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Tennyson Hardwick #3
From Cape Town with Love
THE AWARD-WINNING AUTHORS OF CASANEGRA AND IN THE NIGHT OF THE HEAT TEAM UP FOR A THIRD TIME TO PRESENT FROM CAPE TOWN WITH LOVE, A TENNYSON HARDWICK NOVEL.Actor-turned-detective Tennyson Hardwick has solved two high-profile deaths in Hollywood, but nothing has prepared him for a race to save a child’s life. Tennyson’s past in the sex game cost him his new girlfriend, and he brings her to Cape Town, South Africa—a scenic film destination and playground for the rich—to try to win her back. There Tennyson is hired as a bodyguard by superstar Sofia Maitlin when she visits an orphanage to adopt an African child.Months later, Maitlin offers Tennyson one of Hollywood’s hottest tickets—a job as a bodyguard at adopted daughter Nandi’s A-list celebrity birthday party. But the party is over before it begins. When Nandi’s birthday goes dreadfully wrong, it’s up to a guilt-ridden Tennyson to save a child’s life and reunite a Hollywood family.But how? He can’t go to the police, the FBI has threatened to arrest him, and Big Brother is monitoring his telephone calls. To find Nandi, Tennyson will have to rely on tips from his father—a retired LAPD captain—and a mysterious woman from his past, Marsha, who has already proven she can’t be trusted. His strongest lead is a deadly knife fighter known only as Spider.
When his search for the missing child crosses Marsha’s covert investigation into a criminal gang with ties to South Africa, Tennyson knows that finding Nandi might cost him his freedom—or his life.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
24 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Tananarive Due
111 books6,256 followersTANANARIVE DUE (tah-nah-nah-REEVE doo) is the award-winning author of The Wishing Pool & Other Stories and the upcoming The Reformatory ("A masterpiece"--Library Journal). She and her husband, Steven Barnes, co-wrote the Black Horror graphic novel The Keeper, illustrated by Marco Finnegan. Due and Barnes co-host a podcast, "Lifewriting: Write for Your Life!"
A leading voice in Black speculative fiction for more than 20 years, Due has won an American Book Award, an NAACP Image Award, and a British Fantasy Award, and her writing has been included in best-of-the-year anthologies. Her books include Ghost Summer: Stories, My Soul to Keep, and The Good House. She and her late mother, civil rights activist Patricia Stephens Due, co-authored Freedom in the Family: A Mother-Daughter Memoir of the Fight for Civil Rights. She and her husband live with their son, Jason.
A leading voice in Black speculative fiction for more than 20 years, Due has won an American Book Award, an NAACP Image Award, and a British Fantasy Award, and her writing has been included in best-of-the-year anthologies. Her books include Ghost Summer: Stories, My Soul to Keep, and The Good House. She and her late mother, civil rights activist Patricia Stephens Due, co-authored Freedom in the Family: A Mother-Daughter Memoir of the Fight for Civil Rights. She and her husband live with their son, Jason.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 6, 2020
From Cape Town with Love is the third in the Tennyson Hardwick series, written by a husband /wife /friend combo, featuring a struggling Hollywood TV/movie star, occasional bodyguard and one-time male escort – but it works as a standalone.
It opens in Soweto, outside Johannesburg, where a bruised and battered Ten arrives unannounced, to speak to ex-girlfriend April, persuading her to go away to Cape Town with him for the weekend to see if they can patch up their differences. April gives him the phone number of a personal assistant to Hollywood A-lister, Sofia Maitlin, on a visit to South Africa where she supports an orphanage in one of the townships, and needs a stand-in bodyguard.
At first I was in two minds about this one. Enjoyed the South African scenes (Stellenbosch wineries and Cape Town brought back memories) and Ten’s attempts at speaking Xhosa; less so the Hollywood hype, name-dropping and excesses of A-listers. Simple plot I thought: actress married to ultra-rich shipping magnate (why are they always Greek?), adopts a South African orphan girl, returns to Hollywood, throws a massive party for the two year old (where Ten naturally, is a bodyguard), child snatched and held for ransom. Ransom deal goes pear-shaped. Ten to the rescue.
I admit to being wrong. After the first 100 pages this one really takes off. Ten is a likeable character, and his broken heart over April is partially restored by searing sex scenes with the animal “Marsha” who he knew from High School, but she is black ops, and can she be trusted? I particularly liked the mixed martial arts guru who trains actors and his “furniture-fu”. There are some genuine nasties – gang-members from the South African townships – and it was interesting to discover “Little Ethiopia” – an LA enclave not covered in any of the Bosch books I have read so far. The action shifts to Malibu, then San Diego (where Ten finds a vital clue) and a showdown in the wine-growing region of Paso Robles.
I gave this one 4★ for its wine content and an unexpected twist towards the end, with the final pages opening up to the next Tennyson Hardwick adventure. I will certainly look out for other titles in the series.
