The Lioness is an enthralling tale of glamor, danger, and survival. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Serengeti in 1964, the novel follows Hollywood elite Katie Barstow and her new husband, David Hill, as they embark on a honeymoon safari with their closest friends. What starts as an idyllic adventure quickly spirals into a horrifying ordeal when Russian mercenaries hijack their camp.

Author Chris Bohjalian masterfully intertwines the allure of 1960s Hollywood with the raw beauty of Africa, crafting a narrative rich in historical detail and description. The African scenes are so vividly portrayed you can almost feel the oppressive heat and see the majestic wildlife. However, the true heart of the story lies in its exploration of human nature under duress, depicted through the eyes of a diverse cast of characters.

While the novel excels in action and descriptive prowess, its structure may not appeal to all. The multiple narrators and frequent shifts between past and present sometimes slow the pacing and lessen the suspense. The detailed backstories set in Los Angeles, although essential, drag.

Readers should also be prepared for intense scenes of violence and carnage that are as gripping as they are gruesome. This book might keep you on the edge of your seat, but it's not for the faint of heart.

Despite these hitches, The Lioness offers a potent blend of history, suspense, and drama, making it a satisfying read and a potential hit as a movie or miniseries. A 4-star rating for its ambitious scope and vivid storytelling.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a comp of this book. The opinions are my own.

I loved the old Hollywood atmosphere of this book. The adventure on the African safari was well done and I enjoyed the slow reveal of each character's back story and how they were all intertwined. Bohjalian writes with such clarity and depth, I felt like I was there.

Somehow I completely forgot to leave a review for this book! THE LIONESS was a page-turner from the very beginning, a mix of old Hollywood and survival story. I absolutely loved it!

This one is very suspenseful and cinematic. I enjoyed it a lot. Thanks for the review copy. I fell like this author is very diverse.

The best thing about a Chris Bohjalian's book is that you never quite know what you will get. Each one is unique – setting, characters, era, plot. The Lioness takes us to Tanzania and an African safari. From African politics and history to Hollywood drama, from relationships to breakups to betrayals, this book weaves together a story in a way I have come to expect from Chris Bohjalian. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2023/10/the-lioness.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.

Chris Bohjalian is a master storyteller and The Lioness is the proof of his ability to craft an engrossing narrative.
The novel takes place in the time of Old Hollywood and African safaris, in a landscape both magical and hostile. The main characters are not charming enough to completely root for them, but they are sympathetic enough for us to feel some sort of kinship or affinity. When the ending comes, it is completely unexpected and shocking, but if you are a fan of the author, you will probably expect nothing less than that.

This book was really a miss for me. Too many characters that I didn’t really feel like I knew at all, too many flashbacks and flying back to present tense which was very gruesome and not all that interesting. An interesting setting and historically was rather interesting as well which is why I gave it 2 stars.

I found this novel to be an engaging page turner from start to finish. The characters and the setting were both well developed, and the plot was fast paced. I'm not sure that I took away any great meaning from the novel, but it was an exciting read and much needed respite from reality.

Chris Bohjalian's The Lioness is an exquisite masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together historical events, complex characters, and a riveting narrative. From the very first page, readers are plunged into a world of intrigue, danger, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.

The author has spread his storyline broadly from the expanses of the Hollywood movie sets to the plains of Africa in the 1960's. An intense, wild ride that’s not for the faint at heart.

The story wildly blows up the action right from the beginning, but with the author's storytelling, we are also given backstories of each character. These various timelines evolve and develop until we are all aligned with everyone and everything that happens.
The novel's pacing is expertly executed, with Bohjalian masterfully building tension and suspense. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers eagerly turning the pages, unable to tear themselves away from the gripping narrative.

Definitely recommend this book to all.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An African safari vacation with movie stars in the 1960's this griping story is one that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. Lies, deception ,secrets, and perhaps one day hollywood will write about this and revisit on the screen.

Wild animals in their natural habitat, reserves far away from civilization, war, racial tension, and an assumption that a safari could be safe from danger.

