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The Mashego File
Crime in the heart of darkness. Overworked police and forensics investigators. A criminal justice system with inadequate resources. A residential neighbourhood where vigilante justice replaces the institutions of law and order. As things fall apart Detective 'Nights' Mashego investigates. But he carries his own dark burden...
- GenresSouth Africa
234 pages, Paperback
Published June 18, 2019
About the author
Ian Patrick
9 books61 followersAfter working as an actor, director and teacher in theatre, film and television, followed by a long academic career, Ian is now a full-time writer. His years as an actor, director and scholar play a modest part in his writing, he says. 'My fiction is based to the best of my ability on research and field work. I have to believe every word my fictive characters say, every action they undertake,' he says. Which explains why he has accompanied detectives to the front line, interviewed forensics investigators, taken courses on forensics, crime scene management, and DNA analysis, and spent many hours scouring actual locations for his crime scenes: many of them based on actual events.
'I endeavour to make my fiction plausible and authentic. It takes me up to a year to write an eighty thousand word crime thriller. In my view, although it is clearly desirable to arrive at one's destination by bringing a work to publication, it is the journey that is the really exciting and enjoyable part of writing. I can only hope that readers will also enjoy the journey of discovering my characters and their foibles, their actions and their experiences. I hope, too, that they will inform me about and forgive me for any lapses in my work or any errors of detail.'
'I endeavour to make my fiction plausible and authentic. It takes me up to a year to write an eighty thousand word crime thriller. In my view, although it is clearly desirable to arrive at one's destination by bringing a work to publication, it is the journey that is the really exciting and enjoyable part of writing. I can only hope that readers will also enjoy the journey of discovering my characters and their foibles, their actions and their experiences. I hope, too, that they will inform me about and forgive me for any lapses in my work or any errors of detail.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 29, 2017
‘The Mashego File’ plays out like a well-crafted, highly rehearsed production. It is not surprising, when reading the author’s bio, to learn that Ian Patrick has a background in theatre. His book is filled with varied characters, economically described yet vibrant, each with their own personality and perspective. The corrupt SAPS general and her cronies churn the gut, her entitled stepson possesses even less conscience than his parent and the residents of Sikwehle Road, KwaMashu, are a complex bunch attempting to cope with life in a violent township where, it seems, lawless abounds.
It is Nights Mashego, however, who steps into the spotlight in this intriguing story about township and city life in a country where the judicial system has broken down and criminals frequently escape the punishment they deserve. Rightly so his name is featured in the title.
Patrick explains in his notes that the main character took possession of his imagination, and indeed, this is apparent in his powerful portrayal. Nights took centre stage, propelling me to read on in order to learn more about the huge imposing police captain who is something of an enigma. The complexity of his back-story and his visceral responses make him a compelling leading man. His tender relationship with Two Jele Jele exposes a soft heart but we know that this giant is not to be underestimated. With Masego and Ma Xaba’s gang of young men it is fair to assert that every saint has a past and every sinner an alibi for forgiveness.
This author meticulously researches his novels. Readers are given candid insights into the social ills affecting South African citizens including the nyaope (a seriously destructive and vile street drug) epidemic, corruption amongst politicians and within the police force, sexual assault and vigilantism. As South Africans - who read local newspapers and watch news reports - we, as an audience, might be somewhat desensitised to some of the scenes the author describes but the violence is not gratuitous. It is real in terms of the experience of locals.
Patrick’s book provides social commentary and highlights moral issues but this is secondary as the reader is swept along with the enticing plot. A host of the characters’ personal responses to complicated events reveal that they do not always react in a way we would expect and this is what prevents the reader from being able to predicting outcomes. As we view circumstances from Mpilo, Langa, Gazini and Bheki’s perspectives it becomes difficult to simply condemn their behaviour. Mashego’s character too is tinted with shades adding to the skillful characterisation.
Ian Patrick is clearly a perfectionist in his craft. This is particularly impressive as he in an independent author who is not supported or assisted by a publishing team. The text contains no typos and errors. His writing style draws one in and contains lots of authentic dialogue. It reveals a clear respect for, and a love of Zulu history and tradition.
