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BOOKENDS BOOK REVIEW
by Fran Cain
Queen of the Rhino
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by Jill Hedgecock
“Queen of the Rhino” by Jill Hedgecock (2022, Goshawk Press, paperback, 334 pages, $12.50) is the second book in the series about Claire, tagged Queen of the Rhino after risking her life in Africa to save two endangered black rhinos in “Rhino in the Room”.
Hedgecock takes the reader on an African “Ferrari-safari”, a bumpy, fast-paced ride, that is a combination of teen drama, education about Africa, a mystery filled with twists, young romance, and most importantly, wildlife preservation.
Claire, 17, has been invited to travel to Kenya a year after her initial visit to Africa. Seemingly out of the blue, Mr. Sudan, a wealthy and mysterious donor has taken an interest in Claire and her Rhino in the Room Foundation, which she started after nearly being killed by rhino poachers in South Africa.
Claire passionately wishes to save rhinos from extinction and Mr. Sudan has generously offered to pay all her expenses. He also promised to arrange for Claire and her partners, Junior and Dugger, to see the last two northern white rhinos on earth in exchange for some marketing photos of Claire with the rhinos.
Claire is determined to take advantage of this opportunity. However, her struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) caused by the violent confron-
tation on her first trip to Africa threaten to derail not only the meeting with Mr. Sudan, but the reunion with her handsome hero, safari guide and foundation partner, Junior. For the past year, their budding romance has been reduced to frustrating Zoom meetings across continents.
Once they arrive in Kenya, scheduling snafus abound which prevent Mr. Sudan from meeting Claire in person. These delays allow for consolation side trips operated by strange, unqualified men which distract Claire from her increasing unease about this invisible, maybe too-good-to-betrue benefactor.
Hedgecock seamlessly uses these treks to inform the reader about a myriad of birds, elephants, giraffes, lions, mountain gorillas, rhinos, etc., and the horrendous damage done by poachers. Perhaps the most impressive trip is a visit to Rwanda where we learn the wrenching history of the 1994 genocide of 800,000 people as well as the groundbreaking work of reconciliation. These interwoven portraits of Africa are the stunning backdrop for a plot that unfolds little by little.
Claire is again at the center of a conflict that will test her bravery, her family’s bonds, her dedication to rhinos, and Junior’s love for her. This is exciting storytelling, leaving the reader hopeful for the rhinos and hungry for the next adventure.
Jill Hedgecock received her master’s degree in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco and is an award-winning and internationally-published author. The first novel in the series, ‘Rhino in the Room,’ received a New Apple Solo Medalist Award. She is also the author of two Doberman-inspired suspense novels, ‘Between Shadow’s Eyes’ and ‘From Shadow’s Perspective.’ Follow her at www.jillhedgecock.com
>>>Buy the novel HERE<<<
A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret!
Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in governmentsanctioned orphanages.
But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.
An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected places and realizing that family is yours.
