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Muti Nation
Every country has its secrets. Every culture has its taboos. Every house has its cross.
When Esmé Snyders – a young occult-crime expert – investigates a grotesque muti-murder in Pretoria West, she doesn’t realise she’s become a player in the killer’s deadly game. Before long, more savagely mutilated corpses join the tally, proving that the evasive murderer is slipperier than what she’s used to when it comes to muti-killers. While searching for a monster capable of such heinous crimes, Esmé is thrust into a dangerous adventure of love, sex, death and the paranormal. Can she win a game she doesn’t know she’s playing?
When Esmé Snyders – a young occult-crime expert – investigates a grotesque muti-murder in Pretoria West, she doesn’t realise she’s become a player in the killer’s deadly game. Before long, more savagely mutilated corpses join the tally, proving that the evasive murderer is slipperier than what she’s used to when it comes to muti-killers. While searching for a monster capable of such heinous crimes, Esmé is thrust into a dangerous adventure of love, sex, death and the paranormal. Can she win a game she doesn’t know she’s playing?
- GenresHorror
245 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2016
About the author
Monique Snyman
27 books131 followersMonique Snyman’s mind is a confusing bedlam of glitter and death, where candy-coated gore is found in abundance and homicidal unicorns thrive. Sorting out the mess in her head is particularly irksome before she’s ingested a specific amount of coffee, which is equal to half the recommended intake of water for humans per day. When she’s not playing referee to her imaginary friends or trying to overdose on caffeine, she’s doing something with words—be it writing, reading, or editing.
Monique Snyman lives in Pretoria, South Africa, with her husband and an adorable Chihuahua. She’s the author of the Bram Stoker Award® nominated novels, THE NIGHT WEAVER and THE BONE CARVER, and the upcoming South African horror series, DARK COUNTRY.
Monique Snyman lives in Pretoria, South Africa, with her husband and an adorable Chihuahua. She’s the author of the Bram Stoker Award® nominated novels, THE NIGHT WEAVER and THE BONE CARVER, and the upcoming South African horror series, DARK COUNTRY.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 6, 2017
Muti Nation is a fast paced horror novel that blends elements of the supernatural with a crime thriller seamlessly. Monique has also managed to add romantic and erotic elements that aren't contrived or annoying. In fact her romantic scenes are adorable and her sex scenes are so hot I needed a fan and a cold shower.
This is a novel you have to read.
This is a novel you have to read.
February 13, 2017
Monique Snyman takes her readers on a bloody ride through the horrors of muti and dark magic in South Africa. She shines a bright light on the brutality some will inflict…just to have power.
Esmé Snyders is an occult-crime investigator. She is called in to examine scenes brutality painted on the world using the blood of innocents.
She knows someone is inflicting pain and mutilating the bodies of their victims for power, but she doesn’t understand the scope of what she’s up against. She doesn’t understand that she has been targeted by the man who is using muti to become a god on Earth.
Esmé is attacked by unseen…things in her own home, but she doesn’t let that scare her away from hunting down the truth.
Her love life gets in the way of her handling things, but it doesn’t stop her from finding the answers she’s looking for.
Monique Snyman knows how to get her hands bloody, and she has no qualms finger painting her readers’ brains with her dark visions. She pulls no punches, and I love and respect her for that. After all, that’s what the horror genre is all about.
Muti Nation was a fun read, and I enjoyed it, but there were a couple things that bugged me. The main character, Esmé was referred to as an “expert” multiple times, but I didn’t feel she did any real “experting” in the book. She seems somewhat knowledgeable and capable, but that’s about all.
There were sections of the book that were nothing but news reports with social media comments and victim interviews. I personally didn’t care for them, since they weren’t directly connected to the actual story as far as something the characters were doing. The characters didn’t sit down and read the reports or anything. So, for me, it was jarring. But, if you’re going to do something like that in a book, it was done well. I consider this a personal preference issue, since others might not mind it at all.
I give this book: 4 of 5 Stars
Esmé Snyders is an occult-crime investigator. She is called in to examine scenes brutality painted on the world using the blood of innocents.
She knows someone is inflicting pain and mutilating the bodies of their victims for power, but she doesn’t understand the scope of what she’s up against. She doesn’t understand that she has been targeted by the man who is using muti to become a god on Earth.
Esmé is attacked by unseen…things in her own home, but she doesn’t let that scare her away from hunting down the truth.
Her love life gets in the way of her handling things, but it doesn’t stop her from finding the answers she’s looking for.
