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Til Death
A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2025
92 people are currently reading
2277 people want to read
About the author
Busayo Matuluko
4 books63 followersBusayo Matuluko is a Black British-Nigerian nurse, YA/crossover mystery and romance writer, and an extremely opinionated, award-nominated BookToker.
As someone who grew up reading many books without the representation she desired, she started writing to fulfill that. Her books are filled with vibrant Nigerian leads that talk too much, and she will always find a way to wriggle in two Black people falling in love.
When she's not writing, you can find her on Twitter at 3 a.m. tweeting her most random thoughts or binge-watching TV shows she's already watched about a thousand times.
As someone who grew up reading many books without the representation she desired, she started writing to fulfill that. Her books are filled with vibrant Nigerian leads that talk too much, and she will always find a way to wriggle in two Black people falling in love.
When she's not writing, you can find her on Twitter at 3 a.m. tweeting her most random thoughts or binge-watching TV shows she's already watched about a thousand times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
February 9, 2025
This was so much fun but also had a great message!
Usually I get bored with thrillers because I just want to know who did it but with this one I was gripped the whole time, it never felt slow or dragged out.
The family drama and wedding mishaps kept a perfect pace and the actual reveal at the end was believable, impactful and sad.
I love that this book is bringing awareness to a certain illness, I can’t say it’s something I know a lot about and I wasn’t aware there were stigmas surrounding it so thank you for educating me.
Usually I get bored with thrillers because I just want to know who did it but with this one I was gripped the whole time, it never felt slow or dragged out.
The family drama and wedding mishaps kept a perfect pace and the actual reveal at the end was believable, impactful and sad.
I love that this book is bringing awareness to a certain illness, I can’t say it’s something I know a lot about and I wasn’t aware there were stigmas surrounding it so thank you for educating me.
July 6, 2025
OMG BUSAYO I NEED MORE OF YOUR BOOKS NOW!
In Til Death, Lara is heading to Lagos for her cousin Derin’s wedding. It should be the star-studded wedding of the year but unfortunately someone is sending Derin threatening messages to cancel the wedding. Its up to Lara to put her sleuthing to work and find the culprit before they ruin her cousin’s big day.
My Oh My this book was a delightful treat. It gave me everything and more:
Drama ✔️
Gossip ✔️
Mystery✔️
It was like being at home reading this book and everyone in the book I felt like I had come across in my family or friendship circle at least once in my life.
I adored Lara’s character and really enjoyed following her sleuth ways. She was a boss babe on an agenda and stopped at nothing to get answers. She wasn’t afraid to speak her truth and that can be incredibly hard to do especially in African cultures. I found myself getting choked up when she was battling with her own personal life issues’ choices as I could relate so much!
The drama was aplenty in this book, and I kept forgetting I was reading a fiction as I just wanted to WhatsApp all my girlies with all the drama and goss! HAHA!
I can’t believe this was a debut novel. Busayo you absolutely nailed it! Following the mystery was entertaining but also the better knowledge of Sickle Cell disease was very interesting to read, and I really want to make a conscious effort of donating blood more regularly.
I started off reading the physical copy but when life took over, I switched to the audio and OMG I am so glad I did. The narrator brought some much life and vibrancy to the story and I loved it so much.
I will say that it was longer than needed to be and could have been cut a little shorter but all in all it was a very enjoyable YA mystery that felt more real than fiction and I need more from the author ASAP!
4.5 ⭐
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pre read
African wedding and DRAMAAAA!!!??
OH I just know this gonna be a juicy ride!!
Ready for all the thrills and dramatic vibes!!
🤍❤️🖤🤍
In Til Death, Lara is heading to Lagos for her cousin Derin’s wedding. It should be the star-studded wedding of the year but unfortunately someone is sending Derin threatening messages to cancel the wedding. Its up to Lara to put her sleuthing to work and find the culprit before they ruin her cousin’s big day.
My Oh My this book was a delightful treat. It gave me everything and more:
Drama ✔️
Gossip ✔️
Mystery✔️
It was like being at home reading this book and everyone in the book I felt like I had come across in my family or friendship circle at least once in my life.
