Post-Apartheid South Africa has undergone many traumatic changes. But for homicide detective Benny Griessel, nothing much changes except for the murder victims, the politics, unsettled race relations and his own personal problems. Benny is saddled with “mentoring” newly promoted black or “colored” detectives. Of course, he is the only experienced white.
The plot involves two murders and a kidnapping, each a potential PR disaster for the SA government. It is up to Benny and his untested troops to save a captive American girl who witnessed the murder of her fellow tourist. Meanwhile, a well-known music executive is found shot in his home with his pistol lying at his feet, his alcoholic wife asleep in a chair.
Deon Meyer has written six novels and “Thirteen Hours” is probably the best (not taking anything away from its predecessors). It is taut, moving and deeply memorable, and is highly recommended.
