The Missing Corpse

The General's Project #2

by Yasin Kakande

The president is dead. His son’s pretending he’s not. And the corpse? Well, that’s missing.

When the CIA sniffs out whispers that an African general—who also happens to be the president’s darling son—may have murdered dear old dad and stashed the body like last week’s leftovers, they send in their best bloodhound: Agent Shawn Wayles. He’s good at two things—digging up dirt and getting shot at in places the U.S. swears it’s not involved.

This time, Shawn’s not alone. He’s paired with an LGBTQ couple who have more secrets than the Vatican and fewer moral brakes.

Their mission? Retrieve the dead president’s body from the general’s paranoid, trigger-happy security team.

Because in this twisted power struggle, it’s not the living who rule—it’s the guy in the coffin. And whoever has the corpse... controls the country.

Yasin Kakande is an international journalist, TED Global Fellow, and author of several critically praised non-fiction books, including Why We Are Coming and Slave States, which offer fresh perspectives on immigration and geopolitics. His journalism career includes contributions to outlets such as The New York Times, Thomson Reuters, Al Jazeera, The National, and The Boston Globe. Yasin holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College and resides outside Boston.

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 11, 2025

Reviews

[Roz Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the General' Project series. I haven't read the first book, but was able to read this as a standalone with no issues and if I hadn't known it was book two, I wouldn't have guessed!

The blurb, the title and the cover make this seem like a light-hearted spy thriller but I knew from the outset this was going to be a dark read. It gripped me from the first page.

The book is set in Uganda and we follow Shawn who has been sent on a mission to find out what has happened to the President before the country dissolves into political unrest. It becomes clear that the president's son is ruthless and will stop at nothing to seize power no matter the cost.

The prose was so evocative that I could picture the streets and the people. The author really brought Uganda to life. It was so interesting as I know very little about this part of East Africa. I never realised the river Nile extended so far. Although this book has made me see that in a whole new light!   The story made me appreciate the freedom I take for granted and really puts our issues into perspective.

I really liked Shawn as a main character and seeing how he develops throughout the story. The General was the perfect villain contrasting with Shawn's wish to make things better. 

This was a really well written, dark and powerful read. I will definitely look to read more books by this author, including the other books in the series.

Huge thanks to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.

[Donna Morfett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right off the bat, I could tell this was going to be a dark read. There is a real sense of menace and threat from the get go. Shawn is sent over to Africa as there are rumours a president has died but the son, who is totally psycho, is trying to cover it up.
I liked Shawn from the start. Hes very human and relatable and you can tell hes a good guy. I know i wasn't supposed to like the presidents son but sheesh! A lot of authors like to give their characters a redeeming feature or some kind of grey area. I dont think thats the case here.
Set in Africa it was so interesting to learn more about this country I know so little about. The oppressive heat and poverty and desperation of some of the residents were really well written.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and will definitely be up for reading any future books.

[Claire Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second book in a series but I enjoyed it as a standalone. I thought the plot was a fantastic idea and brilliantly written. Shawn was an excellent character who navigated his way through a difficult setting as a foreigner. I think this a brilliant book for anyone who likes a thriller with a spy like element and I would certainly be recommending this to others. I will also be picking up more by this author in the future…

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Missing Corpse by Yasin Kakande is book 2 in The General's Project Series by the author. I have not read the previous first book in the series, however I felt that I was able to follow along just fine while reading this book. If you are new to the series however I always recommend that you start with the first book so you do not miss anything as a reader. This book starts with the first lady of Uganda traveling to the USA with a substantial stack of cash on her person. We are also introduced to Shawn Wayles who has traveled to Uganda as an undercover agent of one of our government agencies. Shawn is sent into the country of Uganda to find out what has happened to the president and to see if he is still alive or not. The writing is very interesting of a thriller about an undercover agent and him trying to find out what happened in Uganda. The General is a perfect character for a 'villain' and he really fits into that category as the book advances. You can't help but feel like Shawn is an every day guy but also he is an agent for the United States. Shawn is introduced to the filth of Uganda's streets by Joanne and her 'friend' Helen. That was a graphically detailed chapter about the sex industry in Uganda, which is widespread even though it is illegal in reality. I thought that the author including this was an excellent point as the readers get a chance to see the possibilities of these things happening in other countries, which can and does happen. I liked the ending but it also did not resonate well with me due to Helen and Joanne's intervention. I felt that they did not need to intervene but understand that native people to the country made more sense in the end. I would be interested to see where the last book in the series, entitled The President's Funeral, heads to.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The General's Project series and is the first book that I've read in this series - and by this author.