I adored Lara’s character and really enjoyed following her sleuth ways. She was a boss babe on an agenda and stopped at nothing to get answers. She wasn’t afraid to speak her truth and that can be incredibly hard to do especially in African cultures. I found myself getting choked up when she was battling with her own personal life issues’ choices as I could relate so much!
The drama was aplenty in this book, and I kept forgetting I was reading a fiction as I just wanted to WhatsApp all my girlies with all the drama and goss! HAHA!
I can’t believe this was a debut novel. Busayo you absolutely nailed it! Following the mystery was entertaining but also the better knowledge of Sickle Cell disease was very interesting to read, and I really want to make a conscious effort of donating blood more regularly.
I started off reading the physical copy but when life took over, I switched to the audio and OMG I am so glad I did. The narrator brought some much life and vibrancy to the story and I loved it so much.
I will say that it was longer than needed to be and could have been cut a little shorter but all in all it was a very enjoyable YA mystery that felt more real than fiction and I need more from the author ASAP!
4.5 ⭐
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
African wedding and DRAMAAAA!!!??
OH I just know this gonna be a juicy ride!!
Ready for all the thrills and dramatic vibes!!
🤍❤️🖤🤍
May 16, 2025
It took me a little while to be gripped by this Nigerian mystery/thriller, but once ’Til Death had me hooked, it was a race to the end to find out what will happen at this killer wedding! And who is the suspect here?
It does read as very much a YA story with the gossip-blog, giving shades of PLL and Gossip Girl. But those parts certainly were intriguing and made the story more interesting overall.
A lot of this does read like a family drama, and it is nice to find out more about the Nigerian culture and heritage and all, but I felt myself waiting for the thriller-action to start as the character, Derin, is receiving anonymous threats to do with her wedding. I felt myself skim reading parts to try and find out what happened. Something about the writing style didn’t connect with my brain, and it pulled me into a reading slump. I’m sad, gang, I wanted to like this one more than I did.
2.75 Stars
It does read as very much a YA story with the gossip-blog, giving shades of PLL and Gossip Girl. But those parts certainly were intriguing and made the story more interesting overall.
A lot of this does read like a family drama, and it is nice to find out more about the Nigerian culture and heritage and all, but I felt myself waiting for the thriller-action to start as the character, Derin, is receiving anonymous threats to do with her wedding. I felt myself skim reading parts to try and find out what happened. Something about the writing style didn’t connect with my brain, and it pulled me into a reading slump. I’m sad, gang, I wanted to like this one more than I did.
2.75 Stars
April 1, 2025
Maybe it was my fault for not knowing this was YA
April 7, 2025
From the very beginning I found this book captivating and it didn't take long for me to be so invested in each and every character's story that I suddenly found myself up until 3am crying over the authors note and acknowledgments! This book had me in a chokehold right up until the last page!!
It was so refreshing to not only see my Yoruba namesake (shout out Temi!) but also be able to relate to so many things in this book - the banter, the insults, the haggling, the family dynamics! The dialogue felt so natural and was at no point boring or cringey, which I often find here and there when reading, and from start to finish it was absolutely RICH with culture!
I usually pride myself on being able to figure out the plot when it comes to mystery books but I was way off and missing the MUCH bigger picture!! I can confirm my jaw dropped during the big reveal of whodunnit!! There were so many layers to this and I'm also somewhat of a scaredy cat so was genuinely terrified on behalf of Derin with each threatening note she received.
If you asked me whether I could tell this was Busayo's debut novel the answer would be a straight no! For all the laughs, drama, suspense, and Nigerian influence within this book, it has easily become one of my top 5 reads this year and I genuinely cannot wait to read further work from Busayo.
Raise your hands if your favourite character was Joseph... it was giving obsessed and I was living for it and all his theatrics!!
On a more serious note, I also want to highlight the INCREDIBLE job Busayo has done at bringing awareness to sickle cell during 'Til Death but even more so in her authors note. The disease is particularly prevalent in African and Caribbean people and I really encourage everyone to not only look into the resources she's included but to try and donate blood if you can!
https://www.blood.co.uk/
https://www.blood.co.uk/news-and-camp...
