A Diver’s Reading Guide: Inspiring Dive Stories, Novels, and Kenya Books

AJ Bailey Series by Nicholas Harvey
Set in the Cayman Islands, this series follows AJ Bailey, a dive boat operator and reluctant heroine. The books blend thrilling underwater mysteries with rich Caribbean settings and fast-paced action. [4]

Kurt Austin Series by Clive Cussler
A spin-off from the Dirk Pitt adventures, Kurt Austin leads NUMA’s Special Assignments Team. The stories deliver high-seas action and daring underwater missions, perfect for fans of maritime thrillers. [7]

Africa Action Series by Steve Braker
Set along Africa’s east coast, these action thrillers follow William Brody, a former special forces operative, as he confronts poachers and pirates. While not strictly diving-focused, they offer great insights into life and adventure on the African coast. [8]

The Man-eaters of Tsavo by John Patterson
A first-hand account of the infamous lions that terrorized railway workers in 1898 Kenya. Patterson’s narrative captures the drama and danger of colonial-era Africa. [9]

Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen)
A beautifully written memoir about life on a Kenyan coffee plantation in the early 20th century. Blixen’s reflections on the land and people became a classic portrait of colonial Kenya. [10]

Born Free by Joy Adamson
The heartwarming true story of Elsa the lioness, raised and returned to the wild in Kenya. This book sparked global interest in wildlife conservation. [11]

Born Wild by Tony Fitzjohn
A memoir from George Adamson’s protégé, detailing decades spent rehabilitating big cats and battling poachers. It’s a raw, inspiring look at conservation work in Kenya. [12]

White Mischief by James Fox
A true-crime account of a 1941 murder among Kenya’s colonial elite. The book explores the decadent lives and scandals of the Happy Valley set. [13]

West with the Night by Beryl Markham
Markham’s memoir about growing up in Kenya and her adventures as a bush pilot. Ernest Hemingway praised it as a masterpiece of adventure writing. [15]

Wildlife Wars by Richard Leakey
Leakey’s account of his battles against poaching and corruption as head of Kenya Wildlife Service. A candid look at conservation and politics in Kenya. [16]

The Flame Trees of Thika by Elspeth Huxley
A memoir of a British girl’s childhood on a pioneer farm in early 20th-century Kenya. It beautifully describes settler life and interactions with local communities. [17]

Assegai by Wilbur Smith
A historical adventure set before World War I, following a safari guide entangled in espionage and romance. It captures the wild spirit and tensions of colonial Kenya. [18]

The Constant Gardener by John le Carré
A modern thriller set partly in Kenya, focusing on a diplomat investigating his wife’s murder and uncovering a pharmaceutical conspiracy. It offers a gripping plot and sharp commentary on exploitation. [19]

Weep Not, Child by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
A powerful coming-of-age story set during the Mau Mau uprising. It explores the struggles of a young Kenyan boy and his family under colonial rule. [20]