Scoring Suspense: 'Right Behind You' and a Rugby Weekend of Thrills
This past weekend was a wild ride, jam-packed with heart-racing rugby and three captivating books, which were kindly delivered to me by Readmatter.
Let's start with the rugby, because, hey, it's in our blood. The quarter-finals were a nail-biting spectacle. The New Zealand-Ireland clash had me cheering for the boys in green (I support the Springboks and whichever team plays New Zealand), and while they gave it their all, the All Blacks managed a tight 28-24 victory. The South Africa versus France showdown was even more thrilling, with the Springboks pulling off a heart-stopping one-point win. Watching those games left me feeling ten years older, and definitely added a few more grey hairs to my already substantial and alaramingly increasing collection.
Amidst this rugby fever, Lisa Gardner's 'Right Behind You' was a tale of suspense that felt like a cold Stellenbosch wine on a sunny day – perfectly refreshing. The story introduces Sharlah and Telly, two siblings with a past as complex as our country's history. Sharlah's determined to build a new life, while her brother, Telly, is on the run as a suspected killer. Gardner's narrative had me hooked from the word go, just like the vibe of a Saturday afternoon rugby match.
The storytelling in 'Right Behind You' is not unlike a sudden Highveld thunderstorm, you think you know it's coming, you probably even move your car inside after your insurance company sends you the 34th text message about imminent hailstorms, but it never quite turns out how you expect.
Gardner masterfully constructs a narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns. The plot kept me guessing, much like our unpredictable Jozi weather. The characters are so well-drawn, you'd think you were sharing a boerewors roll at a rugby match with them. I was invested in their fates, rooting for their redemption, just like I root for our beloved Springboks.
But what sets 'Right Behind You' apart is its exploration of the blurred lines between good and evil, trust and suspicion. You're never quite sure where the story will take you, much like some of the ref's calls this weekend – unpredictable, sometimes controversial, and keeping us all on the edge of our seats.
In conclusion, 'Right Behind You' is a thrilling ride that paralleled the excitement of the rugby quarter-finals, leaving me feeling like a die-hard fan. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, and a suspenseful journey that won't disappoint.