It opens in Soweto, outside Johannesburg, where a bruised and battered Ten arrives unannounced, to speak to ex-girlfriend April, persuading her to go away to Cape Town with him for the weekend to see if they can patch up their differences. April gives him the phone number of a personal assistant to Hollywood A-lister, Sofia Maitlin, on a visit to South Africa where she supports an orphanage in one of the townships, and needs a stand-in bodyguard.
At first I was in two minds about this one. Enjoyed the South African scenes (Stellenbosch wineries and Cape Town brought back memories) and Ten’s attempts at speaking Xhosa; less so the Hollywood hype, name-dropping and excesses of A-listers. Simple plot I thought: actress married to ultra-rich shipping magnate (why are they always Greek?), adopts a South African orphan girl, returns to Hollywood, throws a massive party for the two year old (where Ten naturally, is a bodyguard), child snatched and held for ransom. Ransom deal goes pear-shaped. Ten to the rescue.
I admit to being wrong. After the first 100 pages this one really takes off. Ten is a likeable character, and his broken heart over April is partially restored by searing sex scenes with the animal “Marsha” who he knew from High School, but she is black ops, and can she be trusted? I particularly liked the mixed martial arts guru who trains actors and his “furniture-fu”. There are some genuine nasties – gang-members from the South African townships – and it was interesting to discover “Little Ethiopia” – an LA enclave not covered in any of the Bosch books I have read so far. The action shifts to Malibu, then San Diego (where Ten finds a vital clue) and a showdown in the wine-growing region of Paso Robles.
I gave this one 4★ for its wine content and an unexpected twist towards the end, with the final pages opening up to the next Tennyson Hardwick adventure. I will certainly look out for other titles in the series.
August 21, 2011
From Cape Town with Love, the third Tennyson Hardwick novel is the most suspenseful yet. I was all set to complain about the S&M episode (bondage is a real turn-off for me) but all of that fell by the wayside when it came down to the story, just as the previous two novels in the series got the sex out of the way fairly early in the book. In spite of "Ten's" flaws, lack of control, and attempts to bargain with God, he is the hero we want him to be. I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know how Ten would solve the kidnapping.
I have previously likened Tennyson Hardwick to Walter Mosley's Ezekiel Rawlins, brought into the twenty-first century. Just as Mosley uses the racial conflict in LA in the 1950's and 60's as a backdrop for murder mystery, Underwood, Due, and Barnes use Hollywood of the Obama years, the election and recession as a backdrop. Mosley gave us "colorful" titles for his Easy Rawlins series. The Tennyson Hardwick series has titles that play on classic movies from Bogart, Poitier, and Bond.
There are points when the 2010 pop culture becomes a little distracting, but who knows, fifty years may prove that Paris Hilton, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jack Bauer are as timeless as Loretta Young and Clark Gable after all.
I know Tananarive Due's writing for her tender characterizations that make for people that I care about. Even minor characters and immortals who leave a trail of murder over centuries are the ones I look forward to reading more about. I know Steven Barnes only through my subscription to his daily inspirational emails for aspiring writers. They are full of references to eastern meditation, and to martial arts discipline and training. The martial arts sequences in Cape Town were spell-binding.
Now I'm hopeful that the next Tennyson Hardwick installment will come soon, but not before the next installment of Ms. Due's Ethiopian immortals. The cameo appearance in Cape Town of an Ethiopian named Dawit was a nice tidbit for fans like me.
I have previously likened Tennyson Hardwick to Walter Mosley's Ezekiel Rawlins, brought into the twenty-first century. Just as Mosley uses the racial conflict in LA in the 1950's and 60's as a backdrop for murder mystery, Underwood, Due, and Barnes use Hollywood of the Obama years, the election and recession as a backdrop. Mosley gave us "colorful" titles for his Easy Rawlins series. The Tennyson Hardwick series has titles that play on classic movies from Bogart, Poitier, and Bond.
There are points when the 2010 pop culture becomes a little distracting, but who knows, fifty years may prove that Paris Hilton, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jack Bauer are as timeless as Loretta Young and Clark Gable after all.
I know Tananarive Due's writing for her tender characterizations that make for people that I care about. Even minor characters and immortals who leave a trail of murder over centuries are the ones I look forward to reading more about. I know Steven Barnes only through my subscription to his daily inspirational emails for aspiring writers. They are full of references to eastern meditation, and to martial arts discipline and training. The martial arts sequences in Cape Town were spell-binding.
Now I'm hopeful that the next Tennyson Hardwick installment will come soon, but not before the next installment of Ms. Due's Ethiopian immortals. The cameo appearance in Cape Town of an Ethiopian named Dawit was a nice tidbit for fans like me.
May 25, 2018
I missed the previous two books of this series so I didn't get a lot of references in the beginning.
Apart from that, it was very exciting and fast-paced with a not-too-obvious storyline, which I liked a lot.
