In the quiet coastal town of Soutbaai, the ocean keeps its secrets. When a young British tourist is found dead on the shoreline, bound, placed, and left for the tide, what first appears to be a tragic incident quickly reveals something far more deliberate.

This was not an accident. This was an offering.

Retired detective Hennie van der Westhuizen came to Soutbaai to escape a lifetime of crime, loss, and unanswered questions. Living alone on his boat in the harbor, he had no intention of getting involved again.

Until now.

As Hennie begins to investigate, he uncovers a disturbing pattern beneath the town's calm surface:

A priest selling "holy salt water" to desperate believers across the world
Mysterious lights moving across the ocean at night
Locals who know more than they are willing to say
And a growing sense that Soutbaai itself is hiding something far older than crime

But the deeper Hennie digs, the clearer it becomes. This is not just about one woman.

And the truth may be something no one in Soutbaai is ready to face. Because in this town, faith can be bought. Secrets are protected. And the sea always collects what it is owed.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

Atmospheric crime thrillers with a strong sense of place
Psychological mysteries where nothing is as simple as it seems
Stories blending real-world crime with subtle supernatural tension
Authors like Deon Meyer, Tana French, and Stieg Larsson
Slow-burn suspense that builds into a powerful, unsettling conclusion

Why you'll love this book:

A uniquely South African coastal setting
Deep, layered characters with real emotional weight
A gripping mystery that unfolds piece by piece
A haunting theme of belief, truth, and the price of hope

Holy Salt Water: The Offering is a dark, atmospheric thriller that will keep you guessing, and thinking, long after the final page.

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