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The Scavenging
Jansen doesn’t believe in magic. He doesn’t believe in ancestors, sangomas, witchcraft, or muti, and it irritates the irascible detective that his new, unasked-for young partner, Hadley Gcumise, does.
But this murder is proving difficult to rationally explain. The butchered girl left no footprints, but is in the veld two hundred meters from the nearest Wadeville factory. The paw prints in the dirt around her body belong to an entire cackle of hyenas. Something was hacked away from the girl’s back, and there is talk around Joburg of a powerful new muti, made of wings twice as large as even the biggest vulture.
Jansen is forced to entertain the possibility not only that their victim had wings, but that African magic is wild, deadly and real.
A centuries-old battle between two powerful sangomas is coming to a head. And as the detectives work their case they will close in on suspects who obey neither law, nor science.
But this murder is proving difficult to rationally explain. The butchered girl left no footprints, but is in the veld two hundred meters from the nearest Wadeville factory. The paw prints in the dirt around her body belong to an entire cackle of hyenas. Something was hacked away from the girl’s back, and there is talk around Joburg of a powerful new muti, made of wings twice as large as even the biggest vulture.
Jansen is forced to entertain the possibility not only that their victim had wings, but that African magic is wild, deadly and real.
A centuries-old battle between two powerful sangomas is coming to a head. And as the detectives work their case they will close in on suspects who obey neither law, nor science.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2018
7 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 30, 2018
It is no secret that I love a book that is locally set. There is just something that adds to the story when you recognise the places that are part of a book's setting. I was instantly intrigued by this book when I received it and it was the first full ebook I have read.
Jevon Brown eases you into the story with a crime scene where we meet the two main detectives Gideon Jansen and Hadley Ncumise. From the get go we see the difference in the two detectives who are almost pole opposites of each other, Jansen is an older Afrikaans detective who is set in his ways and close to retirement while Gcumise is a young open minded detective on his first case. Brown takes his time laying out the setting in the first few chapters, giving us, the readers, good insight into the surroundings, different cultures, the crime scenes and the newly developing relationship between the two detectives. As the story progresses and all the characters fall into place, we are introduced to the paranormal elements of the story. I loved how these elements were eased into the story and not just there from the start. The mix of traditional South African Sangomas and Witch Doctors with the darker elements of fantasy made this story the perfect blend of fantasy and reality.
I enjoyed the occasional use local expressions throughout the story but I felt that the although the conversations between various characters were vital to the telling of the story, they spoke with one voice and did not have many noticeable individual language traits based on their personalities or culture. I noticed that many of the characters seemed to respond in perfect English when it would not necessarily be the case as it would not be their home language. I loved how Brown explained the pronunciation of some of the locals words using characters, and especially the emphasis on how Jansen incorrectly pronounced Gcumise's name thoughout the story, as language barriers and pronunciation is something that effects most South Africans on a daily basis.
The Scavenging started slowly and then raced towards the finish line but held my attention throughout, with each revelation leaving you asking for more. I am can't wait to read more about these characters and the world Brown has created. Overall it was a highly enjoyable read, with all the right elements - murder, mystery and magical fantasy in a scarily believable dark setting. I would definitely recommend this book to both crime and fantasy lovers.
Jevon Brown eases you into the story with a crime scene where we meet the two main detectives Gideon Jansen and Hadley Ncumise. From the get go we see the difference in the two detectives who are almost pole opposites of each other, Jansen is an older Afrikaans detective who is set in his ways and close to retirement while Gcumise is a young open minded detective on his first case. Brown takes his time laying out the setting in the first few chapters, giving us, the readers, good insight into the surroundings, different cultures, the crime scenes and the newly developing relationship between the two detectives. As the story progresses and all the characters fall into place, we are introduced to the paranormal elements of the story. I loved how these elements were eased into the story and not just there from the start. The mix of traditional South African Sangomas and Witch Doctors with the darker elements of fantasy made this story the perfect blend of fantasy and reality.
I enjoyed the occasional use local expressions throughout the story but I felt that the although the conversations between various characters were vital to the telling of the story, they spoke with one voice and did not have many noticeable individual language traits based on their personalities or culture. I noticed that many of the characters seemed to respond in perfect English when it would not necessarily be the case as it would not be their home language. I loved how Brown explained the pronunciation of some of the locals words using characters, and especially the emphasis on how Jansen incorrectly pronounced Gcumise's name thoughout the story, as language barriers and pronunciation is something that effects most South Africans on a daily basis.