What would you do if you found yourself in the middle of a bloodbath watching those you loved be targeted. Who will survive?

A lioness and her pride is not one to cross. You won't see this one coming. Watch your back if you want to stay alive.

Trigger warning - violence, descriptions of blood and death.

"An African safari turns deadly for a Hollywood starlet and her entourage" starts the synopsis of the book and that really says it all. From the opening chapters we see the journey each of the 8 travelers takes from the start to, in most cases, their deaths. It's full on from the start until the finish. And the imagery of Africa makes it feel visual as well.

This was one of my favorite books lately. The storytelling was amazing and put me on edge for the entire read. Cannot recommend this book enough.

I wanted to love this one so much bc it’s CB but it had a bit too much going on thru the whole story for me. It couldn’t keep my interest. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy in exchange for review

I really enjoyed this work of historical fiction by Chris Bohjalian. It was set in 1964, but the vibe really reminded me of the show 1923 - the rich and famous get more than they bargain for on an African safari. An A-list Hollywood actress, Kate Barstow, brings her new husband and her glamorous friends on a luxurious photo safari in the Serengeti. Their local Tanzanian guides spare no expense to keep the guests pampered in comfort between sessions of photographing stampeding wildebeest and evenings spent sipping chilled drinks and dining on grilled game. But the luxury trip turns sour when a kidnapping goes wrong, leaving Kate and her guests begging and praying for their lives. This book was a slow burn with a lot of unexpected twists and turns. I loved the Hollywood glitz and glamour, and I loved the blending of historical fiction with elements of suspense and politics. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the animals and the beautiful scenery. I could really see the wild African backdrop. There were sections where I struggled a little to keep track of all the many characters, but it all tied together well in the end. A very skillfully told story. Thank you to Netgalley and Doubleday Books for providing me with this galley in exchange for my review.

Kate Barstow is newly married and they are preparing for their honeymoon, with their friends. It is 1964, they are going to the Serengeti and it should be an amazing trip. Kate is an actress and with her husband David, they will spare no expense for their guests. Terrance, is a famous black actor, who stars in a controversial movie with Kate. Carmen, is Kates best friend. Thinks start out very well. Safari’s, amazing food and lodging and cold gins every night. The company and conversations are perfect. Including warm baths, drawn by the guides each night.
All goes well until a kidnapping goes wrong. Guides are killed and there are Russian missionaries causing chaos. Kate and her guests are rounded up and held captive in the huts. All Kate hopes for is to see another day. This was a fast paced book. Definitely an original story, that kept me hooked. This was a four star read for me. I want to thank Netgalley and Chris Bohjalian for my copy of The Lioness for an honest review. It was my pleasure to read & review it.

I am a member of the American Library Association Reading List Award Committee. This title was suggested for the 2023 list. It was not nominated for the award. The complete list of winners and shortlisted titles is at <a href="https://rusaupdate.org/2023/01/2023-reading-list-announced-years-best-in-genre-fiction-for-adult-readers/">

I have loved this author and his tales and characters for years. But this one seemed to have an agenda. Maybe not jn the right head space when I read it and hope to pick it up again

A fun, fast paced thriller to read on vacation. Chris Bohjalian's books are consistently entertaining and this book delivered a great setting and interesting characters.

DNF. I wanted to like this book. I loved Hour of the Witch but it seems that as a fluke as I've tried 3 of the authors other works and sadly couldn't get into them.

Chris Bohjalian writes some amazing books. This book is set in 1964 and follows A-list actress Kate Barstow on her honeymoon on a luxurious African safari. They invite their friends to join them, envisioning exotic giraffes and swarms of zebras in the background of this luxury trip. They will take photos and live exotically among the local animals. But a kidnapping gone wrong threatens to destroy the fantasy.
What I liked:
The premise is unique and totally interesting.
The location on safari is only a dream to some of us and the descriptions were beautiful.
The pace- I love a fast-paced thriller
What didn't work for me:
The alternating POV's
Too much detail
Overall, I liked the book and would recommend it to Bohjalian fans. 3.5 stars.