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Darko Dawson #3
Murder at Cape Three Points
At Cape Three Points on the beautiful Ghanaian coast, a canoe washes up at an oil rig site. The two bodies in the canoe—who turn out to be a prominent, wealthy middle-aged couple—have obviously been murdered; the way Mr. Smith-Aidoo has been gruesomely decapitated suggests the killer was trying to send a specific message—but what and to whom? The Smith-Aidoos, pillars in their community, are mourned by everyone, but especially by their niece Sapphire, a successful pediatric surgeon in Ghana's capital, Accra. She is not happy that months have passed since the murder and the rural police have made no headway.
When the federal police finally agree to get involved, Detective Inspector Darko Dawson of the Accra police force is sent out to investigate. Pretty as the coast is, he is not happy to be sent away from his wife and two sons, the younger of whom is recovering from a heart operation. And the more he learns about the case, the more convoluted and dangerous it becomes. Three Points has long been inhabited by tribal villages of subsistence fishers, but real estate entrepreneurs and wealthy oil companies have been trying to bribe the tribes to move out. Dawson unearths a host of motives for murder, from personal vendettas to corporate conspiracies.
When the federal police finally agree to get involved, Detective Inspector Darko Dawson of the Accra police force is sent out to investigate. Pretty as the coast is, he is not happy to be sent away from his wife and two sons, the younger of whom is recovering from a heart operation. And the more he learns about the case, the more convoluted and dangerous it becomes. Three Points has long been inhabited by tribal villages of subsistence fishers, but real estate entrepreneurs and wealthy oil companies have been trying to bribe the tribes to move out. Dawson unearths a host of motives for murder, from personal vendettas to corporate conspiracies.
Audiobook
First published January 1, 2014
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About the author
Kwei Quartey
17 books762 followersKWEI QUARTEY
Biography
Kwei Quartey is a crime fiction writer and physician based in Pasadena, California. In 2018, having practiced medicine for more than 15 years while simultaneously working as a writer, Quartey finally retired from medical practice to become a full-time novelist. Prior to that, though, he had balanced the two professions by dedicating the early morning hours to writing before beginning each day in his clinic.
Quartey was born in Ghana, West Africa, to a Ghanaian father and Black American mother, both of whom were lecturers at the University of Ghana. Quartey describes how his family’s home was full of hundreds of books, both fiction and nonfiction, which inspired him to write novellas as early as the age of eight or nine. By then, Quartey was certain he wanted to be an author.
But his interests shifted by the time he was a teenager, when he decided he wanted to be a doctor. Quartey began on a science-to-medicine track in secondary school. After the death of his father, Quartey’s mother returned to the United States. By then, Quartey had already begun medical school in Ghana. Transferring to a medical school in the United States wasn’t easy, but he successfully gained admission to Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC.
After graduation from his residency training in Internal Medicine, Kwei Quartey returned to his love of writing. He went to a UCLA extension course in creative writing, and wrote two novels while in a writing group that met every Wednesday evening. But it would be a few years yet before Quartey would create the Inspector Darko Dawson series.
As a crime fiction writer, Kwei made the Los Angeles Times Bestseller List in 2009. The following year, the GOG National Book Club voted him Best Male Author. The five Inspector Darko Dawson novels, set in Ghana, are WIFE OF THE GODS, CHILDREN OF THE STREET, MURDER AT CAPE THREE POINTS, GOLD OF OUR FATHERS, and DEATH BY HIS GRACE.
Two novels, KAMILA and DEATH AT THE VOYAGER HOTEL (e-book) are non-Darko books.
In January 2020, Quartey’s new detective series launched to critical acclaim with THE MISSING AMERICAN, the debut of the Emma Djan Investigations and the introduction of the first West African female private eye in fiction. The second in the series, SLEEP WELL, MY LADY, was released January 12, 2021, immediately garnering attention for its unusual style of time shifts in relation to the crime.
THE MISSING AMERICAN was nominated for the 2021 Edgar Allan Poe Award for best novel, and won the 2021 Shamus Award for Best First PI Novel.
LAST SEEN IN LAPAZ, the third Emma Djan novel, was released February 2023, and the fourth, THE WHITEWASHED TOMBS, is expected 2024.
Biography
Kwei Quartey is a crime fiction writer and physician based in Pasadena, California. In 2018, having practiced medicine for more than 15 years while simultaneously working as a writer, Quartey finally retired from medical practice to become a full-time novelist. Prior to that, though, he had balanced the two professions by dedicating the early morning hours to writing before beginning each day in his clinic.
Quartey was born in Ghana, West Africa, to a Ghanaian father and Black American mother, both of whom were lecturers at the University of Ghana. Quartey describes how his family’s home was full of hundreds of books, both fiction and nonfiction, which inspired him to write novellas as early as the age of eight or nine. By then, Quartey was certain he wanted to be an author.
But his interests shifted by the time he was a teenager, when he decided he wanted to be a doctor. Quartey began on a science-to-medicine track in secondary school. After the death of his father, Quartey’s mother returned to the United States. By then, Quartey had already begun medical school in Ghana. Transferring to a medical school in the United States wasn’t easy, but he successfully gained admission to Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC.
After graduation from his residency training in Internal Medicine, Kwei Quartey returned to his love of writing. He went to a UCLA extension course in creative writing, and wrote two novels while in a writing group that met every Wednesday evening. But it would be a few years yet before Quartey would create the Inspector Darko Dawson series.
