What do you think?
Rate this book
Sam Harris Adventures #4
The Pink Elephants
Money is being syphoned from the Masaibu Project, and the local elephants are being slaughtered. Can a courageous geologist find those responsible before they find her?
It’s 1993. Geologist Sam Harris gets a call in the middle of the night that takes her to the Masaibu project in West Africa. The project is collapsing under the weight of corruption and chicanery.
She struggles to navigate the murky waters to get the project back on course, hindered by interference from people who want her to fail. When a slaughter occurs in the local elephant sanctuary, her problems multiply.
Can Sam protect the elephants and save the project or will she have to choose?
The Pink Elephants is the fourth book in the Sam Harris Adventure series. If you like gutsy heroines, complex twists and turns, and heart-pounding action, then you'll love PJ Skinner's thrilling novel.
Get it Now
It’s 1993. Geologist Sam Harris gets a call in the middle of the night that takes her to the Masaibu project in West Africa. The project is collapsing under the weight of corruption and chicanery.
She struggles to navigate the murky waters to get the project back on course, hindered by interference from people who want her to fail. When a slaughter occurs in the local elephant sanctuary, her problems multiply.
Can Sam protect the elephants and save the project or will she have to choose?
The Pink Elephants is the fourth book in the Sam Harris Adventure series. If you like gutsy heroines, complex twists and turns, and heart-pounding action, then you'll love PJ Skinner's thrilling novel.
Get it Now
- GenresAdventure
504 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2019
About the author
P.J. Skinner
34 books90 followersPJ Skinner was born in Guildford, one of seven siblings. When she was six, the family moved to Ireland where she attended school. She went to Trinity College, Dublin University, graduating as a geologist. After graduation, PJ spent 35 years working in over thirty countries as an exploration geologist. PJ worked in many remote, strange, and often dangerous places, and loved every minute, despite encountering her fair share of misogyny and other perils. During this time, she collected the tall tales and real-life experiences which inspired her to write the Sam Harris Adventure Series. The series chronicles the adventures of a pioneering female geologist in an almost exclusively male world.
After finishing the Sam Harris Adventure series, PJ's childhood in Ireland inspired her to write the Green Family Saga, which follows the fortunes of an English family who move to Ireland just before the start of the Troubles, under the name of Kate Foley.
PJ moved to the south coast of England just before the Covid pandemic. There she wrote Mortal Mission, a sci-fi mystery set on Mars, inspired by her fascination with all things celestial. It is a science-based murder mystery; think The Martian with fewer potatoes and more bodies.
The enjoyment of writing Mortal Mission encouraged her to try writing a mystery series. She has always been a massive fan of crime and mystery, so it was inevitable she would turn her hand to it eventually. She published Deadly Return, the first book in the Seacastle Mysteries in July 2023 to great success. The Seacastle Mystery Series is a contemporary cosy mystery series with an amateur female sleuth, her grumpy ex-husband, hacker stepson and ungrateful rescue cat. The ensemble cast adds banter and humour as the series follows their stories between the murder mysteries. Poison Politics, book 10, will be released on the 31st of December 2025.
After finishing the Sam Harris Adventure series, PJ's childhood in Ireland inspired her to write the Green Family Saga, which follows the fortunes of an English family who move to Ireland just before the start of the Troubles, under the name of Kate Foley.
PJ moved to the south coast of England just before the Covid pandemic. There she wrote Mortal Mission, a sci-fi mystery set on Mars, inspired by her fascination with all things celestial. It is a science-based murder mystery; think The Martian with fewer potatoes and more bodies.
The enjoyment of writing Mortal Mission encouraged her to try writing a mystery series. She has always been a massive fan of crime and mystery, so it was inevitable she would turn her hand to it eventually. She published Deadly Return, the first book in the Seacastle Mysteries in July 2023 to great success. The Seacastle Mystery Series is a contemporary cosy mystery series with an amateur female sleuth, her grumpy ex-husband, hacker stepson and ungrateful rescue cat. The ensemble cast adds banter and humour as the series follows their stories between the murder mysteries. Poison Politics, book 10, will be released on the 31st of December 2025.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 5, 2020
I Love the Sam Harris Adventure Series!
Sam Harris is an adventurer/geologist traveling around the world, working in a field where it's very much a 'man's world.' She's cut her teeth earning an education as a geologist, journeyed through jungles and Third World nations to work in far away mining camps, and dealt with corrupt officials, all in hopes for one day to be accepted as an equal among peers.
When Sam receives a call from a South African mining company about a position as project manager of a mining site in a West African nation, she takes on the interview with as much curiosity as she has eagerness. But from the outset, questions arise about the legitimacy of this job. After being flown first-class from her home in London to South Africa, and passing the interview with flying colors, Sam travels to the project where the challenges she faces hit home.
The mining project is behind schedule, and has been for some time. Equipment needs to be ordered, workers need to be organized, and hygiene become a top priority. But Sam's challenges are more than turning a sick mining project around. For one, she must earn the confidence of the townsfolk and employees, some of which appear to have conflicting agendas. Add to this a herd of rare elephants being threatened by poachers in the nearby forest, and ex-rebels taking up the warpath once more, Sam cannot help wonder if she has gotten in over her head.
This is my 4th in a seven book series and I've grown to love this character with each passing page. The author has transferred personal and professional experiences into a memorable woman who I can only describe as 'The one who got away, but I never forget.' I especially enjoyed the descriptions the author writes about Sam's organizational skills in making a project profitable. I was a former operations manager for a large home improvement store (The Home Depot & Expo Design Center) and related to her challenges and descriptions. I actually felt renewed pride in the field I worked in to pay my bills and support my family.
