If you haven’t read Tony Park’s books you are in for a nail-biting treat with Blood Trail.
His bestselling novels are set in Africa and they are full of action, adventure and thrills – and this one is no exception as Park delves into superstition mixed with witchcraft and healing.
Blood Trail is Park’s 19th novel and is set during the coronavirus pandemic.
It begins with eyewitnesses around the world viewing a live lockdown webcast of a rhino being slain and dehorned.
The poacher vanishes into thin air, defying logic and baffling Mia Greenaway, an ace tracker working at Sabi Sand, a fictitious game reserve.
Captain Sannie van Rensburg is called in to investigate. She is also working on the disappearance of two young girls who locals fear have been abducted for use in sinister traditional medicine practices.
When a tourist goes missing, Van Rensburg and Greenaway must work together to confront their own demons − which challenges everything they believe in − while following a bloody trail that seems to vanish at every turn.
Is there a link between the missing girls and the poacher?
The first few chapters are detailed but realistic with many characters and themes. How would they all fit together? The book has many twists and turns, particularly towards the end and will keep you guessing until the final pages.
Park is one of my favourite thriller writers who does not disappoint so it is not surprising that there are some deja-vu moments and formulaic style. Overall it’s a great read and highly recommended.
Tony Park grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. He has worked as a newspaper reporter, a press secretary, a PR consultant and a freelance writer.
He also served 34 years in the Australian Army Reserve, including six months as a public affairs officer in Afghanistan in 2002.
He and his wife, Nicola, divide their time between Australia and southern Africa.