It is 1964 and renowned actress Katie Barstow has married her childhood friend, David Hill, in Paris. They have invited their best friends to come with them on their honeymoon to the Serengeti for an African safari. The guests include fellow actors Carmen Tedesco and Terrence Dutton, a Black actor who was Katie’s love interest in the controversial but highly acclaimed movie, Tender Madness, her agent, a publicist and a few other friends. Everyone is looking forward to a civilized trip, with gin and tonics at dusk, warm water for baths and treks into the wilderness by Jeeps to see the animals in their natural habitat, with hopefully a few adventures to tell their friends back in Hollywood.

But before the first day is even over, all their plans are undone when a group of Russian mercenaries intercepts the group during one of their treks into the wilderness. Before their horrified eyes, their guides are shot in cold blood and they are herded into separate groups onto trucks and taken to different locations. Who are these mercenaries and what do they want? Why do they seem to know David Hill’s father, and seem to be seeking revenge?  Can they overcome their captors or escape? And even if they do get free, how will they face the inexorable heat and the wildlife that surrounds them? 

Bohjalian has written a cautionary tale about what it takes to survive. These rich, entitled Hollywood elite must face their own worst fears and no amount of fame or wealth can protect them from betrayal or from being pawns in a vicious political fight. With the story told from different members of the party including the local guides, we begin to see the totality of what they are up against and echo Katie’s prayer that they survive to see the sunrise one more time.

Brenda’s Rating: ***** (5 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Marian, Sharon, Keith and Ken.

Book Study Worthy? Yes

Read in e-library format.