The author's own experiences in remote locations throughout the world are inspiring and make me want to travel again for my own experiences (However, I can do without some of the dangers she faced seeing how I'm getting up there in age). The author also adds a nice touch on the importance how it's up to all of us to protect wildlife in all parts of the world. Only together can we curb poaching.
I highly recommend the Sam Harris Adventure Series. They're tongue-in-cheek stories that take the reader to memorable far away places. I'll be reading book 5 soon enough. Until then, keep on reading!
Sam Harris is an adventurer/geologist traveling around the world, working in a field where it's very much a 'man's world.' She's cut her teeth earning an education as a geologist, journeyed through jungles and Third World nations to work in far away mining camps, and dealt with corrupt officials, all in hopes for one day to be accepted as an equal among peers.
When Sam receives a call from a South African mining company about a position as project manager of a mining site in a West African nation, she takes on the interview with as much curiosity as she has eagerness. But from the outset, questions arise about the legitimacy of this job. After being flown first-class from her home in London to South Africa, and passing the interview with flying colors, Sam travels to the project where the challenges she faces hit home.
The mining project is behind schedule, and has been for some time. Equipment needs to be ordered, workers need to be organized, and hygiene become a top priority. But Sam's challenges are more than turning a sick mining project around. For one, she must earn the confidence of the townsfolk and employees, some of which appear to have conflicting agendas. Add to this a herd of rare elephants being threatened by poachers in the nearby forest, and ex-rebels taking up the warpath once more, Sam cannot help wonder if she has gotten in over her head.
This is my 4th in a seven book series and I've grown to love this character with each passing page. The author has transferred personal and professional experiences into a memorable woman who I can only describe as 'The one who got away, but I never forget.' I especially enjoyed the descriptions the author writes about Sam's organizational skills in making a project profitable. I was a former operations manager for a large home improvement store (The Home Depot & Expo Design Center) and related to her challenges and descriptions. I actually felt renewed pride in the field I worked in to pay my bills and support my family.
The author's own experiences in remote locations throughout the world are inspiring and make me want to travel again for my own experiences (However, I can do without some of the dangers she faced seeing how I'm getting up there in age). The author also adds a nice touch on the importance how it's up to all of us to protect wildlife in all parts of the world. Only together can we curb poaching.
I highly recommend the Sam Harris Adventure Series. They're tongue-in-cheek stories that take the reader to memorable far away places. I'll be reading book 5 soon enough. Until then, keep on reading!
November 13, 2019
I purchased a copy of The Pink Elephants written by PJ Skinner. It's the third book I've had the pleasure to read by this author. What stood out the most to me was the growth of Sam Harris, a female geologist trying to make her mark in a man's world. Skinner has done an excellent job uncovering the layers of vulnerability and strength of this character. Sam has come into her own- she is feisty, brave, and smart. She uses her wits to battle corporate corruption rather than using hard-line methods to change the shady dealings surrounding her and gains the respect of those working under her leadership.
Skinner has written an engaging book with well fleshed out characters. The book holds its reader's interests, flowing like a rippling brook, page after page until it merges with the crashing waves of its finale.
Skinner brushes the surface of the devastation that occurs as a result of poaching and the brutality of mankind. And yet, shines a light on the tenderness of the human heart in the same breath. An exceptional story that I highly recommend. If you haven't read Skinner's other books, do yourself a favor and grab a copy. I'm giving The Pink Elephants novel five stars.
Skinner has written an engaging book with well fleshed out characters. The book holds its reader's interests, flowing like a rippling brook, page after page until it merges with the crashing waves of its finale.
Skinner brushes the surface of the devastation that occurs as a result of poaching and the brutality of mankind. And yet, shines a light on the tenderness of the human heart in the same breath. An exceptional story that I highly recommend. If you haven't read Skinner's other books, do yourself a favor and grab a copy. I'm giving The Pink Elephants novel five stars.
September 13, 2022
The Pink elephants by PJ Skinner is the 4th book in the Sam Harris adventure. You dont need to read the other books to follow the story . You can read the pink elephants as a stand alone book. This is second book i have read by PJ Skinner. Her books are realky easy to get into and you feel like you are going on adventure with Sam Harris. In pink elephants Sam is off to West Afica and the project is failing so Sam needs to take charge of it. As i was reading pink elephant's it defiantly kept me guessing with what would happen next. 5 stars cant wait for book 5 . Thank you @samharrisseries @lovebookstours for being part of this tour and reviewing this book.
January 10, 2020
This iscan excellent series about Sam Harris, a geologist. All the books are fast past can not put it down type books. I have read 3 books in a weeks time.
January 15, 2019
This book is an eye opener into corporate greed and brutality starting at the top of the ladder down the ranks to the lowest rung.
This is my first introduction to PJ Skinner and I look forward to more opportunities to read her books. While I was not immediately hooked, I soon realized that this book was a real page turner that will keep you up past your bedtime.
The author takes you into the culture of West Africa and enlightens us into small details and issues of the people and places that don't make the news. Ms. Skinner did a fantastic job creating the characters and making them real and believable. You'll gain or recognize insights into topics not often mentioned about women trying to suceed in a profession dominated by men and the changing role of women in “macho” societies I guarantee you'll have trouble separating the good guys from the bad.
The feisty, somewhat rebellious geologist, Sam Harris is physically fit, a bit shy, and intelligent; someone you would like. She definitely is a strong character and won't stop when she sees wrongs that must be fixed, whether it's people treated like animals or endangered elephants treated like a commodity.
Sam was hired to to get this failing project turned around and profitable. What she didn't expect was the level of corruption and lack of humanity she found. To top it off, she has no idea who she can trust.
