Nnamdi's father, the chief of police, has been murdered and his killer has not been discovered or brought to justice. Nnamdi is consumed with grief, anger and helplessness. One year later, he is approached by the ghost of his father and given a figurine called an Ikenga. The Ikenga allows Nnamdi to become something like a superhero as he thwarts the colorful local criminals and tries to solve the mystery of his father's murder. Along the way, he learns that the assumptions he has made about people are not always true, and that life and crime are complex. He also learns to value his friends and loved ones more. The story is well paced with loads of action, adventure, danger and suspense. I enjoyed the imaginative descriptions of the small Nigerian town and its people. The nicknames of some of the characters are very creative and funny.