Also Uncle Yinka when I catch you… LOL
It was so refreshing to not only see my Yoruba namesake (shout out Temi!) but also be able to relate to so many things in this book - the banter, the insults, the haggling, the family dynamics! The dialogue felt so natural and was at no point boring or cringey, which I often find here and there when reading, and from start to finish it was absolutely RICH with culture!
I usually pride myself on being able to figure out the plot when it comes to mystery books but I was way off and missing the MUCH bigger picture!! I can confirm my jaw dropped during the big reveal of whodunnit!! There were so many layers to this and I'm also somewhat of a scaredy cat so was genuinely terrified on behalf of Derin with each threatening note she received.
If you asked me whether I could tell this was Busayo's debut novel the answer would be a straight no! For all the laughs, drama, suspense, and Nigerian influence within this book, it has easily become one of my top 5 reads this year and I genuinely cannot wait to read further work from Busayo.
Raise your hands if your favourite character was Joseph... it was giving obsessed and I was living for it and all his theatrics!!
On a more serious note, I also want to highlight the INCREDIBLE job Busayo has done at bringing awareness to sickle cell during 'Til Death but even more so in her authors note. The disease is particularly prevalent in African and Caribbean people and I really encourage everyone to not only look into the resources she's included but to try and donate blood if you can!
https://www.blood.co.uk/
https://www.blood.co.uk/news-and-camp...
Also Uncle Yinka when I catch you… LOL
March 6, 2025
2.5⭐️I feel this book took a bit too long to pick up, however once it did it was really interesting and intriguing! I personally found there were too many characters and it was easy to get muddled who was who but overall a good read!
December 2, 2024
This story follows Lara as she and her family head to Nigeria for the wedding of her cousin, Dérin.
Lara and Dérin are incredibly close, and when Lara discovers Dérin has been receiving threatening, anonymous notes since her engagement she decides to investigate to protect her cousin.
This is a fast-paced, drama filled novel with a lot of heart. Lara is a fantastic protagonist, easy to root for and her passion for her interests and love for her family come off the page so well. I loved the writing style for this book, it was engaging and a fun read.
I would highly recommend this book and excited to read more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lara and Dérin are incredibly close, and when Lara discovers Dérin has been receiving threatening, anonymous notes since her engagement she decides to investigate to protect her cousin.
This is a fast-paced, drama filled novel with a lot of heart. Lara is a fantastic protagonist, easy to root for and her passion for her interests and love for her family come off the page so well. I loved the writing style for this book, it was engaging and a fun read.
I would highly recommend this book and excited to read more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2025
So fun, filled with gossip and drama, and characters that leap off the page. I loved the sickle cell representation and storyline also.
Can't wait for more from Busayo Matuluko!
Can't wait for more from Busayo Matuluko!
Want to read
June 4, 2024oomf wrote this book!!!!!!!!
June 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
reading this book felt like watching a Nollywood movie. it was unapologetically Nigerian, which added a layer of charm and familiarity to the story.
one thing i particularly appreciated was the awareness it brought to sickle cell. it was meaningfully woven into the storyline in a way that was both enlightening and empathetic.
this book dragged a bit but at the same time, it had plenty of thrilling moments. it had that addictive quality, its the kind of story you can easily finish in one sitting.
however, the writing style was VERY casual, a little too casual at times, which sometimes made it feel less polished. it was also quite descriptive, occasionally to the point of slowing things down. and while there were some twists and turns, i was able to predict a few of them early on, which took away some of the suspense.
still, it was a quick and engaging read that kept me entertained.
reading this book felt like watching a Nollywood movie. it was unapologetically Nigerian, which added a layer of charm and familiarity to the story.
one thing i particularly appreciated was the awareness it brought to sickle cell. it was meaningfully woven into the storyline in a way that was both enlightening and empathetic.
this book dragged a bit but at the same time, it had plenty of thrilling moments. it had that addictive quality, its the kind of story you can easily finish in one sitting.
however, the writing style was VERY casual, a little too casual at times, which sometimes made it feel less polished. it was also quite descriptive, occasionally to the point of slowing things down. and while there were some twists and turns, i was able to predict a few of them early on, which took away some of the suspense.
still, it was a quick and engaging read that kept me entertained.