I'd recommend this 5-star book to anyone who has an adventurous spirit and likes a strong female protagonist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first introduction to PJ Skinner and I look forward to more opportunities to read her books. While I was not immediately hooked, I soon realized that this book was a real page turner that will keep you up past your bedtime.
The author takes you into the culture of West Africa and enlightens us into small details and issues of the people and places that don't make the news. Ms. Skinner did a fantastic job creating the characters and making them real and believable. You'll gain or recognize insights into topics not often mentioned about women trying to suceed in a profession dominated by men and the changing role of women in “macho” societies I guarantee you'll have trouble separating the good guys from the bad.
The feisty, somewhat rebellious geologist, Sam Harris is physically fit, a bit shy, and intelligent; someone you would like. She definitely is a strong character and won't stop when she sees wrongs that must be fixed, whether it's people treated like animals or endangered elephants treated like a commodity.
Sam was hired to to get this failing project turned around and profitable. What she didn't expect was the level of corruption and lack of humanity she found. To top it off, she has no idea who she can trust.
I'd recommend this 5-star book to anyone who has an adventurous spirit and likes a strong female protagonist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2018
I was looking forward to the further adventures of Sam Harris, and I was not disappointed! A great series where the main character has faults and strengths, and is always growing in some difficult and fascinating remote locations.
Sam Harris is a female geologist in a world where jobs are hard to find, and even harder if you are female. Taking on the jobs no one else will sees Sam in some dangerous and remote places, and she is reliant on her own skills and intelligence, as well as some unexpected friendships. The author paints a detailed picture of the hazards and problems of these remote places, but does not neglect the beauty of the creatures and environment.
This book sees Sam in a managerial role, and coping with diverse personalities and problems in some unique ways. Not so much geology this time, but dealing with corruption and site issues is equally interesting, and Sam is in some of the most dangerous situations of her career.
So a great read – recommended both for those interested in a career in exploration geology, and those keen for an intelligent heroine facing adventure and danger in exotic locations.
Sam Harris is a female geologist in a world where jobs are hard to find, and even harder if you are female. Taking on the jobs no one else will sees Sam in some dangerous and remote places, and she is reliant on her own skills and intelligence, as well as some unexpected friendships. The author paints a detailed picture of the hazards and problems of these remote places, but does not neglect the beauty of the creatures and environment.
This book sees Sam in a managerial role, and coping with diverse personalities and problems in some unique ways. Not so much geology this time, but dealing with corruption and site issues is equally interesting, and Sam is in some of the most dangerous situations of her career.
So a great read – recommended both for those interested in a career in exploration geology, and those keen for an intelligent heroine facing adventure and danger in exotic locations.
January 29, 2019
This is the first book in this series which I have read, and it looks as though I have been missing out! This is a very well written book with excellent characters and a believable exciting plot.
The central character, Sam Harris, is a female geologist and exploration expert back in the days when this was an almost exclusively male domain. I love that she manages to overcome the many obstacles she faces in a feminine way, using intelligence and empathy, rather than brute force, but still displays an iron will.
This story covers a lot of issues about life in West Africa in the 80s when this story is set, including corruption, poaching and discrimination, but it isn't at all preachy, rather these themes are woven into an exciting adventure story.
The author apparently was herself one of the first female exploration geologist, and the episodes in the book are based on her own experiences, and this comes across very clearly as the whole story is very believable.
I received an advance copy of the book but have voluntarily written this review.
The central character, Sam Harris, is a female geologist and exploration expert back in the days when this was an almost exclusively male domain. I love that she manages to overcome the many obstacles she faces in a feminine way, using intelligence and empathy, rather than brute force, but still displays an iron will.
This story covers a lot of issues about life in West Africa in the 80s when this story is set, including corruption, poaching and discrimination, but it isn't at all preachy, rather these themes are woven into an exciting adventure story.
The author apparently was herself one of the first female exploration geologist, and the episodes in the book are based on her own experiences, and this comes across very clearly as the whole story is very believable.
I received an advance copy of the book but have voluntarily written this review.
December 26, 2018
Anne Kinslow.
I have followed Sam Harris (Geologist) since book 1 when I was caught hook, line and sinker, from the first sentence till the last word of the book. I just couldn’t get enough of her tales. I was also pleased to see her character, as a strong role model for women in a male dominated occupation.Each job that she acquired along the way, was fraught with danger but, Sam showed everyone that she was as capable as any man to do the job and get positive results. This book, just like the previous three, is full of adventures, ups and downs of life in Africa and of survival. There are many twists and turns throughout to keep you entertained and guessing what comes next.
I am looking forward to reading more of this Author’s books. Why not check them out for yourself, you may end up loving them just like me.
Keep the books coming P.J. Skinner, I’m sure that we will see more of Sam Harris books into the future.
I highly recommend this series of books.
I have followed Sam Harris (Geologist) since book 1 when I was caught hook, line and sinker, from the first sentence till the last word of the book. I just couldn’t get enough of her tales. I was also pleased to see her character, as a strong role model for women in a male dominated occupation.Each job that she acquired along the way, was fraught with danger but, Sam showed everyone that she was as capable as any man to do the job and get positive results. This book, just like the previous three, is full of adventures, ups and downs of life in Africa and of survival. There are many twists and turns throughout to keep you entertained and guessing what comes next.
I am looking forward to reading more of this Author’s books. Why not check them out for yourself, you may end up loving them just like me.
Keep the books coming P.J. Skinner, I’m sure that we will see more of Sam Harris books into the future.
I highly recommend this series of books.
