Falls the Shadow - by Mike Nicol (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

She's a single mother with a surfing-crazy teenage son. She's known as the Jackal and heads the local Internal Crime Unit, keeping cops on the straight and narrow. Her name is Zara Dewane and she doesn't take shit from anybody. But now the bad cops are gunning for her.

A family murder by a cop who turns the gun on himself. In the shed behind his cottage is a cache of weapons: Russian automatics, handguns, 9mils, .38s. You don't need forensics to work out what's gone wrong. This is a cop with a side racket. Which gets the attention of Captain Zara Dewane of the Internal Crime Unit. What she uncovers about the family murder puts her in the firing line. There are cops running guns stolen from the police armory. There are cops selling guns to gangsters. Thing is, the money chain goes deep into the police hierarchy. Even fingers the political bosses. "Close her down," comes the order from on high. Kill her, in other words. Making Zara and her family targets. With only one way out.

Review Quotes

"The best book yet from one of South Africa's top thriller writers. My top crime read of 2026!" -- Michael Sears, International Thriller Writers, Africa Scene.

"Dark corners and dirty secrets. Nicol at his best. --Mel Fairview

"Mike Nicol is not only one of the finest South African crime novelists, but also among the best anywhere. Falls the Shadow is superb." -- John Connolly, author of the bestselling Charlie Parker thriller series

"What's admirable about Nicol's writing is that nothing is black and white here. Despite the setup, the men are not predominantly villains and not all the women are heroic. [...] It comes as no surprise that Nicol's style and tone are inspired by some of his favourite American noir writers like Hammett, Chandler and Ellroy. The sentences are short and choppy, which perfectly suits the narrative. If you enjoy gritty, noir-influenced crime fiction exploring institutional corruption and the judicial process within a complex and diverse society, this South African political thriller will appeal to you." - Sonja van der Westhuizen, Crime Fiction Lover

"A terrific pick for suspense/thriller fans, Falls The Shadow... is original, deftly crafted, and a simply riveting read from start to finish. Unreservedly recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections." -- Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Mike Nicol is an author, journalist, editor and a teacher of creative and non-fiction narrative writing. He has published a number of crime thrillers. His thrillers have all featured on the KrimiZeit Top 10 in Germany and he has been shortlisted for the VN Thriller of the Year award in Holland and the Prix SNCF Du Polar in France. His non-fiction includes memoirs, biographies and reportage. He has also published two volumes of poetry.