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Detective Kubu #6
Dying to Live: A Detective Kubu Mystery
Michael Stanley's Dying to Live features the humble and endearing Detective Kubu, in the sixth installment of a series that fans of Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency will find a perfect fit.
A Bushman is discovered dead near the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Although the man looks old enough to have died of natural causes, the police suspect foul play, and the body is sent to Gaborone for an autopsy. Pathologist Ian MacGregor confirms the cause of death as a broken neck, but is greatly puzzled by the man’s physiology. Although he’s obviously very old, his internal organs look remarkably young. He calls in Assistant Superintendent David “Kubu” Bengu. When the Bushman’s corpse is stolen from the morgue, suddenly the case takes on a new dimension.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2017
66 people are currently reading
251 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 108 reviews
August 26, 2017
4.5 stars
While Dying to Live is the sixth Detective Kubu book, this installment is the first one I have read in the series, and I am so glad I did because the book is fantastic! While I am sure reading the earlier books first would have provided me with more history about Detective Kudu and his family, I did not feel like I was dropped into the midst of a storyline that I knew nothing about. The plot was easy to follow, the premise was unique and timely, and I adored the carefully crafted and highly likeable main characters.
I am a huge mystery lover and am always thrilled to find a new series especially one that has numerous titles already. Even more enjoyable was the fact that the series is set in Botswana. Embarrassingly enough before I began Dying to Live, I did not know exactly where Botswana was located within Africa nor that Gaborone was the capital. The authors, Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip writing as Michael Stanley, incorporate the setting and culture of the Batswana (a term I learned from this book) so vividly that I frequently felt like I was there in Botswana with Detective Kubu and his family and other cohorts. Their integration of the language, food, and other cultural issues and items unique to the Bushmen and Batswana made the story both fascinating and very enjoyable. They even include a glossary at the end of the book explaining various terms and expressions that were used in the book which I found very helpful. I was thoroughly delighted to learn so much about the region and truly cannot wait to go back and read the first five volumes. The only reason I am giving the book a 4.5 versus a 5 was that the resolution of the plot slowed down a bit towards the end, and I wish that the ending had come a bit sooner. Other than that small complaint, the book was perfect.
I have been very pleased in the last year or so to be introduced to genuinely well-written mysteries that are not too dark (I am not a fan of super dark stories) and take place in locales with which I am not as familiar. These series include this series by Michael Stanley, Vaseem Khan’s Baby Ganesh Agency stories set in India, Jane Harper’s The Dry set in the Australian Outback, and Tracee de Hahn’s fledgling series set in Lausanne, Switzerland (I am anxiously awaiting the next book in both Harper’s and de Hahn’s series). As the world continues to grow smaller and more accessible, gaining knowledge and understanding of other cultures is a must, and what better way to learn than to read a great mystery?!
I highly recommend Dying to Live to anyone who loves a good, well-thought out mystery with a unique and beautiful setting. Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While Dying to Live is the sixth Detective Kubu book, this installment is the first one I have read in the series, and I am so glad I did because the book is fantastic! While I am sure reading the earlier books first would have provided me with more history about Detective Kudu and his family, I did not feel like I was dropped into the midst of a storyline that I knew nothing about. The plot was easy to follow, the premise was unique and timely, and I adored the carefully crafted and highly likeable main characters.
I am a huge mystery lover and am always thrilled to find a new series especially one that has numerous titles already. Even more enjoyable was the fact that the series is set in Botswana. Embarrassingly enough before I began Dying to Live, I did not know exactly where Botswana was located within Africa nor that Gaborone was the capital. The authors, Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip writing as Michael Stanley, incorporate the setting and culture of the Batswana (a term I learned from this book) so vividly that I frequently felt like I was there in Botswana with Detective Kubu and his family and other cohorts. Their integration of the language, food, and other cultural issues and items unique to the Bushmen and Batswana made the story both fascinating and very enjoyable. They even include a glossary at the end of the book explaining various terms and expressions that were used in the book which I found very helpful. I was thoroughly delighted to learn so much about the region and truly cannot wait to go back and read the first five volumes. The only reason I am giving the book a 4.5 versus a 5 was that the resolution of the plot slowed down a bit towards the end, and I wish that the ending had come a bit sooner. Other than that small complaint, the book was perfect.
I have been very pleased in the last year or so to be introduced to genuinely well-written mysteries that are not too dark (I am not a fan of super dark stories) and take place in locales with which I am not as familiar. These series include this series by Michael Stanley, Vaseem Khan’s Baby Ganesh Agency stories set in India, Jane Harper’s The Dry set in the Australian Outback, and Tracee de Hahn’s fledgling series set in Lausanne, Switzerland (I am anxiously awaiting the next book in both Harper’s and de Hahn’s series). As the world continues to grow smaller and more accessible, gaining knowledge and understanding of other cultures is a must, and what better way to learn than to read a great mystery?!
I highly recommend Dying to Live to anyone who loves a good, well-thought out mystery with a unique and beautiful setting. Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2017
After getting acquainted with Scandi-Noir a few months ago, I now find myself being introduced to Sunshine Noir and who even knew that was a thing?!
Dying to Live is the sixth book in the Detective Kubu series but can be perfectly read as a stand-alone. Not having read the previous books in the series myself, I never felt lost or confused. Its beautiful and atmopsheric setting in the African country of Botswana really makes it stand out from other police procedurals in the crime fiction genre and allows it to deal with issues that may not work as well in a big western city environment.
When the body of a Bushman is found, investigators are baffled. To all appearances, the victim seems to be quite old, yet his organs could easily belong to a much younger person. There’s also a bullet lodged in his body but no entry wound, nor scars. Then the body is stolen from the morgue, a witch doctor goes missing and the team can’t find an American anthropologist either. Are all these events connected or pure coincidence? Detective Kubu and his team definitely have their work cut out for them.
It took me a while to get used to the various characters and their names, although there is a rather handy-dandy list for you to check at the start of the book if you get confused. But once I got the hang of it, I found myself immersed in the case that was being investigated. Dying to Live has a complicated and well executed plot with multiple layers and a bunch of untrustworthy and double crossing characters. How can you not be hooked, I ask you?
I found the subject matter to be incredibly thought-provoking as we dive into the world of man’s insatiable urge and obsession to find ways to live longer, no matter the money or the means. Ultimately this is a story about greed and corruption, about healers and smuggling and its setting in Botswana works like a charm. This would quite frankly make an excellent tv series!
Dying to Live is the sixth book in the Detective Kubu series but can be perfectly read as a stand-alone. Not having read the previous books in the series myself, I never felt lost or confused. Its beautiful and atmopsheric setting in the African country of Botswana really makes it stand out from other police procedurals in the crime fiction genre and allows it to deal with issues that may not work as well in a big western city environment.
When the body of a Bushman is found, investigators are baffled. To all appearances, the victim seems to be quite old, yet his organs could easily belong to a much younger person. There’s also a bullet lodged in his body but no entry wound, nor scars. Then the body is stolen from the morgue, a witch doctor goes missing and the team can’t find an American anthropologist either. Are all these events connected or pure coincidence? Detective Kubu and his team definitely have their work cut out for them.
It took me a while to get used to the various characters and their names, although there is a rather handy-dandy list for you to check at the start of the book if you get confused. But once I got the hang of it, I found myself immersed in the case that was being investigated. Dying to Live has a complicated and well executed plot with multiple layers and a bunch of untrustworthy and double crossing characters. How can you not be hooked, I ask you?
I found the subject matter to be incredibly thought-provoking as we dive into the world of man’s insatiable urge and obsession to find ways to live longer, no matter the money or the means. Ultimately this is a story about greed and corruption, about healers and smuggling and its setting in Botswana works like a charm. This would quite frankly make an excellent tv series!
