Samuels keeps readers engaged as idealistic Abdoulaye travels north to help change the fortunes of his countrymen—and readers will root for the well-meaning Sam and Barbara, who get embroiled in a complex tangle of colonial controversy. The kidnapping drama is tied to an African historical figurine on display at La Table d’Alice restaurant, an artifact holding a valuable secret that some would kill for. During his journey north, Abdoulaye navigates dangerous Al Qaeda-related extremists and nearly loses his own life—but finally safely reaches his cousin’s home in northern Africa. There, Abdoulaye is entrusted with a key part of the secret which may transform the future of his countrymen, charged with delivering it to his half-sister and her husband, who hold the final piece of the puzzle.

Samuels shines a bright light on contemporary and historic African politics, raising awareness on the dynamics that send immigrants in search of a new life. Samuels does a fine job with plotting, creating intriguing characters and captivating situations, though at times, including some quick-moving scenes and when the narrative leaps over months, some additional context would allow readers to engage more fully with the significance of events. Still, readers who enjoy lively mysteries with a humane, international bent will devour Samuels’s tale.

Takeaway: This humane thriller will appeal to readers who love mysteries with a global scope.

Comparable Titles: Walter Dean Myers’s Monster, Megan Abbott’s The Fever.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-