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Scent of Fear
A heart-racing thriller from the master of adventure. New novel Vendetta out now. Afghanistan veteran Sean Bourke's world explodes when an IED detonates in South Africa's Sabi Sand Game Reserve. On a routine anti-poaching patrol, Sean and his tracker dog Benny watch in horror as over-eager rookie Tumi Mabasa is almost killed, and her dog gravely injured, in the explosion. Along with Tumi and best mate Craig Hoddy, Sean is determined to hunt down the elusive bomb maker who has introduced this destructive weapon to the war on poaching. But Sean is his own worst enemy. Haunted by nightmares of the war and racked with guilt from driving away his ex-wife, Christine, he soon discovers she and Craig in the midst of an intense affair. And there's another enemy at play . . . As bombs target Sean's unit, can he get himself back on track and win the fight for Africa's wildlife - and Christine - before it's too late?PRAISE FOR TONY "Australia's premier adventure writer." Canberra Weekly"Gripping action thrillers...never disappoints as a storyteller" Daily Telegraph"Tony Park is a master storyteller. I love his work." Deon Meyer "Australian author Park knows his subject intimately" The Guardian
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2018
122 people are currently reading
119 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 38 reviews
March 21, 2019
Australian author Tony Park is right at the top of his game, and this book proves it. Based in Africa working for an anti-poaching cause, this is a fast-paced, nail biter of a thriller. The dedication of both the humans and the working dogs is admirable and felt very authentically portrayed. The tension builds to epic proportions and there are twisty surprises around every corner. Often described as the Aussie version of Wilbur Smith, which is quite the accolade, I thoroughly enjoy each book he publishes.
The action is non-stop making it difficult to read this in anything but a single, solitary sitting and the setting is beautifully rendered, so much so that you can transport yourself there at a moments notice. The issue of poaching seems to have been meticulously researched and forms an interesting and original story. Our protagonist, veteran Sean Bourke, is a real, flawed character who it's easy to cheer for despite his gambling addiction. This is a high-octane, all-action extravaganza worthy of nothing less than the full five-star treatment.
Many thanks to Pan for an ARC.
The action is non-stop making it difficult to read this in anything but a single, solitary sitting and the setting is beautifully rendered, so much so that you can transport yourself there at a moments notice. The issue of poaching seems to have been meticulously researched and forms an interesting and original story. Our protagonist, veteran Sean Bourke, is a real, flawed character who it's easy to cheer for despite his gambling addiction. This is a high-octane, all-action extravaganza worthy of nothing less than the full five-star treatment.
Many thanks to Pan for an ARC.
Read
November 27, 2018OMG It was bloody fantastic. This is an adrenaline fast paced read with a great mix of action packed scenes, explosions and interweaved with relationships from strong characters you get attached to and a gutsy young woman called Tumii. Don't underestimate her and her dog. Expect the unexpected, especially with the sniper. Tony Park does something you aren't expecting with several of the characters but I'm very pleased to what he does. Tony gets better and faster with each new book. An absolute brilliant read, couldn't put it down. - Ian
April 2, 2020
Trigger warnings: explosions, death, animal death, poaching, blood, violence, war, PTSD, serious injuries to animals.
I picked this up because it sounded like a fast paced adventure novel and because the fact that it was set in South Africa grabbed me. And for the most part, it WAS that. But I really could have done without the chapters from the perspective of the dog, especially given that they were in first person and the rest of the book was in third person. Honestly, those sections didn't really add anything to the story, and to start the book from the perspective of a dog was........a choice.
Anyway. This was an intriguing mystery but it was sliiiiiiightly longer than I would have liked, which meant that occasionally it dragged more than I would have liked. So ultimately, it was good but not great.
I picked this up because it sounded like a fast paced adventure novel and because the fact that it was set in South Africa grabbed me. And for the most part, it WAS that. But I really could have done without the chapters from the perspective of the dog, especially given that they were in first person and the rest of the book was in third person. Honestly, those sections didn't really add anything to the story, and to start the book from the perspective of a dog was........a choice.
