Book picks similar to
The Caine Prize For African Writing 2019 by Caine Prize
fiction
africa
africa-n-diaspora
short-story
Maid in Dubai: Dusting sand. Changing a life.
Zana Bonafe - 2019
They also experience the property bubble, traffic jams, and the unbearable summer heat.Thousands of maids serve these expats, cleaning their villas and apartments seven days a week, battling tirelessly to keep the sand and dust away. MAID IN DUBAI is the harrowing journey of one such maid.Meet Aubrey, a Filipino girl who works for a cleaning agency in Dubai. Aubrey sees a city that is quite different from the one presented in travel brochures. She experiences the hardships of life in a city with many secrets. From her encounters with maids who lie, steal, prostitute themselves, and swindle their bosses to the shocking stories of corrupt employers, illegal schemes, and seemingly unending greed, Aubrey reels from one scandal to another as she tries to work hard and build a better life for herself in the infamous “City of Gold”.From ironing competitions to banned sex toys, MAID IN DUBAI perfectly captures the oddities of everyday life in one of the richest cities in the world, and is a captivating, often heartbreaking tale of one maid’s struggle for empowerment in a thankless industry. MAID IN DUBAI delivers the perfect mix between Jean Sasson’s Princess setting in the Middle East and Elisabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray and Love journey of self-discovery, on a diary format, from a unique and very realistic point of view. A novel that will challenge all your perceptions about Dubai!
Out of the Desert
Tom Walker - 2021
Joining the proud and distinguished XXI Squadron, Peter will risk everything to win the plaudits and reputation he desires.But his navigator, Charlie Kendrick, doesn’t see it the same way, and treats his new crew as a marriage of convenience.That is until a series of unforeseen disasters befall the squadron – after their home base is attacked and its aircraft ambushed - suspicions are raised of a double-agent operating in their midst.Braving Italian and German fighters, deadly flak, and a conspiracy of silence, Peter and Charlie enlist the help of Margot Dacre, a gifted intelligence officer with secrets of her own, in a race to prevent further setbacks before it’s too late.The blistering crescendo comes in an intense air battle to prevent the invasion of Greece. XXI Squadron is committed to the fight in a last, desperate struggle to hold onto the Balkans. Peter and Charlie will have to sacrifice everything, to save their friends – and to save Greece.
Breaking Barry
James Banks - 2016
He’s broke, balding, overweight and living a life that he didn’t plan…in Stroud. His wife hates him, his kids have turned into jabbering, texting, strangers and at forty-five, he’s probably never going to be the pop-star he knows he was born to be. It’s time to turn things around. With his best friend Terry, Barry embarks on a desperate journey to get noticed. With the help of an old Jamaican Reggae star, some Rohipnol and some pretty forceful persuasion tactics, Barry tries in earnest to break into the big-time. From Debut author James Banks comes a hilarious and touching tale of middle age and second chances.
Out of Exile: Hard Boiled: 2
Jack Quaid - 2019
After three years rotting in a cell, Angus Sullivan is busted out of prison and thrown into the middle of a police war, where the very man who locked him up needs his help. What starts out as a simple rescue mission escalates into an adrenaline-fuelled, action packed thrill-ride as Angus plunges into a web of conspiracy that threatens to destroy his soul, but may provide the truth about his past. This insane thriller is perfect for fans of heroes who shoot first and ask questions later. Start reading to experience Angus Sullivan’s next pulse pounding rampage now!
The Saul Marshall Thrillers: Books 1-3:
Richard Davis - 2018
All the MENACE of Gone Girl. All the MUSCLE of Jack Reacher. ‘I’m hooked.’ – Oscar de Muriel, author of the Frey & McGray series ‘Hollywood, take note, Saul Marshall is destined for the big screen!’ – Michelle Ryles at The Book Magnet ‘The most chilling book that I've read in many, many years.’ – Henrik Bosman Join Saul Marshall as he locks horns with a chilling host of enemies. A serial-killing cult that silently stalks and torments its victims. A terrorist cell that has infiltrated the Dark Net – the sordid underbelly of the Internet – and knows your darkest online secrets. And a schizophrenic video-game addict who obsessively hunts his prey amid the savage riots he engineers. If you’re a fan of Mark Dawson, Lee Child, and J. B. Turner, you’ll love this gripping new series that takes the shocks and surprises to a whole new level. Over 185 five star reviews across Amazon. * Book 1: False Prophet What would you do if your son was taken by a cult? America’s East Coast has been set alight by three of the most bizarre murders in law enforcement history: in each instance, the victims have been forced to kill themselves. For ex con-artist turned FBI agent, Saul Marshall, it seems like just another day in the office. But when Saul discovers that the victims all have something in common – a close relative who’s been missing for years – he immediately feels a personal connection: his own son is missing, presumed dead. And when out the blue he receives a note from his son, communicating he’s been kidnapped, Saul realizes this couldn’t be more personal. As Saul learns more about his son’s captors – a serial killing cult, run by the psychopathic Ivan Drexler – he's forced off grid to fight back. But not only is Drexler giving his son just a week to live, he’s also got even more shocking attacks in the pipeline. Book 2: Never Forget What if terrorists knew your darkest online secrets? California is witnessing a wave of strange murders: pairs of bodies are turning up under small town landmarks, killed by a single sniper bullet. But ask Saul Marshall – an ex-FBI agent on the run – and he’ll tell you it ain’t his problem. But when Saul rescues a young academic from a kidnapping in Los Angeles, and realizes she was in fact next on this mysterious hit-list, he's thrown into the deep-end. And when Saul learns this woman is an anti-China dissident with a secret online presence, it becomes clear they’re not just facing some workaday serial-killer. As Saul finds himself in the sights of a rogue team of Chinese nationalists ruthlessly targeting enemies abroad, he's forced to respond. But his enemy have a powerful weapon. They’ve found a vulnerability in the Dark Net. Book 3: Riot Could a video game convince you to take someone’s life? Saul Marshall arrives in Atlanta in the wake of a shocking incident: a cop with a pristine record has inexplicably massacred peaceful protesters occupyin
Easy Chair the rest of Age
Nishtha Shrivastava - 2021
Shreya and Dev, a young couple will tell you what their life was full of. A Navy officer’s struggle on being on sailings and managing his love life and an old grandfather’s silent lifestyle that was the best companion to Shreya for long. Their story will touch our existence, make us think hard on our living and even hit us hard to hear the end.The intoxicating delusion of young age, its fire, its ambition can distract even the simplest of girls from a small town, who are brought up with family values and principles as their core like it happened for Shreya. Even the strongest officer like Mr. Sahai can feel helpless when he sees his life falling apart and loved ones getting detached from their roots. The battle between love and peace is not verified by achieving the end goal of togetherness but can also be lived by gracefully handling the pain and uncertainties of separation when life doesn’t go as per your plan, as it happened with Dev. The end cannot assure you to have the life of dreams in a lavish house, with your love along your side but a few wrong steps and the guilt of your mistakes can bring about loneliness and there memories left to please you for the rest of age.This is the story of guilt, remorse, ignorance, love, friendship, promises, ambition, passion and reliving. This is the story of Dev- Shreya and the Sahai’s.
Will Thomas: Mountain Man
Fred Staff - 2020
With all his wiles, skills and guts, he must evade danger and survive when the odds are stacked against him. This roaring frontier adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat—as each page brings trouble for Will. Can he make it to the end of his journey without meeting his maker, or will he lie dead and forgotten as time keeps marching on?Grab your copy today to experience frontier adventure from one of the finest authors of the genre!
Code of War
J.W. Clay - 2021
She's a skilled hacker, and her focus is Cyber Kinetic Eliminations--remote assassinations conducted with sophisticated computer systems.With a growing success rate, she's given the ultimate target: a Chinese General who's sole responsibility is the reformation of the People's Republican Army.Can Jen Yates are her team assassinate one of China's most influential men? Can they derail the Chinese Communist Party's reform regimen? Even the thought could have disastrous consequences ...
The Last Two Aces in Las Vegas
Donna Foley Mabry - 2006
His father died when he was eleven, leaving Alberto, his mother, and his baby sister Sophia, on their own. As man of the house, Alberto vowed that he would do whatever it took to care for his family, even if it included murder.Decades later, he finds that he is running out of time and he still has three people on his list, two of them to care for, one of them to kill.Beautiful, talented, and bold, casino Entertainment Director Alexandra Merritt grew up in a middle class home where there were sharp distinctions between right and wrong. When she discovers that someone she loves may be a murderer, she finds that real life comes in all shades of gray. Should she tell her suspicions to handsome homicide cop Sam Howard or should she be loyal to someone who may be planning another murder--maybe her own?
The Widow Makers:Strife
Jean Mead - 2012
The eldest Standish boy, Tommy, was something of a changeling: he desired a different life and ruthlessly went in pursuit of his dream of the grandeur and riches of the landowners' class.His ambitions realised, Tommy, is intent on higher profits even though it risks the lives of the quarrymen. Joe, his father, fights for a union to secure fairer conditions for the men. The quarrymen are close to becoming victims as the war between father and son escalates.
Black Diamond
Havana Adams - 2014
The PRETTY one. And the OTHER one…
Abandoned at birth, identical twin baby girls lie side by side in an orphanage cot.
Until the arrival of Hollywood film star Scarlet Wilde, desperate to adopt a baby. Chubby beautiful Lola is the chosen one. Sickly, weak Grace is left all alone
One pastor’s daughter
Rescued from the orphanage by a violent pastor, the sense of abandonment haunts Grace still. She knows there’s not one person in the world she can ever rely on.
One Hollywood wild-child
From her tangled and publically played out love life, to her first arrest, Lola Wilde has lived in the spotlight as long as she can remember. And the paparazzi know, and care, more about her than her washed-up starlet of a mother…
Two strangers, both unwanted and unloved.
Two worlds is about to collide. Two sisters about to discover dark secrets and unlock their destiny
Jhumki: A Poignant Story Of Unconditional Love Beyond Blood Ties
Farah Naqvi - 2020
Unwilling to give up, you pursued life relentlessly. This time you planned for love and happiness meticulously keeping it in the most secure cabinet of your body while you waited to welcome it with bated breath. Lo! the cabinet lock is broken, and you are left alone again.Do you have the right to give up now, lose hope and become a mental health case or will life give love and happiness another unprecedented chance? Read the story of Nimisha, Nitin, Pari and Jhumki embroiled with unconditional love, inevitable misfortunes, unexpected blessing and the unfolding of a divine decree or preordained fate.
Ocean of Regret
Mary E. Hanks - 2018
And complicated. Paisley Grant arrives in her hometown of Basalt Bay, Oregon, with three goals in mind—face her past, make amends, and learn how to breathe again. Three years ago, she left her husband a Dear John letter, then secretly drove to Chicago where she’s been living ever since. That wasn’t fair to Judah—or to her dad, whom she hasn’t spoken with in all this time. Facing them will be hard, but even more difficult will be seeing certain townspeople whose hurtful remarks made her run in the first place. Like her father-in-law, Mayor Grant. It will take every ounce of courage she possesses to look that man in the eye again. As determined as Paisley is to make amends, her plans don’t include getting back together with Judah. It’s time to move on—alone and independent. But when hurricane winds and destructive waves hit the coastal town, and she must face her greatest fear, will she cling to her plans and live with regret, or let them go to find love again?
Jenny is Free
Sylvia Ann McLain - 2019
He puts her on a steamboat in Natchez-Under-the-Hill, telling her to go to free soil in Ohio. But it's a journey she will not complete. By chance, she meets an acquaintance, Walker Jackson, and together they make decisions that will alter the course of their lives in ways they can't foresee. Carefree, the Natchez mansion that Cornelius inherits, becomes the focal point of a world beset by changes. Jenny's decisions eventually take her to New Orleans, where she finds friendships and motherhood in the midst of loss before she returns to Carefree. Cornelius is a man of high principles, but he is also a man of great ambitions. Ultimately, deceit and the resurgence of an old crime threaten to destroy the world of Carefree.
The Scottish Doctor's Daughter
Jo Bartlett - 2018
DI Hannah Blair has returned to Scotland to head up a small team of detectives investigating the whole range of crimes that occur in the wild Highlands. When her team is asked to investigate a suspicious death in the rural town of Balloch Pass, Blair isn’t just looking for a potential killer, she’s also chasing the ghosts of her past. Dr Noah Bradshaw has only been in town for a year. But as one of three GPs in the small medical practice, he’s already well-liked in the community… until the finger of suspicion points at him, and some of his patients start to believe he really could be capable of murder. With a local priest also under suspicion, Blair is preoccupied by her strained relationship with her father and her unwanted attraction to one of the suspects, until the investigation seems to be slipping through her fingers. But when Noah reveals the secret that brought him to Balloch Pass, everything changes… Blair faces a race against time to stop the killer striking again, and grab her own chance of happiness with both hands.