Monique Snyman knows how to get her hands bloody, and she has no qualms finger painting her readers’ brains with her dark visions. She pulls no punches, and I love and respect her for that. After all, that’s what the horror genre is all about.
Muti Nation was a fun read, and I enjoyed it, but there were a couple things that bugged me. The main character, Esmé was referred to as an “expert” multiple times, but I didn’t feel she did any real “experting” in the book. She seems somewhat knowledgeable and capable, but that’s about all.
There were sections of the book that were nothing but news reports with social media comments and victim interviews. I personally didn’t care for them, since they weren’t directly connected to the actual story as far as something the characters were doing. The characters didn’t sit down and read the reports or anything. So, for me, it was jarring. But, if you’re going to do something like that in a book, it was done well. I consider this a personal preference issue, since others might not mind it at all.
I give this book: 4 of 5 Stars
July 15, 2016
So to start, I was offered this book and prompted to write a review within 40 days... After which I would be hounded!
As you can see, that was completely unnecessary for me! This book is the kind of seamless horror that leaves you biting at the bit to read it at your next opportunity... I honestly did not want to sleep when I was reading this book. The story held me captive to reveal the ending. Some of the scenes were so thrilling with excitement they made me want to stay in the moment and keep experiencing the scenes being captured in the words. Other scenes were so thrilling in a horror way that it made you unable to sleep because it was so easy to believe what was being described could actually happen - and I am NOT a great believe in the paranormal!
Lastly, the ending scene had me so on the edge of my seat that not even the fact it was 3:00 AM and I had just finished my house-packing goal for the night (and rewarded myself with 5 minutes reading before sleep) could stop me from keeping on going until I finished the story.
I loved the plot twists - I made many wrong guesses when usually I clue in quick! I loved the writing style, I loved everything about this book.
I also have to agree with the earlier reviewer: where some sex and scenes in books are cheesy, over the top or downright skip-over-worthy, Snyman has managed to make her's unique, enjoyable and cute, relatable and yes, a bit so you get caught up in the ride just like she intended!
As you can see, that was completely unnecessary for me! This book is the kind of seamless horror that leaves you biting at the bit to read it at your next opportunity... I honestly did not want to sleep when I was reading this book. The story held me captive to reveal the ending. Some of the scenes were so thrilling with excitement they made me want to stay in the moment and keep experiencing the scenes being captured in the words. Other scenes were so thrilling in a horror way that it made you unable to sleep because it was so easy to believe what was being described could actually happen - and I am NOT a great believe in the paranormal!
Lastly, the ending scene had me so on the edge of my seat that not even the fact it was 3:00 AM and I had just finished my house-packing goal for the night (and rewarded myself with 5 minutes reading before sleep) could stop me from keeping on going until I finished the story.
I loved the plot twists - I made many wrong guesses when usually I clue in quick! I loved the writing style, I loved everything about this book.
I also have to agree with the earlier reviewer: where some sex and scenes in books are cheesy, over the top or downright skip-over-worthy, Snyman has managed to make her's unique, enjoyable and cute, relatable and yes, a bit so you get caught up in the ride just like she intended!
June 8, 2017
I haven't come across many Muti books, possibly because it's a very SA-specific topic and not many authors are brave enough to broach such a controversial topic. Monique Snyman, however, has the balls and the brilliance to do it! Muti Nation is by no means an easy read. I built a blanket fort and kept the lights on while reading, and I still got goose bumps.
The characters are well-written and likeable, but still flawed, which is essential in building a connection to them. In particular, I enjoyed the eccentric grandfather Gramps and the steadfast Det. Mosepi.
My only critique would be that I felt Howlen's story arc just kind of fizzled out and his behavior (THAT night) was a little bizarre. I felt that he truly cared for Esme and understood her world, so, despite his past, I didn't think those events fitted with his personality and Rynhardt's late entrance didn't allow me enough time to switch my allegiance. This is a small gripe, though, because Muti Nation is not a love story, and these events in no way detract from the main plot.
I can also appreciate how much research must have gone into this book. It is real and gritty and terrifying!
A creepy, spine-chilling story that highlights a very real, very disturbing problem that is too close to home.
August 3, 2016
Muti Nation by Monique Snyman
Esme is an Occult Crime expert, she investigates "muti murders" in Pretoria, South Africa. She starts a case and it escalates to more dead than she could have imagined. She realizes she is up against pure evil. To find the murder victims so savagely mutilated is disturbing, but she will put herself in danger if that is what it takes to find out what is happening and catch this horrible murderer.
