I like mysteries even when they're not about murder, but a coherent, sustained narrative plot about some kind of mystery is a requirement for me--it's why I read mysteries. If it's mostly lyrical observations on Africa with plot secondary in the other books, too, I'll pass. I think it's a valid approach to a book, but lyrical place-evocations are a secondary, or maybe even tertiary goal for me in a mystery. And the characterization in the first one is fine--the protagonist is very likable--but it doesn't knock my socks off or anything.

I can see the appeal, but it's not the thing for me.