The Elephant's Footprint by Joan Zawatzky
 
Product details
Paperback: 282 pages
Publisher: Veritax
ISBN: 9780987134028
Trim size: 198 x 139 mm
 
Synopsis   
The Elephant’s Footprint is an intriguing crime novel laced with romance and set against a South African backdrop. Linda, a sharp and intuitive detective leaves Australia, to return to her birthplace Rustenburg, amidst the excitement of the World Cup soccer challenge.  She finds the once lush farmland crippled by drought, lawlessness is on the rise and disease is rampant.  At critical times, such as this, the local community seek help from their healers and witchdoctors.  Even Voodoo resurfaces.

Her skill in detection is well known, and she is persuaded to join an overworked police force in a murder investigation.  Initially, the police believe that an elephant savaged a young woman found dead in a nature reserve.  However, it soon becomes clear that sinister human influences are at play. This is the first in a number of bizarre killings of female healers. Inundated with crime and the added responsibility of security during the World Cup, the police give up the search for the killer and she continues to investigate alone.

She meets and falls in love with George, an archaeologist working on rock paintings in the area. With his support, she challenges evil forces trying to remove her from the case. But will her perseverance and George’s scientific knowledge help her to uncover the murderer?

About the Author:
Joan Zawatzkywas born in South Africa.  After completing her studies, first in art and then in psychology, she moved to Australia, where she worked for many years as a counselling psychologist.  Though painting remained a hobby, she decided to try her hand at writing.  She wrote There’s a Light at the End of the Tunnel, to help her clients overcome depression.  The Scent of Oranges, her first novel, is set in South Africa and was shortlisted for the Australian Books Alive Programme in 2007.  Recently she began writing full-time. The Elephant’s Footprint is her latest novel, and the next in her South African series. She lives in Melbourne with her husband and their Siamese cat.

Praise for the Scent of Oranges:
“The elegance of Joan Zawatzky’s writing is a big part of what makes this story so memorable and delightful.  Her words flowed right through me and led me into a story so full of life, nature and relationships.  I never wanted it to end.”   Ashley Merril, Front Street Review.

“The Scent of Oranges by Joan Zawatzky is the first book I’ve read by this author but hope to read more.  Right away I was transported to South Africa.  I could picture everything that Linda saw as if I was her.  Joan captures the essence of South Africa with the mystery and intrigue of murder.” Cheryl’s Book Nook

“Zawatzky’s style is wonderfully descriptive and I felt transported to South Africa through the pages of the book.  I also loved learning more about South Africa and its people.  The Scent of Oranges dynamically explores intense interpersonal relationships and I found it fascinating.” Tara’s View on Books.

“The South African setting is beautifully recreated, with lovely descriptions of the landscape and people, and the author has written a thoughtful depiction of life under the terrible system of apartheid and its aftermath.” Book Buzz

“I think this novel will really appeal to people who like to sit and savour the writing and …a mystery unfolding.” Peeking Between the Pages

“I was intrigued by the storyline and the uniqueness of the characters.   It was fascinating to be taken to a new place, into a culture so different from anything I have known.  I was just as curious as Linda, as she continued to push through dead ends and as she discovered astonishing things about her family.  The ending did not disappoint.” That Book Addiction

“I really enjoyed this book.  It was so sad, yet poignant.  So many lives were ruined all because people judged others by the colour of their skin and not the type of person they were. It was an excellent read. It gave me plenty to think about. So buy it!” The Bluestocking Guide