
1st Penguin 1976 edition paperback, vg+ In stock shipped from our UK warehouse
A brutal murder in a quiet suburb forces an unlikely investigative duo to confront the deep-seated social tensions of their environment. Lieutenant Tromp Kramer and his Bantu assistant Mickey Zondi operate within the rigid, oppressive framework of apartheid-era South Africa. Their objective is to solve a homicide that threatens to expose the hypocrisy of the local elite, all while navigating the volatile racial dynamics that dictate their professional and personal lives. The narrative utilizes a third-person perspective to examine the friction between the two investigators and the societal structures they serve.
Readers and critics frequently note the author's ability to balance a traditional mystery plot with a sharp critique of the political climate of the time. Discussion often centers on the evolving relationship between Kramer and Zondi, which serves as the emotional anchor for the series. The pacing is described as deliberate, allowing for a thorough exploration of the setting's atmosphere and the complexities of the characters' motivations. Many observers highlight the author's skill in using the crime genre to expose the absurdity and cruelty of the era's legal system without resorting to didacticism.
Page Count:
192
Publication Date:
1982-01-01
Publisher:
Penguin Books
ISBN-10:
0140041966
ISBN-13:
9780140041965
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