Meny

Sample of literary figures

  • Benny Griessel

    Male

    He is a middle-aged detective with the Cape Town police, is of average height with greying untidy hair, a rugged face and a Slavic appearance. Benny Griessel does, however, have problems. He boozes – which is why his wife and their two children throw him out, and he finds a new partner. He struggles determinedly against his alcoholism, author Deon Meyer tells us, and he embarks upon a relationship with singer Alexa.

    Further reading

  • Lindsay Gordon

    Female

    Lindsay Gordon is a hardboiled, cynical, lesbian crime reporter and the protagonist of half a dozen novels by Val McDermid. She is a Socialist, feminist jazz lover who tries to cut down on her cigarette and whiskey consumption. Her unorthodox methods are not always appreciated, especially not by the police, but that does not stop her from continuing to harass them.

    Further reading

  • Derek Strange

    Male

    Former police officer who has made a career change and become a private detective in a suite of novels by George P. Pelecanos. He is well-built, with grey hair and beard, and loves music. He has a sporadic relationship with his assistant Janine Baker, and is a ‘reserve dad’ for her son, Lionel. Derek Strange lives alone with his dog, Greco, a boxer. He is sometimes greatly helped by another former police officer, Terry Quinn.

    Further reading

  • Jakob Studer

    Male

    Perhaps the most famous problem solver in German-language crime fiction is Wachtmeister (approx: sergeant) Jakob Studer, a single elderly gentleman, overweight, with a pale, gaunt face and a heavy moustache. He was created by Swiss-Austrian Friedrich Glauser, is mainly active in the countryside and in small towns and solves his cases with the help of intuition and human knowledge.

    Further reading