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Detective Kubu #4
Deadly Harvest
Deadly Harvest in Michael Stanley’s beloved Detective Kubu series tracks a series of murders and a mysterious witch doctor whose nefarious potions might hold the key to a web of missing persons.
When young girls start to go missing, Samantha, a new detective on the Botswana police force suspects that muti, a traditional African medicine, is the reason. She and Detective David “Kubu” Bengu race to stop a serial killer, all as the father of one of the victims threatens to take matters into his own hands.
Weaving together a thrilling mystery with a fascinating look at modern-day Africa, Deadly Harvest is filled with elements suspense and plot twists that will keep you captivated until the very end.
When young girls start to go missing, Samantha, a new detective on the Botswana police force suspects that muti, a traditional African medicine, is the reason. She and Detective David “Kubu” Bengu race to stop a serial killer, all as the father of one of the victims threatens to take matters into his own hands.
Weaving together a thrilling mystery with a fascinating look at modern-day Africa, Deadly Harvest is filled with elements suspense and plot twists that will keep you captivated until the very end.
496 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2013
56 people are currently reading
1028 people want to read
About the author
Michael Stanley
55 books174 followersMichael Stanley is the writing partnership of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip. Michael lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Stanley in Minneapolis.
We have travelled extensively in southern Africa and have a special love of Botswana, where our detective novels are set.
Detective Kubu investigates complex murders in his native land, justifying his nickname by his size and tenacity (Kubu is Setswana for hippopotamus).
Kubu's faces powerful people and an escalating chain of murders in his first adventure - A Carrion Death.
Next a confluence of events leads to murders whose roots lie hidden in the past, in The Second Death of Goodluck Tinubu (A Deadly Trade outside north America).
The third Detective Kubu mystery, Death of the Mantis, has the plight of the Khoi-San (Bushmen) of the Kalahari as its backstory. Death of the Mantis was a finalist for an Edgar and won the Barry Award.
Deadly Harvest, the fourth Detective Kubu mystery, has as its backstory the use of human body parts for magic potions (called muti). Based on a true story, Detective Kubu and the first female detective in Botswana's CID, the young Samantha Khama, try to resurrect a number of cold cases in which young girls have gone missing. Deadly Harvest was a finalist for an International Thriller Writers award.
A Death in the Family (Kubu #5) has as its backstory the ramifications of corruption as the Chinese try to take over some of Botswana's rich mineral deposits. However the story starts with Kubu's elderly father being murdered. Despite his pleas, Kubu is kept off the case because of his personal involvement. However he keeps trying to solve it on his own.
In Dying to Live (Kubu #6) a Bushman is found dead, with internal organs far younger than his chronological age and a bullet embedded in his abdominal muscles with no entry wound. Dying to Live is a story of greed and the lengths people will go to attain immortality and make their fortunes.
Facets of Death is a prequel set in the late 1990s when Kubu first joins the Botswana CID as a raw detective. While he’s trying to build a role for himself in the CID, a massive diamond heist takes place on the road from Jwaneng — home of the world’s richest diamond mine. The robbers systematically eliminate all the witnesses, and then they are killed by the South African police, leaving the detectives with nothing to go on.
Kubu and Mabaku are sure they can solve the case if only their contacts can stay alive long enough. However, when one of the mine’s senior managers becomes the next victim, they are forced to set a trap for the crime’s mastermind. If it fails, their careers are over – in Kubu’s case before it’s even begun.
The latest mystery, A Deadly Covenant, takes place shortly after Kubu joins the Botswana Police Service and just after the diamond heist of Facets of Death.
While building a pipeline near the Okavango Delta, a contractor unearths the skeleton of a long-dead Bushman. Kubu and Scottish pathologist, Ian MacGregor, are sent to investigate, and MacGregor discovers eight more skeletons.
Then an elder of the nearby village is murdered at his home. The local police believe it was a robbery, but Kubu thinks otherwise. So does a strange woman who claims it was an angry river spirit. The situation gets more confusing when the strange woman is found dead, apparently killed by a crocodile.
Assistant Superintendent Mabaku joins them as accusations of corruption are levelled and international outrage builds over the massacre of the Bushman families. But how do the recent murders link to the dead Bushmen, if at all? As Kubu and his colleagues investigate, they uncover a deadly covenant and begin to fear that their own lives may be in danger.
The young Kubu’s second big case mixes local mythology and tradition with smart police work to make for a satisfyingly immersive mystery that begs resolution until the last, unpredictable moment.
Shoot the Bastards (Dead of Ni
We have travelled extensively in southern Africa and have a special love of Botswana, where our detective novels are set.
Detective Kubu investigates complex murders in his native land, justifying his nickname by his size and tenacity (Kubu is Setswana for hippopotamus).
Kubu's faces powerful people and an escalating chain of murders in his first adventure - A Carrion Death.
Next a confluence of events leads to murders whose roots lie hidden in the past, in The Second Death of Goodluck Tinubu (A Deadly Trade outside north America).
The third Detective Kubu mystery, Death of the Mantis, has the plight of the Khoi-San (Bushmen) of the Kalahari as its backstory. Death of the Mantis was a finalist for an Edgar and won the Barry Award.
Deadly Harvest, the fourth Detective Kubu mystery, has as its backstory the use of human body parts for magic potions (called muti). Based on a true story, Detective Kubu and the first female detective in Botswana's CID, the young Samantha Khama, try to resurrect a number of cold cases in which young girls have gone missing. Deadly Harvest was a finalist for an International Thriller Writers award.
A Death in the Family (Kubu #5) has as its backstory the ramifications of corruption as the Chinese try to take over some of Botswana's rich mineral deposits. However the story starts with Kubu's elderly father being murdered. Despite his pleas, Kubu is kept off the case because of his personal involvement. However he keeps trying to solve it on his own.
In Dying to Live (Kubu #6) a Bushman is found dead, with internal organs far younger than his chronological age and a bullet embedded in his abdominal muscles with no entry wound. Dying to Live is a story of greed and the lengths people will go to attain immortality and make their fortunes.
Facets of Death is a prequel set in the late 1990s when Kubu first joins the Botswana CID as a raw detective. While he’s trying to build a role for himself in the CID, a massive diamond heist takes place on the road from Jwaneng — home of the world’s richest diamond mine. The robbers systematically eliminate all the witnesses, and then they are killed by the South African police, leaving the detectives with nothing to go on.
Kubu and Mabaku are sure they can solve the case if only their contacts can stay alive long enough. However, when one of the mine’s senior managers becomes the next victim, they are forced to set a trap for the crime’s mastermind. If it fails, their careers are over – in Kubu’s case before it’s even begun.
The latest mystery, A Deadly Covenant, takes place shortly after Kubu joins the Botswana Police Service and just after the diamond heist of Facets of Death.
While building a pipeline near the Okavango Delta, a contractor unearths the skeleton of a long-dead Bushman. Kubu and Scottish pathologist, Ian MacGregor, are sent to investigate, and MacGregor discovers eight more skeletons.
Then an elder of the nearby village is murdered at his home. The local police believe it was a robbery, but Kubu thinks otherwise. So does a strange woman who claims it was an angry river spirit. The situation gets more confusing when the strange woman is found dead, apparently killed by a crocodile.
Assistant Superintendent Mabaku joins them as accusations of corruption are levelled and international outrage builds over the massacre of the Bushman families. But how do the recent murders link to the dead Bushmen, if at all? As Kubu and his colleagues investigate, they uncover a deadly covenant and begin to fear that their own lives may be in danger.
The young Kubu’s second big case mixes local mythology and tradition with smart police work to make for a satisfyingly immersive mystery that begs resolution until the last, unpredictable moment.
Shoot the Bastards (Dead of Ni
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
August 8, 2018
Having read the third in the intelligent Detective Kubu series written by Michael Stanley and absolutely loving it, I couldn't wait to read book four "Deadly Harvest" - this time published by Orenda books.
I wasn't disappointed, if anything my interest in this series has gone up even higher, such was the well thought out gritty subject of witchcraft, political corruption and man's obsession with power. I'm learning a lot about Botswana and South African cultures throughout this series and it is very interesting to learn about a country I don't often read about in fiction.
Assistant Superintendent David Bengu nicknamed 'Kubu' (which translates as hippopotamus) is such a likeable character, very personable and dedicated to his job.
He doesn't always do things by the book which makes him all the more enjoyable to read and often thinks more about where his next meal is coming from due to his insatiable appetite. So funny to read about him eating a KFC whilst on a stake out and munching cookies hidden in his office.
"Deadly Harvest" is set on a background of reality - the dark side of witch doctors and black magic, specifically the few powerful ones who use human body parts in their 'muti' (herbal potions), unlike the genuine traditional healers who use only herbs and at most animal parts in theirs. Sadly, sadistic murders do occur in South African black magic in order for certain body parts to be used and it really is a terrible business, something I never realised still happened. There's an ancient superstition that the true believers are cursed by witch doctors if they don't do as they are told and it must be truly scary to live like that, in fear of magic they cannot see. One of the girls mentioned in the story (Segametsi Mogomotsi) was actually killed for multi in real life and once I had learned this I was very saddened, it truly brought home the horrific ordeal these victims must have gone through for these powerful potions to be made.
Michael Stanley is the writing partnership of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip and it really does work, combining their travels through South Africa and their joint love for Botswana into fabulous and entertaining crime books. It's become an absolute pleasure to read this series and it was a joy to devote my recent weekend to Kubu and this compelling book.
A police procedural like no other, this addictive and colourful story will have you turning pages faster than you can read, I highly recommend this brilliantly written series and will be starting the fifth in the series "Death in the Family" very soon.
Another well deserved 5 stars.
I wasn't disappointed, if anything my interest in this series has gone up even higher, such was the well thought out gritty subject of witchcraft, political corruption and man's obsession with power. I'm learning a lot about Botswana and South African cultures throughout this series and it is very interesting to learn about a country I don't often read about in fiction.
Assistant Superintendent David Bengu nicknamed 'Kubu' (which translates as hippopotamus) is such a likeable character, very personable and dedicated to his job.
He doesn't always do things by the book which makes him all the more enjoyable to read and often thinks more about where his next meal is coming from due to his insatiable appetite. So funny to read about him eating a KFC whilst on a stake out and munching cookies hidden in his office.
