STALKING IVORY
A Jade del Cameron Mystery
Suzanne Arruda
Obsidian
ISBN 9780451221681
December 2007
Mystery

In post-World War I Africa, American adventuress Jade del Cameron is on assignment to photograph animals living around Mount Marsabit, especially the elephants. Although these noble giants may be hunted (by permit) they are also unfortunately targeted by poachers for their prized ivory. Jade becomes personally involved in the wake of a brutal slaying of a calf and cow plus the murder of a soldier whose task it is to stop poaching activities. With the aid of her guide Chiumbo, and her friends the Dunburys, Jade endeavors to take down the poachers and to stop the slave traders who have victimized the region, including abducting her young ward, Jelani. Jade's nemesis, Harry Hascombe, is leading a group of Germans through the area. Will lingering resentment from the war color judgment, or do the irritating tourists have something to hide?

STALKING IVORY is fabulous! Though part of an ongoing series, this captivating Adventure/Mystery stands alone well but will likely inspire addiction among readers. Jade del Cameron is a first-class heroine, fearless, intelligent and attractive, with shades of Indiana Jones and Lara Croft. Ms. Arruda's narrative is superb: fast paced, elegant, with liberal amounts of danger and intrigue, plus a little romance. Hooked from the first page until the very last word, I cannot wait to read more of Jade's adventures. The series continues with THE SERPENT'S DAUGHTER but I will immediately seek out the first novel, MARK OF THE LION so that I may learn how it all began. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Melissa Fowler
Rating 4 1/2