Book Review- Gaslight by Femi Kayode
Gaslight is the second book in the Phillip Taiwo series by Femi Kayode. Taiwo is a forensic psychologist who has worked several years in the U.S before returning to Nigeria after an unfortunate event. His well-known reputation leads his sister, Kenny into asking him to look into the case of a missing woman, whose husband is the prominent Bishop Dawodu.
In Ogun State, Nigeria, the church faces the scandal involving its leader, Bishop Dawodu, who is accused of murdering his wife. Although he maintains his innocence, Sade Dawodu is missing, and authorities are seeking answers with several evidence pointing to the bishop. Dr. Taiwo is brought in by his sister to assist with the investigation and is hired by the church to clear Bishop Dawodu’s name. Just as he concludes that Sade Dawodu is likely still alive and the case against her husband is fabricated, her body is discovered in a nearby lake. Was it suicide, an accident, or murder? Why were the police so determined to blame her husband?
He discovers secrets that could bring down the church and works to reveal the truth. Yet, when the bishop and senior church advisors direct him on how to handle the situation, he soon realizes his true role is not to uncover the truth but to exonerate Bishop Dawodu, regardless of the cost and this doesn’t sit well with him.
On the sidelines, Taiwo and his family struggle to settle into life in Nigeria after leaving the States. This subplot, while not directly connected to the main storyline, provides a nuanced examination of the pressures of teenage life, the upheaval from significant life changes, and the persistent issue of colorism. It enriches the narrative without detracting from the central plot.
Femi Kayode is an excellent writer, and it doesn’t take much to get into the book. Kayode establishes a solid narrative foundation for the story to unfold. The use of dual narrative perspectives enhances this further, offering deeper insights into Sade Dawodu’s thoughts and feelings throughout the investigation. This not only enriches the plot but also allows readers to connect more intimately with her character, understanding the complexities of her situation.
The characters are a mix of both loveable and detestable characters that will stay with you long after you finish the book. I advise that you do not judge a character by their initial actions because their true nature will surprise you.
Plot development is crucial for maintaining a strong story, and Kayode accomplishes this effectively while incorporating unique aspects of Nigerian life into the novel. The plot twists in this book are unexpected, leaving many my book club members, including myself, shocked.
Gaslight was a great read. It was my travel companion, and I am sure my road trip buddies were tired of me because I kept on screaming and trying to explain why I was screaming as the book kept me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. Femi Kayode has firmly secured his place on my must-read authors list. If you enjoy reading thrillers, don’t say I’ve never done anything for you before.
This was supposed to be my little bookish corner, where I talk and rant about books and give you guys books recs but unfortunately life happened. I hope this is the beginning of something for all of us.
