Hello - Bonjour - Jambo...
Welcome to my author site & 2 NEW Books!
Take your time, look around, I've enjoyed writing these books and hope you want to read them too! I hope you enjoy your visit and take a moment to drop me a line.
Brand New: MBUNO saves the day again!
Deep in the emerald hell of the Congo’s Rift Valley, the line between hunter and hunted vanishes.
Legendary Liangulu scout Mbuno knows the East African wilderness better than any man alive. But when he is hired to lead a desperate emergency expedition down the treacherous Semliki River, even his ancestral instincts—his jinis—flare with warning. Flanked by intense Belgian scientists and stoic mercenaries, Mbuno’s mission seems straight-forward on paper: navigate the river and locate a secluded, genetically crucial family of eastern lowland gorillas. But this is no ordinary safari. The fringe of the Congo is an unforgiving crucible of ravenous predators, toxic jungle, boiling rapids, and territorial hippos.
Then, the jungle turns bloody.
When the expedition stumbles upon a ruined outpost and the brutalized body of a colleague, Mbuno realizes the terrifying truth. His clients aren't just studying wildlife—they are in a race against time to rescue an entire species from extinction. Standing in their way is a ruthless horde of Mai-Mai militia and commercial bush-meat poachers who profit off industrial-scale slaughter. Hunted by heavily armed killers and surrounded by a jungle that wants them dead, the team's survival hangs by a thread.
To survive, Mbuno must unleash ancient bushcraft that time forgot.
Brand New: The Path Series Conclusion!
To survive on a lethal ocean world in the Alpha Centauri system, a weary human colony must genetically alter their own biology and negotiate with a cosmic super-intelligence to save their AI protector and secure a future on "The Path."
In the third installment of Peter Riva’s Tag series, A New Path, a weary human colony arrives at the Alpha Centauri system to settle on Angelica, a breathtaking yet treacherous world covered almost entirely by deep, prehistoric oceans. The settlers soon discover that the planet’s uninterrupted evolutionary cycle has produced gargantuan predators and a biological "Cell War" scenario, where Angelica's helium-rich cells threaten to destroy human tissue upon contact. Led by Captain Ra-Aten and security officer Cramer, the crew of 220 must undergo a radical viral treatment to alter their own biology, allowing them to finally abandon their ship and establish a fortified village on one of the planet's rare, stable landmasses.
As the colony struggles to adapt, protagonist Simon Bank utilizes his unique mental interface to communicate with the Vast Pattern, a cosmic super-intelligence that governs the region. This entity imposes a strict spiritual and physical mandate: no artificial intelligence may reside on the surface, forcing the crew to leave their advanced AI protector, Apollo, in orbit. Through a series of perilous "dream trips" and metaphysical negotiations, Simon eventually finds a way to bring Apollo’s consciousness down in a non-mechanical form, uniting his extended family of humans and synths. By adhering to "The Path"—a moral code of egalitarianism and mutual respect—the settlers successfully navigate the planet's mysteries to secure a peaceful future with their new Gaia.
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About me
"If you’re in the mood for a sci-fi tale or thriller series to add to your summer reading pile, Peter Riva has got you covered. -- Riva now lives in New Mexico, writes a regular weekly column for us that discusses every topic imaginable. -- Riva’s impressive career has provided him with plenty of inspiration for his novels, which he writes as a form of relaxation." -- The Lakeville Journal and The Millerton News
I was a pure math major at college but later went to UCLA Film School and then to the BBC as an Apprentice. I was the creator and producer of over 78 hours of primetime wildlife television, spent a ton of time in East Africa and parts of North and Central Africa, co-founded a film history museum, and was the program manager for the first global circum-navigation atmospheric flight (Voyager; 1986).
I have worked for more than thirty years with the leaders in aerospace and space exploration as well as environmental causes with the UN, USA and USSR. I also helped manage and create several international historic events (the memorabilia of which are on permanent display in national institutions in America, Germany, and France as well as touring internationally).
My daytime job for more than forty years has been as a literary agent. Born and raised in New York City, London, and Switzerland, I moved some years ago and love where I live now best of all: Gila, New Mexico.
Mbuno & Pero Series
Release date: January 31, 2024
Release date: September 5, 2023
Release date: September 5, 2023
Producer Pero Baltazar, safari guide Mbuno Waliangulu, and Nancy Breiton, camerawoman, undertake a filming walking adventure north of Lake Rudolf, crossing from Kenya into Ethiopia along the Omo River, gently following a herd of elephant making their annual migration. Stumbling onto an elephant poaching, the team become embroiled in the true financing of terrorism for al Shabaab –ivory sales–and are determined to stop the slaughter at any cost.
