The Prey

by Tony Park

In Africa, men - and women - will risk all for the lure of gold.
Deep underground in the Eureka mine, South Africa's zama zamas illegally hunt for gold. King of this brutal underworld is Wellington Shumba, a man who rules his illegal miners through fear of torture and death.
Running Eureka's legitimate operation is former recce-commando Cameron McMurtrie. When one of his engineers is taken hostage, Cameron does not hesitate to mastermind a dramatic rescue - and finish it off with a manhunt for Wellington. That is until corporate interference from the mine's Australian head office, in the shape of ambitious high-flyer Kylie Hamilton, gets in his way.
Kylie is visiting South Africa supposedly to finalise a new mine on the border of the famed Kruger National Park, but instead she and Cameron are forced into a partnership to fend off an environmental war above ground, and a deadly battle with a ruthless killer below.
Cameron and Kylie have become Wellington's prey. They must unite - their lives depend on it.

Genres: Fiction, Africa, Audiobook, Thriller

460 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2021

About the author

Tony 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.

Reviews

[Writer's Edit]

There is no scientific term for a fear of the underground but if there was, I would have it! As I read The Prey, I could feel the suffocation and despair experienced by the hostages. I hated the zama zamas. I could feel the dust in my eyes and I couldn’t see my hands in front of my face. The author’s intense yet brief descriptive passages made me feel like I was in a place that I didn’t want to be, yet at the same time I needed to know that the characters were safe. The chapter by chapter jump in perspective was unsettling but once you found your perspective, the moderate pace of the novel was very satisfying. There is just enough action to keep impatient readers (like myself) hooked and a predictable romance also offers plenty of drama. The recurrent use of native tongue was a nice touch, giving the book an extra degree of authenticity and making it the perfect Christmas present.

You can read our full review here: https://www.writersedit.com/prey-tony...

[Nora Black]

Review,by Cathy Hern
The Prey Tony Park Exciting read taking you underground into the dangerous world of illegal mining. Twists, turns and adventure galore--I was not able to surface from this intricate plot which routes a whirlwind flight of fantasy for the reader. Tony knows his Africa and his insight and descriptions of A pel's fishing owl is absolutely fascinating and most brilliantly rendered Dr Kylie Hamilton second in charge of Australian mining giant Global Resources and senior South African mine manager Cameron McMurtrie have their hands full as they try to rid Eureka coal mine of the zama zamas. Betrayal, romance a shocking kidnapping amid titillating dance of confusion are bound to keep the reader thoroughly enthralled.

[Bernadette Robinson]

This is the first book that I have read by this Author, it was a random choice from my local Library.

I gave it a 3.5 stars or 7/10.

Set in South Africa this story is very similar in some ways to books written by Wilbur Smith, so if you're a fan of his writing then this might be an Author for you to look out for.

It was a quite well written story set around a gold mine and the Company that ran the mine. It has it all to be honest: espionage, romance, adventure, environmental troubles and murders.

At times this was quite a claustrophobic read as a certain amount of the action takes place below ground level and this all leads to the claustrophobia in my opinion. I enjoyed the story and will be looking for more by this Author.

[Kerryn Lawson]

This is the second Tony Park novel I've read, and if I'm honest I was quite bored with the book in the early chapters. I felt like I'd read the story before,albeit with different characters and locations. The only reason I kept going was that being so early in the book I was prepared to give it longer. I'm glad I did. The story kept me turning pages quicker than I could read them with plenty of surprises thrown in for good measure. I'm glad I persisted and would happily pick up another Tony Park novel again knowing I will be thoroughly entertained :).

[Countesskaz]

This is an excellent book. Lovely fast paced, entertaining, well researched, realistic and well written.

Very similar style to Deon Meyer and dare I say it...far better?

and that's saying a lot as I LOVE Deon Meyer's books.

I definitely recommend this book. I couldn't put it down and only switched off my light at 1am!

[Kiwileese]

I listened to the audio book read by Richard Aspel and it was absolutely riveting. The book had me guessing until the end.
Tony Park has done it again.
Loved it and cant recommend it enough.

[Neville]

This story takes you into the mines in South Africa and Zama Zamas, (criminals who search for gold in existing mines), and the risk to the legitimate miners.

Cameron McMurtie is charge of the Eureka Mine and it is his job to make it profitable for the company as well as the safety of the miners. Up until now, the company (Global Resources) and the 2IC to the CEO is Doctor Kylie Hamilton, and she is not impressed with the way Cameron is running to operation. Cameron has done well and with the possible expansion to a site near the Kruger National Park, the company looks to becoming a mining leader. But Tertia Venter has other ideas.

The great part about this book, is you seem to think you know how it's going to end, and then another twist is placed in your path, and you have to start all over again with the path the book is taking you.

