The Signare of Gorée by Laura Rahme Book Review (Blog Tour)

Publication Date: 9th September 2024
Publisher: Independently Published
Pages: 301
Genre: Historical Mystery / Historical Fiction

Book Description

1846. In the heat of West Africa, the French navy uncovers the corpses of two French soldiers. Inspector Maurice Leroux arrives at the island of Gorée. It seems death has come to this small colonial outpost off the Senegal coast, home to the prosperous mixed-blood women known as the signares.

The navy suspects that the Bambara people, emboldened by approaching emancipation, may be out for blood. While confronted by the locals’ strange magical beliefs, Maurice remains skeptical. Does malevolence play a part, or are these deaths accidental, brought upon by the brutality of nature in an island known as the white man's grave?

But when murder strikes, it becomes clear that a killer is stalking Gorée.

Swept by a mystery unlike any he has known, Maurice meets Signare Angélique Aussenac. The proud métis, deserted by her wealthy Bordeaux lover, casts her spell upon Maurice.

But beyond the throbbing sounds of the tam-tams and the glittering signare soirées, danger lurks. Someone is watching. And the deaths go on.

Could the killer be one of the rich Bordeaux merchants? Or are they hiding among the powerful signares?

A historical mystery spanning France and Senegal, THE SIGNARE OF GORÉE explores a world of magic, murder, and passion.

My Thoughts

Maurice Leroux is sent to the Island of Gorée, off the Senegal coast, to investigate the deaths of two French soldiers. Coming from Europe, the island is a culture shock for the detective, who has to contend with the heat, mosquitoes, superstition and the powerful signare. After a quick investigation, he believes his presence on the island is unwarranted, as from the manner of the soldiers' deaths, murder cannot be proven. As Leroux prepares to leave Gorée, another body is discovered and this time the death is definitely a murder. With the help of the French officer assigned to help him, Leroux sorts fact from superstition and uncovers a twisty tale of love and revenge with links to the slave trade.

This is an interesting and engrossing novel set in a part of the world I knew very little about. I found the history of the island fascinating, especially how the signare became powerful and the trades they were involved in.

From the start I was drawn into this story by the suspenseful opening and continued to be engaged by a great plot, enhanced by the exotic setting, the characters, the blending of normal and supernatural elements and vivid descriptions, which all led to an exciting denouement.

I liked Leroux. He was opened-minded about the inference that magic played a part in the deaths, and despite what he had witnessed, based his judgements on his knowledge of the law. Although his own emotions may have influenced his final decision, I couldn't help but feel he'd made the right one.

The Signare of Gorée is a must read for any historical mystery fan. I highly recommend it.

Where to Purchase

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Universal Buy Link HERE

Meet the Author

Laura Rahme is the author of seven historical novels. Born in Dakar, Senegal where she spent her early childhood, she moved to Australia at the age of ten. A graduate of two Honors degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Psychology, she has worked over two decades as an IT professional. Her greatest joy comes from travel, researching history, and penning historical mysteries. She now lives in France with her screenwriting husband.

Connect with Laura:
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