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The Ones We Find

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Something Happened Last Night...

Five years ago, a chance meeting Femi Uzoechi changed Marilyn's life. Except for the part she keeps under lock and key in her house of cards. The line between her past and the one she wanted was long drawn in the sand. But all that changed on the eve of her wedding.

When an urgent call drags Marilyn in to work on her day off, a cryptic conversation with Femi leaves her with unanswered questions. ‘Something happened last night…’ he says.

Hours later, Femi is dead.

An accident? Suicide? Murder? The police see no foul play. Neither does Femi’s TV-famous widow. But Marilyn can’t shake off those haunting words. As she digs up the graves of Femi’s past in pursuit of the truth, the cracks in her own life begin to surface, threatening to send everything she’s built crumbling down. Every thread she unravels takes her a step closer to the scattered pieces of the girl she left behind, a crossroads she can no longer evade, and a killer with nothing to lose.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2023

9 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read

About the author

Ama Pomaa

2 books27 followers
Ama Pomaa is a Ghanaian storyteller. In 2018, her debut novel, A Time to Part, won 1st prize at the 2018 GAW literary Awards. Ama writes inspirational fiction with a healthy dose of suspense. Her work explores social constructs and the struggles of faith.
She started writing in the Senior High School, inspired by the many, many thrillers she indulged in. Ama lives in Accra under the name Leticia Oppong, moonlighting as an engineer. .

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5 stars
24 (57%)
4 stars
9 (21%)
3 stars
6 (14%)
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3 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Emefa Anka.
63 reviews9 followers
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October 7, 2023
To say that 'The Ones We Find' by Ama Pomaa pulled me out of a seven-month reading slump would be an understatement. This novel, her second work, is an intricately detailed masterpiece that left me in awe.
The book delves into various societal issues, including the weight of societal expectations, marital pressures, toxic workplaces, religious influences, and power dynamics. I'd like to focus on some of these themes and how the novel skillfully portrays them.
Societal pressures are a central theme, showcasing how society shapes our lives more than we often acknowledge. It dictates who we should be, influencing us through family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. The protagonist, Marilyn, grapples with these pressures, stemming from a teenage "mistake" that profoundly impacts her sense of self-worth.
Marilyn's relentless pursuit of a successful marriage led her to make profound sacrifices, shedding light on the profound marital pressures that women often endure. The societal double standards exacerbate the situation, where issues that may be overlooked for a man become critical for a woman. However, this novel takes a courageous turn, challenging these norms in a way I found both bold and commendable.
The novel's plot is rich and suspenseful, riddled with captivating twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. I found myself engrossed in the story, unable to put it down.
Even now, I can't stop thinking about the events that unfolded within its pages. 'The Ones We Find' is a remarkable mystery thriller that I wholeheartedly recommend.
Profile Image for Ja'Lisa.
36 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2024
January bookclub pick 📚

🌟🌟🌟.5/5

Pros: Quick read, culture & religion packed, good topics

Cons: Not a thriller, too much time spent off main plot

Favorite character: Adelaide

Favorite message: You always have the right to decide whether to do right vs. wrong even after making the wrong decision & are given a chance to correct the situation. Two wrongs doesn't make a right.

Overall, I enjoyed this read. I really liked how religion was included, but not over the top & everybody is not who they seem. However, this is not a thriller. This is another story about love, wrong decision making, quick judgments & lots of drama going on while we are supposed to be finding a potential killer. The ending is rushed & and action-packed. People that doesn't make it a thriller! I would recommend for people who love mysteries & drama filled marriages.

