Title: Death of the Mantis
Author: Michael Stanley
First published January 1, 2011
448 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780062000378 (ISBN10: 0062000373)
Rating: 3.89
Overview
Detective David “Kubu” Bengu is back and better than ever in Michael Stanley’s Death of the Mantis. In this thrilling third installment of the series, Kubu finds himself in the middle of a murder case involving nomadic Bushmen.
The case is not only complicated, but also stirs up tribal hatred and prejudice. Set in Botswana, a land as exotic and breathtaking as it is dangerous, Death of the Mantis will transport you to a world filled with adventure, suspense, and mystery.
Fans of the previous books won’t be disappointed and new readers will find themselves captivated by Kubu’s larger-than-life personality and the vibrant African setting.
About the Author
Michael Stanley is the writing team of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip. Sears resides in Johannesburg, South Africa while Trollip lives in Minneapolis.
The duo has traveled extensively in southern Africa, and their love for Botswana shines through in their detective novels.
Their protagonist, Detective Kubu, investigates complex murders in his homeland, earning his nickname, which means hippopotamus in Setswana, due to his size and tenacity. In the first book, A Carrion Death, Kubu faces powerful individuals and a chain of escalating murders.
The Second Death of Goodluck Tinubu (A Deadly Trade outside North America) sees Kubu investigating a confluence of events leading to murders with hidden roots in the past. Death of the Mantis, the third Kubu mystery, explores the plight of the Khoi-San (Bushmen) of the Kalahari.
In Deadly Harvest, the fourth Kubu mystery, the authors draw from a true story about the use of human body parts for magic potions, called muti. Kubu works alongside the first female detective in Botswana’s CID, Samantha Khama, and together, they try to solve cold cases involving young girls who have gone missing.
A Death in the Family (Kubu #5) explores the impact of corruption as the Chinese aim to take over Botswana’s rich mineral deposits. However, the story begins with Kubu’s father being murdered, and despite his pleas, he is kept off the case.
In Dying to Live (Kubu #6), a Bushman is found dead, and the story delves into greed and the lengths people will go to attain immortality and wealth.
Facets of Death, the prequel set in the late 1990s, shows Kubu as a raw detective trying to establish his role in the CID. A massive diamond heist takes place, and the robbers eliminate all witnesses, leaving the detectives with no clues.
Finally, in A Deadly Covenant, Kubu investigates the discovery of nine skeletons near the Okavango Delta. As he tries to solve the murders, accusations of corruption are leveled, and international outrage builds over the massacre of Bushman families.
Each Kubu mystery blends local tradition and mythology with smart police work, culminating in a satisfyingly immersive mystery that grips readers until the unpredictable end.
Editoral Review
Death of the Mantis by Michael Stanley is a thrilling crime novel that explores the complexities of life in Botswana. The book was first published on January 1, 2011, and has since become a popular read among fans of the genre.
Michael Stanley is the pseudonym for the writing duo of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip, who are both retired professors who have lived and worked in Africa.
The novel is set in Botswana and follows the story of Detective Kubu, who is tasked with investigating the murder of a Bushman. The investigation takes Kubu on a dangerous journey through the harsh landscapes of Botswana, where he encounters corrupt officials, dangerous criminals, and powerful politicians.
The book explores themes of race, identity, and power, as well as the clash between tradition and modernity.
One of the strengths of the book is its vivid and detailed portrayal of the culture and landscape of Botswana. The authors have a deep understanding of the country and its people, and this is evident in the way they describe the customs, beliefs, and traditions of the people.
The character of Detective Kubu is also well-developed, and readers will find themselves rooting for him as he battles against the odds to solve the case.
The plot is well-structured and keeps the reader engaged throughout, with plenty of twists and turns to keep them guessing. The pacing is excellent, with the tension building steadily towards the climactic finale.
The writing is clear and concise, with a good balance between dialogue and description.
One of the limitations of the book is that some of the characters are not fully developed, which may leave readers feeling unsatisfied. Additionally, the cultural and historical significance of the book may be lost on readers who are not familiar with the context.
Overall, Death of the Mantis is a well-crafted and engaging crime novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. The book offers a fascinating insight into the culture and politics of Botswana, as well as exploring universal themes of power, corruption, and justice.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
Rating: 4/5
