cover image Stolen Lives

Stolen Lives

Jassy Mackenzie, Soho Crime, $25 (256p) ISBN 978-1-56947-909-4

In Mackenzie's fine second crime novel featuring Johannesburg PI Jade de Jong (after Random Violence), Jade agrees to take what she considers an easy case, protecting Pamela Jordaan after Jordaan's husband, Terence, disappears. Jade later realizes the job is more than she bargained for, especially after she learns that Terence owned a strip club and his "disappearance" might be more sinister than it first appeared. Meanwhile, Supt. David Patel, who's adjusting to his new position in the Organized Crime Division, is trying to patch things up with his estranged wife and sort out his feelings for Jade. To complicate matters, Scotland Yard detectives from the human trafficking unit get in touch with Patel after they raid a London brothel whose owner, a dangerous man with South African ties, may be connected to Jade's case. Under Mackenzie's deft hand, Jo'berg and Jade crackle with frenetic energy. (Apr.)