IN BROAD DAYLIGHT: A Kachi Obi Novel

by Nneoma Michelle Egeonu

Terror grips the metropolitan city of Onitsha when four women are murdered in cold blood. Inspector Kachi Obi is the lead detective in the Homicide Department of Onitsha Police Area Command assigned to solve the case that has made people cry out for justice. More women wind up dead, killed in broad daylight. It looks to be the handiwork of a serial the victims' hearts and kidneys are missing, and they have strange marks on their bodies. Inspector Kachi has to unravel a case that sparks more questions than answers while confronting personal trauma. As Kachi and his team race against time to piece together the mysteries surrounding the case, a deadly secret explodes, plunging them headlong into a web of corruption and lies. To protect a city they love, they must put their lives on the line to stop the sinister plot of a vicious enemy.

373 pages, Paperback

Published June 11, 2024

About the author

Nneoma Michelle Egeonu is a Nigerian writer born and raised in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. A graduate of Applied Microbiology and Brewing from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria, she is a passionate lover of music and nature.

Nneoma is an avid reader with an eye for great literary pieces. She describes herself as a writer with a profound message. She believes in positively influencing society by bringing pertinent issues to the fore through effective storytelling.

Her stories reflect on the complex realities of the human condition. In addition to creative writing, she also writes thought-provoking, non-fiction and poems.

Asides from writing and reading, she enjoys dancing, singing, travelling, as well as watching thriller TV shows. Nneoma loves to hear from her readers, so follow and check her out on Facebook and Instagram @Nneoma Michelle Egeonu.

Reviews

[Chinonso Nuel]

Some authors are like alcohol and drugs; they can easily get you addicted. They leave you utterly spellbound, and you want to go to their depths and see what happens in their heads. Nneoma Egeonu has earned her place in this category of writers. ‘In Broad Daylight’, her second literary offering, is a masterpiece. It speaks to her genius and abilities. To say I enjoyed the journey it took me on would only be an understatement. I make bold to say that Nneoma has perfected the art of storytelling.

Set in Onitsha, a place close to my heart (because I was born and bred there), the book took me back to fond memories of my childhood. I loved that Nneoma explored the eccentric features of Onitsha, something only a few authors before her have done.

‘In Broad Daylight’, Nneoma deftly weaves a complex web of intrigue, crafting a thrilling and thought-provoking story. Her diction is impeccable, evocative and polished, conjuring vivid imagery that immerses the reader in the world of her story. The plot twists and turns are breathtaking and kept me on the edge of my seat as I attempted to unravel the narrative. The end was quite unpredictable.

Nneoma has made a bold statement with this book. I can't wait to return to her literary table and feast again. I hope I don't have to wait too long for an invite.

[Stanley Umezulike]

In Broad Daylight, the gripping crime thriller by Nneoma Michelle Egeonu catapults the reader into the heart of the metropolitan city of Onitsha where a serial killer is on the loose and no one is safe.

The moment I started reading the story, I felt the tension in the air.

The plot is well-researched and masterfully crafted, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat with every turn of the page.

The story is filled with twists and turns that kept me captivated and guessing until the very end.

The lead detective, Inspector Kachi Obi, is a complex and relatable character who must navigate personal trauma and corruption in order to solve the murders. The suspense is palpable, with each chapter building on the tension, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

Nneoma Michelle Egeonu is a skillful storyteller whose writing talent shined throughout the story especially when she explored the dark sides of a killer without conscience.

In Broad Daylight is an intriguing novel that will leave you breathless. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers, mystery, and suspense.

- Stanley Umezulike, award-winning Nigerian author and the creator of Ray Okon series.

[Praise Abraham]

The story is set in the bustling city of Onitsha, where a terrifying serial killer dubbed the "Saturday Ripper" is murdering women in broad daylight. The killer's MO is brutal: he harvests the victims' hearts and kidneys and carves a terrifying inverted pentagram mark on their arms.

We follow Inspector Kachi Obi, a brilliant homicide detective who has just been transferred back to Onitsha—the very city where his father and little brother were murdered years ago. As Kachi and his team race to stop the Ripper, they stumble into a massive web of political corruption, a dangerous cabal, and dark secrets that connect the current murders to his own family's tragic past. The twists in this book will literally leave you screaming!


The characters are incredibly complex, deeply flawed, and so realistic [16]!
Inspector Kachi Obi: The ultimate tortured hero! He is a determined, martial-artist-built detective who is deeply haunted by survivor's guilt and nightmares of his murdered brother, Ekene. You will root for him so hard!
Inspector James: Kachi’s smart, no-nonsense sidekick who always cuts straight to the chase and brings great detective banter.
Inspector Lucy: Kachi’s childhood friend and the only female detective on the squad. She is gorgeous, rocks a killer dimple, and brings a fun, jovial energy to the team... but she might be hiding some absolutely mind-blowing secrets of her own.
The Villains: Unapologetically ruthless and terrifyingly brilliant. The psychological warfare they wage on the police is top-tier.

Nneoma Michelle Egeonu's writing is incredibly calculated, fast-paced, and immersive. She perfectly balances the gruesome, high-stakes crime elements with deeply emotional, character-driven trauma. The way she weaves the gritty, bustling atmosphere of Nigerian streets—from the heavy traffic of the Niger Bridge to the busy Main Market—makes you feel like you are right there in the action. It reads like a premium Nollywood true-crime documentary!

There are so many chilling lines, but this cryptic, terrifying phrase uncovered during the investigation completely set the tone for the madness to come:
"Across the Niger, secrets abound."

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves dark psychological thrillers, police procedurals, and high-stakes mysteries. If you are a fan of authors like Tess Gerritsen, or if you just love a story packed with Nigerian political drama, explosive family betrayals, and plot twists you will never see coming, you need to add this to your TBR immediately!

[PRINCEWELL OKWUOHA]

I have never read a crime psychological thriller as beautifully written as Nneoma Michelle Egeonu's 'In Broad Daylight'. It is a harrowing psychological thriller set in the vibrant yet shadowy city of Onitsha. With every page turned, the tension slowly tightened, drawing me into a world where nothing was as it seemed, and the line between sanity and madness blurred. Nneoma's gripping narrative captured the city's vibrant energy, transforming it into a haunting scenery that mirrored the dark secrets at the heart of this chilling tale.

The central theme is Inspector Kachi Obi, a determined detective wrestling with personal trauma while on the hunt for a twisted serial killer whose reign of terror grips the city. As Kachi navigates the treacherous maze of clues, I found myself profoundly immersed in his relentless pursuit, feeling every moment of his desperation and drive. Nneoma masterfully peeled back layers of fear, obsession, and the human psyche, smudging the boundaries between hunter and hunted in a way that kept me on edge and constantly guessing even fiercely.

Nneoma's writing is a virtuoso display of suspenseful storytelling, weaving a tale that is both richly detailed and deeply unsettling. Her vivid, multifaceted characters drove the plot forward with a persistent pace that never lost its grip on me. The novel's strength lies in its ability to explore the darkest corners of the human mind, unveiling motivations that are as disturbing as they are captivating. Each twist and turn felt meticulously crafted, ensuring that just when I thought I had figured it out, the story moved, pulling me deeper into its psychological depths.

In Broad Daylight is more than just a crime novel; it's a profound exploration of the human condition wrapped in a narrative that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. Nneoma Michelle Egeonu has written a compelling and hauntingly realistic world that lingered with me long after the final page. This is not just a book that entertains but, at the same time, challenges you to confront the shadows within us all. For fans of crime fiction, psychological suspense, and complex character studies, this is absolutely an unmissable read.

[Chiedu Dieyi]

I'm happy I was finally able to read In Broad Daylight.

Set in the vibrant Eastern Nigerian city of Onitsha, "In Broad Daylight" by Nneoma Egeonu unfolds as a captivating psychological thriller. Its slow-burning intensity promises will ignite your senses on multiple levels, leaving you electrified.

Within its pages lies the gripping tale of Inspector Kachi, navigating a labyrinth of trauma as he relentlessly pursues a deranged serial killer whose horrifying acts sent shivers down the spines of Onitsha's residents.

Nneoma's profound understanding of security procedures is vividly showcased in "In Broad Daylight." Her portrayal of characters is so authentic that one can scarcely believe she isn't a real-life detective. Each figure comes to life with remarkable clarity.

Kachi Obi personifies the integrity, competence, and diligence that our police force has long been deprived of. He serves as a beacon of hope within a system starved for such qualities. Nneoma shines as one of the few exceptional contemporary writers in the country who skillfully wields words to draw readers into her narratives. Through her evocative descriptions, the city and its surroundings come alive, immersing you to the point where you can practically feel the atmosphere.

In recent years, the alarming surge in crime rates in the East has become a cause for great concern. Headlines are dominated by gruesome murders, organ trafficking, and mysterious deaths that send shudders through society. "IBDL" attempts to shed light on this perplexing configuration.

Exploring themes of love and duty, vengeance, and betrayal, the story resonates deeply with its readers.

If you seek a book that will keep you engrossed, eagerly flipping through each page, "In Broad Daylight" is the perfect choice.

[Gloria Omaka]

'Some secrets hide in the dark, others stand boldly—in broad daylight'. That was my first thought when I turned the last page.

When an author ate and left no crumbles, Nneoma Michelle Egeonu did exactly that with In Broad Daylight.

In broad daylight kept my heart racing and fingers turning pages faster than usual. Every chapter carried another shock, another twist, another puzzle and another clue that pulls deeper into the mystery. I will warn prospective readers, do not trust your instincts and predict what comes next. This story constantly proves that certainty can be risky. Curiosity will keep you reading, and the suspense will refuse to let you stop.

At a point i asked myself, as Detective Kachi Obi began to uncover the mystery, can he face the truth that became more terrifying than the crime itself?

Will uncovering the mystery finally bring him peace and closure or will the answers destroy him in ways he never imagined?

In Broad Daylight is a gripping crime-psychological thriller set in Onitsha, Southeast Nigeria. The story explores a familiar reality in our society—sometimes when we go searching for answers, we uncover secrets far more terrifying than the questions that led us there. This story that reminds us that some truths hide in plain sight with the answers to the puzzle resting right on our laps, although we may not recognize them and keep going back and forth looking for the answers.

One thing is certain: when you finish this book, you won’t just close it quietly. You will sit still for a moment  thinking about the secrets that may already exist around you.

If you love thriller–psychological, crime suspense, In Broad Daylight should be your next read.

[Ignatius Oragwuncha Jr.]

I had a swell time thumbing through the pages of this powerful thriller, In Broad Daylight. From the very first page, the author effortlessly drew me into a world of mystery, intrigue, and suspense, with the riveting tale of detective Kachi Obi's relentless pursuit of a serial killer.

The author masterfully weaves together a complex and intricate plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. As the story unfolds, we get to see the inner workings of the killer's mind, delving deep into the psychology of a disturbed individual driven by dark and twisted desires.

Through Kachi Obi's unwavering determination and exceptional investigative skills, the story builds up to a heart-stopping climax that left me breathless. The author's attention to detail and ability to create a vivid and realistic world made me feel as if I was right there alongside Kachi Obi, experiencing every moment of the action.

Detective Kachi Obi is a brilliant fellow and reminds me of Dr Alex Cross, the brilliant Character created by the legendary James Patterson.

In Broad Daylight is a truly captivating and thought-provoking novel, with well-developed characters, an engaging storyline, and a satisfying resolution that will leave readers feeling both fulfilled and wanting more. This is a must-read for any fan of crime and psychological thrillers, and I highly recommend it.

Thank you so much for creating this masterpiece. I await the next book in the series!

[Emmanuel Success]

Review Of In Broad daylight



Reading In Broad Daylight by Nneoma Michelle Egeonu was an engaging and thought-provoking experience. The novel captures the frightening reality of a city living under the shadow of a ruthless killer, and from the very first pages the author establishes a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the reader invested.

One of the most impressive aspects of the book is the author’s ability to build suspense while carefully revealing the layers of the story. The pacing is deliberate yet gripping, allowing the tension to grow naturally as the plot unfolds. Each scene contributes to the sense of urgency and danger that surrounds the narrative.

The characters are also well-crafted and believable, making the reader emotionally connected to the unfolding events. Through vivid descriptions and carefully structured storytelling, Nneoma Michelle Egeonu demonstrates remarkable skill in creating a thriller that is both intense and captivating.

Overall, In Broad Daylight stands out as a compelling work of crime and suspense fiction. It reflects the author’s strong command of narrative tension and her ability to immerse readers in a world where danger can emerge even in the most ordinary moments. It is a novel that keeps the reader thinking long after the final page.

I would recommend it to lovers of suspense, crime, and mystery stories.

[Sadiq Mustapha]

Sometimes you come across a work of fiction which arrests your attention to a dangerous degree. Maybe you wanted to go to bed, but you told yourself reading a chapter or two won't be bad. Then you delved in. A chapter or two turned to ten chapters, then fifteen, then twenty....
Before you know it, you've stayed awake all night, reading this work. Then your eyes started smarting, but the feeling of having read a masterpiece by a master storyteller kept you on a high of some sort. IN BROAD DAYLIGHT is one such piece of work you don't want to go to bed with, unless of course if you don't want to sleep. Miss Nneoma has done a great job with the plot of her second work. The characters, setting, and all will surely give the reader a swell time.
If you are a fan of psychological thrillers with the craziest of twists, then this novel is for you. When you reach the end, you will be left with no any alternative than to look out for the sequel of this masterpiece.
Miss Nneoma is such a terrific writer who knows how to deliver without the slightest disappointment. Her mind works like the minds of her characters, including the psycho!

[Rita Nwaodu]

In Broad Daylight (IBDL) hits so close to home for me. Every effort and thought put into this work was deeply felt.

Nneoma brings cities, towns, events, and occurrences alive with her beautiful, descriptive, and immersive writing style. If there were a discussion among crime thriller novels by the greats in this category, IBDL would hold its own and its author has earned a seat at the table with the best.

Also worthy of mention are the concerning issues in the country she raised without fear: the corruption that has eaten deep into different sectors, betrayals among families and friends, incessant killings, cultism, inadequate resources for security agencies etc. A very big kudos to the writer for shining her torch brightly on these issues.

If you need a book that’ll keep you at the edge of your seat and leave you pausing halfway to wonder why people behave in such depraved and psychotic ways, IBDL is that book, and NME is the author.

Just read the book already!!!

[Gabriella Madu]

In Broad Daylight is a gripping crime-psychological thriller that takes readers on a thrilling ride through the bustling city of Onitsha, Nigeria. Nneoma Michelle Egeonu does a remarkable job of weaving together a complex and layered narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The character of Inspector Kachi Obi was expertly crafted, and I found myself rooting for him as he doggedly pursues a ruthless serial killer.

The character development of other characters were also powerful and relatable.
With its vivid descriptions, well-drawn characters, and unrelenting tension, In Broad Daylight is a standout debut novel that is not to be missed.
I enjoyed every second of this.
Thank you Nneoma for sharing your gift with the world. I cannot wait to experience more of your wonderful offerings!

[Christian]

I got a copy of this book for my 13 year daughter who is a young writer and she loved the material so much!
She is so thrilled reading the book that she told me to get her all other books from this author!
She loves the style of writing used here ! I told her that the book will be a series and she pleaded that I should get her all the copies as soon as each is out!
The author pulled out emotions from her reading the book and took her to a city she has never been to
I lived in Onitsha for years and am familiar with the police station described in the book. I used to spend time in that Library reading and also my friend runs a Lesson center on the ground floor of the library so I am very familiar with that environment, the author nailed the description in Chapter 1!
This work has inspired my first daughter and she is excited!

[Ugonna Egeonu]

An exhilarating read. Powerful. Poignant. Succinct.
The first of its kind set in the metropolitan city of Onitsha, Nigeria.
I totally enjoyed every bit of it. It felt so refreshing to read a Crime-Psychological thriller Novel set in Nigeria with very relatable characters and an excellent plot. I didn't know it was possible to achieve this as I am not used to Crime thriller stories in Nigeria.
I hope this book will be adapted into a movie soon enough.
Nneoma really knows her stuff and she keeps raising the bar.
Highly recommended for every thriller lover.

[Louis Akwaeze]

In Broad Daylight grips you from the very first line and keeps you on the edge of your seat to the very last word. It's quite intriguing and the characters are so real you'd almost touch them if you stretch out your hand. I enjoyed the flow of the plot. Inspector Kachi Obi is surely a character that will glue to the mind of readers long after reading the book. I look forward to the next book in the Kachi Obi series.

Thank you Nneoma, for writing this book and sharing it with the world.

[Precious Osikha]

A powerful read!

It kept me glued from start to finish and at a point I wondered if it was a Nigerian that wrote this masterpiece. I love Nneoma's writing style and how she navigates her world using the right words to convey them.

Her characters are super compelling and sometimes one can't help but wonder if they are real.

Great Job!

[Faith Ijiga]

This one pulled me in with its chilling serial killer mystery and never really let up. I enjoyed following Inspector Kachi as he tried to connect the dots, and the deeper the investigation went, the more the stakes kept rising. If you like crime thrillers with plenty of suspense, corruption, and twists that keep you guessing, this is definitely one to pick up.

[Reader]

Powerful and exhilarating!!!

You won’t drop this book until you get to the last page, it’s a promise.

A psychological thriller written by one of Africa’s finest storytellers. Every page keeps you at the edge of your seat.

Brilliant piece of work.

[Peace Asogwa]

This book is a must -read.

It kept me on my toes till the very page, I bet it'll be the same for you.

I love the fact that it's set in familiar places.

The suspense, plot twist, grammar, everything is top notch.

I did not see the end coming.

Such a great book.

[Ugochukwu Osemekeh]

A good crime novel with great Nigerian settings and a strong twist at the end. Well paced and structured.

[Elisha Oluyemi]

𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮'𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗬𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼!

There are books, but not all books suck you in. Not all books pull at your heartstrings, dig up humanity's sooty mess and smash'em in your face. 'In Broad Daylight' does all that.

This crime-psychological novel builds up with alternated pacing, matted with blood and death and psychotic thirsts, and woven with dangers, twists and high walls, to yield one of the most suspenseful plots I've ever read. It also yields a grievously memorable ending—satisfactory too. Maybe a tear-jerker for the fainthearted like me, lol.

The author has this cool, portentous voice, a rare and bold style. There's some blood and flashback here and there and some show of delusion—y'know, stuffs fans of Tess Gerritsen would love n' die to read—and they strengthen the psychological motif of the novel. In this thriller, nothing is unnecessary, and there's that strong sense of consistency, that strong assurance that tells you, 'Hey, this writer knows their stuff.'

I trust that aspiring and emerging thriller writers in Nigeria will be able to model Nneoma for this; In Broad Daylight is an uncommon kind of book in that space. Guys, it's a must-read!🔥