In theory: cultures clash in the Moroccan Sahara when an Englishman runs over and kills a young Berber man. In practice, it seems like the author spent 90% of his time sketching out the plot, then filled in the gaps with words chosen by letting a dictionary fall open and pointing with his eyes closed. It’s a charity to suggest that this novel contains anything as sophisticated as “characters”: the people in it don’t seem to act in accordance with any internal values, but just react to the plot in whatever way is most convenient to the author at that particular time, while having thoughts that are some combination of xenophobic, homophobic, or sexist. Also, I’m pretty sure I had an audible eye-roll on the train during its one sex scene. Quite a relief to have the whole thing over with.
Additionally? The author tried to tell me that ichthyosaurs lived during the Devonian period (relevant because the dead man was a fossil-seller). NOT EVEN THE RIGHT ERA. Don’t skimp on the paleo research with this audience, mofo.