The style of writing took a little getting used to sometimes - especially towards the end during the great showdown.
Apart from that, it was very exciting and fast-paced with a not-too-obvious storyline, which I liked a lot.
The style of writing took a little getting used to sometimes - especially towards the end during the great showdown.
January 4, 2011
Tennyson Hardwick (TH) has developed as a character, should show further development in next book would recommend this read if you want to follow TH.
March 19, 2019
Tennyson had me on the edge of my bed ohhhhh this is what i call a page turner i had do many different emotions reading this book .
From the lush backdrop of Africa where Tennyson has his heart broken, to the magnificent grounds of a palatial mansion in Los Angeles where there are more secrets than rooms. Tennyson rides the wave of emotion and near death experience, keeping you on your toes in this the third installment of The Tennyson Hardwick series.
From the lush backdrop of Africa where Tennyson has his heart broken, to the magnificent grounds of a palatial mansion in Los Angeles where there are more secrets than rooms. Tennyson rides the wave of emotion and near death experience, keeping you on your toes in this the third installment of The Tennyson Hardwick series.
January 3, 2021
Ugh. I like the other two. Now, wtf! Marsha gives Ten classified information because he was sleep deprived and threw a tempertantrum? It is a hard sell for me. April had him pegged and he doesn't change at all? He finds a "perfect" partner with Marsha but is doing his best to ruin in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2021
Serious piling on happening here. Actor/private eye in LA foils a kidnapping that's more complicated than it first appears.
October 26, 2011
'Can you play the game or will the game play you...'
Tennyson Hardwick is a man of many dimensions, an actor, a detective, a lover, a friend, perhaps even a father. Battered and bruised mentally and physically, Tennyson travels to South Africa in an effort to win back his ex girlfriend April Forrest. While on this trip he happens to meet Sofia Maitlin and they request his services as her bodyguard while she visits orphanages in a quest to adopt an African child.
Tennyson is later approached by Sofia's camp to assist in security for her adopted daughter, Nandi's A-list celebrity birthday party. Which could prove to be beneficial with his attempt to network with Hollywood's cream of the crop. In the midst of the glitz and glamour, Nandi disappears and the nightmare begins as the kidnapping seems to be connected to a criminal gang with ties to South Africa. Plagued with guilt, Tennyson finds himself consumed with finding Nandi and bringing her back to her family safe and sound. Tennyson faces one of the most strenuous fights in this escapade as he tries to decipher who's really friend or foe, who's real or phony, as well as a lethal confrontation between him and a deadly knife fighter known as Spider.
From Cape Town With Love proved to be a masterfully penned novel overflowing with stimulating scenes that will keep the reader's attention and anticipation at an all time high. The suspense and mystery heightens your interest as well as encompasses you within the perimeter of this graphically depicted tale. Tennyson Hardwick entertains the readers with intriguing, fascinating, as well as steamy scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat as you enjoy this thrilling ride! This is my first introduction to Tennyson and I must admit I won't soon forget this tenacious and brazen character with his charismatic intellect and swagga! 4.38****
Tennyson Hardwick is a man of many dimensions, an actor, a detective, a lover, a friend, perhaps even a father. Battered and bruised mentally and physically, Tennyson travels to South Africa in an effort to win back his ex girlfriend April Forrest. While on this trip he happens to meet Sofia Maitlin and they request his services as her bodyguard while she visits orphanages in a quest to adopt an African child.
Tennyson is later approached by Sofia's camp to assist in security for her adopted daughter, Nandi's A-list celebrity birthday party. Which could prove to be beneficial with his attempt to network with Hollywood's cream of the crop. In the midst of the glitz and glamour, Nandi disappears and the nightmare begins as the kidnapping seems to be connected to a criminal gang with ties to South Africa. Plagued with guilt, Tennyson finds himself consumed with finding Nandi and bringing her back to her family safe and sound. Tennyson faces one of the most strenuous fights in this escapade as he tries to decipher who's really friend or foe, who's real or phony, as well as a lethal confrontation between him and a deadly knife fighter known as Spider.
From Cape Town With Love proved to be a masterfully penned novel overflowing with stimulating scenes that will keep the reader's attention and anticipation at an all time high. The suspense and mystery heightens your interest as well as encompasses you within the perimeter of this graphically depicted tale. Tennyson Hardwick entertains the readers with intriguing, fascinating, as well as steamy scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat as you enjoy this thrilling ride! This is my first introduction to Tennyson and I must admit I won't soon forget this tenacious and brazen character with his charismatic intellect and swagga! 4.38****
July 17, 2010
Yes, that is Blair Underwood on the cover of that novel. I love me some Blair Underwood! I noticed he was on a talk show recently so I set up to watch it, and he was promoting a couple of things, including this novel. From Cape Town With Love is a detective novel with an actor turned sleuth and it is the third in a series. They are written by a husband and wife which also got me interested. I love crime novels and potboilers and when I saw this at the library the other day- right after I saw it promoted on a morning talk show-zowie! I really liked it. First it is fascinating on a publishing angle...yes, the husband and wife authors...and it is also set up with multi-media. The novel has produced a hook up with a "Vook" which is video movie excerpts from the novel...yep...starring Blair Underwood. Possibly with a feature length movie to follow. As soon as I began the novel I was totally surprised to see a "suggested mp3 playlist". How cool is that? With all kinds of music from Dr. Dre, to Nine Inch Nails, to Rolling Stones, The O'Jays, to Alicia Keys to Marvin Gaye. Wonderful idea! What a hoot. but listen...I still want to know...is it a good book? Yes it is. Action, sex, good and evil, exotic locations, death, love betrayal and action and adventure. Oh did I mention the sex. And what sex it is. Holy cow! I just really enjoyed this novel and can't wait to read the previous novels and get me some more private eye action.
When I had the book at the loan desk...the librarian checking out my books saw this one...and said "Oooh, is that Blair Underwood...ummmm, I must get this..."
When I had the book at the loan desk...the librarian checking out my books saw this one...and said "Oooh, is that Blair Underwood...ummmm, I must get this..."
July 21, 2012
As usual, Tennyson Hardwick never disappoints. This was another roller coaster mystery. When Ten takes on being the bodyguard of movie starlet, Sofia Maitlin, needless to say, all hell breaks loose.
The characters you first met in Casanegra have grown into full-blown important people in Ten's life, and he needs those family members more in this book than he did in the first two. I'm too excited to see what the fourth one yields.
The story starts off in South Africa, where at first thought, Ten went to smooth over a broken relationship. While visiting, he's told about a very simple assignment of offering his bodyguard services to Ms. Maitlin. After he's finished up in South Africa, he happily returns to the U.S. so he can finish wrapping up his new movie with Spike Lee, as Director, and Denzel as his co-star.
But those dreams of being a big time movie star in Hollywood are put on the back burner when Ms. Maitlin comes a calling, again, for his services in her Hollywood Hills Mansion to watch over her newly adopted daughter's, of South Africa, birthday party.
Of course, the party went on without a hitch, until the nanny summons the security detail to advise Nandi, Ms. Maitlin's baby, has gone missing. The nightmare that ensues is any parents worst nightmare, but not as much as it is for Ten, since this happened under his watch, or did it?
Trust me, as the story unfolds, you WILL NOT be able to put this book down. It has all the zest and appeal that the first two books in the series offered. Will Ten solve this case before moving on to his next caper? Read and find out! OUTSTANDING Read!
The characters you first met in Casanegra have grown into full-blown important people in Ten's life, and he needs those family members more in this book than he did in the first two. I'm too excited to see what the fourth one yields.
The story starts off in South Africa, where at first thought, Ten went to smooth over a broken relationship. While visiting, he's told about a very simple assignment of offering his bodyguard services to Ms. Maitlin. After he's finished up in South Africa, he happily returns to the U.S. so he can finish wrapping up his new movie with Spike Lee, as Director, and Denzel as his co-star.
But those dreams of being a big time movie star in Hollywood are put on the back burner when Ms. Maitlin comes a calling, again, for his services in her Hollywood Hills Mansion to watch over her newly adopted daughter's, of South Africa, birthday party.
Of course, the party went on without a hitch, until the nanny summons the security detail to advise Nandi, Ms. Maitlin's baby, has gone missing. The nightmare that ensues is any parents worst nightmare, but not as much as it is for Ten, since this happened under his watch, or did it?
Trust me, as the story unfolds, you WILL NOT be able to put this book down. It has all the zest and appeal that the first two books in the series offered. Will Ten solve this case before moving on to his next caper? Read and find out! OUTSTANDING Read!
October 3, 2010
When Danger Comes Knocking
Actor and detective Tennyson Hardwick has solved two high-profile deaths in Hollywood, but nothing has prepared him for a race to save a child's life. His past in the sex game cost him his girlfriend, and he travels to Africa to try to win her back. While in Africa he's hired as a bodyguard by superstar Sofia Maitlin for her visit to an orphanage to adopt an African child. Months later, Maitlin hires Tennyson as a bodyguard at her adopted daughter Nandi's birthday party. When Nandi goes missing at the party, Tennyson is in for the race of his life to save Nandi's life and bring her home safely to her parents. Not being
able to go to the police or FBI, Tennyson is left to his own tactics and the help of his father, a retired LAPD captain, and a mysterious woman from his past, Marsha, who has proven she can't be trusted. When his search for Nandi leads him to a deadly African gang, Tennyson now realizes he is in a fight for his life.
With danger lurking around every corner, this suspenseful, action packed novel is a page turner that is hard to put down. Use of the African culture paints a clear picture, allowing the reader to be fully immersed in the culture of that majestic country. With an intricate plot and well developed characters, this novel is sure to please lovers of suspense. I was a little apprehensive about reading this because I did not read the other two novels in the series but I can say that I was not lost in the story and would recommend this book even if
you have not read the others.
Reviewed by: Lashonda
Actor and detective Tennyson Hardwick has solved two high-profile deaths in Hollywood, but nothing has prepared him for a race to save a child's life. His past in the sex game cost him his girlfriend, and he travels to Africa to try to win her back. While in Africa he's hired as a bodyguard by superstar Sofia Maitlin for her visit to an orphanage to adopt an African child. Months later, Maitlin hires Tennyson as a bodyguard at her adopted daughter Nandi's birthday party. When Nandi goes missing at the party, Tennyson is in for the race of his life to save Nandi's life and bring her home safely to her parents. Not being
able to go to the police or FBI, Tennyson is left to his own tactics and the help of his father, a retired LAPD captain, and a mysterious woman from his past, Marsha, who has proven she can't be trusted. When his search for Nandi leads him to a deadly African gang, Tennyson now realizes he is in a fight for his life.
With danger lurking around every corner, this suspenseful, action packed novel is a page turner that is hard to put down. Use of the African culture paints a clear picture, allowing the reader to be fully immersed in the culture of that majestic country. With an intricate plot and well developed characters, this novel is sure to please lovers of suspense. I was a little apprehensive about reading this because I did not read the other two novels in the series but I can say that I was not lost in the story and would recommend this book even if
you have not read the others.
Reviewed by: Lashonda
May 18, 2010
Beautiful, free and brave all greatly describe…
Hardwick, Tennyson Hardwick. Who far outweighs James Bond, baby! Within this novel you will continue to witness the evolution of a solid MAN. A problem solver who acts, as Marsha states. Oh, who is Marsha, you ask? Pick up Cape Town and find out. She’s a real piece of work!
If you thought you loved Hardwick before, as he pushed along and did his thing in Casanegra and In The Night of The Heat, Cape Town will infinitely seal you to him as his layers peel back and boundaries are removed to reveal the core of who he is. A very loving person.
The 3rd tale of this series often filled me with emotion considering there is an innocent victim at the heart of the story that only Mister Ten can save, but it means riding a mighty chaotic wave (April) in the process, so hold on fellow readers. Ten’s really got to dig in and transform to make this happen, but hope floats.
With that said, the dynamic writing of Due and Barnes presents a harrowing adventure that vividly places you alongside Tennyson as he loves, loses, fights and triumphs that simply can’t be missed.
Plus we get to vicariously visit some really beautiful and exciting places through the strokes of the authors’ pens that we may never set foot on in real life.
Enjoy!
p.s. Come hang out with Tennyson Hardwick on Facebook
Hardwick, Tennyson Hardwick. Who far outweighs James Bond, baby! Within this novel you will continue to witness the evolution of a solid MAN. A problem solver who acts, as Marsha states. Oh, who is Marsha, you ask? Pick up Cape Town and find out. She’s a real piece of work!
If you thought you loved Hardwick before, as he pushed along and did his thing in Casanegra and In The Night of The Heat, Cape Town will infinitely seal you to him as his layers peel back and boundaries are removed to reveal the core of who he is. A very loving person.
The 3rd tale of this series often filled me with emotion considering there is an innocent victim at the heart of the story that only Mister Ten can save, but it means riding a mighty chaotic wave (April) in the process, so hold on fellow readers. Ten’s really got to dig in and transform to make this happen, but hope floats.
With that said, the dynamic writing of Due and Barnes presents a harrowing adventure that vividly places you alongside Tennyson as he loves, loses, fights and triumphs that simply can’t be missed.
Plus we get to vicariously visit some really beautiful and exciting places through the strokes of the authors’ pens that we may never set foot on in real life.
Enjoy!
p.s. Come hang out with Tennyson Hardwick on Facebook
January 8, 2013
(FROM JACKET)Actor-turned-detective Tennyson Hardwick has solved two high-profile deaths in Hollywood, but nothing has prepared him for a race to save a child's life.
Tennyson's past in the sex game cost him his new girlfriend, and he brings her to Cape Town, South Africa-a scenic film destination and playground for the rich-to try to win her back. There Tennyson is hired as a bodyguard by superstar Sofia Maitlin when she visits an orphanage to adopt an African child.
Months later, Maitlin offers Tennyson one of Hollywood's hottest tickets-a job as a bodyguard at adopted daughter Nandi's A-list celebrity birthday party.
But the party is over before it begins. When Nandi's birthday goes dreadfully wrong, it's up to a guilt-ridden Tennyson to save a child's life and reunite a Hollywood family.
But how? He can't go to the police, the FBI has threatened to arrest him, and Big Brother is monitoring his telephone calls.
To find Nandi, Tennyson will have to rely on tips from his father-a retired LAPD captain-and a mysterious woman from his past, Marsha, who has already proven she can't be trusted. His strongest lead is a deadly knife fighter known only as Spider.
When his research for the missing child crosses Marsha's covert investigation into a criminal gang ties to South Africa, Tennyson knows that finding Nandi might cost him his freedom-or his life.
Tennyson's past in the sex game cost him his new girlfriend, and he brings her to Cape Town, South Africa-a scenic film destination and playground for the rich-to try to win her back. There Tennyson is hired as a bodyguard by superstar Sofia Maitlin when she visits an orphanage to adopt an African child.
Months later, Maitlin offers Tennyson one of Hollywood's hottest tickets-a job as a bodyguard at adopted daughter Nandi's A-list celebrity birthday party.
But the party is over before it begins. When Nandi's birthday goes dreadfully wrong, it's up to a guilt-ridden Tennyson to save a child's life and reunite a Hollywood family.
But how? He can't go to the police, the FBI has threatened to arrest him, and Big Brother is monitoring his telephone calls.
To find Nandi, Tennyson will have to rely on tips from his father-a retired LAPD captain-and a mysterious woman from his past, Marsha, who has already proven she can't be trusted. His strongest lead is a deadly knife fighter known only as Spider.
When his research for the missing child crosses Marsha's covert investigation into a criminal gang ties to South Africa, Tennyson knows that finding Nandi might cost him his freedom-or his life.
May 5, 2010
This is the third book by this powerhouse trio in the Tennyson Hardwick mystery series. Tennyson is an actor who doesn't wait tables between jobs. The former male escort and police academy dropout instead fills his time with martial arts training and bodyguard jobs. Of course that sort of resume will lead you on the path to solve a mystery or two.
After the explosive events of the last book, In the Night of the Heat, Tennyson takes some much needed downtime in South Africa and hopes to reconnect with someone close to him. While there, he is offered a job as a bodyguard to an American actress who is in the country to adopt a child. Later, when everyone returns to the States, she asks Tennyson to work a birthday party for the newly adopted little girl. When the child is kidnapped from the party, feeling guilty, Tennyson makes it his personal mission to get her back.
This is the best in the series by far! Author Steven Barnes is a martial arts master and his expertise is on full display here. It was refreshing to learn about fighting practices from all over the continent of Africa. The inclusion of the thriving African community of Los Angeles - it's nightlife, markets, and restaurants - was also a breath of fresh air. A perfect, steamy, summer thriller!
After the explosive events of the last book, In the Night of the Heat, Tennyson takes some much needed downtime in South Africa and hopes to reconnect with someone close to him. While there, he is offered a job as a bodyguard to an American actress who is in the country to adopt a child. Later, when everyone returns to the States, she asks Tennyson to work a birthday party for the newly adopted little girl. When the child is kidnapped from the party, feeling guilty, Tennyson makes it his personal mission to get her back.
This is the best in the series by far! Author Steven Barnes is a martial arts master and his expertise is on full display here. It was refreshing to learn about fighting practices from all over the continent of Africa. The inclusion of the thriving African community of Los Angeles - it's nightlife, markets, and restaurants - was also a breath of fresh air. A perfect, steamy, summer thriller!
November 5, 2013
I must say that I loved, loved and loved From Cape Town with Love! It was entertaining from start to finish, although I must admit to starting with the third book, not with the first two. I’ve become a huge fan of these three authors and I'm looking forward to reading more from them. The story line was mysterious with just the right twist (suspense) at the end. Yes that was quite a surprise, wasn’t expecting that!
I’m just one member from our book club but from our discussion on the book, it was well received. Another nice surprise was the videos in the electronic version. We, with the exception of one, envisioned Blair Underwood as “our” leading man. Also noted from our discussion was the wonderful description of Cape Town, the culture and the hot love scenes.
We would definitely recommend this book, or rather the electronic version (with mini videos), for reading or adding to your collection.
We look forward to reading more books from Underwood, Due and Barnes. Tennyson captured our hearts as a man on a mission while maintaining a certain level of mystery. Tennyson takes us, the readers, on a roller coaster ride of emotions in his quest to save Nandi. The question remains, what lengths will a man go to for a woman's worth?
~ Traci
I’m just one member from our book club but from our discussion on the book, it was well received. Another nice surprise was the videos in the electronic version. We, with the exception of one, envisioned Blair Underwood as “our” leading man. Also noted from our discussion was the wonderful description of Cape Town, the culture and the hot love scenes.
We would definitely recommend this book, or rather the electronic version (with mini videos), for reading or adding to your collection.
We look forward to reading more books from Underwood, Due and Barnes. Tennyson captured our hearts as a man on a mission while maintaining a certain level of mystery. Tennyson takes us, the readers, on a roller coaster ride of emotions in his quest to save Nandi. The question remains, what lengths will a man go to for a woman's worth?
~ Traci
May 18, 2010
Suspenseful, exhilarating and sexy. From Cape Town with Love will leave you on the edge of your seat as once again Tennyson Hardwick has found himself in another mess. This page turner will have you holding your breathe as the intoxicating actor/bodyguard Ten deals with love, family, work and his own mortality.
If ever there was a book made for the big screen, this is it. The trio of authors do an excellent job helping us to visualize the beauty of South Africa, experience the roller coaster of emotions from the characters all while reminding us that everyone is vulnerable. Although reading Casanegra and In the Night of the Heat is not required, I strongly encourage doing so in order to fully appreciate the authors development of the characters.
It has been a pleasure taking these adventures with Tennyson Hardwick and I look forward to more.
If ever there was a book made for the big screen, this is it. The trio of authors do an excellent job helping us to visualize the beauty of South Africa, experience the roller coaster of emotions from the characters all while reminding us that everyone is vulnerable. Although reading Casanegra and In the Night of the Heat is not required, I strongly encourage doing so in order to fully appreciate the authors development of the characters.
It has been a pleasure taking these adventures with Tennyson Hardwick and I look forward to more.
December 30, 2010
I have read all three of the Tennyson Hardwick books written by Blair Underwood, Steven Barnes, and Tananarive Due, and I have enjoyed all three. I have to include my usual caveat, however - these books contain very steamy sex scenes. Sex between consenting adults, absolutely, but if you prefer books without sex, this is not for you. That being said, this was a great read - an intriguing plot, with lots of excitement, suspense, and interesting twists. I couldn't put it down. I was a little unhappy by where Tennyson stood at the end of the book, but I'm ready to read the next one when it comes out to see what happens to him next!
January 19, 2011
This story was sizzling! I plan to go back and read the other books in the series, to get further background into the main character of the story, Tennyson Hardwick.
So who is Tennyson Hardwick? He is a man with many layers that continue to reveal themselves. The son of a cop, he works part time as a high level bodyguard. But he is also an up and coming actor trying to make it in Hollywood. Through his travels to South Africa he meets a beautiful and intriguing actress who he is guarding while she is in Cape Town to adopt a child. The story takes you on a ride from there. There is adventure, suspense, sex, comedy, more sex, mystery and violence. I give it four stars....
I like the writing style of the book and also thought it was creative of the authors to provide a MP3 soundtrack. You really do see the story unfolding, it is written like a movie...with a very sexy leading man!
So who is Tennyson Hardwick? He is a man with many layers that continue to reveal themselves. The son of a cop, he works part time as a high level bodyguard. But he is also an up and coming actor trying to make it in Hollywood. Through his travels to South Africa he meets a beautiful and intriguing actress who he is guarding while she is in Cape Town to adopt a child. The story takes you on a ride from there. There is adventure, suspense, sex, comedy, more sex, mystery and violence. I give it four stars....
I like the writing style of the book and also thought it was creative of the authors to provide a MP3 soundtrack. You really do see the story unfolding, it is written like a movie...with a very sexy leading man!
September 19, 2012
I'm hooked. This is the 3rd book in the Tennyson Hardwick series and I'm hooked. I think that the character is great ... it is nice to see a Black male character that is a hero. He is flawed but he strives to do the right things. He strives to be better than his past. He strives to make connections with others in his life, including his father and his 'adopted' daughter.
Oh yeah ... and he is a helluva part-time detective!
This story takes our hero to South Africa and back to southern California as he tries to save a young 2-year old kidnapped child. Many twists and turns and some new characters show up in this book.
Anyhow, I enjoy the book and highly recommend the series. I look forward to reading the 4th book in the series which was released earlier this year (2012).
Oh yeah ... and he is a helluva part-time detective!
This story takes our hero to South Africa and back to southern California as he tries to save a young 2-year old kidnapped child. Many twists and turns and some new characters show up in this book.
Anyhow, I enjoy the book and highly recommend the series. I look forward to reading the 4th book in the series which was released earlier this year (2012).
October 21, 2012
LOVED it. I'm so glad to see that the Tennyson series hasn't run out of steam. Note: don't read this book while you're pregnant...and raising toddlers. LOL! I was in tears through all the Nandi sections. :-( I think the truth of her paternity was brilliant...or maybe I'm just naive. It takes me a while to get things in movies. But while one could expect this to have a predictable ending, I really don't know WHAT to expect from this team of authors and I was truly rooting for the home team the whole time. I love how Ten's character and family have developed and I can't wait to read the fourth book! WHO THE HECK IS MARSHA?!?!? Ten is far too comfortable with not having any answers about her identity!!!
September 5, 2010
This was a fantastic installment in the Tennyson Hardwick series. As always, it was a story that had the elements of wonderful fiction--drama, a powerful and distinct narrator's voice, romance, murder, suspense, a large variety of characters that couldn't be cliched if they tried and several well-thought-out plot twists that were believable, while still blowing my mind. I was attempting to read a second book while I read this one (out of renewals at the library and trying to avoid those darn fines) but I couldn't do it. This book held my attention and kept it. It was a fantastic read.
I wish they'd turn this series into a movie or television show already!
I wish they'd turn this series into a movie or television show already!
August 12, 2011
I haven’t committed to reading a series of books since The Babysitter’s Club, but I love these Tennyson Hardwick sagas. Every time the last ten pages include a twist that I NEVER saw coming. I’m even more curious about global martial arts techniques after this last one. I love the international flavor and even though it’s a bit overdone, I kinda like these plots pulled from the headlines with a novel perspective. Pun intended. I also dig how Ten’s history informs all of the stories. He’s a real, complicated character that doesn’t get through his trials unscathed. I respect him and I always root for him. Props to the author trio. I hope to see another one soon.
October 10, 2013
This is my favorite book within the series of Tennyson Hardwick books.
This time around there is a lyrical imagery that comes from he backdrop of South Africa. Tennyson lands into a modern day South Africa, not as a tourist or as a wandering African American looking for identity clues but as a passionate person with a conscious that is enveloped by a sordid world of truth and consequences.
I love the intrigue. We also get a little more insight into how and why Tennyson was drawn to Chela's.
What does it truly mean to face the consequences of your past, the decisions you regret and are you brave enough to pay the price of the cost to your public world?
This time around there is a lyrical imagery that comes from he backdrop of South Africa. Tennyson lands into a modern day South Africa, not as a tourist or as a wandering African American looking for identity clues but as a passionate person with a conscious that is enveloped by a sordid world of truth and consequences.
I love the intrigue. We also get a little more insight into how and why Tennyson was drawn to Chela's.
What does it truly mean to face the consequences of your past, the decisions you regret and are you brave enough to pay the price of the cost to your public world?
November 30, 2010
I didn't realize there were two other Tennyson Hardiwck books, otherwise I probably would have read those first, but I saw Blair on the cover and couldn't walk away. Picturing him as Tennyson made this book even better.
Anyway, it was a good story with good suspense. I found the character connections and the ending to be very clever. I didn't like the writing all of the time and some of Ten's lines and thoughts were very corny to me and made me roll my eyes, but I definitely would read another book in the series.
Anyway, it was a good story with good suspense. I found the character connections and the ending to be very clever. I didn't like the writing all of the time and some of Ten's lines and thoughts were very corny to me and made me roll my eyes, but I definitely would read another book in the series.
December 6, 2011
The story had a slow start, introducing readers to all the characters. Once Tennyson was forced out of the kidnapping case by the FBI, the story starts to pick up. With the Tennyson series it's not so much about the mystery it's about his life. The growing relationship between Tennyson, Chelsa and his dad made a good backstory. I still don't know how I feel about Marsha, she's one of those either-you-hate-her-or-you-don't characters. I loved the ending, I felt it was a good resolution for Tennyson, a sort of self-discovery about himself.
August 20, 2011
Having enjoyed the previous two books in this series I was really enthusiastic about this one, but ultimately a bit disappointed. The authors still produce engaging and interesting work but somewhere along the line there appeared to be a conscious decision to include more and more graphic and explicit sex scenes. After a while it just seemed gratuitous to me and sort of a bad reflection on a character whose growth you'd witnessed but now seemed to be taking a giant step backward. Too bad because prior to this I was very much a fan.
July 16, 2010
Honestly, I did not have very high expectations for this book because I wasn't sure if it was just some kind of vanity project, but it's actually pretty good. Due and Barnes are very accomplished writers, so I should have known it would be a good read. Looking forward to reading the first two books now. My full review of this book is here.
October 10, 2010
Excellent read. And in my opinion it is the best of the series so far. The charming protagonist Ten Hardwick reveals new and interesting facets of his character in this harrowing adventure to find a kidnapped child and himself in the process. The evolving relationships with previous characters and new actors in this drama add a new level of complexity that brings forth a startling end to this mystery. I can’t wait to read the next installment.
August 10, 2012
I was not quite sure what I was expecting from reading this book. I am a fan of Blair Underwood and was intrigued to see what kind of book he has written. I was not disappointed at all. I loved this book. I love Tennyson Hardwick. I fell in love with him in this book. He is a flirt though. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book on my kindle and I when I got to around 40% I was finding it difficult to put it down :). I am so looking forward to reading the other books.
August 31, 2014
I'd started reading this series seven years ago and then fell away, at the time there were only two book. Surprised there are now 4 and this was book 3. Exciting, a bit funny with a ton of sly wit and insider Hollywood backstories from a fictional point of view and major action and mystery to a slam bang finish. And I always say anytime I am surprised by the characters secrets and did not see the ending coming. I tip my hat.
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