About Mason

I grew up in Hilton in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - a small town in the midlands just outside Pietermaritzburg, about midway between Durban City and the Drakensberg mountains. I now live in Cape Town, but KZN will always be home; it’s no coincidence that it‘s where Manor of Buried Secrets takes place.

I studied Mathematics at Stellenbosch University and work as a data analyst for The Wilderness Project. We survey major rivers in Africa for the purpose of conservation. I spend most of my time in front of a laptop, crunching numbers to determine how healthy these rivers are, but every now and then I go on expedition to remote parts of Africa.

My writing journey began as a laaitie when I used to make up stories for fun. I started taking it more seriously at school under the guidance of my Literature teacher, Ms Rosemary O’Leary, who taught me most of what I know today about the craft. Author Bridget Krone, a long time family friend, also played a huge role as a kind of writing mentor. In 2016 I co-wrote the graphic novel Shaka Rising with artist Luke Molver, published by Catalyst Press. In 2026, Catalyst Press published Manor of Buried Secrets, my debut novel.