The Sam Harris Series follows the career of an unwilling heroine, whose bravery and resourcefulness are needed to navigate a series of adventures set in remote sites in Africa and South America. Based on the real-life adventures of the author, the settings and characters are given an authenticity that will connect with readers who enjoy adventure fiction and mysteries set in remote settings with realistic scenarios. Set in the late 1980’s themes such as women working in formerly male domains, and what constitutes a normal existence, are examined and developed in the context of Sam’s constant ability to find herself in the middle of an adventure or mystery. Sam’s home life provides a contrast to her adventures and feeds her need to escape. Her attachment to an unsuitable boyfriend is the thread running through her romantic life, and her attempts to break free of it provide another side to her character.