I loved the attention to detail, the references to witch doctors, and all that it involves. I also enjoyed learning more about South Africa and its culture (although the story is fiction), the details about Africa are accurate.
Esme is very likable, she takes her job seriously and she is willing to do anything to solve crime. The plot is original, compelling and intense at times. I could not put it down. I was hooked from the beginning, and drawn in (to the story) quickly. Overall I found Muti Nation very enjoyable and highly recommend this great read.
Esme is an Occult Crime expert, she investigates "muti murders" in Pretoria, South Africa. She starts a case and it escalates to more dead than she could have imagined. She realizes she is up against pure evil. To find the murder victims so savagely mutilated is disturbing, but she will put herself in danger if that is what it takes to find out what is happening and catch this horrible murderer.
I loved the attention to detail, the references to witch doctors, and all that it involves. I also enjoyed learning more about South Africa and its culture (although the story is fiction), the details about Africa are accurate.
Esme is very likable, she takes her job seriously and she is willing to do anything to solve crime. The plot is original, compelling and intense at times. I could not put it down. I was hooked from the beginning, and drawn in (to the story) quickly. Overall I found Muti Nation very enjoyable and highly recommend this great read.
July 23, 2016
I absolutely loved Muti Nation! I love just how Monique Snyman writes! It's different for me to read a book about a place I live in and I know the places she mentions. I smell the smells she writes about, feel the sweat dripping between my shoulder-blades just as described!
Over and above that, I really enjoyed the story. Scary (but not too much for me), action-packed and just a bit raunchy.
Just wonderful.
Over and above that, I really enjoyed the story. Scary (but not too much for me), action-packed and just a bit raunchy.
Just wonderful.
October 18, 2016
Absolutely brilliant!
I was offered this book for an honest review and would like to take a moment to apologise to Monique Snyman for taking so long to post this review!
It is so refreshing to read a book set in South Africa, especially one where the author has researched her subject so well. Her fantastic use of the English language (which is actually her 2nd language) is absolutely brilliant and awakens all of your senses!
This story delves into the world of the occult, many people that live in and most certainly out of Africa are unaware of how strong the beliefs are of the majority of our population. Having grown up on a farm in KwaZulu Natal, we occasionally used the services of a witch doctor to help sort out a few minor problems!
This book touched me deeply, I've already read it twice! The inclusion of past cases from the '90's, when I was a young adult to the Facebook posts and news headlines - made the story even more believable.
I absolutely loved the main character Esmè and am hoping to read more about her in the future. The twins Tweedledee and Tweedledum (two halves of a whole) are also among my favourites.
I am not going to delve into the plot or the story but rather challenge everyone who has not read Muti Nation as yet, to do yourself a favour and get yourself a copy NOW!
Monique Snyman is a highly talented author who is most definitely going places, if Goodreads would allow us to leave a 10 star review - that is exactly what I would rate Muti Nation.
Well done Monique, a perfectly balanced book that left this avid reader speechless (not a frequent occurrence)!
I was offered this book for an honest review and would like to take a moment to apologise to Monique Snyman for taking so long to post this review!
It is so refreshing to read a book set in South Africa, especially one where the author has researched her subject so well. Her fantastic use of the English language (which is actually her 2nd language) is absolutely brilliant and awakens all of your senses!
This story delves into the world of the occult, many people that live in and most certainly out of Africa are unaware of how strong the beliefs are of the majority of our population. Having grown up on a farm in KwaZulu Natal, we occasionally used the services of a witch doctor to help sort out a few minor problems!
This book touched me deeply, I've already read it twice! The inclusion of past cases from the '90's, when I was a young adult to the Facebook posts and news headlines - made the story even more believable.
I absolutely loved the main character Esmè and am hoping to read more about her in the future. The twins Tweedledee and Tweedledum (two halves of a whole) are also among my favourites.
I am not going to delve into the plot or the story but rather challenge everyone who has not read Muti Nation as yet, to do yourself a favour and get yourself a copy NOW!
Monique Snyman is a highly talented author who is most definitely going places, if Goodreads would allow us to leave a 10 star review - that is exactly what I would rate Muti Nation.
Well done Monique, a perfectly balanced book that left this avid reader speechless (not a frequent occurrence)!
May 3, 2023
I was introduced to Monique via her first series Charming Incantations: Enticed but you can't compare Muti Nation to that. Not by a long shot. Snyman's writing has grown so much since that first novel was published and though I'll always love it Muti Nation has introduced me to the Horror genre with swift ease and a not so gentle kick to the genitals in a totally hot way. How this woman was able to seamlessly combine horror, a fast paced thriller with so many twists my head was reeling and some pretty hot sex scenes that required your to maul your significant other is beyond me. She even managed to get me to read something based locally, and that is no easy feat.
Well written, well rounded and I did not see that ending coming.
More reviews at Mischief Managed Book Reviews
Well written, well rounded and I did not see that ending coming.
More reviews at Mischief Managed Book Reviews
July 15, 2016
“Muti Nation” by Monique Snyman chills you to the bone from start to finish. For a first time horror novel, Monique has her fingers on the pulse of terror. This fast-paced fright fest is brilliantly written as the author brings thriller and local supernatural folklore to fruition by wonderfully crafting a story with believable characters, emotional highs and lows, inspirational pros, and well written erotic elements. Muti Nation’s twists and turns will have you glued to the pages. And as this reader has figured out, reading it twice reveals even more. Don’t miss out on this page turner. The hype is real.
Nate D. Burleigh
Reviewer: Snake Bite Horror Magazine
Author of: “Sustenance”, “The First”, “Nasferas: The Begotten”.
Nate D. Burleigh
Reviewer: Snake Bite Horror Magazine
Author of: “Sustenance”, “The First”, “Nasferas: The Begotten”.
July 29, 2016
Ok, so let me start by saying that horror / paranormal is not my usual genre (I'm too much of a scaredy cat lol!) but I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I was pleasantly surprised that, even though there are some pretty hectic moments, I was so hooked on the storyline that I had to read the whole book!
The touch of romance is edgy and just enough, the gore and horror factor is on point and the characters are so "normal" and relatable. I love Esmé's eccentric grandfather, he lends a touch of humor to the story that balances it out, and is quite possibly my favorite character.
Overall, I found Muti Nation to be a fast paced, gripping read and I highly recommend it
The touch of romance is edgy and just enough, the gore and horror factor is on point and the characters are so "normal" and relatable. I love Esmé's eccentric grandfather, he lends a touch of humor to the story that balances it out, and is quite possibly my favorite character.
Overall, I found Muti Nation to be a fast paced, gripping read and I highly recommend it
September 25, 2016
Brilliant
Absolutely brilliant book!
I cannot believe how few ratings this book has considering how flippen awesome it is.
It is written fantastically and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. I won't lie and I say I'm not hoping for a sequel because I actually am!
Great characters, some laughs to lighten up the darkness and loads of action (some of which is dark but not too scary.)
My favourite thing about how Monique wrote this book is how she added online news and Facebook segments. It kept the book fresh because we live in a world dominated by an online social media presence and she incorporated it perfectly.
Absolutely brilliant book!
I cannot believe how few ratings this book has considering how flippen awesome it is.
It is written fantastically and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. I won't lie and I say I'm not hoping for a sequel because I actually am!
Great characters, some laughs to lighten up the darkness and loads of action (some of which is dark but not too scary.)
My favourite thing about how Monique wrote this book is how she added online news and Facebook segments. It kept the book fresh because we live in a world dominated by an online social media presence and she incorporated it perfectly.
August 10, 2016
I received a free copy of Muti Nation in exchange for an honest review.
An engrossing read from South African author Monique Snyman. A mixed bag of genres - a bit of mysticism, detective work and superstition, this book kept me interested to the final page. I particularly enjoyed Esme, the main character, who was both disarming and very real. Snyman writes fluidly, with a kind of ease that sealed my enjoyment of Muti Nation. A great read for anyone who enjoys a bit of local SA folklore thrown into the detective mix.
An engrossing read from South African author Monique Snyman. A mixed bag of genres - a bit of mysticism, detective work and superstition, this book kept me interested to the final page. I particularly enjoyed Esme, the main character, who was both disarming and very real. Snyman writes fluidly, with a kind of ease that sealed my enjoyment of Muti Nation. A great read for anyone who enjoys a bit of local SA folklore thrown into the detective mix.
July 15, 2016
The disturbingly colorful imagination of the indescribable miss Snyman strikes again! From the horrifyingly detailed descriptions of mutilation death the whole way to tantalizing sex scenes! This is yet another masterpiece following from the fingertips of a young genius! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!
September 25, 2016
I found this a fascinating read, you can see my full review here... https://horrornovelreviews.com/2016/0...
July 25, 2016
Muti-Nation by Monique Snyman is a one-sitting horror whodunnit, packed with the dark magic of Africa, and bursting with gore, fear, and creep.
Esme Snyders has got one of those jobs you’d kill to have, if it didn’t kill you first. She’s an occult investigator, working for her grandfather’s firm, and the team have already got their hands full when we’re first introduced. Unfortunately for her, Esme stands out, especially to people who believe there is something intrinsically magical about courage and power. It doesn’t take long for her to become one of the hunted, even as she tracks a serial killer who has far worse than just people to answer to.
Muti Nation is one of those books that shows you how spiritual belief can drag people to their unpleasant destinies, but instead of making it all about imagination and superstition, Snyman gives you something quite tangible to be afraid of. Take tokoloshe, for example. Or don’t – it isn’t a good thing at all! In magical terms, if you’re into that kind of thing, South Africa is one of those places where the veil between the worlds is very thin. Crazed and terrifying small creatures are, by far, not the only thing to give you the creeps, and this beautifully written novel makes the most of South Africa’s spiritual legacy on its people.
Esme Snyders has got one of those jobs you’d kill to have, if it didn’t kill you first. She’s an occult investigator, working for her grandfather’s firm, and the team have already got their hands full when we’re first introduced. Unfortunately for her, Esme stands out, especially to people who believe there is something intrinsically magical about courage and power. It doesn’t take long for her to become one of the hunted, even as she tracks a serial killer who has far worse than just people to answer to.
Muti Nation is one of those books that shows you how spiritual belief can drag people to their unpleasant destinies, but instead of making it all about imagination and superstition, Snyman gives you something quite tangible to be afraid of. Take tokoloshe, for example. Or don’t – it isn’t a good thing at all! In magical terms, if you’re into that kind of thing, South Africa is one of those places where the veil between the worlds is very thin. Crazed and terrifying small creatures are, by far, not the only thing to give you the creeps, and this beautifully written novel makes the most of South Africa’s spiritual legacy on its people.
November 15, 2016
Brilliantly different.
This type of book is something I don't usually read. I'm glad I gave it a chance as I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the characters in it and grew to love the main protagonist. I also became fascinated with African culture and would love to visit Pretoria. South Africa was exceptionally described in ways where I could imagine how the heat was to live with and the different backdrops the storyline was based on. The writing was brilliant and I was definitely creeped out on more than one occasion. I really hope the author writes a sequel as I'd love to know how the characters get on. If you enjoy a good, creepy and atmospheric read then this ones for you!
This type of book is something I don't usually read. I'm glad I gave it a chance as I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the characters in it and grew to love the main protagonist. I also became fascinated with African culture and would love to visit Pretoria. South Africa was exceptionally described in ways where I could imagine how the heat was to live with and the different backdrops the storyline was based on. The writing was brilliant and I was definitely creeped out on more than one occasion. I really hope the author writes a sequel as I'd love to know how the characters get on. If you enjoy a good, creepy and atmospheric read then this ones for you!
September 9, 2016
Being an avid horror reader I was skeptical about picking up a book by an author who's work I hadn't read before. I am easily bored by most horrors as you can generally tell how it's going to end within the first few pages... well, that certainly wasn't the case with this book. From page one I was captivated and I just couldn't put the book down. It is incredibly well written and definitely not boring. A great book for anyone who loves books (not just horrors). Well done Monique Snyman - I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
December 19, 2021
Meh, I'm on the fence with this one. Loved the South Africaness of it, but hated the paranormal bits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2016
Our 26-year-old protagonist Esmé Snyders is an occult crime expert, with degrees in Criminology and Theology. She was an infant when her mother abandoned her, and just six years old when she saw her first murder victim. The fiery redhead now works for the family business which, among other things, consults to the SAPS on occult and paranormal-related crimes, including muti crimes.
What appears to be a deeply disturbed serial killer dubbed the 'Pretoria Slasher' by the local press is on the loose. Corpses are found mutilated, body parts and organs crudely harvested ante-mortem, presumably in the pursuit of procuring potent ingredients for the concoction of powerful traditional medicine. A more demented, depraved, demonic villain you'd be hard-pressed to find. Vivid descriptions of grisly crime scenes, and great pacing makes this a seat-of-the-pants read. Not for the squeamish or faint-hearted.
In terms of writing style, I was pretty blown away by the fact that this book is penned in the author's second language. I do hope, for the sake of her Afrikaans audience, it will also be translated [back] to her mother tongue. The portrait she paints of modern day Pretoria and its rural surrounds really brings the city to life, and her characterisation is superb. I particularly loved the delightfully quirky Tweedledum and Tweedledee - wizened twin sangomas, "two halves of one soul" - who are ironically 'consulted by the consultant' when she eventually finds herself in over her head on this case.
I could tell this was a very well-researched book, and I love the way Snyman wove in factual elements of real-life, high profile local crimes over the past couple of decades, dating back to the 'Satanic panic' era of the early Nineties, which I personally remember from my own teenage years. Her subtle social commentary on the current landscape of organised religion is also very astute: "Then comes the older part of the city where centuries-old churches compete with pop-up ministries for souls."
The one thing that bugged me though was the scene where the protagonist wears *red stilettos* to an early morning crime scene. Incongruous and improbable - what I can only imagine is a 'continuity error'. Oh, and a few minor typos. But I'm sure these little gremlins will be corrected in subsequent editions of the book.
Overall, a devilishly good read. Definitely an exciting new voice to watch out for on the local crime thriller scene. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing what gruesome muti / magic case our feisty Esmé Snyders finds herself working on next. Perhaps a bit of voodoo in New Orleans? I guess we'll just have to wait and see...
What appears to be a deeply disturbed serial killer dubbed the 'Pretoria Slasher' by the local press is on the loose. Corpses are found mutilated, body parts and organs crudely harvested ante-mortem, presumably in the pursuit of procuring potent ingredients for the concoction of powerful traditional medicine. A more demented, depraved, demonic villain you'd be hard-pressed to find. Vivid descriptions of grisly crime scenes, and great pacing makes this a seat-of-the-pants read. Not for the squeamish or faint-hearted.
In terms of writing style, I was pretty blown away by the fact that this book is penned in the author's second language. I do hope, for the sake of her Afrikaans audience, it will also be translated [back] to her mother tongue. The portrait she paints of modern day Pretoria and its rural surrounds really brings the city to life, and her characterisation is superb. I particularly loved the delightfully quirky Tweedledum and Tweedledee - wizened twin sangomas, "two halves of one soul" - who are ironically 'consulted by the consultant' when she eventually finds herself in over her head on this case.
I could tell this was a very well-researched book, and I love the way Snyman wove in factual elements of real-life, high profile local crimes over the past couple of decades, dating back to the 'Satanic panic' era of the early Nineties, which I personally remember from my own teenage years. Her subtle social commentary on the current landscape of organised religion is also very astute: "Then comes the older part of the city where centuries-old churches compete with pop-up ministries for souls."
The one thing that bugged me though was the scene where the protagonist wears *red stilettos* to an early morning crime scene. Incongruous and improbable - what I can only imagine is a 'continuity error'. Oh, and a few minor typos. But I'm sure these little gremlins will be corrected in subsequent editions of the book.
Overall, a devilishly good read. Definitely an exciting new voice to watch out for on the local crime thriller scene. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing what gruesome muti / magic case our feisty Esmé Snyders finds herself working on next. Perhaps a bit of voodoo in New Orleans? I guess we'll just have to wait and see...
February 18, 2017
I really, really, really tried to get into this, but ugh what a slog. The pacing is just too far off for the kind of story the author is trying to tell. Wasn't for me.
July 28, 2016
This is a fantastic new horror book that deals with occult-themed crimes in South Africa. I'm an avid horror reader, but this kind of thing is not an area I am at all familiar with it, making it something of a learning experience. It was nice to see that I can still be shocked by horror, too.
The story is made all the more unsettling by how based in reality it is. The descriptions and atmosphere created by Snyman are so vivid you can feel the stifling heat as you read. Living in the western world, where crimes based on spirituality are pretty few and far between these days, it's terrifying to imagine that this sort of things goes on in the world. Horror readers like what scares them, so for British readers the idea of being hacked up for witchcraft is so foreign a concept that it's instantly terrifying.
Great read and I hope to see more from the author in future.
The story is made all the more unsettling by how based in reality it is. The descriptions and atmosphere created by Snyman are so vivid you can feel the stifling heat as you read. Living in the western world, where crimes based on spirituality are pretty few and far between these days, it's terrifying to imagine that this sort of things goes on in the world. Horror readers like what scares them, so for British readers the idea of being hacked up for witchcraft is so foreign a concept that it's instantly terrifying.
Great read and I hope to see more from the author in future.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews