Picture a Canadian storyteller who brought the Harlem Renaissance to life with a thrilling twist—meet Nekesa Afia! At just 24, this mystery author burst onto the scene with her debut novel, Dead Dead Girls, a gripping tale that blends 1920s glamour with pulse-pounding suspense. Afia’s unique voice, rooted in her love for history and diverse representation, has made her a rising star in contemporary mystery fiction.
With a knack for crafting unforgettable characters like Louise Lloyd, a queer Black sleuth, Afia invites readers into a vibrant world where speakeasies hum and secrets lurk. Her stories aren’t just mysteries—they’re a celebration of culture, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
The Making of Nekesa Afia
Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, Nekesa Afia grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s, a time when seeing Black characters on book covers was rare. A childhood encounter with The Baby-Sitters Club’s Jessi sparked her love for stories, while Harry Potter ignited her dream of becoming a writer. Afia honed her craft through a journalism degree at Toronto Metropolitan University, minoring in English, and later pursued publishing studies. Her passion for sewing, swing dancing, and petting every dog she sees adds a playful charm to her creative life.
Afia’s writing journey took off during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), where she challenged herself to pivot from romance to mystery. Inspired by a college history course and her fascination with the Harlem Renaissance, she began crafting Dead Dead Girls, a novel that would take five years to perfect. Her patience and dedication paid off, launching her into the literary spotlight.
Nekesa Afia’s Unforgettable Stories
Afia’s Harlem Renaissance Mystery series is a dazzling blend of historical fiction and heart-pounding suspense. Her debut, Dead Dead Girls (2021), introduces Louise Lloyd, a young Black woman navigating 1926 Harlem after a traumatic kidnapping. When Black girls start turning up dead, Louise is blackmailed into investigating, unraveling a web of murder and betrayal. Critics praised its vivid setting and fierce protagonist, with The New York Times calling it a “terrific series opener.”
The series continues with Harlem Sunset (2022), a focused tale of a single murder that deepens Louise’s story, and A Lethal Lady, which further showcases Afia’s knack for intricate plots. Afia’s style is immersive, weaving 1920s slang, fashion, and jazz into taut mysteries. Her commitment to queer and Black representation shines through, offering a fresh perspective on a genre often dominated by white voices. Drawing inspiration from the Jack the Ripper case, Afia crafts puzzles that keep readers guessing, all while grounding her stories in the realities of racism and injustice.
Unlike cozy mysteries—a label Afia playfully rejects—her work embraces gritty stakes and emotional depth. Louise’s resilience and wit make her a heroine readers root for, whether she’s dancing at the Zodiac speakeasy or facing a killer.
Why Nekesa Afia Matters
Nekesa Afia’s impact lies in her ability to reframe the Harlem Renaissance through a modern lens, centering queer Black women in a genre where they’re often sidelined. Her stories challenge the rose-colored view of the 1920s, highlighting systemic injustices while celebrating Black joy and creativity. Afia’s debut has earned her a loyal following, with readers and critics alike eager for more.
As a millennial author, Afia represents a new generation of writers pushing for diversity and authenticity. Her work resonates with readers seeking stories that reflect their identities, making her a vital voice in mystery fiction. With more novels on the horizon, Afia’s legacy is just beginning to unfold.
- Birthplace: Alberta, Canada
- Key Works: Dead Dead Girls (2021), Harlem Sunset (2022), A Lethal Lady
- Fun Fact: Afia loves swing dancing and sewing her own clothes!
Snag Dead Dead Girls and dive into Nekesa Afia’s thrilling world of jazz, secrets, and unstoppable heroines!