A gripping international thriller for readers of
John LeCarre, Daniel Silva, and Iris Johansen
Release date: September 5, 2023
Release date: September 5, 2023
Release date: September 5, 2023
Expert safari guide Mbuno and wildlife television producer Pero Baltazar are filming on Lake Rudolf in Northern Kenya, East Africa, when they receive news that Mbuno’s son, himself an expert guide, as been kidnapped while on a safari five hundred miles away in Tanzania. They trace the kidnappers back to an illegal logging operation clear-cutting national park forests, manned by sinister Boko Haram mercenaries. There, they find not only Mbuno's son but also a shocking revelation that has terrifying and far-reaching consequences.
Release date: September 5, 2023
Release date: September 5, 2023
Release date: September 5, 2023
Film producer Pero thought he was taking a simple Berlin filming assignment. Suddenly he finds himself under orders from his part-time employers at the State Department and the CIA when he is handed a mysterious package. It’s an assignment he doesn’t want--a job contracted by mysterious patrons who are prepared to kill him if he doesn’t deliver.
Release date: September 5, 2023
Release date: September 5, 2023
Release date: September 5, 2023
Only a reality TV producer and an expert safari guide can stop a terrorist attack. The problem is, Pero has a secret--he's been working as a clandestine courier for the US State Department for years. If anyone finds out, it may get them all killed. Exciting and expertly plotted, Murder on Safari is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller set in the great wide-open plains of East Africa.
KIDNAPPED ON SAFARI
Reviews -- Paperback, Audible, Kindle
"Kidnapped on Safari is a richly-detailed Pero Baltazar thriller set in Africa that quickly seduces the reader with authentic touches that could’ve been ripped from today’s headlines. … This is a whip-smart page-turner impossible to put down once you begin reading." - Robert Morgan Fisher, Winner of the 2018 Chester B. Himes Fiction Prize and Finalist for the 2019 John Steinbeck Award
"This captivating story, involving Russian efforts to destabilize East-Africa with the help of Boko Haram extremists, is in itself enough to chain you to your seat. Add to this Peter Riva’s soulful rendering of the African spirit, and you have an outstanding reading experience that will linger for a long time."– Bob van Laerhoven, author of international bestselling and award-winning Baudelaire’s Revenge and twelve other novels.
"Riva delivers rat-a-tat action, rarely letting up, building to a nail-biter conclusion. Move over Jason Bourne. Baltazar is here." -- Mary Glickman, bestselling author and a National Jewish Book Award Finalist.
"A clever and entertaining novel in an exotic setting...Few books set in Africa give such a detailed description of settings and language as this one... this book betrays a writer very well at home in his craft." -- Guido Eekhaut, Hercule Poirot Award winner.
"...rousing and topical... a blockbuster... Pero Baltazar and his trusted guide Mbuno will again stop at nothing to do what’s right, and the world could use more of them." -- Steve Anderson, bestselling translator and author of The Preserve and other novels
"A clever and entertaining novel in an exotic setting — what more fo you want for hours of entertainment? Few books set in Africa give such a detailed description of settings and language as this one, due to the extensive experience of the author in the field (mainly as a documentary producer). With an interesting plot and clearly described (and motivated) characters, this book betrays a writer very well at home in his craft." -- Guido Eekhaut, multiple award winning author
The Berlin Package
Reviews -- Paperback, Audible, Kindle
"An explosive radioactive thriller written with intelligence. . . " —Ron Lealos, author of Pastun and Don't Mean Nuthin'
"...another great book by this author. If you love thrillers, I know you will love this book." —The World As I See It blog
"...twists and turns left me guessing and every minute was crucial. This is a hard book to put down. I am giving this book a 5/5." —Deal Sharing Aunt blog
“The action and suspense begins from the very first page and continues to increase. . . . a strong Four Stars rating.” —Rockin’ Book Reviews
“Wow—this novel was just as stunning and fast paced as Murder on Safari. . . . beyond exciting, full of surprises that you never quite see coming and an exciting plot line that will have you unable to put the novel down. Rating: 5/5” —Working Mommy Journal Blog
“This book was so difficult to put down. . . . I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those who love a good thriller. He could be the next great thriller writer.” —Book Reviews and Wallpapers Blog
