For some reason I got into my head that this was a mystery, whereas it is more of a thriller.
Gus decides that he is going to steal a priceless gold African mask known as the Dancing face. It's not entirely clear what he is planning on doing with it, but it seems to be a political statement about returning to its origins an item that was originally stolen from the tribe to whom it was the face of a god. All so far so good. Then the money gets involved and there's a lot of trading and negotiation and the heavies get involved. It's both action packed and gives plenty of time for the theoretical debate about the thorny subjects of stolen artworks and race.
This was first published in 1997, so there are no mobile phones in here. But it didn't feel dated, the ideas are still relevant and the protagonists are well drawn. It is also a page turner, I read the second half in one sitting, and the time flew by. This is re-released as part of Penguin's series of black writers, but it deserves no condescension, this is certainly worth a look on it's own merits. I'd read more by this author. ( )