December 17, 2018
Sam Harris has been assigned a new project and is heading to Masaibu to act as a general manager. She knows that this project is going to be a bit difficult as no one currently at the company wants to the lead the project and she has been hired from the outside. Sam soon discovers that she is working on a project that is destined to fail; corruption, poaching, and hazardous conditions are just a few of the things she is facing.
This is the fourth book in the series and you get to see the growth within Sam. She is no longer under Simon’s spell and she is more confident in her skills and abilities as a geologist. This series is filled with lots of action and adventure, mystery, and tons of twists and turns which will be enjoyed by readers of several different genres.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the fourth book in the series and you get to see the growth within Sam. She is no longer under Simon’s spell and she is more confident in her skills and abilities as a geologist. This series is filled with lots of action and adventure, mystery, and tons of twists and turns which will be enjoyed by readers of several different genres.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2019
Our heroine is drawn to Africa on another daring adventure, trying to save the elephants and a group of pygmies.
(Which reminds me of an elementary school joke which I will avoid in the interests of good taste.)
Once again our heroine starts with a simple task and is soon drawn into much large events. And she, with the help of a few friends, meets the challenges head on with appropriate grit, wit and daring do!
I really enjoy the Indiana Jones-type adventure and this story fits perfectly. The story is very well written with fun and interesting characters on both sides of the fence, producing a story that is fun to read and engaging, keeping you turning the pages to the very end. Overall, another well executed story in our heroine's saga.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
(Which reminds me of an elementary school joke which I will avoid in the interests of good taste.)
Once again our heroine starts with a simple task and is soon drawn into much large events. And she, with the help of a few friends, meets the challenges head on with appropriate grit, wit and daring do!
I really enjoy the Indiana Jones-type adventure and this story fits perfectly. The story is very well written with fun and interesting characters on both sides of the fence, producing a story that is fun to read and engaging, keeping you turning the pages to the very end. Overall, another well executed story in our heroine's saga.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
February 1, 2019
I love the way PJ Skinner portrays Sam Harris as a vulnerable but smart woman. The way Sam is able to diffuse and control a situation reminds me of Alexander McCall Smith's Precious Ramotswe. This story finds Sam working on a failing exploration project in Africa. Sam finds politics and greed at the heart of the failing project. She has to overcome racial issues and prejudices between not only the Africans and whites but with a pygmy tribe that has been targeted by the Africans. I received this book as an ARC but have bought other Sam Harris stories.
November 25, 2018
This series just gets better.
Sam is really coming into her own and its exciting to see her take on the challenges of a male-dominated business and win. The plot keeps you guessing to the end as to who can and cannot be trusted. The fact that some of Sam's adventures are based on real life experiences of the author makes it an even more interesting read.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Sam is really coming into her own and its exciting to see her take on the challenges of a male-dominated business and win. The plot keeps you guessing to the end as to who can and cannot be trusted. The fact that some of Sam's adventures are based on real life experiences of the author makes it an even more interesting read.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
January 5, 2019
I'm a big fan of the Sam Harris series. The main character is a wonderful creation - believable and likeable in equal measure. The Pink Elephants certainly does not disappoint - Africa, corruption, mortal peril and more corruption: What's not to love!? The author's style of writing has also developed and gotten even better as the series progresses - and it was very good to start with! Definitely a series to keep up with! I look forward to the next installment!
February 2, 2019
As the title says, there are lots of illusions in this story. As Sam Harris finds out as she takes a job no one else wants. She goes to another country to manage a project called "Masaibu" . She soon finds out Masaibi is the Swahili word for trouble.
She has her work cut out for her. See how she manages to get the upper hand.
Got my interest right away!
I would recommend this book to my friends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She has her work cut out for her. See how she manages to get the upper hand.
Got my interest right away!
I would recommend this book to my friends.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2018
A terrific read! This authour writes with an incredible descriptive...makes you feel like you are right there. A definite 5 star.
I received a complimentary copy from the authour in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the authour in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2019
Another fantastic Sam Harris book that dosn't let you down . A female geologist in a man's world she can deal with more than some men. Set in West Africa in the 80's this touches on life in the time. This is a well written believable story I really enjoyed. Grab a copy and check it out.
September 12, 2022
As always I want to start by saying that I was given a copy of this to review as part of a @lovebooktours book tour. My review is honest and left voluntarily. #LBTCrew #Ad #Gifted #LoveBooksTours
At this point it is safe to safe say that Sam Harris is one of my heroines and is an heroine in her own right. I adore her and have to say I think each of her adventures get better and better. This time we see Sam return to West Africa to the Masaibu project. Only she soon finds herself in the middle of more than one problem. Money is being syphoned from the Project and on top of this local Elephants are being slaughtered. Sam struggles to navigate her way to get the project back on track, especially with people running interference who want her to fail. As the latest elephant to fall victim appears in a local sanctuary Sam must decide if she can protect the elephants and save the project or will she have to make a difficult choice.
I want to say at first I was not sure if I would enjoy this book as much as the previous concerning the elephants. Being a fan of all animals but elephants in particular I knew it would be a difficult read but I wanted to continue in Sam’s adventures and I am glad I did. Skinner’s protagonist seems to get better with each book, a little more secured in her own value and worth and skills.
Once again she seems to be able to put up against terrible unbeatable odds but with her skill and wealth of experience she is able to eventually overcome the threats placed in her way. Once again Harris brings the world around Harris to life. You really feel like you are in 90’s West Africa beside her. Mixing action and adventure with crime thriller there is never a dull moment in the latest instalment of Sam’s Adventures. As always our plucky heroine manages to save the day but it is not and easy path and people do suffer along the way. I think this is what I love most about the books. While Sam as so far always come out on top so to speak the way for her to get there is not easy, it’s not something that happens just because. There is always danger and suspense and a lot of action.
