Hidden in Full View: A Novel Out of Africa

by Samantha Ford

An unsigned painting of an isolated farmhouse in the vastness of the South African Free State found in a second-hand shop in London, holds the key to what happened there over forty years ago.

What could possibly link the painting of an old farmhouse and four girls from Cape Town who disappeared without a trace twenty years later?

This sweeping tale is set against the magnificent South African landscape where nothing is ever as it seems. British journalist Jack Taylor and South African ex-detective Piet Joubert follow a frustrating trail until they finally manage to untangle the whole shocking story. The eventual denouement is a case of poetic justice worthy of the appalling crimes themselves.

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2023

Reviews

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author’s books are outstanding but…

if you have not read any of her books, I suggest reading any of the others first. This one is still an interesting story but has a lot of “filler” content that caused the story to drag a bit for me. That never happened when reading the other books. It also seemed to be lacking a bit from an editing perspective which I don’t recall from any of the others. I definitely recommend this author and love her books, just not as much for this one.

[Barbara Hoffmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another intriguing book by Samatha Ford. I have read 5 of her books and can’t tell you which I liked best. They are all great! I love the way you can’t solve the mystery until the very end. Jack and Piet are quite the pair and work so well together. Piet is quite a character, says what he thinks and makes no bones about it. She describes them both so well. I cheered the way Piet took over at the end and provided the criminal what was due him. I have recommended her books to many of my friends.

[Michelle Faber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Africa so captivating

I have read all of the African books by Samantha Ford and thoroughly enjoyed each one. Great stories and each one so different. Wish I could have visited there but the stories brought the land to life. Everyone I know who has been there never forgets.

[Mrs Janet Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

A really good page turner . Couldn’t put it down . Well written and plot not revealed until the very end . Just what you look for in a novel .

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t get into this quite yet. It’s taking too long to any sort of point.

[Kaye Tuttle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

What a wonderful read! I could hardly put it down.
The ending had me in tears, looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read but not as good as her previous books - too many clichés and lots of repetition.