Shadows in the Medina: A Moroccan Mystery

by David Barr Mills

In the early months of 2020, Robert Manion's existence revolves around the rural seclusion of the Canadian Okanagan. However, one winter morning, his life is turned upside down when an urgent call from the Canadian Consulate in Rabat, Morocco, sets him in motion. The to swiftly journey to Tangier and identify a body—a body that, at first glance, appears to be that of his estranged father. As he embarks on this unexpected trip to Morocco, Robert finds himself thrust into a swiftly changing world. What unfolds in the wake of this decision will not only transform Robert's life but also sweep readers along on a whirlwind of mystery through the beguiling landscapes of Morocco. Through it all, Robert discovers the importance of love and family. In the year 1991, a child was left at a group home in the heart of Montreal. As the pages turn to early January 2020, we find Robert Manion riding in solitude amid the desert landscapes of British Columbia, Canada. Abandoned by his father as a young child and bereft of a mother's love, he grows up in a foster home in Montreal. At the tender age of sixteen, he escapes and forges a new path in the embrace of rural British Columbia. However, fate takes an unexpected turn one day, with a phone call that shatters Robert's solitary existence and launches him on a gripping quest—a voyage of revelation that traverses the enchanting terrain of North Africa's Morocco. Along this transformative journey, he encounters Emmie, an artist, and a wanderer, along with a kaleidoscope of other vibrant characters who leave indelible imprints on his path. From the lofty heights of the Northern Rif mountains to the storied streets of the Moroccan Blue City, Chefchaouen, and the bustling Medinas of Casablanca, Robert's odyssey unfolds. The next stop is the Red City, Marrakech, where the intoxicating hues and vibrancy of Jemaa el-Fna envelop him. By bus, rail, and motorcycle, Robert embarks on a whirlwind exploration of Morocco, piecing together the enigmatic puzzles that have haunted him. As Robert unravels the truths of his tumultuous childhood, his quest for answers in Morocco persists—a relentless pursuit that leads to the profound bonds of love and the rediscovery of family. In the end, we all confront choices in life, some more daunting than others. The choices that stand before Robert will not only reshape his destiny but also touch the lives of those who journey alongside him.

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Jordan Robitaille · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written familial mystery set in Morocco. The descriptors of the country are beautifully vivid, making you feel like you're actually there with the characters. The characters are beautifully developed, the plot is intriguing and photos the author includes from his own travels through this beautiful country only add to the experience.

Highly recommend!!!