July 25, 2017
Dying To Live is the sixth book in the detective Kubu series. As I only started reading the series from book three, they do tend to work well as stand alone’s but definitely recommend reading them all as they really are good books.
Whilst there are horrible crimes featured in the books, as obviously it’s a crime series, I usually find that thanks to the lovable Kubu, he usually brings a bit of humor to the books. This time round I didn’t find that there. Don’t get me wrong as it wasn’t a bad thing but I did miss this as it’s something that I love about the series. The reason for this is there is a story line to do with HIV so Kubu is a lot more sombre.
Samantha is a fantastic character. Her and Kubu make a great team. They are a bit like chalk and cheese as they are definitely opposites but this is what makes them more endearing to the readers.
Reading of the crimes in Dying To Live is like a whole different world. With witch doctors and Rhino horn smugglers, they certainly are not crimes you would come across in your stereo typical British crime books which gives the Detective Kubu books a certain appeal.
Dying To Live is yet another enjoyable offering from the very talented writing duo. The series would be great for the television though through the authors writing skills, the reader very much gets transported into Kubu’s world which at times is quite a scary one!
My thanks to Orenda Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Whilst there are horrible crimes featured in the books, as obviously it’s a crime series, I usually find that thanks to the lovable Kubu, he usually brings a bit of humor to the books. This time round I didn’t find that there. Don’t get me wrong as it wasn’t a bad thing but I did miss this as it’s something that I love about the series. The reason for this is there is a story line to do with HIV so Kubu is a lot more sombre.
Samantha is a fantastic character. Her and Kubu make a great team. They are a bit like chalk and cheese as they are definitely opposites but this is what makes them more endearing to the readers.
Reading of the crimes in Dying To Live is like a whole different world. With witch doctors and Rhino horn smugglers, they certainly are not crimes you would come across in your stereo typical British crime books which gives the Detective Kubu books a certain appeal.
Dying To Live is yet another enjoyable offering from the very talented writing duo. The series would be great for the television though through the authors writing skills, the reader very much gets transported into Kubu’s world which at times is quite a scary one!
My thanks to Orenda Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
November 12, 2017
An ancient bushmen (Heiseb) dies of a broken neck, touching off an investigation into why he was being pursued by big pharma and a 21st century exploitation crime of biopiracy. Assistant Superintendent David ‘Kubu’ Bengu is contacted by his friend, coroner Ian McGregor. Meanwhile, Bengu's new female deputy Samantha Khama is trying to locate a missing witch doctor, Ramala. When the corpse is stolen and shipped to China, things get interesting and the trail leads to an exporter named Gampone, who is not what he appears. The two cases seem related, but are they?
One of the great things about this series is Bengu's love of food, family and Botswana. I felt this book fell down on two of them, but the story of his adoptive daughter's battle with HIV and the strain on his family is touching, even to the point of their considering muti as a solution.
One of the great things about this series is Bengu's love of food, family and Botswana. I felt this book fell down on two of them, but the story of his adoptive daughter's battle with HIV and the strain on his family is touching, even to the point of their considering muti as a solution.
July 2, 2017
The first thing I did when I finished this book was to pass it to The Grumpy Scotsman saying “You HAVE to read this book!” The first thing he said to me when HE had finished was ” Why on earth is this not a TV series?! ” And for once I have to wholeheartedly agree with him, why hasn’t this series been snapped up for the traditional Sunday night crime drama spot!? It would be brilliant! Anyone who’s a fan of such series as Death in Paradise or The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency would love to see Kobu on the small screen. These dark and twisty crime mysteries really do need to be brought to a bigger audience!
There is an unfathomable mystery to solve here when the body of a bushman is discovered. During the autopsy, it’s discovered that his internal organs are those of a much younger man, plus there is an unexplained bullet lodged internally but with no scars to show an entry wound. Kubu and his colleague Samantha become further involved when the body is stolen from the morgue and a witch doctor also goes missing. Can the two cases be related and if so how?
I loved the surprising paths that this storyline went down, it was a twisty tale with a few deadends just when you were expecting a thread to lead to further revelations! I do love a red herring or two! The pairing of Kubu and Samantha works well and was a joy to watch as were the family dynamics between Kubu and his wife and family, although I found the plot concerning the health of his daughter desperately sad and difficult to read at times. But this tied in well with the intriguing world of the witch doctors which was one I have never really read about before except in this series and as usual, I found it absolutely fascinating.
So although there is a real darkness surrounding the setting and plot, it’s authentic feel and captivating characters kept me enthralled in an amazing environment that I have never been in but feel I know thanks to the beautifully descriptive writing by this very clever writing duo.
What I love about Orenda books is that they consistently bring their readers new and exciting books that have a real edge over other crime thrillers in this genre. This series is no exception and Detective Kubu is one determined and intelligent policeman and it’s impossible not to fall in love with him and his homeland.
A recommended read!
There is an unfathomable mystery to solve here when the body of a bushman is discovered. During the autopsy, it’s discovered that his internal organs are those of a much younger man, plus there is an unexplained bullet lodged internally but with no scars to show an entry wound. Kubu and his colleague Samantha become further involved when the body is stolen from the morgue and a witch doctor also goes missing. Can the two cases be related and if so how?
I loved the surprising paths that this storyline went down, it was a twisty tale with a few deadends just when you were expecting a thread to lead to further revelations! I do love a red herring or two! The pairing of Kubu and Samantha works well and was a joy to watch as were the family dynamics between Kubu and his wife and family, although I found the plot concerning the health of his daughter desperately sad and difficult to read at times. But this tied in well with the intriguing world of the witch doctors which was one I have never really read about before except in this series and as usual, I found it absolutely fascinating.
So although there is a real darkness surrounding the setting and plot, it’s authentic feel and captivating characters kept me enthralled in an amazing environment that I have never been in but feel I know thanks to the beautifully descriptive writing by this very clever writing duo.
What I love about Orenda books is that they consistently bring their readers new and exciting books that have a real edge over other crime thrillers in this genre. This series is no exception and Detective Kubu is one determined and intelligent policeman and it’s impossible not to fall in love with him and his homeland.
A recommended read!
July 15, 2017
Review to come!
July 23, 2017
Well they did it again, I absolutely loved this book. Detective Kubu is easily one of my all time favourite detectives. He isn't your usual grumpy, hard drinking detective. He's happy (well as happy as a murder detective can be) and has a loving and wonderful family and he genuinely tries to be good to everyone. This on top of being a really great detective. If they could get the casting right, this series should 100% be a tv series.
The stories are always quite dark and in Dying To Live, that is still true. The stories always contain things that I've never read about and things that I wouldn't have even thought about and I love that about them. They are also incredibly well written and thought out. There are twists and turns which don't always lead to where you are expecting and will keep you guessing. As usual Botswana is a character in itself and you can feel its essence throughout the book.
It was really good to see more of Detective Samantha Khama and get to know her better after enjoying her character previously. All the characters though are very strong and there isn't any I can pick out as being weak. Ian Macgregor the pathologist is also another one of my favourite characters, even though he isn't in it quite as much.
Though Dying To Live is the sixth book in the series, reading this as a stand alone is very easily possible. I would definitely recommend reading the whole series though just because of how good it is.
Overall another excellent book from Michael Stanley and I'm already excited waiting for their next book.
The stories are always quite dark and in Dying To Live, that is still true. The stories always contain things that I've never read about and things that I wouldn't have even thought about and I love that about them. They are also incredibly well written and thought out. There are twists and turns which don't always lead to where you are expecting and will keep you guessing. As usual Botswana is a character in itself and you can feel its essence throughout the book.
