mpr2000's review against another edition
5.0
When a body of an old man appears dead, the police thinks this should be an easy case, but after some test of the body, it seems that is more than 100 years old! This would not be an easy case, be prepared for witch doctors and live potions before you know the real truth about the case...
I have to say I was completely abducted with this book, maybe the author put a spell on it to be fascinated with the multiple twists and interesting characters of the book, it's a non-stoppable read!
This is not just an interesting case to read, it make you think what's the really value of life, is it worth paying an extensive amount of money to try to live longer? Or would you be ready to kill to know the secret of life? There has been a lot of movies talking about prolonging the life, but for me it has always been science fiction, you live what your body allows you to, not trying to drink something to live more! Sadly, some people believe in potions to make their life better and will try to do anything to have one on their hands, even killing!
Another interesting theme on this book is the witch doctors, they can heal all your illnesses with a potion or an enchantment, something that I just saw in movies or read in books, in some countries is real, and people believe it! It was quite curious how Michael Stanley put the main character in the difficult position to use a potion to save some familiar live, for someone that had believed in witch doctors and have family that believes it's a difficult choice, what would you put first, your values or your family love?
This is the 6 book of Detective Kubu, but you can read it as standalone. The characters are well explained an all the connections detailed.
This has been an amazing read; interesting, different and original. I recommend it you read it right now, Michael Stanely has won a new fan!
I have to say I was completely abducted with this book, maybe the author put a spell on it to be fascinated with the multiple twists and interesting characters of the book, it's a non-stoppable read!
This is not just an interesting case to read, it make you think what's the really value of life, is it worth paying an extensive amount of money to try to live longer? Or would you be ready to kill to know the secret of life? There has been a lot of movies talking about prolonging the life, but for me it has always been science fiction, you live what your body allows you to, not trying to drink something to live more! Sadly, some people believe in potions to make their life better and will try to do anything to have one on their hands, even killing!
Another interesting theme on this book is the witch doctors, they can heal all your illnesses with a potion or an enchantment, something that I just saw in movies or read in books, in some countries is real, and people believe it! It was quite curious how Michael Stanley put the main character in the difficult position to use a potion to save some familiar live, for someone that had believed in witch doctors and have family that believes it's a difficult choice, what would you put first, your values or your family love?
This is the 6 book of Detective Kubu, but you can read it as standalone. The characters are well explained an all the connections detailed.
This has been an amazing read; interesting, different and original. I recommend it you read it right now, Michael Stanely has won a new fan!
nellkup06's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent story. Several plot lines but the minor plot/themes do not overwhelm the central mystery. Good characters. I can't wait to read more of these books.
usbsticky's review against another edition
4.0
This is an Assistant Superintendent Kubu book. Kubu is a CID detective in the Botswana Police.
Synopsis/Spoiler: Like some of this author's books, the plot is somewhat lengthy and meandering. It deals with a few things: 1) The death of an abnormally youthful ancient Bushman and the disappearance of his body 2) The illegal trading of endangered animal parts.
I feel the book uses the story as a platform for two important issues in southern Africa and Africa in general. One is the trading of illegal animal parts. This illegal trading and poaching of said animals is causing them to be endangered and if not stopped the endangered animals will soon be extinct, killed for superstition and nonsense. The other issue is the exploitation and victimization of the Bushman, taking/stealing their medical knowledge, endangering the plants they use, driving them off their land and preventing them from living their traditional lives. However it seems that the current government is trying to protect them from all of the above.
I feel that the story is a bit too long and convoluted to build up any suspense (a signature of this series). It's very hard to write a story with 2 plot lines and to keep them both exciting. However, the police protocol part is stolidly done. And as usual, Kubu is a pleasure to read. He is one of my favorite literary detective characters. He is common-sensical in dealing with investigations, is usually pleasant and in a good mood, hungry more often than not and determined in solving crimes. In fact, Kubu's family and colleagues are also a good read.
I recommend this book and series to those who like police procedurals and reading about new countries.
Synopsis/Spoiler: Like some of this author's books, the plot is somewhat lengthy and meandering. It deals with a few things: 1) The death of an abnormally youthful ancient Bushman and the disappearance of his body 2) The illegal trading of endangered animal parts.
I feel the book uses the story as a platform for two important issues in southern Africa and Africa in general. One is the trading of illegal animal parts. This illegal trading and poaching of said animals is causing them to be endangered and if not stopped the endangered animals will soon be extinct, killed for superstition and nonsense. The other issue is the exploitation and victimization of the Bushman, taking/stealing their medical knowledge, endangering the plants they use, driving them off their land and preventing them from living their traditional lives. However it seems that the current government is trying to protect them from all of the above.
I feel that the story is a bit too long and convoluted to build up any suspense (a signature of this series). It's very hard to write a story with 2 plot lines and to keep them both exciting. However, the police protocol part is stolidly done. And as usual, Kubu is a pleasure to read. He is one of my favorite literary detective characters. He is common-sensical in dealing with investigations, is usually pleasant and in a good mood, hungry more often than not and determined in solving crimes. In fact, Kubu's family and colleagues are also a good read.
I recommend this book and series to those who like police procedurals and reading about new countries.
noveldeelights's review
4.0
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!
mactammonty's review against another edition
4.0
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.
meloches's review
3.0
). I have never read a novel in the “Sunshine Noir” genre so I was keen to dive in and begin my reading. Slow burning, dark and intricate, Dying to Live was a novel that fascinated me from the first pages.
When a bushman turns up dead near a gaming reserve, the death is written off as an accident. However, during the autopsy, it is revealed that although the busman appears to be elderly, his organs are quite young. When the body goes missing, a puzzled pathologist phones Detective Kubu Bengu who begins an investigation into the case. A story of corruption, greed and danger, Kubu must weave through it all in order to find the truth.
This novel is the third in the series that features Detective Kubu. However, this was the first novel that I have read with this character, but, I am happy to report, I had absolutely no issues reading this novel as a standalone. There is ample information that allows the reader to truly understand any back text and character motivation.
I really enjoyed the characters in this novel. I loved the protagonist, Detective Kubu. There was such a calming nature about him; I could picture how deep and melodic his voice would sound when I read his text. I also found myself drawn to his partner, Samantha Khama. Not only does she have a fantastic name but she was fierce and opinionated. I loved watching these polar opposites interact.
One of the things I was most impressed about with Dying to Live was the setting and details; the author(s) did a brilliant job at making it come to life. South African culture is littered within the pages from the language, the food and the descriptions; I was completely immersed in it. I found this to be such a breath of fresh air for me; it isn’t often that I see that type of diversity within a text. I was really impressed with the witch doctor subplot, which is something I found incredibly interesting (even if it was embellished!).
My only pet peeve with this novel (and it was small) was the splitting up of the text into parts. There are sections (Part I, Part II etc) however, there didn’t appear to be any rhyme or reason for them. There was not a change in narration or anything drastically different. I felt like I was intently looking for a difference to justify the parts and it distracted me a bit from being completely into the plot.
Overall, I was completely impressed with Dying to Live and would absolutely go back and read the other novels in this series. I will be eagerly anticipating the next novel in this series!
When a bushman turns up dead near a gaming reserve, the death is written off as an accident. However, during the autopsy, it is revealed that although the busman appears to be elderly, his organs are quite young. When the body goes missing, a puzzled pathologist phones Detective Kubu Bengu who begins an investigation into the case. A story of corruption, greed and danger, Kubu must weave through it all in order to find the truth.
This novel is the third in the series that features Detective Kubu. However, this was the first novel that I have read with this character, but, I am happy to report, I had absolutely no issues reading this novel as a standalone. There is ample information that allows the reader to truly understand any back text and character motivation.
I really enjoyed the characters in this novel. I loved the protagonist, Detective Kubu. There was such a calming nature about him; I could picture how deep and melodic his voice would sound when I read his text. I also found myself drawn to his partner, Samantha Khama. Not only does she have a fantastic name but she was fierce and opinionated. I loved watching these polar opposites interact.
One of the things I was most impressed about with Dying to Live was the setting and details; the author(s) did a brilliant job at making it come to life. South African culture is littered within the pages from the language, the food and the descriptions; I was completely immersed in it. I found this to be such a breath of fresh air for me; it isn’t often that I see that type of diversity within a text. I was really impressed with the witch doctor subplot, which is something I found incredibly interesting (even if it was embellished!).
My only pet peeve with this novel (and it was small) was the splitting up of the text into parts. There are sections (Part I, Part II etc) however, there didn’t appear to be any rhyme or reason for them. There was not a change in narration or anything drastically different. I felt like I was intently looking for a difference to justify the parts and it distracted me a bit from being completely into the plot.
Overall, I was completely impressed with Dying to Live and would absolutely go back and read the other novels in this series. I will be eagerly anticipating the next novel in this series!
steph1rothwell's review against another edition
4.0
Dying to Live is the third book that I have read in the marvelous series that features Detective Kubu, Samantha and the rest of the team. Just like the previous novels the cases they have to solve are different to the ones that feature in a book that is set elsewhere.
One of the many reasons I enjoy this series so much is that all the characters are so laid back. Even though there are murders to solve, Kubu still has time to spend time with his family and enjoy his cookies. Samantha is a little different, she is a bit more impatient, more passionate and more eager to prove that she is an able detective.
Both cases are sinister, there is a missing witch doctor and whilst both Kubu and Samantha are critical of the old ways, the case still has to be solved. The other case concerns the body of an old man, who when the autopsy is done shows more questions than answers.
As well as trying to deal with both cases, lazy police officers and plenty of suspects Kubu also has to deal with the deteriorating health of his adopted daughter Nono who is HIV positive. The grief, frustration and guilt felt by Kubu and Joy was raw. I really felt for Kubu with the decisions he was forced to make for the sake of his marriage. I feel that one of the many strong points in this series is how well you get to know Kubu’s family. It is probably the only series that I have read where family features so prominently.
Whilst the storyline features murder, the reasons why it occurred are different and with the added superstition made a fascinating read. I did get a little confused at times, there are a lot of people but there was a reminder at the start of who everybody was along with a guide on pronunciation.
A welcome return to the land of ‘sunshine noir’. Kubu and Samantha are one of my favourite police teams.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
sarahs_bookish_life's review
4.0
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.
damppebbles's review
4.0
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.
clair_82's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book; both for its plot and it's location. Michael Stanley transports us to Botswana when a Bushman is found dead near the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. During the autopsy, it is found that this man was only old on the outside as his internal organs are like those of a 40-year-old.
Whilst Detective 'Kubu' Bengu is assigned to the mysterious death, his colleague Detective Samantha Khama is assigned to the disappearance of a local well-known witch doctor - simple coincidence or is there something more sinister going on? Kubu and Khama are both extremely sceptical when it comes to alternative medicine so these are difficult cases for them to investigate as they need to put aside their personal opinions in search of justice....especially when the Bushman's death seems less likely to be an accident after the body is stolen from the morgue and disappears!
The various strands in this story were fascinating, not only in terms of where it led the plot but also to learn more about Bushmen and witch doctors. I really enjoyed the dual plot lines as they were both full investigations within their own right by Kubu and Khama but also brought into question links between the two. I adored Kubu, he's a wonderful straight talking officer who is a family man first and foremost and I enjoyed his rapport with Khama - they make a good team, they compliment each other.
Dying to Live is one of those books that can be devoured in one sitting. I must admit it took me by surprise how gripping it was. I'll be honest, I'm not a massive fan of Alexander McCall Smith's No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series as I find them a little too laid back and 'cosy' therefore I started this book with a little trepidation due to the comparisons between the two. However, I am extremely pleased to say that this trepidation was completely unwarranted - whilst I can see where the comparisons arise, Dying to Live has a wonderful dark side which is just fascinating. I have the 2 books that precede this one (Deadly Harvest and A Death in the Family) sitting unread on my bookcase (hangs head in shame!) which I am now most definitely bumping them up the TBR list!
A brilliant police procedural, a wonderful setting in Botswana - a fantastic introduction to 'sunshine noir'.
Whilst Detective 'Kubu' Bengu is assigned to the mysterious death, his colleague Detective Samantha Khama is assigned to the disappearance of a local well-known witch doctor - simple coincidence or is there something more sinister going on? Kubu and Khama are both extremely sceptical when it comes to alternative medicine so these are difficult cases for them to investigate as they need to put aside their personal opinions in search of justice....especially when the Bushman's death seems less likely to be an accident after the body is stolen from the morgue and disappears!
The various strands in this story were fascinating, not only in terms of where it led the plot but also to learn more about Bushmen and witch doctors. I really enjoyed the dual plot lines as they were both full investigations within their own right by Kubu and Khama but also brought into question links between the two. I adored Kubu, he's a wonderful straight talking officer who is a family man first and foremost and I enjoyed his rapport with Khama - they make a good team, they compliment each other.
Dying to Live is one of those books that can be devoured in one sitting. I must admit it took me by surprise how gripping it was. I'll be honest, I'm not a massive fan of Alexander McCall Smith's No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series as I find them a little too laid back and 'cosy' therefore I started this book with a little trepidation due to the comparisons between the two. However, I am extremely pleased to say that this trepidation was completely unwarranted - whilst I can see where the comparisons arise, Dying to Live has a wonderful dark side which is just fascinating. I have the 2 books that precede this one (Deadly Harvest and A Death in the Family) sitting unread on my bookcase (hangs head in shame!) which I am now most definitely bumping them up the TBR list!
A brilliant police procedural, a wonderful setting in Botswana - a fantastic introduction to 'sunshine noir'.