[Lou-Anne Joubert]

Tony Park novels blend fiction and facts whilst creating action packed,engaging reading. I simply loved the passion reflected by some characters in the story for the "wilds and bush" of Africa. I tend to be a compulsive reader and if I am hooked, I cannot stop and this book was a page reader.

For readers who enjoy novels with a predominant focus on the bush and wildlife in Africa but with a strong storyline extending beyond the wilderness, I would highly recommend this novel. The book often expresses authentic locally used slang which can create a nostalgic feeling for fellow South Africans.

An inclusive, well balanced novel merging conflict,danger,intrigue and subtle romance.

[Sharon Taylor]

The story follows mining execs who are struggling to deal with pirate miners while also trying to expand their mine sites. That description doesn’t really do it justice at all though. It had action right from the start, was full of intrigue, beautiful detail about the African landscape and animals, and twists and turns all the way.

[Mary Monks]

This book tells a story of legal and illegal underground mining in South Africa.
The illegal part of the mine is run by a vicious man called Wellington.
An engineer is taken hostage and then the "battle" to save him begins.
There is much violence leading to deaths, but the story is gripping.

[Eric]

Tony Park is always a good read!

[Laura B.]

This was one of those random library finds...

Loved the South African setting, something other than America or the UK is always refreshing.

I think this would make a great movie

[Wynand]

I am a big fan of Park. This is one of his best books.

[Lee]

4.0

[Lester Fowke]

rollcoaster of emotiuons, right to the very end

[Durinda]

Another stellar book written by Tony Park. He has once again captured the essence of Africa and South Africa in particular. I'm South African born, and lived there until we moved in 2000 to Canada, he has brought so many memories back to me, describing places and cities and wildlife, sights and sounds, I was transported back to my beloved South Africa. Sadly, even the corruption and crime that is prevalent in South Africa was written about, such a sad state of affairs. Even the events in the book that took place in Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe brought back incredible happy memories of family vacations. I did not want the book to end, it transported me to a 'warm' country while sitting in cold Canada in January.

[Susiekenzie]

An entertaining adventure but not as good as his previous ones. I felt a bit too much was packed in to one book and didn't believe in the early drama as there was still so much of the book left I knew they had to escape for there to be more story. But once again Tony Park takes the reader to Africa and far away from their own world.

[Brendon]

An Great read of you've already met Sannie in the previous book.
This book opens up some of the realities of illegal mining operations and their violent control by the chain gangs. Gold fever overrules humanity in the minds of the ring leaders.

Excellent look into the socio-political economy within South Africa.

[Nicola Sheridan]

Seriously, I just love this author. I am yet to read/listen to a Tony Park novel that doesn't have me instantly hooked. This book was no exception. As a massive fan of all things romance, I loved the connection between Cameron and Kylie. The growth of their relationship combined with evocative language and imagery of Africa and nail biting action makes this a must read for any adventure fan.

[Phil]

This book was generally entertaining. The ending was satisfying. That said it's rather ridiculously plotted. Lot's of coincidences that solve problems, several of the thriller set pieces are surprisingly easy after having been set up as quite hard.

But I enjoyed the setting, and honestly you will actually learn a bit about southern African history by reading it.

[Kathy S]

Another action filled book by Tony Park with the usual mix of action, intrigue, sex, violence, African history and appreciation of the wonders of wild life in Africa. Really enjoyed the insights into mining and the zamazamas and have a desire to visit Mozambique. Never disappointed by Tony Park’s books.

[Marriam Essa-Sayed]

1st Tony Park novel I have read. Very well written, being South African, I throughly enjoyed this read. Touches on a lot of South African based issues. Park visits a lot of places in this novel that are close to my heart! Most esp. the Kruger Park

[Victor Borgeest]

first time to read tony park, well i enjoyed the book , will put his books on my list to read, surprised that he is an Aussie although by the way he is going in private life probably feeling the tug of his african roots, they all say thats where we all came from originally anyway.

[Flyer]

Another winner. The story revolves around illegal underground mining and has numerous twists and turns in the storyline all eventually weaving into one intricate endgame. Cross and double-cross woven together. Worth the read.

[Lorna Arancibia]

My first-time listening to a Tony Park book. I was pleasantly surprised by the flow of the story which had me wanting to know what happened next. I could feel the atmosphere of the location and enjoyed the character development through the story.

I'm adding more of his books to my to read list.

[Denise]

A good thriller can't wait to try authors other books.

[Jane Humphreys]

Such a good book, lots of twists and turns right up till the end.

[John Henshaw]

A very good book. An insight into the violence and brutality which is Africa at times.

[Liz Phillips]

Enjoyed the setting, know the area well.

[Kylie]

This book had me guessing until the end. My first Tony Park and will read another one of his books. Reminds me of Wilbur Smith but a much easier read.