As a crime fiction writer, Kwei made the Los Angeles Times Bestseller List in 2009. The following year, the GOG National Book Club voted him Best Male Author. The five Inspector Darko Dawson novels, set in Ghana, are WIFE OF THE GODS, CHILDREN OF THE STREET, MURDER AT CAPE THREE POINTS, GOLD OF OUR FATHERS, and DEATH BY HIS GRACE.
Two novels, KAMILA and DEATH AT THE VOYAGER HOTEL (e-book) are non-Darko books.
In January 2020, Quartey’s new detective series launched to critical acclaim with THE MISSING AMERICAN, the debut of the Emma Djan Investigations and the introduction of the first West African female private eye in fiction. The second in the series, SLEEP WELL, MY LADY, was released January 12, 2021, immediately garnering attention for its unusual style of time shifts in relation to the crime.
THE MISSING AMERICAN was nominated for the 2021 Edgar Allan Poe Award for best novel, and won the 2021 Shamus Award for Best First PI Novel.
LAST SEEN IN LAPAZ, the third Emma Djan novel, was released February 2023, and the fourth, THE WHITEWASHED TOMBS, is expected 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
November 16, 2014
Rick Riordan, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, has quoted about families in his book, The Sea of Monsters ;
“Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy. Sometimes the best we can do is to remind each other that we're related for better or for worse...and try to keep the maiming and killing to a minimum.”
Kwei Quartey, an American crime fiction writer and physician, has penned his third novel in the Darko Dawson series called, Murder at Cape Three Points , which is not only a mind-blowing story but it also takes you to places which are exotic and less-traveled. Yes, this novel is set in Accra- the capital city of Ghana, Sekondi-Takoradi and Cape Three Points- a beautiful coastal town in Ghana and the author's vivid description of Ghana will completely transport you there and you can watch Darko investigating the most famous murder case of Ghana right in front of your eyes.
Synopsis:
At Cape Three Points on the beautiful Ghanaian coast, a canoe wash up at an oil rig site. The two bodies in the canoe—who turn out to be a prominent, wealthy, middle-aged married couple—have obviously been murdered; the way Mr. Smith-Aidoo has been gruesomely decapitated suggests the killer was trying to send a specific message—but what, and to whom, is a mystery. The Smith-Aidoos, pillars in their community, are mourned by everyone, but especially by their niece Sapphire, a successful pediatric surgeon in Ghana's capital, Accra. She is not happy that months have passed since the murder and the rural police have made no headway. When the Ghanaian federal police finally agree to get involved, Detective Inspector Darko Dawson of the Accra police force is sent out to Cape Three Points to investigate. Pretty as the coast is, he is not happy to be sent away from his wife and two sons. And the more he learns about the case, the more convoluted and dangerous it becomes. Dawson roots out a host of motives for murder, ranging from personal vendettas to corporate conspiracies.
Being born in Accra makes it easy for Quartey to lay out a vivid and striking description of his hometown in his novel. But not everyone has the talent to bring out the picture of an exotic town so lively just with some meager words. Although this is the first book that I read of this author, still not even for a single second I felt I don't know this Darko guy. From the very beginning the author has given enough effort to make Darko and his habits and his attitude familiar to his readers. Hence mid-way through the story, I felt like I can understand Darko's thinking pattern and can see right through his mind. Darko is a pleasant guy, apart from being a capable detective, he's a family-man, who puts his family before his work, and that completely made me fall for him. It's not every day that we come across such a good natured detective. Well, I think I can go on and on about Darko's bravery, determination and good-will nature.
Now let me praise for the author a bit, because after all Darko is his creation. The plot- what can I say about it!?! It's not too bloody yet it involves a gruesome murder of two eminent personalities, still the book was very clean and easy to read and had a compelling plot. The twists were kept tightly around the loop and as I progressed further into the story, I felt I was sweating with anticipation. But when it came to climax, it was a let-down for me, since, I don't know, how I figured out who the real killer was, hence for me the climax was predictable. I was expecting it to be someone else. The flow of narration and the prose was completely matching with the grim mood set by the author in his plot. In a nutshell, I can say that this man writes with complete passion and joy since I could feel it while reading the book.
PS: I got to see Cape Three Points in Ghana with the author's eyes, and for a split moment, I could smell the salty breeze on my face.
Verdict: Do read this book and take a trip down to the less-traveled and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and follow Darko in his trail while solving the most brutal murder case of Ghana.
Courtesy: I can't thank enough to the author, Kwei Quartey, for giving me such a beautiful opportunity to read his incredible book.
“Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy. Sometimes the best we can do is to remind each other that we're related for better or for worse...and try to keep the maiming and killing to a minimum.”
Kwei Quartey, an American crime fiction writer and physician, has penned his third novel in the Darko Dawson series called, Murder at Cape Three Points , which is not only a mind-blowing story but it also takes you to places which are exotic and less-traveled. Yes, this novel is set in Accra- the capital city of Ghana, Sekondi-Takoradi and Cape Three Points- a beautiful coastal town in Ghana and the author's vivid description of Ghana will completely transport you there and you can watch Darko investigating the most famous murder case of Ghana right in front of your eyes.
