This book was our first book club read and it set the tone nicely. It's a "beautiful", simple story that invites the reader to experience Africa in a time when Africa was changing. Not only are the characters enjoyable, but the writer cleverly weaves his narrative to reveal so much more then just the print on the page. For some accustomed to the suspense and hype of American mysteries, this book may lack the edge-of-your-seat action, but if you want more then a mystery this is the book.