It is April and our book club pick this month is Better the Blood by Michael Bennett. It is both a page-turning detective novel and a deep exploration of the lasting scars of colonialism. Hana Westerman, a Māori detective in Auckland, New Zealand, discovers that a series of murders are connected to the execution of a Māori chief by British colonial soldiers more than 150 years ago. In pursuing the serial killer, Hana must confront her loyalties to both the police and her roots.

In this spoiler-free interview, we talk to Michael Bennett about his experience as the first Māori author to write a thriller about a Māori detective.

We will be back on the last Tuesday of the month to discuss the book, spoilers and all, with two guest readers and you are invited to participate! First, read the book along with us. Then, record your thoughts and reactions in a voice memo and email the file to NerdettePodcast at gmail. Your voice might make it onto the podcast! We can’t wait to hear from you!