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The Reed Dance Stalker
'And in breaking news, convicted serial killer and rapist, Napoleon Dingiswayo, escaped from Pretoria's C-Max Prison at twelve-fifteen this afternoon ...'
Fortunately for journalist and PR maven Lucy Khambule, the alarming news, in January 2006, that her nemesis might once more be on the loose has proved to be false. Charred remains in a prison pipe-shaft, along with a suicide note, are confirmation that convicted serial killer Dingiswayo is dead. Once Detective Justice Morapedi brings her a copy of the note to compare with the letters the killer wrote to her, Lucy tries to put her unease aside.
A year on, Lucy is flying high in her life and career. Her book on Dingiswayo is a bestseller, she is in demand for talks and interviews, and her company has been chosen as part of the team organising glamorous events around the Preliminary Draw to take place at the Durban International Convention Centre ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
But who is the person stalking her on Facebook? And what should be made of the gruesome ‘copycat’ murders of two young women at the Reed Dance in the neighboring kingdom of Swaziland? Is this the work of an ex-convict on a deadly mission or are there other dangers lurking?
When events in Durban take an unexpected and terrifying turn, Lucy finds herself completely alone and in the fight of her life.
Fortunately for journalist and PR maven Lucy Khambule, the alarming news, in January 2006, that her nemesis might once more be on the loose has proved to be false. Charred remains in a prison pipe-shaft, along with a suicide note, are confirmation that convicted serial killer Dingiswayo is dead. Once Detective Justice Morapedi brings her a copy of the note to compare with the letters the killer wrote to her, Lucy tries to put her unease aside.
A year on, Lucy is flying high in her life and career. Her book on Dingiswayo is a bestseller, she is in demand for talks and interviews, and her company has been chosen as part of the team organising glamorous events around the Preliminary Draw to take place at the Durban International Convention Centre ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
But who is the person stalking her on Facebook? And what should be made of the gruesome ‘copycat’ murders of two young women at the Reed Dance in the neighboring kingdom of Swaziland? Is this the work of an ex-convict on a deadly mission or are there other dangers lurking?
When events in Durban take an unexpected and terrifying turn, Lucy finds herself completely alone and in the fight of her life.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2023
6 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 10, 2024
If you’re not supporting South African female authors, what’s stopping you? In this page turner, Angela Makholwa draws inspiration from the notorious Bester happenings to deliver this thriller. This book is actually part of a series yet an easy read that made total sense on its own while delivering all that makes for a compelling narrative.
November 13, 2023
I’m going to write a proper review soon but I just??? Wow 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾 This is Angela’s best work yet! (And I’ve read all her books so I’m qualified ✋🏾). She simply gets better with time. I’m in complete awe.
December 27, 2023
“A life without promise, one without hope, was no life at all. He had found his purpose long before he had gone on the run and held onto it like a lifeboat.”
This was Napoleon, after faking his death on the previous book (Red Ink) he moved to Swaziland and his purpose in life was that eventually he will be with his love of his life Lucy. Angela doesn’t disappoint with taking you through an emotional rollercoaster with her writing, so even with this one it went to the darkest place with the Reed Dance Stalker and another ex-convict that was introduced in the book. One thing that I love about reading fiction is that the story line always makes one to pause and reflect on the realities. It was strange that Lucy attracted the psychopaths and wonder if her kindness contributed or she was too naive? Another reflection was that, it doesn’t seem like there’s too much that can be done to rehabilitate ex-offenders who have served their time in prison, doesn’t seem as if they really learn something that encourages a change of behavior, I guess it has to do with the person if they really want to change. Elements of social media (Facebook) were explored , it’s scary how young women can be lured so easily which means we need to educate our kids about the dangers of using those platforms.
These are some of the quotes that I liked:
“If I could dedicate my entire life to making this world a fairer place to live, where there’d be a more even playing field and where a child would not have to go without food just because she or he was unfortunate enough to be born into the wrong address, or the poorer side of the tracks, I’d do that.”
“But the world has so many demands. In everything I do, I think of my child first. I have to take care of him and make sure he’s not left to fend for himself.”
This was Napoleon, after faking his death on the previous book (Red Ink) he moved to Swaziland and his purpose in life was that eventually he will be with his love of his life Lucy. Angela doesn’t disappoint with taking you through an emotional rollercoaster with her writing, so even with this one it went to the darkest place with the Reed Dance Stalker and another ex-convict that was introduced in the book. One thing that I love about reading fiction is that the story line always makes one to pause and reflect on the realities. It was strange that Lucy attracted the psychopaths and wonder if her kindness contributed or she was too naive? Another reflection was that, it doesn’t seem like there’s too much that can be done to rehabilitate ex-offenders who have served their time in prison, doesn’t seem as if they really learn something that encourages a change of behavior, I guess it has to do with the person if they really want to change. Elements of social media (Facebook) were explored , it’s scary how young women can be lured so easily which means we need to educate our kids about the dangers of using those platforms.
These are some of the quotes that I liked:
“If I could dedicate my entire life to making this world a fairer place to live, where there’d be a more even playing field and where a child would not have to go without food just because she or he was unfortunate enough to be born into the wrong address, or the poorer side of the tracks, I’d do that.”
“But the world has so many demands. In everything I do, I think of my child first. I have to take care of him and make sure he’s not left to fend for himself.”
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January 8, 2024Phew! Angela Makholwa writes a very mean thriller. I galloped through this book, hardly daring to breathe in some places. Blending African tradition and culture with contemporary happenings she paints a colourful picture that, for those not familiar with South African murder and mayhem, fills in the blanks. While we know we live in a violent country - headlines shout that daily - Makholwa weaves a story that in its violence is balanced by a very human and lighter side.
If you are a reader of current affairs than you will recognize Makholwa’s sources and her clever interpretation of events that have had South Africans holding their breath. She has her ear to the ground and uses these current situations embroidering them into clever murder mystery novels that frankly, you won’t put down. Her writing is edgy and she has the landscape scoped out to present a believable protagonist living in a very realistic world. Perhaps too realistic for some but that is the novelists prerogative - to emphasise and elaborate.
The Reed Dance Stalker is the second of her Lucy Khambale thrillers, Red Ink being the first. When this story opens this PR maven has already written a bestselling book about one Nelson Dingiswayo who it seems, has escaped from the Pretoria’s C-Max security prison. Alarming as this is her mind is put to rest when his charred remains are found in a prison pipeshaft along with a suicide note. One year on and Lucy’s life continues at a hectic pace; success, talks on her book and selection as part of the team to present the Preliminary Draw for the FIFA 2010 World Cup. What could go wrong? But social media has its hold on those in the industry and a facebook stalker raises Lucy’s antennae. Couple that with gruesome copycat murders at the Reed Dance in neighbouring Swaziland and something is rumbling under the surface and Lucy is beginning to recognize a pattern, one she doesn’t want to believe. Even her friendship with the astute (never mind good looking) Detective Justice Morapedi might not be enough to save her from the thunder and lightning that is heading her way.
Makholwa writes graphically, pulling no punches. She is a talented writer who is unafraid to voice what goes on under the radar, who we should be wary of and what price revenge. Brave and true to her voice she employs a dark humour that lightens the seriousness of her subject matter while never undermining it. Highly readable, she reminds us of the violent world we live in but also of the good people who never let you down.
If you are a reader of current affairs than you will recognize Makholwa’s sources and her clever interpretation of events that have had South Africans holding their breath. She has her ear to the ground and uses these current situations embroidering them into clever murder mystery novels that frankly, you won’t put down. Her writing is edgy and she has the landscape scoped out to present a believable protagonist living in a very realistic world. Perhaps too realistic for some but that is the novelists prerogative - to emphasise and elaborate.
The Reed Dance Stalker is the second of her Lucy Khambale thrillers, Red Ink being the first. When this story opens this PR maven has already written a bestselling book about one Nelson Dingiswayo who it seems, has escaped from the Pretoria’s C-Max security prison. Alarming as this is her mind is put to rest when his charred remains are found in a prison pipeshaft along with a suicide note. One year on and Lucy’s life continues at a hectic pace; success, talks on her book and selection as part of the team to present the Preliminary Draw for the FIFA 2010 World Cup. What could go wrong? But social media has its hold on those in the industry and a facebook stalker raises Lucy’s antennae. Couple that with gruesome copycat murders at the Reed Dance in neighbouring Swaziland and something is rumbling under the surface and Lucy is beginning to recognize a pattern, one she doesn’t want to believe. Even her friendship with the astute (never mind good looking) Detective Justice Morapedi might not be enough to save her from the thunder and lightning that is heading her way.
Makholwa writes graphically, pulling no punches. She is a talented writer who is unafraid to voice what goes on under the radar, who we should be wary of and what price revenge. Brave and true to her voice she employs a dark humour that lightens the seriousness of her subject matter while never undermining it. Highly readable, she reminds us of the violent world we live in but also of the good people who never let you down.
June 24, 2024
Angela remains one of my favorite South African authors, and while I enjoyed this book, I have to admit it didn't quite measure up to "Red Ink" in my opinion. Despite this, I still found it captivating and couldn't put it down.
The book, however, started to feel rushed around chapter 40. It lacked the action-packed moments, tension, anxiety, and fear that are typical of a thriller. I missed the edge-of-your-seat narratives filled with drama and suspense. The characters, motivated by fear, paranoia, or a thirst for vengeance, didn't quite deliver the thrill I was hoping for.
You know that feeling when you're watching a horror movie and it starts to feel like whatever is scary about it is right there in the room with you? That's how I hoped to feel. I wanted to feel the presence of Dingiswayo, the serial killer, intensely. I still appreciate the book and would rate it 3.75 stars. Despite its shortcomings, it remains a favorite of mine.
The book, however, started to feel rushed around chapter 40. It lacked the action-packed moments, tension, anxiety, and fear that are typical of a thriller. I missed the edge-of-your-seat narratives filled with drama and suspense. The characters, motivated by fear, paranoia, or a thirst for vengeance, didn't quite deliver the thrill I was hoping for.
You know that feeling when you're watching a horror movie and it starts to feel like whatever is scary about it is right there in the room with you? That's how I hoped to feel. I wanted to feel the presence of Dingiswayo, the serial killer, intensely. I still appreciate the book and would rate it 3.75 stars. Despite its shortcomings, it remains a favorite of mine.
July 29, 2024
This sequel to Red ink left me low key traumatised, I found most of the scenes cringy and overall I did not have a good reading experience . What kept me paging through was the curiosity of how the saga about Napoleon ends , all I can say is I’m glad it’s over.
April 17, 2024
Much like Red Ink I found The Reed Dance Stalker was missing an element of suspense. Although, Angela Makholwa still did not shy away from brutal and gruesome descriptions.
It quickly becomes clear that the story is based on the events surrounding the infamous Thabo Bester. And, if you were following the news, you’ll be able to predict how things will unfold.
With Dingiswayo presumed dead Lucy moves on with her life until she starts receiving messages from a convict on Facebook regarding the new book she is writing. The messages start out normal but soon turn alarming,
And while authorities are hiding the truth behind the prison escape and completely sweeping the brutal murders of two young women at the annual Reed Dance ceremony in Swaziland under the rug, two separate dangers are circling in on Lucy.
Just like the prequel, The Reed Dance Stalker was relatively quick and easy read. Unfortunately, it did not feel unique and it did not blow me away.
It quickly becomes clear that the story is based on the events surrounding the infamous Thabo Bester. And, if you were following the news, you’ll be able to predict how things will unfold.
