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Shooting Butterflies
A vivid and suspenseful portrayal of the contradictions of Africa and her people, traditions and superstitions – from the acclaimed author of My Brother-But-One.
‘TIRI TOSE – there is no escape.’ Ex-soldier Kirkman Potgieter – known as Buffel – lives by the motto of his Rhodesian PSYOPS military unit. It may be all that keeps his PTSD at bay. But it can’t stop the dreams. So when fellow unit member Shilo Jamison Khumalo betrays him by saving twelve-year-old Tara Wright from becoming his newest ‘butterfly’, Buffel becomes obsessed with hunting them both down. He must hide the truth behind the ‘sangoma' ritual killings that have been responsible for so many deaths.
Tara’s family leave for a new life in South Africa after she witnesses the murder of her father and uncle. Three years later, Tara finds she isn’t prepared for the price she has to pay for loving Wayne Botha, and it is only when she finds unexpected support within her family that she can escape the narrow-minded rural community.
But when Tara receives a potentially devastating diagnosis, she finally sends a letter to Wayne in the hope that he will acknowledge their son, Josha. But will Wayne and Jamison's combined special services skills be sufficient to protect her and Josha from Buffel?
“You can smell the dust of Africa, feel her pain, and marvel at her incredible beauty in this sprawling tale.” Tony Park on My Brother-But-One.
‘TIRI TOSE – there is no escape.’ Ex-soldier Kirkman Potgieter – known as Buffel – lives by the motto of his Rhodesian PSYOPS military unit. It may be all that keeps his PTSD at bay. But it can’t stop the dreams. So when fellow unit member Shilo Jamison Khumalo betrays him by saving twelve-year-old Tara Wright from becoming his newest ‘butterfly’, Buffel becomes obsessed with hunting them both down. He must hide the truth behind the ‘sangoma' ritual killings that have been responsible for so many deaths.
Tara’s family leave for a new life in South Africa after she witnesses the murder of her father and uncle. Three years later, Tara finds she isn’t prepared for the price she has to pay for loving Wayne Botha, and it is only when she finds unexpected support within her family that she can escape the narrow-minded rural community.
But when Tara receives a potentially devastating diagnosis, she finally sends a letter to Wayne in the hope that he will acknowledge their son, Josha. But will Wayne and Jamison's combined special services skills be sufficient to protect her and Josha from Buffel?
“You can smell the dust of Africa, feel her pain, and marvel at her incredible beauty in this sprawling tale.” Tony Park on My Brother-But-One.
388 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
62 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Clark
15 books85 followersT.M. Clark
Zimbabwean-born T.M. Clark combines her passion for storytelling, different cultures and wildlife with her love for the wild in her multicultural books. Writing for adults and children, she has been nominated for a Queensland Literary Award and is a Children’s Book Council Notable. When not killing her fans and hiding their bodies (all in the name of literature), Tina Marie coordinates the CYA Conference (www.cyaconference.com), providing professional development for new and established writers and illustrators, and is the co-presenter at Writers as Sea (www.WritersAtSea.com.au). She loves mentoring emerging writers, eating chocolate biscuits and collecting books for creating libraries in Papua New Guinea.
Visit T.M. Clark at tmclark.com.au
Her books include My Brother-But-One, nominated for a Queensland Literary People’s Choice Award in 2014. Shooting Butterflies, Tears of A Cheetah, Child of Africa, Nature of the Lion and Cry of the Firebird. Her children’s picture books include Slowly! Slowly!, which is a 2018 CBCA Notable Book, and Quickly! Quickly! which are companion books to Child Of Africa.
Her new novel, Song of the Starlings is out now.
Zimbabwean-born T.M. Clark combines her passion for storytelling, different cultures and wildlife with her love for the wild in her multicultural books. Writing for adults and children, she has been nominated for a Queensland Literary Award and is a Children’s Book Council Notable. When not killing her fans and hiding their bodies (all in the name of literature), Tina Marie coordinates the CYA Conference (www.cyaconference.com), providing professional development for new and established writers and illustrators, and is the co-presenter at Writers as Sea (www.WritersAtSea.com.au). She loves mentoring emerging writers, eating chocolate biscuits and collecting books for creating libraries in Papua New Guinea.
Visit T.M. Clark at tmclark.com.au
Her books include My Brother-But-One, nominated for a Queensland Literary People’s Choice Award in 2014. Shooting Butterflies, Tears of A Cheetah, Child of Africa, Nature of the Lion and Cry of the Firebird. Her children’s picture books include Slowly! Slowly!, which is a 2018 CBCA Notable Book, and Quickly! Quickly! which are companion books to Child Of Africa.
