Gaslight
A Novel
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4.2 • 9 Ratings
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
In this follow-up to Kayode's "action-packed and spirited debut" Philip Taiwo returns to solve a missing-persons case, and in so doing, uncovers dark secrets the church has worked tirelessly to hide (Oyinkan Braithwaite, author of My Sister, the Serial Killer).
A shadow has fallen over the megachurch in Ogun State, Nigeria: the beloved Bishop Dawodu has been arrested for the murder of his wife. Sade Dawodu has vanished without a trace and although no body has been found, the police have acted based on what they claim is damning evidence. Philip Taiwo, hot off the success of solving the Okriki Three case, is brought on to investigate. He quickly learns that Sade, young, impulsive, and outspoken, is no favorite of the congregants. She has also been known to disappear for long stretches of time. As Taiwo and his trusted associate, Chika plunge into the investigation, they unearth secrets that go beyond the missing persons case, ones that if leaked, threaten to shatter not only the Bishop, but the church itself. Taiwo quickly begins to feel like a hired gun, put up to the task with the express purpose to clear the bishop’s name rather than find the naked truth.
As Taiwo strives to crack the vast conspiracy he's up against, he’s tugged away by the demands of family life, and derailed by systemic challenges: in Nigeria, cash is king, there are no viable databases, and records are sparse. Through his eyes, we’re treated to religion’s cult-like grip, the ways in which the state is in bed with the church, and the difference between police corruption in Nigeria and America, where Philip has been living for over two decades. In turns high-octane, dark and political, but always emotionally stirring, this highly-anticipated follow-up to LIGHTSEEKERS has the bones of a classic mystery with a fresh, global tilt.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Femi Kayode’s engrossing crime thriller throws us into a high-profile case involving church politics, political corruption, and neighborhood gossip. When the leader of a prominent Nigerian megachurch is arrested for murder after the disappearance of his young, dynamic wife, investigative psychologist Philip Taiwo and his skeptical associate, Chika, are tapped to look into the case and help clear Bishop Dawodu’s name. This highly anticipated sequel to Kayode’s debut novel, Lightseekers, is a great jumping-in point, an intricate, suspenseful story with fascinating characters. We were particularly drawn to Dr. Taiwo, who’s forced to navigate his culture shock being back in Nigeria after living in the U.S. for 20 years. If you’re looking for a fresh, politically charged take on the detective story, check out Gaslight.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Kayode's vivid sequel to 2021's Lightseekers sees former SFPD psychologist Philip Taiwo back in his native Nigeria searching for the missing wife of Jeremiah Dawodu, the ultrarich bishop of a local megachurch. In the eyes of her husband's congregants, Sade Dawodu is a flighty troublemaker known to skip public appearances, so when she disappears for several days, they don't think much of it. Before long, however, police claim to have evidence of foul play and tap Philip and his sidekick, Chika Makuochi, to sift through suspects including church pastors, corrupt government officials, and the bishop himself. Having recently returned to Nigeria after two decades in the U.S., Philip must acclimate to scarce public records and a culture of obfuscation as he carries out his investigation. Meanwhile, Philip and his wife, law professor Folake, grapple with their 15-year-old daughter's compulsive stealing; Philip approaches it like a case, trying to determine whether the girl's funding a drug habit or committing the thefts for some other reason. Kayode joins the two investigations in surprising and satisfying ways, maintaining steady momentum and populating the story with well-drawn characters. His evocative portrait of contemporary Nigeria is icing on the cake. This series continues to captivate.
