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