wife, Nicola, split their time between Australia and Africa, where they own a house on the edge of of the Kruger National Park.
His 18th African novel, Last Survivor, went to number 1 in South Africa. His 19th novel, Blood Trail, will be released worldwide on August 1, 2021.
Praise for Tony Park
“Wilbur Smith...fans will not be disappointed to have found a spiritual heir,” The Times, London
“Tony Park is Australia’s premier adventure writer.” Canberra Weekly
“One of our best and most consistent thriller writers.” Sydney Morning Herald
“Since Wilbur Smith in his heyday, no one has written as well about southern Africa than Tony Park.” Crime Review (UK)
The Delta: “Break-neck in pace, with narrow escapes from death on every page, its charm is infectious.” Daily Mail, UK
“Tony Park exudes a love and deep knowledge of southern Africa in every line and character he creates in his books.” The Citizen, South Africa.
Far Horizon “Watch your back, Wilbur,” Qantas, The Australian Way
Zambezi: “a compulsive page turner” Sydney Morning Herald.
African Sky: “Rootin’ tootin reading” Sun-Herald
Safari: “He just gets better and better” Sun-Herald
Silent Predator: “Memorably exciting” Sydney Morning Herald
The Prey: “Another ripping yarn based on realistic scenarios,” Daily Telegraph
An Empty Coast: “Another winner which will keep you turning pages.” Crime Review UK
Red Earth: “One helluva fine thriller.” Booklist (US)
The Cull: “A fascinating insight into a life and death struggle.” Daily Telegraph
Captive: “A compelling and fascinating read.” Sunday Tribune
Scent of Fear: “A first-rate thriller.” Canberra Weekly
Ghosts of the Past: “A fabulous tale of betrayal, greed, intrigue and love.” Drum Magazine, South Africa
Last Survivor: “Sure-footed plotting and regular gunfire makes this one of Park’s best books. Recommended.” Canberra Weekly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 1, 2013
A Trip Down Memory Lane...
Silent Predator By Tony Park (Paperback)
Set in my old stamping ground, Silent Predator, is a well written novel about a British diplomat who is kidnapped from a luxury safari lodge in the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
As a displaced South African, it was a joy to read about an area that I came to know so well in my earlier days. Tony Park spends a lot of his time in South Africa and weaves his stories around places that actually exist. The safari lodge in this story, Tinga, is located within the Kruger Park, but its rates are a little beyond my means - more's the pity.
Silent Predator By Tony Park (Paperback)
Set in my old stamping ground, Silent Predator, is a well written novel about a British diplomat who is kidnapped from a luxury safari lodge in the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
As a displaced South African, it was a joy to read about an area that I came to know so well in my earlier days. Tony Park spends a lot of his time in South Africa and weaves his stories around places that actually exist. The safari lodge in this story, Tinga, is located within the Kruger Park, but its rates are a little beyond my means - more's the pity.
June 16, 2018
A great escapism book for the adventurous
For anyone from Southern Africa, this is a great read! And anyone not…it’s a great way to get a taste of it.
For anyone from Southern Africa, this is a great read! And anyone not…it’s a great way to get a taste of it.
March 26, 2019
Another excellent book by Tony Park. As an ex South African, now living in Canada, this book took me back to the country of my birth, and my love for it. I have travelled to all but one of the countries where this action packed book took the reader to, i.e. UK, South Africa (and all the areas mentioned in South Africa), Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi. Never have been Botswana, on my bucket list. However, I 'lived' this book, that is what a great author does. It took me along for the journey, I almost could see and smell and experience the bushveld and every bump in the road. Wow, loved every minute of it. What an excellent book. Warning, some explicit adult scenes, not offended by it, just a warning. I cannot wait to read the rest of Tony Park's books.
January 18, 2025
A cracking page turner!!! Tony Park never disappoints! This was an edge of your seat thriller taking place both in the UK and South Africa!
Awesome charicters
Fast paced storyline
Lepoards, guns, politics, and a steamy love story!
Awesome charicters
Fast paced storyline
Lepoards, guns, politics, and a steamy love story!
September 10, 2022
I found this terrorism thriller on a list of books to read before visiting South Africa. It appealed to me because it largely takes place in Kruger National Park, where I will shortly be going. I did love the descriptions of the reserve, of the animals, of the surrounding towns and countryside, etc, but I would have never chosen this book randomly. The plot twists were all over the place, and some pretty terrible stuff happened as security officer Tom Furey chased a kidnapped British politician around Southern Africa. It was hard to see how the author would ever pull everything together, but the ending was pretty satisfying.