“This is one fabulous thriller to dive into—escapism at its best. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down.” —Olio by Marylyn
Murder On Safari
Reviews -- Paperback, Audible, Kindle
“A gripping tale! Here is the East Africa I know so well after 40 years of filming there.” —Bertram van Munster, Co-Creator & Producer, The Amazing Race on CBS TV
“A fast-paced thriller filled with action, and great suspense . . . loaded with twists and turns that will leave you guessing . . . you will not want to put this book down.” —Vic's Media Room
"An exciting thriller that engages. I rate Murder On Safari 4 out of 5 stars." —Create With Joy Blog
“If you're looking for an intelligent thriller, one that will take you through the dusty, dangerous dirt roads of Africa as a TV filming crew fight to stay alive and stop a terrorist plot, then you must read Murder on Safari. Author Peter Riva introduces his readers to the real Africa, from his legendary guide in East Africa, Mbuno of Liangulu to the joys of filming wildlife. I was enthralled as I read this novel. I highly recommend this thriller series.” —Library of Clean Reads Blog
"Reading the book is like a visit to Africa... His descriptions make it seem alive.... interesting and full of adventure." - Heidi's Wanderings
"...the kind of book that gets you hooked from the very first pages.....This story has it all mystery, suspense and a beautiful location. I give this book a 5/5" -- 3 partners in shopping blogspot
"...fullof thrills that... left me hooked on turning those pages until I reached the endof the book." - Olivia's Catastrophe
"...twists and turns left me guessing and every minute was crucial. This is a hard book to put down. I am giving this book a 5/5." - Deal Sharing Aunt blog
Science fiction Series
Release date: August 10, 2026
Book Three in the TAG Series
To survive on a lethal ocean world in the Alpha Centauri system, a weary human colony must genetically alter their own biology and negotiate with a cosmic super-intelligence to save their AI protector and secure a future on "The Path."
In the third installment of Peter Riva’s Tag series, A New Path, a weary human colony arrives at the Alpha Centauri system to settle on Angelica, a breathtaking yet treacherous world covered almost entirely by deep, prehistoric oceans. The settlers soon discover that the planet’s uninterrupted evolutionary cycle has produced gargantuan predators and a biological "Cell War" scenario, where Angelica's helium-rich cells threaten to destroy human tissue upon contact. Led by Captain Ra-Aten and security officer Cramer, the crew of 220 must undergo a radical viral treatment to alter their own biology, allowing them to finally abandon their ship and establish a fortified village on one of the planet's rare, stable landmasses.
As the colony struggles to adapt, protagonist Simon Bank utilizes his unique mental interface to communicate with the Vast Pattern, a cosmic super-intelligence that governs the region. This entity imposes a strict spiritual and physical mandate: no artificial intelligence may reside on the surface, forcing the crew to leave their advanced AI protector, Apollo, in orbit. Through a series of perilous "dream trips" and metaphysical negotiations, Simon eventually finds a way to bring Apollo’s consciousness down in a non-mechanical form, uniting his extended family of humans and synths. By adhering to "The Path"—a moral code of egalitarianism and mutual respect—the settlers successfully navigate the planet's mysteries to secure a peaceful future with their new Gaia.
Release date: September 26, 2023
Release date: September 26, 2023
Release date: September 26, 2023
All life on earth is about to be terminated by an entity as old as the galaxy itself. To make matters worse, Simon has broken everything already.
In a future world that is run by computer systems and that is without want, how can a man find his role? Then, if the very computers he works on to try to make them more human suddenly try to kill him, revealing a secret so vast that it affects every living soul on the planet, can that man be a hero?
Release date: September 26, 2023
Release date: September 26, 2023
Release date: September 26, 2023
In a massive spaceship destined for Alpha Centauri B, with a genesis crew including Zip the telepathic dog, his old friendly nemesis Cramer, and a computer being named Ra (now inhabiting a human form and calling herself Aten), Simon Bank emerges from a hundred-year coma and is hailed as an awakened hero. Stuck with unwanted responsibility, he is forced to try and solve the entire enigma of the universe—a small undertaking—before the spaceship, his friends, and all life on Earth are swatted out of existence by super beings he has accidentally awakened.
