The recent sale of Albanian translation rights for Swartval (Blackfall) by Martin Steyn adds to what is already a significant year for this compelling South African crime writer.

Ombra GVG, the Tirana based publishing house that brought Steyn’s first two novels to the Albanian market, has now also acquired the rights to his third novel, Swartval. The novel tells the haunting story of the kidnapping of the 21-year-old Claire Winters, and her subsequent captivity in a dark basement. Originally published in 2016, Swartval remains a chilling and relevant read, which will now make its international debut with this translated edition.  

Another translation to look forward to is the English edition of Steyn’s second novel, Skuldig (Guilty) which will be published locally by Penguin Random House South Africa towards the end of the year.

Steyn’s first-ever collection of short stories, Skimme en Spoorsoekers, was published in February of this prolific year. In a newsletter to his readers, he describes this book as “more than just a collection of short stories.”

“It’s almost like a photo album of my journey as a writer,” he writes. “The oldest story is 27 years old, written in my early twenties. It wasn’t my first story, but it was the first one I wrote in Afrikaans. My Stephen King roots are pretty clear in the older stories, and then, as the years go by, my interest in crime and the police starts to emerge more. Where the older stories usually contain supernatural elements, they later become entirely realistic. The last and longest story, written as a serial for Vrouekeur, is basically a mini-police thriller like Donker Spoor, Skuldig and Losprys.”

Also in February, three of Steyn’s crime novels were reissued by Penguin Random House South Africa with brand new cover designs. This follows the release of a new edition of his award-winning debut novel, Donker spoor, at the end of last year.

Together, these releases underscore what his readers have known for years: Steyn is a vital voice in South African crime fiction, and 2026 is proving to be an excellent year to read, or re-read, his work.

About the books

Swartval (Blackfall)

Her brain is racing as fast as her heart. It’s him. The one who left the flowers on her car. He’s back. And this time he didn’t come to bring something, he came to take something. He came to take her. And now Claire Winters is being held captive somewhere in a cement cell. At first, she places her hope in her detective brother. He knows who the man who kidnapped her is. But another long, dark day ends with a sandwich and a glass of water and Derek doesn’t come. Claire realises this time she’ll have to save herself. Before her mind completely dissolves into the blackness of the basement. The only way out is through her kidnapper. Because he has the key to the basement. But just when she thinks she’s starting to make progress, Claire finds out what she’s really being held for.

Rights sold: Afrikaans, Albanian.

English translation available.

Skuldig (Guilty)

A middle-aged dentist, executed in his living room. Against the wall, one word. In blood. Warrant Officer Colin Menck looks at the “clean” scene and is convinced it’s the work of a professional killer. Who hired him? The prime suspect is the victim’s wife, who is just too unemotional about the murder. But what did he do to deserve such a death? Less than a week later, Menck is once again standing in front of a wall with the same bloody letters. The only connection between the two victims is another unhappy woman, an ex this time. How many names are on this killer’s list? How many more men are going to write GUILTY in their own blood?

Rights sold: Afrikaans, English (South Africa), Albanian.

English translation available.