About the Book
Blurb from Jonathan Ball Publishers
When a beautiful young woman is found murdered on Cape Town’s Sea Point promenade, investigative journalist and criminal profiler Dr Clare Hart is drawn into the web of a brutal serial killer. As more bodies are discovered, Clare is forced to revisit memories of the horrific rape of her twin sister and the gang ties that bind Cape Town’s crime rings. Are her investigations into human trafficking really linked to the murders or is the killer just playing sick games with her?
My Thoughts
My first introduction to Margie Orford was only a couple of months ago, when I participated in a read along of her newest release “The Eye of The Beholder”. It was my first time reading any of Margie’s books, which was long overdue, especially because she has been described as the “Queen of South African Crime Fiction”.
As with “The Eye of the Beholder” (you can read my review here), “Like Clockwork” is a dark and gritty read. The plot and story line include rape, human trafficking, violence, and brutality against women (trigger warnings). It is mysterious and tense, moody and atmospheric.
Dr Clare Hart, the female protagonist, is fixated on solving these serial crimes. She is focused, and professional and reminded me quite a bit of Dr Kay Scarpetta (Patricia Cornwell series). She is flawed and human and that makes her relatable.
We get to an disturbing insight into the sleezy underbelly of Cape Town, often only experienced as an idyllic holiday destination. It is atmospheric, filled with diverse characters, and I throughly enjoyed the familiar location and lingo.
- Flawed characters
- Atmospheric
- Gritty
- Strong female protagonist
- Familiar location
I did feel as if I was missing something though – as if this should not have been the first hook in the series? Backstory of the seemingly complicated relationship between police Captain Riedwaan Faizal and Clare? There are also references made to Clare’s personal life, that made me feel as if I don’t have the full picture. I have questions, and that is the reason my rating is a bit lower.
RRR (Roelia Reads Rating) 3/5
With thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the opportunity to read this book. The full Clare Hart series was recently re-released by Jonathan Ball Publishers, with bright new cover art! Do check it out.
The details:
https://www.jonathanball.co.za/component/virtuemart/like-clockwork
Category: Thriller Books
ISBN: 9781776192557
Publisher: Jonathan Ball Publishers
On sale: November 2022
Format: Paperback
eBook ISBN 9781868424061
Available from major booksellers
About the Author:
http://margieorford.bookslive.co.za/about/
Also read:
The Clare Hart Series:
#1 Like Clockwork
#2 Blood Rose https://www.jonathanball.co.za/component/virtuemart/blood-rose
#3 Daddy’s Girl (review coming soon) https://www.jonathanball.co.za/component/virtuemart/daddy-s-girl
#4 Gallows Hill https://www.jonathanball.co.za/component/virtuemart/gallows-hill
#5 Water Music https://www.jonathanball.co.za/component/virtuemart/water-music
Standalone:
The Eye of The Beholder Review: The Eye of The Beholder by Margie Orford
