Of Cops & Robbers by Mike Nicol

PI Fish Pescado and Vicki Kahn #1

by Mike Nicol

Dawn light on the mountains, a two metre swell coming off False Bay. PI Fish Pescado – lithe, blond-haired, six-pack – is surfing. To Fish this is paradise. Except, he has no work, and a diminishing bank balance. Until a young surfer paddles ‘Hey, Fish, there’s a pretty chick looking for you.’ The pretty chick is Vicki Kahn, poker addict by night, lawyer by day. She’s bright, sharp, lovely. The best woman he’s ever had. And she’s got a job for find the murderous bastard who wiped out a bystander at an illegal drag race.If only it were that easy. Thing is that the drag racer has connections high up. Really high up, right to the police commissioner. Thing is the police commissioner has his eye on Vicki Kahn. Thing is the police commissioner has a past, a nasty past. A past that has something to do with hit squads, assassinations, rhino horns and the kind of information that no one wants uncovered. The kind of information that involves lots of money, gold bullion in fact. The commissioner’s also got a taste for the lush life. A taste that is ruthless, savage.Before long, Fish and Vicki can’t tell who’s a cop and who’s a robber. Or who’s gunning for them.

Genres: Crime

Paperback

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

Born in Cape Town, Mike Nicol was educated there and in Johannesburg, where he began his working life as a journalist. During the 1980s he moved back to Cape Town and worked on the magazine Leadership for a number of years. Towards the end of that decade he published his first novel, The Powers That Be, resigned from the magazine and began what he calls "the scary life of a freelance journalist and writer."

Reviews

[Khaleel Datay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime and politics often seem to be partners in the news, the one unable to do without the other. So often one hears stories in the community, whispers of this one did this and that one did that in the Struggle for South Africa's freedom from oppression by apartheid. This book delves into the uncomfortable relationship between politicians, freedom fighters, and the gangsters who do their dirty work. In post apartheid South Africa, private investigator Fish Pescado and his lovely girlfriend Vicki Kahn become embroiled in this dark mix. Fish has to use all his investigative wiles to uncover the lid on a crime involving the death of a young man in a hit and run. Former Struggle icon Jacob Mkezi, a former police commissioner, now businessman, is the point of a triangle involving the dark days of apartheid, present day economic enrichment, and Fish Pescado's single devotion of surfing. Vicki Kahn works for the lawyer representing Jacob Mkezi in a corruption trial, pulling her into his world of fast money and short lives. The author taps wonderfully into the psyche of the different cultures that make up Cape Town, capturing the darker, seedier part of the people that make up this most beautiful city in the country. Using flashbacks, the author also illustrates a bit of how the apartheid machine dealt with political opponents via a special 'icing unit', and how the new dispensation with its own assassins get their own back. Great characters, nice story told in the author's unique style. Would recommend it highly.Of Cops & Robbers

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book by a fabulous South African author who writes fiction that is almost fact. I especially like reading books set in my home town! Well worth a read!

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the comfort of reading in the South African vernacular. It’s so expressive and gave the characters their unique personalities. The political story interwoven into the plot made for a credible story line.

[Petra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. I love Deon Meyer, but the Mike Nicol characters don’t talk to me. I stopped halfway through the book as from the structure it was pretty clear where this was heading and it didn’t interest me enough to carry me through the book.

[Heidi de Goede · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the Afrikaans paperback.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the  fresh, punchy style of the narrative and the unputdownable pace! Vivid, and fascinating characters take you with them through an unpredictable plot. You won't put it down till its done! A real treat for krimi lovers who value good writing.

[Karin brynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satyrical, clever and hair raising - all at once. Good pace, enough blood and gore, car chases and hoodlums. And some corrupt politicians and police commissioners. Toe curling read!