I am now going to have to read The Ryder Quartet, Patrick’s first four books while I wait for Nights to get back on his beat. I am hoping that, next time around, there is romance in the air. Possibly Genevieve Ndebele, the Forensic Analyst is single…? I think it’s time for Nights to put his heartbreak behind him and find love in his next adventure but I’ll take anything that this masterful author dishes up. What a great read! Do yourself a favour and make a date with Nights Masheko.
It is Nights Mashego, however, who steps into the spotlight in this intriguing story about township and city life in a country where the judicial system has broken down and criminals frequently escape the punishment they deserve. Rightly so his name is featured in the title.
Patrick explains in his notes that the main character took possession of his imagination, and indeed, this is apparent in his powerful portrayal. Nights took centre stage, propelling me to read on in order to learn more about the huge imposing police captain who is something of an enigma. The complexity of his back-story and his visceral responses make him a compelling leading man. His tender relationship with Two Jele Jele exposes a soft heart but we know that this giant is not to be underestimated. With Masego and Ma Xaba’s gang of young men it is fair to assert that every saint has a past and every sinner an alibi for forgiveness.
This author meticulously researches his novels. Readers are given candid insights into the social ills affecting South African citizens including the nyaope (a seriously destructive and vile street drug) epidemic, corruption amongst politicians and within the police force, sexual assault and vigilantism. As South Africans - who read local newspapers and watch news reports - we, as an audience, might be somewhat desensitised to some of the scenes the author describes but the violence is not gratuitous. It is real in terms of the experience of locals.
Patrick’s book provides social commentary and highlights moral issues but this is secondary as the reader is swept along with the enticing plot. A host of the characters’ personal responses to complicated events reveal that they do not always react in a way we would expect and this is what prevents the reader from being able to predicting outcomes. As we view circumstances from Mpilo, Langa, Gazini and Bheki’s perspectives it becomes difficult to simply condemn their behaviour. Mashego’s character too is tinted with shades adding to the skillful characterisation.
Ian Patrick is clearly a perfectionist in his craft. This is particularly impressive as he in an independent author who is not supported or assisted by a publishing team. The text contains no typos and errors. His writing style draws one in and contains lots of authentic dialogue. It reveals a clear respect for, and a love of Zulu history and tradition.
I am now going to have to read The Ryder Quartet, Patrick’s first four books while I wait for Nights to get back on his beat. I am hoping that, next time around, there is romance in the air. Possibly Genevieve Ndebele, the Forensic Analyst is single…? I think it’s time for Nights to put his heartbreak behind him and find love in his next adventure but I’ll take anything that this masterful author dishes up. What a great read! Do yourself a favour and make a date with Nights Masheko.
February 7, 2018
Astonishing
Ian Patrick writes clinically in some spots, lyrically in others, catching me by surprise and bringing me to tears, either joy or grief, depending. I have recoiled in horror at the crimes described, and rejoiced at the dispensation of just desserts and karma. Not an easy tale, but one worthy of time and consideration.
Ian Patrick writes clinically in some spots, lyrically in others, catching me by surprise and bringing me to tears, either joy or grief, depending. I have recoiled in horror at the crimes described, and rejoiced at the dispensation of just desserts and karma. Not an easy tale, but one worthy of time and consideration.
October 27, 2016
Hey. Hot stuff. This was outstanding. I loved this, man. Real, in your face, action and mayhem. And good, good writing, man. Superb thriller. Mashego is my man.
January 1, 2018
Good story
Well written story about human nature. Makes you think about how you would respond in a similar situation. Thought provoking. Loved it😁
Well written story about human nature. Makes you think about how you would respond in a similar situation. Thought provoking. Loved it😁
November 22, 2017
Was it Justice
Very interesting read. Another country. A social structure with values and honor is primary. What happens when someone violates their family honor? Do they create their own punishment without the police? Does the punishment fit the crime? You decide.
Very interesting read. Another country. A social structure with values and honor is primary. What happens when someone violates their family honor? Do they create their own punishment without the police? Does the punishment fit the crime? You decide.
