Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer

Summary

Detective Benny Griessal’s day is not starting well. First he is called out to the garrotted body of a young American tourist. Detective, maverick and father of teenagers himself, he knows there will be more trouble to come. Then a second murder, involving a prolific music producer, has taken place across town and Benny - mentor to the South African Police Service’s latest recruits - must supervise both investigations.

Taking charge of his first case involving a white victim is Inspector Vusi Ndabeni. They soon discover the victim’s friend, Rachel Anderson, is also missing. Inspector Fransman Dekker, a man with a huge chip on his shoulder, is the lead on the case of the murdered record producer. The man’s alcoholic wife and an ambitious friend give mixed messages.
Running out of time and working with a mixed race team, Benny must solve the two high octane cases before the media have a field day. Working amidst the racial discrimination, political struggles and corruption in the new South Africa police force, he has a chance to salvage his battered reputation.