Synopsis:
At Cape Three Points on the beautiful Ghanaian coast, a canoe wash up at an oil rig site. The two bodies in the canoe—who turn out to be a prominent, wealthy, middle-aged married couple—have obviously been murdered; the way Mr. Smith-Aidoo has been gruesomely decapitated suggests the killer was trying to send a specific message—but what, and to whom, is a mystery. The Smith-Aidoos, pillars in their community, are mourned by everyone, but especially by their niece Sapphire, a successful pediatric surgeon in Ghana's capital, Accra. She is not happy that months have passed since the murder and the rural police have made no headway. When the Ghanaian federal police finally agree to get involved, Detective Inspector Darko Dawson of the Accra police force is sent out to Cape Three Points to investigate. Pretty as the coast is, he is not happy to be sent away from his wife and two sons. And the more he learns about the case, the more convoluted and dangerous it becomes. Dawson roots out a host of motives for murder, ranging from personal vendettas to corporate conspiracies.
Being born in Accra makes it easy for Quartey to lay out a vivid and striking description of his hometown in his novel. But not everyone has the talent to bring out the picture of an exotic town so lively just with some meager words. Although this is the first book that I read of this author, still not even for a single second I felt I don't know this Darko guy. From the very beginning the author has given enough effort to make Darko and his habits and his attitude familiar to his readers. Hence mid-way through the story, I felt like I can understand Darko's thinking pattern and can see right through his mind. Darko is a pleasant guy, apart from being a capable detective, he's a family-man, who puts his family before his work, and that completely made me fall for him. It's not every day that we come across such a good natured detective. Well, I think I can go on and on about Darko's bravery, determination and good-will nature.
Now let me praise for the author a bit, because after all Darko is his creation. The plot- what can I say about it!?! It's not too bloody yet it involves a gruesome murder of two eminent personalities, still the book was very clean and easy to read and had a compelling plot. The twists were kept tightly around the loop and as I progressed further into the story, I felt I was sweating with anticipation. But when it came to climax, it was a let-down for me, since, I don't know, how I figured out who the real killer was, hence for me the climax was predictable. I was expecting it to be someone else. The flow of narration and the prose was completely matching with the grim mood set by the author in his plot. In a nutshell, I can say that this man writes with complete passion and joy since I could feel it while reading the book.
PS: I got to see Cape Three Points in Ghana with the author's eyes, and for a split moment, I could smell the salty breeze on my face.
Verdict: Do read this book and take a trip down to the less-traveled and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and follow Darko in his trail while solving the most brutal murder case of Ghana.
Courtesy: I can't thank enough to the author, Kwei Quartey, for giving me such a beautiful opportunity to read his incredible book.
November 13, 2022
One morning a worker on an oil rig in the Gulf of Guinea is horrified to see a canoe heading towards the rig with the head of a decapitated body on the prow. Darko and Chitala are sent to investigate the gruesome murder when the local police fail to make progress. They have to determine whether this is a family matter or linked to corruption in the newly developed Ghanaian oil industry. A very interesting plot and Darko remains one of my favourite detectives.
June 22, 2014
his is my 2nd Darko Dawson mystery. The first was the first, Wife of the Gods. I read the hard copy for that one and enjoyed the writing as well although I thought the author could improve his craft overtime. I think he has with this one although as at least one other reviewer indicated it could have used some better editing. For instance, passages like "...she said sincerely" suggest the author does not trust himself to capture the mood and intent of the character through what he has already set up prior to and in the description of the scene. This one came at the end so perhaps he was rushing to finish. In any case, the story was a pretty good mystery that held the reader to the end. I heard an interview with the author about his love of American detective stories and it seemed to show up too apparently in the "Columbo" type tendency of Darko to always say "...and one more thing" as he is leaving an interrogation.
One of the reasons I am attracted to these novels is because they are set in Ghana West Africa, a place for which I am very familiar and have traveled to at least once a year for the past 15+ years. The novels do a great job of capturing the culture, history, and in this one in particular, the contemporary issues the people and country are dealing with. Although I have not followed how the country is managing its oil fortunes lately, I do know that it has experienced a boom in economic activity in the area near where the drilling is occurring and the author seems to do a very good job of weaving into the story the political and society changing dimensions of these issues. Indeed, one of the things I have liked most about both books have been the authors ability to "educate" the reader about the culture and challenges of the nation in a way that both entertains and humanizes the place. That is unfortunately very much needed in most writing about the people and places in the continent of Africa and the author should be greatly applauded for that.
What was most disturbing about the narration of the audiobook, and an issues that almost forced me to pick up the hard copy and read, is the considerable butchering of the language and names by the narrator. He is definitely not a native Ghanaian speaker (American accent), and, I would be surprised if he has even visited and experienced the people and language there. While most listeners are likely to not have done so as well, for those of us who have, it was painful to hear the repeated mispronunciations of proper names (People and Places) among too many other things. Frankly, I think it borders on a level of disrespect for the work; not on the part of the author (I don't know how much influence he would have had in the audiobook performance) or the narrator; but on the publisher which should have done a better job of confirming the authenticity of the narration. For me, it is an extremely important dimension of an audio reading and for this to be so badly done was, I repeat, disturbing.
So, I say get the hard copy of the book, not the audiobook, and enjoy.
One of the reasons I am attracted to these novels is because they are set in Ghana West Africa, a place for which I am very familiar and have traveled to at least once a year for the past 15+ years. The novels do a great job of capturing the culture, history, and in this one in particular, the contemporary issues the people and country are dealing with. Although I have not followed how the country is managing its oil fortunes lately, I do know that it has experienced a boom in economic activity in the area near where the drilling is occurring and the author seems to do a very good job of weaving into the story the political and society changing dimensions of these issues. Indeed, one of the things I have liked most about both books have been the authors ability to "educate" the reader about the culture and challenges of the nation in a way that both entertains and humanizes the place. That is unfortunately very much needed in most writing about the people and places in the continent of Africa and the author should be greatly applauded for that.
What was most disturbing about the narration of the audiobook, and an issues that almost forced me to pick up the hard copy and read, is the considerable butchering of the language and names by the narrator. He is definitely not a native Ghanaian speaker (American accent), and, I would be surprised if he has even visited and experienced the people and language there. While most listeners are likely to not have done so as well, for those of us who have, it was painful to hear the repeated mispronunciations of proper names (People and Places) among too many other things. Frankly, I think it borders on a level of disrespect for the work; not on the part of the author (I don't know how much influence he would have had in the audiobook performance) or the narrator; but on the publisher which should have done a better job of confirming the authenticity of the narration. For me, it is an extremely important dimension of an audio reading and for this to be so badly done was, I repeat, disturbing.
So, I say get the hard copy of the book, not the audiobook, and enjoy.
March 21, 2014
I love this series and Inspector Darko Dawson.
The characters are fully developed and completely human, as they have been from the 1st book (this is the 3rd in the series).
Plot is plausible and complex enough to be "twisty", but not so twisted that I got "lost" trying to follow. While the first 2 books focused more on socio-economic issues in Ghana, this book broadened to include politics as well.
The characters are fully developed and completely human, as they have been from the 1st book (this is the 3rd in the series).
Plot is plausible and complex enough to be "twisty", but not so twisted that I got "lost" trying to follow. While the first 2 books focused more on socio-economic issues in Ghana, this book broadened to include politics as well.
June 15, 2020
AROUND THE WORLD READ
Ghana, 2014
AROUND THE WORLD OF CRIME AND MYSTERY
CAST - 4 stars: Detective Inspector Darko Dawson is sent to Cape Three Points to investigate a double Murder. It appears real estate/oil people are moving in on the lives of the locals, the fisherman who've spent their lives in the area. His young 7 y/o son, Hosiah, has been released from ICU after cardiac surgery. Sly is Hosiah's older, 9 y/o brother, adopted by Darko and his wife, Christine. Dr. Sapphire Smith-Aidoo works on an oil rig and sees a canoe float by: in it are dead relatives Fiona and Charles Smith-Aidoo. Plus there are half-dozen or so suspects. Fascinating cast here, but I found a couple of motivations questionable. Like Darko leaving his son to work on a case in the first place.
ATMOSPHERE - 4 stars: The author knows much about this environment and the impact of oil rigs and RE development on the locals. I learned much about Ghana, the birth country of the author. I didn't know that in addition to oil rigs, there could be nearby accomodation barges for temporary workers. (I lived in Southern California for 2 decades and there were oil rigs all over the ocean, often ruining sunset views, or rather all views.) There is much discussion of food like banku, made from fermented cornmeal. Blood ties play a big part and the author offers us, before the novel begins, a family tree that includes a few clues. Later, a diagram with all the suspects and how they are related comes in handy as a reference to all that's going on: the author wants to make sure readers see what Darko sees. There are many discussions of juju (magic) and those who sell certain tricks of the trade. Although English is used most of the time, the author does utilize several terms in different languages, AND offers a glossary at the end of the book. For example, 'wee' is marijuana, and Darko is fighting a compulsion to smoke up. (A 1950's American term for pot is 'tea', which is why that early 2000 American Tea Party movement sorta sounded fun. But in reality, nope, it had nothing to do with pot, although many members seemed to act stoned all the time. Much like Congress today.) At one point, a character says, "...I have never used an umbrella in my life." Imagine, there are cultures in the world today that do not use umbrellas!
CRIME - 4 stars: The couple, Fiona and Charles, appear to have been ritually murdered: Charles has been decapitated. But how did a fishing canoe get all the way out to a guarded oil rig, and on a day when fishermen don't ply their trade due to superstitions? And why is Sapphire one of the first to see her dead relatives? Some authors might take this decapitation into discussions to detailed, but the murder itself takes place off the printed page, as in any good 'cozy' mystery: Quartey goes light on violence.
INVESTIGATION: 3 stars. Lots of red herrings. Suspects everywhere. Again, I liked that the author keeps the reader informed and that there are no late surprises. I liked very much the diagrams and the glossary. But one flaw: Darko invites his wife and children into the culture at Cape Three Points and I don't believe a good detective would do that.
RESOLUTION: 2 stars. Various points are tied up, certainly, and we clearly know the villians and their places in the story, their greed for oil and money. But some things were not finalized, like why did the rich Charles allow the death of a cousin's young daughter as the cousin couldn't afford to pay for treatment. Is Auntie Eileen a real magician? Perhaps some of my questions are tied up in volume 4 of this series. Or perhaps these were all-to-red red herrings.
SUMMARY: 3.4 stars. Cast and atmosphere come first here. Quartey reveals much Ghana culture that was new to me. I did enjoy reading this novel for a well-deserved 3-star rating. But the first half is so much better than the second half of this read for me. Yes, I understand that there are global climate issues taking place everywhere. Perhaps there were one too many suspects, and the trick at pulling at the reader's heartstrings (Hosiah) felt a tad trite to me. But perhaps I'm not much in the mood right now to tackle real world issues.
