Novel set in COPENHAGEN at Christmas
Thriller set in DUNEDIN, New Zealand
6th November 2024
Prey by Vanda Symon, thriller set in DUNEDIN, New Zealand
Prey is the latest (no.6) in the Sam Shephard series of thrillers by Vanda Symon. The novel is set in Dunedin, on New Zealand’s South Island and the atmosphere is set right away by the gloomy, damp weather. Sam herself is a police detective, newly back at work after the birth of her daughter. Initially her boss sets her to investigate a cold case, either as a gentle reintroduction to the workplace or to keep her out of the way. The case involves the murder of the Reverend Freeman on the steps of the cathedral . But there’s a complication: her hard-to-please boss is personally connected to the murder case. The victim was related to his wife and, as a respected priest, the initial investigation found no obvious motive for his murder. Sam has to solve this case, not least to keep her boss happy, but there are those who are determined to keep the secrets of the past, whatever the cost.
Although I hadn’t read any of the Sam Shephard series prior to this one, it wasn’t hard to pick up the threads. I enjoyed the humour of the young professional couple trying to adjust to family life with a new baby while resuming their careers, with the inevitable chaos that a baby brings. The book progresses at a good pace and it kept my interest throughout. The varied characters are interesting and convincing, and I found the storyline both credible and intriguing. The pressures that Sam experiences in trying to keep everyone happy while doing a competent job, are all too believable. As the plot unwinds, it becomes clear that even those who have done wrong might have been motivated by good intentions – but you’ll be the judge of that!
As far as the setting is concerned, I’ve been lucky enough to visit Dunedin and Symon describes it vividly – you can definitely pick out locations in the book if you visit. I can vouch for the weather being a bit “British” – damp and grey – but this serves to enhance the atmosphere of the book and is entirely appropriate. (They do have good weather too!)
I’m sure fans of the Sam Shephard series need no persuading but to newcomers like me, this novel is recommended and I’d happily read earlier books to see what I missed.
Sue for the TripFiction Team
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