Reaching Angelica
Reviews -- Paperback, Audible, Kindle
"If you are looking for a real science fiction book to read this book is for you." Heidi's Wanderings Blogspot
"Part Star Trek and part The Matrix in its pan-dimension concepts, the reader is once again immersed in Simon Banks's life." Library of Clean Reads
"...science or... philosophy/religion....reality can be understoodonly by combining what we find out through both of these channels. One of the main reasons I recommend Peter Riva's books, both The Path and Reaching Angelica is thathis characters try to solve the big problems by marrying the two sources ofknowledge." -- Sahar's Blog
"...recommended toscience-fiction enthusiasts." - The AutisticGamer
"Riva returns to the world of THE PATH with the same flair that we've come to expect from him....a fun & engaging story. Riva kept the pace up from page to page as the characters capture your heart." - Pure Jonel Blogspot
“Thrilling moments keep the suspense high in space. . . . The way Riva describes the mysteries of the Universe is intriguing. . . . This cyberpunk world has its own laws of stretching brains wide with its mind-bending concepts.” —Jake Vyper, Fantascize.com
“My favorite part of this book and The Path was Simon’s sense of humor and comedic timing. He was able to make me laugh among the most stressful situations. When a character in a book is able to pull that off—it’s a sign of wonderful writing.” –Brian’s Book Blog
"...will have you tilting your head, wondering, “Did I read that right?” in this amazing continuation of The Path... The author’s creativity for this well written story is astounding... read Reaching Angelica, and The Path, as soon as you can." - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine
“5 Stars. Simon Bank is back…. a great story…” – J Bonder Book Reviews
“…philosophy that is interwoven in all aspects of the action that… makes [it] all the more compelling.”—Sahar’s Blog
The Path
Reviews -- Paperback, Audible, Kindle
"Reading Peter Riva's science fiction novel The Path (Book 1 of the TAG series) felt like diving into a world entirely different from our own yet so immersive that upon returning to the surface we call "reality", I had to open my window to catch some fresh air (more like "chilling winds") as I reflected on the novel's mind-bending concepts and thought-provoking investigations about humans, machines, and the things that set them apart. The Path is like the virtual Heart of Darkness minus the "darkness" or a potent potion that some might not dare to consume, but its effects are tantalizing.
The Path is a remarkable experience that brings us to an alien but realistic world, a fascinating exploration of the human mind, its psychological aspects, and the possibility of humanizing machines through assimilation.
I've wrapped my mind around this question: Is humanizing an A.I. truly possible? But I think the more important question is: Is the possibility of losing our human qualities that make us human --flaws, emotions, the tendency to learn from mistakes and choose our own paths instead of processing data through the machines' analogue ways -- more dangerous than machines outsmarting humans? Discover The Path that Riva has paved, and you might find an answer. - Jake Vyper, fantascize.com
"I loved it. A Must Read!" -- NRC Books Blogspot"
"Warning: This bookshould be read with an Aspirin to help alleviate the brainpressure caused by the concepts related to the existence of human lifeand the universe as we don't know it. "-- IT Revolution
"For people who love pure Sci-Fi, this book is a treat." - Book and Ink
African Mbuno Stories
Deep in the emerald hell of the Congo’s Rift Valley, the line between hunter and hunted vanishes.
Legendary Liangulu scout Mbuno knows the East African wilderness better than any man alive. But when he is hired to lead a desperate emergency expedition down the treacherous Semliki River, even his ancestral instincts—his jinis—flare with warning. Flanked by intense Belgian scientists and stoic mercenaries, Mbuno’s mission seems straight-forward on paper: navigate the river and locate a secluded, genetically crucial family of eastern lowland gorillas. But this is no ordinary safari. The fringe of the Congo is an unforgiving crucible of ravenous predators, toxic jungle, boiling rapids, and territorial hippos.
Then, the jungle turns bloody.
When the expedition stumbles upon a ruined outpost and the brutalized body of a colleague, Mbuno realizes the terrifying truth. His clients aren't just studying wildlife—they are in a race against time to rescue an entire species from extinction. Standing in their way is a ruthless horde of Mai-Mai militia and commercial bush-meat poachers who profit off industrial-scale slaughter. Hunted by heavily armed killers and surrounded by a jungle that wants them dead, the team's survival hangs by a thread.
To survive, Mbuno must unleash ancient bushcraft that time forgot.
Published August 3rd, 2026
Available in Kindle, Paperback, & Hardcover
Reviews
"...a wonderful story, full of hope and bravery, set amongst the beautiful backdrop of East Africa.... wraps around the reader, bringing them into the very heart of the story to become part of Africa itself.... The characters are wonderfully written and the author has made them so realistic that you almost expect them to walk off the page...[the] magical way the author is able to write made me reluctant to finish it. This is definitely for any fan of Alexander McCall Smith,and those who love elephants will find their heartstrings pulled while reading it. I wish that there were more books out there like this and I look forward to more from this author." --OnlineBookClub
