Every Drop of Blood Is Red

by Umar Turaki

Lives intersect for a young woman on a quest for revenge and a family man with a violent past in a haunting and provocative novel by the author of Such a Beautiful Thing to Behold.

In Jos, Nigeria, Dareng Pamson is slowly winning back the trust of his pregnant wife after his infidelity shook their marriage. When a young Muslim woman comes in out of the rain looking for work in Dareng’s auto repair shop, Dareng cautiously agrees—against his better judgment. She’s passionate and willing to learn. Besides, it’s time he started doing things differently.

After being back in her hometown for only a week, Murmula Denge finds who she’s looking Dareng, the Christian man whose coldhearted ambition and greed shattered her family. At first, she wants only to destroy his tenuous peace by introducing chaos. Until Murmula realises that for true closure and justice, she must go to extremes. Blood for blood.

Neither is prepared for the mysterious turning point that changes their lives forever. As they navigate the quandary of faith and the strange new ties that bind them, coming to terms with the past is only the beginning.

Genres: Mystery Thriller, Mystery

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2024

About the author

Umar Turaki is a writer from Jos, Nigeria. His writing has been shortlisted for the Miles Morland Scholarship, longlisted for the Short Story Day Africa Prize, and has won the AFREADA Photo-Story Competition. Such a Beautiful Thing to Behold, forthcoming from Little A (world) and Farafina (Nigeria) in 2022, is his first novel.

Reviews

[The Resistance Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️I need to process this book longer! I loved the psychological parts in this because the twist is what makes it so compelling! When you find out the real reason for all these characters being intertwined with each other it’s like oh yeah mic drop! The characters are very developed to the point where you have a complete understanding of where it gets to the twist! Absolutely loved it

[Red Bianchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

a book about the impact of family and friendships, challenged faith, revenge, closure in grief, love in its many forms, and reconciliation without redemption.

set in jos, nigeria, "every drop of blood is red" by umar turaki follows a young muslim woman named murmula as she sets off to avenge the death of her father. for the first half of the book, murmula is reckless and insane in her warpath, and i am kind of obsessed with the energy of a psychotic woman. but the damage she causes extends far out of her reach. pamson, the target of her wrath, is a wretched man with his own problems, as he seeks to further his mechanical business and get back into the good graces of his wife.

however, a little over halfway through the book, something unbelievable happens which alters the lives of these characters forever. to be honest, i was so taken aback by this major plot point that i genuinely had to stop reading and stare at the wall for a second. it seemed like it came fairly late in the story, and there was absolutely zero foreshadowing whatsoever. this is one of those times where "i didn't see it coming" isn't necessarily a good thing. yet upon reflection, i can understand how this major event lent something valuable to the overall plot and character development.

turaki's depth of character is astounding in this book, and the plot, although shocking and unexpected at times, is always intriguing. i read this book in one seven hour sitting, stopping only for snacks. and to be fair, although there were things i disliked about the book, i feel that these can all be chalked up to cultural differences in regards to storytelling and literature.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rapture, revenge and redemption.

The book is haunting and shows how devastating ambition and revenge can be and the power of redemption. That thing that happened in the middle STUNNED me. Talk about a TWIST no one will seem coming. It made me wonder how our world will react when this event actually happens.

I enjoyed the book, the beginning started off a little low, but once the characters were flushed out, it started moving.

[Shammah Godoz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant! Just brilliant! Reading it again...

[Teemah :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My being from the country of the book Nigeria I was so proud to see a book from my country which we don't see often and I am still over my head from reading this book

And I really love his book

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Features:

- Character-focused story with complicated relationships
- Explores the tension between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria
- Problematic characters that are also relatable
- Set in Jos, Nigeria

Summary:

Murmula has arrived in Jos, Nigeria to deliver retribution to Dareng Pamson, the man responsible for her father’s disappearance. After being hired at his auto repair shop, Murmula immediately begins to pick apart the threads of Dareng’s life that have already started to unravel. After being caught cheating, Dareng has been trying to make amends with his wife, Rahela, as they await the birth of the child they thought they would never have. However, even as he tries to turn over a new leaf, Dareng remains an ambitious man with a troubling past. He would never suspect that his ruin would come from a young woman he has never met, and Murmula is out for blood.

Thoughts:

This is very much a book in two halves and I really enjoyed what it brought to the table. I was a little thrown off by the style of the first chapter, but thankfully the rest of the book does not follow the same format. The story bounces between Darengn and Murmula’s perspectives as Murmula quietly tries to ruin Dareng’s life. Dareng immediately gave me the icks, so I found myself strongly in Murmula’s corner at the start. However, Murmula has some questionable elements as well and I found it harder to fully support her as the story continued. The tension and the stakes continue to grow in satisfying ways as the story unfolds which makes this a hard book to put down once you get going.

This book has a major twist in the middle-later half that changes the course of the story and will probably be divisive for readers. It is clear from the beginning that something big is going to happen to these characters, but we are not sure what. While uncovering the mystery of who Murmula really is and what happened with Dareng to put her on this path is a big part of what drives the first half, the second half focuses on the aftermath of this somewhat sudden event. There is something that felt very real about this sudden change in direction and I kind of like having an interruption that is both compelling and shows these characters in a different light. However, this also means that neither half of the story feels fully ‘resolved’ and this might bother some readers.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Little A for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Umar Turaki’s “Every Drop of Blood Is Red” is a haunting and provocative novel that joins themes of revenge and redemption with the complexities of faith. Set in the vibrant yet tumultuous city of Jos, Nigeria, the story follows the intersecting lives of Dareng Pamson and Murmula Denge, two characters bound by a shared history of pain and betrayal.

Dareng, a Christian auto mechanic, is striving to rebuild his life and regain the trust of his pregnant wife after a past infidelity. His world is upended when Murmula, a young Muslim woman, arrives at his shop seeking work. Unbeknownst to Dareng, Murmula harbors a deep-seated vendetta against him, believing he is responsible for the destruction of her family.

Turaki’s narrative is rich with tension and moral complexity. The author deftly explores the psychological landscapes of his characters, making their internal struggles as compelling as the external conflicts. Murmula’s quest for vengeance is portrayed with a raw intensity that is unsettling yet deeply human. Her journey from seeking chaos to understanding the true cost of revenge is a powerful exploration of the human condition.

The setting of Jos, with its cultural and religious diversity, adds authenticity and depth to the story. Turaki’s vivid descriptions bring the city to life, capturing its beauty and its scars. The juxtaposition of Dareng’s and Murmula’s worlds highlights the broader societal tensions and the personal stakes involved in their confrontation.

Turaki maintains a relentless momentum, with each chapter peeling back layers of the characters’ pasts and motivations. The plot twists are expertly crafted, keeping readers on edge and constantly reevaluating our perception of the characters.

“Every Drop of Blood Is Red” a tale of revenge and a profound meditation on forgiveness, justice, and the possibility of reconciliation. Turaki’s prose is both lyrical and precise, making the emotional weight of the story resonate long after the final page.

“Every Drop of Blood Is Red” is a must-read for fans of literary fiction and psychological thrillers. Umar Turaki has crafted a novel that is as thought-provoking as it is gripping, with captivating characters. Whether you’re familiar with Turaki’s previous work or new to his writing, this book delivers a memorable experience.

[Chewable Orb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every Drop of Blood is Red by Umar Turaki

Murmula Denge, whose life we dissect in this tale written by Umar Turaki, has moved to Jos, Nigeria. She is escaping the torment of past trauma and has moved in with her Aunt and Uncle. Her parents, both deceased, have various degrees of impact on Murmula's life. The father dies under mysterious circumstances, and her mother, grief-stricken, has asked for the family's retribution on her deathbed. Murmula is provided with a name of interest and thus begins our story.

She must get close to her perceived enemy, but how? Under the guise of a woman seeking employment as a mechanic, Murmula approaches Dareng Pamson, the owner of the town automobile repair shop. Befriending Dareng's family bears fruit, and with their influence, Dareng reluctantly offers her a position as a receptionist. However, soon after her arrival, the lives of all involved are withering in the fog. Who is she? What are her motives?

Torn, shredded, and undecided. Perusing a valley of vile subject matter, I feel invested. Adultery and Islamophobia take center stage, providing a smattering of unsettling feelings. My heart rate is racing in anticipation. Then it happens! We have all been there, that fatal misstep by the author. I was anticipating clarity but ultimately found myself bewildered. Why? I was attending a Broadway play. Soon after the first intermission, I return to my seat. Wait! The cast seems changed, and in fact, to my amazement the play is different. My feelings towards the execution in this novel have taken the same trajectory. While the characters in this book haven't changed, the reader will experience a game-breaking incident that will cause furled eyebrows.

In summation, this was a mixed bag. Initially, I was all on board, but then I looked at my ticket again and found I was going to the wrong destination. Panic ensues. All that said, this book may resonate with some readers. I look forward to giving this author another shot in the future with a more focused endeavor. I am giving this 3 out of 5 stars!

Many thanks to the Little A for the ARC through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion.

[Muhammad Tahir Hassan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Umar Turaki did a brilliant job with his second book, Every Drop of Blood is Red. I consider myself a slow reader, but I completed this book in record time—it was almost impossible to put down.

Set in Jos, northern Nigeria, the story revolves around revenge: how far can one go to honour a loved one? Marmula, a young woman in her 20s, is willing to risk it all to confront the man she believes took the most important person in her life—her father. Her target, Pamson, is a retired thug who thought he had left his dark past behind. He runs a relatively successful mechanic workshop and is working hard to regain the trust of his wife after being caught cheating. How can a young, naive woman take on this dreaded and complex man?

The book also delves into several important topics, including the crisis that shook Jos in the early 2000s, where lives were lost on both sides, and how politicians manipulate young men as thugs for their selfish interests. It touches on themes of infidelity, love, and betrayal. This book truly has it all. Just when you think you have the story figured out, the twist toward the end will shock you. I did not see it coming.

It’s hard to pick a favourite character. I liked Pamson in the beginning, disliked him at the midpoint, and ended up having a soft spot for him by the end. His journey is complex and human, and I found myself understanding him despite his flaws. Paul and Mrs. Pamson were flawless—there’s nothing not to like about them. Marmula, whom I consider the main character, is my favourite. Her determination to seek revenge is admirable, even though she is reckless in the process.

This is a book worth your time and money. I personally feel it hasn’t received the celebration it deserves. If you’re looking for a gripping, thought-provoking read, Every Drop of Blood is Red should be on your list.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every Drop of Blood is Red centers on Murmula Denge, a young muslim woman, and Dareng Pamson, a Christian man who has just recently found out he'll become after after cheating on his wife, Rahela. Murmula begins to entrench herself in Dareng's life as she seeks revenge after he heartlessly stole her father's land leading him to disappear. However, both their lives change after a mass event rocks the lives of everyone throughout the world.

This book very much focuses on the relationships between the characters and we slowly learn more about their lives and backstories as the story progresses. I think Dareng's backstory was particularly interesting as my opinion of him and what he'd done really took a lot of turns as the story progressed. Murmula was also very complicated with her revenge quest and the aftermath of her decisions. I wish a little more time had been spent meditating on that, but the twist in the story comes about halfway through and kind of rocks everything. As a result, I also wanted more time with the world at large after the event, and particularly more on the religious aspects. I think I also would have gotten more out of the book if I had been more familar with Nigerian politics and the history of the conflicts between Muslims and Christians in the country.

The narrator does a really great job of reading and I recommend the audiobook. Thank you very much to NetGalley and Brilliance publishing for the advanced copy.

[Roberta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This explains "blood will have blood"...

I received this book in return for an honest review.

This book takes place in Jos, Nigeria. It's about family vengeance, the cost of justice, war, peace, Muslims, and Christians.
When Murmula was a young child, her father inexplicably disappears from her life causing changes that are beyond her control and understanding. At the beginning of our story she is a young woman who has been given the duty of revenge for the disappearance of her father, as his only child.
Dareng Pamson is a business owner trying to hide from some of the sins of his past and atone for other more recent sins. While he is unaware of who Murmula is, he is also uneasy about her presence in his life. His wife, Rahila, and nephew, Paul, see a young woman who needs help and guidance and welcome her with open arms into their lives. As Murmula begins to care for Paul and Rahila, she struggles with the cost of vengeance as she tries to get close enough to Dareng to retaliate.
Then the world changes overnight and nothing is what it seems.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our past can return to haunt us! Or it could help us find a new beginning. That's what Dareng Pamson and Murmula discover.
Pamson lives in Jos, Nigeria, with his pregnant wife who's hurting after he cheated on her. His business-minded nephew has big dreams to expand the family's auto repair shop. But Murmula, a young Muslim woman, has other plans for Pamson. She claims to want to learn how to fix cars, but revenge is on her mind.
I almost didn't finish reading this book because the first quarter is very slow and plodding. But then the story's pace picks up, and events begin to come together in a surprising way.
I didn't see the religious plot twist coming (and once again thought about quitting the book because it seemed too surreal). Fortunately, I kept reading.
The last quarter of the book surprised me in a good way! And it reminded me that people are multi-faceted. There's always room for revenge and forgiveness.

[Morgan B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Drop of Blood is Red by Umar Turaki was a very interesting read. I’ve never read anything quite like it. The depth of the characters was amazing written. Certain parts of the story were a little strange, but it kept me intrigued. I enjoyed the differences in cultural and religious backgrounds this book represented. If you’re interested in a book that takes place in Nigeria, explores multiple faiths, and follows a main character seeking justice/revenge, you may want to check out this book. This isn’t my typical read, but I enjoyed it. It kept me on edge the entire time. I listened to the audio version of this book, and the narrator did a fantastic job. Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenn Riemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was heavy, but compelling. Every Drop of Blood Is Red dives into a dark and emotionally charged story set in Nigeria, mixing war, survival, and quiet resilience with a slow, steady intensity. Turaki’s writing is poetic at times, and the way he builds tension and mood really works—but the pacing dragged in spots. Some parts felt more like wandering than storytelling, and I found myself losing focus here and there.

That said, the emotional depth of the characters and the way their relationships are tested throughout the story really stood out. It’s not an easy read, but it’s the kind that sticks with you a little after you finish. Not a new favorite, but definitely a thoughtful, layered debut worth checking out if you're in the mood for something more serious.

[Hope Etuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a book that is different! This book! The themes and the characters left me hungry for more of the author's works. It's about grief, guilt, revenge and redemption. The twist the author have to the book, I did not see it coming and long after I finished reading, I still think about it.
This night not be to every reader's liking and that's okay because it has a slow pace to it but I still recommend if you like books that are a bit complex.

[Kristin Zeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

giveaway winner that was a winner!

I received this as a Goodreads giveaway and it did not disappoint. I was already into the characters and the plot and then it just took a complete turn that I wasn’t expecting. Loved it!

[Loretta Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very intriguing story.

The author has written a story of deception and the need to get revenge for what was thought to have happened to the father and the hardships of the family.

[Michael Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good read with a bizarre and possibly unnecessary twist about halfway through. 4/5.

[Emelisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept of this book is very similar to the Left Behind movies. If you haven’t seen them it has to do with the rapture and the people left behind.

[Philip Orimoloye · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book essentially is divided into two parts. The second part was largely surprising and had to effect on the story and it just made the ending all shabby. I didn't think the second part was necessary and the thrill I got from the first part was just lost with the way it ended.

[Nicole Ainsworth · Rating 1 out of 5]

So boring!!!!!

[Jayelle Kaye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me

I think there was a language barrier, because I struggled through some of it with how it was written. It just wasn't for me.

[Tracy Asika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like the second half of the book ruined everything tbh.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Nigerian town, newcomer Murmula shows up at Dareng Pamson's house asking for a job. He has no idea who she is or why she is there but after the persuasion of his nephew, Paul, he finally gives in. What Pamson doesn't know is that Murmula is out for revenge. She wants to avenger her father's death and reclaim some stolen property. In her quest for revenge, things go horribly wrong with unintended circumstances. Then the plot twist that you'd never expect arrives.

This novel started out a bit slow for me but midway through when a surprising event occurs, the story picks up. I found both Murmula and Pamson's characters to be flawed and complex and well flushed out. I wasn't sure about this one at the beginning but I did like how it ended. But, I still have questions about the "event" that occurs and which there was some resolution or explain action for it.

Thank you to A Little Books and Netgalley for an advanced digital review copy of this novel