Anyway. This was an intriguing mystery but it was sliiiiiiightly longer than I would have liked, which meant that occasionally it dragged more than I would have liked. So ultimately, it was good but not great.
December 2, 2018
I received a copy of Scent of Fear from Pan Macmillan Australia to review.
Australian author Tony Park returns with a blast, as he once again dives into the heart of Africa to present his latest high-octane and deeply captivating novel, Scent of Fear.
Sean Bourke, former contractor in Afghanistan, has returned to his native South Africa and now works for his ex-wife’s company, which provides security dogs and handlers for the country’s game reserves to help stop the spread of poachers. Out on a routine anti-poaching patrol, new recruit Tumi Mabasa is almost killed in an explosion and her dog sufferers severe injuries. Someone has been rigging IEDs in the game preserves specifically to target the dogs and their handlers, and for Sean, the war he has spent years trying to escape from has suddenly followed him home.
Teaming up with Tumi and his best friend and former war colleague Craig Hoddy, Sean attempts to hunt down the bomber targeting them. As more attacks hit close to home and several members of the team are caught in the crossfire, Sean must go above and beyond to stop a sinister poaching syndicate and save his friends. But can Sean overcome these outside forces in addition to his own demons?
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/12/02/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
Australian author Tony Park returns with a blast, as he once again dives into the heart of Africa to present his latest high-octane and deeply captivating novel, Scent of Fear.
Sean Bourke, former contractor in Afghanistan, has returned to his native South Africa and now works for his ex-wife’s company, which provides security dogs and handlers for the country’s game reserves to help stop the spread of poachers. Out on a routine anti-poaching patrol, new recruit Tumi Mabasa is almost killed in an explosion and her dog sufferers severe injuries. Someone has been rigging IEDs in the game preserves specifically to target the dogs and their handlers, and for Sean, the war he has spent years trying to escape from has suddenly followed him home.
Teaming up with Tumi and his best friend and former war colleague Craig Hoddy, Sean attempts to hunt down the bomber targeting them. As more attacks hit close to home and several members of the team are caught in the crossfire, Sean must go above and beyond to stop a sinister poaching syndicate and save his friends. But can Sean overcome these outside forces in addition to his own demons?
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/12/02/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
May 30, 2019
Another thrilling adventure from Tony Park.
Scent of Fear delves into the world of tracker dogs and their use in anti-poaching operations. We follow Sean Bourke and his dog Benny as they try to get the bottom of a number of IED attacks on their dog unit. What follows involves a variety of shady characters and dangerous situations that put everyone's lives at risk.
I have to say, Park always does his research. It is clear that he's studied tracker dogs and gotten insight from people actually working in the field, and he always gives a breadth of information about poaching and ways we can stop it. He also gives a cast of interesting characters that you root for, and who doesn't love a good dog? The plot itself is fun and exciting, and has Park's characteristic fast pace.
On the downside of this, the story was fairly formulaic. There were new elements, but the core of the story was pretty much the same as usual and the "twists" I could mostly see coming from a mile away. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, I'd like to see a bit more variety.
All in all another fun read from Park, I look forward to his next one.
Scent of Fear delves into the world of tracker dogs and their use in anti-poaching operations. We follow Sean Bourke and his dog Benny as they try to get the bottom of a number of IED attacks on their dog unit. What follows involves a variety of shady characters and dangerous situations that put everyone's lives at risk.
I have to say, Park always does his research. It is clear that he's studied tracker dogs and gotten insight from people actually working in the field, and he always gives a breadth of information about poaching and ways we can stop it. He also gives a cast of interesting characters that you root for, and who doesn't love a good dog? The plot itself is fun and exciting, and has Park's characteristic fast pace.
On the downside of this, the story was fairly formulaic. There were new elements, but the core of the story was pretty much the same as usual and the "twists" I could mostly see coming from a mile away. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, I'd like to see a bit more variety.
All in all another fun read from Park, I look forward to his next one.
January 23, 2025
I found this adventure set in South Africa, where I live, rather moralistic, although the author had obviously undertaken comprehensive research.