The Scavenging started slowly and then raced towards the finish line but held my attention throughout, with each revelation leaving you asking for more. I am can't wait to read more about these characters and the world Brown has created. Overall it was a highly enjoyable read, with all the right elements - murder, mystery and magical fantasy in a scarily believable dark setting. I would definitely recommend this book to both crime and fantasy lovers.
September 19, 2019
Review to come soon...doing a reread because it's that good!
October 23, 2018
This was my first time reading a book that I couldn’t hold in my hand. I have tried reading E-books before and have simply given up (something I try never to do) because of the discomfort I feel when reading a novel from a screen. Aside from that I am extremely pleased that I made the effort to read this entire book. Perhaps I should rather say that I in no way felt that it was an ‘effort’ to read because the novel really is that good. I have not read a lot of fantasy and oddly enough the little that I have read has been by South African authors. As a fellow South African I have an enormous amount of appreciation for writers that are able to tackle the extremely dense and complicated array of myths and folklore that make up our very eclectic culture. I became a huge fan of Zakes Mda at university, and then later on with Lauren Beaukes – these are two very different South African authors but both have used magic realism and/or folklore within their narratives. I am of course not trying to do a comparison here but I find that when I really resonate with a story I tend to do that.
So, to get to the task of discussing Jevon Brown’s The Scavenging (2018) I will consider the two really great genres that he seems to have melded together so beautifully. The crime story that involves two very different detectives, Gideon Jansen and Hadley Ncumise who are working on the murder cases of one elder man, the owner of a metal factory and that of a mystery woman found not far from the same factory in a deserted veld (dry brush land). Jansen is a staunch Afrikaaner very set in his ways and preparing for his inevitable retirement. Ncumise on the other hand is young and enthusiastic, ready to solve his first case. It is understandable that the two people’s deaths are automatically linked with one another. With the gritty outlying areas of Johannesburg as the backdrop to the crime there is also an element of local noir that I appreciate.
The other element that is really fascinating is the use of the supernatural. We are introduced to some pretty intriguing characters, one of which is the woman found murdered in the veld, and the other is the rather mysterious Lancaster. With his pale skin, English accent and dark clothes he appears to be the perfect villain. However not everything is as it seems. Behind closed doors there are other secrets that begin to slowly reveal themselves among the suspects that Jansen and Ncumise are forced to interrogate. All of a sudden the detectives become unwittingly dragged into plots and forces unknown and clearly beyond the physical. Both detectives are forced to reevaluate their beliefs and even their own codes of conduct and sense of morality and indeed even reality.
Besides the detectives and the victims we are also introduced to a very enigmatic Sangoma (witch doctor) Refilwe, the sangoma’s young acolyte Tembi, Sbu,an animal tracker employed to find muti (local medicine used by sangomas), and another mysterious woman who may or may not be completely human. Finally we have the continual presence of ‘the scavengers’ – an assortment of hyenas and vultures that seem to be closing in on the real story behind the murders, Lancaster and the sangomas.
I loved the banter between Jansen and Gcumise as they attempt to not only solve this very complicated case, but to also learn to understand each other. South Africa is extraordinarily diverse in terms of location, culture, language and nationality and despite this through the detective’s own admissions and encounters with the supernatural it becomes quite clear how connected they really are.
In terms of criticism all I can mention is the fact that this novel raced far too quickly towards its conclusion. I could quite happily have read a few extra pages if only to flesh out the final discoveries. That said I am so very pleased I read this novel. It’s fantastic!
So, to get to the task of discussing Jevon Brown’s The Scavenging (2018) I will consider the two really great genres that he seems to have melded together so beautifully. The crime story that involves two very different detectives, Gideon Jansen and Hadley Ncumise who are working on the murder cases of one elder man, the owner of a metal factory and that of a mystery woman found not far from the same factory in a deserted veld (dry brush land). Jansen is a staunch Afrikaaner very set in his ways and preparing for his inevitable retirement. Ncumise on the other hand is young and enthusiastic, ready to solve his first case. It is understandable that the two people’s deaths are automatically linked with one another. With the gritty outlying areas of Johannesburg as the backdrop to the crime there is also an element of local noir that I appreciate.
The other element that is really fascinating is the use of the supernatural. We are introduced to some pretty intriguing characters, one of which is the woman found murdered in the veld, and the other is the rather mysterious Lancaster. With his pale skin, English accent and dark clothes he appears to be the perfect villain. However not everything is as it seems. Behind closed doors there are other secrets that begin to slowly reveal themselves among the suspects that Jansen and Ncumise are forced to interrogate. All of a sudden the detectives become unwittingly dragged into plots and forces unknown and clearly beyond the physical. Both detectives are forced to reevaluate their beliefs and even their own codes of conduct and sense of morality and indeed even reality.
Besides the detectives and the victims we are also introduced to a very enigmatic Sangoma (witch doctor) Refilwe, the sangoma’s young acolyte Tembi, Sbu,an animal tracker employed to find muti (local medicine used by sangomas), and another mysterious woman who may or may not be completely human. Finally we have the continual presence of ‘the scavengers’ – an assortment of hyenas and vultures that seem to be closing in on the real story behind the murders, Lancaster and the sangomas.
I loved the banter between Jansen and Gcumise as they attempt to not only solve this very complicated case, but to also learn to understand each other. South Africa is extraordinarily diverse in terms of location, culture, language and nationality and despite this through the detective’s own admissions and encounters with the supernatural it becomes quite clear how connected they really are.
In terms of criticism all I can mention is the fact that this novel raced far too quickly towards its conclusion. I could quite happily have read a few extra pages if only to flesh out the final discoveries. That said I am so very pleased I read this novel. It’s fantastic!
October 14, 2018
Jevon Brown weaved a web of magic, mystery and muti that truly pulled me into the world of South African culture.
The Scavenging has a very intriguing story line that left me shocked and breathless multiple times.
I was truly in awe of the author's ability to capture te essence of a South African city. You can truly see that a lot of thought went into this book, from the use of common South African phrases( like the overuse of the word Ja ) to subtle mentions of popular South African soccer teams like The Kaizer Chiefs.
I admire the research that the author did about the anatomy of people and birds. Every problem that could possibly occur due to the presence of wings was neatly and scientificaly solved, which encludes lighter bones to enable the girl to fly and an alternative attachment method for the winged girl's ribs.
This book truly left me stunned many times, from the realization that there were two winged girls(twins) to the final conclusion of the book and the death of Lord Lancaster at the hands of the tokolosh.
I do have to admit that I truly struggled to relate to the characters. Especially Detective Jansen whom I disliked almost immediately. I think that this could be improved by adding a softer element to his character like increasing his interactions with the doctor.
I would recommend adding some comic relief at less serious areas of the book, since I personaly feel that it would make the book even more fun to read. I would have preferred it if the book had an ambiguous prologue to capture my attention immediately before jumping to the crime scene.
All in all, it was a magnificent book and I can't wait to read the next one. I truly hope we'll see some more interactions between Sika and Gcumise in the next book.
The next book can't come soon enough to answer my questions about Thembi, her cub and the tokolosh's fascination with Jansen.
The Scavenging has a very intriguing story line that left me shocked and breathless multiple times.
I was truly in awe of the author's ability to capture te essence of a South African city. You can truly see that a lot of thought went into this book, from the use of common South African phrases( like the overuse of the word Ja ) to subtle mentions of popular South African soccer teams like The Kaizer Chiefs.
I admire the research that the author did about the anatomy of people and birds. Every problem that could possibly occur due to the presence of wings was neatly and scientificaly solved, which encludes lighter bones to enable the girl to fly and an alternative attachment method for the winged girl's ribs.
This book truly left me stunned many times, from the realization that there were two winged girls(twins) to the final conclusion of the book and the death of Lord Lancaster at the hands of the tokolosh.
I do have to admit that I truly struggled to relate to the characters. Especially Detective Jansen whom I disliked almost immediately. I think that this could be improved by adding a softer element to his character like increasing his interactions with the doctor.
I would recommend adding some comic relief at less serious areas of the book, since I personaly feel that it would make the book even more fun to read. I would have preferred it if the book had an ambiguous prologue to capture my attention immediately before jumping to the crime scene.
All in all, it was a magnificent book and I can't wait to read the next one. I truly hope we'll see some more interactions between Sika and Gcumise in the next book.
The next book can't come soon enough to answer my questions about Thembi, her cub and the tokolosh's fascination with Jansen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2019
A gripping read from start to finish. I absolutely looked forward to picking up the book and continuing with the adventure every night. Not my typical read (normally prefer non-fiction and wild-life story driven), however the characters in the novel had me intrigued from the onset. I found myself immersed in the story, and thoroughly enjoyed the South African references, backdrop and interaction between the two main characters from vastly different cultural backgrounds.
The story initially moves between the different characters, coming together perfectly as the novel unfolds. It's a dark murder mystery fantasy with enough reality in the characters and setting that makes it truly believable.
I am very glad I decided to give this book a chance, and cannot wait for Jansen & Gcumise's next adventure and murder case to solve.
The story initially moves between the different characters, coming together perfectly as the novel unfolds. It's a dark murder mystery fantasy with enough reality in the characters and setting that makes it truly believable.
I am very glad I decided to give this book a chance, and cannot wait for Jansen & Gcumise's next adventure and murder case to solve.
October 18, 2018
This book was extremely gripping! The characters and landscapes are impressively detailed. The book is set in Johannesburg which makes the entire story seem as though it could be real. It is a world in which I know little about but find extremely interesting and the book brought it to life for me. It has really made my mind wonder about my City when I drive through or nearby to where the story was based. I was left wanting more and absolutely cannot wait for the story to continue!
April 9, 2019
I've never been that much of a fiction fan and prefer to keep my reading to the "real world". This book has been the exception. From start to finish I could not put it down. A distinct Johannesburg backdrop with Samgomas, Warlocks and the Tockolosh all thrown in....whats not to love. Highly recommended for all those who love a good mystery intertwined in riddle. An intriguing roller-coaster from start to finish.
April 9, 2019
I was really captivated by new author Jevon Brown’s The Scavenging and after I had started reading I found it hard to put the book down until I was finished.
The book is as gritty and pacey as the city of Johannesburg in which it is set. It wraps the reader in the mystery and intrigue of magic and ticks the boxes of a good who-done-it tale.
Start it over a weekend so that you have plenty of time to fully immerse yourself in the characters and storyline without being disturbed. :)
The book is as gritty and pacey as the city of Johannesburg in which it is set. It wraps the reader in the mystery and intrigue of magic and ticks the boxes of a good who-done-it tale.
Start it over a weekend so that you have plenty of time to fully immerse yourself in the characters and storyline without being disturbed. :)
April 11, 2019
Take your mind on a roller coaster through local South African tribal beliefs and mysticism... all mixed together with a good old fashioned whodunit. You think the book is taking you in one direction and then it spreads its wings and sends you in another.
I won't lie, I was a little disappointed in the ending because it left me a little off balance but... I think that is because I feel the author has a lot more coming and a sequel is imminent ;)
I won't lie, I was a little disappointed in the ending because it left me a little off balance but... I think that is because I feel the author has a lot more coming and a sequel is imminent ;)
November 10, 2019
The imagination and story are absolutely fantastic. Brown brings the shady side of Wadeville, the dry winters of the highveld, african mythology and the fascinating lives of witch doctors and scavengers to life. Everything unfolds brilliantly, captivating you throughout the story. I won't be a spoiler alert, read it for yourself, there are some stand out chapters that are a joy to read. Most original book I've read in a long time. Thank you!!
November 12, 2018
Well written; it grips you from the beginning and holds your attention right until the end.
Scavenging is a thriller, with out of this world characters which give this book a fantasy feel. The characters are nuanced and well developed, and even the most unique of them are relatable in their own way.
Scavenging is a thriller, with out of this world characters which give this book a fantasy feel. The characters are nuanced and well developed, and even the most unique of them are relatable in their own way.
June 4, 2019
What an entertaining read! The story line evolves beautifully and takes you on a mystical journey that allows you to suspend belief.
For me personally, the most enjoyable part of the book was the blossoming relationship between Jansen and 'GooMeSee', which highlights how the old and new can work together in the modern meting pot of South Africa.
For me personally, the most enjoyable part of the book was the blossoming relationship between Jansen and 'GooMeSee', which highlights how the old and new can work together in the modern meting pot of South Africa.
July 5, 2019
I throughly enjoyed The Scavenging and struggled to put the book down during the second half. I would have loved to have a bit more background on the characters especially the magical ones. But I shall wait for the sequel!
March 14, 2019
What a great read, I love the way the author brings the South African characters to life. The author has a great immersive writing style.
May 28, 2019
The fact that I couldn't put the book down, speaks for itself.
Captivating and enjoyable read, and I am excited for the next one!
Captivating and enjoyable read, and I am excited for the next one!
February 20, 2020
Loved the authentic South African vibe all the way through this book. Great character development and an awesome depiction of the detectives' work.
October 12, 2018
This is not my usual read, it's a lot more fantasy than my norm. However the writing style is just what I love! Gets you right in there and believing that this could really happen. I love South African based stories and this did not disappoint at all!!! Really looking forward to the next adventure from Jevon Brown! He is officially on my must read authors list!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews