- As with Michael Stanley’s first novel A Carrion Death, one of the major themes of A Deadly Trade is the conflict between traditional African values and the more contemporary Western values. Where is this conflict in evidence in the novel?
- In this novel, what effect does the Rhodesian Bush War (also known as the Zimbabwe War of Liberation) of 1964-1979 have on the country of Zimbabwe? What are Kubu’s views about the conflict? Is he a neutral voice?
- Kubu’s wife Joy has a prominent role to play in this novel. How does her character and the other female characters in the novel reflect modern Africa?
- How does Kubu’s relationship with his wife change as the novel progresses? Do they have a good marriage?
- Is Kubu a skilled policeman? What weaknesses does he demonstrate in this novel? Are these weaknesses important to his character?
- What role does the flora and fauna play in this novel?
- How does this novel compare with other fiction set in Botswana; for example, the Mme Ramotswe novels of Alexander McCall Smith?
- How do you think crime fiction set in Africa compares with that set in other locations such as the UK or USA?
More crime titles to try…
A Carrion Death Michael Stanley
Blood Safari Deon Meyer
Dead Like You Peter James
All The Colours of Darkness Peter Robinson
About the book
Praise for A DEADLY TRADE
About the author
Researching a DEADLY TRADE
Reading group questions
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