I am really enjoying these prequels in the excellent Detective Kubu mystery series. It is a treat to watch Kubu's occasional misstep as he learns the intricacies of his job. Assistant Superintendent Mabaku-- normally seen only at his desk in high dudgeon-- was a marvelous addition to the cast. The writing team of Michael Stanley shows us how Mabaku mentored the young detective, teaching him valuable lessons that would help him become the powerhouse investigator of the later books.
While Kubu investigates in A Deadly Covenant, some of the inner workings of village politics are laid bare, as well as the past and current treatment of Bushmen-- people who seem to be universally reviled while not being well-known at all. (Par for the course, eh?) Kubu learns much about interpersonal relationships and how to navigate them-- Mabaku sees to that-- while he shows what kind of young man he is, worrying about a backhoe driver who will go without pay if he cannot work. Perhaps the most telling of all is Kubu's response to the lackadaisical yet brutal local policeman. When the policeman says, "A promise like that is made so you can get rid of him. It does not obligate you to do anything," Kubu replies, "...when I make a promise, I intend to keep it." He's just the sort of person you want on your side.
As engrossing as the investigation is, the icing on this very delicious "cake" is Kubu's courtship of his future wife, Joy. He misses seeing her and agonizes over each thing he says to her during their brief phone calls. Did he just make a fool of himself? Why was she so abrupt? Will she ever want to see him again? He's such an idiot! The humor and hopefulness of these scenes are in perfect contrast to the often dark underbelly of the investigation itself.
Now I'm all caught up with Detective Kubu and must wait for his next investigation. Will it be another early one? Or will we see him as the established and well-known investigator? Does it really matter? Any book featuring this detective from Botswana will be one to look forward to with a great deal of anticipation... and to savor every word once it is in my hands.
(Review copy courtesy of the authors in exchange for an honest review)
While Kubu investigates in A Deadly Covenant, some of the inner workings of village politics are laid bare, as well as the past and current treatment of Bushmen-- people who seem to be universally reviled while not being well-known at all. (Par for the course, eh?) Kubu learns much about interpersonal relationships and how to navigate them-- Mabaku sees to that-- while he shows what kind of young man he is, worrying about a backhoe driver who will go without pay if he cannot work. Perhaps the most telling of all is Kubu's response to the lackadaisical yet brutal local policeman. When the policeman says, "A promise like that is made so you can get rid of him. It does not obligate you to do anything," Kubu replies, "...when I make a promise, I intend to keep it." He's just the sort of person you want on your side.
As engrossing as the investigation is, the icing on this very delicious "cake" is Kubu's courtship of his future wife, Joy. He misses seeing her and agonizes over each thing he says to her during their brief phone calls. Did he just make a fool of himself? Why was she so abrupt? Will she ever want to see him again? He's such an idiot! The humor and hopefulness of these scenes are in perfect contrast to the often dark underbelly of the investigation itself.
Now I'm all caught up with Detective Kubu and must wait for his next investigation. Will it be another early one? Or will we see him as the established and well-known investigator? Does it really matter? Any book featuring this detective from Botswana will be one to look forward to with a great deal of anticipation... and to savor every word once it is in my hands.
(Review copy courtesy of the authors in exchange for an honest review)
