Lights, Smoke and Shadows

When private investigator Joe Mlambo is hired by high profile lawyer Mzi Nkabinde to find a missing person, Joe views it as his meal ticket to finance his drinking habit. He accepts the deposit with no intention of doing the work, but Mzi knows about Joe's reputation for not finishing jobs. This time the powerful forces he represents have plans to force him to follow through – because Joe knows Jo'burg like the back of his hand. Pushed to do what appears to be a routine assignment, Joe battles the South African Social Security Agency and a violent Nigerian drug lord hell-bent on killing him as Joe slowly unravels the mystery. This fast-paced thriller fluctuates between Jozi's northern suburbs and the heart of Hillbrow, leaving readers uncertain about the identities of the allies and foes. It's a story of lights, smoke and shadows where nothing can be as clear as day. It's a story of self-realisation, repentance, self-discovery, courage, forgiveness, greed, corruption, love and deceit. Joe is caught in a web of lies, deceit, betrayal and cover-ups as he fights for his life and for the well-being of those he loves. In his journey as a recovering drug addict and alcoholic and negotiating life with a permanent and debilitating limp, his flaws are laid bare as he seeks to triumph over his adversities. Can he bring his A game when the bodies are dropping?