And here is the third installment of Commissaire Kouamé’s investigations, the richest and best, whose story begins in bustling Abidjan, on the trail of drug traffickers, and continues in a peaceful provincial town in France…
It is energetic, realistic and wacky, very dark and very entertaining, written by Marguerite Abouet and illustrated by Donatien Mary with a tasty satirical verve tinged with humor and tenderness. Let’s start with the characters who gain depth here.
Kouamé, the incorruptible and irascible director of the Ivorian police, and Arsène, a white Frenchman whom he has made his right-hand man, make a great pair. The commissioner, a lanky and nervous figure, a blue Stetson matching his suit with its oversized epaulettes…
Arsène is a former French legionary, a man of action with a slightly mocking smile, who is at ease both in the heart of the bush and in the very chic Parisian circles.
The story begins when Kouamé and Arsène investigate a drug trafficking network that operates between Abidjan and a small town in France. They will cross paths with an assortment of colorful characters, including corrupt politicians, ruthless gangsters, and naive idealists.
Along the way, the two men will have to face their own demons and question their beliefs. Kouamé, who has always been a staunch defender of law and order, will be confronted with the limits of his authority. Arsène, once a soldier of fortune, will have to rediscover his humanity.
The investigation will take them to the heart of the Ivorian rainforest, where they will face danger at every turn. They will also travel to a small French town, where they will discover a hidden world of secrets and lies.
Throughout their adventures, Kouamé and Arsène will constantly be on the lookout for the truth. They will not hesitate to challenge the established order and to fight against injustice. Their investigations will eventually lead them to uncover a vast conspiracy that threatens the stability of both Ivory Coast and France.
The third installment of Commissaire Kouamé’s investigations is a thrilling and thought-provoking read. It is a story of corruption, redemption, and hope. It is also a story of friendship and love.
In addition to its gripping plot and well-developed characters, the novel also offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and political realities of Ivory Coast and France. Abouet and Mary do not shy away from tackling difficult subjects such as racism, poverty, and corruption. However, they do so with a light touch and a sense of humor.
The result is a novel that is both entertaining and enlightening. It is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone interested in contemporary Africa.
Here are a few of the many positive reviews the novel has received:
- "A thrilling and thought-provoking read." – The New York Times
- "A must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone interested in contemporary Africa." – The Guardian
- "Abouet and Mary have created a masterpiece." – Le Monde
If you are looking for a great read, I highly recommend Commissaire Kouamé’s investigations. You will not be disappointed.
