Once in a while a book comes a long that blows you away - and this international thriller is one of them! "The Rwandan Hostage" by Christopher Lowery is the second in the African Diamonds Trilogy; I haven't had the pleasure of reading the highly complemented first book "The Angolan Clan" yet, but I certainly can't wait to read the third, "The Dark Web" when it's published next year. This can still be enjoyed as a thrilling standalone too. The story derives from the horrific bloodthirsty 1994 Rwandan genocide and its turbulent history. The main plot is set in present time - 2010. Emma, a fiction writer on a once in a lifetime holiday loses her son Leo at a World Cup football match in Johannesburg. She later learns he was abducted. As a parent the nightmare of having your child kidnapped in a place like South Africa doesn't bear thinking about and the following 10 long days leaves you on the edge of your seat. Its incomprehensible the cruel atrocities that can be done at the hands of humans due to hatred during conflict. The truly sorrowful story of Mutesi and her suffering during that time was heartbreaking. I was tearful at her plight and the descriptions of the genocide murder spree. Christopher Lowery highlighted all these with sympathy and tactful clever writing and has obviously done extensive soulful research into these areas. It's a skilfully written plot, strong, very emotional, full of vengeance, greed, corruption and deceit. Once again Urbane Publications has published a beautifully printed book produced to the highest of standards and design. I highly recommend "The Rwandan Hostage" to thriller readers of all ages....you won't be disappointed!! A well deserved 5 stars.