Instruments of Darkness [Paperback]

From the author of the national bestsellerA Small Death in LisbonandThe Company of Strangerscomes Wilson's compelling first novel, never before available in the United States. Bruce Medway's existence as a fixer and troubleshooter had been tough, but never life-threatening until he crossed paths with the mighty Madame Severnou. His life becomes even more complicated by his search for a missing fellow expat, Steven Kershaw. Against a backdrop of political disruption and endemic official corruption, Medway pursues the elusive phantom of Kershaw.
Instruments of Darknesspowerfully evokes the atmosphere, politics, and people of West Africa. With Medway's ironic voice, flashes of humor that may recall Raymond Chandler, and unforgettable characters, this compulsively readable thriller is the beginning of a remarkable series.

Based in Benin, West Africa, Bruce Medway makes a living as a fixer for traders along the part of the coast that was once called the White Man's Grave. It's a tough existence, but never life-threatening until he crosses the mighty Madame Severnou. Warned off further involvement by his client, Jack Obuasi, his energies are redirected into the search for a missing expatriate, Steven Kershaw.
Kershaw turns out to have been a man of mystery: trader, artist, womanizer, and a sado-masochist. Against background rumblings of political disruption, in the face of endemic official corruption, egged onby an impecunious Benin policeman, Medway pursues the elusive phantom of Kershaw across West Africa.
Instruments of Darknesspowerfully evokes the atmosphere, politics and people of West Africa. With Bruce Medway's ironic voice, flashes of humor that may recall Raymond Chandler, and unforgettable characters, this compulsively readable thriller has become a cult classic, and the beginning of a remarkable series.

PRAISE FORINSTRUMENTS OF DARKNESS

A witty, fast-moving and picaresque talÃ"