Publications
Partners
Stellenbosch – The book Byleveld: Dossier van ’n Baasspeurder has become the first South African book to sell over 27 000 copies in two weeks, according to the publisher.
The book is written by celebrated journalist for Rapport newspaper, Hanlie Retief.
According to the publisher, Umuzi, the English version of the book was the top seller at Exclusive Books last week, while the Afrikaans version came in third place.
Another 3 000 Afrikaans copies as well as 5 000 English copies of the book have already been ordered.
'Hero'
Piet Byleveld retired as master detective with the rank of brigadier at the Brixtons murder-and burlglary unit after decades of detective work.
When asked why this book has become so popular, book journalist Amanda Botha answered: "Firstly because of Byleveld himself – he practiced a unique method, thorough detective work and boasted an exceptional success rate with the solving of dramatic murders in this country.
"Byleveld’s reputation was built upon his 100% success rate with serial killers, something for which he is regarded as a hero in black communities because the victims were often from those communities.
Retief’s writing style is another reason for the book's phenomenal success."
The book is written by celebrated journalist for Rapport newspaper, Hanlie Retief.
According to the publisher, Umuzi, the English version of the book was the top seller at Exclusive Books last week, while the Afrikaans version came in third place.
Another 3 000 Afrikaans copies as well as 5 000 English copies of the book have already been ordered.
'Hero'
Piet Byleveld retired as master detective with the rank of brigadier at the Brixtons murder-and burlglary unit after decades of detective work.
When asked why this book has become so popular, book journalist Amanda Botha answered: "Firstly because of Byleveld himself – he practiced a unique method, thorough detective work and boasted an exceptional success rate with the solving of dramatic murders in this country.
"Byleveld’s reputation was built upon his 100% success rate with serial killers, something for which he is regarded as a hero in black communities because the victims were often from those communities.
Retief’s writing style is another reason for the book's phenomenal success."