March 10, 2025
This is definitely the biggest surprise of the month for me. I wanted to read it cause I saw the romance community rave about it on TikTok, and they were right.
I never read mystery thrillers unless they have a unique premise/have high literary value/are deep/are diverse. This one met several of these criteria.
I’m very impressed this is a debut cause I don’t have any criticism for the writing. It kept me engaged at all times, I loved the characters, I loved the setting and most importantly I learned a lot from this.
I will just say that I cried at the author’s note.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 wonderful! 🥰
I never read mystery thrillers unless they have a unique premise/have high literary value/are deep/are diverse. This one met several of these criteria.
I’m very impressed this is a debut cause I don’t have any criticism for the writing. It kept me engaged at all times, I loved the characters, I loved the setting and most importantly I learned a lot from this.
I will just say that I cried at the author’s note.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 wonderful! 🥰
February 24, 2025
Never trust Nigerian aunties that’s all I’m saying
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really wanted to enjoy this but I really struggled with the pacing. It didn't really start to pick up for me until around the 30% mark but then it continued to fluctuate. The story took way to long to get to the actual mystery too. This felt more like a family drama, which I'm not complaining about I love a bit of drama but when a book is marketed as one thing and ends up being something else I feel a bit misled.
On to the characters. I could relate to Lara a fair amount. Like her I'm obsessed with true crime, I went to uni to study Forensic Science and Criminology and I had a tough conversation with my mum when she wanted to me to go down one path and I wanted to go down another. I thought Lara was a well planned out character, I just wished she reached out for help sooner than she did. The other characters I thought were a great edition, they bought chaos and drama at every opportunity. I started out really liking Derin but as the story went on she started to really get on my nerves.
I absolutely loved the cultural references in this and the food! Nigerian culture is not something I'm overly familiar with so I really enjoyed learning about it. The descriptions were really vivid too. Unfortunately though I found the story to be too descriptive to me, to the point some of it wasn't necessary. I also found it to be repetitive in some places too.
I had my suspicions on who the perpetrators were early on and they were confirmed by the end of the story. I don't know if that's because it was obvious or if it's because I been trained to with work out these kinds of things.
I loved the sickle cell representation. It's not an illness I know a lot about and I really liked how this was incorporated into the story.
This would be good if you enjoy programmes like Gossip Girl.
I really wanted to enjoy this but I really struggled with the pacing. It didn't really start to pick up for me until around the 30% mark but then it continued to fluctuate. The story took way to long to get to the actual mystery too. This felt more like a family drama, which I'm not complaining about I love a bit of drama but when a book is marketed as one thing and ends up being something else I feel a bit misled.
On to the characters. I could relate to Lara a fair amount. Like her I'm obsessed with true crime, I went to uni to study Forensic Science and Criminology and I had a tough conversation with my mum when she wanted to me to go down one path and I wanted to go down another. I thought Lara was a well planned out character, I just wished she reached out for help sooner than she did. The other characters I thought were a great edition, they bought chaos and drama at every opportunity. I started out really liking Derin but as the story went on she started to really get on my nerves.
I absolutely loved the cultural references in this and the food! Nigerian culture is not something I'm overly familiar with so I really enjoyed learning about it. The descriptions were really vivid too. Unfortunately though I found the story to be too descriptive to me, to the point some of it wasn't necessary. I also found it to be repetitive in some places too.
I had my suspicions on who the perpetrators were early on and they were confirmed by the end of the story. I don't know if that's because it was obvious or if it's because I been trained to with work out these kinds of things.
I loved the sickle cell representation. It's not an illness I know a lot about and I really liked how this was incorporated into the story.
This would be good if you enjoy programmes like Gossip Girl.
March 29, 2025
not one murder in the murder mystery thriller??
April 15, 2025
A wonderful thriller set at a Nigerian wedding. So fun, with some really serious themes.
October 12, 2025
This book was a five-star read for me — not just because it was perfectly written, but because I thoroughly enjoyed every page. I’ve been deep into my murder mystery era, and Till Death hit all the right notes: tension, drama, and that addictive “I can’t stop reading” pull.
