The Missing Corpse

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This is the first book I’ve read by Yasin Kakande, but The Missing Corpse is the second book in The General’s Project series. The CIA received intel that the President of Uganda is dead, with his son not making the announcement until everything is in place for his succession. Agent Shawn Wayles is sent in to discover the truth and retrieve the president’s body. 

This is an interesting story that uses the thriller plotline to explore themes of power, corruption, misinformation and the global political stage. The vying for power from The General makes for enticing thriller reading, the shadowy involvement of the US and other foreign governments in establishing and supporting the system as it is, is thought provoking. 

I personally found Shawn to be a bit “green”, he seemed to fall into a stereotypical spy role, forcing an instant romance with Joanne and making simple mistakes while on mission. The synopsis’ description of Shawn as “their best bloodhound” seems to clash with the actual content of the story, although that might be the point.

You could also argue that Shawn’s characterisation works when you take into account the overall perspective of the narrative. However, I think this not quite capable characterisation helps the plot to flow a bit too conveniently towards the events at the end, where everything easily seems to slot into place. 

Although I think that there are some elements of the book that weren’t quite convincing, I do think that The Missing Corpse highlights intriguing topics about global politics and the interference of other countries for the purpose of power. The narrative itself is easy to follow, with some grittier scenes as Shawn explores seedier nightlife. There’s also some gruesome and evocative moments of torture that demonstrate the brutality of the people in power. 

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