What Comes Next by Myra Mufuka

"I know what you are thinking, lovely. You have every right to be suspicious, but I have nothing to hide. I manage a legitimate business for adults, and I’m not trying to deceive you. The business is controversial, yes, but legitimate. I approached you because I thought you would do well, and I genuinely wanted to help you. You will see for yourself. Take it." - Page 17

What Comes Next is the debut collection of short stories by Myra Mufuka. This book intricately weaves a complex web of interconnected stories, each tackling various themes, including migration, child abductions, and mental health. The book is divided into four parts: Mirage, The Perfect Mole, Cecilia and F for Felly, all linked in a way that will keep you turning the pages, eager to uncover the connections. The first book traces the migrant experience in a detailed and heartbreaking way. From crossing borders, job hunting and the effect of this on a family unit that is already hanging by a thread and decides to move to South Torenga. In Grace’s story, one faces the harsh realities of unemployment and a failing economy. Grace decides to save herself from this situation by engaging in sex work, thereby presenting her family with a moral dilemma. However, that dilemma quickly changes due to a devastating turn of events, taking the readers on an emotional rollercoaster.

Closely linked to this narrative is Cecilia's story, who tries to find a way to survive in uncharted lands. The exploration of the lives of illegal immigrants in both these accounts is all too familiar for most Zimbabweans who may have or know someone who has experienced the horrors of being away from home, with nothing but their labour to give in search of better. This important theme runs across Zimbabwe’s recent literary offerings, such as Sue Nyathi’s The Gold Diggers, Mercy Dhliwayo’s Bringing Us Back and Yvette Lisa Ndlovu’s Drinking From Graveyard Wells. The search for greener pastures is unpredictable, and this story truly reflects the complexities.

The Perfect Mole spotlights child abductions and trafficking. Showing the pervasiveness of it all, yet the effect on Thabo’s family brings explicitly a personal narrative that leaves one wondering how we as a people got here. This is not just a crime thriller but also a story about courage. Thabo’s selfless actions show that sometimes, all it takes is courage to do good to save a life, inspiring the readers. I enjoyed the fast-paced plot development and loved how things turned out. F for Felly is a story that reflects that while surviving a life-threatening ordeal is good, the trauma is life-altering and never goes away. In this story, the psychological and physical effects of trauma are explored. If not addressed, the effects are devastating even after decades, making the readers feel deeply connected to the characters who go through the uncertainty.

I love a story where the victims turn into villains, leaving the reader with inner conflict. What Comes Next is a page-turner that's worth your time. It fits well within the African crime thriller genre with complex characters and unexpected plot twists. Overall, it was a good read. However, I think a novel format would have worked better for the narrative. We’ll see how the next book goes! I recommend this read to anyone looking for an African thriller.

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Book Details

Title: What Comes Next

Genre: Short Stories/Fiction

Author: Myra Mufuka

Publisher: Independent (2025)

Pages: 194