Wednesday 12 January 2011

Thirteen Hours

Thirteen Hours
Deon Meyer

A South African crime novel which greatly impressed me! 'Thirteen Hours' is set in Cape Town, on the western coast of South Africa and the area is described impeccably. Police Detective Benny Griessel is trying to save an American tourist's life- her friend has already been murdered. Except he doesn't know where the girl is, or who her attackers are. Benny needs to find the girl before they do, otherwise the police force will be searching for a corpse. And this is a corpse which could greatly damage the South African tourism industry.

'Thirteen Hours' is a brilliant, gripping novel. It touches upon larger issues of bureaucracy and corruption while still containing the minutiae of everyday police life. The time frame of the novel means the plot races along and keeps you eagerly turning the pages right up until the dramatic climax. Griessel is a wonderful character, and again, a typical detective with a drinking problem and emotional baggage. The novel is a fantastic and accurate portrayal of the rainbow nation. If you're looking for a new crime writer, give Deon Meyer a go- you won't be disappointed.

Buy it from your local bookstore or here from www.waterstones.com

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