This book is the first in a series featuring Darko Dawson, a detective based in Accra, Ghana. In this installment, Darko must investigate a murder in the Volta region (a more rural, traditional area of the country) because he speaks the local language (Ewe). The plot focuses on the struggle between modern and traditional ways of life, most especially modern vs. traditional medicine. The "wife of the gods" of the title refers to young girls who are brought to traditional priests to be married to the gods in a traditional ceremony, and then give up their lives to cook and clean for the priests. The priests sleep with them and any children are considered to be the gods' children. The title is somewhat misleading, since this aspect of traditional culture is featured in the book but is not really the main focus. I found the mystery interesting--there were many possible suspects with different motives, although you guess midway through who the murderer must be. I also enjoyed the bits about Ghanaian culture, and am interested in reading more Ghanaian writers. However, it gets only three stars--soooo much cliche, especially regarding the main character, Darko Dawson. He's happily married but constantly ogling women, and is basically a good guy, but has a violent temper which he can't always control. He must sometimes work outside the law to do the right thing. Cue the eye rolling. I will, however, continue with the series, in case it gets better :).