If you loved the previous adventures you are sure to adore this one. While most of the books can be read standalone I have enjoyed seeing Sam evolve after each adventure. She has come a long way from looking for Fool’s Gold and it’s wonderful to be part of the adventure. I can’t wait to start the fifth in the series!
At this point it is safe to safe say that Sam Harris is one of my heroines and is an heroine in her own right. I adore her and have to say I think each of her adventures get better and better. This time we see Sam return to West Africa to the Masaibu project. Only she soon finds herself in the middle of more than one problem. Money is being syphoned from the Project and on top of this local Elephants are being slaughtered. Sam struggles to navigate her way to get the project back on track, especially with people running interference who want her to fail. As the latest elephant to fall victim appears in a local sanctuary Sam must decide if she can protect the elephants and save the project or will she have to make a difficult choice.
I want to say at first I was not sure if I would enjoy this book as much as the previous concerning the elephants. Being a fan of all animals but elephants in particular I knew it would be a difficult read but I wanted to continue in Sam’s adventures and I am glad I did. Skinner’s protagonist seems to get better with each book, a little more secured in her own value and worth and skills.
Once again she seems to be able to put up against terrible unbeatable odds but with her skill and wealth of experience she is able to eventually overcome the threats placed in her way. Once again Harris brings the world around Harris to life. You really feel like you are in 90’s West Africa beside her. Mixing action and adventure with crime thriller there is never a dull moment in the latest instalment of Sam’s Adventures. As always our plucky heroine manages to save the day but it is not and easy path and people do suffer along the way. I think this is what I love most about the books. While Sam as so far always come out on top so to speak the way for her to get there is not easy, it’s not something that happens just because. There is always danger and suspense and a lot of action.
If you loved the previous adventures you are sure to adore this one. While most of the books can be read standalone I have enjoyed seeing Sam evolve after each adventure. She has come a long way from looking for Fool’s Gold and it’s wonderful to be part of the adventure. I can’t wait to start the fifth in the series!
September 9, 2022
‘The Pink Elephants’ is the fourth book in the excellent Sam Harris adventure series and is the best one yet! Yes, I know I have probably said that about the last two books as well but this really is the case. Sam is coming into her maturity and realising her potential while managing a multi million dollar project. Plus I loved the setting of the middle of nowhere in Africa and the logistical and cultural challenges that this entails. I flew through this book once again and thoroughly enjoyed it. I will be honest I am not having a great week and this book and series gave me a lot of comfort. Please be warned there is a scene regarding the title that is not for the faint hearted - I may have sobbed a little.
Sam is looking for her next job and when a recruitment company phones her in the middle of the night to manage a huge project in Africa she jumps at the chance. It’s for a well known mining company and no one else is willing to take it on as they see it as a poisoned chalice. Sam sees it as an opportunity to get the experience she desperately needs on her CV. It is a project full of corruption but she is determined to work through this and flush those who are responsible.
Sam is such a great character and it was if she really started to come into her own during this book. This is the first time you see her having to deal with a project this large and it was extremely interesting to see her cope with the community aspects as well. On this scale where the majority of the local population are reliant on the project in one way or another brings huge challenges. It was fascinating to read about these and again it all felt authentic - probably due to PJ’s experience in this sector. I must admit that the scenes in the hospital made me slightly sick they gave me flashbacks to a local hospital in India during the 1990s my mum and I were forced to use!
Roll on book 5!
Sam is looking for her next job and when a recruitment company phones her in the middle of the night to manage a huge project in Africa she jumps at the chance. It’s for a well known mining company and no one else is willing to take it on as they see it as a poisoned chalice. Sam sees it as an opportunity to get the experience she desperately needs on her CV. It is a project full of corruption but she is determined to work through this and flush those who are responsible.
Sam is such a great character and it was if she really started to come into her own during this book. This is the first time you see her having to deal with a project this large and it was extremely interesting to see her cope with the community aspects as well. On this scale where the majority of the local population are reliant on the project in one way or another brings huge challenges. It was fascinating to read about these and again it all felt authentic - probably due to PJ’s experience in this sector. I must admit that the scenes in the hospital made me slightly sick they gave me flashbacks to a local hospital in India during the 1990s my mum and I were forced to use!
Roll on book 5!
September 9, 2022
Book 4 in the Sam Harris Series.
I found this one slightly different to books 1&2 as there was a shift in Sam's job - no longer so much hands on geologist but more in a management role.
Being taken on as a manager for a project in Lumbano, Africa, that so far had been a problem all round for a big company. Relations in the company were not great, relations between them and the staff were worse and the locals had absolutely no respect at all.
The story centred around how Sam, bit by bit, overturned all the misconceptions and improved relations all round - but only to find that she'd been expected to fail!
I loved the shift in Sam's character for this book. She's always been a strong female lead in a "man's world" but still had her insecurities. Yet here she fights her nature to shrink away and she stood up and fought. An absolute Trojan who kept battling to improve the lives of all parties - even when danger reared.
Another great plot and a good mix of side characters. This latest mission for Sam was full of intrigue and excitement as usual. And once again, I loved reading about the mix of cultures and beliefs.
If you've been reading along with me...grab your tissues as well for this one as there are several parts where you might just need them.....
I found this one slightly different to books 1&2 as there was a shift in Sam's job - no longer so much hands on geologist but more in a management role.
Being taken on as a manager for a project in Lumbano, Africa, that so far had been a problem all round for a big company. Relations in the company were not great, relations between them and the staff were worse and the locals had absolutely no respect at all.
The story centred around how Sam, bit by bit, overturned all the misconceptions and improved relations all round - but only to find that she'd been expected to fail!
