This arresting English-language debut from South African crime author Brynard validates her reputation as 'The Afrikaans Stieg Larsson' ... Brynard brings a strong, authentic voice to the country’s conflict-ridden past and its current complex society and entangled land claims. A brilliant ensemble cast, well-measured suspense, straightforward dialogue, and nice pacing add up to an outstanding thriller. Fans of other South African authors, from James McClure to Deon Meyer, will relish Brynard’s new and distinctive voice, although readers should be prepared for the book’s gritty and, at times, gruesome details.
Brynard...really knows how to present controversial topics that will trigger hot debates among those living in present-day South Africa ... The author could not quite resist a lecture about the history of the Griqua people, which interrupts the narrative flow and is not strictly necessary for the plot, although I enjoyed the education in a nutshell. Nevertheless, this is a very promising start to a series that pulls no punches about the challenges of living in a complicated post-apartheid society, simmering with rivalry and tensions. You will enjoy the complex, believable and flawed characters and the hint of a backstory for Beeslaar which will hopefully be developed in future novels.
Weeping Waters is a deeply moving detective story. Its stark setting is defined as much by South Africa’s troubled racial relationships—white, black, and Bushmen alike—as by its landscape ... The story is unhurried, at times downright slow, as the tapestry of people and culture is woven, a weakness overcome by the tale’s rich characterization, particularly that of Beeslaar, and the mystery’s satisfying conclusion.
...this strong South African crime novel will appeal to fans of gritty yet exotic small-town settings and complicated mysteries that turn on local knowledge as much as procedure and intuition. A good read-alike for Jassy Mackenzie's Bad Seeds and Martin Steyn's Dark Traces.
...[an] impressive debut ... Though the momentum suffers mightily in places, crime fiction fans will find the picturesque backdrop, cast of authentic characters, and knotty story line to be more than satisfying.
