In the suspenseful novel Lights, Smoke & Shadows by Makhetha Floyd Mohlomi, readers are thrust into a world of deceit, danger, and intrigue. When a top lawyer, Mzi Nkabinde, enlists the help of private investigator Joe Mlambo to find a missing person, little does Joe know that his usual nonchalance won’t fly this time. With powerful forces at play and secrets lurking in the shadows of Joburg, Joe must navigate a treacherous path to fulfil his duties or face the consequences.
By Themba Khumalo
In the seedy underbelly of Johannesburg, where power and deadly corruption reign supreme, prominent lawyer Mzi Nkabinde calls upon private investigator Joe Mlambo to track down a missing person.
But Joe, a man with a penchant for booze and a reputation for half-hearted efforts, sees this as just another payday to fuel his vices. Little does he know, Mzi’s connections run deep this time; there are dangerous forces behind the scenes to ensure Joe doesn’t slink away from his duties like he has so many times before. With the city’s dark secrets looming in the shadows, Joe’s knowledge of Joburg may be the key to his survival in this dangerous game where betrayal lurks around every corner.
Forced into a seemingly mundane task, Joe finds himself in a relentless tug of war with the South African Social Security Agency and a bloodthirsty Nigerian drug lord who’s out for his blood. With each twist and turn, Joe peels back the layers of deception, diving headfirst into a treacherous world of danger and deceit.
Set in Johannesburg’s contrasting neighbourhood, this gripping thriller immerses readers in a world where alliances shift at the sound of a sneeze, with danger lurking around every corner. The narrative weaves a complex web of emotions and motivations, from the search for truth to the struggle for redemption.
As hidden truths are revealed and acts of disloyalty are exposed, the characters must confront their personal struggles while trying to make sense of a world filled with deception and uncertainty. Love and betrayal blur together in a haze of uncertainty, making every twist and turn pulse with tension and intrigue. This story is a journey into the heart of darkness, where light can be found in the most unexpected places.
Trapped in a labyrinth of deceit and hidden agendas, Joe finds himself battling against unseen enemies who threaten not only his life but also the safety of his beloved Lindiwe. She is more than just a bartender at Zulu Bar – she is the flame that ignites his loins and passion and the anchor to his turbulent soul.
With every fibre of his being, Joe vows to shield her from harm, for the thought of losing her was a fate worse than death itself.
In the painful depths of his struggle with addiction and physical limitations, he confronts his own imperfections and battles to rise above the darkness that threatens to consume him. Each step he takes is a fierce testament to his unwavering determination to conquer the demons that haunt him, showing the world the raw and vulnerable heart that beats within his broken body. Through it all, he fights for survival, redemption and a chance at a new beginning filled with hope and healing.
But when the stakes are high and danger looms, can Joe summon his best performance? Can he bring his A-game when the bodies start hitting the floor? What will happen when the pressure mounts, putting his skills to the ultimate test?
Only by diving into the gripping pages of Lights, Smoke & Shadows will you find the answer.