I loved the shift in Sam's character for this book. She's always been a strong female lead in a "man's world" but still had her insecurities. Yet here she fights her nature to shrink away and she stood up and fought. An absolute Trojan who kept battling to improve the lives of all parties - even when danger reared.
Another great plot and a good mix of side characters. This latest mission for Sam was full of intrigue and excitement as usual. And once again, I loved reading about the mix of cultures and beliefs.
If you've been reading along with me...grab your tissues as well for this one as there are several parts where you might just need them.....
September 12, 2022
AD/PR Gifted - The Pink Elephants A Sam Harris Adventure by PJ Skinner
I have taken part in the recent book tour with @lovebookstours for the 4th adventure in the @samharrisseries I havent read any of the series before and have to say I really enjoyed it and will most likely revist the 3 previous adventures and any future outings. I'm giving this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can definitely read this as a stand alone as it's not really linked to previous adventures some people and places are mentioned but don't impact on this particular adventure. Its one of those reads that is easy to get through, short chapters and characters who are well fleshed out. I think Sam is quite possibly one of my favourite female characters written about she's smart and capable and making her way successfully in a man's world. The book also has one of my absolute favourite and relatable quotes in it:
"The easiest way to destroy her would have been to take her teabags hostage and threaten to destroy them. They were all so obsessed with their attachment to coffee; it had never occurred to them you could feel the same way about tea."
I have never related to something more.
I have taken part in the recent book tour with @lovebookstours for the 4th adventure in the @samharrisseries I havent read any of the series before and have to say I really enjoyed it and will most likely revist the 3 previous adventures and any future outings. I'm giving this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can definitely read this as a stand alone as it's not really linked to previous adventures some people and places are mentioned but don't impact on this particular adventure. Its one of those reads that is easy to get through, short chapters and characters who are well fleshed out. I think Sam is quite possibly one of my favourite female characters written about she's smart and capable and making her way successfully in a man's world. The book also has one of my absolute favourite and relatable quotes in it:
"The easiest way to destroy her would have been to take her teabags hostage and threaten to destroy them. They were all so obsessed with their attachment to coffee; it had never occurred to them you could feel the same way about tea."
I have never related to something more.
September 7, 2022
This is the 4th instalment in the Sam Harris series and I am loving them so far! Sam is a determined woman finding her way in a very male-dominated field and the book discusses the struggles she has to overcome to be taken seriously by people who would love to see her fail.
I love reading about the different settings that Sam explores, this one having lots of jungle scenes and anything that involves animals is always an instant win for me.
Sam has been tasked with helping a struggling company with making sure that everyone is able to benefit, not just those higher up, and she also sets herself the target of trying to bring the wider community together as a whole!
I really find myself attached to Sam and always supporting her success, I can’t wait to read more!
I love reading about the different settings that Sam explores, this one having lots of jungle scenes and anything that involves animals is always an instant win for me.
Sam has been tasked with helping a struggling company with making sure that everyone is able to benefit, not just those higher up, and she also sets herself the target of trying to bring the wider community together as a whole!
I really find myself attached to Sam and always supporting her success, I can’t wait to read more!
December 15, 2018
A very realistic read on life in West Africa.
Sam Harris is a female geologist in the
80s 90s in a world where females are not expected to be a solo expatriate worker.
She gets a job which is meant to be a token job that her bosses do not want anyone to interfere or really work. However she does the job with brilliance and unintended circumstances which help both the local human population and maybe the pink elephants of the title.
A must realistic read of a world I know of, (I was the spouse of a male expatriate worker, a more traditional role overseas in the same era).
The series about Sam Harris is worth reading. Good stories, well written and realistic.
Sam Harris is a female geologist in the
80s 90s in a world where females are not expected to be a solo expatriate worker.
She gets a job which is meant to be a token job that her bosses do not want anyone to interfere or really work. However she does the job with brilliance and unintended circumstances which help both the local human population and maybe the pink elephants of the title.
A must realistic read of a world I know of, (I was the spouse of a male expatriate worker, a more traditional role overseas in the same era).
The series about Sam Harris is worth reading. Good stories, well written and realistic.
September 10, 2022
I have been loving the Sam Harris series and this 4th installment was no exception, however it was way more emotive than I thought it would be or than the previous books were.
This installment saw Sam coming out of her shell and really coming into her own, facing down stereotypes and judgements as a manager in a company where employees tensions were high and respect was low, and the locals were eve worse, with everyone expecting Sam to fail.
The characters in all of these books are so well developed and I love reading about them. The development of Sam is just getting better with each book and I have really taken her to my heart. The story is infused with culture and lore/beliefs and this really adds something extra to the book.
This is a series that I would highly recommend, however I would also say that this book in particular will leave you in tears multiple times, you will definitely need tissues.
This installment saw Sam coming out of her shell and really coming into her own, facing down stereotypes and judgements as a manager in a company where employees tensions were high and respect was low, and the locals were eve worse, with everyone expecting Sam to fail.
The characters in all of these books are so well developed and I love reading about them. The development of Sam is just getting better with each book and I have really taken her to my heart. The story is infused with culture and lore/beliefs and this really adds something extra to the book.
This is a series that I would highly recommend, however I would also say that this book in particular will leave you in tears multiple times, you will definitely need tissues.
September 5, 2022
This is the third book I have read in the Sam Harris series and again it did not disappoint. I love the character development of Sam as she navigates a world full of adversity - mainly for being a woman. The animal aspect of this book really tugged on the heart strings and highlighted an important issue. The book was well written and flowed well. I cannot wait to read about what Sam does next!
May 20, 2022
Sam Harris goes to an African mining complex owned by Consaf in order to investigate what has been going on and to see where the enormous amounts of money that Consaf have been pumping into the mine has been used. Throughout, she faces misogyny and uncovers corruption and has to deal with the problems arising from this.