It was really good to see more of Detective Samantha Khama and get to know her better after enjoying her character previously. All the characters though are very strong and there isn't any I can pick out as being weak. Ian Macgregor the pathologist is also another one of my favourite characters, even though he isn't in it quite as much.
Though Dying To Live is the sixth book in the series, reading this as a stand alone is very easily possible. I would definitely recommend reading the whole series though just because of how good it is.
Overall another excellent book from Michael Stanley and I'm already excited waiting for their next book.
July 6, 2017
Having read and loved the previous books in the series, Deadly Harvest and A Death In The Family , I was thrilled to hear that Dying To Live was on its way!
In Dying to Live, Detective Kubu gets involved in the investigation into the death of a Bushman whose body was found near the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. During the course of his investigation, Kubu begins to learn that all is most definitely not what it seems.
Parallel to this, a prominent witch doctor is reported missing. This in turn leads to Kubu wondering if both incidents are related. There seems to be more questions than answers to be found. Kubu and his team find themselves in the midst of something much darker than they could have anticipated.
Kubu is by far one of my favourite characters to read about. I smile when I start these books because he is just such an affable and genuine character. I love how he’s also very family-oriented. This is really cemented in Dying to Live when he and his wife, Joy, have to deal with some issues at home.
I don’t want to say anymore because this book is full of mystery and I’d be afraid to give anything away. Its always better to let the reader enjoy the story and untangle the writer’s web of deceit!
Gripping, mysterious and full of excellent characters, Dying to Live is another perfect example of Sunshine Noir.
Highly recommended!
In Dying to Live, Detective Kubu gets involved in the investigation into the death of a Bushman whose body was found near the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. During the course of his investigation, Kubu begins to learn that all is most definitely not what it seems.
Parallel to this, a prominent witch doctor is reported missing. This in turn leads to Kubu wondering if both incidents are related. There seems to be more questions than answers to be found. Kubu and his team find themselves in the midst of something much darker than they could have anticipated.
Kubu is by far one of my favourite characters to read about. I smile when I start these books because he is just such an affable and genuine character. I love how he’s also very family-oriented. This is really cemented in Dying to Live when he and his wife, Joy, have to deal with some issues at home.
I don’t want to say anymore because this book is full of mystery and I’d be afraid to give anything away. Its always better to let the reader enjoy the story and untangle the writer’s web of deceit!
Gripping, mysterious and full of excellent characters, Dying to Live is another perfect example of Sunshine Noir.
Highly recommended!
July 4, 2017
This is the first Detective Kubu book that I have read and although I would love to read the ones that have gone before I didn’t feel out of my depth at all. It really was easy slotting everyone into their positions in the story without it feeling like a who is who walk through.
The opening scene of a body of an old bushman being found dead on the edge of the Central Kalahari game Reserve, didn’t seem very remarkable until what was found inside him was discovered. In fact it was quite impossible or at least it had been up until now. The internal organs of this seventy year old looking man were more of a man of forty and an old bullet that was found lodged in the body had no scarring of an entry wound.
Detective Kubu Bengu and his young partner Samantha Khama make a perfect combination for a cracking investing team that I liked straight away. Kubu was torn between work and hospital where his daughter Nono was very ill. I got the feeling that normally Kubu is a detective that is very clear minded but this case would give him some very tough choices, fuzz up his head and act out of character.
I have gained a love of reading about Africa this year so I thought that I would love this book too. I wasn’t wrong although it took me to a much darker side of the Africa than I had read about so far. The one with witch doctors, spells and potions, where I have only skimmed the top but have a great respect and fear of in equal measures. This story made me want to know more as it made my head spin with possibilities.
Someone definitely wants these secrets to disappear and it becomes a bit of a hide and seek for the dead with more clues and false trails been dug up. It makes for super page turning perfection.
This is very much of story of old meets new with a timeless thread that is always constant, one of greed and corruption where money can be made but this story really throws a spanner in the works because it could hold a secret that all the money in the world couldn’t buy.
I wish to thank Anne Cater and Orenda Books for this ARC which I have chosen to review.
The opening scene of a body of an old bushman being found dead on the edge of the Central Kalahari game Reserve, didn’t seem very remarkable until what was found inside him was discovered. In fact it was quite impossible or at least it had been up until now. The internal organs of this seventy year old looking man were more of a man of forty and an old bullet that was found lodged in the body had no scarring of an entry wound.
Detective Kubu Bengu and his young partner Samantha Khama make a perfect combination for a cracking investing team that I liked straight away. Kubu was torn between work and hospital where his daughter Nono was very ill. I got the feeling that normally Kubu is a detective that is very clear minded but this case would give him some very tough choices, fuzz up his head and act out of character.
I have gained a love of reading about Africa this year so I thought that I would love this book too. I wasn’t wrong although it took me to a much darker side of the Africa than I had read about so far. The one with witch doctors, spells and potions, where I have only skimmed the top but have a great respect and fear of in equal measures. This story made me want to know more as it made my head spin with possibilities.
Someone definitely wants these secrets to disappear and it becomes a bit of a hide and seek for the dead with more clues and false trails been dug up. It makes for super page turning perfection.
This is very much of story of old meets new with a timeless thread that is always constant, one of greed and corruption where money can be made but this story really throws a spanner in the works because it could hold a secret that all the money in the world couldn’t buy.
I wish to thank Anne Cater and Orenda Books for this ARC which I have chosen to review.
July 25, 2018
This is a solid entry in the Inspector Kubu series. Addressing topical issues in Botswana and problems for Kubu at home, the author sensitively blends a competent police procedural with the personal travails facing Kubu, and many people in southern Africa today.
April 3, 2018
This is the sixth Detective Kubu book, and I've read them all. They give a vivid picture of Botswana, a darker place than it is in the Mma Ramotswe books, with HIV-positive children, witch doctors using human body-parts in their potions, drugs, poaching of endangered species, official corruption, and international intrigue. But they also have the same kind, gentle feel in relationships between the main characters. They are written in no particular style, with all the characters sounding pretty much the same, but also providing an extremely complex mystery. And the local color is very engaging. You're not likely to read a paragraph like this in any other series I know of: "(Detective) Samantha (Khama) could have walked to Game City from her office at Millennium Park, where the CID was housed. However, she decided to drive, in case there was something to bring back. And, truth be told, she was always a little nervous of the troop of baboons that occasionally came down the hill, hoping to find open windows and available food. Several people in the complex had been terrorized by the impudent animals, particularly when fruit was left lying around." Much later, after the reader has long forgotten the baboons, the chief inspector is looking idly out his window at the CID: "The baboons from Kgale Hill were in the parking lot again. 'They'd better not crap on my car,' he muttered, 'or I'll shoot the lot of them.'"
July 17, 2017
Detective David “Kubu” Bengu is called to investigate the death of a bushman. Initial thoughts of natural death are soon changed to murder, with further investigation of the body. The bushman is somethnig of a mystery, his internal organs do not match his exterior. As the investigation progresses, Kubu realises there is far more to this case than meets the eye, especially when the body is stolen. Kubu has a good team to help with this ever confusing and ever-changing case. Samantha Kharma is the first female detective in the branch of Botswanna CID and along with Constable Ixau, a bushman, they will have to use all of their previous knowledge and experience to discover the truth surrounding the death. Do not for one moment think that this story is just about a murder. It is a lot bigger and more involved than you could ever imagine.
I have never read any books by this writing duo before, so had no prior expectations, but was very intrigued by the synopsis. It works very well as a stand alone read, leaving me wanting to read more. This is a great detective story discussing various other topics, these have been cleverly woven into the main story. The story is set out in quick chapters to a very satisfying end. The characters were very memorable and well-developed, they show good traits.
There are several things I really enjoyed and found useful in this book. One of those was that after I finished this book, was the amount I had learnt, for example “Kubu” is the Setswana word for hippopotamus, Setswana is the language of the people of Botswana. Also various cultural aspects and traditions were discussed, making a very insightful read. Some very useful inclusions in this book are an informative glossary at the end of the book, basic, but invaluable. Also a list of characters and their roles that is included at the beginning.
I would recommend this book to readers of crime and mystery genres. Also adding that there are cultural themes, if like me you know nothing much of this country.
I have never read any books by this writing duo before, so had no prior expectations, but was very intrigued by the synopsis. It works very well as a stand alone read, leaving me wanting to read more. This is a great detective story discussing various other topics, these have been cleverly woven into the main story. The story is set out in quick chapters to a very satisfying end. The characters were very memorable and well-developed, they show good traits.
There are several things I really enjoyed and found useful in this book. One of those was that after I finished this book, was the amount I had learnt, for example “Kubu” is the Setswana word for hippopotamus, Setswana is the language of the people of Botswana. Also various cultural aspects and traditions were discussed, making a very insightful read. Some very useful inclusions in this book are an informative glossary at the end of the book, basic, but invaluable. Also a list of characters and their roles that is included at the beginning.
I would recommend this book to readers of crime and mystery genres. Also adding that there are cultural themes, if like me you know nothing much of this country.
September 10, 2017
This is the sixth book in the Detective Kubu series and it was a joy to read. So far I have managed to devour two previous ‘Kubu’ novels; click here for my review of Deadly Harvest and here for my review of A Death in the Family. Dying to Live was my third journey to glorious Botswana and my third experience of ‘sunshine noir’. Dying to Live was published by Orenda Books on 12th July 2017.
For those new to this series, the author, Michael Stanley is a writing team of two. But you would never know. Every time I pick up a Michael Stanley novel I’m expecting to see the divide between the two voices, to be able to ‘spot the difference’. But I can’t. The writing is seamless and wonderfully confident.
I am incredibly fond of Detective David Bengu who most of the characters refer to as ‘Kubu’, the Setswana word for hippopotamus. He’s not my usual broken, addiction riddled detective – the type I’m usually drawn to. He’s a family man who lives by his principles. I found the sub-plot of his adoptive daughter’s HIV suddenly deteriorating quite hard to read without becoming emotional, but welcomed this revealing insight into Kubu’s home life and his relationship with his wife, Joy.
Something I tend to find with Michael Stanley books is that you always get something different. For example, the investigation in Dying to Live initially focused on the death of a Bushman. Which leads us to the Kalahari and into the secretive world of witch doctors. But the most important thing to note is that this is a GREAT mystery. I was completely drawn in to the story and loved the different threads of the investigation and the connections made by Kubu and Detective Samantha Khama. I couldn’t work out whodunit so was rather surprised by the reveal (always a bonus when you don’t see the twist coming!).
Would I recommend this book? I would. This is a great series which I will always come back to. I feel a real warmth towards Kubu and his family, there’s something very reassuring about reading these books. Saying that, please don’t be fooled into thinking they are fluffy reads because they are most definitely not. I recommend that you also read Deadly Harvest and A Death in the Family. Not because you need to as I think Dying to Live works perfectly well as a standalone, but because they are great books. More Kubu please, Michael Stanley – the sooner, the better :).
Four stars out of five.
I chose to read and review an ARC of Dying to Live. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
For those new to this series, the author, Michael Stanley is a writing team of two. But you would never know. Every time I pick up a Michael Stanley novel I’m expecting to see the divide between the two voices, to be able to ‘spot the difference’. But I can’t. The writing is seamless and wonderfully confident.
I am incredibly fond of Detective David Bengu who most of the characters refer to as ‘Kubu’, the Setswana word for hippopotamus. He’s not my usual broken, addiction riddled detective – the type I’m usually drawn to. He’s a family man who lives by his principles. I found the sub-plot of his adoptive daughter’s HIV suddenly deteriorating quite hard to read without becoming emotional, but welcomed this revealing insight into Kubu’s home life and his relationship with his wife, Joy.
Something I tend to find with Michael Stanley books is that you always get something different. For example, the investigation in Dying to Live initially focused on the death of a Bushman. Which leads us to the Kalahari and into the secretive world of witch doctors. But the most important thing to note is that this is a GREAT mystery. I was completely drawn in to the story and loved the different threads of the investigation and the connections made by Kubu and Detective Samantha Khama. I couldn’t work out whodunit so was rather surprised by the reveal (always a bonus when you don’t see the twist coming!).
Would I recommend this book? I would. This is a great series which I will always come back to. I feel a real warmth towards Kubu and his family, there’s something very reassuring about reading these books. Saying that, please don’t be fooled into thinking they are fluffy reads because they are most definitely not. I recommend that you also read Deadly Harvest and A Death in the Family. Not because you need to as I think Dying to Live works perfectly well as a standalone, but because they are great books. More Kubu please, Michael Stanley – the sooner, the better :).
Four stars out of five.
I chose to read and review an ARC of Dying to Live. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 8, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book from Real Readers in return for an honest review.
I had not previously read any of Michael Stanley's novels and whilst Dying to Live is the sixth book in the Detective Kubu series, I did not feel as though I was at a disadvantage having not read the others. The book works as a standalone and is certainly inspiration to read the previous instalments. On first impressions I was sure that I would not enjoy this book due to feeling that the plot may be too complex or that it would not compare to the typical thrillers I was used to. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
When a Bushman is found dead, Detective Kubu and his partner, Detective Kahma, must solve the mystery surrounding his death. The death of the Bushman seems accidental but soon the detectives learn that there is far more going on than meets the eye.
The story is fairly slow in comparison to other thrillers but this allows for the author to give a true sense of the setting and to get to know Detective Kubu. Even though the story is slow-moving, that does not mean that is not full of suspense and twists. The conclusion was excellent and left me wanting more. There is a natural build-up to the stunning conclusion throughout and Stanley's seamlessly ties in the story throughout.
Whilst the book is definitely worth reading for the mystery alone, it also allowed me to learn more about the culture of some countries and also some of the practices which can occur within these cultures. I felt that the author had excellent knowledge of other cultures and the practices of the Witch Doctors.
The book is set in the towns and villages of Botswana and the author describes the settings effortlessly. I felt as though I had been transported to Africa. The author managed to bring not only the setting to life but also the characters and their traits and personalities.
Michael Stanley has created a new type of detective, one which is experienced and passionate about his work whilst remaining logical and true to himself. It is a refreshing take on the role of the detective, especially when there are so many 'mysterious' detectives portrayed in crime literature. It was interesting to have the backstory of the police officer running through the book.
Whilst this is not something I would have chosen to read myself, I am glad that I was able to discover Michael Stanley's writing as he has an incredible flair for describing the setting and the characters, meaning it is incredibly difficult not to like or become attached to the characters.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers, mysteries and crime stories. Although Dying to Live is different from the usual fast paced, action packed thrillers that are so readily available, it was definitely worth the read and is not short of suspense and has a thrilling conclusion. The exploration into the customs of other cultures and the practices of Witch Doctors is extremely interesting and may appeal to those interested in learning about other cultures.
I had not previously read any of Michael Stanley's novels and whilst Dying to Live is the sixth book in the Detective Kubu series, I did not feel as though I was at a disadvantage having not read the others. The book works as a standalone and is certainly inspiration to read the previous instalments. On first impressions I was sure that I would not enjoy this book due to feeling that the plot may be too complex or that it would not compare to the typical thrillers I was used to. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
When a Bushman is found dead, Detective Kubu and his partner, Detective Kahma, must solve the mystery surrounding his death. The death of the Bushman seems accidental but soon the detectives learn that there is far more going on than meets the eye.
The story is fairly slow in comparison to other thrillers but this allows for the author to give a true sense of the setting and to get to know Detective Kubu. Even though the story is slow-moving, that does not mean that is not full of suspense and twists. The conclusion was excellent and left me wanting more. There is a natural build-up to the stunning conclusion throughout and Stanley's seamlessly ties in the story throughout.
Whilst the book is definitely worth reading for the mystery alone, it also allowed me to learn more about the culture of some countries and also some of the practices which can occur within these cultures. I felt that the author had excellent knowledge of other cultures and the practices of the Witch Doctors.
The book is set in the towns and villages of Botswana and the author describes the settings effortlessly. I felt as though I had been transported to Africa. The author managed to bring not only the setting to life but also the characters and their traits and personalities.
Michael Stanley has created a new type of detective, one which is experienced and passionate about his work whilst remaining logical and true to himself. It is a refreshing take on the role of the detective, especially when there are so many 'mysterious' detectives portrayed in crime literature. It was interesting to have the backstory of the police officer running through the book.
Whilst this is not something I would have chosen to read myself, I am glad that I was able to discover Michael Stanley's writing as he has an incredible flair for describing the setting and the characters, meaning it is incredibly difficult not to like or become attached to the characters.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers, mysteries and crime stories. Although Dying to Live is different from the usual fast paced, action packed thrillers that are so readily available, it was definitely worth the read and is not short of suspense and has a thrilling conclusion. The exploration into the customs of other cultures and the practices of Witch Doctors is extremely interesting and may appeal to those interested in learning about other cultures.
July 6, 2017
Dying to Live, by Michael Stanley, is the third book in the authors’ Detective Kubu series to be published by Orenda. As with the previous instalments the imagery takes the reader into the heat and heart of Botswana where the books are set. Kubu masters his volatility better than before and less is made of his girth, although he continues to enjoy good food. His character, and that of his colleagues, add interest and depth but their varying foibles do not distract from the twists and turns in the plot. Witch doctor’s and their muti – alternative medicines that require belief to have any effect – continue to play a significant role.
The story opens with the death of a Bushman in a remote region of the country. He was a very old man who had been of interest to various foreigners due to his longevity. A prominent witch doctor is then reported missing in the town of Gaborone. There is nothing to link the two investigations until the names of the foreigners are found in the witch doctor’s appointments book.
Many in the police force despise the Bushmen and witch doctor’s, although the latter are still widely feared. The investigations are not therefore approached with much enthusiasm, deaths of such people regarded as of no great loss. When a body is stolen from a morgue it is assumed the parts were wanted for muti. Kubu is unconvinced as that of a young girl, which would have been considered more valuable by practitioners of such dark hocus pocus, is left untouched.
With so many aspects of the two cases remaining shrouded in secrecy by those potentially involved, Kubu is determined to get to the bottom of whatever is going on. What he uncovers goes beyond Botswana, and officials from abroad are not always willing to trust the integrity of their African counterparts.
The integrity of all concerned is key. Backhanders are common and the desire for health and wealth, whatever the cost to others, widespread. When Kubu’s daughter, Nono, reacts against her HIV medication and becomes seriously ill even his staunch belief in scientifically proven medication over muti is tested.
The pace feels gentle despite the dark events unfolding but reader engagement is retained throughout. This was a complex but enjoyable read; my favourite Kubu adventure thus far.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher.
The story opens with the death of a Bushman in a remote region of the country. He was a very old man who had been of interest to various foreigners due to his longevity. A prominent witch doctor is then reported missing in the town of Gaborone. There is nothing to link the two investigations until the names of the foreigners are found in the witch doctor’s appointments book.
Many in the police force despise the Bushmen and witch doctor’s, although the latter are still widely feared. The investigations are not therefore approached with much enthusiasm, deaths of such people regarded as of no great loss. When a body is stolen from a morgue it is assumed the parts were wanted for muti. Kubu is unconvinced as that of a young girl, which would have been considered more valuable by practitioners of such dark hocus pocus, is left untouched.
With so many aspects of the two cases remaining shrouded in secrecy by those potentially involved, Kubu is determined to get to the bottom of whatever is going on. What he uncovers goes beyond Botswana, and officials from abroad are not always willing to trust the integrity of their African counterparts.
The integrity of all concerned is key. Backhanders are common and the desire for health and wealth, whatever the cost to others, widespread. When Kubu’s daughter, Nono, reacts against her HIV medication and becomes seriously ill even his staunch belief in scientifically proven medication over muti is tested.
The pace feels gentle despite the dark events unfolding but reader engagement is retained throughout. This was a complex but enjoyable read; my favourite Kubu adventure thus far.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher.
July 7, 2017
This is part of a series but the first I have read by the Michael Stanley. Reading the blurb it felt completely out of my comfort zone but I trust Orenda to provide excellent novels that will capture my imagination and it’s a wonderful way to explore new writers. So once again a big thumbs up to Orenda Books!
I found this totally absorbing from the start. Set in Botswana it makes for a fascinating trip into the darker side of the area. Detective Kubu Bengu is an absolute delight and I took to him immediately, he and his partner Samantha Khama make a formidable team.
The body of a bushman is discovered, it should just be another murder case until the autopsy reveals a peculiarity. While the man is elderly his organs resemble that of a much younger person. There was also a bullet lodged with no sign of scarring .. the investigation takes many twists and turns which involves Witch doctors and their Muti (alternative medicines).
Not only are we taken on a journey to solve the mystery but also into Kubo’s personal life. Family life is difficult when his young daughter becomes very poorly when she reacts to the HIV medicine. The emotions run high as he is torn between work and family. I found some of this highly tense but an essential part of the book.
There is so much to learn about Africa, it’s customs and I’m intrigued by witch doctors so Dying To Live has opened my mind to research.
This is a well written mystery which will entertain and intrigue you in equal measures. I’m thrilled that I have discovered Kubo and will endeavour to catch up with the previous books for my pleasure, it certainly didn’t feel necessary to read them prior to this one because it is all explained. It may be a complex subject but certainly an interesting one.
My thanks to the authors, Orenda and Anne Cater for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
I found this totally absorbing from the start. Set in Botswana it makes for a fascinating trip into the darker side of the area. Detective Kubu Bengu is an absolute delight and I took to him immediately, he and his partner Samantha Khama make a formidable team.
The body of a bushman is discovered, it should just be another murder case until the autopsy reveals a peculiarity. While the man is elderly his organs resemble that of a much younger person. There was also a bullet lodged with no sign of scarring .. the investigation takes many twists and turns which involves Witch doctors and their Muti (alternative medicines).
Not only are we taken on a journey to solve the mystery but also into Kubo’s personal life. Family life is difficult when his young daughter becomes very poorly when she reacts to the HIV medicine. The emotions run high as he is torn between work and family. I found some of this highly tense but an essential part of the book.
There is so much to learn about Africa, it’s customs and I’m intrigued by witch doctors so Dying To Live has opened my mind to research.
This is a well written mystery which will entertain and intrigue you in equal measures. I’m thrilled that I have discovered Kubo and will endeavour to catch up with the previous books for my pleasure, it certainly didn’t feel necessary to read them prior to this one because it is all explained. It may be a complex subject but certainly an interesting one.
My thanks to the authors, Orenda and Anne Cater for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
January 12, 2018
The sixth in the series featuring detective Kubu (“hippopotamus” in Setswana, the language of Botswana), this novel has an unusual plot: a secret plant indigenous to the desert, for which three men are murdered, is the basis for this mystery. The pathologist Dr. Ian MacGregor, who does the autopsy on a bushman found dead in the desert, discovers an aged body containing youthful organs. He calls Kubu when he suspects the man was murdered. It turns out the victim was a highly respected witch doctor who treated a variety of “patients” with a secret potion promising a long life.
Thus begins a long, complicated investigation, in which Kubu is assisted by the first female CID detective, a case that expands when another witch doctor turns up murdered and a visiting anthropologist from the United States goes missing. As if that’s not enough to keep him busy, Kubu is confronted by another case in which controlled substances, powdered rhino horn, is being smuggled out of the country. Kubu suspects the two cases are inter-related.
Just as important to this novel, as well as the series, is Kubu’s home life, his relationship with his wife, Joy, and his daughter Tuni, and adopted daughter, Nono, who is HIV positive and suffers a breakdown causing considerable concern until a prescribed cocktail of medicines can be formulated to stabilize her condition. These aspects give the writing team who authored the book the opportunity to show how human Kubu is, as well as the detective’s well-known appetite. Other constant features of the series are the atmosphere and characteristics of the Batswana (the people of the nation). We await the seventh novel in the series after recommending the sixth and current one.
Thus begins a long, complicated investigation, in which Kubu is assisted by the first female CID detective, a case that expands when another witch doctor turns up murdered and a visiting anthropologist from the United States goes missing. As if that’s not enough to keep him busy, Kubu is confronted by another case in which controlled substances, powdered rhino horn, is being smuggled out of the country. Kubu suspects the two cases are inter-related.
Just as important to this novel, as well as the series, is Kubu’s home life, his relationship with his wife, Joy, and his daughter Tuni, and adopted daughter, Nono, who is HIV positive and suffers a breakdown causing considerable concern until a prescribed cocktail of medicines can be formulated to stabilize her condition. These aspects give the writing team who authored the book the opportunity to show how human Kubu is, as well as the detective’s well-known appetite. Other constant features of the series are the atmosphere and characteristics of the Batswana (the people of the nation). We await the seventh novel in the series after recommending the sixth and current one.
November 25, 2017
As you can see from the list below, I have followed the development of thise series from the very beginning, and enjoyed Kubu's growth as a detective.
As the average life span in the Western world increases, and our financial advisers carefully measure our pension plans against our life expectancy, it is interesting to note that there are some ethnic groups such as the Bushmen of the Kalahari where lifestyle and bush medicines ensure longevity. The body of the Bushman found in the Kalahari Game Reserve presents a puzzle: an unmistakeably old body containing surprisingly youthful looking organs. Nor has he, it seems, died of natural causes.
Kubu finds that there are others missing too, and investigation shows that perhaps all the cases are related.
If you are a follower of Precious Ramotswe you will have seen one side of the justice system in Botswana. It is interesting that in the Kubu novels the setting is also Botswana, and the two series often share locations. It is like having a coin with two different sides. However the Kubu novels are definitely not cozies, and yet both sets of novels refer to the current problems of this small African nation. And I enjoy both!
I've also read
5.0, A CARRION DEATH
4.8, THE SECOND DEATH OF GOODLUCK TINUBU
5.0, DEATH OF THE MANTIS
5.0, DEADLY HARVEST
4.5, DETECTIVE KUBU INVESTIGATES: a collection of short stories
4.7, A DEATH IN THE FAMILY
July 30, 2017
Dark, draped in local customs, and a setting that envelops you, my third crime-solving fiction outing with Detective Kubu didn’t disappoint.
The body of an old Bushman is discovered, but the autopsy reveals youthful organs and an unexplained bullet. Detectives Kubu and Khama are on the case, and it starts to look more and more complex. And as if rituals, smuggling, and murder weren’t enough, personal problems also rear their ugly head as our heroes try to juggle life with death…
The characterisation was wonderful, and the plot tight and controlled. But, like the other books in this series (and it can be read as a standalone), this book is all about the setting. The culture in the book blankets you with its smells, its characters, its customs, and its life. It transports you, like every good book, into its world. More, please!
*Thank you to the publisher for my free review copy.
The body of an old Bushman is discovered, but the autopsy reveals youthful organs and an unexplained bullet. Detectives Kubu and Khama are on the case, and it starts to look more and more complex. And as if rituals, smuggling, and murder weren’t enough, personal problems also rear their ugly head as our heroes try to juggle life with death…
The characterisation was wonderful, and the plot tight and controlled. But, like the other books in this series (and it can be read as a standalone), this book is all about the setting. The culture in the book blankets you with its smells, its characters, its customs, and its life. It transports you, like every good book, into its world. More, please!
*Thank you to the publisher for my free review copy.
August 3, 2020
I enjoy reading about Detective Kubu. Thr stories reveal information about Botswana and the surrounding countries that would be more difficult to understand from other sources.
Detective Kubu is a kind character that I wish was the typical police officer everywhere. He role models for his co workers how to accept others and encourages them to be good at their jobs.
The cases always reveal details about the difficulties facing Botswana both from inside the country and outside. It makes the country more than just a place on the map.
Detective Kubu is a kind character that I wish was the typical police officer everywhere. He role models for his co workers how to accept others and encourages them to be good at their jobs.
The cases always reveal details about the difficulties facing Botswana both from inside the country and outside. It makes the country more than just a place on the map.
July 13, 2017
Where do I begin? What a brilliant story! Amazing.
This is book number six in the Detective Kubu series, but reads well as a standalone. I had not heard of this series until I was asked to join this blog tour and now I feel I have missed out on all the stories before this one. I will definitely be going back to read them all at some point. Dying to Live is written well, easy to read and fast paced! The cover also intrigues me it is very different, unique. I would highly recommend this story to you (links below), you will not regret it. I don’t want to give much away as I would rather you buy it and find out for youself, but a brilliant read that will fly by. I can’t wait to read all of Michael’s other stories after reading this one. A well deserved four stars out of five.
This is book number six in the Detective Kubu series, but reads well as a standalone. I had not heard of this series until I was asked to join this blog tour and now I feel I have missed out on all the stories before this one. I will definitely be going back to read them all at some point. Dying to Live is written well, easy to read and fast paced! The cover also intrigues me it is very different, unique. I would highly recommend this story to you (links below), you will not regret it. I don’t want to give much away as I would rather you buy it and find out for youself, but a brilliant read that will fly by. I can’t wait to read all of Michael’s other stories after reading this one. A well deserved four stars out of five.
July 29, 2017
REVIEW TO FOLLOW
October 7, 2017
10/7/17 Full review tk.
March 20, 2018
Love the setting, Botswana, the characters including Kubu the detective. Kubu means hippopotamus in Setswana, the language of Botswana. Kubu likes his lunches and his dinners and his snacks, but he is a top-notch detective and always gets his man.
February 18, 2024
It's a pretty standard classic detective novel. What sets it apart is the location and it's nice to learn a little but about Botswana. The writing irritated me at times and they definitely didn't wrap everything up cleanly. But that might be a more accurate portrayal of police work than everything fitting into the perfect story at the end.
July 1, 2017
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters were great, I love the relationship between Kubu and Samantha Khama and how it has developed through the recent books. The story had a few twists where a couple of red herrings were thrown in to the mix and I think that the book was all the better for that as it helped the plot build gradually to the end. The writing was excellent and exactly the style that I love to read, I loved the descriptive nature of the surrounding areas and how that really brought the story to life, at times it did feel as though you were there with them. The story really did engaged me and I highly recommend it – its a solid read and a great plot – 4 stars from me for this one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the characters were great, I love the relationship between Kubu and Samantha Khama and how it has developed through the recent books. The story had a few twists where a couple of red herrings were thrown in to the mix and I think that the book was all the better for that as it helped the plot build gradually to the end. The writing was excellent and exactly the style that I love to read, I loved the descriptive nature of the surrounding areas and how that really brought the story to life, at times it did feel as though you were there with them. The story really did engaged me and I highly recommend it – its a solid read and a great plot – 4 stars from me for this one.
October 12, 2018
There's a wonderful dichotomy in this fascinating Botswana-set series: Detective 'Kubu' Bengu is a portly hero, a good detective who can veer towards comical moments at times. There's plenty of humour salted in, but the events and underlying issues in the books delve into some very dark places.
Co-writers 'Michael' Sears and 'Stanley' Trollip, a pair of retired university professors, strike a great balance between light and dark. They do a fine job sprinkling in some laughs while addressing serious and often nasty issues - some specific to the African setting, and others more universal. They also tread the line really well in terms of exposing readers to a variety of themes and issues without hopping on a soapbox or becoming polemic. Coupled with a great narrative drive that makes DYING TO LIVE a really good read with layers of setting and theme adding to the mystery storyline, giving it more depth and texture rather than slowing or overwhelming it as can happen elsewhere.
In this sixth instalment, Kubu ("Hippo" - an appropriate nickname given his manner and build - seemingly slow and serene but deadly when roused) is distracted from his police work because his little adopted daughter Nono is very ill. As the Bengu family search for answers, tensions rise and beliefs are put to the test. Kubu has to rely even more on his team as they investigate the strange death of the old-yet-young Bushman, the subsequent theft of the body, and the disappearance of a local witch doctor. Kubu puts Detective Khama on the latter case, testing whether she can overcome her ingrained hatred of witch doctors to find justice for anyone. As Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch would say, "Everybody counts or nobody counts".
Like Connelly's masterful series, Michael Stanley's books are well-balanced and very good across the board - intriguing mystery storylines, engaging and interesting characters, and a vividly evoked setting that transports readers to the scene - all entwined with thought-provoking real-life issues.
The authors give readers a wonderful taste of Botswana - the good and the bad. The integration of cuisine, language, history, and cultural issues unique to the locale adds great flavour. In each book I learn more about the country, and in DYING TO LIVE challenging topics like AIDS and biopiracy are addressed, along with muti (traditional medicine, delivered by witch doctors) and poaching.
There's plenty here for both long-time Kubu fans and new readers. (You don't need to have read the previous books to thoroughly enjoy this one). A great instalment in a highly engaging series.
Co-writers 'Michael' Sears and 'Stanley' Trollip, a pair of retired university professors, strike a great balance between light and dark. They do a fine job sprinkling in some laughs while addressing serious and often nasty issues - some specific to the African setting, and others more universal. They also tread the line really well in terms of exposing readers to a variety of themes and issues without hopping on a soapbox or becoming polemic. Coupled with a great narrative drive that makes DYING TO LIVE a really good read with layers of setting and theme adding to the mystery storyline, giving it more depth and texture rather than slowing or overwhelming it as can happen elsewhere.
In this sixth instalment, Kubu ("Hippo" - an appropriate nickname given his manner and build - seemingly slow and serene but deadly when roused) is distracted from his police work because his little adopted daughter Nono is very ill. As the Bengu family search for answers, tensions rise and beliefs are put to the test. Kubu has to rely even more on his team as they investigate the strange death of the old-yet-young Bushman, the subsequent theft of the body, and the disappearance of a local witch doctor. Kubu puts Detective Khama on the latter case, testing whether she can overcome her ingrained hatred of witch doctors to find justice for anyone. As Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch would say, "Everybody counts or nobody counts".
Like Connelly's masterful series, Michael Stanley's books are well-balanced and very good across the board - intriguing mystery storylines, engaging and interesting characters, and a vividly evoked setting that transports readers to the scene - all entwined with thought-provoking real-life issues.
The authors give readers a wonderful taste of Botswana - the good and the bad. The integration of cuisine, language, history, and cultural issues unique to the locale adds great flavour. In each book I learn more about the country, and in DYING TO LIVE challenging topics like AIDS and biopiracy are addressed, along with muti (traditional medicine, delivered by witch doctors) and poaching.
There's plenty here for both long-time Kubu fans and new readers. (You don't need to have read the previous books to thoroughly enjoy this one). A great instalment in a highly engaging series.
July 10, 2017
Typically, I am once again coming into a series late! Dying to Live is the sixth book in the Detective Kubu series, however it worked brilliantly as a standalone and I had absolutely no difficulties in picking up the story and getting involved with the characters.
When a Bushman is found dead outside the Kalahari Game Reserve his death appears to be an accident. The autopsy on his body, however, reveals some unusual findings – while he is outwardly old his internal organs are those of a much younger man. When his body is stolen from the morgue and a Witch Doctor is reported missing it quickly becomes apparent that there is more to this than meets the eye. Detective Kubu and his colleague Detective Kahma find themselves embroiled in a case of murder, smuggling and, ultimately, greed.
I adored the characters in Dying to Live. Detective Kubu is instantly loveable – a big bear of a man who clearly thinks the world of his family, loves his food and uses nana naps to help him think through his cases. Stanley brings him completely to life through the pages of the book and you are left with a real sense of affection for him. He is definitely a character I want to meet again in the rest of the books.
The setting in Dying to Live uplifted me – which is probably a bit strange for a crime novel that involves murder and corruption – with the sunshine and the African setting bringing light into what is otherwise a book touching on dark issues. The setting also ensures that when reading this book from a UK perspective it is highly unlikely that you will have read anything else quite like it. The cultural aspects of the book are one of the things I enjoyed the most. The Witch Doctors, Muti and storyline involving Kubu’s adopted daughter give Dying to Live a uniqueness, making it a thrilling crime novel that completely transports you to a different world while making you think of subjects you probably haven’t considered before. The juxtaposition between the modern and traditional aspects of life in Botswana are wonderfully portrayed in Dying to Live.
As the plot unfolds the reader is left wondering how the threads all fit together. Dying to Live reminded of the classic crime novels in both its pace and construction. It took me down routes I wasn’t expecting to go while throwing red herrings onto my path along the way. A thoroughly enjoyable read, Detective Kubu definitely has a new fan!
My thanks to Karen Sullivan and Anne Cater at Orenda Books for the advance copy and for inviting me to take part in the blog tour.
When a Bushman is found dead outside the Kalahari Game Reserve his death appears to be an accident. The autopsy on his body, however, reveals some unusual findings – while he is outwardly old his internal organs are those of a much younger man. When his body is stolen from the morgue and a Witch Doctor is reported missing it quickly becomes apparent that there is more to this than meets the eye. Detective Kubu and his colleague Detective Kahma find themselves embroiled in a case of murder, smuggling and, ultimately, greed.
I adored the characters in Dying to Live. Detective Kubu is instantly loveable – a big bear of a man who clearly thinks the world of his family, loves his food and uses nana naps to help him think through his cases. Stanley brings him completely to life through the pages of the book and you are left with a real sense of affection for him. He is definitely a character I want to meet again in the rest of the books.
The setting in Dying to Live uplifted me – which is probably a bit strange for a crime novel that involves murder and corruption – with the sunshine and the African setting bringing light into what is otherwise a book touching on dark issues. The setting also ensures that when reading this book from a UK perspective it is highly unlikely that you will have read anything else quite like it. The cultural aspects of the book are one of the things I enjoyed the most. The Witch Doctors, Muti and storyline involving Kubu’s adopted daughter give Dying to Live a uniqueness, making it a thrilling crime novel that completely transports you to a different world while making you think of subjects you probably haven’t considered before. The juxtaposition between the modern and traditional aspects of life in Botswana are wonderfully portrayed in Dying to Live.
As the plot unfolds the reader is left wondering how the threads all fit together. Dying to Live reminded of the classic crime novels in both its pace and construction. It took me down routes I wasn’t expecting to go while throwing red herrings onto my path along the way. A thoroughly enjoyable read, Detective Kubu definitely has a new fan!
My thanks to Karen Sullivan and Anne Cater at Orenda Books for the advance copy and for inviting me to take part in the blog tour.
July 3, 2017
Southern Africa is an intriguing backdrop for crime writers who publish internationally, such as Deon Meyer, Roger Smith, Paul E Hardisty and Alexander McCall Smith to name a few. Botswana, a huge, stunning country with a small population has, of course, two fine detective series all to itself – the stories of Alexander McCall Smith’s Precious Ramotswe and Michael Stanley’s Assistant Superintendent David ‘Kubu’ Bengu.
Dying to Live is the latest featuring Kubu. The series has its charming side, but is a little darker than McCall Smith’s stories. Kubu is Setswana for hippopotamus. He likes to slumber after a good meal, has a cosy family set-up with wife Joy and his two daughters. Tortured he is not, but nor is he docile, as we soon discover.
Being a procedural, it begins with the discovery of a body. A bushman is found dead near the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The death may have been accidental, but there is a puzzle – although the dead man was clearly pretty old, his internal organs look very young. And then there’s the bullet in his muscle – where is the entry wound?
The complex mystery will keep readers intrigued throughout, with the involvement of witch doctors, university academics, a private detective, Chinese gangsters and smugglers. While trying to untangle this, Kubu has a personal crisis to deal with, too, when his adopted daughter Nono falls ill and the Bengu marriage comes under strain.
Michael Stanley gives us an enjoyable cast of characters, particularly Kubu’s colleagues. Segodi is the lazy, conniving detective; Ian MacGregor’s the Scottish forensic pathologist, who is Kubu’s good friend; there is the earnest but effective Detective Samantha Khama; and finally there’s his irascible boss, Director Mabaku.
A slight criticism from this reviewer would be that, while the story is strongly fixed in its setting, I did not feel a real flavour of how remarkable Botswana is in the writing. But Dying to Live is certainly a skilfully plotted story of greed, the case is absorbing and the characters memorable. Had Mma Ramotswe not already been given the small-screen treatment, Kubu would surely be a contender for a series of his own.
Dying to Live is the latest featuring Kubu. The series has its charming side, but is a little darker than McCall Smith’s stories. Kubu is Setswana for hippopotamus. He likes to slumber after a good meal, has a cosy family set-up with wife Joy and his two daughters. Tortured he is not, but nor is he docile, as we soon discover.
Being a procedural, it begins with the discovery of a body. A bushman is found dead near the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The death may have been accidental, but there is a puzzle – although the dead man was clearly pretty old, his internal organs look very young. And then there’s the bullet in his muscle – where is the entry wound?
The complex mystery will keep readers intrigued throughout, with the involvement of witch doctors, university academics, a private detective, Chinese gangsters and smugglers. While trying to untangle this, Kubu has a personal crisis to deal with, too, when his adopted daughter Nono falls ill and the Bengu marriage comes under strain.
Michael Stanley gives us an enjoyable cast of characters, particularly Kubu’s colleagues. Segodi is the lazy, conniving detective; Ian MacGregor’s the Scottish forensic pathologist, who is Kubu’s good friend; there is the earnest but effective Detective Samantha Khama; and finally there’s his irascible boss, Director Mabaku.
A slight criticism from this reviewer would be that, while the story is strongly fixed in its setting, I did not feel a real flavour of how remarkable Botswana is in the writing. But Dying to Live is certainly a skilfully plotted story of greed, the case is absorbing and the characters memorable. Had Mma Ramotswe not already been given the small-screen treatment, Kubu would surely be a contender for a series of his own.
July 6, 2017
This is the first of this writing duo’s novel’s I’ve read (Michael Stanley actually being the writing team Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip) and is a continuation of their successful series of novels to feature Detective Kubu and his squad. I must confess to having the earlier two novels in the series on my Kindle but not having got around to reading them yet. Based on Dying to Live, I will now certainly make the time. While it is a series, the book can be read as a standalone as I did, and works as a self-contained story.
Dying to Live begins with the discovery of an old Bushman, dead at the side of the road. Upon autopsy however it is discovered that the Bushman’s organs are far younger than they should be. While the Bushman is extremely elderly, the organs are that of a young man. Later the body is stolen from the mortuary while a local witch doctor dealing in muti that promises to make people live for longer goes missing. Kubu and a protégé of his, a Detective Samantha Khama, begin to investigate and soon find themselves involved in a labyrinthine case: An American anthropologist has gone missing, mysterious emails being sent to his wife; the boss of an American pharmaceutical company has hired a private detective to look for the anthropologist, who was hanging around with the now dead bushman; rhino horn smugglers, Chinese embassy officials, all are somehow drawn into the web. If all this sounds complex it is, but the plotting is deftly handled and the authors never lose their grasp of the multiple threads. It all comes together nicely in a finely drawn denouement. The characterisation of Kubu and his colleagues is also well handled.
On the front cover of Dying to Live is a quote from Peter James comparing the novel to McCall Smith (the author of the populr No1 Ladies Detective Agency series of books). Peter James says Michael Stanley’s novels have “a darker edge and an even darker underbelly”. While this is true, I found Dying to Live still a lot more upbeat than most other noir novels. Even though the novel touches on the use of human body parts in Muti (from what I gather, earlier novels in the series focus on this more) the book is not grim or a difficult read. And herein lies the problem for me. I like my books darker and more nourish. Sorry, that’s just how I like ‘em. So, while Dying to Live is a great book and well worth a read, it just didn’t pack the punch that I normally like.
That said, this is certainly a well written procedural with compelling characters. I certainly will make the time to read the earlier instalments and look forward to reading what the authors pen next.
Dying to Live begins with the discovery of an old Bushman, dead at the side of the road. Upon autopsy however it is discovered that the Bushman’s organs are far younger than they should be. While the Bushman is extremely elderly, the organs are that of a young man. Later the body is stolen from the mortuary while a local witch doctor dealing in muti that promises to make people live for longer goes missing. Kubu and a protégé of his, a Detective Samantha Khama, begin to investigate and soon find themselves involved in a labyrinthine case: An American anthropologist has gone missing, mysterious emails being sent to his wife; the boss of an American pharmaceutical company has hired a private detective to look for the anthropologist, who was hanging around with the now dead bushman; rhino horn smugglers, Chinese embassy officials, all are somehow drawn into the web. If all this sounds complex it is, but the plotting is deftly handled and the authors never lose their grasp of the multiple threads. It all comes together nicely in a finely drawn denouement. The characterisation of Kubu and his colleagues is also well handled.
On the front cover of Dying to Live is a quote from Peter James comparing the novel to McCall Smith (the author of the populr No1 Ladies Detective Agency series of books). Peter James says Michael Stanley’s novels have “a darker edge and an even darker underbelly”. While this is true, I found Dying to Live still a lot more upbeat than most other noir novels. Even though the novel touches on the use of human body parts in Muti (from what I gather, earlier novels in the series focus on this more) the book is not grim or a difficult read. And herein lies the problem for me. I like my books darker and more nourish. Sorry, that’s just how I like ‘em. So, while Dying to Live is a great book and well worth a read, it just didn’t pack the punch that I normally like.
That said, this is certainly a well written procedural with compelling characters. I certainly will make the time to read the earlier instalments and look forward to reading what the authors pen next.
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