Gaslight

September 11, 2023
Kayode’s vivid sequel to 2021’s Lightseekers sees former SFPD psychologist Philip Taiwo back in his native Nigeria searching for the missing wife of Jeremiah Dawodu, the ultrarich bishop of a local megachurch. In the eyes of her husband’s congregants, Sade Dawodu is a flighty troublemaker known to skip public appearances, so when she disappears for several days, they don’t think much of it. Before long, however, police claim to have evidence of foul play and tap Philip and his sidekick, Chika Makuochi, to sift through suspects including church pastors, corrupt government officials, and the bishop himself. Having recently returned to Nigeria after two decades in the U.S., Philip must acclimate to scarce public records and a culture of obfuscation as he carries out his investigation. Meanwhile, Philip and his wife, law professor Folake, grapple with their 15-year-old daughter’s compulsive stealing; Philip approaches it like a case, trying to determine whether the girl’s funding a drug habit or committing the thefts for some other reason. 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. Agent: Harry Illingworth, DHH Agency.