Two authors writing one novel, while living in different continents!

The duo of native South Africans Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip, writing as Michael Stanley, write novels set in and around the African bush and wildlife — a lifelong passion and the place they regularly return to — and they are coming to NZ to promote their new book, A Deadly Trade, (Headline - $38.99), which is released here by Hachette this month.

A Deadly Trade, is set in the very north of Botswana, which contrasts vividly with the dry rest of the country. The Okavango delta, and the Chobe and Linyanti rivers, alive with hippos and crocodiles, push against the desert with lush vegetation and teeming wildlife. Huge numbers of elephants make this area their home, and herds of several hundred are common. The crystal-clear water and trees rich in fruit make these waterways a bird-lovers paradise. Hundreds of species of birds make their home here, from huge vultures to colorful parrots and lovebirds.

Goodluck Tinubu, an ex-Zimbabwean who has taught in Botswana for many years, is viciously murdered in his tent at the Jackalberry bush camp, situated on an isolated peninsula in northern Botswana. Peter Sithole, allegedly a tourist from South Africa and a second guest at the camp, is found bludgeoned to death a few hours later. Detective ‘Kubu’ Bengu is sent from Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, to assist the local Criminal Investigation Department in solving the crime.

Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip will be in New Zealand 15 — 18 May 2009 for media commitments but they are making two public appearances. They will be speaking together at a lunch at Dymocks Smales Farm, Auckland on Friday 15 May and then Stanley will be appearing at Palmerston North Library on Monday 25 May.

For more details go to www.hachette.co.nz