An insight into Africa’s crimes, death and mysteries. “Sunshine Noir” of the highest order.
Whatever you do, do not judge this book by its cover (which, I found slightly off-putting) there is a thrilling and very unique murder mystery inside.
This is the 6th book in the Dectective Kubu series and the very first one that I have read. It is not compulsory to have read them all to enjoy them, but now I am eager to go back and see what I have missed previously.
I myself am a huge fan of Alexander McCall Smith, Mma Ramotswe as well as the beautiful country of Botswana & feel this book has not outdone McCall Smith or is competing with him in any way; but is a creepy & slightly grittier compliment to his novels.
Detective Kubu, is a good, happy man who likes his food. His family is good & the sun is shining, but he does not take this for granted or forget about the dark underbelly that he protects his family from. While he seems jolly & lighthearted, to me, it seems that he has an inner steel that comes to play when he is dealing with some very very dark shit (for lack of of better word).
In a case that deals with witch doctors, a dead body that should be old but the internal organs are young, slightly shady Chinese officials & more… It could get slightly ridiculous, even bordering on silly, but the Stanley pairing manages to make everything believable. The plot moves steadily along and keeps your attention. I actually like the fact that while facts and resolutions do come together in the end, there is no MASSIVE TWIST…I’m beginning to tire of those.
Overall, an enjoyable romp of a mystery, much less dark than other popular such books, in an intriguing setting that will have you searching online for holiday in Botswana. Highly recommended.
About the Authors
Michael Stanley is the writing team of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip. Both were born in South Africa and have worked in academia and business. On a flying trip to Botswana, they watched a pack of hyenas hunt, kill, and devour a wildebeest, eating both flesh and bones. That gave them the premise for their first mystery, A Carrion Death, which introduced Detective ‘Kubu’ Bengu of the Botswana Criminal Investigation Department. It was a finalist for five awards, including the CWA Debut Dagger. The series has been critically acclaimed, and their third book Death of the Mantis, won a Barry Award and was a finalist for an Edgar Award.
Follow them on twitter @detectivekubu
Dying to Live is the sixth novel in the ‘Detective Kubu’ series, which was released on 12th July 2017 – published by @OrendaBooks. To purchase your copy click here.
Big thanks to @annecater & @OrendaBooks for inviting me to be part of this blog tour and organising it.
Thanks for reading!
