LoveReading Says
Oh-so readable, smart as heck, and action-packed while being thoughtful, this is the second in the series featuring investigative psychologist Philip Taiwo. Gaslight is just as convincing, clever, and vibrant as his debut Lightseekers and firmly cements author Femi Kayode, as one to watch. Philip and his family are dragged into the dangerous case of a Bishop who has been charged with his wife’s murder. Intrigue is created from the get-go and continues through the novel as sporadic letters provide an increasing background story. The plot whips into life and there were plenty of suspects on offer, ensuring I was ever alert and prepared. One thing I have particularly enjoyed about these two novels is the inclusion of Philip’s family. The bond and love creates a beautiful balance and allows further insight into Philip’s personality. While Nigeria is personally unknown to me it feels as though I am a part of it as I read, so vividly colourful and enticing, balancing on the knife-edge of humanity as it stretches to expand and prosper. The side story of Philip’s daughter is handled with care and consideration, and knocked on the door of my consciousness. As each section slotted into place, I still wondered at how it would all end and so Gaslight just has to join its sister novel as a LoveReading Star Book. Powerful, provocative and absolutely captivating, Gaslight deserves to fly. Highly recommended.
Liz Robinson
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Gaslight Synopsis
'We know you know. Talk and you're next.'
Bishop Jeremiah Dawodu, pastor of a Nigerian megachurch, has been arrested and charged with the murder of his wife, Folasade, the 'First Lady' of the church. The arrest was public, humiliating and sensational - sending shockwaves through Lagos - but throughout it all, Bishop Dawodu maintains his innocence.
Philip Taiwo, an acclaimed investigative psychologist, is asked by his sister, a member of the church's congregation, to clear the pastor's name. With no actual body, it looks to be a simple case and despite Philip's dislike of organised religion, he agrees to take it on as a favour to his sister. Then the First Lady's body is found in a nearby lake just as Philip's beloved family come under attack from someone warning him off the case, and he realises that nothing to do with this investigation will be straightforward.
Was it murder or suicide? Is someone framing the Bishop or the First Lady?
About This Edition
Femi Kayode Press Reviews
Philip Taiwo is such an engaging protagonist - so good to see a detective character who is committed to his family and properly functional! The relationship with Lara and Folake’s solution was also particularly satisfying. Femi has nailed the difficult second novel and set in concrete the foundations for what I hope will be a very long series featuring Philip and Chika. Powerful and shocking, it’s a riveting read -- Harriet Tyce
I loved it. The atmosphere and characters were authentic to the point I felt I could recognise them, and I was captivated to find out who was responsible and why -- Amen Alonge
In the depths of faith, dark secrets lie buried. Welcome to the heart-pounding world of Femi Kayode’s Gaslight, where shadows dance to the rhythm of danger -- Leye Adenle
Kayode’s vivid sequel…Kayode joins the two investigations in surprising and satisfying ways, maintaining steady momentum and populating the story with well-drawn characters. His evocative portrait of contemporary Nigeria is icing on the cake. This series continues to captivate - Publisher's Weekly, US
The charismatic pastor of a wealthy Nigerian mega-church is accused of killing his missing wife. But is the case as cut and dried as so many want it to be? Investigative psychologist Dr Philip Taiwo is back and what a triumph Gaslight is! Femi Kayode delivers a brilliant, uncompromising story rich with humanity and intrigue. His characters burst from the page and the atmosphere he creates whisks you across the world in the blink of an eye. A wild, exhilarating ride from cover to cover -- Janice Hallett
Praise for Lightseekers;
A superb novel – so inventive and so well done. It’s just brilliant -- Harriet Tyce
The standout thriller of the month ... A stunning murder mystery ... The suspense is expertly handled - Independent
What a sensational debut ... Dr Philip Taiwo is a protagonist I want to meet again, and the setting is so well-drawn. Intelligent, suspenseful and utterly engrossing -- Will Dean
Femi Kayode is an atmospheric writer -- Mark Sanderson - The Times
About Femi Kayode
Femi Kayode grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. He studied Clinical Psychology at the University of Ibadan and has worked in advertising over the last two decades. He was a Packard Fellow in Film and Media at the University of Southern California and a Gates-Packard Fellow in International Health at the University of Washington, Seattle. His writing credits include several award winning work for the stage and screen. He has an MA in Creative Writing - Crime Fiction at the University of East Anglia, where Lightseekers won the Little, Brown/UEA Crime Fiction Award. He lives in Namibia with his family.
Photo credits: Nicholas Louw
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