In her remarkable debut novel, ‘Til Death, Busayo Matuluko delivers a compelling mystery thriller set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos, Nigeria. ‘Til Death introduces us to Lara Oyinlola, an aspiring detective whose true-crime obsession finally finds practical application when her cousin’s wedding becomes the target of increasingly sinister threats.
The story masterfully balances the glittering opulence of high-society Nigerian weddings with dark undercurrents of family secrets, medical stigma, and dangerous prejudices. Matuluko’s writing shines particularly bright in her authentic portrayal of Nigerian family dynamics and cultural traditions, while never losing sight of the central mystery that drives the narrative forward.
Story & Plot Analysis
The novel opens with Lara arriving in Lagos for her cousin Dérin’s wedding celebrations. What starts as a typical wedding preparation quickly evolves into something far more sinister as anonymous threats, sabotaged events, and mysterious notes begin to surface. The pacing is expertly handled—Matuluko knows exactly when to ramp up tension and when to let readers catch their breath with moments of family drama or cultural celebration.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in how it subverts typical mystery tropes. Instead of a professional detective, we have a teenager whose only experience comes from true crime podcasts and books. This fresh perspective allows readers to solve the mystery alongside Lara, making the revelations all the more impactful.
Character Development & Relationships
The character work in ‘Til Death by Busayo Matuluko is exceptional, particularly in how it portrays complex family relationships:
Lara: A brilliant protagonist whose determination and intelligence shine through, while her occasional missteps keep her relatable
Dérin: Far more than just a bride-to-be, her character arc touching on issues of chronic illness and societal expectations is particularly well-crafted
The Extended Family: Each character feels distinct and three-dimensional, from the scheming Uncle Yinka to the seemingly perfect Aunty Ireti
Themes & Social Commentary
Matuluko doesn’t shy away from addressing serious issues, including:
Medical stigma and living with chronic illness
Family expectations versus personal dreams
Class dynamics in Nigerian society
The pressure of social media and public image
What’s particularly impressive is how these themes are woven naturally into the story without ever feeling preachy or detracting from the central mystery.
Writing Style & Technical Elements
The prose is sharp and engaging, with dialogue that crackles with authenticity. Matuluko has a particular talent for building tension through seemingly innocent details that later take on sinister significance. The use of social media posts and blog entries adds a modern touch while serving the plot effectively.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is overwhelmingly successful, there are a few areas where it could be stronger:
Some secondary plot threads, particularly regarding the wedding planner’s background, feel slightly underdeveloped
The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows more than necessary
A few red herrings could have been more subtly integrated
Cultural Authenticity & Representation
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its authentic representation of Nigerian culture. From the intricate details of traditional wedding ceremonies to family dynamics and linguistic elements, Matuluko creates a rich, immersive world that feels genuinely lived-in rather than researched.
Impact & Significance
‘Til Death by Busayo Matuluko is groundbreaking in how it combines elements of traditional mystery thrillers with Nigerian cultural elements and young adult themes. It’s particularly significant in its handling of sickle cell disease, bringing much-needed attention to this often-overlooked condition while avoiding stereotypes or oversimplification.
Final Verdict
‘Til Death is an impressive debut that announces Busayo Matuluko as a major new talent in YA mystery fiction. Despite minor flaws, the book succeeds brilliantly in delivering a compelling mystery while tackling important social issues and celebrating Nigerian culture.
Perfect For Readers Who Enjoy:
Cultural mystery thrillers
Wedding drama
Family sagas
Nigerian literature
YA mysteries with depth
Comparable Titles:
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Author Background & Context
As a debut author, Busayo Matuluko brings her experience as a British-Nigerian nurse and award-nominated BookToker to this novel. Her medical background particularly enriches the handling of health-related themes in the story.
Conclusion
‘Til Death by Busayo Matuluko is more than just another mystery thriller—it’s a culturally rich exploration of family, identity, and the lengths people will go to protect their image. While it will certainly appeal to fans of YA mysteries, its depth and sophistication make it equally engaging for adult readers. Matuluko has created something special here, and I eagerly await her next work.