This was a very good story that kept you guessing as to what would be uncovered next. The "pink elephants" of the title refer to elephants with pink tusks but are actually part of the author's imagination. However, conservation does form an important element of the story. Although, as said before, it was a very good story I found the end slightly disappointing and I wonder if the story might be picked up in a later book.
This was a very good story that kept you guessing as to what would be uncovered next. The "pink elephants" of the title refer to elephants with pink tusks but are actually part of the author's imagination. However, conservation does form an important element of the story. Although, as said before, it was a very good story I found the end slightly disappointing and I wonder if the story might be picked up in a later book.
September 14, 2022
🇬🇧📚 Book Tour Review 📚🇬🇧
#️⃣ 2022 Tour Number: 46
#️⃣ 2022 Books Read: 77/30
🌟 Rating: 📓📙📘📗 📚(5/5⭐)
🔲 Book Title: The Pink Elephants 💓🐘
🔲 Series : A Sam Harris Adventure Book 4 @samharrisseries
🖋️ Author: PJ Skinner @pjskinnerauthor
🎭 Genre: Adventure
📖 Format: 📖
📄 Pages: 301
📢 Tour: @lovebookstours
📅 Tour dates: 5th - 13th September 2022
📅 Review date: 8th September 2022
#LBTCrew #lovebooktours
.
#bookstagram #bookblog #bookreview #ukbookblog #ukbookstagram #bookworm #readersofinstagram #booktour #lovebooks #lovereading #2022books #bookstoread #bookstoread #BookTourReview #ad #adpr #blogtour #TDEPReviews
💻📖🎧 Book format & quality 💻📖🎧
Similarly to book 3 this is a paperback book, slightly matt cover with cream paper which is really easy on the eyes.
🌻SpLD comments (from a dyslexic)🌻
An excellent choice of contrast between the text and paper and a good shared don't. Similarly to the other books there are small breaks in each chapter to break up the read which makes it very easy to follow.
🎨 Artwork🎨
I really like the choice of artwork for the cover and back page. It really drives home the premise of the book.
✒️ Style✏️
Another book in the Sam Harris Adventure and it would work well as a stand alone. I love the authors style through this series.
📈 Plot 📉
Written from Sam's perspective this book takes us on a different journey in West Africa where she is forced to manage some really challenging situations. I've really learnt to love Sam through the books, her trials and tribulations. This book is no different. Watching her character grow in this male dominated world is fascinating. You'll have to read it to know more #nospoilers
📖 Read more 📖
Absolutely, I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
🤓 Author Synopsis 🤓
Money is being syphoned from the Masaibu Project. The local elephant herd is being slaughtered. Nobody even mentioned the pygmies
It’s 1993. Geologist Sam Harris gets a call in the middle of the night that takes her to the Masaibu project in West Africa. The project is collapsing under the weight of corruption and chicanery.
She struggles to navigate the murky waters to get the project back on course, hindered by interference from people who want her to fail. When a slaughter occurs in the local elephant sanctuary, her problems multiply.
Can Sam protect the elephants and save the project or will she have to choose?
The Pink Elephants is the fourth book in the Sam Harris Adventure series. If you like Indiana Jones, you'll love this exciting adventure with realistic storylines, set in an exotic location before modern technology. Can be read as a standalone or as part of the series.
🛒🛍️ Buy Links 🛒🛍️
https://amzn.to/3C3oEJX
#️⃣ 2022 Tour Number: 46
#️⃣ 2022 Books Read: 77/30
🌟 Rating: 📓📙📘📗 📚(5/5⭐)
🔲 Book Title: The Pink Elephants 💓🐘
🔲 Series : A Sam Harris Adventure Book 4 @samharrisseries
🖋️ Author: PJ Skinner @pjskinnerauthor
🎭 Genre: Adventure
📖 Format: 📖
📄 Pages: 301
📢 Tour: @lovebookstours
📅 Tour dates: 5th - 13th September 2022
📅 Review date: 8th September 2022
#LBTCrew #lovebooktours
.
#bookstagram #bookblog #bookreview #ukbookblog #ukbookstagram #bookworm #readersofinstagram #booktour #lovebooks #lovereading #2022books #bookstoread #bookstoread #BookTourReview #ad #adpr #blogtour #TDEPReviews
💻📖🎧 Book format & quality 💻📖🎧
Similarly to book 3 this is a paperback book, slightly matt cover with cream paper which is really easy on the eyes.
🌻SpLD comments (from a dyslexic)🌻
An excellent choice of contrast between the text and paper and a good shared don't. Similarly to the other books there are small breaks in each chapter to break up the read which makes it very easy to follow.
🎨 Artwork🎨
I really like the choice of artwork for the cover and back page. It really drives home the premise of the book.
✒️ Style✏️
Another book in the Sam Harris Adventure and it would work well as a stand alone. I love the authors style through this series.
📈 Plot 📉
Written from Sam's perspective this book takes us on a different journey in West Africa where she is forced to manage some really challenging situations. I've really learnt to love Sam through the books, her trials and tribulations. This book is no different. Watching her character grow in this male dominated world is fascinating. You'll have to read it to know more #nospoilers
📖 Read more 📖
Absolutely, I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
🤓 Author Synopsis 🤓
Money is being syphoned from the Masaibu Project. The local elephant herd is being slaughtered. Nobody even mentioned the pygmies
It’s 1993. Geologist Sam Harris gets a call in the middle of the night that takes her to the Masaibu project in West Africa. The project is collapsing under the weight of corruption and chicanery.
