Gaslight

More about the book

In this follow-up to Kayode's spirited debut, Philip Taiwo returns to tackle a missing-persons case that reveals dark secrets hidden by the church. A shadow looms over the megachurch in Ogun State, Nigeria, as beloved Bishop Dawodu faces arrest for the murder of his wife, Sade, who has mysteriously disappeared. Despite the absence of a body, the police claim to have damning evidence. Recently successful in solving the Okriki Three case, Taiwo is called in to investigate. He soon discovers that Sade, young and outspoken, was not well-liked by congregants and had a history of vanishing for long periods. As Taiwo and his associate, Chika, delve deeper, they uncover secrets that could shatter the church and the Bishop's reputation. Feeling more like a hired gun tasked with exonerating the Bishop than a true investigator, Taiwo grapples with the complexities of family life and systemic challenges in Nigeria, where cash reigns and records are scarce. Through his perspective, readers witness the cult-like grip of religion, the collusion between state and church, and the stark differences in police corruption between Nigeria and America, where Taiwo has lived for over two decades. This high-octane, darkly political narrative offers a fresh, global take on classic mystery elements.