"Deadly Harvest" is set on a background of reality - the dark side of witch doctors and black magic, specifically the few powerful ones who use human body parts in their 'muti' (herbal potions), unlike the genuine traditional healers who use only herbs and at most animal parts in theirs. Sadly, sadistic murders do occur in South African black magic in order for certain body parts to be used and it really is a terrible business, something I never realised still happened. There's an ancient superstition that the true believers are cursed by witch doctors if they don't do as they are told and it must be truly scary to live like that, in fear of magic they cannot see. One of the girls mentioned in the story (Segametsi Mogomotsi) was actually killed for multi in real life and once I had learned this I was very saddened, it truly brought home the horrific ordeal these victims must have gone through for these powerful potions to be made.
Michael Stanley is the writing partnership of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip and it really does work, combining their travels through South Africa and their joint love for Botswana into fabulous and entertaining crime books. It's become an absolute pleasure to read this series and it was a joy to devote my recent weekend to Kubu and this compelling book.
A police procedural like no other, this addictive and colourful story will have you turning pages faster than you can read, I highly recommend this brilliantly written series and will be starting the fifth in the series "Death in the Family" very soon.
Another well deserved 5 stars.
June 10, 2016
Deadly Harvest was brilliant and captivating, very haunting in places and absolutely captured my imagination, I read it in one sitting whilst gulping huge amounts of coffee.
The setting for a start was so beautifully described you could almost taste the air – I know nothing relatively speaking about Botswana, Deadly Harvest was a bit of an education for me in that respect and the authors here manage to convey that sense of place with some wonderfully descriptive prose that digs deep. The characters lived out loud, were full of depth and entirely fascinating, loved Kubu and Samantha and how they came together to investigate some very dark deeds.
The very real and very disturbing theme of Witch Doctors and Muti takes centre stage here – in places horrifying the novel has such an authentic sense about it that you are given much pause for thought – a difficult line between entertainment and realism is walked to perfection by these two writers, I was totally immersed into this world throughout the read.
Its not all doom and gloom, there are some lighter moments especially around the personaility of Kubu – a terrifically drawn character who I fell a little in love with. This is actually the fourth book in this series but the first to be published in the UK via Orenda but for me it was a great introduction and I’m really looking forward to reading the rest.
Overall then Deadly Harvest is, as I’ve come to expect from this publisher, a very different kind of crime read, intense and intelligent with huge amounts of heart. Loved it. Was slightly scared by it But loved it.
The setting for a start was so beautifully described you could almost taste the air – I know nothing relatively speaking about Botswana, Deadly Harvest was a bit of an education for me in that respect and the authors here manage to convey that sense of place with some wonderfully descriptive prose that digs deep. The characters lived out loud, were full of depth and entirely fascinating, loved Kubu and Samantha and how they came together to investigate some very dark deeds.
The very real and very disturbing theme of Witch Doctors and Muti takes centre stage here – in places horrifying the novel has such an authentic sense about it that you are given much pause for thought – a difficult line between entertainment and realism is walked to perfection by these two writers, I was totally immersed into this world throughout the read.
Its not all doom and gloom, there are some lighter moments especially around the personaility of Kubu – a terrifically drawn character who I fell a little in love with. This is actually the fourth book in this series but the first to be published in the UK via Orenda but for me it was a great introduction and I’m really looking forward to reading the rest.
Overall then Deadly Harvest is, as I’ve come to expect from this publisher, a very different kind of crime read, intense and intelligent with huge amounts of heart. Loved it. Was slightly scared by it But loved it.
July 4, 2016
Deadly Harvest – A Hot Thriller
The writing duo who make up Michael Stanley have written a hot thriller based out under the hot sky of Botswana where the Police have to combat corruption and the belief in witch doctors. This Sunshine Noir has all the darkness of Nordic Noir but at a more relaxed approach, with some excellent characters.
When a young girl goes missing, and then not long after another girl disappears in to thin air, the police seem slow to react and show very little interest. It is not until Samantha Khama, a new recruit in the Botswana Criminal Investigation Department, that she takes a look at what seems like a set of cold cases.
Her boss Assistant Superintendent David ‘Kubu’ Bengu is charged with leading an investigation in to the death of a politician and the threats of ‘muti’ and other witchcraft do things start getting rather complicated. He is also trying to advise and guide his new recruit in the art of investigation when he realises that their cases might be related.
The relationship that builds up between Samantha and Kubu, is that of old hand, wary of some of the practices of old and Samantha a young buck and keen to get on with things. The investigation process they work the case methodically and with a little bit of ingenuity making sure they do things correctly and only cut corners when they need too.
What we get through out is that Kubu and Samantha are aware at every turn they are accused of being in the pocket of the government and when they realise they are dealing with witchcraft and corruption they know they need to be careful. They know to find the answers they need to read the clues throughout the book with care, and not be afraid to see the misdirection as part of a plan which they need to overcome.
Will they discover who is corrupt? Will they be able to overcome the superstition that witch doctors are held in? As they recognise all criminals make mistakes, clever criminals clever mistakes, stupid criminals make stupid mistakes they know they have to recognise them and use them to their advantage.
This is a richly atmospheric thriller, under the African sun, that deals with the darkest of crimes, that of murder, including children for ‘magic’ and challenges the conventions. The book is beautifully written and the descriptions so illuminating you can feel yourself at the centre of the scenes.
The thriller is set against the clash of cultures, modern verses ancient, an intelligent read that is both dark and compelling, and the twists you do not see coming. A truly awesome thriller!
The writing duo who make up Michael Stanley have written a hot thriller based out under the hot sky of Botswana where the Police have to combat corruption and the belief in witch doctors. This Sunshine Noir has all the darkness of Nordic Noir but at a more relaxed approach, with some excellent characters.
When a young girl goes missing, and then not long after another girl disappears in to thin air, the police seem slow to react and show very little interest. It is not until Samantha Khama, a new recruit in the Botswana Criminal Investigation Department, that she takes a look at what seems like a set of cold cases.
Her boss Assistant Superintendent David ‘Kubu’ Bengu is charged with leading an investigation in to the death of a politician and the threats of ‘muti’ and other witchcraft do things start getting rather complicated. He is also trying to advise and guide his new recruit in the art of investigation when he realises that their cases might be related.
The relationship that builds up between Samantha and Kubu, is that of old hand, wary of some of the practices of old and Samantha a young buck and keen to get on with things. The investigation process they work the case methodically and with a little bit of ingenuity making sure they do things correctly and only cut corners when they need too.
What we get through out is that Kubu and Samantha are aware at every turn they are accused of being in the pocket of the government and when they realise they are dealing with witchcraft and corruption they know they need to be careful. They know to find the answers they need to read the clues throughout the book with care, and not be afraid to see the misdirection as part of a plan which they need to overcome.
Will they discover who is corrupt? Will they be able to overcome the superstition that witch doctors are held in? As they recognise all criminals make mistakes, clever criminals clever mistakes, stupid criminals make stupid mistakes they know they have to recognise them and use them to their advantage.
This is a richly atmospheric thriller, under the African sun, that deals with the darkest of crimes, that of murder, including children for ‘magic’ and challenges the conventions. The book is beautifully written and the descriptions so illuminating you can feel yourself at the centre of the scenes.
The thriller is set against the clash of cultures, modern verses ancient, an intelligent read that is both dark and compelling, and the twists you do not see coming. A truly awesome thriller!
September 18, 2016
I like an international flavour to my books; a little escapism to a far away land where life is different to mine. In a literary sense, I feel well travelled. So why can’t I think of a single book I’ve read that’s set in Africa? Probably because Deadly Harvest was my first visit to the vast continent (how is that possible?!). But what an introduction! This was no gentle easing into the customs and the climate, oh no! This was a smack-you-between-the-eyes visit to Botswana with body parts galore!
New recruit to the Criminal Investigation Department, Samantha Khama, volunteers to investigate a missing persons case involving a young girl. Samantha is the first female employed by the CID and is not liked by her male colleagues. Assistant Superintendent David ‘Kubu’ Bengu however sees ‘something’ in Samantha so offers guidance and his extensive knowledge base to help her solve the case. Before long things have escalated with a second girl going missing. Samantha is convinced the girls are being taken for muti, the traditional African medicine made from plants, animals and sometimes, horrifically, human body parts! Can Samantha and Kubu track down the serial killer masquerading as a witch doctor before another girl goes missing? And will the Botswanan people assist the investigation, or will the fear of black magic strike terror into those who hold the answers…?
I was part of the blog tour for this book back in June and I featured the opening of chapter one. You can read that post by clicking here. I said then how excited I was to read this book and I was not disappointed, not one drop!
Detective Kubu is not my normal kind of detective. For one, he’s happily married with a beautiful young family. He’s not all that grumpy, nor is he riddled with addictions or fighting his own demons (this is book four of the series so forgive me if that isn’t the case and I’ve missed something in books one to three!). He comes across as a normal sort of chap but with that drive and determination that every great detective has. I really liked him! Normally I would find such a ‘normal’ character a little on the boring side, but not Kubu. There’s a real likeability to him. Samantha, on the other hand, made me want to shake her. She certainly wasn’t doing anything to help herself fit in, with her confrontational attitude and determination to ‘bring about change’ in an aggressive way.
The story was well paced and kept my attention from start to finish. There are red herrings along the way to keep you guessing. It was only as I moved towards the closing chapters did it dawn on me who the killer was. I enjoyed the subplot, with the father of one of the missing girls spiraling into madness and casting the blame at another door. The story had an eeriness about it which I found truly fascinating. That suspense coupled with my own macabre interest drove me on to read ‘just one more chapter, just one more and then I’ll stop’…
Would I recommend this book? You bet’cha! It’s a brilliantly written police procedural with a cast of chilling characters who draw you in from page one until the very end. Detective Kubu has a new fan (in me!) and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, A Death in the Family, which I thankfully have on my TBR. Creepy, spinetingling and oh so good!
Four and a half stars out of five.
Many thanks to Karen Sullivan at Orenda Books and the author for a copy of Deadly Harvest in exchange for an honest review.
New recruit to the Criminal Investigation Department, Samantha Khama, volunteers to investigate a missing persons case involving a young girl. Samantha is the first female employed by the CID and is not liked by her male colleagues. Assistant Superintendent David ‘Kubu’ Bengu however sees ‘something’ in Samantha so offers guidance and his extensive knowledge base to help her solve the case. Before long things have escalated with a second girl going missing. Samantha is convinced the girls are being taken for muti, the traditional African medicine made from plants, animals and sometimes, horrifically, human body parts! Can Samantha and Kubu track down the serial killer masquerading as a witch doctor before another girl goes missing? And will the Botswanan people assist the investigation, or will the fear of black magic strike terror into those who hold the answers…?
I was part of the blog tour for this book back in June and I featured the opening of chapter one. You can read that post by clicking here. I said then how excited I was to read this book and I was not disappointed, not one drop!
Detective Kubu is not my normal kind of detective. For one, he’s happily married with a beautiful young family. He’s not all that grumpy, nor is he riddled with addictions or fighting his own demons (this is book four of the series so forgive me if that isn’t the case and I’ve missed something in books one to three!). He comes across as a normal sort of chap but with that drive and determination that every great detective has. I really liked him! Normally I would find such a ‘normal’ character a little on the boring side, but not Kubu. There’s a real likeability to him. Samantha, on the other hand, made me want to shake her. She certainly wasn’t doing anything to help herself fit in, with her confrontational attitude and determination to ‘bring about change’ in an aggressive way.
The story was well paced and kept my attention from start to finish. There are red herrings along the way to keep you guessing. It was only as I moved towards the closing chapters did it dawn on me who the killer was. I enjoyed the subplot, with the father of one of the missing girls spiraling into madness and casting the blame at another door. The story had an eeriness about it which I found truly fascinating. That suspense coupled with my own macabre interest drove me on to read ‘just one more chapter, just one more and then I’ll stop’…
Would I recommend this book? You bet’cha! It’s a brilliantly written police procedural with a cast of chilling characters who draw you in from page one until the very end. Detective Kubu has a new fan (in me!) and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, A Death in the Family, which I thankfully have on my TBR. Creepy, spinetingling and oh so good!
Four and a half stars out of five.
Many thanks to Karen Sullivan at Orenda Books and the author for a copy of Deadly Harvest in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2016
I mentioned it last time, but I'll mention it again this time, but you would never know that there are two authors writing these books. The whole thing is so well written and it flows beautifully. There aren't sections that you can tell that are written by one person or the other which is what I've found when reading other books by more than one author.
The story itself is wonderfully crafted and is full of the twists and turns that I now expect from a Michael Stanley book. I don't want to say too much about the contents of the story as I don't want to spoil anything for people, but it is a lot darker than A Death In The Family and I really liked that about it, I felt because of the darkness I was drawn deeper into the story and I felt really invested in what would happen next to the characters.
The setting of Botswana is a wonderful backdrop to the story and again I learnt so much more about it and it's people and traditions. I very rarely read books that are set in places other than America, England or a fantasy setting, so it is really interesting to diversify into such a different country. There has been a lot of research gone into making sure a true image is given and it really shows.
I have to mention how well rounded all the characters are, in patricular Detective Kubu. Kubu is just an amazing character, he's intelligent, he's funny, he's caring, he loves his family and he totally owns the fact that he is a larger frame. I really enjoy following him and seeing the way he goes about his day and how he works his way around a case.
Overall an excellent book and I thoroughly enjoy it to anyone who loves their crime novels.
I received a copy of Deadly Harvest from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The full blog tour post can be seen on my blog http://lifeofanerdishmum.blogspot.co.uk/
The story itself is wonderfully crafted and is full of the twists and turns that I now expect from a Michael Stanley book. I don't want to say too much about the contents of the story as I don't want to spoil anything for people, but it is a lot darker than A Death In The Family and I really liked that about it, I felt because of the darkness I was drawn deeper into the story and I felt really invested in what would happen next to the characters.
The setting of Botswana is a wonderful backdrop to the story and again I learnt so much more about it and it's people and traditions. I very rarely read books that are set in places other than America, England or a fantasy setting, so it is really interesting to diversify into such a different country. There has been a lot of research gone into making sure a true image is given and it really shows.
I have to mention how well rounded all the characters are, in patricular Detective Kubu. Kubu is just an amazing character, he's intelligent, he's funny, he's caring, he loves his family and he totally owns the fact that he is a larger frame. I really enjoy following him and seeing the way he goes about his day and how he works his way around a case.
Overall an excellent book and I thoroughly enjoy it to anyone who loves their crime novels.
I received a copy of Deadly Harvest from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The full blog tour post can be seen on my blog http://lifeofanerdishmum.blogspot.co.uk/
February 24, 2018
I really like these Detective Kubu books about a portly ("Kubu" means "hippo") police detective in Botswana, who solves crimes and is a funny, lovable character.
* * * * *
Oops, I apologize for noting in an earlier post that this series is set in India; I was thinking about another, similar detective series I enjoy (Tarquin Hall's Vish Puri series)! These two authors known collectively as Michael Stanley have written another very well-crafted story which proceeds at a stately, nuanced pace which never gets tedious. Characters and clues are carefully drawn. I suspected the murderer before the end, but never was sure until final clues were revealed. Detective Kubu is the stuff!!
* * * * *
Oops, I apologize for noting in an earlier post that this series is set in India; I was thinking about another, similar detective series I enjoy (Tarquin Hall's Vish Puri series)! These two authors known collectively as Michael Stanley have written another very well-crafted story which proceeds at a stately, nuanced pace which never gets tedious. Characters and clues are carefully drawn. I suspected the murderer before the end, but never was sure until final clues were revealed. Detective Kubu is the stuff!!
Read
June 22, 2016Crime mystery set in Botswana
This review first appeared on our blog where we also chat to the author(s): http://www.tripfiction.com/crime-myst...
A well paced mystery that circles around as the clues come together, the darkness of illicit practices unfurls like the smoke from a witch’s cauldron. There is more than a nod to Macbeth in the book, set against a rich Botswana background.
Intriguingly behind the story is writer duo, Stanley Trollip and Michael Sears, combining to make Michael Stanley. I have often pondered how 2 writers can work on one book (and I pose my curious questions about the process below); it is, in fact, more common than one might think. Take for example, another writer double act, who together produce excellent crime mysteries under the name of Nicci French set around the UK.
Botswana for many of us is a country originally brought to life in the stories of Mma Ramotswe in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith and this book too has a similar thoughtfulness in the telling, but a much much darker heart. “Muti” is a traditional medicine that usually relies on the ingredients found in the plant – occasionally animal – kingdom, but there still exists the abhorrent tradition of harvesting human body parts to make potions for individuals who seek power and strength in their lives. Hence the title Deadly Harvest. Gradually Assistant Superintendent David ‘Kubu’ Bengu, together with Samantha Khama on her first gritty assignment in the police force, come to the realisation that missing girls and an albino potentially all have one thing in common, but tracking the witch doctor down at the heart of the operation, is a minefield. Superstition still holds a very powerful sway in society and people just do not want to risk crossing such a powerful person – the person is someone who, it is mooted, can see into the very heart and soul of the people around him and can punish any chosen victim at the drop of a hat. A truly scary phenomenon. But who is the witch doctor and how will they discover the identity?
It is indeed a dark and colourful story, that is gripping, yet moves at a pace that allows for assimilation of the latest clues. Botswana makes for a strong and at times captivating backdrop, mainly in Gabarone, and out to Mochudi.
This review first appeared on our blog where we also chat to the author(s): http://www.tripfiction.com/crime-myst...
A well paced mystery that circles around as the clues come together, the darkness of illicit practices unfurls like the smoke from a witch’s cauldron. There is more than a nod to Macbeth in the book, set against a rich Botswana background.
Intriguingly behind the story is writer duo, Stanley Trollip and Michael Sears, combining to make Michael Stanley. I have often pondered how 2 writers can work on one book (and I pose my curious questions about the process below); it is, in fact, more common than one might think. Take for example, another writer double act, who together produce excellent crime mysteries under the name of Nicci French set around the UK.
Botswana for many of us is a country originally brought to life in the stories of Mma Ramotswe in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith and this book too has a similar thoughtfulness in the telling, but a much much darker heart. “Muti” is a traditional medicine that usually relies on the ingredients found in the plant – occasionally animal – kingdom, but there still exists the abhorrent tradition of harvesting human body parts to make potions for individuals who seek power and strength in their lives. Hence the title Deadly Harvest. Gradually Assistant Superintendent David ‘Kubu’ Bengu, together with Samantha Khama on her first gritty assignment in the police force, come to the realisation that missing girls and an albino potentially all have one thing in common, but tracking the witch doctor down at the heart of the operation, is a minefield. Superstition still holds a very powerful sway in society and people just do not want to risk crossing such a powerful person – the person is someone who, it is mooted, can see into the very heart and soul of the people around him and can punish any chosen victim at the drop of a hat. A truly scary phenomenon. But who is the witch doctor and how will they discover the identity?
It is indeed a dark and colourful story, that is gripping, yet moves at a pace that allows for assimilation of the latest clues. Botswana makes for a strong and at times captivating backdrop, mainly in Gabarone, and out to Mochudi.
June 5, 2013
Some of the very best crime fiction explores issues that are relevant to the society in which it is set. Michael Stanley's Kubu series, set in Botswana seems to have really hit its straps in that department in the last couple of books, with DEADLY HARVEST reaching a particular high. The fourth book in the Detective Kubu series, here the author(s) are exploring the disappearance of a number of young girls. The suspicion is that these girls are the victims of a powerful, unknown witchdoctor, looking for victims to incorporate in his muti, or traditional African healing, potions.
This is, needless to say a rather confrontational storyline. Built as it is into questions of the powerful and powerless in society, and the ravages of AIDS and HIV within families throughout Botswana.
The confrontational is handled well though. The style of these stories is slightly mannered (for want of a better description), there's a tone in the writing that fits with the style and personality of Detective Kubu. Measured, careful, considered and slightly formal, Kubu is an interesting man with a balanced life. The storytelling itself is also nicely balanced with time in the personal and family life, which doesn't pull focus from the main investigation line. In DEADLY HARVEST the authors have also introduced a new, female investigator in Detective Samantha Khama. A serious foil to Kubu's measured nature, Khama is more driven, impulsive, emotional if you like. Mind you, that doesn't come across as a male versus female thing, rather the senior more experienced policeman and the young gun with things to prove, and a few things to learn.
I must admit I love this series, and DEADLY HARVEST as much as I loved the last book. It's current day, it's got that educational look into real life in a developing nation. It is measured and polite, and somehow feels very very African. If you've not read any of the Kubu series then there's no time like the present. Each book would work on its own if you need to dive in, but as is always the case with these series, if you can start at the beginning of Kubu's journey and work through it with him, then so much the better.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
This is, needless to say a rather confrontational storyline. Built as it is into questions of the powerful and powerless in society, and the ravages of AIDS and HIV within families throughout Botswana.
The confrontational is handled well though. The style of these stories is slightly mannered (for want of a better description), there's a tone in the writing that fits with the style and personality of Detective Kubu. Measured, careful, considered and slightly formal, Kubu is an interesting man with a balanced life. The storytelling itself is also nicely balanced with time in the personal and family life, which doesn't pull focus from the main investigation line. In DEADLY HARVEST the authors have also introduced a new, female investigator in Detective Samantha Khama. A serious foil to Kubu's measured nature, Khama is more driven, impulsive, emotional if you like. Mind you, that doesn't come across as a male versus female thing, rather the senior more experienced policeman and the young gun with things to prove, and a few things to learn.
I must admit I love this series, and DEADLY HARVEST as much as I loved the last book. It's current day, it's got that educational look into real life in a developing nation. It is measured and polite, and somehow feels very very African. If you've not read any of the Kubu series then there's no time like the present. Each book would work on its own if you need to dive in, but as is always the case with these series, if you can start at the beginning of Kubu's journey and work through it with him, then so much the better.
http://www.austcrimefiction.org/revie...
June 9, 2016
When I started I had no idea what to expect! However, once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop as I was drawn in immediately!
Opening with the abduction of a young girl, the book definitely starts with a twist as the reader is made to question who would take a child, and why? And why did the girl go with them so easily?
Set in Botswana, the location gives a fabulous backdrop to the story. I am so used to reading books set in colder climes, that Deadly Harvest was a welcome change to the norm.
I don’t want to give anything away as regards the plot, so I’m not going to go into too much detail. Sufficed to say, Deadly Harvest is an exceptional read. I thoroughly enjoyed this break away from the usual crime and police procedurals.
The authors have a brilliant way of writing. It has the quality of storytelling, in that their narrative slowly encircles your mind until it is all you can think about. This book was exactly that for me. I was gripped completely from the opening chapters, right until the very end.
I am grateful to Karen at Orenda Books and to Michael Stanley for giving me a chance to read this book, and join in on the blog tour!
An absolutely exceptional book, Deadly Harvest is a thrilling, captivating and I cannot recommend it highly enough!
Opening with the abduction of a young girl, the book definitely starts with a twist as the reader is made to question who would take a child, and why? And why did the girl go with them so easily?
Set in Botswana, the location gives a fabulous backdrop to the story. I am so used to reading books set in colder climes, that Deadly Harvest was a welcome change to the norm.
I don’t want to give anything away as regards the plot, so I’m not going to go into too much detail. Sufficed to say, Deadly Harvest is an exceptional read. I thoroughly enjoyed this break away from the usual crime and police procedurals.
The authors have a brilliant way of writing. It has the quality of storytelling, in that their narrative slowly encircles your mind until it is all you can think about. This book was exactly that for me. I was gripped completely from the opening chapters, right until the very end.
I am grateful to Karen at Orenda Books and to Michael Stanley for giving me a chance to read this book, and join in on the blog tour!
An absolutely exceptional book, Deadly Harvest is a thrilling, captivating and I cannot recommend it highly enough!
July 20, 2016
Deadly Harvest is an excellent police procedural!
It is set in, Botswana, and you really get a feel for the place with the authors descriptions and the wondeful dialogue.
The characters are strong and believable with Assistant Superintendent David 'Kubu' Bengu leading the investigation into the disappearance of two young girls. Working with him on the investigation is, Samantha Khama - a new recruit to the Botswana Criminal Investigation Department. They are both at different ends of the spectrum in regarding work ethics as women are rarely seen in this working environment. With Samantha's determination and hungry for success, they soon develop a strong working relationship.
The story delves into the darker side of their culture and some of the old-fashioned beliefs that are still respected in certain sectors of their people.
A solid and well-written crime novel. Very well plotted, gritty and full of deception and corruption.
Highly recommended and a solid 4.5*
This book was supplied by the publisher, Orenda Books, for an honest review.
It is set in, Botswana, and you really get a feel for the place with the authors descriptions and the wondeful dialogue.
The characters are strong and believable with Assistant Superintendent David 'Kubu' Bengu leading the investigation into the disappearance of two young girls. Working with him on the investigation is, Samantha Khama - a new recruit to the Botswana Criminal Investigation Department. They are both at different ends of the spectrum in regarding work ethics as women are rarely seen in this working environment. With Samantha's determination and hungry for success, they soon develop a strong working relationship.
The story delves into the darker side of their culture and some of the old-fashioned beliefs that are still respected in certain sectors of their people.
A solid and well-written crime novel. Very well plotted, gritty and full of deception and corruption.
Highly recommended and a solid 4.5*
This book was supplied by the publisher, Orenda Books, for an honest review.
June 2, 2013
The fourth book in a series about a Botswanan detective named David Bengu, nicknamed Kubu (Hippo) because of his large body and easy going nature. Kubu is drawn into local politics when a dog is slaughtered at a candidate's house, and the candidate is then killed a few days later in what is alleged to be a politically motivated murder. Meanwhile, the first female detective on the Botswana Criminal Investigative Division, Samantha Khama, aske Kubu to help her investigate the disapperance of several young girls. She is convinced that a witch doctor and muti, a traditional African medicine, is the reason. The writing duo of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip (i.e., Michael Stanley) have created a marvelous supporting cast from his boss to his extended family: wife, sister-in-law, biological daughter, adoptive daughter, and his parents. Great mystery, 4.5 stars!!
July 29, 2016
Deadly Harvest was my first encounter with the writing duo of Michael Stanley (Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip) and the two have combined superbly to deliver an utterly fascinating portrayal of a very modern Botswana. Deadly Harvest immerses the reader amidst the landscape, culture and politics of the region whilst tackling head on the contentious topic of witch doctors and their place in the hearts and minds of the natives. Whilst I wouldn't normally have contemplated reading a novel which deals with a subject matter which I would readily ascribe short shrift to, I am overjoyed to say that I have been proved wrong! Deadly Harvest was a truly compulsive thriller which has instead allowed me to discover a whole new culture and gives a very welcome voice to the residents of Botswana. Busting many of the myths which abound regarding traditional African medicines and delivering an impartial look at the power of witch doctors and their place in the African culture, the authors have delivered a captivating and insightful novel.
Assistant Superintendent David 'Kubu' Bengu of the Botswana CID is a man whose belief in justice remains as strong as the day he joined the force, thus he is none too happy when his boss assigns him to investigate the recent death threats targeted at a prominent local political candidate. Bill Marumo of the Freedom Party is spreading the message of hope, encouraging the sharing of the wealth of the nation and is attracting a legion of supporters. When he is swiftly murdered his political enemies are the obvious first suspect, but as passions rises and the public clamour for a response, Kubu begins to suspect that there was much more to the man than simply his political profile. As Kubu investigates this case he is simultaneously mentoring a new female recruit, DS Samantha Khama, who has self-funded a university education and has high hopes of giving a voice to neglected and less privileged sectors of society. That DS Khama's first concern is addressing the string of missing young girls that seem to have fallen by the wayside and are now considered as stone cold speaks volumes for her tenacity and courage. When she and Kubu discover that very scant investigation was ever given to the initial police reports, Samantha raises the suspicions that these girls may have been taken in order to harvest their body parts for the purpose of making 'muti' (traditional African medicines). That these two cases will merge and be inextricably linked to a far darker truth is something neither can foresee. Deadly Harvest is an enthralling ride where the stakes are far higher than your average crime novel...
Regardless of whether Kubu believes that witch doctors have any power or simply rely on the power of suggestion, they undoubtedly do still hold a place in the African culture and he recognises and appreciates this. Sears and Trollip have managed to distinguish between traditional African medicines, typically derived from herbs and plants and the altogether more macabre harvesting of human parts and what is traditionally termed as 'muti'. As long as the rumours and promises of the witch doctors are so firmly entrenched in the psyche of the community, Kubu understands that the practice will always remain. In making clear that using human remains are entirely off limits and the lives that are sacrificed in order to make 'muti' are an investigative priority, Kubu and Khama are an inspirational team. Understanding the motives, who benefits and just what upholds the power of the witch doctors has enlightened me and proved an enriching experience. The prevalence of AIDS within Botswana is also addressed and Sears and Trollip illustrate the contrast in the understanding between different generations through Kubu's interactions with his elderly parents. From the danger inherent in Kubu's occupation and the potential for bloodshed having such stark implications, right through to Kubu's mother and her inability to understand that AIDS cannot be cured by a visit to a witch doctor and that the HIV virus under control with anti-retroviral drugs is a markedly different situation.
DS Samantha Khama with her abrasive attitude and revolutionary ideas suspects that most of her colleagues who form CID are reluctant to investigate the murky practices of witch doctors but Kubu proves to be the exception. As Kubu teaches the fiery DS Khama that controlling her temper and keeping her colleagues onside will make the investigative process far easier in the long haul, readers are treated to the beginning of an endearing working relationship which I hope will feature in following books in the series. A big character, both in terms of size and personality, Kubu is an utter joy and alongside his new female sidekick who promises to shake up the old school procedures this duo offers hope to all those who reside in the country. Kubu's life away from the office is refreshingly ordinary and his love for wife Joy and daughter Tumi is admirable. That his parents still play such a part in his family life adds a wonderful dimension and giving their perspective on the long held reliance on witch doctors illustrates the changing mindset of the country. With his voracious appetite and keen eye on seeing justice done, Kubu with the new addition DS Khama have realms of potential and this team is ripe for exploration.
Deadly Harvest is exactly the type of crime fiction that I adore, combining an understanding of the cultures and beliefs of a country, all topped off with a little political intrigue to convey the sentiment of the area. Intelligent and enriching, this series promises to be an original and engaging one and I am very keen to read more! The writing team of Michael Stanley deserve to be applauded for their impartial discussion of the topic of witch doctors, all with a decidedly dark tone and a central character of genuine originality. Detective David 'Kubu' Bengu and his colleagues promise to breathe new life into the traditional police genre. Deadly Harvest is crime fiction which both educates and opens eyes and immerses readers fully in the African culture. Now, get me on the first plane to Botswana and I'll even take the cookies to ensure Kubu is firing on all cylinders!
Assistant Superintendent David 'Kubu' Bengu of the Botswana CID is a man whose belief in justice remains as strong as the day he joined the force, thus he is none too happy when his boss assigns him to investigate the recent death threats targeted at a prominent local political candidate. Bill Marumo of the Freedom Party is spreading the message of hope, encouraging the sharing of the wealth of the nation and is attracting a legion of supporters. When he is swiftly murdered his political enemies are the obvious first suspect, but as passions rises and the public clamour for a response, Kubu begins to suspect that there was much more to the man than simply his political profile. As Kubu investigates this case he is simultaneously mentoring a new female recruit, DS Samantha Khama, who has self-funded a university education and has high hopes of giving a voice to neglected and less privileged sectors of society. That DS Khama's first concern is addressing the string of missing young girls that seem to have fallen by the wayside and are now considered as stone cold speaks volumes for her tenacity and courage. When she and Kubu discover that very scant investigation was ever given to the initial police reports, Samantha raises the suspicions that these girls may have been taken in order to harvest their body parts for the purpose of making 'muti' (traditional African medicines). That these two cases will merge and be inextricably linked to a far darker truth is something neither can foresee. Deadly Harvest is an enthralling ride where the stakes are far higher than your average crime novel...
Regardless of whether Kubu believes that witch doctors have any power or simply rely on the power of suggestion, they undoubtedly do still hold a place in the African culture and he recognises and appreciates this. Sears and Trollip have managed to distinguish between traditional African medicines, typically derived from herbs and plants and the altogether more macabre harvesting of human parts and what is traditionally termed as 'muti'. As long as the rumours and promises of the witch doctors are so firmly entrenched in the psyche of the community, Kubu understands that the practice will always remain. In making clear that using human remains are entirely off limits and the lives that are sacrificed in order to make 'muti' are an investigative priority, Kubu and Khama are an inspirational team. Understanding the motives, who benefits and just what upholds the power of the witch doctors has enlightened me and proved an enriching experience. The prevalence of AIDS within Botswana is also addressed and Sears and Trollip illustrate the contrast in the understanding between different generations through Kubu's interactions with his elderly parents. From the danger inherent in Kubu's occupation and the potential for bloodshed having such stark implications, right through to Kubu's mother and her inability to understand that AIDS cannot be cured by a visit to a witch doctor and that the HIV virus under control with anti-retroviral drugs is a markedly different situation.
DS Samantha Khama with her abrasive attitude and revolutionary ideas suspects that most of her colleagues who form CID are reluctant to investigate the murky practices of witch doctors but Kubu proves to be the exception. As Kubu teaches the fiery DS Khama that controlling her temper and keeping her colleagues onside will make the investigative process far easier in the long haul, readers are treated to the beginning of an endearing working relationship which I hope will feature in following books in the series. A big character, both in terms of size and personality, Kubu is an utter joy and alongside his new female sidekick who promises to shake up the old school procedures this duo offers hope to all those who reside in the country. Kubu's life away from the office is refreshingly ordinary and his love for wife Joy and daughter Tumi is admirable. That his parents still play such a part in his family life adds a wonderful dimension and giving their perspective on the long held reliance on witch doctors illustrates the changing mindset of the country. With his voracious appetite and keen eye on seeing justice done, Kubu with the new addition DS Khama have realms of potential and this team is ripe for exploration.
Deadly Harvest is exactly the type of crime fiction that I adore, combining an understanding of the cultures and beliefs of a country, all topped off with a little political intrigue to convey the sentiment of the area. Intelligent and enriching, this series promises to be an original and engaging one and I am very keen to read more! The writing team of Michael Stanley deserve to be applauded for their impartial discussion of the topic of witch doctors, all with a decidedly dark tone and a central character of genuine originality. Detective David 'Kubu' Bengu and his colleagues promise to breathe new life into the traditional police genre. Deadly Harvest is crime fiction which both educates and opens eyes and immerses readers fully in the African culture. Now, get me on the first plane to Botswana and I'll even take the cookies to ensure Kubu is firing on all cylinders!
August 3, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and this is my honest opinion of the book.
A young girl goes missing on her way home from shopping. The police do little to find her and she vanishes without a trace. Months later another girl disappears, her father taking it upon himself to find out what happened to her. New detective Samatha Khama is dealing with the cases and believes the girls were taken to be used in muti, African traditional medicine. Calling on the help of Assistant Superintendent David ‘Kubu’ Bengu, Samantha is soon on the trail of a serial killer shrouded in magic and mystery.
The storyline dealing with muti was fascinating. Whilst I had heard of the traditional medicines of witch doctors I had little knowledge of this area. The basis of the witch doctors, both those who dealt with traditional herbal medicines and those who dabbled in the darker aspects of the trade was a major theme of the story. It was extremely interesting to find out more about this little known aspect of African culture.
The mystery itself was engaging, made more emotional as the view points of the victims were shown at various times throughout the novel. Whilst I’d guessed the culprit before the reveal there were plenty of red herrings and potential conspiracies, especially as the belief in muti is widespread and encompasses a variety of people, including those in power and in positions of responsibility.
There is an eclectic cast of characters, some of them easy to envisage, such as Big Mama who runs the local pub and Joy, Kubu’s wife. I particularly liked Kubu. He was both jovial and serious, a man used to thinking carefully and using intellect to help solve cases. I wasn’t as sure about Samantha who seemed to have a sense of perpetual anger, understood to a point in that she is one of the few female detectives. However, she did seem to take her stance to an extreme, being overly confrontational in some respects when perhaps you would have expected some deference in consideration of her rank compared to Kubu. This is the first novel I have read featuring Kubu and his world and I hope that the characters are expanded upon more in future books.
I loved the setting of the novel. Botswana is a place I am not familiar with and I found myself searching for pictures of the places mentioned so I could see if my imagination was close to reality. The location was very much a character in itself and I believe shaped the nature and style of the story. I could easily imagine the people and locations, the mix of the relaxed nature of the inhabitants who were at the same time obviously hard working. The culture of how women as perceived and the tradition of big families was often mentioned as was the tragic situation with HIV and the treatment of lack thereof.
All in all a good mystery. I’m looking forward to reading more about the adventures of Kubu in future novels.
A young girl goes missing on her way home from shopping. The police do little to find her and she vanishes without a trace. Months later another girl disappears, her father taking it upon himself to find out what happened to her. New detective Samatha Khama is dealing with the cases and believes the girls were taken to be used in muti, African traditional medicine. Calling on the help of Assistant Superintendent David ‘Kubu’ Bengu, Samantha is soon on the trail of a serial killer shrouded in magic and mystery.
The storyline dealing with muti was fascinating. Whilst I had heard of the traditional medicines of witch doctors I had little knowledge of this area. The basis of the witch doctors, both those who dealt with traditional herbal medicines and those who dabbled in the darker aspects of the trade was a major theme of the story. It was extremely interesting to find out more about this little known aspect of African culture.
The mystery itself was engaging, made more emotional as the view points of the victims were shown at various times throughout the novel. Whilst I’d guessed the culprit before the reveal there were plenty of red herrings and potential conspiracies, especially as the belief in muti is widespread and encompasses a variety of people, including those in power and in positions of responsibility.
There is an eclectic cast of characters, some of them easy to envisage, such as Big Mama who runs the local pub and Joy, Kubu’s wife. I particularly liked Kubu. He was both jovial and serious, a man used to thinking carefully and using intellect to help solve cases. I wasn’t as sure about Samantha who seemed to have a sense of perpetual anger, understood to a point in that she is one of the few female detectives. However, she did seem to take her stance to an extreme, being overly confrontational in some respects when perhaps you would have expected some deference in consideration of her rank compared to Kubu. This is the first novel I have read featuring Kubu and his world and I hope that the characters are expanded upon more in future books.
I loved the setting of the novel. Botswana is a place I am not familiar with and I found myself searching for pictures of the places mentioned so I could see if my imagination was close to reality. The location was very much a character in itself and I believe shaped the nature and style of the story. I could easily imagine the people and locations, the mix of the relaxed nature of the inhabitants who were at the same time obviously hard working. The culture of how women as perceived and the tradition of big families was often mentioned as was the tragic situation with HIV and the treatment of lack thereof.
All in all a good mystery. I’m looking forward to reading more about the adventures of Kubu in future novels.
May 29, 2016
Deadly Harvest is a novel written by two authors, Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip. It’s a crime series following Detective Kuba.
Set in Botswana the authors very much brings to life what life is like there and how diseases like Aids and HIV are still sadly very rife there.
This didn’t feel like your typical fast paced crime book. I think this is to do with the way of life there is quite laid back and even quite a lot of the police force are not interested in the crimes that are going on and are quite happy to brush them under the carpet, so to speak.
Samantha, the new recruit, is not the type of person to not give her full attention to the crimes that are going on around her and she is determined to get some answers to why young girls are going missing in the area. I think Kuba to start with finds her a bit of a pain but then he soon realises what an asset she is.
I loved the story line of witch doctors and virgin girls being offered as ‘muti’ in exchange for things like wealth. Sadly though this is something that is actually very true to life and it certainly makes for some sombre thoughts.
I really liked Kuba and his wife Joy. It’s obvious that where as Kuba might be in charge in his working life, he is far from it in his home life. They both brought a bit of light relief to the story which I enjoyed.
Deadly Harvest probably isn’t my normal type of crime novel I would go for. I did slightly struggle with the names of characters and getting used to certain references but it didn’t take me long to get used to it and to be fair there is a section at the beginning of the book with a list of whose who that you can go back to if you so wish. Other than that though I have to say this was a really enjoyable read and I would certainly read more by this crime writing duo.
Many thanks to Karen at Orenda for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Botswana the authors very much brings to life what life is like there and how diseases like Aids and HIV are still sadly very rife there.
This didn’t feel like your typical fast paced crime book. I think this is to do with the way of life there is quite laid back and even quite a lot of the police force are not interested in the crimes that are going on and are quite happy to brush them under the carpet, so to speak.
Samantha, the new recruit, is not the type of person to not give her full attention to the crimes that are going on around her and she is determined to get some answers to why young girls are going missing in the area. I think Kuba to start with finds her a bit of a pain but then he soon realises what an asset she is.
I loved the story line of witch doctors and virgin girls being offered as ‘muti’ in exchange for things like wealth. Sadly though this is something that is actually very true to life and it certainly makes for some sombre thoughts.
I really liked Kuba and his wife Joy. It’s obvious that where as Kuba might be in charge in his working life, he is far from it in his home life. They both brought a bit of light relief to the story which I enjoyed.
Deadly Harvest probably isn’t my normal type of crime novel I would go for. I did slightly struggle with the names of characters and getting used to certain references but it didn’t take me long to get used to it and to be fair there is a section at the beginning of the book with a list of whose who that you can go back to if you so wish. Other than that though I have to say this was a really enjoyable read and I would certainly read more by this crime writing duo.
Many thanks to Karen at Orenda for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2016
Dark yet colourful, this is crime fiction with a brilliant flavouring of Botswanan culture and life, sprinkled with a healthy dose of grit.
Superintendent Kubu’s help is enlisted by Samantha Khama, a new police recruit intent on solving crimes against women and children, in a case of missing girls. Throw in a revenge-seeking father, political intrigue and an ‘invisible witch doctor’, and the pieces are in place for a thrilling crime novel…
The characterisation was strong, the pace tense and suspenseful (in a good way), and the writing perfectly poised. But, above all, what made this read so unique was the beautifully depicted setting delicately woven into a great crime novel that looks at the impact of crime on those left behind as well as those investigating. Highly recommended.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Superintendent Kubu’s help is enlisted by Samantha Khama, a new police recruit intent on solving crimes against women and children, in a case of missing girls. Throw in a revenge-seeking father, political intrigue and an ‘invisible witch doctor’, and the pieces are in place for a thrilling crime novel…
The characterisation was strong, the pace tense and suspenseful (in a good way), and the writing perfectly poised. But, above all, what made this read so unique was the beautifully depicted setting delicately woven into a great crime novel that looks at the impact of crime on those left behind as well as those investigating. Highly recommended.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
April 14, 2022
I really enjoy the Detective Kubu series and this one may have been my favorite so far!
What I liked:
- There's a great plot that keeps the pace of the book moving swiftly.
- There were a lot of things that I learned in regards to African culture. I always love a book that introduces me to new concepts, traditions, words, etc that I'm unfamiliar with. This book was loaded with information that was new to me. In particular, I have never heard of muti, the traditional African medicine that usually comes from plants and things in nature. In this story however, Kubu suspects that a witch doctor may be using human body parts to concoct his muti.
-I enjoy that the story's setting is Botswana. It's unique.
- Finally, I love Kubu. He's not the traditional detective that is found in most police procedural type books. Kubu is a family centered man who is kind and generous. He has a good relationship with his wife and takes time to have dinner with his aging parents. He's not quick to jump to conclusions and he's willing to admit when he's made a mistake.
What I wish:
- The only thing I could have asked for was a little more character building (mainly in regards to the newly introduced character of Samantha). It's clear from the start that Samantha is not going to follow the herd but she's also quick to judge and rash to act. Kubu knows he needs to groom her to make her better at her job and I would have liked for that to play out a little more.
All in all though, a great entry in the Detective Kubu series. I look forwarding to reading more from these great authors!
What I liked:
- There's a great plot that keeps the pace of the book moving swiftly.
- There were a lot of things that I learned in regards to African culture. I always love a book that introduces me to new concepts, traditions, words, etc that I'm unfamiliar with. This book was loaded with information that was new to me. In particular, I have never heard of muti, the traditional African medicine that usually comes from plants and things in nature. In this story however, Kubu suspects that a witch doctor may be using human body parts to concoct his muti.
-I enjoy that the story's setting is Botswana. It's unique.
- Finally, I love Kubu. He's not the traditional detective that is found in most police procedural type books. Kubu is a family centered man who is kind and generous. He has a good relationship with his wife and takes time to have dinner with his aging parents. He's not quick to jump to conclusions and he's willing to admit when he's made a mistake.
What I wish:
- The only thing I could have asked for was a little more character building (mainly in regards to the newly introduced character of Samantha). It's clear from the start that Samantha is not going to follow the herd but she's also quick to judge and rash to act. Kubu knows he needs to groom her to make her better at her job and I would have liked for that to play out a little more.
All in all though, a great entry in the Detective Kubu series. I look forwarding to reading more from these great authors!
March 18, 2024
3.5. Another in the Kubu series. Enjoy these Botswana locale stories. This one a bit slow but witchcraft was interesting theme
July 11, 2013
Since their first book in the Kubu series, South African writing team "Michael Stanley" (Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip) have effectively integrated social, political and cultural concerns among people in Botswana into captivating fast-paced, personally engaging detective stories, centred on the music-loving family man and hard working friendly detective. In Deadly Harvest, the fourth book in the Michael Stanley Detective Kubu series, weighty issues dampen the detective's usually cheerful and upbeat spirit. Despite his deep love for opera, he even loses his desire for singing arias while driving or spending time enjoying his food.
Assistant Superintendent David 'Kubu' Bengu is in a preoccupied and worried mood. As if it were not enough to have to deal with the politics of important appointments in the Botswana Police force that will likely impact him and his boss, Director Mabaku, the recruitment of the first female detective on the force, Samantha Khama, creates a stir. She has been assigned, at her request it turns out, to dig into several cold cases of young girls who had disappeared without a trace on their way from school. A new case of such disappearance brings Samantha's work into the spotlight. Is there a connection between the cases, somehow?
The circumstances of Tombi's disappearance resemble the earlier one of Lesego in another town and Samantha is on the case as best as she can, considering the lack of evidence. Kubu's role in mentoring Samantha opens up a new level of cooperation and understanding. With her work and his new case of a gruesome physical "message" at the door of a popular politician, concern grows that the work of one or more witchdoctors may be involved in some way. The question is why and for whose apparent benefit? The still widely held belief in their traditional powers, physical and mental, over their "clients" can even affect the most modern and rational of individuals...
How these threads are or are not connected and what and who else is drawn into the real or imagined densely woven spider net of "witchdoctors", keep us readers, above all else, captivated. Suffice to add that traditional healers and witchdoctors make use of a wide assortment of 'muti', strong traditional medicine, that can be used to help, but can also be used to harm: the most dangerous version "sometimes contains body parts". The story threads are intricately interwoven in this novel; twists and surprise turns in the narrative keep the answers to the questions we might have until the end. In addition to the central characters around Kubu,familiar from earlier novels, the new characters come to life and reflect well their complex nature and behaviour. And, without overloading the central themes of the novel, the authors touch on other relevant topics, such as HIV and Alzheimer's, and, of course, power and politics, that complement the portrait of the community.
In Deadly Harvest, important aspects of traditional beliefs are being explored and with them the continuing strong influence of traditional healers and witchdoctors in present day life. Their 'muti' is usually taken from plants and sometimes animals; however, unfortunately, it is sometimes also taken from those whose powerful spirits and body parts are perceived to be especially strong, such as girls or, another case developed in the novel, albinos. As the authors explain in the Acknowledgements, much of the Botswana background and the story aspects, including the references to 'muti', are based on facts.
Assistant Superintendent David 'Kubu' Bengu is in a preoccupied and worried mood. As if it were not enough to have to deal with the politics of important appointments in the Botswana Police force that will likely impact him and his boss, Director Mabaku, the recruitment of the first female detective on the force, Samantha Khama, creates a stir. She has been assigned, at her request it turns out, to dig into several cold cases of young girls who had disappeared without a trace on their way from school. A new case of such disappearance brings Samantha's work into the spotlight. Is there a connection between the cases, somehow?
The circumstances of Tombi's disappearance resemble the earlier one of Lesego in another town and Samantha is on the case as best as she can, considering the lack of evidence. Kubu's role in mentoring Samantha opens up a new level of cooperation and understanding. With her work and his new case of a gruesome physical "message" at the door of a popular politician, concern grows that the work of one or more witchdoctors may be involved in some way. The question is why and for whose apparent benefit? The still widely held belief in their traditional powers, physical and mental, over their "clients" can even affect the most modern and rational of individuals...
How these threads are or are not connected and what and who else is drawn into the real or imagined densely woven spider net of "witchdoctors", keep us readers, above all else, captivated. Suffice to add that traditional healers and witchdoctors make use of a wide assortment of 'muti', strong traditional medicine, that can be used to help, but can also be used to harm: the most dangerous version "sometimes contains body parts". The story threads are intricately interwoven in this novel; twists and surprise turns in the narrative keep the answers to the questions we might have until the end. In addition to the central characters around Kubu,familiar from earlier novels, the new characters come to life and reflect well their complex nature and behaviour. And, without overloading the central themes of the novel, the authors touch on other relevant topics, such as HIV and Alzheimer's, and, of course, power and politics, that complement the portrait of the community.
In Deadly Harvest, important aspects of traditional beliefs are being explored and with them the continuing strong influence of traditional healers and witchdoctors in present day life. Their 'muti' is usually taken from plants and sometimes animals; however, unfortunately, it is sometimes also taken from those whose powerful spirits and body parts are perceived to be especially strong, such as girls or, another case developed in the novel, albinos. As the authors explain in the Acknowledgements, much of the Botswana background and the story aspects, including the references to 'muti', are based on facts.
June 6, 2016
Deadly Harvest, by Michael Stanley, is a crime thriller set in Botswana, a country that is modernising yet struggling to shake off the superstitions and prejudices of its traditional past. The story takes the reader to the heart of this struggle. Young girls are going missing, vanishing in broad daylight close to their homes. They leave no trace. The concern is that they are being taken for their body parts, believed by many to enhance the strength of potions known as muti which are created by witch doctors. Little can be proved as no bodies have been found.
This is the fourth adventure in the Detective Kubu series, and the first to be released in the UK by Orenda Books. Kubu is joined here by a new recruit, Detective Samantha Khama. Khama is a feisty if somewhat impetuous addition to the force. She is determined to prove her worth and be treated as equal to her male colleagues, many of whom still believe that a woman’s place is in the home.
Against the advice of her superiors, Khama has requested that she be allowed to reopen the cases of the missing girls, closed because no new leads could be found. Kubu meanwhile is sent to interview an upcoming politician, Bill Marumo, who has discovered a severed dogs head left outside his home and claims he is being threatened by his political opponents. Kubu suspects this may be a publicity stunt but the man’s public profile requires that the police be seen to act.
The investigations collide when there is a murder. Soon after another person is reported missing. As Kubu and Khama try to piece together what few clues they have new information comes to light. Their source demands anonymity, to protect his reputation and for fear of a witch doctor’s revenge. Kubu must decide if he is willing to risk his own career and that of a colleague to seek justice.
As with any system of belief, the witch doctors trade on hope and fear. They have their costumes and their rituals to ensure they appear apart from mere men. Their followers are willing to pay a high cost when promised personal gain.
The dramatic denouement demonstrates how difficult it can be to overcome ingrained beliefs. Even the most rational can waver when what is before their eyes is difficult to process and explain.
The writing is a wonderful mix of colourful imagery and brooding undercurrents. Kubu provides humour but also a depth of character with the obvious pleasure he takes in his family, his concerns for his aging parents, his immense love of food, and the intuition he brings to the case. I felt a little discomfort at two white men creating what seemed to be stereotypical, uneducated black africans, but the authors have lived in their setting. I did not question their ability to create females so perhaps am being overly sensitive on this score.
It is always good to explore a new country through fiction and I enjoyed my introduction to Botswana. This is a darkly entertaining and compelling work of crime fiction. A fine addition to the Orenda stable of books.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Orenda Books.
This is the fourth adventure in the Detective Kubu series, and the first to be released in the UK by Orenda Books. Kubu is joined here by a new recruit, Detective Samantha Khama. Khama is a feisty if somewhat impetuous addition to the force. She is determined to prove her worth and be treated as equal to her male colleagues, many of whom still believe that a woman’s place is in the home.
Against the advice of her superiors, Khama has requested that she be allowed to reopen the cases of the missing girls, closed because no new leads could be found. Kubu meanwhile is sent to interview an upcoming politician, Bill Marumo, who has discovered a severed dogs head left outside his home and claims he is being threatened by his political opponents. Kubu suspects this may be a publicity stunt but the man’s public profile requires that the police be seen to act.
The investigations collide when there is a murder. Soon after another person is reported missing. As Kubu and Khama try to piece together what few clues they have new information comes to light. Their source demands anonymity, to protect his reputation and for fear of a witch doctor’s revenge. Kubu must decide if he is willing to risk his own career and that of a colleague to seek justice.
As with any system of belief, the witch doctors trade on hope and fear. They have their costumes and their rituals to ensure they appear apart from mere men. Their followers are willing to pay a high cost when promised personal gain.
The dramatic denouement demonstrates how difficult it can be to overcome ingrained beliefs. Even the most rational can waver when what is before their eyes is difficult to process and explain.
The writing is a wonderful mix of colourful imagery and brooding undercurrents. Kubu provides humour but also a depth of character with the obvious pleasure he takes in his family, his concerns for his aging parents, his immense love of food, and the intuition he brings to the case. I felt a little discomfort at two white men creating what seemed to be stereotypical, uneducated black africans, but the authors have lived in their setting. I did not question their ability to create females so perhaps am being overly sensitive on this score.
It is always good to explore a new country through fiction and I enjoyed my introduction to Botswana. This is a darkly entertaining and compelling work of crime fiction. A fine addition to the Orenda stable of books.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Orenda Books.
June 16, 2013
Back on Thursday, September 22, 2011, I was lamenting the fact that I found myself falling into a pattern. Back then I was agreeing to review books that sounded so good, I wouldn't do my diligent research into the book. Over and over again, I found myself agreeing to review a book that was actually in the middle of a series that I've never heard of before. On that day, I was reviewing Death of the Mantis, the book that precedes this one. Back then I was picking book after book, series after series, and none of them from the beginning. I said Death of the Mantis was worth the frustration,and it must have been since I was more than willing to read Deadly Harvest.
What I loved about the previous book, I still love with Deadly Harvest. Kubu is one of those detectives that I could sit down with over a huge platter of pasta, some good wine, and enjoy every moment of the conversation. He has a brain that is worthy of putting him amongst the best in the business, and one day I hope he will be considered one of them. The secondary characters, from Kubu's family to Samantha and the rest of the police force, are strong well written individuals that add so much to the overall story. Even the bad guys, and this time around, they are truly evil, are three dimensional nasty bits of work.
The mystery itself is one of those that pulls you in and never allows you to catch your breath or fully grasp the horrifying truth of what's been going on. The idea of men, women, and children being slaughtered for their body parts, to benefit someone else, is revolting. The fact that you can die because of your name, a name that someone else wants to harness for it supposed power, should scare the living daylights out of everyone who reads the events that take place in between the covers of Deadly Harvest. The name of the book itself lends itself to the horror of the depravity needed to justify such actions.
I don't know if I will ever have the time to go back and read the books that took place before Death of the Mantis, but I'm pretty sure I'll continue along with the series as it goes forward.
What I loved about the previous book, I still love with Deadly Harvest. Kubu is one of those detectives that I could sit down with over a huge platter of pasta, some good wine, and enjoy every moment of the conversation. He has a brain that is worthy of putting him amongst the best in the business, and one day I hope he will be considered one of them. The secondary characters, from Kubu's family to Samantha and the rest of the police force, are strong well written individuals that add so much to the overall story. Even the bad guys, and this time around, they are truly evil, are three dimensional nasty bits of work.
The mystery itself is one of those that pulls you in and never allows you to catch your breath or fully grasp the horrifying truth of what's been going on. The idea of men, women, and children being slaughtered for their body parts, to benefit someone else, is revolting. The fact that you can die because of your name, a name that someone else wants to harness for it supposed power, should scare the living daylights out of everyone who reads the events that take place in between the covers of Deadly Harvest. The name of the book itself lends itself to the horror of the depravity needed to justify such actions.
I don't know if I will ever have the time to go back and read the books that took place before Death of the Mantis, but I'm pretty sure I'll continue along with the series as it goes forward.
June 6, 2016
Deadly Harvest is the fourth in the series that features 'Kubu'. I've not read the earlier books but after reading this fabulous one I plan on doing so very soon.
There was so much about it that I enjoyed. The very first thing was the little sketch on the back of book of the hippo, the mammal which gives Kubu his nickname. And then there is his love of cookies, like him I don't need much of an excuse to have an extra one! And I loved that each part of the novel takes its name from a quote from Macbeth which given the main subject matter was very fitting.
Witch Doctors and the muti is the main theme and how it is regarded by the people who feature in the novel. Even the ones who insist that they don't believe still understandably fear it. Certain parts of it had me feel more than a little spooked, especially when there are unexplained noises around certain people.
It's not all about superstition. Politics and the impact of AIDS are also a big part of the storyline. I never knew that deaths caused by AIDS was so high in Botswana and the novel demonstrates very well how so many families are affected.
I had a great sense of Botswana, I could hear the characters talk as I was reading, and experienced the atmosphere in the bars and at demonstrations.
It didn't matter that I hadn't read the previous books, I never noticed any spoilers or even mentions of previous cases or Kubu's personal life. I'm looking forward to reading more about him and Botswana soon.
With thanks to Karen Sullivan for the copy received.
May 24, 2013
Dikeledi’s sister Lesego has not come home from school. It has been hours. Dikeledi fears something has happened to her sister. She tries to get the police to search for her but they think that Lesego is a runaway. No one takes an interest until another girl goes missing and her father gets involved.
Detective Kudu and his new partner, Samantha Khama investigate the disappearances of the two girls. What they find is a witch doctor that is making muti out of human remains.
Deadly Harvest is my first introduction to a detective Kubu mystery and the writing duo of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip as Michael Stanley. I have to say that after reading this book I am very impressed by this duo. This book was way better then I thought it would be. Mr. Sears and Mr. Trollip have developed a good formula for their writing. I could not tell where one left off and the other one began.
I like detective Kubu. However another person I was drawn to was his new partner, Samantha. Samantha helped to bring the human aspect to this story. Whereas Kubu was the more level headed one and could bring good insight with his experience as well.
The storyline featured in this book was scary. I can picture this exact situation still happening in some parts of the world. Thus this is another reason why I was so intrigued in reading this book. Don’t let your chance slip away without reading Deadly Harvest!
Detective Kudu and his new partner, Samantha Khama investigate the disappearances of the two girls. What they find is a witch doctor that is making muti out of human remains.
Deadly Harvest is my first introduction to a detective Kubu mystery and the writing duo of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip as Michael Stanley. I have to say that after reading this book I am very impressed by this duo. This book was way better then I thought it would be. Mr. Sears and Mr. Trollip have developed a good formula for their writing. I could not tell where one left off and the other one began.
I like detective Kubu. However another person I was drawn to was his new partner, Samantha. Samantha helped to bring the human aspect to this story. Whereas Kubu was the more level headed one and could bring good insight with his experience as well.
The storyline featured in this book was scary. I can picture this exact situation still happening in some parts of the world. Thus this is another reason why I was so intrigued in reading this book. Don’t let your chance slip away without reading Deadly Harvest!
October 12, 2013
I'm afraid I did not enjoy reading this much, though based on the average readings I guess I am in a minority -- actually, a minority of one after the first 29 reviews.
My objections....(1) I found the plot distasteful, even if it is based on reality. Murders used to harvest organs for witchcraft is pretty grim stuff, and I found it hard to read about; (2) Almost 500 pages is way too long (even though there are fewer words per page than in most books). There is not enough of a story here to justify the length; (3) The prose style is tedious and full of unnecessary detail and dialogue; and (4) I find the way this is written degrades what I imagine to be the English language proficiency of people in Botswana. The "#1 Ladies Detective" series depicts characters whose English, while idiosyncratic and non-standard by UK/US standards, still has a compelling and charming eloquence. The characters here sound like they have been clumsily translated from some other language.
And yes, like a couple of other reviewers, I guessed the ending well before the perpetrator was revealed.
I guess this was just not my cup of tea.
My objections....(1) I found the plot distasteful, even if it is based on reality. Murders used to harvest organs for witchcraft is pretty grim stuff, and I found it hard to read about; (2) Almost 500 pages is way too long (even though there are fewer words per page than in most books). There is not enough of a story here to justify the length; (3) The prose style is tedious and full of unnecessary detail and dialogue; and (4) I find the way this is written degrades what I imagine to be the English language proficiency of people in Botswana. The "#1 Ladies Detective" series depicts characters whose English, while idiosyncratic and non-standard by UK/US standards, still has a compelling and charming eloquence. The characters here sound like they have been clumsily translated from some other language.
And yes, like a couple of other reviewers, I guessed the ending well before the perpetrator was revealed.
I guess this was just not my cup of tea.
April 27, 2013
Deadly Harvest (Harper Collins, 2013, 496 pages, Paperbound, $14.99) by Michael Stanley, a pen name for South African authors Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip, is the fourth in the fine series of detetective fiction focued on Detective David “Kubu” Bengu, Assistant Superintendent in the Criminal Investigation Division of the Botswana Police Department. The story is a gripping and grisly tale of murder and political corruption within the conflict between traditional and contemporary lifestyles in Botswana, an emerging African nation on the northern border of South Africa. The current novel introduces a new continuing character, Samantha Khama, a young woman detective who seeks to break through the entrenched male dominance in the police department. Samantha adds a new dimension to the Detective Kubu series as she becomes his protegè. You can read my entire review here: http://tedlehmann.blogspot.com/2013/0... you consider purchasing the book, please consider buying it through the Amazon portal on my blog.
November 13, 2013
The partnership behind "Michael Stanley" keeps getting better and better. Their creation of Detective Kubu is a real classic - he's completely adorable and a great centerpiece for the novels which can be decidedly on the dark side. Set in Botswana, they are steeped in African culture and landscape - this one finds Kubu on the trail of a witch doctor and unraveling a horrible trail of deaths and the reason behind them. A page turner as well as an original and (it must be said) heartbreaking story, well worth a read. Make the acquaintance of Kubu if you haven't already.
September 25, 2016
This is fantastic. The best book I've read in a long time. I was furious with myself for falling asleep when I was desperate to continue reading. I loved the story, the writing, the characters, everything about it. Michael Stanley has created a wonderful character in Assistant Superintendent David 'Kubu' Bengu and I am so thrilled to know that there are more books in the series. 5 stars doesn't begin to do it justice. If you only read one book this year, make sure it's this one
October 11, 2013
This was the best of the "Kubu" books. Kubu and a new female detective Samantha Khama have to solve the disappearance of two young girls who they fear were killed for muti. Muti is a witch doctor's potion that is made of plants and animals and can be made more potent with human remains.
The characters are strong with a well-organized plot.
The characters are strong with a well-organized plot.
January 10, 2017
Pretty good story. And a grown man only pouted once. (None in the last book)
I liked the way the authors dealt with the ambivalence that so many (most) people have about witchcraft, spells and muti - things of that nature. We believe we're modern and educated and so on, but at times there can still be a niggling question "What if . . .?"
I liked the way the authors dealt with the ambivalence that so many (most) people have about witchcraft, spells and muti - things of that nature. We believe we're modern and educated and so on, but at times there can still be a niggling question "What if . . .?"
March 17, 2014
A Carrion Death; The Second Death of Goodluck Tinubu, and Death of the Mantis have all been excellent books. Deadly Harvest is a very good book and I'm waiting for the next one in the series.
August 9, 2020
I came very late to the Detective Kubu series, actually reading book six first which, at the time, was the latest book published by Orenda. I was immediately taken by the book though and loved the characters I met within the pages. Kubu is brilliant and Samantha Khama every bit his intellectual equal, even if she is lacking in the authority and experience of her senior officer. Combine that with the evocative setting of Botswana and very traditional feel of the investigations, and you are left with a unique but highly enjoyable story and so I was really looking forward to seeing a bit of what I had missed. I was not disappointed.
In Deadly Harvest we meet Samantha at very much the start of her career as a Detective within the Criminal Investigation Unit. Ultra keen but facing the usual prejudice that comes with being the only female Detective in the unit it feels as though everything she is faded with is a battle - not only to find the truth but to find acceptance and acknowledgement from her male peers. Because of this she comes across as a little hard, even standoffish, and when you compare to the more relaxed but no less passionate Kubu, I began to wonder if she could ever find her rhythm or her place. But as it is, it is Samantha who pushes to be allowed to investigate a seemingly impossible case, that of a missing girl from local township, someone the police believe to have just run away. Samantha is not convinced, and over the course of the novel we learn why, and why she is right to feel there is something more than just a case of a young girl who has run away from home.
As readers we are in a unique position - we are with the girl, Lesego, as she is walking home from school. She is bright, happy, perhaps a little distracted, but certainly shows no signs that she would run away, and in the scenes that follow her naivete is clear to all, her fate a little less so. It hardly comes as a surprise that those moments in which we watch her accept a lift from a 'friend' are the last time anyone sees her. I could feel the sense of foreboding build, that innate response that makes you want to tell the girl not to go with the other person, whoever they may be. And yet you have to accept the inevitable, as unpalatable as it may be. It is, sadly, a reflection of life, the story built as it is upon a real life case, one which forms the emotional heart of the story and the reason behind Samantha's insistence the case is investigated.
This is a very complex story that takes us beyond the usual child abduction plotline to something quite a bit darker. When it comes to the fate of the children, whilst their final moments are left off the page, we are left in no doubt as to what has happened to them. The story draws heavily on the idea of traditional medicine, of Witch Doctors and muti, often used for it's healing properties but given the right belief and the right 'ingredients', often believed to be capable of instilling good fortune and great power upon the person who takes it. And in a country being ravaged by AIDS and HIV you can understand why people may turn to alternative methods of medicine. If only the motives in this case were quite so pure. What we find is less about health and more about greed and it led me to despise the people abusing their power, and their wealth, at the expense of the poorer and, in their eyes, more expendable communities around them.
As a lead character, Kubu is a fantastic character. We get to know not only him but his family, and his dedication to them and the job is heartwarming. As a mentor to Samantha he guides her well, and rather than trying to hold her back, tries to take on board all that she brings to him even where, on occasion, he feels her theories fanciful. They do contrast as characters but also compliment each other and they are a brilliant combo to spend time with. There is one other character whose perspective we hear a lot of throughout this book, Witness, the father of one of the missing girls. I felt so much sympathy for him, felt his pain emanate from the page, and even where I didn't approve of his ultimate actions, I could understand what drove him to them. Grief is an overwhelming emotion and at times his loss was so intense, it made my reactions to the story far more visceral.
The authors capture the essence of the country and the traditions beautifully, the language used carefully to not only to not only drive the story and maintain the tension and sense of unease, but also to create an absolute sense of place. From the city environs to the small townships, that sense of community and tradition that flows through the books gives it a real feeling of authenticity. This is not a pacy novel, it shouldn't be, but you never feel as though the tension lets up and there are some moments of high action and real jeopardy that get the pulses racing. There is also an kind of inevitability about some of what happens, and an overwhelming feeling of loss at times, but this is tempered with the fun and gentle scenes in which Kubu spends time with his family, wife Joy and daughter, Tumi and a small temporary addition to the family, Nono, whose only living relative has been recently lost to AIDS. Seeing the four of them together, even with Kubu's extended family, really brings a smile to my face and gives a sense of the man behind the Detective.
Tense, emotional, original and perfectly paced, I loved this and can't wait to read more in the series. Definitely recommended.
In Deadly Harvest we meet Samantha at very much the start of her career as a Detective within the Criminal Investigation Unit. Ultra keen but facing the usual prejudice that comes with being the only female Detective in the unit it feels as though everything she is faded with is a battle - not only to find the truth but to find acceptance and acknowledgement from her male peers. Because of this she comes across as a little hard, even standoffish, and when you compare to the more relaxed but no less passionate Kubu, I began to wonder if she could ever find her rhythm or her place. But as it is, it is Samantha who pushes to be allowed to investigate a seemingly impossible case, that of a missing girl from local township, someone the police believe to have just run away. Samantha is not convinced, and over the course of the novel we learn why, and why she is right to feel there is something more than just a case of a young girl who has run away from home.
As readers we are in a unique position - we are with the girl, Lesego, as she is walking home from school. She is bright, happy, perhaps a little distracted, but certainly shows no signs that she would run away, and in the scenes that follow her naivete is clear to all, her fate a little less so. It hardly comes as a surprise that those moments in which we watch her accept a lift from a 'friend' are the last time anyone sees her. I could feel the sense of foreboding build, that innate response that makes you want to tell the girl not to go with the other person, whoever they may be. And yet you have to accept the inevitable, as unpalatable as it may be. It is, sadly, a reflection of life, the story built as it is upon a real life case, one which forms the emotional heart of the story and the reason behind Samantha's insistence the case is investigated.
This is a very complex story that takes us beyond the usual child abduction plotline to something quite a bit darker. When it comes to the fate of the children, whilst their final moments are left off the page, we are left in no doubt as to what has happened to them. The story draws heavily on the idea of traditional medicine, of Witch Doctors and muti, often used for it's healing properties but given the right belief and the right 'ingredients', often believed to be capable of instilling good fortune and great power upon the person who takes it. And in a country being ravaged by AIDS and HIV you can understand why people may turn to alternative methods of medicine. If only the motives in this case were quite so pure. What we find is less about health and more about greed and it led me to despise the people abusing their power, and their wealth, at the expense of the poorer and, in their eyes, more expendable communities around them.
As a lead character, Kubu is a fantastic character. We get to know not only him but his family, and his dedication to them and the job is heartwarming. As a mentor to Samantha he guides her well, and rather than trying to hold her back, tries to take on board all that she brings to him even where, on occasion, he feels her theories fanciful. They do contrast as characters but also compliment each other and they are a brilliant combo to spend time with. There is one other character whose perspective we hear a lot of throughout this book, Witness, the father of one of the missing girls. I felt so much sympathy for him, felt his pain emanate from the page, and even where I didn't approve of his ultimate actions, I could understand what drove him to them. Grief is an overwhelming emotion and at times his loss was so intense, it made my reactions to the story far more visceral.
The authors capture the essence of the country and the traditions beautifully, the language used carefully to not only to not only drive the story and maintain the tension and sense of unease, but also to create an absolute sense of place. From the city environs to the small townships, that sense of community and tradition that flows through the books gives it a real feeling of authenticity. This is not a pacy novel, it shouldn't be, but you never feel as though the tension lets up and there are some moments of high action and real jeopardy that get the pulses racing. There is also an kind of inevitability about some of what happens, and an overwhelming feeling of loss at times, but this is tempered with the fun and gentle scenes in which Kubu spends time with his family, wife Joy and daughter, Tumi and a small temporary addition to the family, Nono, whose only living relative has been recently lost to AIDS. Seeing the four of them together, even with Kubu's extended family, really brings a smile to my face and gives a sense of the man behind the Detective.
Tense, emotional, original and perfectly paced, I loved this and can't wait to read more in the series. Definitely recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews