Lightseekers by Femi Kayode
An investigative psychologist, Dr. Philip Taiwo, is pushed into researching a criminal case by his patriarchal father – and almost loses his life. In Lightseekers, the first in a new series of thrillers set in Nigeria, Femi Kayode, brings the sensibilities of the international genre of amateur sleuths to the turbulent politics of southeastern Nigeria.
Dr. Taiwo is a “fish out of water”. He did grow up in Nigeria, but he studied and came to maturity in the US. Doing investigative work under pressure from his father makes him feel juvenile, but solving the horrendous crimes his research reveals is an imperative of his American professional ethics.
The Okriki Three is the label in the media for the mob assault and killing of three young men, suspected of stealing from businesses and households in the small town of Okriki. Locally, this “accident” is regarded as just desserts. Two were known to be thugs, albeit educated ones, and the third was lumped in with them – a suspected thug. Kevin’s father feels his son’s death is inexplicable. Such a well-brought-up, respectable boy could not be part of the thievery nor of any conspiracy. As an old friend of Philip’s father, he appeals for help.
No one in Okriki wants any more investigation. Those involved gave their statements to the police, and the case was closed. Philip is an outsider, even though his assigned driver, Chika, increasingly appears to be someone on the inside or at least who has good contacts.
It soon becomes more obvious that Kevin was not allied to the thugs. Possibly, his murder was motivated by completely different factors. Possibly, the thugs were not the targets. Possibly, Philip and Chika are fatally in the way of big men.
Philip’s frustration is palpable. Any efforts to stop investigating and return home are thwarted by his father and Kevin’s father. Several people who are helping or hindering him are not who they seem, all conspiring in deceptions that slow the uncovering of facts and motives. As Philip comes closer and closer to the truth, actions of others hurl him into a hurricane of doubt and retribution.
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