The Serpentine Road – Paul Mendelson

Description

In The Serpentine Road, longlisted for the 2015 Crime Writer’s Association Golden Dagger, Paul Mendelson delves into the shadows of South Africa’s past and present, where history and justice collide. The novel follows Colonel Vaughn de Vries as he investigates the murder of an heiress in Cape Town, a crime seemingly tied to a racial hate incident. But as de Vries digs deeper, he uncovers a web of motivations, including a controversial art exhibition, her secret relationship with a prominent figure from the country’s struggle, and more.

The investigation takes a darker turn when it becomes clear that this murder is part of a larger, more complex series of killings. De Vries’ pursuit of the truth leads him to revisit a traumatic event from his youth, a police operation gone horribly wrong during apartheid’s volatile years. As his investigation uncovers buried secrets, de Vries finds himself confronting a mysterious killer and the ghosts of South Africa’s tumultuous past.

The narrative weaves together the oppressive history of apartheid with a gripping modern-day mystery. Mendelson’s rich portrayal of South Africa’s changing landscape, coupled with his complex characters, makes this a powerful and thought-provoking crime thriller. The Serpentine Road is a compelling tale of redemption, betrayal, and the search for truth in a fractured nation.