Zoo City (2010)

Zinzi December makes a living finding lost things in a Johannesburg where some people carry an animal companion and a public mark of guilt. Hillbrow’s buildings, informal economies, scams and music business give her investigation its routes. Beukes researched the city on foot and refuses a polished visitor’s view. A dark standalone for readers who want the pressures of housing, money and reputation to remain visible beneath the magic.