Margie Orford’s Manuscript Stolen in Claremont Smash and Grab!
Daddy’s Girl kidnapped
In a suburban nightmare for her new publishers, the final, corrected manuscript for Margie Orford‘s latest Clare Hart thriller, Daddy’s Girl, was stolen during a smash-and-grab incident outside the Woolworths food shop in Claremont’s Belvedere Road yesterday.
“I’d just popped into Woolies for some milk, bread and a slab of Lindt 85% dark chocolate,” said Jeremy Boraine, publisher at Jonathan Ball, who had been entrusted with the valuable work – which he left lying inside his briefcase on the driver’s seat. “When I returned to my car, I saw a shower of glass… I ran – but it was too late.”
The shock was so great that Boraine felt faint. Fortunately, he had the presence of mind to retrieve the Lindt and break off a few squares. “I read somewhere that dark chocolate is good for your heart. I must admit, I did feel better afterwards.”
The fact that Orford recently moved to Jonathan Ball immediately casts suspicion on the publisher’s rivals. “The question that must be asked,” said Boraine “as with all crimes of this nature, is: ‘Who benefits? Who profits by this act? And why did they have to smash the #$%$#^&*&!@ window just two !@#%^&&*@ days after I got the @#$^&^#%! car?’”
That the theft is part of a wider conspiracy there can be little doubt. Orford’s novel is set in Cape Town and exposes its dark criminal underbelly. There are many who have an interest in its disappearance.
Contacted for comment, Orford said, “I suspected John van de Ruit at first, but he has a solid alibi so has been ruled out. I have a lot of fans in Claremont – it’s possible that one of them simply couldn’t wait.”
Boraine said that Jonathan Ball would do everything in its power to ensure that the book appeared in September on schedule.
“Fortunately, we have a back up MS, which is now being kept in a safe in a secure location, under 24-hour armed guard.” A note of steel crept into the publisher’s voice. “This book… is being published… to deadline… and nothing… NOTHING will stop us,” he growled.
The police are investigating. If the thief is caught, he will be approached for a cover shout.
Book details
- Daddy’s Girl by Margie Orford
Book homepage
EAN: 9781868423262
Find this book with BOOK Finder!
