Deon Meyer was born in South African town of Paarl in the wine region of the Western Cape. He grew up in Klerksdorp, the gold mining region of Northwest Provence. After military duty and studying at the Potchefstroom University, he joined Die Volksblad, a daily newspaper in Bloemfontein as a reporter. Since then, he has worked as press liaison, advertising copywriter, creative director, web manager, Internet strategist, and brand consultant.

Deon lives in Melkbosstrand on the South African West Coast with his wife, Anita, and four children.