Her new novel, Song of the Starlings is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 12, 2014
It was 1981 in Zimbabwe when twelve year old Tara Wright was excitedly begging her father to let her ride with him and her uncle; they were heading back to the homestead, Whispering Winds Farm and to ride with her father on the big stallion, Apache was Tara’s dream. She adored her father – her life with her sister, Dela and her mother and father on their property was only enhanced when she saw her cousin Gabe. Though she didn’t get to see him that often as he was away at university, when he did return to his family farm, Gabe always visited Tara and her family.
Not long after they parted ways, with Gabe heading toward his home, tragedy struck. The devastating murder of her father and her uncle on that terrible day meant that along with Tara’s mother and sister she fled the sanctuary of Whispering Winds Farm for a new life in South Africa. Starting school, making new friends; it was all strange to Tara. But she had her sister and her mother, as well as Gabe now and then.
Thirty five years earlier, ten year old Kirk Potgieter lived with his father on the Mission Station in Southern Rhodesia. His best friend was Impendla; the fun they had was the same as boys everywhere – and there was always mischief to be done too. But the day it all went wrong was etched on Kirk’s mind forever – in his dreams and nightmares; he couldn’t escape.
Now an ex-soldier who had excelled in the PSYOPS military unit, Kirk was known as Buffel. He had run his unit with precision, but the nightmares continued to keep him on edge, awake when he should have been sleeping. But was Buffel something else? What was he hiding – what secret was he keeping? And why was Shilo, a fellow member of his unit and one he had kept close, so intent of escaping Buffel’s clutches. Would the butterfly bring peace?
Shooting Butterflies is an absolutely brilliant novel. The pace was intense, the tension gripping; an incredible murder mystery that had me on the edge of my seat and really stressed at times. The beauty of the country was painted vividly by the author; although I’ve never been to Africa I could see its splendour in my mind’s eye. I really enjoyed the characters that were strong and well developed; my favourite would have to be Shilo. The story came to a satisfying conclusion with a perfect blending of events. The obvious research and attention to detail by the author made the story very real, and when I read the Glossary, then the Fact V Fiction section at the end, I was impressed. I have to say Shooting Butterflies blew me away, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
Not long after they parted ways, with Gabe heading toward his home, tragedy struck. The devastating murder of her father and her uncle on that terrible day meant that along with Tara’s mother and sister she fled the sanctuary of Whispering Winds Farm for a new life in South Africa. Starting school, making new friends; it was all strange to Tara. But she had her sister and her mother, as well as Gabe now and then.
Thirty five years earlier, ten year old Kirk Potgieter lived with his father on the Mission Station in Southern Rhodesia. His best friend was Impendla; the fun they had was the same as boys everywhere – and there was always mischief to be done too. But the day it all went wrong was etched on Kirk’s mind forever – in his dreams and nightmares; he couldn’t escape.
Now an ex-soldier who had excelled in the PSYOPS military unit, Kirk was known as Buffel. He had run his unit with precision, but the nightmares continued to keep him on edge, awake when he should have been sleeping. But was Buffel something else? What was he hiding – what secret was he keeping? And why was Shilo, a fellow member of his unit and one he had kept close, so intent of escaping Buffel’s clutches. Would the butterfly bring peace?
Shooting Butterflies is an absolutely brilliant novel. The pace was intense, the tension gripping; an incredible murder mystery that had me on the edge of my seat and really stressed at times. The beauty of the country was painted vividly by the author; although I’ve never been to Africa I could see its splendour in my mind’s eye. I really enjoyed the characters that were strong and well developed; my favourite would have to be Shilo. The story came to a satisfying conclusion with a perfect blending of events. The obvious research and attention to detail by the author made the story very real, and when I read the Glossary, then the Fact V Fiction section at the end, I was impressed. I have to say Shooting Butterflies blew me away, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
September 4, 2017
This book was different, I'm not a huge fan of books containing bad magic and superstitions and I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue reading about things involving witchdoctors and rituals but I am so glad I kept reading on, this book was so much more than that and I will now be on the look out for T.M. Clark's other novels.
Although disturbing in parts this is a great murder mystery set in Zimbabwe and Cape Town, South Africa.
I was drawn in to Tara and Wayne's story from the get go - two beautiful characters that kept me hooked in the story all the way through to the end. The supporting characters were all brilliant, the scenery description and the gorgeous wildlife gave it that extra added uniqueness. And if you listen carefully, throughout the book you just might hear the sounds of the jungle animals...
Although disturbing in parts this is a great murder mystery set in Zimbabwe and Cape Town, South Africa.
I was drawn in to Tara and Wayne's story from the get go - two beautiful characters that kept me hooked in the story all the way through to the end. The supporting characters were all brilliant, the scenery description and the gorgeous wildlife gave it that extra added uniqueness. And if you listen carefully, throughout the book you just might hear the sounds of the jungle animals...
January 26, 2015
This is a totally amazing book powerful emotional about two people who have gone through so much but never stop loving each other. I felt so much while reading this one and I am kind of speechless with how to describe it I loved it from start to finish and I highly recommend this one it really is one not to be missed.
December 10, 2014
I started reading 'Shooting Butterflies' late at night and ended up completely freaking myself out over the first few chapters - which is how you know it's going to be a good read!
The novel flips between characters/stories, but not in a way that's confusing. It paints a strong background & allows you to get a decent picture of locations, personalities, and background histories. A murder mystery with a twist, I loved the African locales & found myself powering through the book very quickly, just to see what happened next.
My favourite character would have to be Shilo, because he really does come full circle - but it was interesting reading about how Tara and Buffel come together, too - and how Buffel's actions came to play.
The way that the story twists and weaves all relates back to the first few chapters, and I think it closes well. I did have to revert to the glossary a few times, as I was coming to terms with particular words and phrases, but it was a thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
For more information or for purchase, please visit: http://www.harlequinbooks.com.au/prod...
Thanks to Harlequin Australia & T.M. Clark for sending me this fantastic novel to read. All opinions are my own.
The novel flips between characters/stories, but not in a way that's confusing. It paints a strong background & allows you to get a decent picture of locations, personalities, and background histories. A murder mystery with a twist, I loved the African locales & found myself powering through the book very quickly, just to see what happened next.
My favourite character would have to be Shilo, because he really does come full circle - but it was interesting reading about how Tara and Buffel come together, too - and how Buffel's actions came to play.
The way that the story twists and weaves all relates back to the first few chapters, and I think it closes well. I did have to revert to the glossary a few times, as I was coming to terms with particular words and phrases, but it was a thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
For more information or for purchase, please visit: http://www.harlequinbooks.com.au/prod...
Thanks to Harlequin Australia & T.M. Clark for sending me this fantastic novel to read. All opinions are my own.
August 5, 2015
Africa’s dirty little secret, one that most of the Western World would probably find difficult to fathom - that of traditional African medicine or magical charms - is brought to life in this, T.M. Clark’s second novel set on a beautiful but sometimes harsh continent.
Rhodesia, 1946 - While out hunting in the bush, ten year old Kirk Potgieter and his best friend, Impendla make a gruesome discovery that causes Impendla a huge amount of fear as he knows what it all means. Kirk, however, having been brought up in a Christian home on a mission station, does not hold the traditional African beliefs that Impendla does so, when Impendla goes missing and a search party is sent out only to find his little body hanging from the same trees they stumbled upon the day before, he is filled with remorse at not being able to save him.
A number of years later, Kirk, now known as “Buffel”, still fighting the demons and nightmares that have haunted him since Impendla’s death, is a commander with the Psychological Operations Unit (PSYOPS). When one of his fellow soldiers, Shilo Khumalo, discovers that he has been committing unnecessary murders, he is horrified and determines to keep a special eye on him. Luckily for Shilo, there appears to be a faint connection of trust between him and Buffel and, when they finally leave the unit, Shilo goes to work for him on his farm.
Zimbabwe, 1981 – If it wasn’t for the day that Tara Wright and her mother visited their next door neighbour, Buffel, he would never have noticed this beautiful butterfly. One day, out riding with her father, uncle and cousin, Gabe, tragedy strikes and Tara is forced to run to the safety of their farm, Whispering Winds, on her own to seek help. When she reaches the gate she is unable to open it and begins to panic, worried that the murderer will find her. Whilst battling with the gate, a farm worker appears and comes to her assistance, opening it for her and telling her to run.
With her father and uncle both dead, Tara’s mother decides to relocate her little family to South Africa to begin a new life. For a time, all is well and Tara meets the love of her life, Wayne Botha. Unfortunately, while it seems that the fates are against their love for each other, another far more sinister threat continues to loom unknowingly over Tara’s life. Will the butterfly be able to escape the clutches of a depraved man who is still so set on atonement for his guilt?
