3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

A slow burn with a very dramatic ending. ( )

There have been a number of farm killings in the area, over recent times, blamed on stock thieves. Two farm workers had been brutally murdered just a fortnight before, their bodies discovered underneath the carcasses of sheep.

But this killing appeared to be different: a woman and a 4 year old girl, the bedroom chaotic as if someone had been searching for something.

Inspector Beeslaar has failed to find any clues about the stock thieves so far and local whites are asking for the reinstatement of commandos and acting as vigilantes themselves, convinced that the intent is to drive them from their land.

Huilwater Farm is isolated and the murders have been discovered by a neighbour calling in to pass the time of day.

The threads of the story focus on land rights, inheritance, and racial undertones, as well as the pressures on Inspector Beeslaar to "perform". ( )

'n Absolute fantastiese boek. Dit is nie vir 'n sensitiewe maag nie. Die storielyn is goed en die karakters is goed gevorm.
Dit is 'n lang lees. Ongelukkig was die skuldige vir my te voorspelbaar. Maar dit bly nogsteeds 'n moet lees. ( )