Although Josh Hagarty graduated near the top of his class with an MBA and an engineering degree, he is unable to find a job due to a checkered background. When charitable organization New Africa actively recruits him to oversee a large farming project in Africa, Josh shows interest but hesitates working overseas due to family obligations. Then Stephen Trent, the head of New Africa, offers to pay the college expenses of Josh’s sister, Laura, and he finally agrees to the terms.

As Josh lands in Africa, he realizes the situation is far from what he anticipated. As soon as he steps off the airplane, he questions his decision when he immediately encounters a violent situation. When Gideon, the local liaison of the project, whisks him away to a remote village in the undeveloped country, Josh understands he is in for more than he first realized.

When he arrives at the project, he finds that something is terribly wrong. The much-needed farming equipment is disabled and the villagers are lethargic and uncooperative. Gideon is an abrasive murderer who uproots the very people Josh is trying to help, and he finds New Africa is a front for a much more sinister plan. Not to mention Gideon is also a relative of President Umboto Mtiti who rules his country with an iron fist.

When Josh starts asking questions, he finds his predecessor was murdered for seeking the same answers. In spite of the challenges, he tries to do what he can to help the locals. In the process, he meets JB Flannery, a road-weary ex-patriot journalist prone to drinking, and Annika Gritdal, a beautiful Scandinavian aid worker who believes she can really make a difference.

As he grows to realize the depth of the fraud that New Africa is running, and increasingly fears for his life, Josh swings into action. He recruits JB and Annika to help him set into motion a plan to uncover the truth and bring to justice those who are raping the country of its resources.

Lords of Corruption, written by Kyle Mills, is a powerful novel revealing the horrible effect violence and political corruption has on a nation. Vivid description sets the tone and atmosphere for a story that causes the reader to see, feel, and smell the ravaged, yet beautiful, war-torn country.

Kyle Mills is a master of description and dialogue as he deftly builds tension and moves the story forward to a stunning conclusion. Lords of Corruption is not for the faint of heart, but is a strong and satisfying read for those who enjoy a thriller whose topic could very well come from current news sources.