Dark Traces

Dark Traces is Martin Steyn's English-language and North American debut novel. Dark Traces delves deep into the psychology of both a serial killer and the detective who seeks to find him. Though fast-paced, it exposes violence against women as a men's issue, one that all men should consider. This novel deals with two sides of homicide: sadistic murder and euthanasia. Killing for pleasure and killing for love. In the tradition of hard boiled American detectives, but set in Cape Town, South Africa. Detective novels set in South Africa--particularly Cape Town, a city featuring a unique Euro-African cultural mix--do very well both internationally and in the United States. From Deon Meyer to Jassy McKenzie, they have earned a special place in the hearts of mystery fans. Though the novel features a fast-paced mystery, Dark Traces also touches on themes of father-son relationships, the psychological problems faced by murder detectives, and the meaning of love, friendship, and companionship. Martin Steyn has written two companion crime novels featuring related characters. They are in the process of being translated.