Book Review: When Trouble Sleeps by Leye Adenle

Hey Alexa, play me "trouble sleep yanga wake am" by Fela Kuti.

Welcome to my first book review; I'm thrilled about this one because Leye Adenle wrote one of my favourite books (Easy Motion Tourist). If I write a review on Easy Motion Tourist, I'll start with Hey Google, play me "easy motion tourist" by King Sunny Ade.

Amaka Mbadiwe returns in this gripping sequel to the award-winning Easy Motion Tourist, and trouble isn’t far behind her. The self-appointed saviour of Lagos’ sex workers, Amaka may have bitten off more than she can chew this time as she finds herself embroiled in a political scandal. When a plane crash kills the state gubernatorial candidate, the party picks a replacement who is assured of winning the election: Chief Ojo. But Amaka knows the skeletons that lurk in Chief Ojo’s closet, including what took place at the Harem, the secret sex club on the outskirts of Lagos that he frequents.

Leye Adenle pulls back the curtain on the seedy underbelly of Lagos once again in this gritty and compelling thriller.

My First Impression

My first impression was let's go!!!.

Immediately I read the prologue, it was certain Leye Adenle was up to something and from what I've noticed, he's always up to something with his books.

Easy Motion Tourist felt like a movie so I expected the same.

What did I like?

I started reading this book during the election season in Nigeria. Trust me, it was triggering. Anyways, here are two things I like without giving out the full tea;

• Storyline: It was a well-written description of the chaotic Nigerian lifestyle. Starting from the lynching scene (almost every Nigerian has experienced or heard of an incident like this) to the neighbour asking Amaka what she was doing in "that house".

• The Name: As a music lover, I believe they tell interesting stories and this book was a clear definition of trouble sleep yanga wake am.

What did I not like?

There was a part that I felt was not necessarily realistic. My exact reaction was "For this Naija".

Cars were left on the highway, and Amaka was able to pick up one of the cars intact. It felt like even if the Cars were there, someone would have taken the brainbox, side mirror or something, but maybe I should give Nigeria more credit with the safety of possessions.

Rating

I'm not big on rating and won't be rating this book, but I 100% advise you to pick up the Amaka Thriller books and enjoy the well-written story. Like you, I'll be reading unfinished business soon, and hopefully, I'll be back to give a final review of the three books.

To purchase In Nigeria, check out Roving Heights

To purchase in Canada, check out Amazon

Would you be reading the Amaka Thriller books or have you read them? Leave a comment below.

Cheers!