She struggles to navigate the murky waters to get the project back on course, hindered by interference from people who want her to fail. When a slaughter occurs in the local elephant sanctuary, her problems multiply.
Can Sam protect the elephants and save the project or will she have to choose?
The Pink Elephants is the fourth book in the Sam Harris Adventure series. If you like Indiana Jones, you'll love this exciting adventure with realistic storylines, set in an exotic location before modern technology. Can be read as a standalone or as part of the series.
🛒🛍️ Buy Links 🛒🛍️
https://amzn.to/3C3oEJX
September 14, 2022
Happy dance, Sam Harris is back and she is set to take on her most deadly and emotional challenge yet.
I am addicted to this series, it’s exciting, thrilling and just brilliant reading. It’s one of those series that you know would make a fantastic Film/tv series.
I was incredibly excited to read this one, not only because it is a part of this eciting series, but I have to admit it but the Elephant on the cover really grasped my attention – I do love Elephants! But, I have to admit that I struggled with the poaching of these beautiful creatures, the hurt, brutality and pure evil that humans can inflict on such gentle creatures breaks my heart. Yet the author didn’t overly focus on that, she did an amazing job at showing the kindness and humanity of people instead of the bad and I really liked that.
I loved how Sam has grown since the first book, she is still passionate about what she does, but gone are the little girl and the naivety that she held on to in the first book. Now she is stronger, more worldly wise and even more determined to make her mark and way in a male-dominated world. She proves again and again what a fantastic character and real role model, she works hard to earn the respect of her male counterparts.
If you haven’t read this series before, then don’t worry as I think you can read them as stand-alone, but my personal opinion is why would you want to miss a moment, why not spoil yourself and start from the first book, you won’t regret it!
I have to admit that despite absolutely loving this series and being incredibly excited to see where Sam Harris will go next, I’m afraid this isn’t one of my favourites (that is so far reserved for the first book; Fools Gold) but I did really enjoy it, it has everything we readers have come to expect from this series; it has thrills, danger, exciting twists and unexpected surprises and I really can’t fault the writing and narrative but to me personally I felt it lacked a little of the magic of the previous books.
The Pink Elephants is an engaging and compelling roller-coaster ride, full of edge-of-your-seat drama and danger, great characters and emotion, a definite must-read!
I am addicted to this series, it’s exciting, thrilling and just brilliant reading. It’s one of those series that you know would make a fantastic Film/tv series.
I was incredibly excited to read this one, not only because it is a part of this eciting series, but I have to admit it but the Elephant on the cover really grasped my attention – I do love Elephants! But, I have to admit that I struggled with the poaching of these beautiful creatures, the hurt, brutality and pure evil that humans can inflict on such gentle creatures breaks my heart. Yet the author didn’t overly focus on that, she did an amazing job at showing the kindness and humanity of people instead of the bad and I really liked that.
I loved how Sam has grown since the first book, she is still passionate about what she does, but gone are the little girl and the naivety that she held on to in the first book. Now she is stronger, more worldly wise and even more determined to make her mark and way in a male-dominated world. She proves again and again what a fantastic character and real role model, she works hard to earn the respect of her male counterparts.
If you haven’t read this series before, then don’t worry as I think you can read them as stand-alone, but my personal opinion is why would you want to miss a moment, why not spoil yourself and start from the first book, you won’t regret it!
I have to admit that despite absolutely loving this series and being incredibly excited to see where Sam Harris will go next, I’m afraid this isn’t one of my favourites (that is so far reserved for the first book; Fools Gold) but I did really enjoy it, it has everything we readers have come to expect from this series; it has thrills, danger, exciting twists and unexpected surprises and I really can’t fault the writing and narrative but to me personally I felt it lacked a little of the magic of the previous books.
The Pink Elephants is an engaging and compelling roller-coaster ride, full of edge-of-your-seat drama and danger, great characters and emotion, a definite must-read!
September 10, 2022
3.5/5⭐️
This is the fourth book in the Sam Harris adventure series.
I have felt from the start of the series that Sam had a lot more to give as a character and I loved seeing that happen in this novel! Sam’s character undergoes a transformation in this book and it was great to see her grow in confidence. I have come to love Sam as a character through this series so it was great seeing her standing up to those that undermine her.
While I loved the overall story I felt the pacing was a little off in this book. For the first two-thirds of the book I felt as though I was waiting for something to happen, and by the end of the book everything started to happen at once. I think some of the beginning of the book could have been omitted and some of the plot events could have been brought forward. Despite this the book was still an enjoyable read, I just think a change of pacing would have made it even better.
Overall, a nice addition to the series with great character development!
This is the fourth book in the Sam Harris adventure series.
I have felt from the start of the series that Sam had a lot more to give as a character and I loved seeing that happen in this novel! Sam’s character undergoes a transformation in this book and it was great to see her grow in confidence. I have come to love Sam as a character through this series so it was great seeing her standing up to those that undermine her.
While I loved the overall story I felt the pacing was a little off in this book. For the first two-thirds of the book I felt as though I was waiting for something to happen, and by the end of the book everything started to happen at once. I think some of the beginning of the book could have been omitted and some of the plot events could have been brought forward. Despite this the book was still an enjoyable read, I just think a change of pacing would have made it even better.
Overall, a nice addition to the series with great character development!
November 6, 2023
This was an interesting tale of conflict in African mineral exploration. Western companies take advantage of mineral resources at the expense of poorer native peoples. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. The author writes well and creates characters we can relate to.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2020
Page turner
I found I very hard to put down. It kept my interest all the way through.i would recommend it to anyone who likes adventure
I found I very hard to put down. It kept my interest all the way through.i would recommend it to anyone who likes adventure
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews