The Ghost Runner: A Makana Mystery
*Starred Review* In 2002 in Cairo, Sudanese private investigator Makana (Dogstar Rising, 2013) is navigating the complexities of investigating infidelity in a Muslim country when the husband in the case, Ragab, a prominent attorney, breaks routine to visit a private clinic treating a young burn victim bearing his name. Makana suspects he’s found evidence of infidelity and possibly a botched honor killing. Surprisingly, the day after he reports his findings, Ragab appears at Makana’s office and hires him to investigate the fire that has just claimed the mysterious girl’s life. Ragab suspects the girl’s death was orchestrated by her father, a former client who has been exiled for terrorist activity. The trail leads to Siwa Oasis, a small city with a Wild West feel, where the girl’s parents grew up together. Makana’s arrival coincides with a string of ritualistic murders starting with the city’s judge, prompting Siwa’s police captain to recruit a reluctant Makana to guide the investigation. Siwa’s small-town secrets, black-market gangs, and casual corruption hinder both investigations, but Makana is doggedly determined, even as his life is threatened. Makana’s sharp and sometimes melancholy observations bring both Cairo and Siwa to life, and Bilal handles grotesque crimes delicately, favoring characterization and culture over blood and gore. This third Makana mystery is a literary gem and a good match with Zoë Ferraris’ novels and Shashi Tharoor’s Riot (2001). --Christine Tran--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.