The Woman in the Blue Cloak

"The Woman in the Blue Cloak" by Deon Meyer is best categorized as a crime thriller novella, and it is also considered part of his Benny Griessel series, although it's shorter than the full novels in the series.

Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics and how it fits within Meyer's work:

• Genre: It's a tightly plotted thriller with elements of a police procedural and mystery. The story revolves around a murder investigation led by Captain Benny Griessel and his partner Vaughn Cupido.
• Length: As a novella, it's a more concise and fast-paced read compared to Meyer's full-length novels.
• Benny Griessel Series: While shorter, it features Deon Meyer's popular protagonist, Captain Benny Griessel of the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations) in South Africa. It delves into both the crime he's investigating and his personal life, particularly his plans to propose to his partner, Alexa Bernard.
• Themes: Like many of Meyer's works, the novella touches upon aspects of contemporary South Africa, although some critics note it might be lighter on the critical analysis of race relations compared to his earlier, heftier novels. The story also incorporates elements of art history, as the murder victim was an expert in old Dutch Masters paintings, and the investigation involves a lost painting by Carel Fabritius.
• Setting: The story is set in and around Cape Town, South Africa, a familiar and vividly portrayed location in Meyer's novels.
• Style: Meyer's writing is characterized by earthy dialogue, clever plotting, and well-developed, memorable characters, all of which are present in "The Woman in the Blue Cloak."

In summary, "The Woman in the Blue Cloak" is a shorter, but still gripping, crime thriller that will appeal to fans of Deon Meyer and those who enjoy well-crafted mysteries with a South African setting and intriguing cultural elements. It serves as a valuable addition to the Benny Griessel series, offering a focused and intense reading experience.