There’s something about Nigerian authors — their storytelling just grips me. The setting, the culture, the humor, the rhythm — it all feels alive. Even though Lara is a young character, probably fresh out of high school and stepping into adulthood, I could still connect with her curiosity and stubbornness. She’s nosy, bold, and way too involved in everyone’s business — but in the best way possible.
The supporting cast really stood out, especially Babs, Lara’s brother, and Dérin, the bride whose life becomes the center of the chaos. And the villains — or should I say the suspects — kept me guessing the entire time. The element of anonymous messages and threats gave the story a thrilling, Pretty Little Liars-meets-Nollywood kind of energy that made it impossible to put down.
What also made this book deeply personal for me was the inclusion of sickle cell disease. My twin brother has sickle cell, so seeing that representation — especially knowing the author herself lives with the condition — meant a lot. It added authenticity, heart, and awareness in a way that didn’t feel forced or tokenistic.
Overall, Till Death is sharp, suspenseful, and full of cultural flavor. It’s a juicy, fast-paced read that balances mystery, emotion, and a bit of scandal. It may not be a “perfect literary” five-star book, but it’s absolutely a five-star experience.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A gripping Nigerian mystery that mixes murder, secrets, and heartfelt storytelling — perfect for anyone who loves thrillers with a touch of drama and heart.
There’s something about Nigerian authors — their storytelling just grips me. The setting, the culture, the humor, the rhythm — it all feels alive. Even though Lara is a young character, probably fresh out of high school and stepping into adulthood, I could still connect with her curiosity and stubbornness. She’s nosy, bold, and way too involved in everyone’s business — but in the best way possible.
The supporting cast really stood out, especially Babs, Lara’s brother, and Dérin, the bride whose life becomes the center of the chaos. And the villains — or should I say the suspects — kept me guessing the entire time. The element of anonymous messages and threats gave the story a thrilling, Pretty Little Liars-meets-Nollywood kind of energy that made it impossible to put down.
What also made this book deeply personal for me was the inclusion of sickle cell disease. My twin brother has sickle cell, so seeing that representation — especially knowing the author herself lives with the condition — meant a lot. It added authenticity, heart, and awareness in a way that didn’t feel forced or tokenistic.
Overall, Till Death is sharp, suspenseful, and full of cultural flavor. It’s a juicy, fast-paced read that balances mystery, emotion, and a bit of scandal. It may not be a “perfect literary” five-star book, but it’s absolutely a five-star experience.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A gripping Nigerian mystery that mixes murder, secrets, and heartfelt storytelling — perfect for anyone who loves thrillers with a touch of drama and heart.
July 4, 2025
4.25⭐
'𝘛𝘪𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 was a unique YA thriller that's full of drama, gossip and Nigerian culture. It's a perfect read for summer time as it features a summer wedding in Nigeria.
I loved how it was so unique because, unlike typical murder mystery thrillers - it took place before the 'murder' which increased the tension and made me feel more invested and interested. Additionally, the foreshadowing was done so implicitly which made it impossible to guess who the murderer was. However, it made so much sense when the murderer was revealed and it wrapped the story up perfectly!
Secondly, I loved how Busayo mixed comedy with suspense because it made it so fun and easy to read. Also, I loved how '𝘛𝘪𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 featured influencers and gossip articles because it made it so gripping, immersive and addictive. It was so hard to put down and I always wanted to binge it 😭.
Furthermore, it had really good sickle cell representation which is unusual as it's so rare to find a book that talks about it and addresses the stigma and struggles of people who have sickle cell.
The only criticism I have is that the main character was really irritating and rude. However, she got more likeable as the book went on (so I don't really mind).
All in all, '𝘛𝘪𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 deserves so much more hype and it's a perfect beach read for the summer!
'𝘛𝘪𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 was a unique YA thriller that's full of drama, gossip and Nigerian culture. It's a perfect read for summer time as it features a summer wedding in Nigeria.
I loved how it was so unique because, unlike typical murder mystery thrillers - it took place before the 'murder' which increased the tension and made me feel more invested and interested. Additionally, the foreshadowing was done so implicitly which made it impossible to guess who the murderer was. However, it made so much sense when the murderer was revealed and it wrapped the story up perfectly!