❓️ What are your thoughts on this book? If you haven't read it, what do you think about my review?
Profile Image for Royalsissi_love_books.
29 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2023
The Ones We Find is a remarkable mystery thriller that kept me hooked up and engrossed from the first page to the last, it's a book that is well endowed with different societal realities, where we have
1, Failed marriages
2, Religious influences
3, Toxic workplaces
4, Societal Pressures
5, Secret and scandals
It all boils down to Societal pressures depicting how society molds us, and how we live our lives due to this, The main character; Marilyn tussled with this pressure from family/ society due to the fact she had a baby at an early age(15 years) and she had to live with the consequences of her action to the point it made her miserable in Marriage, she was determined to have an excellent marriage. But can you keep a marriage that is bound to fail?
I loved the fact that Marilyn never gave up on her search for Femi's killer, I loved the fact that she did what she thought was right at the end despite how pained how mum was, I loved how the book made me feel, it had a crazy plot and twist, it was hard to predict, I just glided with the storyline.
But I don't understand Femi's Surname "Uzoechi" is an Igbo name and Femi is a Yoruba name.
Above all, the writer is Excellent. I urge you all to read the book in other to get the full story, I highly recommend "The ones we find".
Profile Image for Adams Danse.
19 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2023
Set in Accra, The Ones We Find would be the first whodunit I’ve read in over 15 years; and the first I’ve read from an African author.
Brilliantly crafted with a well-hidden villain, the book transcends a murder mystery in that readers are offered a good view into the life of our protagonist battling the consequences of her past and at a crossroads in the future of her personal life.
I liked that the protagonist was not an experienced detective. She lost a friend, had questions and followed her hunch to get answers.
She’ll grow some experience if there’s a sequel and I hope that happens.
Profile Image for RJ.
15 reviews2 followers
November 7, 2023
Wow…don’t bother guessing the murderer

I loved every bit of the story. Was smooth. Fast paced.
The story touched on faith,societal norms, prejudice, abuse, marriage,love, church,principles, support systems. Toxic working environments. Gender inequality.

I enjoyed reading, looking forward to reading your debut novel A Time to Part…

Thank you Ama Pomaa
Profile Image for Bankole Taiwo.
34 reviews1 follower
December 16, 2023
A JOINT REVIEW WITH ANEKWE JESSICA
__________________________________________

"The Ones We Find" is a literary journey that beckons readers from the outset, immersing them in a world where anticipation intertwines with the protagonist's every emotion. This African murder mystery, unfolding against the vibrant backdrop of Ghana, skillfully unveils the societal challenges burdening the African woman.

Approaching the narrative with no predisposed notions, the enigmatic title withholding its secrets, I willingly delved into uncharted territory. The novel intricately navigates the complex web of societal pressures, encompassing failed marriages, various abuses, gender biases, toxic relationships, religious influences, and unrealistic societal expectations. As an African reader, these relatable societal nuances lend a depth of understanding, enriching the overall narrative.

At the heart of the story is Marilyn, a deeply scarred protagonist whose tumultuous journey commenced at the tender age of 15. Her transgression—bearing a child without the sanctity of marriage—unleashes a torrent of emotional abuse and societal trauma from her mother, the church, and society at large.

Forced into the role of an idealized woman, Marilyn seeks validation through marriage, an endeavor that unravels into a poignant exploration of societal expectations. The dissolution of her marriage takes an unexpected turn, offering a surprising and empowering narrative shift.

The novel's charm lies in its gripping twists and turns, evoking a palpable sense of suspense. Readers find themselves mentally entangled, pointing accusatory fingers at potential culprits. Marilyn's tenacious pursuit to uncover her friend Femi's killer adds a layer of admiration, portraying a healthy friendship that becomes a catalyst for her transformation.

A highlight is the book's departure from predictable endings. The unpredictability, coupled with a satisfying conclusion, distinguishes it from the mundane. "The Ones We Find" stands as a testament to the author's ability to craft an engaging narrative, making every minute invested in the book worthwhile.

With genuine sincerity, I wholeheartedly recommend "The Ones We Find." It transcends the typical mystery thriller, earning its place as my inaugural and beloved African mystery thriller. This narrative promises not just a one-time read but an invitation to revisit its captivating depths anytime, any day.

Thanks to the author for reaching out to me 🤗
Author 27 books31 followers
May 7, 2024
Okay, WOW. I did the thing where I felt all smug for seeing the red herring and the twist coming. INCORRECT. There was so much going on here, and even when I could figure out who was doing things, I would not have guessed WHY. Twists! Turns! Dramatic reveals! This was so good, and the red herrings never felt like a distraction. They were all part of the story, just not the WHOLE story.

I won a copy of this book through a GoodReads giveaway (it was already on my TBR), and I took far too long to read it. The writing style is a bit spare, and I usually prefer books with more description, which is one reason I got a bit stalled at the very beginning and put it aside for a while. I will say, I think the style is fairly common in mystery/thrillers--it's not lacking in detail, and there's a much higher focus on dialogue that balances everything out. There were only a couple of places where details got dropped in such a deliberate way that I knew they would come back. Even with the sparser prose, this book captures a HUGE range of emotion and nuance, so once I really gave it a chance, I was hooked.

There are two main elements to this book: the mystery, which is laid out from jump, and the issue of complicated families and social expectations, which is unspooled much more slowly and carefully. It should come as no surprise that the these themes intertwine, but I was not prepared for how intricate things would get. Over the course of the book, we get multiple iterations of the same social ills, told from the perspectives of characters living out intersecting experiences. "Good" and "bad" aren't as clear-cut as some characters would like, and Marilyn and Femi in particular are incredibly interesting and fully developed.

Not sure how much more I can say without spoilers, but this book was easily one of my favorite mystery novels I've read... ever? Admittedly, that's not my genre, but I usually don't enjoy them because the mysteries are so convoluted and implausible with some sort of Moriarty-ish mastermind orchestrating an absurdly complex scheme. This one could easily happen in real life, and the problems all of the characters are facing are so true to life. Absolutely loved this one. Would read again.
Profile Image for Laura Hundley.
839 reviews46 followers
October 31, 2023
This is certainly not your typical murder mystery. While I thoroughly enjoyed this book written by an author whose ability to tell a story that takes the reader on a challenge is by itself remarkable. Yet the author has an uncanny ability to keep details secrets until the reader has had time to digest it. Then we are thrust into societal changes that share with the reader the protagonist’s life prior and the struggles faced her in her past.we are a product of our environment and as such it makes us who we are. Now trying to solve a murder, you see just how vulnerable the characters are and how far the protagonist will go to not only seek redemption but to solve a crime.

I adored the authors writing sryle and felt as though Pomaa is telling a story to each of the people reading this book. It is a mystery mixed in with realism. There are no clues as to who done it and I had no idea how this was going to end but…… well you need to purchase your copy now to find out….

5 star ⭐️

Thank you to Goodreads as well as the author and publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
1 review
October 9, 2023
In "The Ones We Find," Ama demonstrates exceptional artistic talent in crafting her characters and masterfully sustains a gripping sense of suspense throughout every turn of the page. She fearlessly challenges societal norms, particularly those deeply ingrained in Christian communities. The protagonist's unwavering commitment to a relationship that doesn't bring her happiness mirrors the struggle faced by many Christian women who endeavor to salvage marriages despite their spouse's lack of interest. While I personally wished that Marilyn and Cyril could have found a way to reconcile, this didn't materialize, which was a minor disappointment for me, albeit in a lighthearted manner. Nonetheless, Ama deserves commendation for her skillful concealment of the identity of the killer. What a plot twist!
Don't forget to obtain a copy for your loved ones and kindly consider leaving a review. Congratulations, Ama!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
October 15, 2023
This is a captivating novel that explores the pattern of fate, secrets, and the pursuit of personal happiness. It focuses more on the on the relentless pursuit of truth and challenging the status quo or what everyone acknowledges as normal.

The writer’s evocative writing shines in her ability to craft complex characters, a gripping plot, and an exploration of the human psyche as well as drawing readers into the lives of the characters. The story prompts reflection on how our past shapes our present and the lengths to which one will go to unearth the truth.

I recommend this novel for those who enjoy narratives that challenge their perception of reality and seek to assess the choices they make in life in order to be better. You can really relate with the characters!
1 review
October 9, 2023
As soon as I started reading 'The Ones We Find,' I was immediately drawn into its suspenseful narrative. The gripping story had me completely engrossed, and I was unable to set the book aside until I'd devoured every page, even if it meant staying up until 2 a.m. The characters were intricately crafted, and the plot brimmed with unexpected twists that left me constantly on edge. If you have a penchant for riveting suspense novels, you absolutely mustn't overlook this gem – it's an absolute page-turner!
Profile Image for Elyn Desiree.
Author 1 book
May 11, 2025
OMG! I don’t know where to start from! This book is amazing!

