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A Schalk Lourens Mystery #1
Present Tense
What if justice isn't enough?
Schalk Lourens got out his phone and started filming, something Pieterse taught him years ago. Keep a record. Do it yourself, boykie, every time. That way you can be sure. Cover your arse. Don't trust any of them.
Schalk began with Pieterse himself, what was left of him.
Cape Town, South Africa.
Retired police chief Piet Pieterse has been murdered, necklaced in fact. A tyre placed round his neck, doused with petrol, set alight. An execution from the apartheid era and one generally confined to collaborators. Who would target Pieterse this way, and why now?
Veteran copy Schalk Lourens is trying to forget the past. But Pieterse was his old boss and when Schalk is put on the case, he finds the past has a way of infecting the present.
Meanwhile, it's an election year. People are pinning their hopes on charismatic ANC candidate Gideon Radebe but there's opposition and in this volatile country, unrest is never far from the surface.
Schalk must tread a difficult path between the new regime and the old, between the personal and the professional, between justice and revenge.
This investigation will change his life, and could alter his county's future.
"A truly remarkable book. South Africa comes to vivid life in these pages." - Kerry Gteenwood
"A gripping story of murder, revenge and betrayal set in the new South Africa." - Malla Nunn
Schalk Lourens got out his phone and started filming, something Pieterse taught him years ago. Keep a record. Do it yourself, boykie, every time. That way you can be sure. Cover your arse. Don't trust any of them.
Schalk began with Pieterse himself, what was left of him.
Cape Town, South Africa.
Retired police chief Piet Pieterse has been murdered, necklaced in fact. A tyre placed round his neck, doused with petrol, set alight. An execution from the apartheid era and one generally confined to collaborators. Who would target Pieterse this way, and why now?
Veteran copy Schalk Lourens is trying to forget the past. But Pieterse was his old boss and when Schalk is put on the case, he finds the past has a way of infecting the present.
Meanwhile, it's an election year. People are pinning their hopes on charismatic ANC candidate Gideon Radebe but there's opposition and in this volatile country, unrest is never far from the surface.
Schalk must tread a difficult path between the new regime and the old, between the personal and the professional, between justice and revenge.
This investigation will change his life, and could alter his county's future.
"A truly remarkable book. South Africa comes to vivid life in these pages." - Kerry Gteenwood
"A gripping story of murder, revenge and betrayal set in the new South Africa." - Malla Nunn
244 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2019
10 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Conyer
8 books17 followersI'm a reader of everything and a crime fiction writer.
My first novel, Present Tense, is the first in the Schalk Lourens series. It won the 2020 Ned Kelly Award for best debut crime fiction.
Shadow City, the next book in the series, was published in 2024.
My third book, Finding the Bones, is due out in 2026...and a fourth is under way.
A collection of my short stories, titled The Book Club and Other Stories, was published in 2024.
My first novel, Present Tense, is the first in the Schalk Lourens series. It won the 2020 Ned Kelly Award for best debut crime fiction.
Shadow City, the next book in the series, was published in 2024.
My third book, Finding the Bones, is due out in 2026...and a fourth is under way.
A collection of my short stories, titled The Book Club and Other Stories, was published in 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 3, 2024
2.5★s
Schalk Lourens was an everyday policeman, but he trusted few. Now, standing over the brutally murdered body of ex-police chief Piet Pieterse, he wondered if Pieterse's death was because of what happened during the apartheid era. With the election close, and campaigns interrupted by violence and terror, plus Schalk being in charge of Pieterse's case, and his new partner, Mbotho driving him nuts, the call from the commissioner, Nkosi, made him nervous. What would be the outcome on this volatile landscape?
Present Tense is the debut novel for Aussie author Natalie Conyer and is also the 1st in A Schalk Lourens Mystery series. Set in Cape Town, South Africa, I found it gritty and intense, with a large contingent of characters that I had trouble keeping up with. Lourens is one of the "old school" of cops, treading his way carefully between the old and the new.
With thanks to NetGalley & Echo Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
Schalk Lourens was an everyday policeman, but he trusted few. Now, standing over the brutally murdered body of ex-police chief Piet Pieterse, he wondered if Pieterse's death was because of what happened during the apartheid era. With the election close, and campaigns interrupted by violence and terror, plus Schalk being in charge of Pieterse's case, and his new partner, Mbotho driving him nuts, the call from the commissioner, Nkosi, made him nervous. What would be the outcome on this volatile landscape?
Present Tense is the debut novel for Aussie author Natalie Conyer and is also the 1st in A Schalk Lourens Mystery series. Set in Cape Town, South Africa, I found it gritty and intense, with a large contingent of characters that I had trouble keeping up with. Lourens is one of the "old school" of cops, treading his way carefully between the old and the new.
With thanks to NetGalley & Echo Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
December 15, 2020
This is a gritty and tightly written murder mystery in post apartheid South Africa. Schalk Lourens is an ordinary policemen who started in the police force during the dying days of apartheid where he learnt to survive by keeping good records and not trusting anyone. Now he's standing in the driveway of ex-police chief Piet Pieterse, the man who gave him that advice a quarter of a century ago, looking down at his brutally murdered body.
South Africa is in the middle of an election campaign with factions becoming restless and acts of violence breaking out. Put in charge of the murder investigation Schalk suspects old crimes and corruption may be at the heart of the matter and wonders if he will get out with both his job and his life intact.
This is an excellent debut novel. Gripping and tense with a cast of diverse and interesting characters in a distinctive setting. A sequel has been promised and will be most welcome. 4.5★
South Africa is in the middle of an election campaign with factions becoming restless and acts of violence breaking out. Put in charge of the murder investigation Schalk suspects old crimes and corruption may be at the heart of the matter and wonders if he will get out with both his job and his life intact.
This is an excellent debut novel. Gripping and tense with a cast of diverse and interesting characters in a distinctive setting. A sequel has been promised and will be most welcome. 4.5★
April 23, 2021
On his way to Franschhoek, (Schalk) checked the roadsides, as all motorists did – the mesh-covered walkways and township perimeters. Lately, attacks had started up again. Someone would put rocks in the road, or throw them, and then when the cars stopped they were at the mercy of whatever emerged from the surrounding shacklands…
Set in contemporary South Africa, Present Tense opens with Cape Town police Captain Schalk Lourens, attending the murder of Piet Pieterse, one-time detective with the notorious Special Branch in the apartheid era, at his home in the Franschhoek wine growing area. Schalk has tarnished memories of the man and his methods who he served under as a young police recruit. The crime scene appears to be a robbery gone wrong, with several items missing, but the manner of his death has the hallmarks of a racial hit. With the victim’s American wife away in Namibia, the alarms turned off, the staff given the night off and the dogs killed – it was if Pieterse was expecting his killer. With elections looming the Police Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lt General Nkosi, wants a speedy resolution, asking Schalk to report directly to him.
Back at police HQ his boss Colonel Zangwa, partners Schalk with a young Xhosa detective, Sgt Winnie Mbotho – with whom he has a prickly working relationship – to monitor the safety of the electoral candidates, from charismatic ANC hopeful Gideon Radebe, a man in Mandela’s mould, to the Rev Toebroek, leader of the right wing Afrikaans Volkskrag Party, while his usual partner, Sgt Joepie Fortune, is assigned to a series of violent home invasions.
These three themes meet and mesh and overlap in this intriguing murder mystery. A young junkie is apprehended trying to sell some of the stolen goods, the thefts opportunistic to feed his habit but he was also an eyewitness to the murder. As Schalk digs deeper into Pieterse’s past – and present – the body count rises as someone with influence tries to ensure the truth never gets out.
He was about to leave home when Colonel Zangwa rang, telling him to go to Pollsmoor (prison). Schalk drove around the mountain, past the university and into the deep Tokai valley. Old money here, out of sight but you could feel it. Then the road dropped down to the flatlands, on its way to the sea.
For this reader it brought back memories of a trip to Cape Town (in Mandela’s time); the economic use of words and phrasing, spoken in an authentic South African voice with its clipped vowels. In this her debut novel, author Natalie Conyer excels at the descriptions of the places, from the shadow of iconic Table Mountain, to the Cape Flats. I well recall passing through Khayelitsha and Somerset West en route to Rooi Els and Betty’s Bay and returning via Strandfontein.
Schalk let the water eat his feet, watched small waves curling for miles. The wind had dropped and everything was still. Sunset Beach was living up to its name. Clouds filled the evening sky, turning the whole world red and gold. The mountain darkened, half covered by its cloud tablecloth, but the curve from the cableway to Lion’s Head was etched against the dying light. On a scarlet horizon, three small silhouettes, tankers, sat waiting for tomorrow.
The ending was a real page turner and I look forward to reading more of Schalk Lourens.
Set in contemporary South Africa, Present Tense opens with Cape Town police Captain Schalk Lourens, attending the murder of Piet Pieterse, one-time detective with the notorious Special Branch in the apartheid era, at his home in the Franschhoek wine growing area. Schalk has tarnished memories of the man and his methods who he served under as a young police recruit. The crime scene appears to be a robbery gone wrong, with several items missing, but the manner of his death has the hallmarks of a racial hit. With the victim’s American wife away in Namibia, the alarms turned off, the staff given the night off and the dogs killed – it was if Pieterse was expecting his killer. With elections looming the Police Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lt General Nkosi, wants a speedy resolution, asking Schalk to report directly to him.
Back at police HQ his boss Colonel Zangwa, partners Schalk with a young Xhosa detective, Sgt Winnie Mbotho – with whom he has a prickly working relationship – to monitor the safety of the electoral candidates, from charismatic ANC hopeful Gideon Radebe, a man in Mandela’s mould, to the Rev Toebroek, leader of the right wing Afrikaans Volkskrag Party, while his usual partner, Sgt Joepie Fortune, is assigned to a series of violent home invasions.
These three themes meet and mesh and overlap in this intriguing murder mystery. A young junkie is apprehended trying to sell some of the stolen goods, the thefts opportunistic to feed his habit but he was also an eyewitness to the murder. As Schalk digs deeper into Pieterse’s past – and present – the body count rises as someone with influence tries to ensure the truth never gets out.
He was about to leave home when Colonel Zangwa rang, telling him to go to Pollsmoor (prison). Schalk drove around the mountain, past the university and into the deep Tokai valley. Old money here, out of sight but you could feel it. Then the road dropped down to the flatlands, on its way to the sea.
For this reader it brought back memories of a trip to Cape Town (in Mandela’s time); the economic use of words and phrasing, spoken in an authentic South African voice with its clipped vowels. In this her debut novel, author Natalie Conyer excels at the descriptions of the places, from the shadow of iconic Table Mountain, to the Cape Flats. I well recall passing through Khayelitsha and Somerset West en route to Rooi Els and Betty’s Bay and returning via Strandfontein.
Schalk let the water eat his feet, watched small waves curling for miles. The wind had dropped and everything was still. Sunset Beach was living up to its name. Clouds filled the evening sky, turning the whole world red and gold. The mountain darkened, half covered by its cloud tablecloth, but the curve from the cableway to Lion’s Head was etched against the dying light. On a scarlet horizon, three small silhouettes, tankers, sat waiting for tomorrow.
The ending was a real page turner and I look forward to reading more of Schalk Lourens.
March 28, 2025
Present Tense is the first book featuring South African Detective Schalk Lourens, named by his literary father after Oom Schalk Lourens, the main character in Herman Charles Bosman's novels. I loved that there was that tiny bit of humour as Schalk's namesake is mentioned by everyone he meets.
Present Tense is a dark and atmospheric political thriller set during the explosive time preceding an election.
Having read book 2, Shadow City, first I did know some outcomes but it didn't spoil the story for me.
Schalk is a flawed character, some of his decisions aren't the best, but he is trying to do the right thing in a country shrouded in corruption, cover ups and murderous acts of revenge.
Conyer expertly renders the civil unrest in South Africa but lightens it with the beauty and majesty of a beautiful land, showing how fiercely loyal South Africans are to their country.
Keenly plotted with wonderful support characters, Present Tense will delight fans of hard-boiled police procedurals.
Present Tense is a dark and atmospheric political thriller set during the explosive time preceding an election.
Having read book 2, Shadow City, first I did know some outcomes but it didn't spoil the story for me.
Schalk is a flawed character, some of his decisions aren't the best, but he is trying to do the right thing in a country shrouded in corruption, cover ups and murderous acts of revenge.
Conyer expertly renders the civil unrest in South Africa but lightens it with the beauty and majesty of a beautiful land, showing how fiercely loyal South Africans are to their country.
Keenly plotted with wonderful support characters, Present Tense will delight fans of hard-boiled police procedurals.
November 30, 2024
‘Keep a record. Do it yourself, boykie, every time.’
Cape Town, South Africa. A retired police chief, Piet Pieterse, has been murdered. A tyre placed around his neck, doused in petrol and set alight. Necklaced. An execution from the apartheid era and generally confined to collaborators. Why would a retired police chief be killed in this way? And why now?
Schalk Lourens is a policeman who once worked with Pieterse. There are aspects of the past he’d rather forget, but when he’s assigned to investigate Pieterse’s murder, past and present collide.
There’s a lot of pressure to close the case. A suspect is arrested, but some aspects just don’t make sense. In the meantime, it’s an election year in South Africa and there is plenty of unrest as candidates seek to make their claims for election. One of the candidates is Gideon Radebe, a charismatic ANC candidate who appeals to many.
Lourens’s investigations lead him into danger, both professionally and personally. He’s a flawed but (mostly) likeable character who is still adjusting between the previous and current regimes. He’s determined to find out who killed Pieterse. But at what cost?
I enjoyed this novel and very much appreciated the glossary provided by the author. I would have been lost without it. I found Schalk Lourens an intriguing character: capable of both thorough investigation and dreadful judgement.
I recommend ‘Present Tense’ to anyone who enjoys well-written, fast-paced police mysteries.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Cape Town, South Africa. A retired police chief, Piet Pieterse, has been murdered. A tyre placed around his neck, doused in petrol and set alight. Necklaced. An execution from the apartheid era and generally confined to collaborators. Why would a retired police chief be killed in this way? And why now?
Schalk Lourens is a policeman who once worked with Pieterse. There are aspects of the past he’d rather forget, but when he’s assigned to investigate Pieterse’s murder, past and present collide.
There’s a lot of pressure to close the case. A suspect is arrested, but some aspects just don’t make sense. In the meantime, it’s an election year in South Africa and there is plenty of unrest as candidates seek to make their claims for election. One of the candidates is Gideon Radebe, a charismatic ANC candidate who appeals to many.
Lourens’s investigations lead him into danger, both professionally and personally. He’s a flawed but (mostly) likeable character who is still adjusting between the previous and current regimes. He’s determined to find out who killed Pieterse. But at what cost?
I enjoyed this novel and very much appreciated the glossary provided by the author. I would have been lost without it. I found Schalk Lourens an intriguing character: capable of both thorough investigation and dreadful judgement.
I recommend ‘Present Tense’ to anyone who enjoys well-written, fast-paced police mysteries.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
August 27, 2021
Winner of the 2020 Ned Kelly Award for Debut Crime Fiction.
A gritty police procedural set in post-apartheid South Africa, this was a really good read. The conflation of racial, political, marital and interpersonal tensions is masterfully managed. My steady diet of US, European and Aussie crime novels means the setting of South Africa was a literary vacation to somewhere very different, albeit replete with social problems and violence, with citizens operating from a baseline of cynicism and weariness.
This book was recommended by a local bookseller here. Natalie Conyer resides in Australia now, but there's very little in this novel that is recognisable to her adopted country. I love that she has "gone home", so to speak, to explore the issues in South Africa whilst delivering a compelling crime story. There was more than one surprise in this plotting. Highly recommended if you enjoy crime in other cultural locales.
A gritty police procedural set in post-apartheid South Africa, this was a really good read. The conflation of racial, political, marital and interpersonal tensions is masterfully managed. My steady diet of US, European and Aussie crime novels means the setting of South Africa was a literary vacation to somewhere very different, albeit replete with social problems and violence, with citizens operating from a baseline of cynicism and weariness.
This book was recommended by a local bookseller here. Natalie Conyer resides in Australia now, but there's very little in this novel that is recognisable to her adopted country. I love that she has "gone home", so to speak, to explore the issues in South Africa whilst delivering a compelling crime story. There was more than one surprise in this plotting. Highly recommended if you enjoy crime in other cultural locales.
October 1, 2022
Trigger warnings: murder, racism, racial slurs, domestic terrorism, cheating, death of a spouse, gun violence, graphic descriptions of death, animal death
This was a compelling mystery that's very much tied up in South African politics and the racial dynamics therein. But I felt like I didn't know enough about the underlying political tensions to truly appreciate what was playing out here.
Also, it's really hard to be supportive of the protagonist when he's cheating on his mentally ill wife with the widow of the victim whose murder he's investigating, who happens to be his former boss. Like...SIR. Maybe don't.
This was a compelling mystery that's very much tied up in South African politics and the racial dynamics therein. But I felt like I didn't know enough about the underlying political tensions to truly appreciate what was playing out here.
Also, it's really hard to be supportive of the protagonist when he's cheating on his mentally ill wife with the widow of the victim whose murder he's investigating, who happens to be his former boss. Like...SIR. Maybe don't.
