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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

'Death of the Mantis' by Michael Stanley (TLC Book Tour Stop)



Synopsis from TLC Book Tours:
In the southern Kalahari area of Botswana—an arid landscape of legends that speak of lost cities, hidden wealth, and ancient gods—a fractious ranger named Monzo is found dying in a dry ravine from a severe head wound. Three Bushmen surround the doomed man, but are they his killers or there to help? Detective David “Kubu” Bengu is on the case, which his old school friend Khumanego claims is motivated by racist antagonism on the part of the local police. But when a second bizarre murder, and then a third, seem to point to the nomadic tribe, the intrepid Kubu must journey into the depths of the Kalahari to uncover the truth. What he discovers there will test all his powers of detection . . . and his ability to remain alive.

First thought when I finished the last sentence: "Oh my! I think I've fallen in love with a new character- Kubu!"

Reasons I chose this book- After reading the synopsis I just knew this was a book that I would enjoy..give me a good mystery that takes place in Africa and I'm sure to be hooked!

Reasons I liked this book- The characters! Hands down they won me over. They felt real to me and as I was reading, their faces appeared in my imagination. When that happens I know I'm in for a real treat! I absolutely loved the main character, Kubu. He was fully fleshed out and vibrant. He has a real zest for life, most especially for his wine and a good meal that includes lots of meat! There was this authentic feel to him and I believe that's why I connected immediately with this story and his life.

Reasons why I am recommending this book- This is a solid, well-written mystery that had me from the very beginning.  The authors did an amazing job of bringing Africa to life for their readers...this is a brilliant story with a cast of characters that speak to you....I'll be back for more!

Rating: 9/10


Published: September 6, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Intriguing mystery fiction
Pages: 430
ISBN: 9780062000378


Michael Stanley is the writing team of Johannesburg natives Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip. Sears lives in Johannesburg and from 1997 until 2007, worked at Anglo American, a major international mining house associated with the diamond giant De Beers. Trollip was on the faculty at the universities of Illinois, Minnesota, and North Dakota, and at Capella University. A full-time writer, he divides his time between South Africa and Minneapolis, Minnesota.




Disclaimer:Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.


© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

22 comments:

  1. Wow very high praise. I love great characters, which always makes or breaks a book for me. This one sound fantastic and with a setting to die for.

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  2. Staci ...this sounds great. I love your review process, and I am very much a bottom-line person. Great job

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  3. Both the characters and setting would draw me to this one... glad you enjoyed it so much!

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  4. Characters often make or break a book for me. I don't read a lot of mystery these days, but this one sounds good. Thanks for the review.

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  5. Sounds like you enjoyed this one! I have read (or tried to read) just one book by this author duo.... I'm not a mystery gal so I bailed on the book.

    Love the Africa connection!

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  6. Your review makes me think of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series back when it was new and fresh. This book sounds delightful!

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  7. This sounds really good! Glad you liked it! :):):):):):):):):):):)

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  8. I'm so glad you liked it too. I also liked that part of Kubu where he knew he should stick to his diet, but he loved to eat. He was so real that I have to find the first two books and read those two.

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  9. I don't read too many mysteries, but I sure will keep this one in mind!

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  10. I keep reading such great things about this that I'm sorry I didn't go for it when I had the chance!

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  11. This one does sound like a real page-turner, and I love great characters. When the characters come alive on the pages, I'm in!

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  12. Like Kathy, the review made me think of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.

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  13. Sounds marvelous -- and I'm thrilled you loved the main character. That's what sells me on a book, really, is if I care.

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  14. I'm not much for mysteries but I love your enthusiasm for the book. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much.

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  15. I judged the cover again, will I never learn?!

    Lol, I am glad you enjoyed the book

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  16. A solid, well-written mystery....I'm sold! I love a good mystery so I'm adding this one to my TBR list. Great review!

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  17. I had seen this somewhere (don't remember where) and was curious about it. How neat to see you give it such a high rating!

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  18. Wow, what a rave review! I love that the characters were so real and vivid to you - those are the best kinds of books in my opinions.

    Thanks for being a part of the tour!

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  19. This is a new to me title. I can tell how much you loved this character and this book. I love how you described Kubu. I can tell you really loved this book and will be putting it on my tbr list. Awesome review!

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  20. Sounds good, plus I like the setting. Will add it to my wishlist.

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  21. Kubu is a charming detective! I hope to read more of his adventures.

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  22. I find this post very interesting! I read the first one in this series and didn't care for it at all! Here's one sentence from my post: "I never built a connection with Kubu and frankly, could care less what he eats and drinks." Eek! That's pretty much opposite of one of the reasons you liked the book. LOL To each his own and all that, right? :)

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