A Chicago detective investigates a series of impossible murders—victims drowned in seawater far from any ocean—which leads him to cross paths with a mysterious, technologically advanced woman on a quest tied to a centuries-old slave ship. Blending police procedural, speculative sci-fi, and historical reckoning, the story explores themes of intergenerational trauma, justice, and the enduring scars of the Atlantic slave trade.

Reader Review Summary

Set across present-day Chicago, the UK, and Africa, the novel blends police procedural, science fiction, and speculative history. The story opens with Detective Ethan Krol investigating an impossible murder: a father and son found drowned in seawater in their 20th-floor Chicago apartment, with a dead barracuda nearby and no plausible explanation for the presence of ocean water. Parallel to this, Abi Eniola, a mysterious woman with advanced technology and a 1930s Nigerian manner, is on a quest in England, accompanied by Hollie, a local woman drawn into her orbit. As more inexplicable murders occur across continents, the narrative weaves together Ethan’s investigation and Abi’s mission, ultimately connecting them through a centuries-old slave ship, the Esperance, and a broader story about the legacy of the Atlantic slave trade, intergenerational trauma, and the pursuit of justice. The plot incorporates advanced African technology, historical scavenger hunts, and speculative elements such as a planet inhabited by descendants of enslaved people.

Readers praised the book’s fast pacing, intricate plot, and the way it balances action, mystery, and speculative elements. The opening murder and subsequent impossible crimes were frequently cited as gripping and attention-grabbing. Many enjoyed the dual perspectives of Ethan and Abi, with Abi’s character—her technological prowess, distinctive speech, and enigmatic background—standing out as a highlight. The dynamic between Abi and Hollie was noted as engaging, providing both levity and emotional resonance. The integration of African and Nigerian cultural elements, including Yoruba language and advanced technology, was appreciated for adding depth and variety. The book’s handling of themes such as racism, historical trauma, and justice, as well as its international scope and blending of genres, were also positively received. Action scenes, plot twists, and the gradual reveal of the story’s speculative underpinnings kept many readers invested through to the conclusion.

Some readers found the character development lacking, particularly for Ethan and Abi, describing them as distant, stereotypical, or underexplored. The emotional arcs were sometimes seen as insufficiently developed, with the plot’s momentum occasionally overshadowing deeper characterization. A few readers felt the book was overly didactic or moralistic, with social commentary on racism and trauma sometimes taking precedence over narrative subtlety. The pacing, while generally fast, was criticized by some as uneven, with the ending described as rushed or, conversely, overly drawn out. The police procedural elements were not universally appealing, and some found the cast too large or the motivations of certain characters unclear. Additionally, the speculative and historical themes, while central, were seen by some as underexplored or not fully integrated with the plot.

The novel contains content warnings for violence, murder (including the death of a child), racism, slavery, drug use, and other sensitive topics. The writing style is described as functional and focused on plot progression rather than lyricism or introspection. The book is positioned as a standalone, genre-blending work that appeals to readers of science fiction, mystery, and thrillers, especially those interested in stories addressing historical legacies and ethical questions. The narrative structure relies on alternating points of view and a gradual convergence of storylines, with a focus on both the mechanics of the mystery and the broader implications of history and technology.