January 6, 2021
This, Conyer's impressive first novel, is a crime mystery set in Cape Town. It creates a strong sense of time and place, is well-paced with memorable characters and no stereotype in sight. While it is a legitimately described as a police procedural, it is overwhelmingly an exploration of state corruption, more comparable to Le Carre's Cold War espionage novels than traditional police procedurals. As a detective fiction tragic I found its world hard to come to terms with and wanted the plot to move faster. I will nevertheless be very interested to see the series develop. It’s good to know there's a sequel in the pipeline.
In a more nuanced star system I’d give it about 3.8.
In a more nuanced star system I’d give it about 3.8.
May 29, 2020
Punchy writing, intriguing characters, South Africa’s complexities laid bare. A must read.
June 11, 2020
4.5 stars. More in my next Good Reads blog at www.sandiwallace.com/blog/.
August 6, 2020
add 1/2 ... post apartheid South Africa and revealing the chronic short comings then (and sadly still now). An engaging debut and hope there will be more...not a location often used for this genre. Reading this whilst 'Black Lives Matter' commenced in the States then throughout the world including my country, Australia, where marches went on in spite of covid19 left me with a very heavy heart.
January 25, 2020
An excellent debut
This story set at a time of upheaval and political unrest in post Apartheid South Africa is gripping from start to finish. I hope to see a lot more of these characters.
This story set at a time of upheaval and political unrest in post Apartheid South Africa is gripping from start to finish. I hope to see a lot more of these characters.
July 1, 2024
I’d like to give a warm welcome to the newest detective on the local crime thriller scene. Captain Schalk Lourens - without the Oom, for those who remember the Herman Charles Bosman character - an amusing side bar to my mind. He makes his entrance in the debut novel Present Tense by Natalie Conyer.
The author was born in Cape Town but now lives in Sydney, Australia and this police procedural has already won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime in Australia, was shortlisted for the Davitt Awards and voted one of the best reads of the year by The Australian newspaper.
I enjoy SA crime thrillers: the familiarity of the terrain, the very real characters that try so hard to protect us; the patois, and even the sad reminders of the underbelly of our beautiful city. Sadly, we live in a crime ridden country, and while some events might seem outrageous and exaggerated, those who live here know better. Material for the would-be writer but not everyone gets it right. Conyer does.
Our Captain is a good South African; married; former rugby player; veteran of the SA Police force; home in the Northern suburbs. When his former boss and mentor Piet Pieterse is found murdered on his wine farm - necklaced – an execution from the apartheid era and usually reserved for township collaborators, Lourens can feel the past rising up again. For Piet was a brutal cop, fiercely upholding the apartheid regime, with methods that Lourens fell foul of as a rookie.
A young tik addict is convicted of the crime and it’s case closed, but Lourens knows there’s more to this than meets the eye and off we set on a pacy, realistic ride. Because the thing about Lourens is he is a seeker of the truth and nothing gets in his way. He’s incorruptible, not averse to a little sexual temptation, doesn’t take well to authority, a bit of a maverick and not scared to face up to his opponents. And he has a great wingman in Joepie Fortune.
The story line bursts with action centred on the lead up to elections, a Commander with friends in high places and a charismatic new leader tipped as the new Mandela - we are thrown into the chaos that surrounds power, wealth and inevitable corruption.
Conyer has created well rounded characters: not least our Schalk; the feisty young Winnie Mbotho whose astuteness must not go unnoticed: and a team that divides the best from the worst. It seemed to me to be a good round up of the good, the bad and the very ugly! She has used real events to illustrate Lourens and Pieterse’s past history giving it authenticity. As I read I was reminded of Mike Nicol crime thrillers so it was no surprise to see he was an advisor. But it certainly does not take away from the assured writing and well executed plot.
All in all, a great debut and I shall look forward to the next Lourens mystery.
The author was born in Cape Town but now lives in Sydney, Australia and this police procedural has already won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Debut Crime in Australia, was shortlisted for the Davitt Awards and voted one of the best reads of the year by The Australian newspaper.
I enjoy SA crime thrillers: the familiarity of the terrain, the very real characters that try so hard to protect us; the patois, and even the sad reminders of the underbelly of our beautiful city. Sadly, we live in a crime ridden country, and while some events might seem outrageous and exaggerated, those who live here know better. Material for the would-be writer but not everyone gets it right. Conyer does.
Our Captain is a good South African; married; former rugby player; veteran of the SA Police force; home in the Northern suburbs. When his former boss and mentor Piet Pieterse is found murdered on his wine farm - necklaced – an execution from the apartheid era and usually reserved for township collaborators, Lourens can feel the past rising up again. For Piet was a brutal cop, fiercely upholding the apartheid regime, with methods that Lourens fell foul of as a rookie.
A young tik addict is convicted of the crime and it’s case closed, but Lourens knows there’s more to this than meets the eye and off we set on a pacy, realistic ride. Because the thing about Lourens is he is a seeker of the truth and nothing gets in his way. He’s incorruptible, not averse to a little sexual temptation, doesn’t take well to authority, a bit of a maverick and not scared to face up to his opponents. And he has a great wingman in Joepie Fortune.
The story line bursts with action centred on the lead up to elections, a Commander with friends in high places and a charismatic new leader tipped as the new Mandela - we are thrown into the chaos that surrounds power, wealth and inevitable corruption.
Conyer has created well rounded characters: not least our Schalk; the feisty young Winnie Mbotho whose astuteness must not go unnoticed: and a team that divides the best from the worst. It seemed to me to be a good round up of the good, the bad and the very ugly! She has used real events to illustrate Lourens and Pieterse’s past history giving it authenticity. As I read I was reminded of Mike Nicol crime thrillers so it was no surprise to see he was an advisor. But it certainly does not take away from the assured writing and well executed plot.
All in all, a great debut and I shall look forward to the next Lourens mystery.
December 3, 2024
Natalie Conyer’s Present Tense is a gripping and thought-provoking crime novel set against the charged political and social landscape of post-apartheid South Africa. With a compelling mystery at its core and nuanced commentary on the complexities of justice in a fractured society, this book offers both a tense procedural and a powerful exploration of history’s lingering shadows.
The novel begins with the brutal murder of retired police chief Piet Pieterse, executed in the chillingly symbolic manner of a necklacing—a grim relic of the apartheid era. Veteran detective Schalk Lourens, reluctantly drawn into the investigation, finds himself navigating a labyrinth of secrets that links the victim’s past to South Africa’s turbulent present. Conyer masterfully uses Pieterse’s death as a fulcrum for an examination of systemic corruption, unresolved trauma, and the ways in which old wounds fester beneath the surface of a nation striving for unity.
Schalk Lourens is a richly drawn protagonist, haunted by his own past complicity and struggling to reconcile the ideals of justice with the reality of a world still defined by division. His voice—a blend of weariness, cynicism, and an innate sense of decency—anchors the narrative, making him both relatable and deeply human. Conyer deftly portrays his internal conflicts as he treads the delicate line between personal and professional, between loyalty to his old boss and his duty to uncover the truth.
The setting of Cape Town is vividly rendered, with Conyer capturing the city’s vibrancy, contradictions, and simmering tensions. Against this backdrop, the election campaign of charismatic ANC candidate Gideon Radebe introduces a subplot that adds layers of political intrigue. The intersection of crime, politics, and personal vendettas creates a narrative that feels both urgent and authentic.
Conyer’s writing is crisp and evocative, balancing the procedural aspects of the investigation with moments of profound introspection. The themes of justice, revenge, and moral compromise are explored with sensitivity, offering no easy answers but plenty of fodder for reflection. The pacing is taut, with enough twists and revelations to keep readers hooked until the final, satisfying resolution.
Present Tense is more than a mystery; it is a meditation on the legacy of apartheid and the challenges of building a new future while grappling with the past. Fans of crime fiction with depth and social relevance will find this novel both engaging and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, Present Tense is a standout in the genre, offering a richly atmospheric, intelligent, and emotionally resonant story. Natalie Conyer has crafted a mystery that lingers long after the final page. Five stars.
The novel begins with the brutal murder of retired police chief Piet Pieterse, executed in the chillingly symbolic manner of a necklacing—a grim relic of the apartheid era. Veteran detective Schalk Lourens, reluctantly drawn into the investigation, finds himself navigating a labyrinth of secrets that links the victim’s past to South Africa’s turbulent present. Conyer masterfully uses Pieterse’s death as a fulcrum for an examination of systemic corruption, unresolved trauma, and the ways in which old wounds fester beneath the surface of a nation striving for unity.
Schalk Lourens is a richly drawn protagonist, haunted by his own past complicity and struggling to reconcile the ideals of justice with the reality of a world still defined by division. His voice—a blend of weariness, cynicism, and an innate sense of decency—anchors the narrative, making him both relatable and deeply human. Conyer deftly portrays his internal conflicts as he treads the delicate line between personal and professional, between loyalty to his old boss and his duty to uncover the truth.
The setting of Cape Town is vividly rendered, with Conyer capturing the city’s vibrancy, contradictions, and simmering tensions. Against this backdrop, the election campaign of charismatic ANC candidate Gideon Radebe introduces a subplot that adds layers of political intrigue. The intersection of crime, politics, and personal vendettas creates a narrative that feels both urgent and authentic.
Conyer’s writing is crisp and evocative, balancing the procedural aspects of the investigation with moments of profound introspection. The themes of justice, revenge, and moral compromise are explored with sensitivity, offering no easy answers but plenty of fodder for reflection. The pacing is taut, with enough twists and revelations to keep readers hooked until the final, satisfying resolution.
Present Tense is more than a mystery; it is a meditation on the legacy of apartheid and the challenges of building a new future while grappling with the past. Fans of crime fiction with depth and social relevance will find this novel both engaging and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, Present Tense is a standout in the genre, offering a richly atmospheric, intelligent, and emotionally resonant story. Natalie Conyer has crafted a mystery that lingers long after the final page. Five stars.
January 2, 2025
My local library had this book up on its feature wall. I read the blurb and thought it might be an interesting read. Well, that was an understatement. What a compelling book!
Natalie Conyer has created a fast-paced, tense work of crime with a touch of politics, racism, corruption and complicated relationships.
Schalk Lourens is a seasoned police officer who is haunted by his past and trying to do the best he can in a force where corruption is rife. An execution of a prominent figure means Schalk has an important investigation on his hands and there are those in power that do not want him digging around. The complex environment he has to navigate puts him and his family in danger. His relationships, both personal and professional, are put to the test while Schalk battles with his conscious on what action he should take.
Not only does Conyer highlight the current issues impacting South Africa, she skillfully weaves in the history of apartheid and its ongoing legacy.
A book that will draw you in from page one and keep you glued to its pages.
Natalie Conyer has created a fast-paced, tense work of crime with a touch of politics, racism, corruption and complicated relationships.
Schalk Lourens is a seasoned police officer who is haunted by his past and trying to do the best he can in a force where corruption is rife. An execution of a prominent figure means Schalk has an important investigation on his hands and there are those in power that do not want him digging around. The complex environment he has to navigate puts him and his family in danger. His relationships, both personal and professional, are put to the test while Schalk battles with his conscious on what action he should take.
Not only does Conyer highlight the current issues impacting South Africa, she skillfully weaves in the history of apartheid and its ongoing legacy.
A book that will draw you in from page one and keep you glued to its pages.
December 5, 2024
A gritty thriller set in South Africa. There is a lot of political history and evidence of corruption in this book and a lot of characters, which requires a fair amount of concentration to keep track of. I do understand Dutch, so the Afrikaans language was ok for me, but that is not necessarily the case for everyone, I do not have enough background knowledge of South African life or history to completely understand the living conditions there though. The plot is violent and complicated but dragged a little in the middle for me. Schalk, the main detective, is an interesting but difficult character and a lot happens to him in this book. I would definately read the next episode because I`m curious about where he goes from here.
Not an easy read, but on the whole an interesting one.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
Not an easy read, but on the whole an interesting one.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
September 22, 2020
This book taught me how much difference there is in expressions used in South Africa and Australia. It also showed the difficulty for a country trying to move on from apartheid with the death of an ex 'white' policeman. The investigation is given to an officer whose superiors may have motives for choosing him.
The descriptions of the difficulties of interactions between different groups and with an election also leading to problems the detective has to go through personal trauma on his way to concluding the case.
This book had me reading and I recommend it as a book to give you an idea of the difficulties in a country moving forward.
The descriptions of the difficulties of interactions between different groups and with an election also leading to problems the detective has to go through personal trauma on his way to concluding the case.
This book had me reading and I recommend it as a book to give you an idea of the difficulties in a country moving forward.
October 14, 2024
This novel is written in recent times from the point of view of a white South African policeman. Schalk Lourens is a character with a somewhat clouded history, having been a cop under apartheid, then adjusting to ANC rule.
The story begins with a vicious Afrikaans ex-policeman being shot and necklaced in Cape Town, around where most of the action is set. Thus Schalk begins an investigation that leads to gangs, corruption and much violence. Although the writing is average, the descriptions of modern South Africa are chilling and real. Of course, there are the usual ‘difficult to believe’ moments such a tale inevitably involves these days, but the conclusion is reasonably satisfying.
The story begins with a vicious Afrikaans ex-policeman being shot and necklaced in Cape Town, around where most of the action is set. Thus Schalk begins an investigation that leads to gangs, corruption and much violence. Although the writing is average, the descriptions of modern South Africa are chilling and real. Of course, there are the usual ‘difficult to believe’ moments such a tale inevitably involves these days, but the conclusion is reasonably satisfying.
March 6, 2026
Present Tense is a compelling crime thriller that goes beyond a standard mystery. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Cape Province in South Africa, approaching political transition, the novel explores the uncertainty and shifting loyalties that come with a change in power. Alongside the suspenseful investigation, the story thoughtfully examines the ongoing struggle between personal emotions and professional duty, as well as the fine line between seeking justice and pursuing revenge. With its layered themes and carefully developed narrative, Present Tense is a reflective and engaging read, highly recommended for fans of crime fiction.
February 20, 2025
I was hopeful that this might be my first real step into a crime series that could get me hooked, but alas it didn’t achieve that for me.
The first third of the book felt laborious. So many characters and relationship threads, I found myself rereading and note taking to keep engaged. Once the story went into its main thread and the characters thinned to the essentials, the book became a fast read- a -couldn’t -put- down- type of read.
Gritty writing and personally enjoyed the linguistic depth applied to each character.
The first third of the book felt laborious. So many characters and relationship threads, I found myself rereading and note taking to keep engaged. Once the story went into its main thread and the characters thinned to the essentials, the book became a fast read- a -couldn’t -put- down- type of read.
Gritty writing and personally enjoyed the linguistic depth applied to each character.
August 1, 2024
This was a pretty good murder mystery set in Souh Africa. Gritty, violent and filled with post apartheid politics. Main character schalk is a seasoned detective in a difficult situation. Truth be told I did not much like him. Some of his actions did not make any sense. I did enjoy learning things about South Africa, though.
August 27, 2024
I know Natalie, so I was looking forward to reading this book. It didn’t disappoint. It’s fast-paced, particularly in the second half and a most enjoyable read. Personally, the only negative is that I don’t enjoy politics – no country’s politics – and this story has a strong political background. I recommend this book.
March 18, 2025
Present Tense by Natalie Conyer
Having traveled through Africa and spent time in South Africa I was excited to read this book which was set in Cape Town.
Veteran cop Schulz Lourens is assigned to the case of the murder of his old boss, Piet Pieterse, who was set alight. Piet had done some terrible things as a police chief so finding the murderer was proving to be difficult.
Schalk has a lot to deal with and it only gets worse as the story unfolds.
I found this book really interesting and it had me continually wondering what could possibly happen next.
I only found the glossary when I finished the book luckily I could work out most of the Afrikaans and other terms used.
I also noticed there is another book in this series which I will be very keen to read.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Echo Publishing for my copy to read and review.
Having traveled through Africa and spent time in South Africa I was excited to read this book which was set in Cape Town.
Veteran cop Schulz Lourens is assigned to the case of the murder of his old boss, Piet Pieterse, who was set alight. Piet had done some terrible things as a police chief so finding the murderer was proving to be difficult.
Schalk has a lot to deal with and it only gets worse as the story unfolds.
I found this book really interesting and it had me continually wondering what could possibly happen next.
I only found the glossary when I finished the book luckily I could work out most of the Afrikaans and other terms used.
I also noticed there is another book in this series which I will be very keen to read.
Thanks to Beauty and Lace and Echo Publishing for my copy to read and review.
April 20, 2020
Taut atmospheric police procedural -a strong debut with a great background of South African politics
Hero is flawed but mostly likeable and we certainly root for him.
Hero is flawed but mostly likeable and we certainly root for him.
November 8, 2020
Intense and well written- couldn’t put it down
March 15, 2021
Great read... look forward to the next instalment in the series.
June 14, 2024
Unknown author but great read.
October 23, 2023
Not sure how this won any award. Large sections of the text were devoted to explaining the situation in South Africa rather than developing the story. I get it, we need to understand the context, but it wasn't very subtle and could have been done so much better. I gave up halfway through and skimmed to the finale ...
September 16, 2021
I don't usually read crime novels, but this was a rewarding exception. It's well-written, well-structured and well-paced. The South African setting enables the author to deftly weave the story and the characters into the challenges of post-apartheid politics.
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