Ghana, 2014
AROUND THE WORLD OF CRIME AND MYSTERY
CAST - 4 stars: Detective Inspector Darko Dawson is sent to Cape Three Points to investigate a double Murder. It appears real estate/oil people are moving in on the lives of the locals, the fisherman who've spent their lives in the area. His young 7 y/o son, Hosiah, has been released from ICU after cardiac surgery. Sly is Hosiah's older, 9 y/o brother, adopted by Darko and his wife, Christine. Dr. Sapphire Smith-Aidoo works on an oil rig and sees a canoe float by: in it are dead relatives Fiona and Charles Smith-Aidoo. Plus there are half-dozen or so suspects. Fascinating cast here, but I found a couple of motivations questionable. Like Darko leaving his son to work on a case in the first place.
ATMOSPHERE - 4 stars: The author knows much about this environment and the impact of oil rigs and RE development on the locals. I learned much about Ghana, the birth country of the author. I didn't know that in addition to oil rigs, there could be nearby accomodation barges for temporary workers. (I lived in Southern California for 2 decades and there were oil rigs all over the ocean, often ruining sunset views, or rather all views.) There is much discussion of food like banku, made from fermented cornmeal. Blood ties play a big part and the author offers us, before the novel begins, a family tree that includes a few clues. Later, a diagram with all the suspects and how they are related comes in handy as a reference to all that's going on: the author wants to make sure readers see what Darko sees. There are many discussions of juju (magic) and those who sell certain tricks of the trade. Although English is used most of the time, the author does utilize several terms in different languages, AND offers a glossary at the end of the book. For example, 'wee' is marijuana, and Darko is fighting a compulsion to smoke up. (A 1950's American term for pot is 'tea', which is why that early 2000 American Tea Party movement sorta sounded fun. But in reality, nope, it had nothing to do with pot, although many members seemed to act stoned all the time. Much like Congress today.) At one point, a character says, "...I have never used an umbrella in my life." Imagine, there are cultures in the world today that do not use umbrellas!
CRIME - 4 stars: The couple, Fiona and Charles, appear to have been ritually murdered: Charles has been decapitated. But how did a fishing canoe get all the way out to a guarded oil rig, and on a day when fishermen don't ply their trade due to superstitions? And why is Sapphire one of the first to see her dead relatives? Some authors might take this decapitation into discussions to detailed, but the murder itself takes place off the printed page, as in any good 'cozy' mystery: Quartey goes light on violence.
INVESTIGATION: 3 stars. Lots of red herrings. Suspects everywhere. Again, I liked that the author keeps the reader informed and that there are no late surprises. I liked very much the diagrams and the glossary. But one flaw: Darko invites his wife and children into the culture at Cape Three Points and I don't believe a good detective would do that.
RESOLUTION: 2 stars. Various points are tied up, certainly, and we clearly know the villians and their places in the story, their greed for oil and money. But some things were not finalized, like why did the rich Charles allow the death of a cousin's young daughter as the cousin couldn't afford to pay for treatment. Is Auntie Eileen a real magician? Perhaps some of my questions are tied up in volume 4 of this series. Or perhaps these were all-to-red red herrings.
SUMMARY: 3.4 stars. Cast and atmosphere come first here. Quartey reveals much Ghana culture that was new to me. I did enjoy reading this novel for a well-deserved 3-star rating. But the first half is so much better than the second half of this read for me. Yes, I understand that there are global climate issues taking place everywhere. Perhaps there were one too many suspects, and the trick at pulling at the reader's heartstrings (Hosiah) felt a tad trite to me. But perhaps I'm not much in the mood right now to tackle real world issues.
January 25, 2016
Opening on a happy note, Inspector Darko Dawson and wife Christine are in the hospital with their son, Hosiah, who has finally gotten the heart operation he needed. Meantime, two bodies appear drifting in a canoe at an offshore oil drilling rig: Charles and Fiona Smith-Aidoos, prominent members of the local community. Charles works PR for Malgum Oil and Fiona is active in politics. Their niece, Sapphire, petitions for assistance, and CID Colonel Lartey forces Darko off family leave to investigate in Southern Ghana. Once again, Kwei Quartey does a good job of having Darko identify three suspects, with varying motives and keeps us guessing who is the culprit. Quartey also conveys much about African issues: industry, development, graft, culture, etc. Enjoyable reading.
Read
December 8, 2016Perfect flight read, short and interesting. Not as good as the first 2 books in the series but I like the interplay of modern and superstitious Ghanaian beliefs as related to solving mysterious crimes.
January 11, 2022
I enjoyed the first two in this series more than this one. The writing is a bit formulaic. I did not feel as immersed in Ghanaian culture. But I still like the main character, so will continue with the next book.
dnf
August 23, 2019DNF.
I'm so disgusted right now. But I'll start at the beginning.
Mysteries are some of my favorites! I always look forward to them, so I started this with an open heart. I am a huge fan of descriptions, but this is the first time a book has had too many. It really distracts from the story. Descriptions of stuff that do not matter! I mean, in mysteries you never know ehat may be clues, so you need to do "red herrings" but this is insane. Way too much. I like all of the bits about the culture, but other details are just annoying. I couldn't keep any of the characters straight.
This was okay. I can deal with it, it was just little things but I wanted to know the mystery so I kept going. UNTIL just now. ARGH. I am so frustrated right now.
There was a scene. *coughcough* It is completely against my moral ideas just no no no no no no no no no no no. I am not going to read that. You can't make me. I refuse to ruin my mind!
Now, for some reason the copy that I have says it is the "advanced uncopyedited edition". Because of this I am giving it the benefit of doubt and not rating it. Maybe they took that part out, maybe not. I just try to think the best of everyone and everything. I don't know. If I were to give it a rating right now it would not be good.
I'm so disgusted right now. But I'll start at the beginning.
Mysteries are some of my favorites! I always look forward to them, so I started this with an open heart. I am a huge fan of descriptions, but this is the first time a book has had too many. It really distracts from the story. Descriptions of stuff that do not matter! I mean, in mysteries you never know ehat may be clues, so you need to do "red herrings" but this is insane. Way too much. I like all of the bits about the culture, but other details are just annoying. I couldn't keep any of the characters straight.
This was okay. I can deal with it, it was just little things but I wanted to know the mystery so I kept going. UNTIL just now. ARGH. I am so frustrated right now.
There was a scene. *coughcough* It is completely against my moral ideas just no no no no no no no no no no no. I am not going to read that. You can't make me. I refuse to ruin my mind!
Now, for some reason the copy that I have says it is the "advanced uncopyedited edition". Because of this I am giving it the benefit of doubt and not rating it. Maybe they took that part out, maybe not. I just try to think the best of everyone and everything. I don't know. If I were to give it a rating right now it would not be good.
March 19, 2014
This is the 3rd book in the series by Author Kwei Quartey and his hero, Inspector Darko Dawson. This book follows Wife of the Gods and Children of the Street, all three books are 5 star mysteries. I was hooked from the first few pages and could not put the book down until I finished it. Again, Author Quartey is the master of twists and turns until you are breathlessly waiting to find out "who done it"!
The story begins when a tiny canoe is observed drifting slowly towards an oil rig at Cape Three Points on the coast of Ghana, a terrible sight awaits. Inspector Darko Dawson is asked to investigate the murders, which includes a family with long standing feuds. In this book we meet more of Darko's extended family and find Darko has grown and matured, while still taking chances and stepping on toes whenever he feels it necessary. He continues to drive Chief Superintendent Lartey to distraction and works with the "spoiled" Sergeant Chikata.
This entire series is a must read for lovers of great mysteries, and those of you wanting to know more about Africa. Author Kwei Quartey gives the reader great character development, an enjoyable read, and fantastic insight into the beauty and modern day workings of Ghana.
The story begins when a tiny canoe is observed drifting slowly towards an oil rig at Cape Three Points on the coast of Ghana, a terrible sight awaits. Inspector Darko Dawson is asked to investigate the murders, which includes a family with long standing feuds. In this book we meet more of Darko's extended family and find Darko has grown and matured, while still taking chances and stepping on toes whenever he feels it necessary. He continues to drive Chief Superintendent Lartey to distraction and works with the "spoiled" Sergeant Chikata.
This entire series is a must read for lovers of great mysteries, and those of you wanting to know more about Africa. Author Kwei Quartey gives the reader great character development, an enjoyable read, and fantastic insight into the beauty and modern day workings of Ghana.
December 30, 2018
A woman asks for someone else to look into the deaths of her aunt and uncle when their murder remains unsolved after four months from local investigators. Darko Dawson is called from his son's surgical bed to return to investigate the murder. The woman's uncle and aunt were important in rearing her. Their bodies were found afloat in a boat near an oil platform off Cape Three Points. Both were shot, and her uncle was decapitated. Is it some sort of ritual killing? Is it business-related? Is it politically motivated? Is there a police coverup? All of these questions must be answered before Darko and his partner, the chief inspector's relative, resolve the crime. The Ghana setting makes this a very interesting series. Dawson is a likable, but flawed, detective. I listened to the audiobook read by Dominic Hoffman who does an acceptable but not outstanding job with the narration.
April 24, 2023
That was a really nice whodunnit in an interesting, exotic setting. We even got two mysteries for the price of one! The cast of characters/suspects was quite good, the book frequently had the reader guessing and changing mind about the identity of the culprit and the ending wasn't bad either. Maybe some part of it depended too much on coincidences and everyone knowing everyone but that wasn't much of a problem and it made sense in this case. I really enjoyed it and will definitely read more from this author.
June 28, 2023
3.5 rounded up. Darko Dawson is on the case when two dead bodies are washed up in a canoe. He has to contend with police that don't want him on their turf & a boss who rides him at every turn. Meanwhile, he doesn't have much time to untangle a turbulent family history.
This story was very intricately told. I started on audio but had to switch to an ebook because I was missing important details. This story was a little more technical than some of the recent books I've read by this author. Overall, it was an enjoyable read!
This story was very intricately told. I started on audio but had to switch to an ebook because I was missing important details. This story was a little more technical than some of the recent books I've read by this author. Overall, it was an enjoyable read!
