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A review by lilyn_g
Muti Nation by Monique Snyman
4.0
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for review consideration.
Muti Nation is a book that caught me off guard. It's just so far outside of what I've been reading lately that it took me a few chapters to adjust. I have to say, though, that I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a book that blends supernatural horror and crime thriller seamlessly. From the characters, to the plot, to the 'puts you there' writing of the location (my first South African read), Monique Snyman proves her talent.
The characters in Muti Nation are flawed, entirely human, and easy to believe. She doesn't go overboard with descriptions, and yet easily distinguishes the characters in your mind. I loved the relationships, especially between Esmé and her grandfather. The grandfather was, in general, just one of those ones that you want to claim as family. Eccentric, intelligent, and undeniably brave and full of love for his family. Gramps is the papaw everyone needs in their corner. Even though they might have to bail him out of jail on occasion. But, all's fair, because he'll bail you out if you need it too.
Monique Snyman gives readers a book where the bad guy isn't easy to figure out, and the story never does precisely what they expect it to. I had several suspicions along the way, and I was wrong on every single one of them. Even the twist at the end regarding the killer surprised me. I'm not used to not knowing almost exactly what is going on in the books that I read. Muti Nation definitely kept me on my toes, and when you read as much as I do, that's an absolute delight.
Muti Nation didn't blow me away, but it was a book I had trouble putting down. It is a very well-written novel that kept me on my mental toes. I look forward to reading more from her in the future. Monique Snyman is a writer to keep an eye on.
Muti Nation is a book that caught me off guard. It's just so far outside of what I've been reading lately that it took me a few chapters to adjust. I have to say, though, that I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a book that blends supernatural horror and crime thriller seamlessly. From the characters, to the plot, to the 'puts you there' writing of the location (my first South African read), Monique Snyman proves her talent.
The characters in Muti Nation are flawed, entirely human, and easy to believe. She doesn't go overboard with descriptions, and yet easily distinguishes the characters in your mind. I loved the relationships, especially between Esmé and her grandfather. The grandfather was, in general, just one of those ones that you want to claim as family. Eccentric, intelligent, and undeniably brave and full of love for his family. Gramps is the papaw everyone needs in their corner. Even though they might have to bail him out of jail on occasion. But, all's fair, because he'll bail you out if you need it too.
Monique Snyman gives readers a book where the bad guy isn't easy to figure out, and the story never does precisely what they expect it to. I had several suspicions along the way, and I was wrong on every single one of them. Even the twist at the end regarding the killer surprised me. I'm not used to not knowing almost exactly what is going on in the books that I read. Muti Nation definitely kept me on my toes, and when you read as much as I do, that's an absolute delight.
Muti Nation didn't blow me away, but it was a book I had trouble putting down. It is a very well-written novel that kept me on my mental toes. I look forward to reading more from her in the future. Monique Snyman is a writer to keep an eye on.