Murder meets comedy in Tom Eaton’s new book ‘Act of Murder’
The book follows Arnold Prinsloo, a washed-up actor living in Melville who gets caught up in a murder investigation and, in a very on-brand move, decides the best way to prove his innocence is to pretend he’s a detective.
702's Gugs Mhlungu spoke to writer, Tom Eaton.
Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.
Writer and satirist Tom Eaton is trying something new.
His latest book, 'An Act of Murder', is a crime fiction, a big shift from the satire and commentary he’s known for.
"It's unlike anything I've written in the past...I've built a career writing commentary and satire and a bit of absurdist fiction, but my publisher approached me with an idea to do a cosy crime, and I had never done one before. So I thought, well, let me learn how to do it...it's just been an absolutely wonderful experience..."
- Tom Eaton, writer
The book follows Arnold Prinsloo, a washed-up actor living in Melville who gets caught up in a murder investigation and, in a very on-brand move, decides the best way to prove his innocence is to pretend he’s a detective.
Set in Johannesburg, the story is more comic than grim. Think 'Murder, She Wrote', says Eaton.
“Arnold is that guy who keeps messing things up but still believes his big break is around the corner...He’s basically falling from one disaster to the next, but somehow keeps his optimism.”
- Tom Eaton, writer
Eaton says writing the book was a welcome escape from the doom and gloom of current affairs.
"I've described it as like going on holiday... it was a chance to have these like little micro holidays every time I sat down to write it."
- Tom Eaton, writer
Those who have read the book have told Eaton it’s the perfect plane or holiday read because it's light, funny, and still full of mystery.
Scroll up to listen to the full conversation