
Conyer Returns to Roots for Debut
In Natalie Conyer’s novel debut, PRESENT TENSE—the first book in the Schalk Lourens Mystery series—veteran cop Schalk Lourens wants a quiet life. Like the rest
“Staccato prose moves the action along at machine-gun pace reminiscent of classic hard-boiled mysteries. [….] fans of George V Higgens and James Ellroy are sure to have a blast.”
– Publishers Weekly
“The tension ratchets up with each page and the plot unspools towards its rousing, raucous and stunning conclusion!”
– The Mysterious Book Report
“A no-nonsense thriller, with an intoxicating and smart protagonist in Rae Valentine. Be sure to find a comfortable spot before opening the book because once you’re taken on the ride it is hard to get off.”
– David Swinson, author of The Second Girl and Trigger
Joanne Hichens reflects on the lighter side of life with wicked humour, but just as fearlessly exposes the dark side. As a child, books were her refuge, particularly those where good and evil fought it out till justice was served and the world was once more aligned. As a writer, whether of crime fiction or memoir, she explores, and delights in, this fragile equilibrium.
In Natalie Conyer’s novel debut, PRESENT TENSE—the first book in the Schalk Lourens Mystery series—veteran cop Schalk Lourens wants a quiet life. Like the rest
I forget sometimes that we’re still in a state of National Disaster, here in South Africa. At other times the consequences of the lockdown are
Joanne Hichens loves the lighter side of life, but fearlessly unpacks the dark side, whether in crime fiction or memoir. As a child, the library was her refuge, where she learned of good and evil, and justice was done, so no wonder books are her business.
In Natalie Conyer’s novel debut, PRESENT TENSE—the first book in the Schalk Lourens Mystery series—veteran cop Schalk Lourens wants a quiet life. Like the rest
I forget sometimes that we’re still in a state of National Disaster, here in South Africa. At other times the consequences of the lockdown are
“Staccato prose moves the action along at machine-gun pace reminiscent of classic hard-boiled mysteries. [….] fans of George V Higgens and James Ellroy are sure to have a blast.”
– Publishers Weekly
“The tension ratchets up with each page and the plot unspools towards its rousing, raucous and stunning conclusion!”
– The Mysterious Book Report
“A no-nonsense thriller, with an intoxicating and smart protagonist in Rae Valentine. Be sure to find a comfortable spot before opening the book because once you’re taken on the ride it is hard to get off.”
– David Swinson, author of The Second Girl and Trigger
In Natalie Conyer’s novel debut, PRESENT TENSE—the first book in the Schalk Lourens Mystery series—veteran cop Schalk Lourens wants a quiet life. Like the rest of South Africa, he’s trying to put the past behind him. But the past has a way of hanging on, and when Schalk’s old boss,
I forget sometimes that we’re still in a state of National Disaster, here in South Africa. At other times the consequences of the lockdown are all too real. The loss, of whatever it is, sits with me, in my body. And I’m aware of a sense of anticipation… or impending
Joanne Hichens reflects on the lighter side of life with wicked humour, but just as fearlessly exposes the dark side. As a child, books were her refuge, particularly those where good and evil fought it out till justice was served and the world was once more aligned. As a writer, whether of crime fiction or memoir, she explores, and delights in, this fragile equilibrium.
COPYRIGHT © JOANNE HICHENS 2020 – ROGUE DESIGN STUDIO