The subjects of rhino poaching and canned lion hunting are complex. Many experts in African countries have, over decades, disagreed on the most effective methods to protect their wild animal populations. Unfortunately, as new methods of protection are instigated, the poachers find more sophisticated means to continue their criminal activities. When big money is the prize, greedy humans will always discover ways to overcome obstacles. The author obviously has very strong views on these subjects.
This story moves at a rapid pace from one dramatic scene to another, however I found the characters are not well defined. This is confusing, especially as both Sean and Craig are romantically involved with Christine, the owner of the K9 Force Company working on the protection of the lions. I constantly had to differentiate between the two men, as I read the book. The characters of the women are also under-developed. The reader quickly realises that they are vehemently opposed to poaching and lion farming, dedicated and courageous, but the other aspects of their personalities are never explored. They are very two dimensional. Afrikaans words such as “boet” and “soek”are very overused, apparently to add African context.
A fast moving African adventure, which did not involve me on an emotional level.
The subjects of rhino poaching and canned lion hunting are complex. Many experts in African countries have, over decades, disagreed on the most effective methods to protect their wild animal populations. Unfortunately, as new methods of protection are instigated, the poachers find more sophisticated means to continue their criminal activities. When big money is the prize, greedy humans will always discover ways to overcome obstacles. The author obviously has very strong views on these subjects.
This story moves at a rapid pace from one dramatic scene to another, however I found the characters are not well defined. This is confusing, especially as both Sean and Craig are romantically involved with Christine, the owner of the K9 Force Company working on the protection of the lions. I constantly had to differentiate between the two men, as I read the book. The characters of the women are also under-developed. The reader quickly realises that they are vehemently opposed to poaching and lion farming, dedicated and courageous, but the other aspects of their personalities are never explored. They are very two dimensional. Afrikaans words such as “boet” and “soek”are very overused, apparently to add African context.
A fast moving African adventure, which did not involve me on an emotional level.
July 15, 2022
I really enjoy Tony Park books and this one is no exception.
Based in South Africa - Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the story focuses on the problems around poachers, in particular, those looking for ivory and lion bones. Teams with trained dogs hunt out these poachers and then become more specialised when poachers start using IED's targeting the dogs and their handlers.
The story gets you hooked from the beginning and like Wilbur Smith, the focus on South Africa and the fight for animals keeps you reading to the end.
Based in South Africa - Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the story focuses on the problems around poachers, in particular, those looking for ivory and lion bones. Teams with trained dogs hunt out these poachers and then become more specialised when poachers start using IED's targeting the dogs and their handlers.
The story gets you hooked from the beginning and like Wilbur Smith, the focus on South Africa and the fight for animals keeps you reading to the end.
January 4, 2026
I learned Tony Park is an Australian author. The novel made me assume he's South African. That's where the book is set, and he seems very familiar with the country.
It's set in a wildlife sanctuary next to Kruger National Park. The protagonists are battling poachers of rhinos and lions. The poachers are getting deadlier, employing IEDs in the fight. Sean is a specialist in detecting explosives, and training and handling dogs to that end, following his service in Afghanistan against the Taliban
A decent enough thriller.
It's set in a wildlife sanctuary next to Kruger National Park. The protagonists are battling poachers of rhinos and lions. The poachers are getting deadlier, employing IEDs in the fight. Sean is a specialist in detecting explosives, and training and handling dogs to that end, following his service in Afghanistan against the Taliban
A decent enough thriller.
April 6, 2021
This was a book I had to read for book club. I had read other books by this author and wasn’t really fond of them. I loved this book. It had exactly the right amount of adventure and suspense in it. It follows Sean and Craig who look for poachers and try to catch them. They have dogs to assist them in this. The story follows them and Yumi another ranger and Christine who was married to Sean, and owns the business with Craig.
March 2, 2021
Excellent for what it is. A good yarn with plenty of information about big game poaching, farming and exploitation. The use bomb making for many purposes and the wardens and security trying to shut down illegal trade in wild animal parts.
January 18, 2024
I enjoyed this action packed tale of murder, corruption and the ongoing effect the Chinese have on life in Africa. Gambling and heroin addictions and PTSD are examples of the ongoing effects of disruption and war while love, sex and other relationships are explored thematically.
November 22, 2020
Plenty of action. Best part is how the dogs are utilized. Some twists. I like the Sonya character better in the other books.
Read
July 28, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Blood depiction
Explosion
Animal injury
Animal death
Poaching
Blood depiction
Explosion
Animal injury
Animal death
Poaching
February 2, 2024
was an interesting read, lots of drama which I enjoy
February 22, 2024
I should have quit, I wasn't interested in the characters or the story
May 9, 2025
Another great read from Tony Park. Just love the storyline of his books. Love Africa and South Africa and the wildlife and conservation.
November 22, 2018
Already the author of fifteen other Africa novels Sydneysider Tony Park has, I reckon, taken over where Wilbur Smith left off. Park's books are about the Africa of today though and he has immersed himself in the land and the politics of this huge continent.
In Afghan vet Sean Bourke we meet a flawed character who nurses a serious gambling problem by locking himself away in South Africa's Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Its his job to defend the wildlife against poachers who target the Lions and Rhinos and have a take no prisoners attitude to the likes of Sean.
Sean's ex wife Christine is the manager of the Reserve and their relationship is testy because of Sean's gambling which almost cost Christine her home, livelihood and doomed their future together. Sean operates the anti poaching operation with a small crew, each with a highly trained dog. The poachers ramp up their efforts by introducing IED's to create havoc with the dogs.
As the pressure mounts Sean uses his Army training to take the fight back to the poachers. Tony Parks has delivered a punchy thriller set in Africa with which he is highly familiar. The plot throws up some interesting twists and turns and its a great read.
In Afghan vet Sean Bourke we meet a flawed character who nurses a serious gambling problem by locking himself away in South Africa's Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Its his job to defend the wildlife against poachers who target the Lions and Rhinos and have a take no prisoners attitude to the likes of Sean.
Sean's ex wife Christine is the manager of the Reserve and their relationship is testy because of Sean's gambling which almost cost Christine her home, livelihood and doomed their future together. Sean operates the anti poaching operation with a small crew, each with a highly trained dog. The poachers ramp up their efforts by introducing IED's to create havoc with the dogs.
As the pressure mounts Sean uses his Army training to take the fight back to the poachers. Tony Parks has delivered a punchy thriller set in Africa with which he is highly familiar. The plot throws up some interesting twists and turns and its a great read.
January 11, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5.
Sean teams up with new recruit Tumi to investigate who is planting explosives intended to take out their dogs, who are proving effective in the fight against rhino poaching.
Sean's ex-wife Christine and is in a battle to save her lodge, and protect her lions from those who wish to capitalise on the Chinese desire for lion bones.
I wouldn't describe this book as "gripping" as it is being promoted; although there are some captivating scenes, it isn't "action-packed". The descriptions of the poaching industry and how it is impacting African national parks is interesting. The ending was a bit of an anti-climax for me. The "bad guy" reveal was simple (the bad guy gave up easily) and the ending tied up almost to neatly.
I liked this one better than The Cull (I couldn't get into that one and gave up 1/4 way through), but it was not as good as other Tony Park books, like The Hunter.
Sean teams up with new recruit Tumi to investigate who is planting explosives intended to take out their dogs, who are proving effective in the fight against rhino poaching.
Sean's ex-wife Christine and is in a battle to save her lodge, and protect her lions from those who wish to capitalise on the Chinese desire for lion bones.
I wouldn't describe this book as "gripping" as it is being promoted; although there are some captivating scenes, it isn't "action-packed". The descriptions of the poaching industry and how it is impacting African national parks is interesting. The ending was a bit of an anti-climax for me. The "bad guy" reveal was simple (the bad guy gave up easily) and the ending tied up almost to neatly.
I liked this one better than The Cull (I couldn't get into that one and gave up 1/4 way through), but it was not as good as other Tony Park books, like The Hunter.
