New York: Grand Central Publishing, (1999). Hardcover first edition - Young South African born author's first novel, a highly praised literary thriller which begins ""My wife of more than forty-five years shot herself yesterday afternoon. At least that is what the police assume, and I am playing the part of grieving widower with enthusiasm and success . . It was I who killed her." Winner of Italy's Grinzane Cavour Prize for Best First Novel. Mason used the royalties of "The Drowning People", Mason established the Kay Mason Foundation which gives "talented, under-privileged scholars access to quality education, psycho-social support and life opportunities that build tomorrows leaders of families and communities, South Africa and the world." 340 pp. ISBN: 0-446525243.