This book made me wear my Nancy Drew cap, and I was still hit with twists and turns as I flipped the pages.

I loved how every character in the book was written. The writing made me connect deeply with the characters in this book, especially Femi. And yes, let’s not forget our main character. She was quite the courageous kind. I got a little apprehensive with some of the decisions she was making, but I could understand why she would make them.

Overall, I enjoyed every bit of this book. Couldn’t put down.
384 reviews5 followers
December 10, 2023
A religious murder mystery with fasinating characters. You learn about all of the characters thoughout the book and what motiviates them and how each have fears and desires that shape their lives. The friendship between a mentor and his protege make Maryilyn search for answers that help solve multiple murders. The story keeps you guessing until the end who is really guilty. Her own life is changed when she finally believes in herself.

Thanks goodreads for this book.
13 reviews
February 2, 2025
I didn’t know what to expect as I haven’t seen many Ghanaian murder mysteries. This book had me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t know what to expect at any point in time while reading it. Apart from its main theme as a murder mystery, it touches beautifully on the themes of marriage, love, parenting, and redemption. Would recommend over and over. Kudos to the author.
1 review
September 8, 2023
A brilliant thriller that sees the main character find more than she expects to as she battles her internal conflicts while searching for the truth. Very relatable characters that draw you in, and a hectic climax that will leave you at the edge of your seat. Amazing read
Profile Image for Candace H-H.
222 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2023
Wow, what a ride! I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book, maybe it would be a standard romance? Instead it was layered with mystery, twists and turns and a powerful message! I loved the African cultural perspective too.
2 reviews
February 4, 2024
Amazing read!

I am reading this book for Januarys pick in the book club that I am a part of. I gave this book 5 stars because it was an amazing read. Very unpredictable, great storyline and eye opening! I’d highly recommend!
1 review
October 6, 2023
This was an Amazing read. Full of suspense and surprises. The plot thickened with every chapter. I love that I could easily relate with the characters too. This book is a 10/10 for me
Profile Image for _.Oforiwaaa.
27 reviews
February 8, 2024
Loved, loved, and loved every part of this book. The story unfolded nicely, and wow, just wow! I'm really glad I picked this up. It's definitely a 10 out of 10!
Profile Image for Klenam Hosi.
41 reviews
June 30, 2024
This isn't your run-of-the-mill mystery thriller. It delves deep into societal pressures, religious influences, toxic work environments, and the complexities of marriage and power dynamics. But what really got me was how the author's writing style pulled me right into the story, keeping me guessing and second-guessing with every twist.

*The pace? Non-stop. And the characters? Fully fleshed out, with tears and desires that steer the narrative in unexpected directions.

Marilyn's journey, spurred on by her mentor, is a rollercoaster of emotions as she uncovers the truth behind multiple murders. And trust me, you won't see the ending coming, well, until you get to the end😂.

What I loved most is how Ama Pomaa seamlessly weaves real-life experiences into the narrative, adding depth and authenticity to the story. It's a testament to her storytelling prowess.

Overall, "The Ones We Find" is a solid read - definitely worth your time!
Profile Image for Lady Tamakloe.
73 reviews7 followers
October 28, 2023
I’m a sucker for good mystery thrillers and this being written by a Ghanaian has topped my list

This book is damn good

Note: Don’t try to play a detective by guessing the murder cz like “apor” e go swerve you

A page turner, captivating and will live you in awe
This is a masterpiece and I highly recommend it

Note to Ama Pomaa: Please don’t stop writing ✍🏼 🥹
1 review
December 29, 2025
Read the entire book in under 48 hours. It is captivating by every page, a thriller and full of suspense. It felt incomplete when I was done because I wanted more. I liked the style of writing and the grit of the main character. Would definitely read it again,
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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