Book Bites
Eye for An Eye ★★★★★ MJ Arlidge, Orion
This is a long read that takes you deep inside the British prison system, parliament and into characters ranging from people who have committed heinous crimes, and relatives of their savagely murdered victims. The basic premise: Only nine criminals in the UK have been granted lifelong anonymity after serving time for committing such terrible crimes as children (think Boy A and Boy B who murdered toddler Jamie Bulger). On their release, they’re given a new identity, a fake history, accommodation and a job. The book starts with a graphic description of a savage incident involving one of the nine. When it happens again, it’s clear there is a leak in the system. And someone is publicising the revenge hits — graphic pictures and all. This book is gut-wrenching and challenges your morals, decency and compassion — both for those who perpetrate hurt and those who suffer it. — Gill Gifford
Gas Light ★★★ Femi Kayode, Raven Books
Bishop Jeremiah Dawodu, the leader of Nigerian megachurch Grace Church, has been arrested on charges of murdering his wife, Folasade, who is missing and presumed dead. The bishop hires Dr Philip Taiwo, an investigative psychologist, to prove his innocence. Taiwo and his cowboy colleague, ex-mercenary Chika, examine the “crime scene” and conclude the blood spatters at the scene were staged. When Taiwo interviews the church elders, a man bursts in, saying there are powerful people who want Folasade to disappear. The bishop is then released to much fanfare. When his wife’s body is found floating in a lagoon, the bishop asks Taiwo to find out if she was murdered, and if so, by whom. The book is brilliantly written, with more than a touch of humour and irreverence, especially towards the megachurches and cults that flourish in Nigeria. — Gabriella Bekes
The Rich ★★★ Rachel Lynch, Canelo
It is what it shouts on the cover “Sex. Lies. Murder.”, plus all sorts of other nefarious activities the uber rich in Cambridge get up to. We are introduced to Dr Alex Moore, a smart psychologist who can’t fix her own marriage to Jeremy, a failed psychologist and alcoholic who fancies himself as a writer but has written nothing. They have three children: golden boy James, troubled Lydia and softhearted Ewan. Alex’s friend Monika goes missing and is found murdered. Among the suspects is Tony, Monika’s husband, and most of Alex’s patients. There is Carrie, a rich businesswoman, Grace, an influencer and personal trainer, and Henry, a former criminal who was having an affair with Monika. Quite a few characters to get to know, but the book picks up in the second half, where tangled webs are expertly woven. — Jennifer Platt