 

I was a little apprehensive at first, knowing that I'd missed the first book, but this actually read perfectly well as a standalone read and I got to grips with the characters and storyline pretty much straight away and didn't feel like I'd missed any vital developments along the way.

 

This was an unusual storyline as we find that an African General may have killed the President and a hidden the corpse.

How did he get away with this? Well, the president, is his father!

 

As the CIA hears whispers, they send their best man to try and work out what happened and if possible, recover the body.

 

Shawn is a machine! Not in the literal sense, but as we get to know him and his past missions and see him navigate the current mission at hand - we see his determination and no-nonsense attitude take over.

There are some uncomfortable scenes through this, but this builds tension and fits with the genre throughout.

 

I don't often read spy thrillers or anything too political normally, but I found this one intriguing and, being set in Africa, I actually learned quite a lot too.

 

This was a fast paced and action-packed read which held my interest to the end, despite this being out of my comfort zone.

 

Obviously, I need to go back and grab the first book now to see where this all began and of course I'll be looking out for the last book in the series soon.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Missing Corpse is a stark and grotesque reality of a corrupt Government, power plays and back handed deals. The Ugandan president is dead, his body is missing and those who have it; hold all the power.
Shawn, a CIA agent is dispatched to Uganda to find the body and control the situation. His character shows strength beyond reason, the kind you see in a spy thriller movie.
Most villains have some kind of redeeming factor to them, but not The General. A ruthless dictator obsessed with power who will stop at no mercy to get what he wants.

The story unfolds like a tense game of chess, with each chapter offering a new perspective from a different character. Through their decisions and strategic maneuvers, the intricate plot reveals itself piece by piece.

At times you may feel uncomfortable by the oppression faced by the everyday civilians in Uganda. The unjust treatment, the desperation and actions they take just to survive. Though this is a work of fiction, it echoes the harsh realities endured by many in developing nations, forcing readers to confront truths that are often ignored.

Rekande's writing is thought provoking and his vivid descriptions and political undertones blur the line between fiction and fact, leaving readers questioning whether the story could, in some way, be true.
The Missing Corpse is not just a crime thriller, it’s an exploration of power, morality, and the human cost of corruption.

3.5 stars from me.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn’t just a spy thriller it’s also a look at corruption, survival, and how far people will go to hold onto power.

This book was intense from the very beginning. The tension builds with every chapter. It’s the second book in a series, but I hadn’t read the first one and still followed the story just fine.

The plot is dark and gripping. A president in Uganda has died, but his son, who is completely ruthless, is hiding the truth. The body is missing, and the power struggle that follows is brutal. Shawn, a CIA agent, is sent to investigate and recover the corpse. He’s a strong lead character smart, determined. I liked how he stayed focused even when things got dangerous and unpredictable.

The General, who is the villain here, is terrifying. There’s no softness to him, no hidden good side. He’s all about control and power, and it made the stakes feel even higher.

I haven’t read many books set in Africa, and this one gave me a glimpse into the political tension and everyday struggles people face. The writing made it feel very real, and some scenes were hard to read because of how raw they were but that’s what made the story powerful.

[Peggy Rosina Edmondson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm finding it hard to explain my feelings for this book... It's so dark and quite vulgar in places, but I couldn't put it down. This book almost exists in a genre of its own!

