Lords of Corruption

Despite his newly earned MBA and honorable intentions, Josh Hagarty's job search is looking bleak, no doubt due to his criminal record. In desperation, he accepts the only position offered, managing a farming venture in Africa for a charitable organization. Upon arrival in Africa, he discovers overwhelming obstacles to the project's success, including corruption, sabotage, and perhaps even the murder of his predecessor. Improving the middling dialogue, narrator Kevin Collins provides straightforward depictions of Josh and his associates, an attractive Scandinavian relief volunteer and a cynical American journalist. Collins also adds notes of menace in his voicings of the country's terrifying dictator. Collins's judicious use of tempo enhances Josh's frightening confrontations with his opponents. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine

February 23, 2009
In this lackluster suspense novel from bestseller Mills (Darkness Falls
), ex-con Josh Hagarty, who's just earned an M.B.A., but fears his tainted past is a liability, leaps at a job offer from NewAfrica, a charitable organization that operates in Africa, despite his ignorance of the continent. Shortly after his arrival in an unnamed country devastated by civil strife, Hagarty learns his new employer concealed the truth about his predecessor's death. More disturbing revelations quickly follow that place him at odds with NewAfrica and put his life at risk. Assisted by two of the oldest clichés in the genre—the cynical journalist who sees his efforts as a chance for redemption and the attractive, selfless aid worker—Hagarty fights to expose the truth about his employer and the corrupt rulers of the country where he's been assigned. Some readers will groan at the plot contrivances that enable Hagarty to get out of a tight spot. 6-city author tour.