Devil's Peak: A Novel

Deon Meyer
Little, Brown and Company (2008)
ISBN 9780316017855
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (2/08)


“Devil's Peak” begins with a bang and the action never ceases.  There are three seemingly unrelated stories occurring.  Benny, a police officer, has just been thrown out of the house because he is an alcoholic who will not seek help.  Naturally, his alcoholism also affects his job performance.  His supervisor shows faith in him by putting him in charge of the investigation into the murders of people who have been accused of committing crimes against children (the second story).  In the third story, a young woman is explaining to her pastor why she became a prostitute.  As the book progresses, these characters’ lives overlap and it becomes clear as to what motivates each of them to act in the ways they choose.

I liked the plot of this book very much.  I enjoyed learning about the methods that are used for profiling serial killers.  The characters were realistic and I was moved to hear some of the things that had occurred in their lives.  I especially enjoyed the very descriptive struggles Benny encountered while trying to stay sober.  It was touching when he tried to explain to his children why he has difficulty resisting alcohol.  His son’s anger toward him was strongly emphasized.  I could feel his pain as he berated his father for always thinking only of himself instead of his family.  It was also great to see Benny and his son make up because it can provide hope to others who are in a similar situation.

Meyer discusses many people’s vices, including prostitution and alcoholism, in a straightforward way.  He provides an honest explanation as to why people make the choices they do.  A key concept in this book is that help is there if people are willing to accept it and put in the effort to change their own behaviors.  He also focuses on the debate between legal justice and moral justice, and whether morals should sometimes supercede the law.

“Devil's Peak” will appeal to any adult reader.  It will make people think about what actions are justified even if they are not legal.  It will also challenge individuals to accept responsibility for their own lives and not to blame events from the past for their present behaviors. 

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