The number of African crime writers I know of continues to grow, with the likes of Michael Stanley (the writing name of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip) and Margie Orford recently coming to my attention. Stanley I have yet to read, but I have just finished Orford's 'Daddy's Girl' and on the basis of it I will happily seek out her others, 'Blood Rose' and 'Like Clockwork'.

South African Margie Orford was born in London, grew up in Namibia and lives in Cape Town, where this book is based. This is the story of police captain Riedwaan Faizal, ably assisted by Dr Clare Hart, and his attempts to find his six-year daughter who has disappeared from outside her dance school. His efforts are greatly hampered by the fact that he is the chief suspect and, so, much of the investigative work is left up to Clare Hart who has resources available to her that he does not, given the circumstances. The myriad of other characters and their varied associations and involvements make for an involving storyline that demands your attention and which does not fail to deliver in terms of tension, grit, pace and action. The fact that child abduction and child murder are central to the story might make for a certain discomfort for some, but given the environment that was and is (?) South Africa, it is a reality and therefore a subject that cannot be denied. I have to say too that Cape Town comes across as a scary and dangerous place, and from my little understanding of the facts, the storyline is here, too, merely reflecting a certain reality. These are not negative comments, for in fact I applaud the author in touching on real subjects and portraying some of the less savoury but real aspects of a particular society. This book wouldn't stop me going there, but it might ensure I go there prepared! A well plotted story this and a good read, I can well recommend. ( )

Spannend bis zum Schluss. ( )