‘Gaslight’ by Femi Kayode

Published by Raven Books,
9 November 2023.
ISBN: 978-1-5266-1763-7 (HB)

Investigative psychologist Dr Philip Taiwo is settling down to life back in Lagos when his sister calls him: her church is in trouble, with the Bishop who is about to be arrested for the murder of his wife, and she wants him to help. But what can he do, when the police are determined that the suspiciously even blood trail in the house shows murder, and there’s no sign of the First Lady anywhere?

When he gets to the church complex, Grace Land, Taiwo meets a number of characters around Bishop Dawodu: his disapproving second-in-command, Pastor George, his enthusiastic supporter, Pastor Nwoko, finance officer Victor Ewang and the missing woman’s mother, Kikelomo Bucknor. As for the Bishop, Taiwo finds that here at last is a clergyman he can trust. They all seem open and genuine, but soon Taiwo finds there are secrets under the smooth appearance... then things get rough, and he has to call on his former mercenary friend and driver, Chika, to watch his back. As well as the case, Taiwo and his magnificently combatative lawyer wife, Folake, are having to contend with a wilful teenage daughter who’s not taking their move from America to Nigeria well.

Most of the novel is narrated by Taiwo, but there are also short sections in the voice of Sade Dawodu, the missing wife. The plotting is clever, with plenty of twists and turns and there’s a real feel of the idiosyncrasies of officialdom in Lagos. I enjoyed the description of place and use of the local speech.

A fast-moving plot which barely keeps Taiwo one step ahead of his ruthless adversaries. Great local colour and memorable characters. There are no spoilers to Lightseekers, the previous book which introduced Taiwo, but if you like to read your series in order, you might want to start there - it’s equally good.
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Reviewer: Marsali Taylor

Femi Kayode trained as a clinical psychologist in Nigeria, before starting a career in advertising. He has created and written several prime-time TV shows. He recently graduated with a distinction from the UEA Creative Writing programme and is currently a PhD candidate at Bath Spa University. He lives in Windhoek, Namibia with his wife and two sons.

Marsali Taylor grew up near Edinburgh, and came to Shetland as a newly-qualified teacher. She is currently a part-time teacher on Shetland's scenic west side, living with her husband and two Shetland ponies. Marsali is a qualified STGA tourist-guide who is fascinated by history, and has published plays in Shetland's distinctive dialect, as well as a history of women's suffrage in Shetland. She's also a keen sailor who enjoys exploring in her own 8m yacht, and an active member of her local drama group.  Marsali also does a regular monthly column for the Mystery People e-zine.

 Click on the title to read a review of her recent book
Death in a Shetland Lane

www.marsalitaylor.co.uk