Review: ‘Til Death by Busayo Matuluko

Release Date
January 30, 2025
Rating
9 / 10

‘Til Death was a bold and brilliant debut from a captivating new voice.

From the first page, Matuluko had me hooked. This was an absolutely fantastic YA mystery that has a great sense of pacing and plotting. It zips along at a good pace, keeping you glued to the page. By setting the book in the wedding of the year for Nigerian social calendars, it adds an intensity and spectacle to proceedings. There is so much more at stake here than initially appears and Matuluko revels in unpeeling the layers around this event. It has all the classic hallmarks of a great mystery: messy relationships, complex dynamics, plenty of secrets and a dash of blackmail. The privilege and prestige surrounding it heighten these dynamics, with a real focus on preserving appearances at all costs. There is discussion around the weighty expectations set on characters’ shoulders and the image they must upkeep.

Within all of this, we follow our protagonist Lara, who is obsessed with true crime. This was a really fun character trait, as it meant that she dived into the mystery head first and applied her passions to trying to solve it all. Her abilities shone through the page, emphasising the career path she truly wants to pursue. She is smart, driven and deeply loyal, with a caring heart and a fearless sense of bravery. This has all been kickstarted by her love for her cousin and wanting to protect her. Her knowledge helps her in many ways with tracking clues and investigating suspects, similar to Pip in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder but with slightly less interference. Her development over the story is rich and layered, with some great plot beats that speak to anyone who was ever scared of pursuing their passion. The surrounding cast of characters is great too, with plenty of sparky characters that bring humour and deception in equal measure to proceedings. It is messy in all the best ways.

The use of the setting was fantastic as well, with Matuluko bringing Lagos vividly to the page. You feel totally immersed in the sights and sounds of the country. It is unapologetically Nigerian and proud. In particular, I really enjoyed that Matuluko doesn’t always translate certain phrases within the book. It serves as a nod to those in the know and finally seeing themselves on the page— Matuluko has spoken about wanting to provide the representation she didn’t see growing up. This is so commendable and this book really works as a love letter. Throughout, we get these snippy anonymous gossip blog articles and I really loved to hate these spiteful excerpts. They were those classic dirt-gathering, gossipy, speculating articles that we are all very familiar with, think a nastier Lady Whistledown meets Aces from Ace of Spades. It heightens the paranoia around this mystery, knowing every move is being watched. It also reminds you of the drama and scandal people relish – almost hoping for an epic downfall.

There is also an important throughline about sickle cell disease within the book. This is a disorder of the haemoglobin in the red blood cells. It can affect anyone, but it predominantly affects those with African and Caribbean backgrounds. Matuluko weaves it into the plot with sensitivity and nuance, combining educational aspects with the plot and different character arcs. This continues off-page with a great social media campaign around the book. I want to particularly commend Matulko’s advocacy for further education and support around sickle cell disease, listening to those affected and seeing what you can do to help.

‘Til Death is a magnificent debut—this YA mystery is twisty, terrific and terribly compelling. Prepare to lose yourself in this gossip-heavy story with a real sense of heart.

‘Til Death is available from Amazon, Waterstones, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of January 30th 2025.

Will you be picking up ‘Til Death? Tell us in the comments below!


Synopsis | Goodreads

A slick and addictive YA mystery thriller that celebrates the nuances and dramas of Nigerian family and culture, perfect for fans of Holly Jackson and Karen M. McManus.

Save the date . . . for a killer wedding!

True-crime-obsessed Lara Oyinlola is heading to Lagos for her favourite cousin, Dérin’s, wedding. It’s going to be a holiday filled with glitzy dress-fittings, glamorous parties and, of course, the star-studded event of the year.

But everything isn’t perfect in Dérin’s world. She’s been receiving anonymous threats telling her to cancel the wedding . . . or face dire consequences.

This is the moment Lara’s been waiting for: put her sleuthing knowledge to work and solve a real-life mystery. As Lara investigates, what she doesn’t expect to uncover is a web of secrets, malicious crimes, and near‑death encounters which promise to tear the family apart for good . . .

With sinister secrets, bitchy bridesmaids, annoying exes, and a gossip-loving amateur detective, this gripping mystery thriller from a standout debut author and award-nominated BookTokker will have readers hooked.


United Kingdom

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