Deon Meyer is, indeed, the king of South African crime writing. He writes very convincing thrillers that show an absolute feel for the country and all the issues it faces. He is fluent in English, but chooses to write in his native language, Afrikaans. The brilliant translations by Laura Seegers leave in a fair few Afrikaans words to add context – it works really well. In The Dark Flood, Benny Griessel has been demoted for insubordination and he and Vaughn Cupido have been forced to relocate to Stellenbosch. Ingtrigue, danger and drama follow them, and the novel opens with a cracking scene. Surely a missing person case will keep them occupied without demanding too much of them? Before they depart, however, Griessel receives a note suggesting that there is corruption in his department. Stellenbosch has the feel of a boom town that has had its heyday. One man in particular has been responsible for the town’s economic demise: Jasper Boonstra – a fraudster on a grand scale. Sandra Steenberg is in real estate agent and is struggling to make ends meet. She finds herself dealing with the reprobate and misogynistic man, she is tasked with selling one of his multi million Rand estates. She really needs the commission the sale will bring. The thread of the missing person case and of the property sale come together in this well thought out and exciting read. The book has all the elements that make a crime novel pretty sensational. What I found especially great about The Dark Flood is that it is not a book that could be set just anywhere. As, indeed, are none of Deon’s other books. They breathe South Africa – and all the contradictions that this amazing country presents. High recommended.

The Welcome return of detectives Griessel and Cupido, The book can easily be read as a standalone, though I have a feeling once read you will go back to the beginning Deon Meyer is an international best selling author and as you read The Dark Flood it is clear to see why, plot and character just shine throughout. The narrative is pitch perfect, the story just oozes in suspense and drama which at times you could cut with a knife. The author knows how to build the suspense and drama, each chapter designed to add another layer, The book in someways shows the political and class system within South Africa and how you have to play the game something that does not always sit natural from some, it also shows the landscape as a backdrop the story. The book is wonderfully plotted, intricately layered as Griessel and Cupido investigate the on paper simple disapperence of two people, this is where the authors style and writing shine through as he takes the reader on a journey as the story interweaves between the two, one interesting point which really heightens the tension is the paragraphs within the chapters which are told from differing viewpoints, this add a wonderful dimension to story and makes you want to keep on reading In someways the book deals with the choices that we make and the consequences which follow to show how easily lives can unravel, the book is interspersed with moments of humour, not always obvious and the emotion and fear within the characters The author has a knack for creating characters which you can relate to, most of who carry some secrets, you can see Griessel struggle with his own demons, though determined to do the right thing, there is a genuine freindship with Cupido as they deal with their demotions and the impact that this can play on family life, it is their instincts and tenacity though that drive them to seek justice. The protagonists within the book are ones which you can picture in your mind and for some you have to in someway feel for them, if only they had made different decisions. From the opening pages the author takes the reader on a journey building up and painting a picture of the characters and their lives, you are instantly drawn into this world thanks to the authors writing, as the pages turn the tension and drama just ratchets up your never quite sure which direction the book will take you and I have to admit there a few surprises along the plot wise, packed with twists and turns the ending of the book is sublime right up to the final sentence. The author knows how to engage the reader into the story It maybe me but this is more than just your normal crime thriller it plays on the characters emotions and the way the plotting is slowly revealed, taut and rich is description, its a book which you need to invest yourself in, there are no wasted words or sentences This is a stellar read and if it is your first expierience in reading Deon Meyer I am pretty sure it won’t be your last A book which needs to be read. Highly recommend one of the years top reads 5*