Audiobook narrated by Robin Miles (RB Media)
Series: Emma Djan Investigation, Book 3.
Publish date: Feb. 7, 2023.
Crime fiction/Thriller.
5/5 stars to Last Seen in Lapaz. I’ve been wrapped up in this for the last couple of days, and have barely seen my family.
This book is my introduction to Quartey’s writing, and to Emma Djan, a PI that—sorry to compare characters, but—Mma Ramotswe can only dream of being.
The firm Emma works for, based in Accra, Ghana, and headed by Mr Sowah, is brought in to investigate the disappearance of Sowah’s Nigerian friend’s daughter, Ngozi. Ngozi has become tangled up with a flashy young man, and has apparently been kidnapped.
This book is exceptionally well-written, with wonderful characters, great structure, and an excellent plot. It’s brilliant on the level of the whodunit. Additionally, it also explores very important themes in West and North African social life: dangerous migration to Europe, and the reasons for it, the exploitation of women and sex workers, and some of the criminal activity young people get caught up in. All of the characters in the book are doing the best they can, and the social complexities that create their circumstances and the baddies are well explored.
This is also a really fun read, even as it deals with pain and trauma. CW for rape, drug abuse, graphic violence, torture and death; but none of these events in the book are at all gratuitous. Somehow Quartey manages the balance between telling a good story, and showing the seedy underbelly that costs so many young lives.
Once again, an excellent book; adding it immediately to my list of top reads of 2023, and highly recommended. I’m confident that everyone will enjoy it.
Robin Miles is an excellent narrator, and made this book truly enjoyable. Thank you very much to NetGalley and to RB Media for access.
You can support independent bookshops, and my writing, by buying Last Seen on Lapaz on Bookshop here.
Harare Review of Books 
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