Secondly, I loved how Busayo mixed comedy with suspense because it made it so fun and easy to read. Also, I loved how '𝘛𝘪𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 featured influencers and gossip articles because it made it so gripping, immersive and addictive. It was so hard to put down and I always wanted to binge it 😭.
Furthermore, it had really good sickle cell representation which is unusual as it's so rare to find a book that talks about it and addresses the stigma and struggles of people who have sickle cell.
The only criticism I have is that the main character was really irritating and rude. However, she got more likeable as the book went on (so I don't really mind).
All in all, '𝘛𝘪𝘭 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 deserves so much more hype and it's a perfect beach read for the summer!
March 20, 2025
waaaw, quel livre ! J’étais tellement investie pendant mes recherches. J’ai adoré l’ambiance mystérieuse, les lettres anonymes une vibe très gossip girls x les experts Miami… J’avais l’impression d’être plongée dans un film de Nollywood tout au long de ma lecture, même si le plot twist était assez prévisible. Toutes les références au Nigeria étaient parfaitement intégrées : la musique, le mariage, la cuisine, les dramas familiaux, les blogs, la culture, les mots en yoruba… owww ! Et surtout, l’humour et la sensibilisation à la drépanocytose apportaient vraiment un plus.
February 19, 2025
This story took some time to pick up, but there was a lot of drama to keep me entertained. When you thought everything was running smoothly for the lead up to this wedding, something crazy happened.
I found the family drama hilarious !! It was full of secrets, twists and lies. Each character brought something different to this story, so you end up having a few suspects on your list. At one point I was thinking to pick up my own board like Lara. My favourite character had to be Joseph. I understood why he was there but why was he there??? He was a great character!
I also appreciated how Sickle cell awareness was tied into this story. My previous knowledge was vague and the author explained it perfectly in this book.
Overall, this was a fun who done it YA thriller!
I found the family drama hilarious !! It was full of secrets, twists and lies. Each character brought something different to this story, so you end up having a few suspects on your list. At one point I was thinking to pick up my own board like Lara. My favourite character had to be Joseph. I understood why he was there but why was he there??? He was a great character!
I also appreciated how Sickle cell awareness was tied into this story. My previous knowledge was vague and the author explained it perfectly in this book.
Overall, this was a fun who done it YA thriller!
May 25, 2025
First read from this author and I found this book really gripping. I have seen online this reads YA which isn’t something that bothers me but honestly I thought this read like a normal thriller. I really enjoyed this one and the snippets of mixed media, this really gave me AGGGTM vibes and I loved it.
February 1, 2025
Til Death
By Busayo Matuluko
Weddings bring the best and the worst out of people, what happens when it brings the evil out as well? If you like a mystery with a bit of gossip and high society Nigerian lifestyle, then you’ll like this book.
Busayo gives us Detty December laced with elements of Yoruba culture and Lagos life in this fast paced novel.
I really enjoyed it and finished it in one day.
By Busayo Matuluko
Weddings bring the best and the worst out of people, what happens when it brings the evil out as well? If you like a mystery with a bit of gossip and high society Nigerian lifestyle, then you’ll like this book.
Busayo gives us Detty December laced with elements of Yoruba culture and Lagos life in this fast paced novel.
I really enjoyed it and finished it in one day.
July 11, 2025
*3.5
agatha christie meets a good girl’s guide to murder with a dash of gossip girl. ‘til death is a quick read with drama and an important message that is a good addition to your summer reads!
agatha christie meets a good girl’s guide to murder with a dash of gossip girl. ‘til death is a quick read with drama and an important message that is a good addition to your summer reads!
April 14, 2025
I loved this book! It combined two of my favorite things, Nigerian weddings and a good mystery. The characters were vibrant and full of life, and they really drew me in. I found myself wanting to know what would happen next and enjoyed the pacing throughout.
Lara was so nosy but honestly, that was part of her charm, lol. I loved watching her piece everything together, and the ending felt very believable😂 (and satisfying!).
Although it's technically a YA book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It definitely has a westernized spin on an African-based story, but it was still a great read.
I alternated between reading the physical copy and listening to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job. Highly recommend both formats!