Tina’s books, while published by Harlequin (a well-known romance novel publisher), definitely do not sit in the genre of romance only. There is so much at stake in her characters’ lives both emotionally and physically which enables her to cross genres by incorporating drama, history, adventure, intrigue, suspense, as well as the multi-cultural aspects of the inhabitants of Zimbabwe and South Africa, bordering on a sweeping saga – all in four hundred pages.
Drawing on fragments of her own life and experiences on the African continent, her knowledge of the traditional beliefs of the African culture, her first-hand experience with conflict in countries divided by political unrest as well as a huge amount of research into various themes contained within the covers, Tina isn’t afraid to put her characters through their paces whilst, at the same time, always keeping her readers a few steps away from total comfort.
The rhythm of ancient beliefs pulses strongly within this narrative and, just like Africa and its wilds, Tina has penned a book which is unpredictable, brutally honest and in tune to rural African mythology and the esoteric heart which beats at its core.
Passionately told, filled with compelling characters, a dramatic landscape, the scents and sounds of the African wilderness, a love that one hopes will transcend time and some truly bone-chilling moments, this is the ideal read for one of those nights spent around a blazing fire with the stars gazing down upon you.
Rhodesia, 1946 - While out hunting in the bush, ten year old Kirk Potgieter and his best friend, Impendla make a gruesome discovery that causes Impendla a huge amount of fear as he knows what it all means. Kirk, however, having been brought up in a Christian home on a mission station, does not hold the traditional African beliefs that Impendla does so, when Impendla goes missing and a search party is sent out only to find his little body hanging from the same trees they stumbled upon the day before, he is filled with remorse at not being able to save him.
A number of years later, Kirk, now known as “Buffel”, still fighting the demons and nightmares that have haunted him since Impendla’s death, is a commander with the Psychological Operations Unit (PSYOPS). When one of his fellow soldiers, Shilo Khumalo, discovers that he has been committing unnecessary murders, he is horrified and determines to keep a special eye on him. Luckily for Shilo, there appears to be a faint connection of trust between him and Buffel and, when they finally leave the unit, Shilo goes to work for him on his farm.
Zimbabwe, 1981 – If it wasn’t for the day that Tara Wright and her mother visited their next door neighbour, Buffel, he would never have noticed this beautiful butterfly. One day, out riding with her father, uncle and cousin, Gabe, tragedy strikes and Tara is forced to run to the safety of their farm, Whispering Winds, on her own to seek help. When she reaches the gate she is unable to open it and begins to panic, worried that the murderer will find her. Whilst battling with the gate, a farm worker appears and comes to her assistance, opening it for her and telling her to run.
With her father and uncle both dead, Tara’s mother decides to relocate her little family to South Africa to begin a new life. For a time, all is well and Tara meets the love of her life, Wayne Botha. Unfortunately, while it seems that the fates are against their love for each other, another far more sinister threat continues to loom unknowingly over Tara’s life. Will the butterfly be able to escape the clutches of a depraved man who is still so set on atonement for his guilt?
Tina’s books, while published by Harlequin (a well-known romance novel publisher), definitely do not sit in the genre of romance only. There is so much at stake in her characters’ lives both emotionally and physically which enables her to cross genres by incorporating drama, history, adventure, intrigue, suspense, as well as the multi-cultural aspects of the inhabitants of Zimbabwe and South Africa, bordering on a sweeping saga – all in four hundred pages.
Drawing on fragments of her own life and experiences on the African continent, her knowledge of the traditional beliefs of the African culture, her first-hand experience with conflict in countries divided by political unrest as well as a huge amount of research into various themes contained within the covers, Tina isn’t afraid to put her characters through their paces whilst, at the same time, always keeping her readers a few steps away from total comfort.
The rhythm of ancient beliefs pulses strongly within this narrative and, just like Africa and its wilds, Tina has penned a book which is unpredictable, brutally honest and in tune to rural African mythology and the esoteric heart which beats at its core.
Passionately told, filled with compelling characters, a dramatic landscape, the scents and sounds of the African wilderness, a love that one hopes will transcend time and some truly bone-chilling moments, this is the ideal read for one of those nights spent around a blazing fire with the stars gazing down upon you.
February 25, 2015
An amazing look at the journey of one girl and a disturbed neighbour, loved the book... it horrified me and made me feel loved too. A great book that had me turning the pages and wanting the mystery to unravel. This would be a very good film adaption.
February 16, 2015
A great book and really interesting.
October 22, 2016
Loved this ... Had everything .. Africa is captivating.
Would love to see this as a film.
I really enjoy how Tina can introduce so many key characters and we learn so much about them and still she manages to link them all together. I felt each character had been given their time.
Would love to see this as a film.
I really enjoy how Tina can introduce so many key characters and we learn so much about them and still she manages to link them all together. I felt each character had been given their time.
March 18, 2015
Shooting Butterflies started out a tad jumbled but once the story got going really moved at a blistering pace. A true murder mystery which ticked all the boxes for intensity, tension, clever twists and memorable characters. The transition between characters and various stories is smooth and seamless as was the in depth descriptions of all the beautiful African locales. Even if one has never been to Africa the images painted in one’s minds are clear and brilliant.
Closing well – even if a little predictable and neat one cannot but feel satisfied with having experienced a well written story
Closing well – even if a little predictable and neat one cannot but feel satisfied with having experienced a well written story
November 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and found the references to Africa, its people and its customs / superstitions really enlightening. The story was great, although a little predictable at times. Lovely easy read.
March 4, 2015
powerful story of love and passion. Beautiful country, with a dark undercurrent.
Read
August 13, 2015Another awesome book by T.M Clark!
Can't wait for her next to come out! :)
Can't wait for her next to come out! :)
December 27, 2015
The vivid images portrayed in this book, made me hate and feel sorry for the villain, poor, poor guy. Bastard! Disturbingly fantastic. Now, pass me more chocolate so I can eat my feelings.
October 24, 2015
Interesting book, but too much coincidence, too much romance. Simpler would be way better.
February 2, 2016
Incredible!!!!!!! Amazing book so hard to put down
March 7, 2016
Enjoyed this book and will buy the other books of T M Clark, already have Tears for Cheetahs, love the covers
January 6, 2023
Spoilers follow.
Young Kirk, a missionary's son, is traumatised by the ritual death of his friend Impendla at the hands of a sangoma, a spirit medium for Nehanda, what some people call a Karoi, a "little witch". Running deep through his tortured psyche is the need to save Impendla and free his soul.
Years later, after a long and savage period in black ops and Special Forces, he sees a young girl he believes can fulfil the role. He becomes obsessed with her, with the "butterfly" who can release Impendla and will stop at nothing to get her. Even murder.
Young Kirk, a missionary's son, is traumatised by the ritual death of his friend Impendla at the hands of a sangoma, a spirit medium for Nehanda, what some people call a Karoi, a "little witch". Running deep through his tortured psyche is the need to save Impendla and free his soul.
Years later, after a long and savage period in black ops and Special Forces, he sees a young girl he believes can fulfil the role. He becomes obsessed with her, with the "butterfly" who can release Impendla and will stop at nothing to get her. Even murder.
April 20, 2020
Great story line - inconsistent and poor writing flow. Again great and engaging story line
January 11, 2026
This book's setting was phenomenal and interesting. Enjoyed the characters and the plotting.
November 14, 2023
What I liked:
- The superstitions and rituals
- The murder mystery
- The African backdrop
- Animals!
What I didn't like:
- The romance
Something I've noticed while reading this book is that the aspects that I liked about the book were thoroughly researched by the author. I guess you can't really research romance, but I find that part of the book to be woefully inadequate as compared to the rest of the book. It read like a really bad YA romance...I was cringing the entire time, I'm guessing romance isn't their strong suit?
I would also have liked it if there were more aspects of the superstitions and rituals woven into the story itself. Other than the first half of the book, it didn't really show up any more. On the more technical side of things, I noticed more and more grammar mistakes creeping up towards the end of the book. It's not a good look for a published book...
That side, it's still an enjoyable book....just don't look too deep I guess~
[Disclaimer: Copy received from Giveaway.]
- The superstitions and rituals
- The murder mystery
- The African backdrop
- Animals!
What I didn't like:
- The romance
Something I've noticed while reading this book is that the aspects that I liked about the book were thoroughly researched by the author. I guess you can't really research romance, but I find that part of the book to be woefully inadequate as compared to the rest of the book. It read like a really bad YA romance...I was cringing the entire time, I'm guessing romance isn't their strong suit?
I would also have liked it if there were more aspects of the superstitions and rituals woven into the story itself. Other than the first half of the book, it didn't really show up any more. On the more technical side of things, I noticed more and more grammar mistakes creeping up towards the end of the book. It's not a good look for a published book...
That side, it's still an enjoyable book....just don't look too deep I guess~
[Disclaimer: Copy received from Giveaway.]
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews