About Kwei Quartey

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CHILDHOOD

Kwei Quartey, a renowned Ghanaian-American writer of crime fiction and retired physician, hails from Pasadena, California. Born in Ghana, West Africa, to a Ghanaian father and a Black American mother, both university lecturers, he grew up in a house filled with an extensive collection of books, particularly crime novels. Quartey, deeply influenced by Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, began crafting crime novellas at a young age, often creating his book covers.

 

EDUCATION

Since high school, Quartey, aspiring to become a physician, embarked on a medical career path, initially studying at the University of Ghana Medical School. Following his father's passing, he moved to the United States with his family and transferred to Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC.

 

RETURN TO WRITING

After completing his residency in Internal Medicine, Quartey reignited his passion for writing. He paralleled his medical career with novel writing, a practice reminiscent of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, often dedicating mornings to writing before his clinical work.

 

NOVELS

Quartey's debut murder mystery novel, "Wife of the Gods," introducing Inspector Darko Dawson, earned a spot on the Los Angeles Times Bestseller List in 2009. His subsequent novels, including "Children of the Street," "Murder at Cape Three Points," and others, continued his legacy in crime fiction. In 2018, after about two decades in medicine, Quartey shifted to full-time novel writing.

 

His new detective series, starting with "The Missing American" in 2020, introduced the pioneering West African female private investigator, Emma Djan. This series has expanded with several titles, including "Sleep Well, My Lady," and "Last Seen in Lapaz."

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​Kwei Quartey's highly anticipated novel, "The Whitewashed Tombs," set to release on September 3, 2024, has already garnered significant acclaim. Publishers Weekly awarded it a starred review, praising its intricate plot and compelling characters. Michael Nava, an esteemed author, commended the novel as "a masterful blend of mystery and cultural exploration." Additionally, First Clue highlighted it as "an engrossing read that keeps you on the edge of your seat." The novel has also been recognized for its thoughtful and sensitive exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, with reviewers noting how it adds depth and relevance to the story. "The Whitewashed Tombs" promises to be a standout addition to Quartey's impressive body of work, captivating both new readers and long-time fans alike.

 

AWARDS

Quartey's "The Missing American" was nominated for the 2021 Edgar Allan Poe Award and won the 2021 Shamus Award. "Sleep Well, My Lady" was a nominee for Best Novel of 2021. He was also recognized in the 2023-2024 edition of "Who's Who in America."

 

HOBBIES An avid animal enthusiast, Quartey is an equestrian who enjoys training and riding horses during his leisure time.