Short Synopsis
A lyrical and captivating mystery that brings to life the majesty and charm of Ghana—from the capital city of Accra to a small community where long-buried secrets are about to rise to the surface.

Full Synopsis
Detective Inspector Darko Dawson, a good family man and a remarkably intuitive sleuth, is sent to the village of Ketanu—the site of his mother's disappearance many years ago—to solve the murder of an accomplished young AIDS worker.

While battling his own anger issues and concerns for his ailing son, Darko explores the motivations and secrets of the residents of Ketanu. It soon becomes clear that in addition to solving a recent murder, he is about to unravel the shocking truth about his mother's disappearance.

Kwei Quartey's sparkling debut novel introduces readers to a rich cast of characters, including the Trokosi—young women called Wives of the Gods—who, in order to bring good fortune to their families, are sent to live with fetish priests. Set in Ghana, with the action moving back and forth between the capital city of Accra and a small village in the Volta Region, Wife of the Gods brings the culture and beauty of its setting brilliantly to life.

"With a crisp English accent and deep but deliberate projection, Simon Prebble is a boon to any production.... And blends beautifully with Quartey's style." ---Publishers Weekly Audio Review

"The uncommon grace and style of the writing will engender comparisons with Alexander McCall Smith's Botswana stories, but this novel has more grit." ---Library Journal Starred Review

"Wife of the Gods is a gem. Memorable fiction is always about discovery, and this fascinating debut delivers much that is new." ---Stephen White, New York Times bestselling author of The Siege

"A sensitive novel of powerful family passions.... It is a complex mystery and with a detective that I hope we meet again." ---Anne Perry, New York Times bestselling author of Buckingham Palace Gardens

"Engrossing.... Quartey...renders a compelling cast of characters inhabiting a world precariously perched between old and new." ---Booklist Starred Review

AudioFile Earphones Award Winner

Library Journal Review

Booklist Review

Library Journal Bestseller