In the final book in this award-winning series, Emmanuel Cooper sits at his desk six days before Christmas, ready for his holiday. A call comes in: a respectable, white couple has been beaten and left for dead. The couple’s teenage daughter identifies the attacker as Aaron Shabalala – the youngest son of Detective Constable Samuel Shabalala – Cooper’s best friend and a man to whom he owes his life. The Detective Branch isn’t interested in evidence that might contradict their star witness’s story – especially so close to the holidays. Determined to ensure justice for Aaron, Cooper, Shabalala and their friend Dr Daniel Zweigman must hunt down the truth …
‘Superlative.’ Publishers Weekly, starred review
‘Pitch-perfect. What makes Cooper such an interesting (and excellent) detective is his ability to straddle the divide that separates class, race and cultures. But it’s a perilous balancing act. Nunn’s achievement is to keep us caring about the consequences if Cooper loses his footing. Present Darkness manages the tension beautifully.’ The Sydney Morning Herald