Anyway, 3.5 stars.
The audiobook was okay except for the fact that some of the accents didn't sound right.
Anyway, 3.5 stars.
The audiobook was okay except for the fact that some of the accents didn't sound right.
December 5, 2020
Another great read from Tony.
I was a Wilbur Smith reader until discovering Tony Parks.
Reading this book will be an eye opener as the author that has taken the reigns for Wilbur Smith type books books.
Chasing down the criminals on grand fashion. Where two characters meet and form a romance through diverse backgrounds but with a common enemy that was forged by betrayal.
I was a Wilbur Smith reader until discovering Tony Parks.
Reading this book will be an eye opener as the author that has taken the reigns for Wilbur Smith type books books.
Chasing down the criminals on grand fashion. Where two characters meet and form a romance through diverse backgrounds but with a common enemy that was forged by betrayal.
October 23, 2022
I was very impressed with Tony Parks. Being a South African expat, I could so relate to the environment and the culture. His knowledge and research into the African geography and culture was so accurate and well researched. This book was gripping and I would never have predicted the end. The storyline had so may twist but such an enjoyable read!!!! I will definitely read more of his books
April 13, 2021
Silent predator is all it promises to be!
This was the best book so far, I loved every word of it, intriguing, tense and so so real!! Again the suspense held true to the very end and across the entire continent, well done.
This was the best book so far, I loved every word of it, intriguing, tense and so so real!! Again the suspense held true to the very end and across the entire continent, well done.
July 5, 2021
By far the best Tony Park book I’ve read so far. Can’t wait for the next.
August 6, 2021
Excellent read & suspenseful
August 13, 2022
An exhilarating read, especially the Kruger park parts made me really long for another stay in the wild. Thanks @tonypark !
January 3, 2023
Disappointed with this one. Cringeworthy at best, racist and sexist at worst. Alas.
October 27, 2023
anyone who loves Africa will definitely enjoy Tony Park books. This one however does not have as strong a wildlife theme. It is a good mystery thriller.
October 8, 2024
Slow start great ending could not put it down
More like that please
More like that please
April 28, 2025
Great read! So many twists and turns and packed with action and intrigue. Definitely keen to read more from Tony Park!
May 10, 2025
Brilliant. All you want from a french thriller
May 10, 2025
Gripping. Entertaining. Cool.
February 20, 2017
To my dislike, in Silent Predator the African wildlife is more pushed to the background, in favor of the criminal and romantic threads, than in other Park's novels. But the juxtaposition of Tom's, British police officer, introduction to the African world, and his South Afican partner's, Sannie, to the world of London, is quite interesting.
Tom Furey, policjant z dwudziestoletnim stażem, nie lubi kiedy nazywany jest ochroniarzem (bodyguard). Pracuje w wydziale oficerów ochrony (protection officers) londyńskiej policji metropolitalnej, który po atakach terrorystycznych został poważnie wzmocniony, a jego funkcjonariusze opiekują się wszystkimi ważnymi politykami. Tym razem Tom ma zastąpić swojego kolegę, Nicka Robertsa, który od kilku dni z nieznanych powodów nie pojawia się na służbie. Jego podopiecznym zostaje Robert Greeves, niższy rangą minister (junior minister) tj. spoza grupy tworzącej gabinet, ale ze względu na zakres kompetencji podlegający najściślejszej ochronie. Jest bowiem Greeves w resorcie obrony odpowiedzialny za zamówienia i sprzedaż broni. W RPA ma spotkać się ze swoim południowoafrykańskim odpowiednikiem.
Greeves bardzo często jeździ do Afryki. Pewien tabloid spekuluje nawet, że powody tych wizyt nie są czysto biznesowe. Dla Toma jest to pierwsze zetknięcie z Czarnym Lądem i jak większość gości nie może ukryć ciekawości połączonej z zachwytem. Tym bardziej, że jego miejscowym partnerem zostaje atrakcyjna policjantka Sannie van Rensburg. Mieszkają wszyscy w luksusowych apartamentach Tinga Legends Lodge w Narodowym Parku Krugera. Pewnego dnia rano odkrywają, że minister Greeves i jego młody asystent zniknęli. Tom jest zdruzgotany, poczuwa się do winy i daje jasno do zrozumienia, że nie spocznie dopóki nie dopadnie porywaczy. Sannie rusza w pościg razem z nim.
Tony Park ma dla mnie niesłabnący urok ze względu na swoją miłość do Afryki. W "Cichym drapieżniku" to obok RPA, Mozambik, Botswana, Zambia i Malawi. Jego powieść oczywiście nie pretenduje do oddania całej trudnej prawdy o tych krajach. Tom widzi je przecież pierwszy raz w życiu, niektóre zaledwie przejazdem, cały skupiony zresztą na swojej misji. Podobnie, jak z drugiej strony, Sannie pierwszy raz ogląda Londyn. Najsłabszą stroną książki jest, moim zdaniem, intryga kryminalna. Nie to, żeby akcja nie trzymała w napięciu. Można by rzec, przeciwnie. Jest zagmatwana, wydumanych zwrotów akcji tak dużo, że w rezultacie trudno mówić o jej wiarygodności. Przy tym, paradoksalnie, od pewnego momentu, właśnie poprzez swoją karkołomność sygnały dla czytelnika co do rozwoju intrygi stają się zupełnie oczywiste.
Tom Furey, policjant z dwudziestoletnim stażem, nie lubi kiedy nazywany jest ochroniarzem (bodyguard). Pracuje w wydziale oficerów ochrony (protection officers) londyńskiej policji metropolitalnej, który po atakach terrorystycznych został poważnie wzmocniony, a jego funkcjonariusze opiekują się wszystkimi ważnymi politykami. Tym razem Tom ma zastąpić swojego kolegę, Nicka Robertsa, który od kilku dni z nieznanych powodów nie pojawia się na służbie. Jego podopiecznym zostaje Robert Greeves, niższy rangą minister (junior minister) tj. spoza grupy tworzącej gabinet, ale ze względu na zakres kompetencji podlegający najściślejszej ochronie. Jest bowiem Greeves w resorcie obrony odpowiedzialny za zamówienia i sprzedaż broni. W RPA ma spotkać się ze swoim południowoafrykańskim odpowiednikiem.
Greeves bardzo często jeździ do Afryki. Pewien tabloid spekuluje nawet, że powody tych wizyt nie są czysto biznesowe. Dla Toma jest to pierwsze zetknięcie z Czarnym Lądem i jak większość gości nie może ukryć ciekawości połączonej z zachwytem. Tym bardziej, że jego miejscowym partnerem zostaje atrakcyjna policjantka Sannie van Rensburg. Mieszkają wszyscy w luksusowych apartamentach Tinga Legends Lodge w Narodowym Parku Krugera. Pewnego dnia rano odkrywają, że minister Greeves i jego młody asystent zniknęli. Tom jest zdruzgotany, poczuwa się do winy i daje jasno do zrozumienia, że nie spocznie dopóki nie dopadnie porywaczy. Sannie rusza w pościg razem z nim.
Tony Park ma dla mnie niesłabnący urok ze względu na swoją miłość do Afryki. W "Cichym drapieżniku" to obok RPA, Mozambik, Botswana, Zambia i Malawi. Jego powieść oczywiście nie pretenduje do oddania całej trudnej prawdy o tych krajach. Tom widzi je przecież pierwszy raz w życiu, niektóre zaledwie przejazdem, cały skupiony zresztą na swojej misji. Podobnie, jak z drugiej strony, Sannie pierwszy raz ogląda Londyn. Najsłabszą stroną książki jest, moim zdaniem, intryga kryminalna. Nie to, żeby akcja nie trzymała w napięciu. Można by rzec, przeciwnie. Jest zagmatwana, wydumanych zwrotów akcji tak dużo, że w rezultacie trudno mówić o jej wiarygodności. Przy tym, paradoksalnie, od pewnego momentu, właśnie poprzez swoją karkołomność sygnały dla czytelnika co do rozwoju intrygi stają się zupełnie oczywiste.
August 28, 2014
Silent Predator is the fifth novel by Australian author, Tony Park. Special Ops Protection Officer, Detective Sergeant Tom Furey is in a whole heap of trouble. British MP and Minister for Defence Procurement, Robert Greeves (the man in his charge) has been abducted. To complicate matters, they are in the wilds of Africa, at a luxury private lodge in the Kruger National Park. Tom knows he is to blame, and is determined to do what he can to find Greeves and his policy advisor, Bernard Joyce, before the inevitable happens. Despite being thoroughly disgusted by the events that led up to the kidnapping, South African Inspector Sannie van Rensburg, minder for her country’s Defence Minister, can see the urgency to act, so she supports Tom’s pursuit of the offenders. The non-stop action moves from South Africa, through Mozambique, on to London and back to the African continent; it involves US F18s, choppers, inflatable rafts and quad bikes. Park gives the reader complex characters who are often not what they first appear. His plot is original with a few twists and a dramatic climax (or two), and he deftly builds the tension to create a compelling read. In this novel, Park explores several topical themes: kidnapping, hostages and terrorist demands; sex slave trade; tabloid exposure of political scandals; and the ever-increasing need for security. Park’s own Army background, his extensive research and his first-hand knowledge of Africa are evident in every line of text and his love of the African landscape and many of her people is very obvious. This is, once again, a real page-turner.
October 15, 2023
Tom Furey is a London police officer who works as a personal protection officer. He is called in at short notice to take over the protection of a deputy minister who is about to take a trip to South Africa. During the trip the minister and his assistant are kidnapped, something that Tom is suppose to prevent. Everything has gone wrong during what should have been a straight forward trip. Sannie van Rensburg is his opposite in the South Africa police who is protecting the Defence minister and they set off, against orders, to track down the kidnappers.
This is the premise of the story but there is much more as believed truths are not so true when looked at closer.
The characters of this book make it a good read, Tom a dedicated officer who knows his career now hangs in the balance and Sannie a mother as much as she is a police officer. She knows what she is doing is wrong and she should be following orders, but also knows that sitting around doing nothing is just as wrong. They have to make a hard choice but do what they think is right.
This is a complex story that switches between England and South Africa with side trips to Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia and Malawi. It's all connected. But there are also some dark aspects to this story, ones that very real in this world of ours.
Enjoyable, but long.
This is the premise of the story but there is much more as believed truths are not so true when looked at closer.
The characters of this book make it a good read, Tom a dedicated officer who knows his career now hangs in the balance and Sannie a mother as much as she is a police officer. She knows what she is doing is wrong and she should be following orders, but also knows that sitting around doing nothing is just as wrong. They have to make a hard choice but do what they think is right.
This is a complex story that switches between England and South Africa with side trips to Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia and Malawi. It's all connected. But there are also some dark aspects to this story, ones that very real in this world of ours.
Enjoyable, but long.
April 5, 2017
Сафари трилър по добре отработена схема. Мъжът е служител под пагон със специални умения, но с криза в личния живот. В случая и жената е от същия сой и нищо чудно, че се намират и правят комбина отвъд лимита на мандата, даден им от съответните им служби - британския и южноафрикански полицейски отдел, отговарящ за сигурността на членове на правителството. И проследяват похитителите на ужким убития пред камера отвлечен британски министър от Крюгер парк през Шай-Шай на мозамбишкия бряг чак до частен остров в езерото Малави, където се разкрива, че изчезването му е по схема на жена му под страх да не се развихри скандал около педофилията му и трафика с малолетни секс роби, в който е замесен. А не е жертва на ислямски тероризъм, каквито са първите подозрения. После героите се оженват и заживяват щастливо като в приказките
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2013
I was tempting to give it three stars but I feel people are over rating it so decided to mark down.
Half way through the book I've almost decided to dropped but as there really is a surprise in this story I'm glad I didn't give it up. It could be an entertaining read on holiday and a good alternative to read about Africa. But I have to say the author did a poor job building up the mystery and things feel forced.
Half way through the book I've almost decided to dropped but as there really is a surprise in this story I'm glad I didn't give it up. It could be an entertaining read on holiday and a good alternative to read about Africa. But I have to say the author did a poor job building up the mystery and things feel forced.
Read
September 25, 2016Wonderful tales based in South Africa that set the scenes and capture the essence of this complicated, vast country. Park writes as though he's from Capetown or Durban, but he's pure Aussie. Nice character development and pacing. He's gifted. Am onto my second of his books but certainly not the last.
December 17, 2016
Enjoyed it. It's a thriller with a very convoluted and intriguing plot. Apart from Tom and Sannie many of the characters weren't who they appeared to be. Tom was determined to solve the case that cost him his job. Failure wasn't to be accepted and as he became more involved with Sannie and her family their safety also became a top priority.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2018
Tony Park writes novels set in Africa, mostly South Africa, where he lives 1/2 of the time. I really enjoyed this book, set in Kruger Natl Park. A recent visit there brought the book to life for me, and the story was riveting, a really good page-turner w/ believable characters and lots of action. Am going to read "Safari" next...
August 27, 2017
I couldn't put this book down. Especially since I planned a trip listing so many of these places in Kruger, I enjoyed hearing about the wildlife and scenery in the national park. But the action left me out of breath at times. A little bloody at times...but still, I couldn't put the book down to sleep! I may need more of this author!!!
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May 21, 2011good author & good sense
October 4, 2011
This is an enjoyable book especially so because my husband and I spent a good bit of time in Kruger Nat'l Park.
April 17, 2012
Great read, especially if you are going to Kruger National Park.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews