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teresa_a's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
emco_0's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
madelineb's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lovehina154's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this story. I was able to figure out who were the killers were by the middle/end of this book.
iffer's review against another edition
3.0
I thought that this was a solid, enjoyable mystery. I didn't get too attached to the characters, but I see the potential for the appeal of Darko Dawson if I read more volumes. Although I enjoyed the change of scenery (for me) of this mystery taking place in a village in Ghana, the cultural aspect didn't feel integral to the plot. Kwei Quartey's descriptions of Ghana, especially as pertains to superstition and police corruption seemed a little ham-handed, as if expressing the author's opinion rather than fleshing out the setting.
My main critical comment about this book was that, for a book that's not particularly long, it seemed like there were too many disparate things going on. This could potentially be due to the fact that Quartey was intentionally planting red herrings, but, as the reader, I felt a little bit frustrated, as Dawson said he was, that clues didn't seem to be pulling together at all.
My main critical comment about this book was that, for a book that's not particularly long, it seemed like there were too many disparate things going on. This could potentially be due to the fact that Quartey was intentionally planting red herrings, but, as the reader, I felt a little bit frustrated, as Dawson said he was, that clues didn't seem to be pulling together at all.
jaxgirl007's review against another edition
4.0
There is a lot to like about Kwei Quartey's first novel featuring Darko Dawson. Quartey does a fine job of juxtaposing a modern crime-fighter with the tradition that is the country of Ghana. Just about the time I was ready for the story to wrap up, it does.
Quartey manages to bring many different topics into the novel but does so in a smooth way; I didn't feel that he's overextended himself or left any hanging threads. Multiple wives, healers, police brutality, AIDS...they are brought together to make a fascinating portrait of Ghana and a good mystery to boot.
And Darko Dawson is a good blend of rebel and police detective. Not just your rule-breaking outcast nor the rule-following pet, he is complex enough to be interesting but not in an unbelievable way.
I look forward to the next Darko Dawson mystery!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Quartey manages to bring many different topics into the novel but does so in a smooth way; I didn't feel that he's overextended himself or left any hanging threads. Multiple wives, healers, police brutality, AIDS...they are brought together to make a fascinating portrait of Ghana and a good mystery to boot.
And Darko Dawson is a good blend of rebel and police detective. Not just your rule-breaking outcast nor the rule-following pet, he is complex enough to be interesting but not in an unbelievable way.
I look forward to the next Darko Dawson mystery!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
thain's review against another edition
4.0
Well-crafted mystery with an appealing yet flawed detective and an interesting setting. I enjoyed learning about the culture of Ghana and the blend of traditional and modern values.
kfreedman's review against another edition
This is a murder mystery [I think] set in Kumasi and Accra. I think. It was fun, I liked it.
kgraham10's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting setting.
Main character was a little too underdeveloped and was too angry. He would use violence when angry but got mad at other police for using police brutality.
And I knew who the murderer was within the first 10%.
Main character was a little too underdeveloped and was too angry. He would use violence when angry but got mad at other police for using police brutality.
And I knew who the murderer was within the first 10%.