Connor McKenzie’s book, Stags in the Mist, is an enjoyable read and offers laugh-out-loud moments.

Each short but expertly written chapter masterfully recounts life lessons, amusing coincidences and moments of irony that Connor encounters during his time working as a deer culler, possum trapper and, in between times, builder during the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

Always in search of his next big pay day, Connor enters into partnerships and schemes with like-minded hunters which seem to always have a ‘twist’. He makes, and loses, his fortune (or observes others doing so), but is always happy because in the end he’s doing what he loves in the great outdoors.

Those familar with NZ Outdoor Hunting Magazine will recognise Connor’s name because he is a regular columnist of that publication. Many of the chapters will also be familar, having appeared in that magazine too.

Facts do mix with fiction in this book, but that’s the point. It is a genuine kiwi comedy, even if written by an expat Englishman of sixty-plus years.

This would be a great book to give as a gift (for hunters and non-hunters alike) to be read over the holiday season.

The Hunter’s recommendation is: buy it

The Hunter’s ratings are:

• Overall rating: 6 out of 10
• Photos and illustrations: 2 out of 5
• Trophy quality: 1 out of 5
• Writing quality and style: 5 out of 5
• Page-turner status: 4 out of 5

Publisher’s blurb

For your information the following is the book’s blurb:

Connor McKenzie has been around; he started in the early 1950s and continues to this day. He has been involved as a deer culler, possum hunter, helicopter shooter and recreational hunter. This has given him a keen insight into the working of human nature and the bullshit that goes into creating a good yarn. As he states in his forward “Everything form here on in is based on true stories–only the facts have been changed”.

His regular column in New Zealand Outdoors, has created a legion of fans and this his second book based around the stories that originally appeared in the pages of the aforementioned magazine can only create more.

Connor lives in the Bay of Plenty, still actively hunting with no thoughts of retirement either from hunting or writing.

Bibliographic information

Title: Stags in the Mist: Voices on the Wind and Other Stories
Author: Connor McKenzie
Editions: 2014
Publisher: Halcyon Press, Auckland, New Zealand
ISBN: 9781877566752
Format: Softcover, 148 pages, illustrations (chiefly colour), 23 cm

Book review of Stags in the Mist, Voices on the Wind and Other Stories by Connor McKenzie book review