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S-boek reeks #2
Skrapnel
In Irma Venter’s follow-up to the electric Hard Rain, Ranna Abramson returns home to the lion’s den to resurrect a long-dead past and save the man she loves.
Ranna Abramson wants to disappear.
But she knows she can’t keep running when a former enemy tracks her down in Mumbai with dire news: her onetime lover, journalist Alex Derksen, has disappeared back home in South Africa.
Torn between her desire for him and fear of a homecoming, Ranna knows she’s the only one who can find him. But only two things in South Africa would welcome her—the inside of a cell or the bottom of a grave. There, to the police she’s the prime suspect of three murders. To the press she’s the serial killer Black Widow.
Despite her instincts to stay away, Ranna makes the journey. But the key to finding Alex lies in her painful past. And to uncover it, she’ll need to unravel a web of secrets tied to a long-forgotten crime.
Even if she finds Alex before it’s too late, Ranna must answer for past sins…or risk losing him forever.
Ranna Abramson wants to disappear.
But she knows she can’t keep running when a former enemy tracks her down in Mumbai with dire news: her onetime lover, journalist Alex Derksen, has disappeared back home in South Africa.
Torn between her desire for him and fear of a homecoming, Ranna knows she’s the only one who can find him. But only two things in South Africa would welcome her—the inside of a cell or the bottom of a grave. There, to the police she’s the prime suspect of three murders. To the press she’s the serial killer Black Widow.
Despite her instincts to stay away, Ranna makes the journey. But the key to finding Alex lies in her painful past. And to uncover it, she’ll need to unravel a web of secrets tied to a long-forgotten crime.
Even if she finds Alex before it’s too late, Ranna must answer for past sins…or risk losing him forever.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2013
139 people are currently reading
927 people want to read
About the author
Irma Venter
12 books155 followersIrma Venter is a thriller writer. She writes books about strong women, interesting men and that fascinating space between right and wrong. Her first book, Skoenlapper, was published in 2012, in Afrikaans. Six of her books have been translated.
Irma Venter is 'n misdaadskrywer. Haar eerste boek word in 2012 gepubliseer. Skoenlapper word gevolg deur Skrapnel, Sondebok, Skarlaken, Sirkus, Sondag en Sewe-en-veertig. Minder as Niks verskyn in 2021, en is die begin van 'n nuwe krimireeks met Ami Prinsloo as die hoofkarakter. Die Verkeerde Vrou is die tweede boek in die reeks, gevolg deur Al Wat Tel. Die vierde boek in die Ami-reeks het pas verskyn – Die Drie Weduwees.
Irma Venter is 'n misdaadskrywer. Haar eerste boek word in 2012 gepubliseer. Skoenlapper word gevolg deur Skrapnel, Sondebok, Skarlaken, Sirkus, Sondag en Sewe-en-veertig. Minder as Niks verskyn in 2021, en is die begin van 'n nuwe krimireeks met Ami Prinsloo as die hoofkarakter. Die Verkeerde Vrou is die tweede boek in die reeks, gevolg deur Al Wat Tel. Die vierde boek in die Ami-reeks het pas verskyn – Die Drie Weduwees.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 8, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. This book starts out slow and drags in parts as it slowly reveals how secrets from an armed robbery have come back to haunt Ranna Abramson. Ranna is on the run from South African Police. She is wanted for killing Tom Masterson, which happened in book 1 of this series. Although this is book 2, I think that this book works as a stand alone. I have read book 1.
Ranna fled South Africa after she killed Tom in self defense. But now Sarah, Tom's friend and computer whiz, has tracked Ranna down and begs her to come back. Ranna is love with Alex Derksen, a journalist who has disappeared. Sarah tells Ranna that she needs Ranna to help her find Alex.
But Sarah has not been honest with Ranna, and the plot slowly uncovers how Ranna's past has come back to threaten her and Alex. The book is narrated from the POV of Alex, Sarah and Ranna.
One quote: description of room service food: "...curry, hot enough to burn the skin off a goat."
It took me 10 days to read this book--368 pages.
The translation was excellent. Thanks to AmazonCrossing for sending me this eARC through NetGalley. #ManDown #NetGalley
Ranna fled South Africa after she killed Tom in self defense. But now Sarah, Tom's friend and computer whiz, has tracked Ranna down and begs her to come back. Ranna is love with Alex Derksen, a journalist who has disappeared. Sarah tells Ranna that she needs Ranna to help her find Alex.
But Sarah has not been honest with Ranna, and the plot slowly uncovers how Ranna's past has come back to threaten her and Alex. The book is narrated from the POV of Alex, Sarah and Ranna.
One quote: description of room service food: "...curry, hot enough to burn the skin off a goat."
It took me 10 days to read this book--368 pages.
The translation was excellent. Thanks to AmazonCrossing for sending me this eARC through NetGalley. #ManDown #NetGalley
August 27, 2020
The book is a thriller and is thrilling. It contains a collection of interesting characters living outside of the law, a family mystery, an accused serial murderer called back to South Africa to find the love of her life who has been kidnapped, a missing fortune, an old con seeking revenge and two women who love the same man. There's plenty of action, various secrets revealed and there are unexpected baddies. It's Book 2 in the series but is easily a stand alone escapism novel.
May 20, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
When a journalist disappears doing a story on illegal mining in South Africa, his former girlfriend tracks down his other lost love, thought to be a serial killer by the police. Although the two don't really like one another, they track the journalist down.
South Africa is developing a burgeoning crime fiction renaissance.
When a journalist disappears doing a story on illegal mining in South Africa, his former girlfriend tracks down his other lost love, thought to be a serial killer by the police. Although the two don't really like one another, they track the journalist down.
South Africa is developing a burgeoning crime fiction renaissance.
August 13, 2013
Wat 'n heerlike tweede boek! Ranna, Sarah en Alex se stemme wat slim die raaisels ontrafel. 'n Spanningslyn wat maak dat mens die boek letterlik nie kán neersit nie. Heerlike karakters! Hoogtyd vir sulke stories in Afrikaans. 'n Moet vir almal wat Skoenlapper gelees het. Fantastiese werk Irma Venter!
November 12, 2018
Uitstekend. Ek is 'n laatkommer met Irma Venter se boeke, maar ek geniet myself gate uit noudat ek begin het. Om jou storie in die eerste persoon uit verskillende karakters se oogpunte te vertel kan maklik skeefloop en die leser deurmekaar maak, maar sy doen dit briljant. Goeie spanningslyn, 'n boeiende raaisel en lekker aweregse karakters. Ek sien uit na die res van die reeks.
September 15, 2013
Hope Irma never stops writing, she just has it all!! I did not even want to read too fast as I would finish the book too soon. Laat die boeke kom, Irma
December 30, 2020
Ek stel voor dat die s-reeks boeke in volgorde gelees word, want sy skryf vir my al hoe beter soos die reeks aangaan. Ek het ongelukkig nie by Skoenlapper begin nie, maar lees nou dit in volgorde verder. Goeie karakterisering en die spanningslyn word goed gebou. Sterk aanbeveel!
April 21, 2014
Expect great things from Irma Venter. Exceptional writer.
July 6, 2014
Na Skoenlapper wat ek net nie in die storie inkom nie, was ek vesigtig. Hierdie storie het egter 'n goeie tempo en spanningslyn. Baie geniet.
June 18, 2017
Ek het Skrapnel net soveel geniet soos Skoenlapper. Sou aanbeveel dat lesers Skoenlapper eerste lees (alhoewel nie noodsaaklik). As jy hou van Deon Meyer, sal jy hiervan ook hou (y)
September 23, 2020
Alex Derksen is an intrepid reporter who finds himself bang in the middle of the crosshairs of an ugly duel between the South African cops, and hoodlums of the illegal Zama-Zamas illegal mining syndicate. Breathless running and dodging, bruises and scratches, a dead constable, and a bullet lodged in his Kevlar vest later, Alex is unbelievably lucky to find himself alive, let alone in one untampered piece. However, curiosity gets the better of him and bests his good luck, when he gets a midnight call, while convalescing in a motel. The caller identifying himself only and imaginatively as “Gadhafi” lures Alex to a shady pub, promising a wealth of information on the Zama-Zamas cartel. A hastily drunk beer is not the only disappointment greeting the report as within the blink of an eye Alex finds himself abducted.
The only individuals capable of rescuing Alex from his predicament are two women, both having a bit of history with Alex. Ranna Abramson, a fighting fit, tall lanky photographer and Alex’s lover, with a gruesome past of her own, has for some unfathomable reason disappeared like the night from Alex’s life. Sarah, a geek of the highest degree and a wizard with anything remotely resembling an automobile, had a brief dalliance with Alex when he was torn apart by the disappearance of Ranna. When Sarah succeeds in tracking down Ranna in a small cubby hole bang in the middle of a claustrophobic environ in the teeming metropolis that is Mumbai, both women know that there has arrived a point of no return. Poles apart in both their attitude and outlook, the only factor that unites the duo is a raging purpose and relentless intent to save Alex from the clutches of his kidnapper.
Ghosts that were thought to have been exorcised in the past come with renewed fury to haunt Ranna and Sarah as they go about the most dangerous task they have ever attempted until now in their lives. Their enemy is not just unseen, but also seemingly unpredictable and invincible. Will the courageous duo succeed in their mission? Or has Alex tempted his fate one time more than what was acceptable? Irma Venter in “Man Down”, which is the second book in her “Rogue” series, once again puts her main protagonists, the romantic duo that is Alex and Ranna into a bind. However, the book is more of a Sarah-Ranna combo than Alex. Alex’s angels perhaps!
Unlike a gripping tome by Tom Clancy where the cast of characters exceed the stars in any Galaxy, Irma Venter’s book is an exercise in thrilling simplicity. There are protagonists and there are antagonists. They combat each other both savagely as well as subtly. “Man Down” is more “Die Hard” than an “Inception” or “Minority Report.” There is absolutely no tedium whatsoever as the plot races through in a crisp and tight fashion. There is a judicious blend of wit and vitriol. The action sequences are taut, yet never overboard. There is not a moment that is neither dull nor vapid in the book.
“Man Down” – a feast for thriller afficionados!
(Man Down by Irma Venter is published by Amazon Crossing and will be released on the 20th of April 2021.)
The only individuals capable of rescuing Alex from his predicament are two women, both having a bit of history with Alex. Ranna Abramson, a fighting fit, tall lanky photographer and Alex’s lover, with a gruesome past of her own, has for some unfathomable reason disappeared like the night from Alex’s life. Sarah, a geek of the highest degree and a wizard with anything remotely resembling an automobile, had a brief dalliance with Alex when he was torn apart by the disappearance of Ranna. When Sarah succeeds in tracking down Ranna in a small cubby hole bang in the middle of a claustrophobic environ in the teeming metropolis that is Mumbai, both women know that there has arrived a point of no return. Poles apart in both their attitude and outlook, the only factor that unites the duo is a raging purpose and relentless intent to save Alex from the clutches of his kidnapper.
Ghosts that were thought to have been exorcised in the past come with renewed fury to haunt Ranna and Sarah as they go about the most dangerous task they have ever attempted until now in their lives. Their enemy is not just unseen, but also seemingly unpredictable and invincible. Will the courageous duo succeed in their mission? Or has Alex tempted his fate one time more than what was acceptable? Irma Venter in “Man Down”, which is the second book in her “Rogue” series, once again puts her main protagonists, the romantic duo that is Alex and Ranna into a bind. However, the book is more of a Sarah-Ranna combo than Alex. Alex’s angels perhaps!
Unlike a gripping tome by Tom Clancy where the cast of characters exceed the stars in any Galaxy, Irma Venter’s book is an exercise in thrilling simplicity. There are protagonists and there are antagonists. They combat each other both savagely as well as subtly. “Man Down” is more “Die Hard” than an “Inception” or “Minority Report.” There is absolutely no tedium whatsoever as the plot races through in a crisp and tight fashion. There is a judicious blend of wit and vitriol. The action sequences are taut, yet never overboard. There is not a moment that is neither dull nor vapid in the book.
“Man Down” – a feast for thriller afficionados!
(Man Down by Irma Venter is published by Amazon Crossing and will be released on the 20th of April 2021.)
January 24, 2023
The second in the Alex-Ranna-Sarah series. This book sees Ranna (a photojournalist) and Sarah (techie extraordinaire) thrown together as unlikely partners searching for the missing Alex (journalist and also the love of Ranna's life). The reason for his abduction is linked to Ranna's past. Specifically a life-changing event that took place during her childhood. Sarah persuades Ranna to return to South Africa (she had to make a run for it after being classified a serial killer leaving Alex behind with a clue to her whereabouts) even though she's a wanted person. The story takes the two from one end of the country - Pretoria, to the other - West Coast.
I chose to read this book in Afrikaans as I love the poetry of the language. The author did not disappoint and I cannot wait to start the third in the series. Palm-sweatingly gripping and an absolute thrill of a ride.
I chose to read this book in Afrikaans as I love the poetry of the language. The author did not disappoint and I cannot wait to start the third in the series. Palm-sweatingly gripping and an absolute thrill of a ride.
November 18, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Irma Venter for the ARC of this book.
Ranna is the suspect in several murders and is on the run, keeping her head down in Mumbai. When she’s tracked down by Sarah, there are not many things that could tempt her back to South Africa, but, the kidnapping of her past love, Alex, is one of the things that would.
This book tells the story of Sarah and Ranna’s journey to rescue Alex, with both learning a lot about themselves, and each other on the way.
I was completely gripped throughout and constantly trying to work out what was coming next! The characters of Ranna and Sarah were so likeable despite their hard outer shells. I loved it!
Ranna is the suspect in several murders and is on the run, keeping her head down in Mumbai. When she’s tracked down by Sarah, there are not many things that could tempt her back to South Africa, but, the kidnapping of her past love, Alex, is one of the things that would.
This book tells the story of Sarah and Ranna’s journey to rescue Alex, with both learning a lot about themselves, and each other on the way.
I was completely gripped throughout and constantly trying to work out what was coming next! The characters of Ranna and Sarah were so likeable despite their hard outer shells. I loved it!
September 27, 2020
A follow up to Hard Rain, the first in the series. Suspenseful. I like the tough main female character and the character development as well as the romance between the heroine and her lover.
Read
September 21, 2021Read the Book Bite in the Sunday Times: https://bit.ly/39nKbxh
~Movies lie. Nine-millimetre bullets rip through everything.~
~Never sound uncertain in a foreign country, especially not if you're a woman. Say yes and no with conviction. And don't wear white if you're planning to travel thousands of kilometres.~
~Murder is not a misunderstanding.~
~Betrayal has a colour: it's a chilly, dirty black.~
~When you're little, your parents first ask you what you did, so that they can try and limit the damage, but the second question is almost always why, to establish what could possibly have motivated you. As if they need to know that it wasn't their fault - no failure on their part to try and raise a decent member of society.~
~No one seems to have been able to figure out a way for the sterile linoleum halls to smell less like death's dirty hands.~
~Movies lie. Nine-millimetre bullets rip through everything.~
~Never sound uncertain in a foreign country, especially not if you're a woman. Say yes and no with conviction. And don't wear white if you're planning to travel thousands of kilometres.~
~Murder is not a misunderstanding.~
~Betrayal has a colour: it's a chilly, dirty black.~
~When you're little, your parents first ask you what you did, so that they can try and limit the damage, but the second question is almost always why, to establish what could possibly have motivated you. As if they need to know that it wasn't their fault - no failure on their part to try and raise a decent member of society.~
~No one seems to have been able to figure out a way for the sterile linoleum halls to smell less like death's dirty hands.~
May 15, 2021
Violent language and vivid twists and turns - not for the faint hearted
I am often offended by the language and left wondering whether it is translated verbatim while enjoying the imaginative writing style in this second book of the series. Will there be more forthcoming? It doesn't matter, this is a masterful story with all sorts of unexpected plot twists. One of tbe high points is that Venter doesn't leave dangling subplots. All thing are woven into a completed tapestry by the conclusion of the book while still leaving the reader imagining possible futures for the protagonists.
I am often offended by the language and left wondering whether it is translated verbatim while enjoying the imaginative writing style in this second book of the series. Will there be more forthcoming? It doesn't matter, this is a masterful story with all sorts of unexpected plot twists. One of tbe high points is that Venter doesn't leave dangling subplots. All thing are woven into a completed tapestry by the conclusion of the book while still leaving the reader imagining possible futures for the protagonists.
January 16, 2019
Definitely one of her best. I like all the characters in the book, they all have their own past and in this story I loved how all three of my favorite characters ended up working together. The book drew me in from page one. I didn't read this series books in order which wasn't a problem at all as the characters are all introduced and every story is a story on its own even though it follows on another book. I didn't want the book to end. What a nice read.
June 14, 2021
A great follow-up
I quite enjoyed "Hard Rain," and liked this sequel even better.
The story isn't unique to South Africa and translates well to the U.S. and other English-speaking countries. I'd love to see both books adapted for film, with South African actors and filmed on location. Because the plot travels across the county, it would be a great introduction to South Africa for those of us who've not been there.
I quite enjoyed "Hard Rain," and liked this sequel even better.
The story isn't unique to South Africa and translates well to the U.S. and other English-speaking countries. I'd love to see both books adapted for film, with South African actors and filmed on location. Because the plot travels across the county, it would be a great introduction to South Africa for those of us who've not been there.
May 28, 2019
Goeie Afrikaanse skryfwerk.
May 18, 2021
Enjoy reading the hard hitting books by the South African author.
April 25, 2021
Intense, Energetic Thriller of Danger and Betrayal
Strong characters bring this cat-and-mouse thriller to life in a neverending cascade of unknown and impossible situations. Irma Venter's complex and suspenseful storytelling creates a 4.5-star reading experience, impossible to put down. A satisfying read, you'll want to plan enough recovery time once you finish it.
Book 2 in this Rogue series is even better than the first installment, building on the Alex-Ranna mysterious relationship of the journalist and photographer duo's dynamics of loving each other too much to stay together, all while it seems everyone wants to kill them.
This installment has Alex abducted, while he's covering a tense battlefield story somewhere in Southern Africa. The plot develops as Ranna, using a fake identity is tracked down in India with news of Alex's life-threatening disappearance. Can she help Alex in time? Too many questionable characters soon create tense chaos as this fast-action story is told from three different first-person viewpoints: Alex, Ranna, and Sarah (the reformed and previously incarcerated computer hacker).
The book reads faster than the 447 pages might suggest for two reasons: first, the book has 28 section-header double pages rotating among the three main characters; and second, there's lots of compelling dialogue driving the storyline with unique character personalities. Didn't seem long at all.
This is definitely a great book for a weekend escape or a travel read that will make the time pass quickly. I don't want to say too much about the story elements because the best part is experiencing all the twists and surprises yourself as they happen.
Three expert narrators, voicing each of the main characters as zest and depth to personalities and story situations, making Audible's story recording both entertaining and memorable. A great reading augmentation.
Hats off to Karen Schimke for the vivid and dynamic translation from Afrikaans to English, making the reading experience especially engaging and worthwhile.
Imran Venter is definitely now on my reading list for her masterful and enjoyable writing skills.
Strong characters bring this cat-and-mouse thriller to life in a neverending cascade of unknown and impossible situations. Irma Venter's complex and suspenseful storytelling creates a 4.5-star reading experience, impossible to put down. A satisfying read, you'll want to plan enough recovery time once you finish it.
Book 2 in this Rogue series is even better than the first installment, building on the Alex-Ranna mysterious relationship of the journalist and photographer duo's dynamics of loving each other too much to stay together, all while it seems everyone wants to kill them.
This installment has Alex abducted, while he's covering a tense battlefield story somewhere in Southern Africa. The plot develops as Ranna, using a fake identity is tracked down in India with news of Alex's life-threatening disappearance. Can she help Alex in time? Too many questionable characters soon create tense chaos as this fast-action story is told from three different first-person viewpoints: Alex, Ranna, and Sarah (the reformed and previously incarcerated computer hacker).
The book reads faster than the 447 pages might suggest for two reasons: first, the book has 28 section-header double pages rotating among the three main characters; and second, there's lots of compelling dialogue driving the storyline with unique character personalities. Didn't seem long at all.
This is definitely a great book for a weekend escape or a travel read that will make the time pass quickly. I don't want to say too much about the story elements because the best part is experiencing all the twists and surprises yourself as they happen.
Three expert narrators, voicing each of the main characters as zest and depth to personalities and story situations, making Audible's story recording both entertaining and memorable. A great reading augmentation.
Hats off to Karen Schimke for the vivid and dynamic translation from Afrikaans to English, making the reading experience especially engaging and worthwhile.
Imran Venter is definitely now on my reading list for her masterful and enjoyable writing skills.
April 10, 2021
What a great read. It started off very slowly and I wondered if the whole book was going to be about Alex and illegal mining, but when Sarah and Ranna entered the storyline things perked up.
Although this is the second book in the series I didn't feel as if I was missing out on too much detail from book 1 that was relevant to book 2, so I'd say this can be read as a stand alone.
What I loved about this book was:
(1) the awesome, strong female characters - they didn't need to show cleavage or bed someone to get what they want - they were allowed to use their brains and intelligence. Alex was almost like a minor player.
(2) the uniqueness of being set in South Africa - the place names; the whole atmosphere feels right, descriptions like Karoo lamb, Kudu, Namaqualand, Paternoster. Little things like knowing how long it takes to drive from Pretoria to Lamberts Bay, what the weather is like on the West Coast reflects the author being truly South African.
(3) the gripping storyline that keeps you wondering what's going to happen next. Near the end all the loose ends get tied together and the reader has that "wow" moment. Using events like cash-in-transit robberies makes it very realistic.
Which brings me to the one (and only) thing I didn't like in the book. (And I think this came in with the translation from Afrikaans to English and possibly to make the book more "international".) I felt the use of words like "barbeque"; "miles"; "gas station" and "fast-food" are not quite South African - we use "braai"; "kilometers"; "petrol station" and "take-aways". I felt that the colloquial South African words could rather have been used with a glossary at the end explaining the words to international readers. This however did not detract from my rating of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.
Although this is the second book in the series I didn't feel as if I was missing out on too much detail from book 1 that was relevant to book 2, so I'd say this can be read as a stand alone.
What I loved about this book was:
(1) the awesome, strong female characters - they didn't need to show cleavage or bed someone to get what they want - they were allowed to use their brains and intelligence. Alex was almost like a minor player.
(2) the uniqueness of being set in South Africa - the place names; the whole atmosphere feels right, descriptions like Karoo lamb, Kudu, Namaqualand, Paternoster. Little things like knowing how long it takes to drive from Pretoria to Lamberts Bay, what the weather is like on the West Coast reflects the author being truly South African.
(3) the gripping storyline that keeps you wondering what's going to happen next. Near the end all the loose ends get tied together and the reader has that "wow" moment. Using events like cash-in-transit robberies makes it very realistic.
Which brings me to the one (and only) thing I didn't like in the book. (And I think this came in with the translation from Afrikaans to English and possibly to make the book more "international".) I felt the use of words like "barbeque"; "miles"; "gas station" and "fast-food" are not quite South African - we use "braai"; "kilometers"; "petrol station" and "take-aways". I felt that the colloquial South African words could rather have been used with a glossary at the end explaining the words to international readers. This however did not detract from my rating of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.
July 29, 2023
Make this into a movie
Start this duology with Hard Rain.
Genre: thriller
"But when is it enough? How many people have died because of me? When does it ever end?"
The author of this book is from South Africa. It was translated from
Afrikaans by Karin Schimke
Alex is missing. His old friend can only think of one way to get him back but she needs help and the only person who can help with this is Ranna, Alex's lost love, the girl that ran away, the girl the police call The Black Widow serial killer. Of course, Sarah isn't telling the whole truth either.
There aren't many thrillers on my TBR, so when I found these on Kindleunlimited, I was delighted! I get to expand my genre reading and read in translation (2 goals, 1 book - well, 2 books). I enjoyed the duology and would love to see a 3rd. Ranna does owe Adriana...
Also, if any movie makers follow me (yeah, right), these would make great movies. Good characters, action, a love story, twists, everyone has secrets. Good stuff!
Start this duology with Hard Rain.
Genre: thriller
"But when is it enough? How many people have died because of me? When does it ever end?"
The author of this book is from South Africa. It was translated from
Afrikaans by Karin Schimke
Alex is missing. His old friend can only think of one way to get him back but she needs help and the only person who can help with this is Ranna, Alex's lost love, the girl that ran away, the girl the police call The Black Widow serial killer. Of course, Sarah isn't telling the whole truth either.
There aren't many thrillers on my TBR, so when I found these on Kindleunlimited, I was delighted! I get to expand my genre reading and read in translation (2 goals, 1 book - well, 2 books). I enjoyed the duology and would love to see a 3rd. Ranna does owe Adriana...
Also, if any movie makers follow me (yeah, right), these would make great movies. Good characters, action, a love story, twists, everyone has secrets. Good stuff!
April 29, 2021
Man Down is the second title in Irma Venter’s action-thriller series Rogue, but it reads very well as a standalone. In fact, I think my lack of exposure to the key protagonists only served to heighten the predominantly character-driven cat-and-mouse slow-burn suspense and intrigue in this novel’s first half.
Venter’s contained ensemble cast (in number, not impact) and skilful use of alternating character first-person narratives (a construct I particularly enjoy) delivered compelling character development. Her evocative depiction of the South African setting, a deeply scarred society with unrest simmering under every surface, amplified character tensions and reader suspicions. Continue reading >> https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
Venter’s contained ensemble cast (in number, not impact) and skilful use of alternating character first-person narratives (a construct I particularly enjoy) delivered compelling character development. Her evocative depiction of the South African setting, a deeply scarred society with unrest simmering under every surface, amplified character tensions and reader suspicions. Continue reading >> https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
April 13, 2021
Thank you to the author, AmazonCrossing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This fast-paced thriller is the second in a a series, and although it can be read as a stand-alone, there are a lot of references to previous happenings that make things a bit murky if you're not current with the story. Told in alternating POVs (journalist Alex, his ex-lover Ranna and computer geek Sara - who is also fancies Alex), the story barrels along along with secrets slowly revealed, twists taken and allegiances tested. The author can definitely write, but the characters stayed very one-dimensional for me, and I found the ending stretched the boundaries of my credulity a bit too far.
This fast-paced thriller is the second in a a series, and although it can be read as a stand-alone, there are a lot of references to previous happenings that make things a bit murky if you're not current with the story. Told in alternating POVs (journalist Alex, his ex-lover Ranna and computer geek Sara - who is also fancies Alex), the story barrels along along with secrets slowly revealed, twists taken and allegiances tested. The author can definitely write, but the characters stayed very one-dimensional for me, and I found the ending stretched the boundaries of my credulity a bit too far.
August 28, 2020
I'm new to this author but I can say with certainty that I will be back for more of her books.
Even though this is a follow up to her earlier novel Hard Rain, it is possible to pick up this book without reading the earlier ones.
Ranna Abramson is trapped into returning to her hometown, South Africa, to save the love of her life, Alex Derksen. Two things are certain for Ranna if she chooses to return home, either the inside of a prison cell or the bottom of her own grave.
The characters are easy to relate to and very interesting, a page-turner that keeps you coming back for more.
Even though this is a follow up to her earlier novel Hard Rain, it is possible to pick up this book without reading the earlier ones.
Ranna Abramson is trapped into returning to her hometown, South Africa, to save the love of her life, Alex Derksen. Two things are certain for Ranna if she chooses to return home, either the inside of a prison cell or the bottom of her own grave.
The characters are easy to relate to and very interesting, a page-turner that keeps you coming back for more.
May 1, 2021
Second book of a series, and although you can read it as a stand-alone, I strongly recommend that you read the first one first, otherwise you will have a hard time figuring out who is who. (And also because Hard Rain was a 5-star!)
The story is told by Ranna, Sarah and Alex, but it was a bit unbalanced to me, and the strong female characters dominated. I didn't find the storyline as original as in the first book, still it was a fast-paced thriller nonetheless. And I will definitely read the next one in the series.
I am grateful for NetGalley and AmazonCrossing for an Advance Reading Copy.
The story is told by Ranna, Sarah and Alex, but it was a bit unbalanced to me, and the strong female characters dominated. I didn't find the storyline as original as in the first book, still it was a fast-paced thriller nonetheless. And I will definitely read the next one in the series.
I am grateful for NetGalley and AmazonCrossing for an Advance Reading Copy.
June 16, 2021
A Long Love Story
Man Down appears to be a mystery, but in truth is a love story that stretches across South Africa. As two rival women come together to save a man they both desire, the back story unfolds to reveal a convoluted plot, a diamond heist, gross infidelities of the past.
Reminiscent of James Spader's "The Blacklist" the plot provides unexpected twists at every moment, until the last satisfying page.
Man Down appears to be a mystery, but in truth is a love story that stretches across South Africa. As two rival women come together to save a man they both desire, the back story unfolds to reveal a convoluted plot, a diamond heist, gross infidelities of the past.
Reminiscent of James Spader's "The Blacklist" the plot provides unexpected twists at every moment, until the last satisfying page.
October 29, 2023
great follow up to bk 1!
This story picks up a year after Ranna and Alex parted ways. Ranna is still on the run, wanted for murder. Alex is kidnapped while writing a story. Sarah has to find Ranna so they can save Alex. Except things get complicated, well more so than initially, and Ranna’s past is somehow tied up in all of this. Another well written tale that keeps you guessing. Great ending!
This story picks up a year after Ranna and Alex parted ways. Ranna is still on the run, wanted for murder. Alex is kidnapped while writing a story. Sarah has to find Ranna so they can save Alex. Except things get complicated, well more so than initially, and Ranna’s past is somehow tied up in all of this. Another well written tale that keeps you guessing. Great ending!
September 15, 2024
Another good [but short] series
A different take on thriller mysteries in this 2 book series. Varied character development over time, in the very human way of processing our past and its influence on who we have become. But also the influence on the choices we make, and who we choose to become. All of that within a mystery thriller :). Really close to 5☆ s. We'll see how it sticks with me over time. [I may come back and increase my 4☆ rating.]
A different take on thriller mysteries in this 2 book series. Varied character development over time, in the very human way of processing our past and its influence on who we have become. But also the influence on the choices we make, and who we choose to become. All of that within a mystery thriller :). Really close to 5☆ s. We'll see how it sticks with me over time. [I may come back and increase my 4☆ rating.]
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