Book Review: The Missing American by Kwei Quartey

The Missing American
by Kwei Quartey (Quartey)

When the libraries’ Just Desserts mystery fiction discussion group decided on a broad theme of “African-American Mystery Authors” for our January 2021 meeting on Zoom, it was a perfect opportunity for me to sample a work by Kwei Quartey, an author I’d read good things about but never tried before.

The Missing American is the first in a new series for Quartey, who is perhaps best known for the five volumes in his Inspector Darko Dawson series (as well as a couple of “stand-alone” novels). Like the Darko Dawson series, this new series, featuring sleuth Emma Djan, is set in Ghana. Emma is removed from the police force after an encounter with a corrupt supervisor, and takes advantage of the opportunity to take a position with a respectable private investigation service in Accra. One of her first cases is to investigate the disappearance of a visiting American, Gordon Tilson, who had come to Ghana to meet a woman he’d had an online relationship with — only to discover after loaning her a great deal of money that he’s been the victim of an online confidence scam.

The story alternates between Gordon’s actions prior to his disappearance, and Emma’s investigation (even after she’s told to drop the case) — it also bounces back and forth in timelines as well. There is a very strong sense of place — Ghana is truly brought to life. And the rich cast of characters, both admirable and deplorable, is impressive — we really learn a lot about the intricate world of online con artists, and the lengths they’ll go to to fleece their victims. I really enjoyed this, and will most likely continue with future volumes in the Emma Djan series, a second of which is due in early 2021.

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the rest of Kwei Quartey‘s mysteries.]

[ official The Missing American page on the official Kwei Quartey web site ]

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service 

Have you read or listened to this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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Mystery fans -- join us for the monthly Just Desserts mystery fiction discussion group meetings on Zoom tonight at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. The focus of our discussion tonight is the thrillers of Melinda Leigh, but even if you haven't read any of Leigh's works, you're still welcome to contribute to our "Round Robin" at the end of the meeting, sharing what other mystery/suspense/thriller fiction you've been reading recently! Login information for this Zoom meeting can be found at the Just Desserts part of our Book Groups schedule page!