August 24, 2021
Like the ones before, this book charmed me to no end. The author describes life in Ghana in a way that both breaks your heart and makes you fall in love with its simplicity and uncluttered nature. Our favorite cop is busy inserting his nose in places and people who can snap it off. But he acquits himself capably. I'm also loving the camaraderie cum respect that's growing between him and his sergeant. Something was going to happen between Fiona, one of the suspects, and Darko. I totally called it the moment she made her entry! Dunno why it needed to be there, though. Finally, I would have preferred to have seen some level of threat against Darko but he solves the case while exposing himself to almost no danger.
February 19, 2023
On a wide plate stood four smooth, perfectly shaped ovals of fufu brushed with a light coating of water to make them glisten. The fufu was made by strenuously pounding boiled cassava in a large mortar while adding water until it turned into a soft, glutinous mass. Next to the plate of fufu was a deep bowl of steaming palm nut soup, its rich golden-red oil snaking languidly around succulent chunks of fish and turgid white eggplant. The sight and the aroma made Dawson’s salivary glands contract so hard that they hurt.
I love this quintessentially Ghanaian detective, his attachment to his family and his country, the food, the sights, the people. Everybody has a secret and it is his job to uncover them, either with a direct approach or with a soft hand. His side kick Chikata is a perfect partner. Shall be reading more of this series!
I love this quintessentially Ghanaian detective, his attachment to his family and his country, the food, the sights, the people. Everybody has a secret and it is his job to uncover them, either with a direct approach or with a soft hand. His side kick Chikata is a perfect partner. Shall be reading more of this series!
March 23, 2014
Very good straight-forward police procedural set in Ghana. Detective Inspector Darko Dawson has aural-hand synesthesia where sounds, especially voices, can be "felt" in his hand. This works as a kind of lie-detector. Nice balance between enough local flavor and travelogue mode.
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August 29, 2017Ghana-set detective novel. I liked it more for the human stories of Darko and his wife and family and for the well-drawn setting than for the murder mystery, which was well constructed but just left me a bit cold. I'm not in a very murder mystery place though, so ymmv.
February 21, 2020
I discovered Kwei Quartey's books last year and have been an avid fan since then.
I really enjoyed this book especially Dawson's personal struggles. It made me yearn for the next one, cos I am curious to see how the author would build up upon this one.
I really enjoyed this book especially Dawson's personal struggles. It made me yearn for the next one, cos I am curious to see how the author would build up upon this one.
March 27, 2020
I love the books by Kwei Quartey, the little snapshots into life in Ghana and the intriguing mysteries. My only wish is that there was included in the Glossary some of the initials used for the various agencies, job titles, in the stories that could enlighten those of us oburonis. We may know ICU and ID and SUV and CEO, but not so much STC and BNI and +++++
September 30, 2025
This is the first book of this kind that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I might begin to explore more of this genre.
November 18, 2017
I’m enjoying this series. The mystery was intriguing. It seemed to get solved pretty quickly at the end (maybe too quickly). Darko was great in this novel.
February 2, 2021
Really enjoy this series and learning about Ghana. Great characters and mysteries.
November 2, 2022
3.5 stars
First, the good stuff: I have been really enjoying this mystery series. The setting feels rich and real. The mysteries are complex enough that I never come close to figuring them out. Detective Darko Dawson is refreshingly different - he loves his wife and his family, marijuana, and building and playing the mbira. (And he’s got a touch of the sixth sense, he can tell when people are lying or sincere.)
I have read these first three books in the Darko Dawson series all this year, which is very unusual for me! It's a true sign that I enjoy the series, but also might be contributing to my irritation with some aspects, because things that don't bother me now and then DO bother me when they are repeated. I'll definitely read the rest of the books in this series, although maybe three is enough for me in one year and I'll save the rest for 2023!
And now the bad stuff: I’m willing to accept the argument that most of the sexist views are Dawson’s, not the author’s (although that leads one to wonder why Quartey chose to write him like that at all ...). But sometimes the sexism is just the author’s.
For example, here Dawson is reviewing autopsy photos of the two murder victims.
(Emphasis is mine.) I’ve included almost the full quote to show that not a single comment about Charles’ body is included. I have no idea what Charles looks like from this passage. But Fiona? Well, Fiona is so sexy that she’s still sexy as a dead body on an autopsy table. I’m surprised he didn’t describe her breasts as well. I have to wonder if maybe Quartey originally did, but his editor encouraged him to tone it down. And yet somehow this bit still slipped through.
Note: I started out listening to this as an audiobook, but the narration by Dominic Hoffman was not for me - too many pauses, and a terrible Scottish accent!
First, the good stuff: I have been really enjoying this mystery series. The setting feels rich and real. The mysteries are complex enough that I never come close to figuring them out. Detective Darko Dawson is refreshingly different - he loves his wife and his family, marijuana, and building and playing the mbira. (And he’s got a touch of the sixth sense, he can tell when people are lying or sincere.)
I have read these first three books in the Darko Dawson series all this year, which is very unusual for me! It's a true sign that I enjoy the series, but also might be contributing to my irritation with some aspects, because things that don't bother me now and then DO bother me when they are repeated. I'll definitely read the rest of the books in this series, although maybe three is enough for me in one year and I'll save the rest for 2023!
And now the bad stuff: I’m willing to accept the argument that most of the sexist views are Dawson’s, not the author’s (although that leads one to wonder why Quartey chose to write him like that at all ...). But sometimes the sexism is just the author’s.
For example, here Dawson is reviewing autopsy photos of the two murder victims.
