Sundowner Ubuntu by Anthony Bidulka

19. - 429.) Sundowner Ubuntu by Anthony Bidulka – Russell Quant sets out to find another missing person, Matthew Ridge, who disappeared from his parents life as a troubled teenager. The opening sequence involving Russell killing his mother’s chicken, Mr. Crow, was perfectly rural Saskatchewan. Matthew has been a violent teenager. As Russell follows the cold trail he wends his way to Africa where Matthew, a reformed criminal, has gone as a teacher. On the way Russell establishes an impromptu relationship with a professional photographer, Cassandra Wellness, In an intriguing twist Russell, a passionate gay man, is lured by the fetching Cassandra into a compromising situation. In South Africa Russell persists despite resistance to his inquiries and physical attacks. He learns about ubuntu – the African tradition of community members caring for each other. After reaching the end of the trail Russell returns to Saskatoon where the plot is resolved. I did not feel that the intial stories involving his Saskatoon friends tied well to this story. Part of the solution I saw coming a long way from the end and part was a surprise. Russell remains charming who is the type of guy who will brighten a reader’s life. I barely noticed until far into the book it was a mystery without being a murder mystery. It was a good book but not as good as early novels in the series. (May 13/08)