Loved this book! Definitely a bit on the violent side, but an excellent portrayal of how gang culture is perpetuated from generation to generation. Even though it's set in South Africa -- where I've never been -- I felt a deep interest in the characters and the details of their lives. ( )

This debut novel from M.D. Villiers (Martie de Villiers), a South African living in London, is set on the dangerous streets of Johannesburg and is the tale of Siphwe, a 19-year old orphan who, after rushing to the aid of a woman stabbed on the street, unwittingly gets caught up in the turf war between two rival and dangerous crime lords, one South African, the other Nigerian. With the danger to him and those close to him ever growing, he has to have his wits about him and forge alliances with criminals and police alike in order to survive. The story is told mainly through Siphwe's eyes.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a terrific story, the author a wonderful storyteller. She has such a pleasant, easy yet engaging and vivid style. The plot is well crafted, the principal and secondary characters all well developed, all interesting, and you really do get a feel for the place, the people and the nature of the society.

I am delighted to see that this book is one of the eight titles on the longlist for the CWA John Creasey Dagger, which is awarded for the year’s best crime novel by a previously unpublished author, and which will be announced in October 2013. To quote the Award judges, "A debut with a stunning evocation of place and an original, engaging hero. Fast-moving and vivid, this thought-provoking thriller is a story of coming of age, revenge and redemption.”" ( )