Lara was so nosy but honestly, that was part of her charm, lol. I loved watching her piece everything together, and the ending felt very believable😂 (and satisfying!).
Although it's technically a YA book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It definitely has a westernized spin on an African-based story, but it was still a great read.
I alternated between reading the physical copy and listening to the audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job. Highly recommend both formats!
July 6, 2025
3,5 ⭐️ het was wel duidelijk wie het was 🫥
November 6, 2025
a masterpiece
February 23, 2025
Bit predictable
March 14, 2025
In terms of plot I really enjoyed this book! I think that it was really engaging and whilst I (kindve) guessed who was behind it, I was doubting myself until the very last moment.
I loved learning about another culture and sickle cell disease (ofc I have no way of knowing if it’s fully accurate) but it definitely brought my attention to these topics which I thought was really good!
In terms of the cover art on my book, I thought that it was going to be a lot more bloody and violent. I think it would’ve worked well to raise the stakes a bit if it was more bloody - I feel like the title also suggests this but I’m not sure?
I did notice that characters ‘kissed their teeth’ at least twice a chapter and it was really beginning to annoy me and I think another action could’ve substituted at least half of these.
I loved learning about another culture and sickle cell disease (ofc I have no way of knowing if it’s fully accurate) but it definitely brought my attention to these topics which I thought was really good!
In terms of the cover art on my book, I thought that it was going to be a lot more bloody and violent. I think it would’ve worked well to raise the stakes a bit if it was more bloody - I feel like the title also suggests this but I’m not sure?
I did notice that characters ‘kissed their teeth’ at least twice a chapter and it was really beginning to annoy me and I think another action could’ve substituted at least half of these.
February 27, 2025
This was so much better than I thought it would be! A thriller that was actually thrilling! I’ve been wanting to read a mystery novel set in Nigeria and this book really blew my expectations out of the park. It was definitely a page turner and it was so fun when it felt like we were brainstorming with the main character, I was racing to the end to finally find out who the culprit was and omg. I can’t wait to see more from this author!
February 28, 2025
oh wow!!! that was intense and brilliant!! the info on sickle cell in this book is very important. i love this!
February 10, 2025
In her electrifying debut novel, Busayo Matuluko crafts an intricate mystery set against the vibrant backdrop of Lagos, Nigeria. 'Til Death follows Lara Oyinlola, an aspiring detective who finds herself embroiled in a dangerous investigation when her beloved cousin Dérin's wedding is threatened by anonymous notes and sinister events. What begins as a joyous celebration quickly spirals into a complex web of family secrets, betrayal, and attempted murder.
Storytelling and Plot Development
Matuluko demonstrates remarkable skill in maintaining suspense throughout the narrative. The story unfolds through Lara's keen observations, allowing readers to piece together clues alongside our amateur detective. The pacing is expertly handled - while the first few chapters establish the setting and characters, the tension steadily builds as more threatening notes appear and suspicious incidents multiply.
The author particularly excels at misdirection, presenting multiple viable suspects and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the final revelation. The climactic scene at the traditional wedding, where everything comes to a head, is masterfully executed, delivering both emotional impact and satisfying resolution to the central mystery.
Character Development
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly drawn characters. Lara makes for an engaging protagonist - intelligent and determined, yet realistically flawed in her occasional tunnel vision and rush to judgment. Her growth from true-crime enthusiast to actual investigator feels authentic and earned.
The supporting cast is equally well-developed. Dérin emerges as more than just a victimized bride, revealing layers of complexity as we learn about her hidden struggles with sickle cell disease. The various suspects - from the seemingly harmless wedding planner Alika to the overtly antagonistic Joseph - all have convincing motives and dimensional personalities that make the mystery compelling.
Cultural Representation and Themes
Matuluko seamlessly integrates Nigerian culture and wedding traditions into the narrative, creating an immersive experience that educates while entertaining. The author's attention to detail - from the intricacies of traditional attire to family dynamics and social expectations - adds authenticity to the story.
The novel also tackles weightier themes with nuance:
- The stigma surrounding sickle cell disease in Nigerian society
- Family expectations versus personal dreams
- The toxicity of perfectionism and social image
- The complexity of love and relationships
Writing Style
The prose is sharp and contemporary, perfectly suited to its young adult audience while remaining sophisticated enough to engage older readers. Matuluko's background as a BookToker shows in her understanding of pacing and tension-building. Her writing style seamlessly blends humor with suspense, lightening darker moments with well-timed wit.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is strong overall, there are a few areas that could have been refined:
- The large cast of characters can occasionally become overwhelming, particularly in the early chapters
- Some subplots, like Uncle Yinka's financial schemes, could have been more tightly integrated into the main narrative
- The resolution of certain character arcs (particularly Joseph's) feels slightly rushed
- A few plot points rely heavily on coincidence or conveniently timed revelations
Impact and Innovation
What sets 'Til Death apart from typical YA mysteries is its unique blend of cultural elements with universal themes. The novel breaks new ground by:
- Centering Nigerian characters and culture in a contemporary mystery
- Addressing serious medical conditions while avoiding melodrama
- Combining traditional detective story elements with modern social media aspects
- Challenging stereotypes about African family dynamics
Final Verdict
'Til Death is an impressive debut that announces Matuluko as a promising new voice in YA mystery fiction. Despite minor flaws, the novel succeeds in delivering a gripping mystery while thoughtfully exploring deeper themes of family, identity, and acceptance.
Storytelling and Plot Development
Matuluko demonstrates remarkable skill in maintaining suspense throughout the narrative. The story unfolds through Lara's keen observations, allowing readers to piece together clues alongside our amateur detective. The pacing is expertly handled - while the first few chapters establish the setting and characters, the tension steadily builds as more threatening notes appear and suspicious incidents multiply.
The author particularly excels at misdirection, presenting multiple viable suspects and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the final revelation. The climactic scene at the traditional wedding, where everything comes to a head, is masterfully executed, delivering both emotional impact and satisfying resolution to the central mystery.
Character Development
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly drawn characters. Lara makes for an engaging protagonist - intelligent and determined, yet realistically flawed in her occasional tunnel vision and rush to judgment. Her growth from true-crime enthusiast to actual investigator feels authentic and earned.
The supporting cast is equally well-developed. Dérin emerges as more than just a victimized bride, revealing layers of complexity as we learn about her hidden struggles with sickle cell disease. The various suspects - from the seemingly harmless wedding planner Alika to the overtly antagonistic Joseph - all have convincing motives and dimensional personalities that make the mystery compelling.
Cultural Representation and Themes
Matuluko seamlessly integrates Nigerian culture and wedding traditions into the narrative, creating an immersive experience that educates while entertaining. The author's attention to detail - from the intricacies of traditional attire to family dynamics and social expectations - adds authenticity to the story.
The novel also tackles weightier themes with nuance:
- The stigma surrounding sickle cell disease in Nigerian society
- Family expectations versus personal dreams
- The toxicity of perfectionism and social image
- The complexity of love and relationships
Writing Style
The prose is sharp and contemporary, perfectly suited to its young adult audience while remaining sophisticated enough to engage older readers. Matuluko's background as a BookToker shows in her understanding of pacing and tension-building. Her writing style seamlessly blends humor with suspense, lightening darker moments with well-timed wit.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is strong overall, there are a few areas that could have been refined:
- The large cast of characters can occasionally become overwhelming, particularly in the early chapters
- Some subplots, like Uncle Yinka's financial schemes, could have been more tightly integrated into the main narrative
- The resolution of certain character arcs (particularly Joseph's) feels slightly rushed
- A few plot points rely heavily on coincidence or conveniently timed revelations
Impact and Innovation
What sets 'Til Death apart from typical YA mysteries is its unique blend of cultural elements with universal themes. The novel breaks new ground by:
- Centering Nigerian characters and culture in a contemporary mystery
- Addressing serious medical conditions while avoiding melodrama
- Combining traditional detective story elements with modern social media aspects
- Challenging stereotypes about African family dynamics
Final Verdict
'Til Death is an impressive debut that announces Matuluko as a promising new voice in YA mystery fiction. Despite minor flaws, the novel succeeds in delivering a gripping mystery while thoughtfully exploring deeper themes of family, identity, and acceptance.
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