This is the first book I have read by the author and while being a bit grossed out at times, due to some very descriptive content (of the intimate nature, not the blood and gore - I loved that!), I will be looking out for more!

It's book two in "The General's Project" series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone story.
Shawn, an American spy is sent over to Africa amid rumours of their president's death being covered up by his own son.
It's a story of political corruption across the continents. To me, it is a showcase of the evils of humanity in their quest for power over each other.

[Tami Wylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book had a unique plot and was well written. I liked the idea of using a corpse as a pawn. I was a bit worried about not having read the first book in the series, however, it was fine as a standalone. I didn’t feel that I had missed anything. I thought the character of Shawn was really likeable and a good guy just trying his best to resolve the situation. The president’s son, however, was a complete and utter psycho!! I haven’t read many books set in Africa, so it was interesting to learn a bit more about it. I’d recommend this one to readers who like a bit of a spy element added to their crime reads.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Love Books Tours for a copy of this book. *All thoughts and opinions are my own*

This is the second in The General’s Project series by this author, and although I haven’t read the first I really enjoyed this one, it works beautifully as a standalone book.

This book is a brilliantly written thriller with a spy element added in. The main character Shawn was well-written, relatable, and you can tell from the get go that he’s just a guy trying to do the right thing.

Having the book set in Africa was also a lovely detail, giving the book a unique background.

I really enjoyed this book, and will definitely pick up more from this author.

[Kate Edmondson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read anything like this.
The Missing Corpse is set in Uganda and deals with a presidential death like nothing I’ve read before!

The General is an awful dictator with Shawn an American sent to find a body.

The detail, the descriptions & the story line are engaging, educational, terrifying and feel so real!

Shawn is tough times a million, reading about his teeth I could have passed out! Chapter 9 as well is an eye opener!!

This is a crime thriller you do need to read, it’s intense, grotesque and great all at once!

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so many elements to this book, it was fascinating.
I loved the setting of Africa, then there is the corruption that’s going on top of the missing president, then the First Lady smuggling millions out of the country.
Most of all The General, what a terrifying character the writing was so good you could feel the coldness oozing from him.
I throughly enjoyed this book, it was a read hard to put down I wanted to know what was going to happen in the political hotbed of tension.

[Claire Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second book in a series but I enjoyed it as a standalone. I thought the plot was a fantastic idea and brilliantly written. Shawn was an excellent character who navigated his way through a difficult setting as a foreigner. I think this a brilliant book for anyone who likes a thriller with a spy like element and I would certainly be recommending this to others. I will also be picking up more by this author in the future…

[Kristine Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE MISSING CORPSE by the talented Yasin Kakande is the second book in The General’s Project series, but it works perfectly as a stand-alone. I had no problem jumping in, but holy cow, did I need to hold on tight. THE MISSING CORPSE is an intense and disturbing story that takes readers into the darkest pits of corruption and parts of humanity. It’s relentless in blanketing readers in the horrible realities of power-hungry, immoral people who have no boundaries – it's much like watching a train wreck; readers will be spellbound.

“Dictatorship, it turns out, runs on favors. And blood. Mostly blood.”

Kudos to Kakande for providing a graphic content warning at the beginning of THE MISSING CORPSE. He’s not kidding around in depicting the ugliness that exists in the world, particularly in Uganda, “where the old and new collided in vibrant symphony.” The author’s descriptions pop from the pages, forcing visceral reactions: noses will wrinkle at the smells; eyes will tear from the conditions; cheeks will burn from rage and shame. The juxtaposition of the modern world against a less-developed one is striking. The author deftly jabs at the systems that allow such extreme, brutal oppression “in places where democracy was just another word for the promises men made before loading their guns.”

I did a hybrid reading of this book, alternating between the paperback and the virtual-voice narration. When listening to virtual narration, I’ve learned that you can tell quite a bit about the writing – not just syntax but also punctuation. A virtual narrator will pause as the writing instructs it, and in THE MISSING CORPSE, it’s an easy listen because Kakande’s sentences are so well-written. In the paperback, I didn’t find a single typo or misplaced comma, and for that I am grateful. The author nails dialogue, internal thoughts, and exposition. Well-done!

“…as they climbed the narrow, chipped staircase – an artery of old concrete curling up toward Uhuru Restaurant like a forgotten vein of the building.”

I have only two editorial gripes, which is amazing given I’m *a tad* persnickety. The first is that much as I love figurative language, and even as near perfect are Kakande’s similes, metaphors, and personifications, there are just too many to really appreciate any one of them. To double-check my impression, I opened the book to a random page, and I re-read an opening paragraph: it is three sentences long and includes three similes and one metaphor. The next paragraph was five sentences, four containing figurative language. It's overkill. The second issue is regarding the length of one chapter that doesn’t really do much to move the story forward and barely gives more insight into the characters. It is nearly twice as long as the next longest chapter and more than double most others. While it does graphically illustrate the horrific sex-trafficking market, it could make the point in half the time, and truly, the entire chapter could have been cut without consequence to the story. A good copy editor would take a red pen to rectify both of these situations, which would take this very good book to truly outstanding.

“Even if they are our people, how can they speak if they are dead or too terrified to talk?”

THE MISSING CORPSE is timely and underscores that political corruption is not bound to any one government. One can’t help reading and thinking about our current situation in the United States and the unsavory influences our leaders are asserting (and attempting to assert) in other countries and within our own. There are more parallels than this citizen is comfortable with, and more than once I wondered if what I was reading was fact or fiction. Again, it’s a mark of great writing when the author can make his reader uncomfortable and contemplative.

For readers seeking raw, action-packed, international political thrillers, THE MISSING CORPSE proves to be time well spent between its uncomfortable pages. It leaves us with much to ponder and scenes we’ll never forget. The preview of book three, THE PRESIDENT’S FUNERAL, is intriguing and hopefully provides a spectacular comeuppance readers are left craving after book two.

This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog.

[Asha Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The moment I found that this thriller revolved around the missing corpse of a President of a country, I knew I had to read it, and it absolutely delivered on that promise. This book is restless, intense and constantly humming with danger.

The premise is gripping from the start. The president is dead, his ambitious general son is pretending he is not, and the corpse itself disappears. That single act ignites a nationwide crisis, because the body is the one undeniable piece of truth that can dismantle the entire political façade. Suddenly everyone is lying, everyone is afraid, and everyone is willing to bend or break the rules to keep their version of reality intact.

The African setting amplifies everything. The heat, the tension in the air, the uncertain loyalties, the silent watchers on every street corner. You feel the pressure of a place where the past is heavy and the present can shift in an instant. It is vivid, alive and occasionally suffocating in the best narrative sense.

At the center of the story is CIA Agent Shawn Wayles who is sharp, persistent and a little too familiar with danger for his own good. What makes him compelling is his mix of experience and vulnerability. He knows he is being manipulated from every angle but he keeps going anyway. His partnership with the LGBTQ couple adds an unpredictable spark. They are charming, secretive and far too good at hiding their intentions, and every interaction with them brings a new layer of suspense.

On the surface, it is a fast paced investigation filled with clues, close calls and hostile confrontations. Beneath that, it is a study of power and the lengths to which institutions will go to protect themselves. Every answer Shawn uncovers feels like someone else is working just as hard to erase it. And you can trust noone!

Some minor characters blend together, but the core plot is so tight and urgent that it barely matters.

If you want calm, look elsewhere. If you want a politically charged mystery that keeps your pulse up and your coffee cold, The Missing Corpse delivers completely.

[Andrea Hulme · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ugandan president is dead, his body is missing and those who have it; hold all the power.

Shawn, a CIA agent is sent to Uganda to find the body and control the situation. He is a strong character, a spy, with instinct and guts. And a zest for survival against the odds.

The General is a ruthless dictator obsessed with power who will stop at no mercy to get what he wants. There were no redeeming features in his character. But that is great to challenge the reader.

The story is tense, and we meet lots of unsavoury characters along the way. The plot is intricate and powerful.

It was an uncomfortable read at times as we see the oppression faced by the everyday civilians in Uganda. The unjust treatment, the desperation and actions are taken to survive. It highlighted some grotesque actions and forced the reader to learn truths that are not often in the public eye.

I enjoyed the political aspects of this, learning and gaining knowledge of a closed world.

The Missing Corpse is a thriller that explores power, corruption, morality and human nature.

This was 3.5 stars for me.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book's title immediately grabbed my attention—I knew I had to read it. “The Missing Corpse” is a crime thriller that captivated me from the very first page. Each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective, which adds to the plot. The protagonist, Shawn, is a skilled CIA agent, adept at uncovering intel on suspects and finding himself in life-threatening situations. The novel is fast-paced and well-written, keeping me thoroughly engaged. Although this is the second book in the series, it stands on its own as a standalone read. The plot revolves around the supposed murder of the President of Uganda by his son, “The General,” who attempts to hide the body, prompting Shawn to begin a mission to locate the deceased President. Joanne, a major player in the story, stood out to me—she’s sassy, funny, and, together with her partner Helen, helps Shawn find the corpse. The supporting cast improves the plot, and I enthusiastically give the book 5 out of 5 stars. I’m ready to see what “The General” is up to in the third installment of the series.

[Clara Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivers a sharp, fast-paced thriller with a premise that hooks you from the first line. The blend of political intrigue, covert operations, and dark humor makes the story feel both daring and fresh. Agent Shawn Wayles is the kind of protagonist you follow willingly, flawed, capable, and constantly dodging danger in a mission that feels impossible from every angle.

The dynamic with the LGBTQ couple adds unexpected depth and tension, giving the story layers of secrecy, conflict, and surprising humanity. And the central concept, an entire nation's power hinging on who controls a corpse, is as bold as it is unforgettable.

Yasin Kakande’s storytelling is clear, confident, and cinematic. You can feel his years of international journalism shaping every detail, making the political landscape both believable and gripping. If you're looking for a smart political thriller packed with suspense, sharp wit, and high stakes, this one is absolutely worth reading.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.

This thriller is the second book in the General's Project series. I enjoyed the first book, so I was looking forward to this one as well, especially since I enjoyed following Shawn the first time around. He's a really likeable character, and I found myself just willing him to succeed. In this second instalment, the President of Uganda has been killed, and his body is missing. Shawn needs to find out what happened.

I read a lot of cosy mysteries, but sometimes I'm in the mood for something that packs more of a punch, so this was ideal. I really liked reading about Shawn again, and I liked Joanne too; she was a feisty character. This was a dark, gritty nail-biting read. There were some points when I had chills too, as the storytelling was powerful and made me feel very invested in the moment.

Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Claire Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Missing Corpse is sharp, satirical and unapologetically bold. Yasin Kakande takes a wild political premise and runs with it at full throttle— a dead president, his missing body, trigger-happy heirs and a CIA operation wobbling on the edge of chaos; a recipe for sharp-edged disaster!

This second book in The General's Project series read perfectly as a standalone, and what works fantastically is the bite. The humour is dark, the commentary fearless, and the tension crackles with real menace beneath the swagger. Agent Shawn Wayles is a suitably bruised guide through an African world where loyalty is flexible and morality a mere afterthought. The supporting cast adds intrigue to rather than sands off the story’s sharp edges.

At times the plot threatens to run too fast, but the pace never truly falters, and the central idea—that power clings even after death—lands with uncomfortable force.

Verdict: Smart, provocative and wickedly entertaining.

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to confess I had not read the first book in this series but do intend to go back and do this. That said I didn’t really struggle to follow along at all. I was actually fully engaged in the story straight away and couldn’t put it down. I found the writing fantastic and Shawn was such a well rounded and well constructed character. The pace was fantastic too. I will definitely be reading the first in the series and any future ones.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours and author for the copy to review, My reviews are always honest, truthful and given freely.