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Tears of the Cheetah (T M Clark, Mira)

Readers feeling the effects of the recent glut of Australian rural fiction will find a pleasing page-turner in Zimbabwe-born author T M Clark’s latest book. Set in South Africa, Tears of the Cheetah centres on a plot to steal animals from a game reserve. Clarke pulls together several storylines—including a perspective from the poachers—that culminate in the requisite reckoning between the heroes and the villains. There are romantic subplots—the strongest involves Cole, who runs the game reserve, and aloof American artist Mackenzie, who inadvertently becomes a target for the poachers—but Clark’s writing is strongest in its portrayal of South African culture and the work of those tasked with looking after its dwindling cheetah population. Tears of the Cheetah doesn’t sit comfortably within the more well-defined genres of popular fiction, and this is part of its strength. This book should appeal as much to readers of Nora Roberts as Bryce Courtenay, particularly those with a fascination for big cats. Clark offers no huge surprises with her latest novel, but readers looking for a satisfying plot-driven story set in unfamiliar—and at times uncomfortable—surroundings should find Tears of the Cheetah worth a look.

Kat Mayo hosts the Heart to Heart podcast for Destiny Romance and blogs at bookthingo.com.au

 

Category: Reviews