Devil's Peak

I've read all this author's works published in this country, and found them to be consistently top notch. In this book, he carries three plot lines through it dealing with complicated people that you find sympathetic. The author uses them to deal with major issues such as prostitution, alcoholism, and unsympathetic bureaucracy, as well as looking at some social issues mentioned in previous reviews. When the plot lines are meshed, it's done in an understandable and logical fashion leading to a satisfactory ending. The book is an exciting read. The protagonists are imperfect people with their own demons with whom they struggle. It is recommended highly and especially to those who wish to explore this South African's very original novels.

Three very flawed but sympathetic characters populate this novel. There is Thobela Mpayipheli, a Black South African who was trained as an assassin by the East German secret police. Then there is Benny Griessel, alcoholic detective. And lastly, Christine van Rooyen, a prostitute with a three-year-old daughter. Somehow, their lives intertwine in a gripping story which keeps the reader off-balance all the way. Initially, Thobela is introduced as a farmer who recently lost his wife, leaving him with a young boy who he loves very much. The boy is shot dead during an armed robbery, setting off a chain of events which leads Thobela to act as an avenging vigilante against abusers of children. Benny, once (and possibly even in his present continual alcoholic haze) a superior detective, is kicked out of his home by his long-suffering wife with the admonishment that he might be permitted to return if he stays sober for six months. Meanwhile, he is placed in charge of two important cases, including the serial killer of abused children. Christine's story alternates with the other two as she sits confessing to a priest. Her tale plays a pivotal role in the lives of the other two. This is the author's fourth novel, each superior reading. His complex stories and descriptions of South Africa are exceptional, his characters unusual and graphic, his works top-notch. Like his previous efforts, Devil's Peak is highly recommended.

First book I've read by this author and I will be reading them all. Action is fast paced and you have to put the book down and take a respite. Not for the faint of heart. When's the movie coming out will automatically be the question once you have finished this book. Principal character, Griesell, rivals Ian Rankin's Rebus. An alcoholic detective, an avenging former Stasi trained African freedom fighter taking out his wrath on pedophiles, a beautiful call girl, and a Colombian drug lord all come together in a very well crafted suspense yarn. Through the book you are aware or suspect that things are not as they seem and the author jumbles the present with the past and the future but there is no confusion, only clarity. Meyer keeps you guessing until the very end.

If someone had asked me if I wanted to read a "cop" story that takes place in South Africa, I may have "passed" on it. What a loss that would have been! This is one the best I've ever read.

Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (2/08) "Devil's Peak" begins with a bang and the action never ceases. There are three seemingly unrelated stories occurring. Benny, a police officer, has just been thrown out of the house because he is an alcoholic who will not seek help. Naturally, his alcoholism also affects his job performance. His supervisor shows faith in him by putting him in charge of the investigation into the murders of people who have been accused of committing crimes against children (the second story). In the third story, a young woman is explaining to her pastor why she became a prostitute. As the book progresses, these characters' lives overlap and it becomes clear as to what motivates each of them to act in the ways they choose. I liked the plot of this book very much. I enjoyed learning about the methods that are used for profiling serial killers. The characters were realistic and I was moved to hear some of the things that had occurred in their lives. I especially enjoyed the very descriptive struggles Benny encountered while trying to stay sober. It was touching when he tried to explain to his children why he has difficulty resisting alcohol. His son's anger toward him was strongly emphasized. I could feel his pain as he berated his father for always thinking only of himself instead of his family. It was also great to see Benny and his son make up because it can provide hope to others who are in a similar situation. Meyer discusses many people's vices, including prostitution and alcoholism, in a straightforward way. He provides an honest explanation as to why people make the choices they do. A key concept in this book is that help is there if people are willing to accept it and put in the effort to change their own behaviors. He also focuses on the debate between legal justice and moral justice, and whether morals should sometimes supercede the law. "Devil's Peak" will appeal to any adult reader. It will make people think about what actions are justified even if they are not legal. It will also challenge individuals to accept responsibility for their own lives and not to blame events from the past for their present behaviors.