Eight stars
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Femi Kayode, Hachette Audio, and Mulholland Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
I have long enjoyed unique perspectives when it comes to my reading materials. Femi Kayode does so, both by presenting new cultural perspectives, as well as unique angles to criminal forensics. Once more using Nigeria as its backdrop, the story follows Philip Taiwo, an investigative psychologist. His reputation precedes him and his is asked through a family member to explore the case of a missing woman whose husband is of some repute. What begins as a missing person investigation turns into potential murder and Dr. Taiwo is there to offer some keen observations. Another great piece by Femi Kayode that had me hooked until the final reveal.
While the megachurch is known for its ability to bring many into the light, a sombreness has fallen upon it now. Nestled in Ogun State, Nigeria, the church is forced to handle the scandal of its leader, Bishop Dawodu, who has been accused of murdering his wife. While he proclaims his innocence, Sade Dawodu is nowhere to be found and the authorities are sniffing around for answers, with a handful of forensic clues that point to the bishop.
Still basking in his successes with a previous case, Dr. Philip Taiwo is asked by his sister to help the church and locate her close friend, Sade. Dr. Taiwo is brought in to help the investigation and hired by the church to exonerate Bishop Dawodu. While not a police officer or detective, Dr. Taiwo's abilities as an investigative psychologists are like no other, as he seeks to peel back the truth of the matter and the rationale for what might have happened. Beginning his conversations with others, Dr. Taiwo learns that Sade Dawodu was not popular amongst the congregants, particularly when she disappeared for long stretches and did not live under the same rules that were professed from the pulpit. This could lead to some more suspects, but Dr. Taiwo will have to act swiftly if he wants to ensure the bishop is not tried and convicted.
Sade Dawodu's body is soon found, an apparent suicide in the water. However, some things do not match up when a pathologist takes a closer look. As Dr. Taiwo's gut feelings lead him to feel there is more to the case than is being discussed, he must also stay within the lines as an investigator.
Dr. Taiwo discovers secrets that could bring the church to its knees, as he tries to spin in in such a way that the truth is sure to emerge. When he is told by the bishop and senior advisors for the church as to how he ought to proceed, Dr. Taiwo feels that his importance is not to get to the truth, but exonerate Bishop Dawodu at any cost. This does bode well for a man who has always used truth to guide him.
Forced to push through the miasma that is cash and power, Dr. Taiwo must take a moment from his investigation to examine the weaknesses in his own family, as they are sometimes put on the back burner. He strives to forge a new and lasting relationship with his children, who have grown up in America, where they discovered a lifestyle that is vastly different from that in Nigeria. With a great deal of pressure laid at his feet, Dr. Philip Taiwo seeks to get the the heart of the matter and find truth, wherever that will take him. Femi Kayode does a wonderful job instilling many key aspects of a crime thriller and story with deep cultural roots.
Femi Kayode does a great job educating the reader to life in Nigeria, while also presenting a strong crime thriller throughout this second novel of the series. Helping those who may not have a grasp with the difference in this piece, Kayode provides a strong narrative foundation on which the story will grow. What works even better is the dual narrative perspectives, shedding additional light on Sade Dawodu's thoughts throughout the investigation. Key cultural, political, and social aspects flavour the story from the outset and provide the reader with something stellar to enjoy as they make their way through the larger narrative. Great themes emerge, some vastly different from a Western-set novel, but others show that the struggle is real, no matter where one lives.
Characters emerge and are enriched throughout the book, giving the reader a better understanding of many beliefs and perspectives. Dr. Philip Taiwo remains front and centre in this piece, peppering the story with a few sentiments about his past, but also pulling on some of the struggles of parenting in two vastly different spheres; the rush of America and the culturally-deep Nigeria. While there are many others whose presence makes the novel great, it is the inner struggle the Taiwos face as a family that really resonated for me throughout this piece, I am eager to see if we will learn more about them in the year to come.
Plot development is essential in keeping the story strong. Kayode does so effectively, while layering some of the unique aspects of Nigerian life in this novel. There are key aspects to the case that come out with the inquisitiveness of Dr. Taiwo, but many are seen to be the same as those one might expect to find in any crime thriller with a strong storyline. I hope that others will share in my praise as we try to decipher the realities of a crime that is meant to be covered up and a powerful suspect who will stop at nothing to get the answers he wants. I am eager to see what will come with this series, as Femi Kayode has me hooked and eager to learn more.
Kudos, Mr. Kayode, for another sensational piece.
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