8/1/1991 The Song Dog arrives

August 1, 1991. This date saw the publication of The Song Dog, both the first and last novel in James McClure's series about South African cops Trompie Kramer and Mickey Zondi. These books are set in the era of apartheid and the white and black cops have to play at being hostile when they are actually best friends.

"First and last" suggests a pretty short series but that's not it.  The Song Dog is a prequel to the series, showing us the first time the heroes met and worked together.  And at the end there is a grim prediction of how their story will end.

8/7/1962 Kramer meets Zondi

August 7, 1962.  The Song Dog  is the last book in James McClure's masterful series of novels about the Trekkersburg, South Africa police force.  It is also the first, since it tells of the eventful first meeting of the two main characters: Afrikaaner Lieutenant Trompie Kramer, and Bantu Sergeant Mickey Zondi.  The unlikely friendship of these two shrewd officers gives McClure the chance to reveal much of the apartheid society.