More darkness out of post-apartheid South Africa, but after a
sizzling debut, Meyer's second disappoints. It's that pesky
protagonist problem. With Thobela Mpayipheli, black, ex-freedom
fighter, Meyer got it right in Heart of the Hunter (2004). With Zat
van Heerden, white ex-cop, he doesn't. Thobela is all about action,
purpose, narrative drive. Zat, on the other hand, throbs with angst
and wallows in introspection, both of which will hamper pace and
hamstring thrillers every time. Zat is in a bad way when first we
meet him as a self-hating borderline alcoholic. He does, however,
have at least one long-suffering friend. Kemp guides Zat to Hope
Beneke, an attractive young lawyer who needs an experienced
investigator, a description that would have fit Zat tidily before
he messed himself up. (How and why is exhaustively rendered in
flashbacks that also hamper pace.) Hope's client is the surviving
significant other of a brutally murdered millionaire. In the
process, Jan Smit's safe was robbed of everything in it, including
the will that left the bulk of his estate to the deserving Wilna
van As. Without it, lock, stock and barrel goes to the government.
Zat's charge-find and retrieve the will before the final sitting of
the Master's Supreme Court in exactly one week. Zat knows, of
course, that the task isn't going to be easy. What he can't know is
how wild the complications will become when, as it soon turns out,
Jan Smit isn't-and never was-Jan Smit. Well, then, who was he?
That's the kind of secret hard men on both sides of the law will do
just about anything to keep hidden. But Zat buckles down, chasing
the missing will and his own redemption simultaneously. A step back
then, but enough flashes of real talent to hope for better from his
next. (Kirkus Reviews)
- This is a taut, provocative mystery and a telling psychological
portrait of a man and a nation haunted by the past.- This book
provides another tightly woven, brilliantly written thriller with
an African backdrop--appealing to readers of "The No. 1 Ladies'
Detective Agency.- Deon Meyer has already been published to great
success and acclaim in the UK, France, Italy, Germany and many
other countries beyond his native South Africa. His previous book,
"Heart of the Hunter (7/04), was his first US release and this new
book will build on the exciting feedback generated by "Heart's
publication.- The movie rights to "Heart of the Hunter have been
sold to Jungle Media. Tiny, the central character in that book, has
a recurring role in this book as well.- The mass market of "Heart
of the Hunter will be published in 7/05 and will include a teaser
chapter of DEAD AT DAYBREAK.
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