A review by carolsnotebook
A Beautiful Place to Die: An Emmanuel Cooper Mystery by Malla Nunn

dark sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A Beautiful Place To Die is a mystery/thriller set in South Africa in 1952 right after the Boer government came to power and instituted laws that restricted relationships between racial groups. Emmanuel Cooper, an English detective, is sent to Jacob’s Nest, a small town near the border of Mozambique where the chief of police, Captain Pretorius, has murdered. Cooper is tasked with investigating the crime but runs up against roadblocks galore. First, Pretorius was not just the police chief, he dominated the town. He was a prominent landowner, he and his family owned or controlled most of the businesses, he felt free to do what he wanted. He was also a model Afrikaaner. Then, the Security Branch arrives, determined to find the killer but to be sure that it’s a killer that suits their needs, effectively pushing Cooper out of the official investigation. Of course, like any good detective, Cooper continues his search.

The mystery itself is well done, with a variety of suspects, motives, and clues. It’s suspenseful, violent, at times graphic, and full of surprises. Jacob’s Rest is not a safe place. Where the book really shines, though, is in the characters and its setting.  The author creates a chilling picture of xenophobia, corruption, and misguided foundational myths set within the picturesque South African landscape. We can feel the heat and see the veld stretching out, hear the hymns and smell the food. The characters blend together to create a picture of misguided privilege, suppressed desire, illicit liaisons, and religious fervor. It’s an absorbing read and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.