Michael Bennett (17) (1964–)

3 stars for the thriller. I knew from the prologue what the plot would be.
5 stars for the way Maori heritage was written. From the cruel, bloody colonial era to the unfair, complex struggles 21st century Maori have to live with, the entire book was filled with what this means for the people involved.
There is no black and white, only the painful reality that Maori people still struggle. Hana is not a truly sympathetic main character and the killer is not a cold-blooded monster. Everyone deals with this differently, from Hana to the killer, and the shared heritage caused different life decisions in different people.… (mehr)

Just returned from New Zealand where I bought this book. Loved learning about Maori culture and seeing how it is integrated into this country, Aotearao! This book is a fantastic find for combination Detective Thriller and education on the New Zealand Culture today resulting from past Colonial conquest and rule. In some ways they seem more progressive in integrating the Native people with the European invaders than America, but this book helps the outsider understand for the Maori it is not perfect by any means. Well written and continually intriguing this novel is a stand alone great read!… (mehr)

This is a pacy crime thriller that doesn't let up. Set in contemporary Auckland Detective Senior Sargeant Hana Westerman is on the trail of a serial killer. There appears to be no connection between the victims and then the connection is revealed. It relates to the historic murder of a Maori warrior in the 1860's. A modern day descendant is seeking 'utu' meaning revenge or balance. There are more victims to come and the race is on to prevent more deaths.
DSS Westerman soon realises their is a personal connection to the perpetrator, her beloved daughter and ex-husband.
My only reservation is that I felt, at times, that I was being brow beaten as New Zealander of European descent. The ending showed more balance however.… (mehr)