cover image Eclipse

Eclipse

Richard Cox. St. Martin's Press, $23.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-312-13966-7

Neither leopards nor rhinos nor elephants prove to be Africa's most dangerous mammals in this sturdy environmental thriller from Cox (The Columbus Option). An impending solar eclipse is causing excitement in Kenya, but conservationists and some government officials are more concerned about the vicious band of Somali poachers cutting a swath through the countryside. These predators are heading toward the game-rich lands of the Cawston family, who have hired American diplomat Sally Facetti to come up with a plan for their property that will balance environmental and financial needs. Meanwhile, a young Peace Corps volunteer has gone missing; his socially prominent and politically connected mother has flown to Africa to find him, joining the group of astronomers that has arrived to view the eclipse. As the moon begins to cover the sun, characters and plot lines come together at the Cawston ranch, leading to a tense climax with a twist. Crisp characters, a solid plot and spot-on insights into the nature of political and familial maneuvering add up to a satisfying, informative yarn. (Mar.)