The follow-up to Kayode's acclaimed former Waterstones Thriller of the Month Lightseekers, Gaslight sees investigative psychologist Philip Taiwo called upon to exonerate a Nigerian pastor's name when he is accused of the murder of his wife.
Shortlisted for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger 2024
'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?
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN: 9781526617637
Number of pages: 400
Dimensions: 234 x 153 mm
Wonderful. Full of narrative charm (appropriately leavened by a little cynicism), full of characters that, while specific to the theme and setting, were also universally recognizable and translatable - Lee Child
Outstanding … This is Kayode’s second novel in the Taiwo series and it brings a refreshing new perspective to contemporary crime fiction - Sunday Times
Gaslight deserves all the stars. It’s an outstanding, clever and emotional thriller. The best thrillers take you on a journey. Definitely a recommended read - Nadine Matheson
Gaslight is a dizzying poetic crime novel. Femi Kayode is an unparalleled wordsmith - S. A. Cosby bestselling author of ALL THE SINNERS BLEED
Deftly plotted, with strong characterisation and a great sense of place, Gaslight more than lives up to the promise of its excellent predecessor - Guardian
Gaslight ’s particular appeal is the sharp glimpses it provides of local ways of getting things done - The Times
Gaslight nicely showcases both [Kayode's] understanding of human complexity and his maturing skills as a novelist - Financial Times
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
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
I’m crossing my fingers that one of my loved ones has picked up on the fact that I’ve yet to read the second Femi Kayode novel, Gaslight. I loved his first, Lightseekers … and I can’t wait to curl up with Philip’s latest investigation - Alison Flood, Observer
[A] vivid and immersive novel. Kayode blends the murder case with a subplot around Taiwo’s personal life expertly, layering meaning and resonances into both stories to create a very satisfying whole. Fine stuff - Big Issue
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 pace of Gaslight is electric. It is a constant powerful current with jolting bursts of excitement and horror. Femi Kayode is a remarkable writer; his style is addictive, even after one ‘shot’ - Shots Mag
A superb novel – so inventive and so well done. It’s just brilliant - Harriet Tyce on Lightseekers
This thrilling murder mystery set in Nigeria bursts with impressive energy … Powerful, provocative and absolutely captivating, Gaslight deserves to fly. Highly recommended - Love Reading
Beautifully written, thought-provoking and contemporary, Gaslight is a wholly engrossing book that draws you in, makes you think and raises your temperature as you want the perpetrators caught just as much as the book’s protagonist - Live and Deadly
The standout thriller of the month ... A stunning murder mystery ... The suspense is expertly handled - Independent on Lightseekers
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 on Lightseekers
Femi Kayode is an atmospheric writer - Mark Sanderson, The Times on Lightseekers
This is a fast-paced thriller set in contemporary Nigeria and the world of mega-churches and super-rich evangelists. The investigator (Dr Philip Taiwo) brings a unique twist in that as an academic psychologist, born... More
Having loved the first in this series - Light Seekers - I was keen to read this second book.
The originality of the writing and plotting remains. The pacing is excellent. Adore the characters.
Keeps you guessing....
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Gaslight by Femi Kayode is an intense thriller that really hits the mark! Dr Philip Taiwo reluctantly agrees to help with the investigation into the disappearance of a leading church figure at the request of his... More
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