FAQ

​

1. Who is Kwei Quartey?

Answer:
Kwei Quartey is a Ghanaian-American author and retired physician best known for his mystery and crime novels set in Ghana. Born to a Ghanaian father and an African American mother, Kwei Quartey draws on his unique bicultural background to craft richly detailed stories that bring West African settings and characters to life.

2. What inspired him to become a writer?

Answer:
Kwei Quartey’s passion for storytelling grew from his love of reading detective novels as a child. He was particularly fascinated by mysteries that immersed readers in new worlds and cultures. Growing up in Ghana and later moving to the United States gave him a dual perspective that shaped his desire to write about Ghanaian society, history, and contemporary issues.

3. What are his most popular books or series?

Answer:
He is best known for two mystery series:

• Inspector Darko Dawson Series: Starting with Wife of the Gods, these novels follow Inspector Dawson through modern-day Ghana as he solves complex cases rooted in social and cultural issues.

• Emma Djan Investigations: Launched with The Missing American, this series features a young private investigator navigating Ghana’s rapidly changing urban landscapes and digital scams while investigating missing persons and other high-profile crimes.

4. How does Kwei Quartey approach writing about Ghana?

Answer:
His novels combine thorough research with lived experience. He often travels to Ghana to gather material, interview locals, and observe neighborhoods, police practices, and social dynamics firsthand. By blending real-world issues with fictional storylines, he creates authentic, atmospheric mysteries that highlight Ghana’s vibrant culture and everyday challenges.

5. What themes does he explore in his fiction?

Answer:
Kwei Quartey’s works often delve into social justice, corruption, family dynamics, and the intersection of tradition and modernity. He portrays the complexities of Ghanaian life—everything from local superstitions and cultural customs to the country’s legal and medical systems—through the lens of detective fiction.

6. Is Kwei Quartey still practicing medicine?

Answer:
He worked as a primary care physician in California for many years but has since retired from full-time medical practice to focus on writing. His medical background, however, continues to inform certain aspects of his novels, especially where forensic and medical details are involved.

7. What causes does Kwei Quartey support?

Answer:
Kwei Quartey is an advocate for literacy, particularly in underrepresented communities. He also supports initiatives that promote African literature and the arts, believing in the importance of diverse voices and stories. On his trips to Ghana, he has participated in reading events and supports organizations aimed at increasing literacy rates among children and young adults.

8. How can readers stay updated on his new releases and events?

Answer:
You can sign up for his newsletter through his official website. Subscribers receive news about upcoming book releases, giveaways, virtual events, and other announcements. You can also follow him on social media for the latest updates on signings, speaking engagements, and projects in development.

9. Where can I purchase Kwei Quartey’s books?

Answer:
His novels are widely available both online and in bookstores. Major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent booksellers carry print, e-book, and audiobook formats. Check your local indie bookstore or library as well—they often stock his latest releases or can order them on request.

10. Is there a recommended reading order for his series?

Answer:
It’s generally best to read each series in its publication order to follow character development chronologically:

• Inspector Darko Dawson Series: Start with Wife of the Gods, followed by Children of the Street, Murder at Cape Three Points, Gold of Our Fathers, and so on.

• Emma Djan Investigations: Begin with The Missing American, then continue with subsequent books in the series.

However, each novel is written to stand on its own, so you can still enjoy them if read out of sequence.