‘Beside Still Waters’ is an action packed historical drama set in a less well known part of Africa. This standalone book is hard hitting from the beginning but goes on to show the softer part of the continent before coming to a dramatic conclusion. The places and events are real.
In the mid-1980’s an Angolan mother is brutally murdered. Her baby, rescued by American journalists, is brought up in middle class New York. As she grows the need to know about her origins comes to dominate her thoughts. The search to find first her family and then her true self becomes imperative; she is drawn inexorably towards the land of her birth.
In South West Africa a deposed German aristocrat is driven to take back what he believes is his – and more. Values of moral rectitude and high principle are subordinated, replaced by the underhand use of deception and force. Assisted by ruthless mercenaries he makes his plans.
Duncan Murdoch and his family are drawn into a fast moving, dangerous and confusing quagmire; their room for manoeuvre restrained by international politics and diplomatic protocol.
The story is based in the real oil rich Angolan enclave of Cabinda in the wake of a bitter war. The story links together factual events, real places and diverse characters.