7 Days (Benny Griessel Book 3)

I enjoy Deon Meyer's novels immensely and 13 hours in particular had a 'high-octane' narrative drive. In contrast Trackers was more about an intriguing and very clever plot (although this wasn't to everyone's taste judging from some of the reviews). Seven Days is a slower paced novel than its two immediate predecessors and is also much more introspective. The author wants us to develop a better understanding of the central protaganist, Benny Griessel; who is, for me, one of the more interesting detectives in crime/thriller literature. The fact that he is an alcoholic may be something of a cliche but he is believable. Through him the reader gains some real insights into the South African police force and the wider social, economic and political context of the country. I also liked the fact that one of the more interesting characters from 13 hours, Mbali Kaleni, returns. Overall, not as exciting as 13 hours but much more thoughful in tone. Recommemded.

This is my third Deon Meyer book. I have reviewed the first two very favourably ( see earlier reviews) but I have been very disappointed by this third book in the "Benny Griessel" series. Whereas the first two had original and fast moving plots "7 days" is slow and somewhat laboured. There are far too many acronyms and too many characters are introduced who have little relevance to the story. By the end of the book I was almost bored and that is a stark contrast to the first two. So often an author's first book contains his best ideas and I do hope that Meyer has not fallen into the trap of producing a book a year now that his reputation is established, but without a new idea. I will try one more in this series and hope that 7 days is just a temporary glitch.

Meyer takes this novel at a slower police procedural pace than the high octane pace of "Thirteen Hours" and "Devils Peak" but not at the expense of the quality of the writing or plot development and characterisation. I was slightly frustrated not from anything in the book but because there are frequent references to an earlier Steyn case which I thought may have been covered in an earlier book which I would liked to have read before starting this one. Also I found the frequent inclusion of local phrases expressed in the various local languages a slight frustration as I had to keep referring to the back of the book for the translation.But on the whole an excellent read. .

I love these books the more I read them! Amazing storyline. Brilliantly written and translated into English very well. Fab read!

Great read so much so can’t wait to read his next book

I had very high expectations as heard of Deon Meyer from my mum who compares him to Wilbur Smith...personally thinks he has some way to go...but it is a good read,especially if you understand Afrikaans. Research and story telling excellent but descriptions of scenarios not always that thorough.all in all a good read and it keeps you guessing till the end.i will definitely be reading more of his books.

The character of Benny Griesel is compelling, the writing of high poetic quality, the story mesmerizing, and the overall picture the novel paints of contemporary South Africa with all its intercultural complexities is impressive and full of nuance and humanism. The only criticism I have that the book stops too soon. Then again, 7 days is longer than 13 hours so who am I to complain.

I wanted something to read on some airline flights. Not too 'heavy' but gripping and entertaining. 7 Days turned out to be ideal. I was 'gripped' by the story line within seconds. If you are looking for an enjoyable realistic crime novel - then I recommend this one.