Nine stars
Always eager to open my mind to new cultural perspectives, as well as unique angles to criminal forensics, I eagerly reached for Femi Kayode's debut thriller. Set in Nigeria, the story follows Philip Taiwo, an investigative psychologist who has been tasked with examining a mob attack on a handful of young men who were killed in the skirmish. While many feel that the mob was uncontrollable, Taiwo wonders if there is a deeper impetus that drove them to attack. Formidable work by Kayode in this captivating thriller.
Dr. Philip Taiwo may have received his education in investigative psychology from an American university, but he is far from unfamiliar with Nigerian way of life. Back in Lagos, Dr. Taiwo is summoned to investigate and report on the public torture of three men by a wild mob in a smaller Nigerian city. Dr. Taiwo reluctantly agrees, making his way to Port Harcourt. Dr. Taiwo begins getting the lay of the land, only to discover this case is anything but closed by the locals and police.
While Dr. Taiwo is less concerned about pointing fingers, he has a vested interest in learning what has happened. Hoping to write up an academic paper with what he learns, Dr. Taiwo probes those who were around the events that led to the mob, if only to learn what actually happened on the ground. Some feel vindicated in admitting their part, while others assure Dr. Taiwo that the reasoning for the mob rule was built on false pretences. Police exclaimed that they did all they could, though some are wary about the quickness of the investigation and refusal to re-examine the evidence.
Faced with pressure he puts on himself, Dr. Philip Taiwo probes as deeply as he can. This puts him in danger, seeking to find truths that many want buried in a city where politics, social advancement, and overall preconceived notions fuel a narrative that is as skewed as it is biased. Fermi Kayode writes a masterful piece that had me gripped until the final page turn.
There is something to be said for an author who can educate a reader about a new and foreign culture with ease. Femi Kayode does so with this piece, which explores not only the cultural difference within Nigeria, but also the strong social and political divisions both within the country and with the Western world. Kayode does so effectively with his narrative, flavouring the story not only with these differences, but also providing a strong story that gains momentum throughout the reading experience. There is something about the book that kept me reading, particularly when I felt completely out of my element. Perhaps it was the ability to offer something educational or even an aspect of newness, but I was completely taken by the story and could not get enough.
Characters emerge throughout the book and provided me with something entertaining and educational in equal measure. Dr. Philip Taiwo is certainly a key part of that development, through his struggles to be a good father and husband, as well as his thirst for knowledge when it relates to this case. Seen as both a Nigerian and outsider, Taiwo struggles to make sense of things and to be accepted by those he calls Nigerian. The author builds on this throughout the piece and keeps the reader well aware of the struggles as they build.
Plot development is key to understanding the story. While this is a crime thriller, the perspective taken—through the eyes of an investigative psychologist—offers a unique perspective and tries to entice the reader. There are many twists to be seen throughout the piece, but the case, while seen as cold and closed, is anything but as Taiwo probes deeper to better understand what has happened. This leaves the reader wanting to know more and hopes paint the idea of preconceived notions by some as to how the crime narrative ought to be told. I am eager to see what is next for Femi Kayode and this series, as I see a second book is about to be published. I will get my hands on it and report back soon!
Kudos, Mr. Kayode, for piquing my interest!
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