June 28, 2019
Whenever I read a Tony Park I am amazed just how underestimated he is as a thriller writer. He is an Australian who lives in Africa, so when he writes about the issues and landscape, he speaks from personal knowledge. He is passionate about conservation and yes his books always have a theme surrounding a particular animal BUT they also include international intrigue, fast-paced military action, real characters with human failings, and also a bit of romance and sex. What more could you want for that great holiday read? The animal he looks at in this book is the anti-poaching patrols’ dogs. The reader gets a fantastic insight into how man’s best friend plays a huge role in wildlife protection. If you like David Baldacci, Wilbur Smith and some Mathew Reilly action, you will love Tony!
November 30, 2019
I'd previously read The Delta and reviewed it with 3 stars, finding it an OK but not incredible thriller. This one I found slightly better, so I pondered giving it 4 to distinguish, although it's probably more of a three-and-a-half so ultimately I'll round down. Not the most immersively deep or impressively elegant literature, but an effective page-turner, and as a dog-lover I found the canine characters a nice addition to the genre.
October 14, 2018
Another excellent read from an author who never disappoints.
As the anti-poaching movement makes advances by using ex-army sniffer dogs to hunt down the poachers, the poachers start using small bombs to target the dogs and slow down the efforts of their pursuers.
Plenty of action, with the usual backdrop of the African continent and its beautiful wildlife.
From the wonderful first line of "I hate cats" to the excellent last sentence - "I still hate cats", this is a totally enjoyable and engrossing read.
As the anti-poaching movement makes advances by using ex-army sniffer dogs to hunt down the poachers, the poachers start using small bombs to target the dogs and slow down the efforts of their pursuers.
Plenty of action, with the usual backdrop of the African continent and its beautiful wildlife.
From the wonderful first line of "I hate cats" to the excellent last sentence - "I still hate cats", this is a totally enjoyable and engrossing read.
February 27, 2019
What a fantastic read, excitement and thrills on every page. I really can't wait for the next novel by Tony Park, in my opinion he's the Aussie version of Wilbur Smith. It's obvious Tony Park also believes in the preservation of the African wildlife which is another tick in the you beaut box for him. Well worth the five star rating.
May 24, 2019
Written by an Australian. I learnt a lot about poaching in Africa & the efforts made to stop it. Loved the way Tony included names of real people who he knew & who made donations to charities related to animal protection. Absolutely loved the last chapter but don't spoil things by goi g there first. 😁
September 29, 2019
A great read all round albeit a few rough edges in reading style. Fiction based around fact and set in South Africa with an anti-poaching unit using dogs to assist in the fight against the poachers. Captures the feeling and atmosphere quite well though some of the characters feel a bit shallow at times.
December 16, 2019
My first Tony Park and definitely not my last, I listened to the audiobook of this book and it was very well narrated. The story had plenty of twists and I thought I had the bad guy figured out, but I was wrong. I learnt a lot about the lion trade in South Africa and the tough job people have trying to stop poachers.
May 20, 2020
Excellent read. Totally enjoyed this book. It was an exciting and fast-moving action filled thriller. Romance, jealousy, betrayal, it has it all and it was really easy to read too. The war on anti-poaching as the theme is only too real and many facts are portrayed here within the heart of the storyline. Highly recommended.
June 3, 2019
Another brilliant read from Tony Park, non stop action that will have you on the edge of your seat. The setting is vividly brought to life, great characterisation and a story line that grips you from the start. I loved every minute of it.
June 20, 2019
Exciting and adrenalin-packed adventure amongst the dogs & their trainers in the fight against poachers in South Africa. Explosions, chases and shoot-outs pepper a book of high drama and international crime connections. Great read!
July 12, 2019
Like Michael Stanley's "Shoot the Bastards," this book doesn't shy away from the brutality of rhino poaching. It's a good story, with a detailed look at the many players involved in the killing and trafficking.
December 17, 2018
Loved this latest book of Tony Parks. Great story as well as highlighting both the struggles of anti poaching and the immense bravery and input the dogs do for the cause.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews