Present Darkness

Set in the corrupt, unforgiving world of apartheid South Africa, this novel in the Detective Emmanuel Cooper series follows Cooper as he faces a test of loyalty and friendship.

Five days before Christmas, Detective Sergeant Emmanuel Cooper sits at his desk at the Johannesburg major crimes squad, ready for his holiday in Mozambique. A call comes in: a respectable white couple has been assaulted and left for dead in their bedroom. The couple's teenage daughter identifies the attacker as Aaron Shabalala-- the youngest son of Zulu Detective Constable Samuel Shabalala--Cooper's best friend and a man to whom he owes his life.

The Detective Branch isn't interested in evidence that might contradict their star witness's story, especially so close to the holidays. Determined to ensure justice for Aaron, Cooper, Shabalala, and their trusted friend Dr. Daniel Zweigman hunt for the truth. Their investigation uncovers a violent world of Sophiatown gangs, thieves, and corrupt government officials who will do anything to keep their dark world intact.

Publisher: Emily Bestler Books
Published: 06/03/2014
Pages: 352
Weight: 0.63lbs
Size: 8.47h x 5.36w x 0.92d
ISBN: 9781451616965


Award: Macavity Award - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 05/01/2014 pg. 61
Publishers Weekly 04/28/2014
Booklist 05/01/2014 pg. 40
Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2014

About the Author
Malla Nunn was born in Swaziland, South Africa, and currently lives in Sydney, Australia. She is a filmmaker with three award-winning films to her credit, as well as the author of the Emmanuel Cooper crime series, When the Ground Is Hard, and Sugar Town Queens.