Translated by Karin Schimke — Renowned South African crime author Irma Venter plunges readers into the arid expanse of the Great Karoo where the little town of Carnavon harbours old grudges, secrets and an unsolved murder that took place three years back.
The plot revolves around the perplexing death of Janien Steyn, a promising young artist. A week before her wedding, her father discovered her body meticulously arranged in her dress alongside a red bicycle, on a dried up floodplain on the family farm. Three years later, the local police investigation has proven fruitless, and the townspeople seem suspiciously content about it.
But not Janien’s godfather. Jaap Reyneke, a retired police officer, remains determined to find the truth even if it means stepping on toes, including those of his sister, Janien’s mother.
The initial police theory – that a vagrant drug addict was responsible – lacked any supporting evidence. Jaap suspects a more personal motive behind the macabre murder scene. He enlists the reluctant aid of Sarah Fourie, a convicted hacker with a troubled past and a talent for digital forensics.
Their investigation quickly unearths a multitude of secrets, including Janien’s hidden online life. It becomes clear that Janien was caught between her desire to be a dutiful daughter, conforming to her conservative rural community, and her true personal aspirations. As Jaap and Sarah delve deeper, the mystery surrounding Janien’s death intensifies with the discovery that others were found dead in similar ways.
Yolene Chen and Jack Fist were also murdered on 20 July in successive years in different parts of the country. Each of these deaths was marked by the use of the colour red and the presence of a sedative in their bloodstream. What’s the connection between the three murders?
The dynamic between Jaap Reyneke and Sarah Fourie is central to Red Tide. They are complete opposites. Jaap, a seasoned, old-school police detective, carries the trauma of a horrific taxi war incident in which 14 people died, including a three-month-old baby. Leaving him disillusioned, it ended his career, but also fuels his unwavering commitment to fighting injustice on his terms, as evidenced by his stubborn pursuit of Janien’s case. He is patient, persistent, and grounded in traditional investigative methods, often clashing with Sarah’s unconventional approach.
Sarah, on the other hand, bends the law as she sees fit. She is prickly, socially awkward, obstinate, and prefers the unemotional logic of algorithms to human interaction, making her a challenging partner. Her past, marked by her father’s recent death and a subsequent need for escape, has fostered a sense of detachment. Readers might find her reminiscent of another anti-social hacker in crime fiction, Lisbeth Salander.
Despite their contrasting personalities, their partnership is largely amicable, often spiced with dry wit and wry humour. Jaap recognises Sarah’s unique skills and understands her need for space and privacy. Sarah, in turn, finds stability in Jaap, someone she can trust. He provides the investigation’s moral compass and human element, while she offers the cutting-edge technological skills needed to unravel the digital breadcrumbs.
Beyond the compelling character dynamics, the novel’s setting and Venter’s beautiful depiction of the Great Karoo stand out. The isolation of this semi-desert landscape and its inhabitants creates a unique atmosphere, perfectly lending itself to an original South African crime novel. The mention of the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope in Carnarvon adds a touch of modern relevance to an otherwise isolated location. As is often the case in remote areas, there’s the juxtaposition of old and new, the push and pull between progress and the status quo. The inhabitants of Venter’s Carnavon are inherently narrow-minded, a community that prefers to keep their secrets hidden and resolve their issues without outside interference.
This fourth in Venter’s popular S-series showcases a complex plot through the perspectives of its two protagonists. The novel excels in its character development and intricate mystery, with its small-town setting adding local colour and providing a unique backdrop. In many ways, it’s reminiscent of Nordic noir: a strong sense of place, atmospheric and dark. Perhaps it’s time to coin the term Afri-noir?
Red Tide is a captivating read, confirming Venter’s talent for writing gripping mysteries that delve into the undercurrents of human nature, the devastating impact of secrets and above all, the South African landscape, both figuratively and literally. If Deon Meyer is the only South African crime author you’re familiar with, it’s time to discover equally brilliant writers like Irma Venter and Red Tide is a good place to start.
Also see Karin Brynard’s Weeping Waters, another South African novel worth reading.
Catalyst Press
Print/Kindle/iBook
£10.99
CFL Rating: 5 Stars
