Murder or suicide? Follow Philip Taiwo on his investigation in Gaslight by Femi Kayode: a book with realistic characters set in Nigeria.
Location: Lagos and Ibadan in Nigeria
Gaslight synopsis
Book review
Gaslight revolves around the investigation of a murder case in Nigeria. The story begins when the protagonist, Philip Taiwo, is asked by his younger sister to help solve the case of the Bishop’s missing wife, while her husband is the prime suspect. As Philip delves deeper into the investigation, he begins to uncover secrets and lies that threaten to tear apart the religious community.
Delaying tactics
Femi Kayode introduces the case in the first few chapters and keeps the plot moving at a slow but pleasant pace. The second italics intermezzo promises an interesting investigation with plenty of counteractions. This is a good way to hook readers. The author likes to distract the reader by not having the narrator immediately follow-up on leads, even though both the narrator and the reader know that it is dangerous to delay. This creates a sense of tension and urgency that makes you keep turning the pages. As with the previous book, the Nigerian setting is what piqued my interest. I don’t know how things ‘work’ there, so I am learning along with the narrator.
Realistic characters and Nigerian setting
All the characters in Gaslight feel like real people, and I enjoyed reading about the families of Philip and Chika. There is not one brilliant hero; depending on their type of involvement and influenced by personal circumstances and a new sense of self, characters alternate between being very active and rather passive. The way in which this is balanced adds to the realism of the story.
Philip’s thoughts are detailed, but some thoughts feel too obvious (telling after showing), while others come out of the blue (considering seeking outside help for his daughter before the reader knows what’s going on). He is always so sure about his observations of other people, and this certainty is what sets his point of view apart from narrators in other books. Although this sounds like he should be regarded as obnoxious, somehow it is okay because it is Philip Taiwo.
Final thoughts
The denouement of the plot won’t come as a surprise, but the journey toward the moment when it all becomes clear is worth following. The realistic portrayal of the characters and the setting, along with the well-paced plot, make Gaslight a comfortable and relaxing read that is worth picking up.
Interested?
Pre-order Gaslight from Amazon (available 9 November 2023).
Can’t wait to read a thriller set in Nigeria? Check out the first Philip Taiwo book: Lightseekers.
Book details
Title: Gaslight
Author: Femi Kayode
Language: English
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Pages: 400
ISBN (13): 9781526617637
Publication date: 9 November 2023
Many thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
