The Signare of Gorée

by Laura Rahme

An Agatha Christie style mystery meets Isabel Allende.

1846. In the heat of West Africa, the French navy uncovers the corpses of two French soldiers. Inspector Maurice Leroux arrives at the island of Gorée. It seems death has come to this small colonial outpost off the Senegal coast, home to the prosperous mixed-blood women known as the signares.

The navy suspects that the Bambara people, emboldened by approaching emancipation, may be out for blood. While confronted by the locals’ strange magical beliefs, Maurice remains skeptical. Does malevolence play a part, or are these deaths accidental, brought upon by the brutality of nature in an island known as the white man's grave?

But when murder strikes, it becomes clear that a killer is stalking Gorée.

Swept by a mystery unlike any he has known, Maurice meets Signare Angélique Aussenac. The proud métis, deserted by her wealthy Bordeaux lover, casts her spell upon Maurice.

But beyond the throbbing sounds of the tam-tams and the glittering signare soirées, danger lurks. Someone is watching. And the deaths go on.

Could the killer be one of the rich Bordeaux merchants? Or are they hiding among the powerful signares?

A historical mystery spanning France and Sénégal, The Signare of Gorée explores a world of magic, murder, and passion.

Genres: Historical Fiction

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 9, 2024

About the author

A recipient of the Best International Author prize from the 2023 Biblioteca Suore Montevergine book fair, Laura Rahme is an award-winning French-Australian novelist. Born in Senegal and inspired by her rich family heritage (Lebanese, French and Vietnamese), she writes fiction informed by historical and cultural research.
With Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Aerospace Engineering, she balances a long career in Tech with her great love of telling stories.

She has written,
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓢𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻𝓼 (2012) - a historical novel set in China's Early Ming Dynasty.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓼𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓻𝓲 (2014) - a historical mystery with supernatural themes set in 15th century Venice.
𝓙𝓾𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓷'𝓼 𝓣𝓮𝓻𝓻𝓸𝓻 (2017) - a French Revolution psychological thriller/mystery which pays homage to her Breton origins.
𝓒𝓪𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓪 (2021) - a Victorian gothic horror mystery set in 19th century England and Greece.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵𝓵𝔂 (2021) — a real life 19th century fairy tale set in France, featuring first celebrity chef, Antonin Carême (1784 - 1833) and one of France's most mysterious figures, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓲𝓰𝓷𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓖𝓸𝓻é𝓮 (2024) — a historical mystery set in 1840s Gorée, reprising the French detective Maurice Leroux from the novel, Calista. Where Calista drew on elements of the fantastique, this mystery blends magic realism with Senegalese folklore.
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓾𝓷𝓮 𝓣𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓯 𝓝𝓲𝓬𝓮 - the third Maurice Leroux mystery set in 1854 Nice. Expected publication in late 2027.

In 2020, Laura announced that she was working on a historical crime novel set in her birth country, Senegal. The Silence of the Pirogue will explore 70s and 80s Senegal. The roman à clef will be published in 2027.

Reviews

[Melisende · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally started this a couple of days ago and finished it today. I would have completed it in one sitting was was rudely interrupted by life.

A compelling mystery dripping in ancient culture and superstitions, the land of Goree and its people swept evocatively across the pages, as Rahme demonstrates her mastery of story-telling. Without giving too much away, the reader, like Leroux, is beguiled and bewitched by Goree, succumbing to the rhythmic tam-tams and its ancient magic, a distraction from the task at hand - finding a killer that may not be human.

Highly recommended.

[SP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical! This clever murder mystery, full of characters worthy of Agatha Christie, keeps you guessing until the final deadly twist. Conjuring a haunting page in Gorée’s history, Laura Rahme weaves folklore and a touch of magic realism into an often harrowing but always riveting tale.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this eCopy to review

I recently finished reading The Signare of Gorée by Laura Rahme, and I have mixed feelings about it. The novel is set against the rich historical backdrop of Gorée Island, and Rahme does an excellent job of bringing this unique setting to life. The vivid descriptions and historical details were definitely a highlight for me, immersing me in a time and place that I knew little about before.

The story follows the life of a signare, a woman of mixed African and European heritage, navigating the complexities of her identity and the societal expectations placed upon her. The protagonist’s journey is compelling, and I appreciated the depth of her character development. Rahme’s portrayal of the cultural and social dynamics of the time is both informative and engaging.

A significant part of the plot revolves around a murder investigation led by Maurice, a determined detective sent from France. This added a layer of intrigue and suspense to the story, as the detective delves into the dark secrets of Gorée Island to uncover the truth. The murder mystery kept me guessing and added a thrilling element to the narrative.

However, there were aspects of the book that didn’t quite resonate with me. The pacing felt uneven at times, with certain sections dragging on while others felt rushed. Additionally, some of the secondary characters lacked the same depth and development as the protagonist, making it harder to fully invest in their stories.

Another point of contention for me was the dialogue, which occasionally felt stilted and unnatural. This sometimes pulled me out of the otherwise immersive narrative. Despite these issues, the book’s exploration of themes such as identity, heritage, and resilience kept me interested enough to see it through to the end.

[Michèle Callard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. Were it not for Kindle, it would be the book you slip to your best-friend, whispering, "read it." It has everything, emotions, suspense, magic, strong women, exotic locations and a fantastic plot. Situated on an island near Sénégal at the end of the slave trade, the characters and the island are so well-described, they suck you in. I loved the writing, the women, the smells, the colours . . . I loved everything about it! Read it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy historical novels, so this book was right up my alley. At first a little difficult to follow because of many characters with similar and confusing names. Once I got into it , it moved fast and would recommend to anyone interested in the 19th century slave trade.

[Be A Real Paige Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read more by this author

[Peta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently finished “The Signare of Gorée”, and I have some final thoughts. First off, I’d like to thank NetGalley and Laura’s team for the opportunity to read and review this book. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to dive into this story and share my impressions.

For context, I am West Indian, so the description of “The Signare of Gorée” intrigued me right away. I anticipated a certain resonance, as the history of Gorée Island shares ancestral echoes with our own storylines, which played into my expectations for a rich, historical setting. I was particularly looking forward to seeing how the author would unfold the narrative, especially since I enjoy stories rooted in historical contexts.

To my surprise, this was my first real exposure to the culture of the Gorée people. I genuinely appreciated the way the author took care to paint vivid, textured descriptions of the island, the people, and their heritage. What excited me most was the foundation she laid in the first quarter of the book. It set up an atmospheric mysticism, a captivating occult vibe, linked to the Wolof people, which hooked me early on. As I read on, the question surrounding the murders shifted from "who" to "what," and this subtle change gave the story a fresh appeal that kept me invested as it progressed.

The characters were varied, and I was drawn in by the dynamics among them, particularly by Anna Colas Pépin, who took center stage in her own way. Anna’s character felt particularly vibrant, and I could tell the author invested time into crafting her personality and presence, especially in the lead-up to the ‘Folgar.’ Anna felt lifelike and three-dimensional; her interactions with Maurice captured the allure and intensity of a foreigner immersing himself in an unfamiliar, proud society. Her appearance, her pipe, and her larger-than-life persona, all these elements worked together to make her scenes compelling and memorable. Maurice, as the outsider, constantly felt out of place, which added to the novel’s tension and intrigue as he navigated the complexities of his environment and the people around him.

However, here’s where my enjoyment hit a snag. As the story reached its high points, I found myself frustrated by what felt like a lack of confidence in the narrative delivery. For example, Laplante’s history with his cousin André Aussenac was introduced as a potentially gripping storyline, yet it came across as underwhelming. The author had introduced such intriguing elements to explore, a complex backstory and hints of mysticism, that I couldn’t help but feel disappointed that these weren’t fully developed. The early setup invited readers into an eerie, suspenseful atmosphere, which could have been sustained further. Instead, the mystery became more about the ‘who’ than the ‘what,’ which lessened the impact, especially given how the Wolof mysticism was initially highlighted as a central theme.

This shift in tone made the story feel a bit uneven. Although “The Signare of Gorée” was presented as a mystery, it quickly became clear who was behind the murders, which dulled the suspense and left me wondering why the author didn’t lean more into the eerie hints she’d established. I’ll admit, this realization made it tempting to put the book down. I did take a break and only returned to it a month later to finish.

Another significant issue was the characterization. Despite being a character-driven novel, many of the figures felt like flat archetypes rather than fully realized individuals. It was often more “telling” than “showing”; rather than experiencing characters’ actions and personalities, we were told who they were or what they represented. This approach left them feeling less memorable and made it hard to stay invested in their roles, or even care about some of their fates. For example, Maurice’s presence started strong as he tried to investigate and make sense of his surroundings, but after a while, his main purpose seemed to dwindle, with an excessive focus on his fascination with Angélique, rather than any real stakes in his investigation. Knowing what was at risk for him if he failed would have added much-needed depth and urgency.

The same could be said for the deaths of certain characters. Before learning they were part of the illegal slave trade, there wasn’t much emotional impact or reason to care. This revelation, while significant, was merely told to us, lacking the build-up that would have made it feel consequential. Characters like Casano and Germaine seemed to be introduced at random, without convincing integration into the plot. Their roles felt arbitrary, as though they were added to fit certain moments but weren’t woven into the story in a way that made them believable.

Ultimately, “The Signare of Gorée” had a strong foundation, but it felt like the author held back from fully immersing readers in the darker, more mysterious elements of the plot. The story had so much potential, but the delivery often fell short, leaving a lot to be desired. For these reasons, I would give this book a solid 2.5 out of 5.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued when I first heard about this novel. I love historical mysteries in (for us) unusual settings, and the island of Gorée, off the coast of Senegal, proved to be the perfect backdrop for a series of seemingly unexplained deaths.

On the French-occupied island of Gorée, the dead bodies of two French soldiers are discovered within a short time, and whilst the first could have a simple explanation, the second appears to be a little more sinister.

So when Inspector Maurice Leroux is called in all the way from France, he finds himself in a strange environment. The local tribes, with their – to a European – strange, supernatural beliefs; the métis women called signares, who held court like queens; the surreal heat and humidity – and European merchants keen on profits, whichever way possible.

As running slave ships was no longer permitted, other ways of making money had to be found, and Maurice feels he entered a nest of vipers. But at first, he is irked that the deaths seem natural. Has he wasted his time? Then another body is discovered – and it is definitely murder.

But with his gut instinct telling him that everyone he meets holds secrets – the mayor, Laporte, the army command, and especially the signare women – he must dig deeper into the island's dark past to uncover a plot no one wants to be revealed. And the dead men don't come away unscathed. What did they do to deserve such cruel deaths?

When he meets beautiful signare Angelique Aussenac, he feels drawn to her, but he knows she doesn't trust the French. And with not-so-secret French plans of setting up a major city in Dakar – disturbing the tribes and their traditional way of life – Maurice treads a fine line.

Will he uncover the person or persons responsible for the murders? And will he be able to bring them to justice? Find out by reading this vibrant, intriguing mystery!

The Signare of Gorée is a fascinating tale, combining European arrogance and greed with a most exotic setting. The signare women are utterly compelling creatures, highly respected and revered by the local tribes – and wanted by European adventurers for their wealth and the power they wielded.

It is an unhealthy setting, and not only from a physical point of view, with mosquitoes, parasites, and crocodiles amongst other threats to human life. The cooperation between the signares, the locals, and the French occupiers is fraught with distrust, and rightly so.

No one emerges from this adventure unscathed. The reputation of the French amongst locals is shredded, and their arrogance in face of what they deem to be local superstitious beliefs is staggering, though not surprising.

Not having ever heard of signare women before, I found them utterly compelling. Women with power were rare in the mid-19th century, and these women were highly regarded. I'm sure that alone was a thorn in the side of any European occupiers and their pitiful views on women. It made for a truly unique setting.

Maurice is a typical investigator when he first arrives on Gorée, but as he delves deeper into the background, his assumptions are challenged, and he must decide where his loyalty lies.

Angélique is a truly incomparable woman, surrounded by an air of mystery, yet at the same time, she is forced to ensure her own independence and survival by evading the attentions of the French. She has a solid network of allies who help her preserve her status as one of the most powerful women on the island.

Lieutenant Leopold Candeau (an ancestor of the author) is another fascinating character, torn between his duty to the French state, and his experiences of living in an area which turns out to be a hotbed of intrigues, rogue deals, and open hostility. More than once is he forced to question his calling.

The Signare of Gorée is a vividly painted mystery that takes you to another world – a world of djinns, sacrifices, and strange beliefs. The beat of the tam tam drums sounds in your head as the stifling heat descends. But it is also a world of occupation and dominance, of obliteration of 'blasphemous' traditions and old ways of life. And it is a world of European greed and cruelty.

Ms Rahme paints a colourful picture of West African island life, with a thrilling plot, lots of dubious characters, and a stunningly vibrant backdrop. There are some unexpected twists and turns, which increase the tension slowly but steadily, until you eventually arrive at the final revelation.

The Signare of Gorée is a truly sumptuous murder mystery that sweeps you not only back in time, but also into a world unimaginable to many 19th-century Europeans.

