Review: Roses in the Rainbow by Mawuena Addo

Published: September 2016

Pages: 272

Synopsis: “When a troubled rich white woman is found dead in her Cape Town office, Police conclude it is suicide. But, Ronelle, her only biological daughter refuses to accept that conclusion and seeks closure by hiring private detective Pierre Archer to look into the case.

Archer is a war veteran - a broke and bereaved American former marine - who had emigrated to South Africa, the ‘Rainbow Nation’, in search for a new life. He sets up a private detective agency in Cape Town. He takes on the case because he needs the money as well as a challenge to take his grief-stricken mind off of his dead fiancée. But the deeper he delves into Ronelle’s family, the darker things get, the more corpses he stumbles upon – and the closer he gets to terrible danger.”

Rating: ***

I received a free copy of Roses in the Rainbow in exchange for an honest review.

A crime thriller set in South Africa which touched on the historical cultural issues, but this wasn't the main focal point. Very succinct and well-written prologue that came across as factual rather than bias towards one or other characters involved. Fed nicely into the main novel, and the way the cases overlapped was subtle.

A good mix of plot based action and character driven sections. I didn’t feel particularly connected to any of the characters, which made reading a bit difficult at times. But overall a fast paced, enjoyable read.