Michael Stanley / Death of the Mantis

Two-author team, under the pseudonym Michael Stanley reads from the novel, Death of the Mantis: A Detective Kubu Mystery.

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 from a severe head wound in a dry ravine. Three Bushmen surround the doomed man, but are they his killers or there to help? Detective David "Kubu" Bengu is on the case, an investigation that 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 also 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.

"Assistant Superintendent Kubu is back! A page-turner from start to finish. Michael Stanley's enthralling series is a must-read for anyone who enjoys clever plotting, terrific writing, and a fascinating glimpse of today's Africa. Kubu--DEATH OF THE MANTIS--Michael Stanley: the perfect mystery trifecta for any crime fan."--Charles Todd, New York times bestselling author of A Matter of Justice

"Stanley creates a seamless and complex mystery, replete with the unique atmosphere of modern Botswana." --Booklist