A highly recommended novel with a clever, satisfying ending.

[Nikita Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖍️The Signare of Gorée🖍️ is a captivating historical mystery set in 1846, on the island of Gorée, Senegal. The French navy finds two dead soldiers, prompting Inspector Maurice Leroux to investigate. The story weaves through the tension of a colonial outpost, where suspicions arise against the Bambara people as they approach emancipation. The narrative vividly portrays the island’s complex cultural landscape, from the powerful signares to the mysterious local beliefs. 🌍🔍

Maurice, the skeptical inspector, faces a world of magic and malevolence, questioning whether nature or something darker is behind the deaths. His encounters with Signare Angélique Aussenac add layers of intrigue and romance to the tale. Angélique, a proud and mesmerizing mixed-blood woman, becomes a key figure in Maurice’s investigation, blurring the lines between suspect and enchantress. ✨👀

As murders continue to plague the island, the suspense heightens. Rahme expertly balances the thriller elements with the atmospheric descriptions of Gorée’s landscape, capturing the island’s beauty and danger. Each clue uncovers more secrets, leading Maurice to wonder if the killer is someone within the merchant elite or among the signares themselves. The mystery is unpredictable, keeping readers on edge until the end. 🔪💼

With rich historical details and a suspenseful plot, The Signare of Gorée offers a glimpse into the lives of the signares and the French colonial world. It’s a story of love, danger, and cultural conflict that transports readers to a time and place often forgotten. An unforgettable journey into mystery and magic. 💫📜

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a clever murder mystery/ historical fiction / multicultural interest - the book definitely has an Agatha Christie feel but since I am an avid reader of this genre --I started to suspect who the killer was in the last quarter of the book-- the storyline was interesting with a diverse cast of characters-- the weaving of the folklore was well done. There is French scattered throughout the book -- so annotations of the meanings would be nice for those who don't speak or understand French . Overall a nice cozy mystery in a far away land.

Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for this ARC . This is my honest review.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has very few ratings, so I’m assuming the author is not well known. I found it while trying to fulfill a prompt to read a book that takes place in Senegal, and this one fit the bill. But I’m so glad I was pushed to find this book, because it is a gem. It’s a mystery novel with a backdrop of Senegal right around the time when slavery has been abolished (but far from eliminated.) There’s a bit of everything for everyone, murder mystery, historical events, romance, and revenge. I really loved it!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting of Goree is the strenght of this book. Laura Rahme's description of the Senegalese island and people is immersive and beautiful. A French detective, Maurice Leroux, is invited to investigate several deaths of French men. The deaths appear to be the result of the savage environment, but some believe there is something more sinister happening. The mystery offered an interesting exploration of the folklore beliefs of the native Africans and unfolded well. The character of Maurice was the weak spot for me. He was easily distracted and believed himself to fall in love with one of the Signares in Goree. His lovesick behavior was sudden and random, and becaming a frustrating influence on his behavior. Overall, it was an enjoyable mystery set in a lushly beautiful African locale.

Thank you to Victory and NetGalley for providing an eARC for my honest review.

[Jodie Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this historical fiction novel. Following is my honest review.

Rating is 3.75 stars, but these systems only allow whole numbers.

I love reading stories where I learn about cultures that I know virtually nothing about. And this novel about the slave trade route and people who chose to ignore attempts at stopping that horrific practice introduced me to the Bambara of Goree belonging to Senegal, an island off the West African coast in the mid 1800s, an island which was colonized by the French, who had a difficult time letting go of it.

In the wake of the deaths of two French soldiers, Maurice Leroux is summoned to investigate the suspicious deaths. The locals and even the Naval officers fear the rumored magic of the locals, especially the mixed-blood signares, courtesans who are able to live relatively freely but who carry resentments. Leroux's investigation leads him to Angelique Aussenac, one of the signares who captures his attention and almost his heart, causing him to doubt his investigative abilities and the veracity of the claims of malevolence being involved in the deaths.

The body count rises while Leroux struggles to identify motive, opportunity, and murderer, and the tensions mount for the readers, too.

My only issue--and it's a relatively small one that is not the fault of Rahme--is my own with not having had any familiarity with the region and historical moment specifically. My own ignorance I fear got in my way more then once. But, again, I do not fault the author one bit. In fact, I thank her for introducing and revealing this period and these people to me, allowing me yet another perspective of the slave trade and colonial efforts to capitalize on human greed.