The fourth in an intriguing series of police thrillers set in contemporary Botswana. Assistant Superintendent David "Kubu" Bengu of the Botswana CID is investigating the murder of a young and charismatic politician. Detective Samantha Khama, newly assigned as the first female CID officer, is looking into two "cold" cases involving the disappearance of young girls walking home from school. The two investigations intersect when evidence suggests the father of one of the missing girls may be the killer who attacked the politician. But why? Samantha is convinced the girls were abducted and murdered for muti --- powerful talismans prepared and sold by
witch doctors feared for their dark magic, trading on ancient superstitions still lingering at the roots of modern Botswanan society. As Kubu and Samantha follow the leads in their cases, they realize that a dangerous and malevolent witch doctor is operating in Botswana, and his fell influence has penetrated the upper echelons of the national police.
This is a grittier picture of Botswana than that found in Alexander McCall Smith's Number One Ladies Detective Agency books, but at least some fans of that cozy series may also enjoy these murder mysteries, particularly the good-natured Kubu with his fondness for opera, good food, and family.
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| "Michael Stanley" is the writing team of Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip |
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