With Dingiswayo presumed dead Lucy moves on with her life until she starts receiving messages from a convict on Facebook regarding the new book she is writing. The messages start out normal but soon turn alarming,
And while authorities are hiding the truth behind the prison escape and completely sweeping the brutal murders of two young women at the annual Reed Dance ceremony in Swaziland under the rug, two separate dangers are circling in on Lucy.
Just like the prequel, The Reed Dance Stalker was relatively quick and easy read. Unfortunately, it did not feel unique and it did not blow me away.
October 21, 2023
What an entertaining read!
The Reed Dance Stalker by Angela
Makholwa is a gripping thriller that
delves into the dark side of the
human psyche. With its suspenseful
narrative and well-drawn characters.
It kept me on the edge of my
seat from beginning to end!
We have two parallel storylines both involving stalkers with darker and more twisted motives.
Someone is stalking Lucy on Facebook but also IRL.
There were also two murders
that appear to be connected to the
annual Reed Dance ceremony. The
Reed Dance, a traditional cultural
event, seems to have become a breeding ground
for a mysterious and calculating
killer who is stalking unsuspended women.
Angela skillfully crafts a
multifaceted narrative, drawing
readers into a suspenseful
cat-and-mouse game.
The Reed Dance Stalker by Angela
Makholwa is a gripping thriller that
delves into the dark side of the
human psyche. With its suspenseful
narrative and well-drawn characters.
It kept me on the edge of my
seat from beginning to end!
We have two parallel storylines both involving stalkers with darker and more twisted motives.
Someone is stalking Lucy on Facebook but also IRL.
There were also two murders
that appear to be connected to the
annual Reed Dance ceremony. The
Reed Dance, a traditional cultural
event, seems to have become a breeding ground
for a mysterious and calculating
killer who is stalking unsuspended women.
Angela skillfully crafts a
multifaceted narrative, drawing
readers into a suspenseful
cat-and-mouse game.
August 5, 2024
“A life without promise, one without hope, was no life at all”
The Reed Dance Stalker by Angela Makholwa is the highly anticipated sequel to Red Ink, which is now a series on Showmax by the way😉
We pick up where we off in Red Ink with Lucy Khambule coming up of the success of her novel on notorious serial killer Napoleon Dingiswayo. Life is seemingly perfect, until Lucy begins to receive message from a Facebook stalker. Who could it be?
Meanwhile, Napeleon has escaped from and everybody thinks he’s dead, but far from it. He’s escaped to the mountains of Swaziland and is plotting on how to reunite with the woman he’s fixated on, Lucy.
In the background, police are investigating the murders that have recently started occurring in Swaziland, especially the murders occurring at the Reed Dance.
Angela Makholwa is my favorite crime writer, if she writes it, I’ll read it! There’s also nothing I enjoy more than a thriller in an African setting, so I was very excited for this novel, but it didn’t really meet my expectations after Red Ink. I got a little mixed up because there were two separate criminals and story lines we were dealing with and I didn’t understand the relevance of the second. However, I still enjoyed the fast pace of the story, it was a quick read, full of suspense. It has all the key ingredients for a gruesome thriller filled with murder and mystery, which I did enjoy.
It gets a 3 from me, but alas no recommendation.
The Reed Dance Stalker by Angela Makholwa is the highly anticipated sequel to Red Ink, which is now a series on Showmax by the way😉
We pick up where we off in Red Ink with Lucy Khambule coming up of the success of her novel on notorious serial killer Napoleon Dingiswayo. Life is seemingly perfect, until Lucy begins to receive message from a Facebook stalker. Who could it be?
Meanwhile, Napeleon has escaped from and everybody thinks he’s dead, but far from it. He’s escaped to the mountains of Swaziland and is plotting on how to reunite with the woman he’s fixated on, Lucy.
In the background, police are investigating the murders that have recently started occurring in Swaziland, especially the murders occurring at the Reed Dance.
Angela Makholwa is my favorite crime writer, if she writes it, I’ll read it! There’s also nothing I enjoy more than a thriller in an African setting, so I was very excited for this novel, but it didn’t really meet my expectations after Red Ink. I got a little mixed up because there were two separate criminals and story lines we were dealing with and I didn’t understand the relevance of the second. However, I still enjoyed the fast pace of the story, it was a quick read, full of suspense. It has all the key ingredients for a gruesome thriller filled with murder and mystery, which I did enjoy.
It gets a 3 from me, but alas no recommendation.
April 16, 2025
I loved and would say Ms. Makholwa did justice to this sequel of Red ink. Her prose is so effortless, and storytelling on a high level. Dingiswayo finds himself in a self-imposed exile and fails to get rid of the monster inside of him. His new territory in Swaziland is the annual reed dance, famously known for an event the King uses to add to his list of spouses.
Although most of the story takes place in Swaziland as far as Napoleon is concerned, there is a great amount of it taking place in Jozi. I had to relive some of the FIFA world cup fever through the corporate work of Lucy Khambule and her small and efficient team, and the theme of corruption also made a feature.
There is not a lot of violence in this book, but the few ones might be hectic for sensitive readers. Police competency is also drawn to the spotlight, and certain police officer by the surname of Mahala makes a feature, which was one of my favorite moments. I even went to an extent of thinking I inspired the character called Lakhela, whose name sounds like my surname :-)
I highly recommend this book and if time is no issue; it can be read in one sitting.
Although most of the story takes place in Swaziland as far as Napoleon is concerned, there is a great amount of it taking place in Jozi. I had to relive some of the FIFA world cup fever through the corporate work of Lucy Khambule and her small and efficient team, and the theme of corruption also made a feature.
There is not a lot of violence in this book, but the few ones might be hectic for sensitive readers. Police competency is also drawn to the spotlight, and certain police officer by the surname of Mahala makes a feature, which was one of my favorite moments. I even went to an extent of thinking I inspired the character called Lakhela, whose name sounds like my surname :-)
I highly recommend this book and if time is no issue; it can be read in one sitting.
April 16, 2024
I must admit that I enjoyed red ink more than this book, I was super excited to find out what would happen next with Napoleon and really wanted to figure out where the story was heading. There were a lot of new characters that were introduced in this book, which made me very confused and a little had to follow between chapters because each chapter focused on a different character which presented a challenge of putting the pieces together and figuring out who planned what role. But overall it was quite the read and everything came together at the end and Napoleon got what he deserved. I will say getting to know Napoleons character made for an interesting read, learning how his thought process was, his delusional from reality, his obsession with Lucy and all those young ladies that participated in the reed dance. he was a definite sociopath and it was really unnerving how much he relished in the killing and assaults he committed to those girls.
May 19, 2024
This is another hook from Angela. I enjoyed it slowly. It wasn’t a gripper but I still wanted to know the end. Especially from halfway. I got lost somehow at two serial killers in one book. Then an extra hunter. It was too much. But the author is getting better and betterer at her craft. I accept.
I have now read all her works. Don’t take too long to release the next one 😉
I have now read all her works. Don’t take too long to release the next one 😉
March 11, 2024
“The darker forces of humankind like to play in the shadows”. This book is a terrifying look into the darker side of humankind. I applaud the author for delving so deeply into the human psyche to give us a view of something that is rarely spoken of. This one should come with a serious trigger warning for GBV and some
scenes are quite graphic, but yet its a triumph of a thriller!
scenes are quite graphic, but yet its a triumph of a thriller!
December 17, 2024
Perfect follow up. No notes!
January 6, 2025
Amazing book
October 5, 2025
A fun thriller to read on a long train journey! Extra fun that the book was sent against the backdrop of the 2010 world cup in South Africa.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews