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Not for the faint hearted! |
A very good read! |
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Gripped in South Africa |
This is a seriously good read |
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An extremely well-written
psycho-drama |
The 'Next John Grisham'? |
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Unputdownable! |
Kids… who’s seen my copy of Scream? |
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You owe me a night's sleep! |
Difficult to forget |
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This is a "MUST BUY" |
Quite disturbing |
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Marvellous! |
One hell of a ride! |
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This book passed the ultimate test |
A
rollercoaster ride |
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This is one hellava book! |
Powerful Stuff |
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A Powerful Love Story |
A Well-Written Thriller |
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Thanks for a great read |
An easy and fast read |
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Lays bare the harsh realities of
Southern Africa |
Keeps you biting your nails until
the shocking end |
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Disturbingly enticing, intense
-- ouch |
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What they said about Scream, and I’ll kill you…
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Not for the faint
hearted!
Herewith my feeble attempt at literary criticism. Are
you sitting comfortably? Scream, and I’ll kill you – set in present day
South Africa, Botswana and Mauritius - all places with different paces and
spirit – is an intriguing story of love across former cultural barriers, an
ironic story of abuse of power, a harrowing story of multiple murder and a
moving account of personal suffering; all cleverly woven in a plot that
whirls with surprises. Insightful and often profound, Scream dazzles with
cross gendered/cultural revelation. It’s a cracking good story, well presented and a
thoroughly readable thinking persons’ thriller. Compelling and a whirlwind
read! Highly commendable! Scream, and I’ll kill you has broad appeal – a
strong stomach required for some graphic scenes of brutal murder and sexual
abuse… |
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Author of
“Mind Your Manners”, “It’s All Greek to Me” and “I was a Potato Oligarch” |
Gripped in South Africa, 10
Jun 2008 A new wave
thriller set in the new South Africa and Botswana. Raw, uncompromising antidote
to Detective Agency romanticism. Fascinating insights from an insider into
the racial and sexual politics of a country remaking itself. Sometimes
uncomfortable, always gripping. |
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An extremely well-written
psycho-drama
Beautifully set in Southern Africa, with a sort of
political contemporary background. Nicely set-up with a well-thought out
lay-out, using a diary to introduce episodes from the past. Well done! Great
use of language, Good knowledge of various inter-acting cultures, like
Tswana, Afrikaner and English-background whites. I read the book without putting it down once. It was a great journey and I loved reading it. It is fit for a large adult audience; readers of suspense
drama would be thrilled by it. Language is great and not difficult to follow,
there are mental challenges, which are enjoyable, but not too deep. Nobody
will get lost, but the story offers lots of suspense, the sex in it is never
offensive and at the same time “visually” interesting! I recommend it to all my friends, yes. By the way, I am CEO of a Film Production House
and the Trust would be interested in buying film rights for the book! |
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BSc. (Hons) |
This book is tantalising – a
great read. Unputdownable! This novel twists and turns around the main
character – a ‘liberal’ advocate based in Johannesburg who falls for a
‘gallery girl’, a beauty who has charm and buckets of charisma. The plot
thickens around a friendly South African coloured cop who was an old school
chum of our hero whom he aids in solving a series of extra-spectacular and
particularly painful castrating demises. Starts well – finishes tensely,
chokingly asphyxiating. Von Rudloff titillates the palate of 21st-century
schizoid Africa with ironic humour and gruesome specifics. |
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“Kids… has any of
you seen my copy of Scream?”
“I think Sue took it to school to lend to her
friend Thato” “What!? …. I thought I told you kids not to touch
it. You’re far too young to read stuff like that. Now you’re passing it
around your friends at school. What will their parents say when they find my
name in it?” “But Dad; once I started it I couldn’t put it
down. It was so exciting! And I found out so much that I never knew. Like,
how come you never told me about how dangerous AIDS is?” “But I did tell you. I said you must always were
gloves if your friends get a cut and you help them put on a plaster.” “Yes, but you never told me about all the other
ways I could get it, and how to be safe, and about getting pregnant and
stuff.” “You’re much too young to know about things like
that. You’re not even 18 yet, and there’s plenty of time to learn about that
stuff when you’re a grown up” “Dad, … Don’t you know anything?? The kids at
school have been doing those things since I was in Standard 7, and I never
realised the trouble it could cause.” “What things?” “The stuff that girl in the book is always doing
with the lawyer chap. At least after she got over all her hang-ups. And now I
know what you and Mummy where up to when we went to the beach and I thought
you two were just standing in the sea and staring at the ships for ages and
ages. So why are you looking for Scream anyway, Dad. I
thought you finished it yonks ago?” “That chap Lex van-something-or-other who wrote it
has offered a free copy to anyone who’ll write something about it. I was
going to write something to let other parents know what a dirty book it is,
and advise them if they have to read it, to keep it well away from the kids. So what happened to the other copy I bought from
Amazon?” “Oh, I think Mum was reading it. I don’t know
where she left it.” “Dad. Why did Mum buy all that funny wire from the
music shop, and the roll of really strong sellotape stuff, and that bottle of
battery acid?” “Did she? She never told me about them.” “Yes. She kept them for weeks in the cupboard with
all your old climbing gear. This morning she was in a really funny mood. Not
all miserable and moody like she has been for the last few weeks. She was
singing and happy and seemed like she’d made up her mind about something.
After breakfast she packed all that stuff in your tool box and went off with
the car saying she was going to visit Ralph, and he’d be sorry. Said she was
going to pop it at the butcher’s on the way”. “What. You mean Ralph the sixth form bully who she
says once “kissed” her when she was only in Form 3. Oh my god ………..” |
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A very good read! The plot is very intriguing and appropriate for
these times where there are a lot of social ills, like the sexual abuse of
children, which need to be addressed in whatever form to sensitise society
especially the youth. The language flows well and is not too technical hence
it can be read and understood by a wide and diverse audience. It touches on subjects that are close to my heart,
the flow is comfortable, the language is easy to follow. I think it is riveting stuff. I could not put the
book down once I started. It is appropriate for a wide audience both young
and old. It could assist counsellors, social workers, police officers and
health workers |
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This is a seriously good read
… as good a novel as I have read this year! I am a
54-year-old Chartered Accountant who has lived in Botswana for the past 25
years, for most of that time I have known Alexander as a good friend and so
when he asked if I would read his novel and give feedback, I was happy to do
so. I was given the manuscript on a Tuesday and in my mind I was taking it
out of interest to see what my good friend had been up to over the past few
months. I quickly read through the first 3 Chapters and was
surprised to find that I was intrigued by what was to follow, this was no
longer a favour for a mate but I was reading a good, well constructed story
and I immediately wanted to know what happens next. On Thursday we left on
the long drive to Port Elizabeth, a short holiday to see the kids and have a
break. I took the manuscript with me and got totally involved in the story.
By Sunday it was finished and I was able to give some time to the kids! I was
however left feeling a little frustrated as one does after a good book, I
wanted more but there was no more to have …. Yet. I am a regular reader of fiction, I always have a
book on the go, some recent reads include books by John Grisham, Wilbur
Smith, Dan Brown, Iain Banks, Isabel Allende, Alexander McCall-Smith and Lee
Childs. I also enjoy a good, well-written biography now and then and have
read books about Andrew Flintoff and Neil Young this year. There are many people I can think of who would
enjoy Scream, and I’ll kill you. It will appeal to a wide range of people;
from the intellectual who wants mental stimulation to the average man the on
street who is just after a good story. |
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Publisher
- Libros International |
The 'Next John
Grisham'?
Last week I picked up 'Scream and I'll kill you'.
It had to be at the proofreader the next day, but I thought I'd read over a
few pages. I started the book just before midnight. I collapsed in a heap at 5.30 the next morning unable to put the book down. My wife woke me at 7.30 with that all too familiar twinkle in her eye and I said: "Where's Lex's book." I was interviewed on Spanish TV yesterday and was asked did Libros International have the 'next John Grisham'. Lex... I mentioned your book on TV and having lately read 'The Appeal' by Grisham, I have to tell you, your book is better… waaaaayyyyyy better. We at Libros International will do everything we
can to promote your book in the coming months and years and I, in particular
will give it special attention. However if it sells only one copy, take it
from me that your book is a masterpiece and rivals the Grishams and Wilbur
Smiths of this world. If we make money... then that's a bonus! I always read
a chapter or two of each proof to get a feel of what sort of writer we've
signed up. I really couldn't stop reading it, you know the sort of book when
you look at the clock and it's 2 in the morning and you say to yourself.....
well... just a few more pages and you keep going and going. I read Henri
Charrie's Papillon like that and Mario Puzo's The Godfather and 'The Client'
by Grisham. Now 'Scream and I'll Kill You'. Good company you're keeping. We are very much new players in the publishing
game, and we just know that this year or next we are going to get it right
and hit it big with one or two books. My money is resting on a chap with a
beard from Botswana. Lex... congratulations |
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You owe me a
night's sleep!
The book is brilliant, you are extremely gifted. I would have been happier with a few less rape
stories, and definitely less detail on the rape, but I just skipped the
paragraphs that were too gruesome for me! Can't wait for next one... |
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MARTIN PENALVER (Molinhio Peñalver) Author of
“In Search of an Angel” |
Difficult to
forget
To enjoy any book, I always like to not only
become engulfed in the story, but also learn something from the book or about
myself as I read. My first experience of reading a von Rudloff book did both.
A horrifying story set in South Africa and Botswana, the first person view of
not only events, but places, opened up a new macabre world to my eyes.
Graphic detail, set against a gripping storyline, had me hooked from the off
as I walked alongside the author following a bloody trail of mystery and
intrigue, laced delicately with love, passion and emotion. Overall I found
the book difficult to put down but more importantly, difficult to forget. If
you want to see the world of South Africa and beyond I would suggest you see
them through the eyes of von Rudloff. Brilliant! |
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This is a "MUST BUY" If you have an Amazon delivery address this is a
"MUST BUY" but be warned - you can't put it down 'till its done! Otherwise
if you haven't read it - sorry for that - join the waiting list for the few
copies doing the rounds. |
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Quite disturbing
I ended up reading most of it on a marathon train
trip across Morocco a few weeks back, with temperatures of around 48 C – it
was like a 7 hour sauna. It managed to
keep my attention in that extreme setting, which must be a good thing – very
readable style. At first I wasn’t sure
about combining content around abuse / Zuma-style behaviour with the popular
novel/racy style, but I think it works, and will hopefully get a few people
thinking about those issues who might not usually do so. Quite disturbing having some of those gruesome scenes
set in familiar places (those De Waal Drive parking areas will never be the
same again!). It must be quite
difficult to strike the balance between writing so that international
readership will understand the context and having local readers feel the
book’s also written for them – the style felt more oriented towards a foreign
readers, but I guess that’s sensible given how small or Southern African
market is?. |
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Marvellous!
Lex, I read your bloody gruesome book on holiday
and it was marvellous! I love the interweaving of political and personal and
was intrigued by the insights of South African culture and politics. I left
it for my friends to read in Spain who were also raving about it. However, I
don't think the preamble on the cover does it justice as it gives the
impression it’s going to be a really tough book to read in terms of gut
wrenching... I did not find it that bad maybe I'm thick skinned! I eagerly
await your second instalment. |
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One hell of a
ride!
I finished the book! I am still recovering..... No one could ever accuse you of pulling your
punches. That was one hell of a ride. One of the constant criticisms of Oz films
is their passive characters and an unwillingness to go to those dark places
of the soul. This is your great strength. Lex my dear friend there was at
least one occasion that I admit I had to look away. However I never felt once
that the violence was gratuitous. My god you must have done some research....
having a daughter who teaches anatomy I got the distinct impression you
seemed to know your stuff. And all that rock climbing, has that been
something you've been into or is that research for the story as well? Do you
hang upside down by your finger nails 1000 feet in the air? I have to say I was constantly on the sleuth
trying to find bits of the Lex of today buried in your Anton character, a
hopeless quest I know. Great main characters that I really cared about.
Couldn't put it down. I have worked on two films in recent times with a young
aboriginal woman who has revealed only a little of her traumatic past to me.
Kelly constantly reminded me of her, especially the intensity of the final
act. This is an important story. It works in so many
ways, detective story, love story and eye opener for many of us who got not
much further than the wonders of "Truth and Reconciliation" and
seeing the world through politically correct eyes. I have to say I really astounded
with all that. Unfortunately I'm not sure my soul is pure enough for me to
have handled the reconciliation bit if someone in my family had suffered at
the hands of that despicable regime. As someone who voted with their feet and
passport on the appalling human rights of the past regime you are well placed
to lay it all bare as you have done so well. The importance of justice being
done and being seen to be done is so fundamental to the functioning of a
civil and liveable society. Saw an excellent John Pilger film a while back
that showed a good deal of the corruption that is going on. Seems time has
finally run out for Mbeki and his cronies. His stance on AIDS has been truly
astonishing. Where do you think things will head from here now that he's gone?
Will the lot of those that have suffered for so long improve are will it be
more of the same? Any way once again really well done with Scream.
Looking forward to the next one and maybe a film of it eh? |
This book passed
the ultimate test
My primary objective when selecting a book is to
have something to transport me away from the fact that I am sat in a hot,
smelly train on the way to/from work. This book does that and then some. It
is not just a gripping page turner as the depth of the characters and the
excellent descriptions of ZA and Botswana make this a really absorbing read. This book passed the ultimate test in that I was
so engrossed at one point that I missed my stop and had to spend an extra
half an hour getting home. Half an hour well spent mind you!! |
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A rollercoaster ride
It’s not every day you come across a book that is bold
enough to tackle rape, incest and sexual abuse in a Southern African context
or brave enough to mirror real life scenarios, and this is what von Rudloff
sets off to do. 'Scream and I'll kill you' will take the reader through a rollercoaster ride of emotions, you will
become so engrossed that you will forget your everyday life and go through
Kelebonye’s life with her, you will cry with her when you reflect on how
cruel people can be and smile when you see how powerful love can be. You will
begin to wonder if the justice systems of today are really as fickle to be
manipulated by the rich and powerful. This book will bring understanding,
reflection, empathy and an appreciation of life. How far can one woman be
pushed before she snaps? This book for me proved relevant especially because
of the ongoing 16 days of activism against the violence of women and
children. This is a good read; it is nail biting and keeps
one guessing, page turning until two in the morning. Its gutsy and brave
enough to penetrate the John Grisham thriller market. I would recommend it to
anyone who loves a good mystery and is not afraid to face the harsh realities
of life, the setting in Africa gives it an extra special feel and I look
forward to anything else that this seasoned writer will come out with in
future. |
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Powerful Stuff
This book is powerful stuff, makes your eyes
water! |
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This is one
hellava book!
"Okay you sick minded man. Here it goes. Will
try not to spoil it for those who haven’t read it yet... fools... First of all, why such an ending? I wanted them to
hook up and continue the 'work'. I really wanted them to kick some butt as a
couple. An eye for an eye, who said terror cannot be measured in terms of who
dies physically or whose soul dies from trauma - as a form of justice? I am really waiting for the next instalment. On
second thoughts let me go to the books page. I really wanna discuss it with
likeminded people and hope it’s still rated PG18! Congrats Bra Lexy!" |
|
Publisher |
A Powerful Love
Story
I found the story extremely engaging and was amazed
how much I learnt about Southern Africa; particularly Batswana and their
history and geography. I have to agree with you that it's a bit traumatic
that such a powerful love story should end so quickly. I love that couple, and the build up to Anton finally
acing Kelly was too much for me, I could come on it! |
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Director of Re Bina Mmogo – Botswana television drama
(2005) |
A Well-Written
Thriller
Yes, read your book a while back! A fast
moving, well-written thriller indeed. My only criticism was the portrayal of
all female characters – more or less for sex or horror only :-) But
that was part of the overall theme of the book, yes? |
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Thanks for a
great read
Just finished your novel - a day well spent -
really enjoyed the circular ties in the plot - fell in love with Kelly
myself! |
An easy and fast
read
I enjoyed the book. It is an easy and fast read. It is brutal in places, with an unexpected and sad, but completely logical ending. |
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Lays bare the
harsh realities of Southern Africa
If
you have the stomach for it, read the new excerpts from SCREAM AND I'LL KILL YOU...even
better, get the book... it contains every emotion known, with an insight into
a colourful and endearing culture that lays the harsh realities of Southern
Africa bare... after all, I've read it twice and find myself often
re-visiting the beefy parts of the story, and that’s all of it but the
page numbers!
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Author of
“Hurricane Halsey” |
Keeps you biting
your nails until the shocking end
Alexander
von Rudloff´s hair-raising book “Scream and I´ll Kill You”… is, as it warns
on the haunting cover ´not for the faint hearted´ but intrigues from page
Zero. As Anton Venter, a divorced South African champion of human rights,
reads of the incredible, often appalling history of the beautiful black
woman, Kelly Modise, he has fallen in love with, he becomes even more
enmeshed and drawn to her. However, it
soon becomes evident that the love he has discovered with Kelly is
overshadowed by the truly horrendous rapes she endured when still a child.
Meanwhile, being a busy lawyer, Anton is side-tracked by several horrifying
castration murders. An imaginative, original writer, Alexander keeps you
biting your nails until the shocking end.
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BRANDON SWARROVSKI |
Disturbingly enticing,
intense -- ouch
Alexander
von Rudloff is a deranged madman, a raving lunatic, yet he may have mastered
the art of blending several sensational stories, and possibly genres, into
one clever realistic fiction book. Scream and I’ll Kill You is one of the
most beautifully gruesome, disturbingly delectable stories I have ever read.
It is Edgar Award worthy for its mystery and suspense, though I do not
believe the author qualifies as he was born outside of the United States (I
think).
Von
Rudloff’s ability to intertwine a pleasurable love story, eroticism, and
humour with truly horrific and graphic crimes makes SCREAM one of the most
unique books I have ever read.
Even
though I had a pretty good idea of how the story was going to end based on
its character development, the book remained exciting to the finish. If there
were half stars this one would be a 4.5 STARS rating for me.
I
couldn’t wait to see if this creative and imaginative story was ever going to
stop climaxing!
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Scream, and I’ll kill you… |
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