December 14, 2016
This was really nice. A few months ago I read/heard the earlier book with Detective Mashego in it - 'Plain Dealing' - but only realised at the end of this one that 'The Mashego File' takes the story back into the past. It was really nice to meet him here at an earlier stage of his career, knowing what would later happen to him in 'Plain Dealing'.
I liked the scene with the forensics woman where she tells Mashego all about that brilliant young woman cop who discovers things in the woods. I wondered whether that woman cop was supposed to be the same woman - Thenjy - who I like so much in 'Plain Dealing', where she has become such an amazing policewoman. Maybe it's not the same woman, but it sure is nice to see crime stories where the women are the sharpest tools in the shed.
I found this so sad in parts, too. But what a nice thriller.
I liked the scene with the forensics woman where she tells Mashego all about that brilliant young woman cop who discovers things in the woods. I wondered whether that woman cop was supposed to be the same woman - Thenjy - who I like so much in 'Plain Dealing', where she has become such an amazing policewoman. Maybe it's not the same woman, but it sure is nice to see crime stories where the women are the sharpest tools in the shed.
I found this so sad in parts, too. But what a nice thriller.
October 20, 2016
So I didn't win the GR giveaway for this. So I went and paid for it. Two dollars, huh? When I think of the crap I've bought for ten dollars or even twenty dollars, I'm amazed. This was absa-damn-lootely brilliant! One of the finest thrillers I've ever read. Everyone interested in cops and robbers should read this. A classic tale of good versus bad and there is deep, deep satisfaction here for any reader who's depressed about the corruption all around us in the world.
A damn fine read. I recommend it to anyone.
A damn fine read. I recommend it to anyone.
November 23, 2016
Very satisfying. Maybe I just like Clint Eastwood's 'Dirty Harry' too much, but I really do like it when the moral universe is set right by the actions of big strong heroes. Nice character, this Mashego guy. I would follow him anywhere. I liked the descriptions of the township - the dry tree with its roots, etc. That was really good. Maybe because I used to live in such conditions. Took me back to my childhood.
January 10, 2017
Outstanding. I love this author.
I re-read this recently and it still seems as up-to-date as it was when I first read it. Great plot. Great character. Really nice dialogue. Thrilling and easy to read.
I re-read this recently and it still seems as up-to-date as it was when I first read it. Great plot. Great character. Really nice dialogue. Thrilling and easy to read.
October 7, 2016
Just re-read this in its new edition. I wrote last time: "What a brilliant little thriller. I noticed this on the Amazon "Scout" program a couple of months ago - it was rated hot and trending when I saw it. I've been reading newspaper accounts of real crime in the very area where this book is set, and I found it so uncanny that what I read in newspapers seemed to hover between fiction and documentary (the crimes I read about seemed too horrific to be real, and the stuff I read about the law courts and corruption in the prosecutorial domain seemed too comedic to be true). Now, with this book, I experienced the same thing. The crimes are too horrific to be true, I thought. But then I began to see how uncannily like the newspapers this was. This is in-your-face powerful reality, even though it is supposed to be fiction. It turned out to be one of the most gripping crime thrillers I've read. Devastating. Really excellent."
Now that I've read the newer edition I don't take back a word of that review. it is really good.
Now that I've read the newer edition I don't take back a word of that review. it is really good.
November 14, 2016
Wonderful thriller. Fast, inexorably chasing to a conclusion that we all want but aren't sure that we'll get, and with a fantastic moral unperpinning that any sane person surely wants, deep down, even if they won't admit it to their politically-correct selves.
This was really different and realistic. It echoes so much of what is happening right now. Political corruption at the top of police management, heroic policemen and forensics women at the bottom, all determined to get to the villains. And in the middle there are poor people squashed by the system until they see no way out but to take action for themselves. I was particularly moved by the plight of the parents and the daughters in both instances.
Man, this was good. So satisfying. Lots of questions buzzing around in my head. Will read more of this author's work.