Dawson opened the file and went through the fifteen slides—seven for Charles and eight for Fiona. Each of them had descriptive captions. Two slides each pictured their full-length bodies lying on the autopsy table. In Charles’s case, one was the headless version and the other was with his head placed contiguous with his neck.
... Another image was a close-up of the ragged decapitation site. Dawson shuddered. On the close-up of Charles’s right side head wound, the ring of soot was visible even against his dark skin.
Even in death, Fiona’s body was curvaceous with large, firm thighs. Besides the bullet wound to her head and the ligature lines at her wrists, she was unmarked.
(Emphasis is mine.) I’ve included almost the full quote to show that not a single comment about Charles’ body is included. I have no idea what Charles looks like from this passage. But Fiona? Well, Fiona is so sexy that she’s still sexy as a dead body on an autopsy table. I’m surprised he didn’t describe her breasts as well. I have to wonder if maybe Quartey originally did, but his editor encouraged him to tone it down. And yet somehow this bit still slipped through.
Note: I started out listening to this as an audiobook, but the narration by Dominic Hoffman was not for me - too many pauses, and a terrible Scottish accent!
November 7, 2025
there were a lot of characters to keep track of, but the ending wrapped up nicely
August 11, 2016
Once again author Kwei Quartey takes readers right into the heart of Ghana. As Dawson investigates, we see Ghanian home life, we sample the country's food, and we are shown the gaping divide between those who have money and power and those who do not. Darko Dawson is a complex character who grows with each book. He has a wife and children whom he loves dearly, but life can still throw temptation his way. Marijuana used to be his stress reliever, but he knows he must stay away from it. He's learning how to work well with his politically connected partner, and his partner is learning how to be a better detective by working with Darko. Dawson is walking a path we all must walk: he knows the life he wants to have, and he realizes that he's going to have to work to reach that goal.
In this third book, Dawson's investigation takes him out of the city and into the environmental wonderland of the Cape Three Points area. But there is trouble even in this lush paradise. The area has long been inhabited by subsistence fishermen, but oil companies are dictating where they may and may not fish, and real estate entrepreneurs are trying to get the locals moved out as cheaply as possible. It's a situation ripe for a very long list of suspects, and Quartey works it very well. I particularly liked the way he brought locals (like a taxi driver) in as secondary characters to add even more texture to an already spicy tale.
Kwei Quartey writes incredibly well about Ghana, about crime, and about the people he has created. If you're an armchair traveling sleuth like I am, I advise you to add him to your list of must-reads.
In this third book, Dawson's investigation takes him out of the city and into the environmental wonderland of the Cape Three Points area. But there is trouble even in this lush paradise. The area has long been inhabited by subsistence fishermen, but oil companies are dictating where they may and may not fish, and real estate entrepreneurs are trying to get the locals moved out as cheaply as possible. It's a situation ripe for a very long list of suspects, and Quartey works it very well. I particularly liked the way he brought locals (like a taxi driver) in as secondary characters to add even more texture to an already spicy tale.
Kwei Quartey writes incredibly well about Ghana, about crime, and about the people he has created. If you're an armchair traveling sleuth like I am, I advise you to add him to your list of must-reads.
February 3, 2017
I really like these Quartey crime novels. They are well crafted and are quite the page turners. The complex mysteries, set in Ghana, give a flavor for the culture and people of the country. They are complex and the protagonists and supporting characters are quite likeable. This is the third in the series. I look forward to reading more of them.
January 6, 2021
I was a big fan of the first two novels in the Darko Dawson series, so it's no surprise that I enjoyed this book as well. And while the crimes didn't quite match those of the first two, getting a peek at Ghana's oil boom, and the resulting pitfalls, was more than enough to keep me interested.
What impresses me most about Quartey's writing is how brings the different aspects of Ghana out through the characters. Whether it be the rich and influential, the poor and powerless, or the average worker, you really get a sense of their respective realities.
My only criticism would be that the crimes committed were not as unique as in the first two novels. But perhaps that is just being greedy (the second novel really set a high standard).
What impresses me most about Quartey's writing is how brings the different aspects of Ghana out through the characters. Whether it be the rich and influential, the poor and powerless, or the average worker, you really get a sense of their respective realities.
My only criticism would be that the crimes committed were not as unique as in the first two novels. But perhaps that is just being greedy (the second novel really set a high standard).
December 27, 2015
I so enjoyed this mystery; a new series for me. Set in the oil-boom coast of Ghana and featuring Inspector Dawson who has to work his way through a weave of family rivalries, the intricacies of oil company management, some bureaucratic roadblocks, and the intimation of ritual sacrifice to solve his case. Torn from the side of his son's hospital bed where he is recovering from major heart surgery, Dawson must set aside his family worries to pursue the case from Accra to Takoradi and back again.
May 25, 2018
Listened to the audio book, an excellent narrator.
Darko has a grisly murder to solve this time. As he works the case, it seems connected to another one--and a conspiracy of silence. Big business is involved somehow, and money rules many hearts.
A great, twisty puzzle, where the pieces all come together neatly at the end. There's still some shady politics and favoritism, but for the most part, the good guys win.
Darko has a grisly murder to solve this time. As he works the case, it seems connected to another one--and a conspiracy of silence. Big business is involved somehow, and money rules many hearts.
A great, twisty puzzle, where the pieces all come together neatly at the end. There's still some shady politics and favoritism, but for the most part, the good guys win.
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