This was really different and realistic. It echoes so much of what is happening right now. Political corruption at the top of police management, heroic policemen and forensics women at the bottom, all determined to get to the villains. And in the middle there are poor people squashed by the system until they see no way out but to take action for themselves. I was particularly moved by the plight of the parents and the daughters in both instances.
Man, this was good. So satisfying. Lots of questions buzzing around in my head. Will read more of this author's work.
November 15, 2016
Oh my. Oh my. This was really quite superb. It is so packed with action and wonderful characters. I loved this. Absolutely loved it. I'm still thinking about it. I'm doing research on the police and crime and political management situation in the very area where this is set. Because I don't give five stars readily I'm treating this review as merely my preliminary thoughts about the book, and I will read it again (and again after that, I'm sure). I liked this so much.
September 13, 2017
A good weekend's reading made possible by this book. Amazing action. Amazing moral conundrum. I think I'd do what this detective does when confronted with the awful thugs who populate this book. The law has its place but when you've got the devil in front of you what else can you do?
I listened to the audio version of the first book in this series, "Devil Dealing", and then read the book a short while later. It was good that I heard the author's voice because it gave me a handle on the accents, and a good feel for the mood and atmosphere. And the culture of the country.
In this case there is no audio book (I hope it comes out) so I just read the text. Wow. Really superb. Action all the way and lovely characters. The little boy is just great. I hope he appears in a future story. Maybe having got a contract with Arsenal?
Anyway, this is a page-turner of a thriller and it reads so easily. I really enjoyed it.
I listened to the audio version of the first book in this series, "Devil Dealing", and then read the book a short while later. It was good that I heard the author's voice because it gave me a handle on the accents, and a good feel for the mood and atmosphere. And the culture of the country.
In this case there is no audio book (I hope it comes out) so I just read the text. Wow. Really superb. Action all the way and lovely characters. The little boy is just great. I hope he appears in a future story. Maybe having got a contract with Arsenal?
Anyway, this is a page-turner of a thriller and it reads so easily. I really enjoyed it.
November 8, 2016
Very, very good. I read this on Guy Fawkes day, keeping my terrified dog company.
I couldn't have chosen a better book. I could hardly hear the fireworks outside because the fireworks were leaping up off the page.
This was entertaining and exciting and real, and with great characters. Very, very nice plot and nice easy language (the few zulu words are easy to understand in context). The little boy was a truly amazing character. He should have an entire book dedicated to himself, author! I want to read more about his story. Make him a successful soccer player!
As for Detective Mashego, well, he's the man. Wish we had more like him around.
I couldn't have chosen a better book. I could hardly hear the fireworks outside because the fireworks were leaping up off the page.
This was entertaining and exciting and real, and with great characters. Very, very nice plot and nice easy language (the few zulu words are easy to understand in context). The little boy was a truly amazing character. He should have an entire book dedicated to himself, author! I want to read more about his story. Make him a successful soccer player!
As for Detective Mashego, well, he's the man. Wish we had more like him around.
October 10, 2016
Knocked me flat, this. Excellent thriller. Lots of action and really nice characterisation. Absolutely grooved on it. Read it twice.
June 15, 2018
When a charred and mutilated corpse is found in the remains of a smoldering fire in a small community in Kwazulu-Natal, Detective Captain Nights Mashego, assigned to Durban North Police Agency is put on the case. Soon, another burned corpse is found in the same community, similarly abused. Mashego begins to suspect that he is seeking the same perpetrators but is unsure of their motives until he discovers a link between the victims and the step-son of a high-placed police official.
Mashego is then faced with a dilemma. With evidence of high placed police corruption, can he identify with the vigilante justice being meted out, especially considering his own actions after his daughter was raped and murdered just a few years earlier. Torn between keeping his oath to enforce the law and his understanding of the frustration of people who feel they have no other recourse, he plows ahead.
The Mashego File by Ian Patrick is a chilling narrative of crime, punishment, and corruption at the highest levels, and the responses of people who have decided to draw a fiery line in the sand. The author has created a compelling story with flawed heroes and irredeemable villains that will keep you reading and wondering until the somewhat anticlimactic ending. Most of all, you will wonder—what next for Mashego?
This is a not-to-be-missed story.
Mashego is then faced with a dilemma. With evidence of high placed police corruption, can he identify with the vigilante justice being meted out, especially considering his own actions after his daughter was raped and murdered just a few years earlier. Torn between keeping his oath to enforce the law and his understanding of the frustration of people who feel they have no other recourse, he plows ahead.
The Mashego File by Ian Patrick is a chilling narrative of crime, punishment, and corruption at the highest levels, and the responses of people who have decided to draw a fiery line in the sand. The author has created a compelling story with flawed heroes and irredeemable villains that will keep you reading and wondering until the somewhat anticlimactic ending. Most of all, you will wonder—what next for Mashego?
This is a not-to-be-missed story.
October 10, 2016
Just finished the kindle version of this and have now entered the giveaway for the paperback version. This was so good. I read it in one go. 200 pages or thereabouts, I suppose, in print. I've never read a book so quickly. I was gripped all the way.
What did it for me was the realism of the scenery - I know these places quite well - and the action and the rampant corruption in the police at the higher levels ( while at the lower levels the good guys soldier on doing the tough work). Old Captain Mashego is a real character, man. A kind of black Jack Reacher. I identified with the guy all the way.
This plot is uncanny - it deals with things so relevant to what is happening right now. The author might be on a hit list after this.
What did it for me was the realism of the scenery - I know these places quite well - and the action and the rampant corruption in the police at the higher levels ( while at the lower levels the good guys soldier on doing the tough work). Old Captain Mashego is a real character, man. A kind of black Jack Reacher. I identified with the guy all the way.
This plot is uncanny - it deals with things so relevant to what is happening right now. The author might be on a hit list after this.
October 21, 2016
I came across this from the Goodreads Giveaway competition (which I never ever win) and eventually bought a copy. Well worth it. A nice thriller with really compassionate human beings. Very sensitively handled rape scenes - that is, I mean the scenes dealing with the trauma after a rape - and the author seems to really know his stuff around counselling processes. Lovely character in the Nurse with the scar. What a gem she is. Would like to see her story written up. A really nice read, this. Oh, and the little boy was a total and utter gem. What a fabulous child!
Very warm and gentle characters caught in a world of violence.
Very warm and gentle characters caught in a world of violence.
November 14, 2016
I entered the Giveaway competition for this when I joined GoodReads and lived in hope. But when I didn't win, I had it on my shelf 'to read' and finally got it at the end of October. I thought it was wonderful. The characters are so casual in their delivery of wonderful vernacular and street-wise slang.
The opening scene is incredibly powerful. How could one not want to continue after that? It's depressing, what corruption is on the go, and Mashego soldiers on without blinking. He's a great guy. I'd love to see more of him.
The little kid is amazing. I shed a tear there, I have to confess.
The opening scene is incredibly powerful. How could one not want to continue after that? It's depressing, what corruption is on the go, and Mashego soldiers on without blinking. He's a great guy. I'd love to see more of him.
The little kid is amazing. I shed a tear there, I have to confess.
August 26, 2019
Total serendipity!
I am not ordinarily a big fan of mysteries, though I do generally enjoy them, so I'm not entirely sure why I bought this book. I am, however entirely grateful I did. This was a well-written, fascinating, at times gut-wrenching tale, that had me crying for the victims of horrific crimes, as well as the families, and laughing as well as joining in the great huzzahs for the formidable great strength of the young. I felt a great sense of satisfaction, I have to admit, for the sense of justice dispensed, though perhaps I should have been appalled. A great story, which I am sure I will revisit several times, and I am putting Ian Patrick atop my list of tbf!
I am not ordinarily a big fan of mysteries, though I do generally enjoy them, so I'm not entirely sure why I bought this book. I am, however entirely grateful I did. This was a well-written, fascinating, at times gut-wrenching tale, that had me crying for the victims of horrific crimes, as well as the families, and laughing as well as joining in the great huzzahs for the formidable great strength of the young. I felt a great sense of satisfaction, I have to admit, for the sense of justice dispensed, though perhaps I should have been appalled. A great story, which I am sure I will revisit several times, and I am putting Ian Patrick atop my list of tbf!
November 7, 2017
I'm really into this author's work. I picked this up in a promotion but would gladly have paid for it. Exciting and tear-jerkingly tragic in parts.
The way the victims of crime continue to bear their burden every day in a crime-strewn territory never ceases to amaze me. There is resilience and nobility in these characters, and the author captures that well.
But he also - like me, dare I say it - shows us how the general populace can (and should) draw a line in the sand and say NO MORE to these terrible criminals. What happens from then is pure mayhem. I love it.
The way the victims of crime continue to bear their burden every day in a crime-strewn territory never ceases to amaze me. There is resilience and nobility in these characters, and the author captures that well.
But he also - like me, dare I say it - shows us how the general populace can (and should) draw a line in the sand and say NO MORE to these terrible criminals. What happens from then is pure mayhem. I love it.
October 19, 2016
Punched me in the gut. Excellent thriller. As bad as they come, the villains come up against one of the most intriguing detectives I have come across. This guy grows on you. He's already a giant, but, boy, he looms large in my consciousness long after a finished reading the book. A big tough guy who's a teddy bear on the inside. The little boy is really, really, great, too: a fine creation. Excellent reading, this.
October 20, 2016
How incredibly exciting. What a fantastic main character. My favourite detective, now. He's not only a big giant of a tough guy, but he has a heart of gold. I absolutely wept with joy in the final scene with the soccer players (five-year olds wanting, one day, to be just like the twelve-year olds 'when they were also big'. Priceless.
I had the tissues with me and I just loved this book so much.
I had the tissues with me and I just loved this book so much.
August 30, 2017
Excellent. Very exciting. Played with my emotions enormously. I felt very vengeful toward the bad stepson. Do I eschew justice when it comes to dealing with garbage? I don't know. But this was satisfying in the extreme.
Well plotted and beautifully cohesive. I felt that I was in the hands of a master story-teller. The scene at the end - the football match - with the new generation providing hope for the future, was very moving.
Well plotted and beautifully cohesive. I felt that I was in the hands of a master story-teller. The scene at the end - the football match - with the new generation providing hope for the future, was very moving.
October 7, 2016
Read it through in one sitting, late into the night and again this afternoon. Superb. I had only heard of this guy a month or two ago, after a friend introduced me to an audiobook. Liked that. Liked this. Great character for the detective. Beautiful touching story with the little boy. Action and mayhem all around. Exciting and well plotted.
October 18, 2016
What a nice thriller. So exciting and so dark and so uplifting all at the same time. I couldn't believe that I could read this through the night in one sitting, but I did. I was really fascinated by how true it all is. I have friends in that city and they tell me stories just like this. How horrendous for the police trying to maintain law and order against all the corruption around them.
October 23, 2016
I read the first couple of thousand words of this when I saw it advertised for the Kindle Scout programme, and thought it was really excellent at the time. Now that I've read the whole thing I haven't changed my mind. This is a fresh and original thriller and I just loved the way the characters develop. First rate. Scary politics behind the reality of police work.
November 7, 2016
Outstanding. A brilliant thriller. Lovely main character. A mix of Jack Reacher and Denzel Washington and... well, you name him... whatever intelligent, tough, warm-hearted and tough-fisted hero you can think of. This is a guy who surely will go far? I like this writing very much. Easy, no-fuss, exciting and intelligent. Loved it.
November 17, 2016
So good. It was really scary in parts, when one felt that the bush held so many secrets, dark and gloomy at night. I thought someone was about to leap out at me all the time. Very nice character, this detective. He has such a history. No wonder he feels the way he does. I really like this. Nice plot. Nice action. Nice writing.
November 10, 2016
Very, very good. Couldn't put it down. Superb plot, great central hero detective, and lots of creepy villains. And a bit of corrpution at the top of the police force. And a sense of moral justice like that of Dirty Harry: only more subtle and more complex. Loved this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews