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The Crimson Vigilante
A brutal murder. A cryptic message. A city on edge. And a thrilling ride begins...
Tomiwa Solade, an officer of the Nigeria Police Force, has spent his career navigating the blurred lines between law and the shadows it fails to illuminate. But when a ruthless killer begins targeting the city’s elite, Tomiwa is thrust into a deadly game that will challenge everything he knows.
With a fractured team, his loyal but scarred colleagues, Simi and Jubril, and the enigmatic Bidemi Lawal, who harbours dangerous secrets of her own, Tomiwa races against time to uncover clues that’ll lead him to catch this elusive killer. But in a world where old wounds run deep and the line between justice and revenge converge, each revelation drags him further into the crosshairs of a killer bent on finishing what they started.
As enemies close in and the body count rises, Tomiwa must untangle a web of deceit, political corruption, and personal vendettas before time runs out.
But as the chase intensifies, Tomiwa finds himself battling not only the criminal mastermind but also his own past demons which threaten to unravel him and the investigation.
A gripping, high-stakes thriller of family, betrayal, and a man's quest for redemption, where the only way to survive is to confront the past or be consumed by it.
Tomiwa Solade, an officer of the Nigeria Police Force, has spent his career navigating the blurred lines between law and the shadows it fails to illuminate. But when a ruthless killer begins targeting the city’s elite, Tomiwa is thrust into a deadly game that will challenge everything he knows.
With a fractured team, his loyal but scarred colleagues, Simi and Jubril, and the enigmatic Bidemi Lawal, who harbours dangerous secrets of her own, Tomiwa races against time to uncover clues that’ll lead him to catch this elusive killer. But in a world where old wounds run deep and the line between justice and revenge converge, each revelation drags him further into the crosshairs of a killer bent on finishing what they started.
As enemies close in and the body count rises, Tomiwa must untangle a web of deceit, political corruption, and personal vendettas before time runs out.
But as the chase intensifies, Tomiwa finds himself battling not only the criminal mastermind but also his own past demons which threaten to unravel him and the investigation.
A gripping, high-stakes thriller of family, betrayal, and a man's quest for redemption, where the only way to survive is to confront the past or be consumed by it.
300 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2025
2 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 8, 2025
I can confidently say this is a thriller that knows how to command attention.
What stood out to me most was the purpose of the story. The chase wasn’t simply about the Crimson Vigilante; the narrative is layered with questions of justice, trauma and the shades of morality we don’t always want to admit exist.
The characters carry real weight, especially Tomiwa, whose inner conflicts give the story emotional depth and make the stakes feel personal. I also thought the multiple POV structure was brilliant because it allowed us to see the full complexity of each character and understand the story from deeper angles.
The writing made the experience even better. There were stretches where I found myself flipping pages nonstop, completely unwilling to put the book down once I picked it up. It kept me on the edge of my seat in a way that felt almost physical, that quiet tension where you are racing through the chapters but still trying to savour the moment.
And I’ll be honest, I judged some of the characters early on, only to realise later that I was wrong. The way the author reveals people’s motivations and flaws is subtle, almost deceptive, and it forces you to sit with your assumptions. I love when a book does that.
That said, the pacing isn’t always consistent. There were moments when the flow dipped and the story dragged a little more than it needed to. Those slow patches didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment, but they were noticeable enough to mention.
Still, this is a solid, compelling debut. It is bold in its themes, confident in its storytelling and memorable in the way it blends action with emotion. If you enjoy thrillers that are not afraid to confront the darker sides of society, this is definitely a book worth picking up.
Thanks to Masobe Publishing house for gifting me a copy.
What stood out to me most was the purpose of the story. The chase wasn’t simply about the Crimson Vigilante; the narrative is layered with questions of justice, trauma and the shades of morality we don’t always want to admit exist.
The characters carry real weight, especially Tomiwa, whose inner conflicts give the story emotional depth and make the stakes feel personal. I also thought the multiple POV structure was brilliant because it allowed us to see the full complexity of each character and understand the story from deeper angles.
The writing made the experience even better. There were stretches where I found myself flipping pages nonstop, completely unwilling to put the book down once I picked it up. It kept me on the edge of my seat in a way that felt almost physical, that quiet tension where you are racing through the chapters but still trying to savour the moment.
And I’ll be honest, I judged some of the characters early on, only to realise later that I was wrong. The way the author reveals people’s motivations and flaws is subtle, almost deceptive, and it forces you to sit with your assumptions. I love when a book does that.
That said, the pacing isn’t always consistent. There were moments when the flow dipped and the story dragged a little more than it needed to. Those slow patches didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment, but they were noticeable enough to mention.
Still, this is a solid, compelling debut. It is bold in its themes, confident in its storytelling and memorable in the way it blends action with emotion. If you enjoy thrillers that are not afraid to confront the darker sides of society, this is definitely a book worth picking up.
Thanks to Masobe Publishing house for gifting me a copy.
October 23, 2025
Going into The Crimson Vigilante, the only thing I knew was that it was a thriller.
Turns out it’s an excellent local (Nigerian) detective suspense that did not disappoint.
The story follows multiple detectives hunting down a vigilante who’s disguised himself as the people’s hero.
It’s told through shifting POVs, which kept the pacing tight and the tension high. That car chase through Lagos streets? Incredibly descriptive and thrilling.
But what impressed me beyond the thriller elements was how the book weaves in deeper themes. It tackles unresolved childhood trauma and how that can paralyze someone from moving forward.
There’s also a strong thread about mental health (therapy is not for the weak!). These personal struggles run alongside the main investigation in a way that felt natural, not forced.
The attention to detail really stood out. Each chapter opens with specific Lagos neighborhoods, grounding you in the setting. And the book doesn’t shy away from harsh realities… the corruption, the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy, the helplessness of ordinary people caught between a broken system and an egomaniac vigilante. It’s realistically sad.
I’m giving it 4.5 🌟 because while it’s a fantastic read, it didn’t hit me on the emotional level I need for a full 5-star experience.
Still, this is great work from the author and I can’t wait to read more from him.
Turns out it’s an excellent local (Nigerian) detective suspense that did not disappoint.
The story follows multiple detectives hunting down a vigilante who’s disguised himself as the people’s hero.
It’s told through shifting POVs, which kept the pacing tight and the tension high. That car chase through Lagos streets? Incredibly descriptive and thrilling.
But what impressed me beyond the thriller elements was how the book weaves in deeper themes. It tackles unresolved childhood trauma and how that can paralyze someone from moving forward.
There’s also a strong thread about mental health (therapy is not for the weak!). These personal struggles run alongside the main investigation in a way that felt natural, not forced.
The attention to detail really stood out. Each chapter opens with specific Lagos neighborhoods, grounding you in the setting. And the book doesn’t shy away from harsh realities… the corruption, the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy, the helplessness of ordinary people caught between a broken system and an egomaniac vigilante. It’s realistically sad.
I’m giving it 4.5 🌟 because while it’s a fantastic read, it didn’t hit me on the emotional level I need for a full 5-star experience.
Still, this is great work from the author and I can’t wait to read more from him.
October 25, 2025
This crime thriller, set in Lagos, follows Tomiwa Solade, an officer of the Nigerian Police Force, who is on the hunt for a serial killer who takes the lives of the elite in Lagos. The masses grow fond of the killer and begin calling the mysterious figure “The Crimson Vigilante.”
As the book unfolds, we see Tomiwa and his team go through thick and thin to uncover the identity of this maniacal killer. In the process however, they are forced to confront the demons they left in their past lives.
This book hooked me from the first page to the last, as is expected with any good thriller. But not in the way I thought it would. At some points, the fight scenes had me turning my pages in anticipation. At other points, it was the introspection into the lives of the characters that kept me hooked.
We see themes of guilt, trauma, vengeance and malice explored in detail in the book. I loved the fact that I was getting this alongside mystery and action. This is definitely something I didn’t expect, but I loved seeing.
If you’re a lovers of fast-paced, thought-provoking crime thrillers, pick this amazingly written book up. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year. I highly recommend.
As the book unfolds, we see Tomiwa and his team go through thick and thin to uncover the identity of this maniacal killer. In the process however, they are forced to confront the demons they left in their past lives.
This book hooked me from the first page to the last, as is expected with any good thriller. But not in the way I thought it would. At some points, the fight scenes had me turning my pages in anticipation. At other points, it was the introspection into the lives of the characters that kept me hooked.
We see themes of guilt, trauma, vengeance and malice explored in detail in the book. I loved the fact that I was getting this alongside mystery and action. This is definitely something I didn’t expect, but I loved seeing.
If you’re a lovers of fast-paced, thought-provoking crime thrillers, pick this amazingly written book up. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year. I highly recommend.
October 30, 2025
I’m always drawn to a book by its title or cover — and The Crimson Vigilante grabbed me with both. The title alone sparked curiosity, but the cover sealed the deal. It’s bold, striking, and photogenic enough to catch any reader’s eye.
The story follows a team of law enforcers in Lagos, Nigeria, determined to capture a vigilante who’s out for revenge but cleverly disguised as the people’s hero. It’s a mix of suspense, action, and moral complexity that keeps you turning the pages.
What I really enjoyed is how the Author doesn’t just focus on the chase. Beneath the surface-level thrill, the story delves into themes of child trauma, friendship, and family dynamics— exploring how these experiences shape who we become and what we choose to fight for.
The pacing is fast, the characters feel real, and their motivations are believable. I did notice a few typos here and there, but hopefully, Masobe Books will address them in future prints. That aside, it’s an impressive debut and a reminder that Nigerian thrillers deserve more spotlight.
The story follows a team of law enforcers in Lagos, Nigeria, determined to capture a vigilante who’s out for revenge but cleverly disguised as the people’s hero. It’s a mix of suspense, action, and moral complexity that keeps you turning the pages.
What I really enjoyed is how the Author doesn’t just focus on the chase. Beneath the surface-level thrill, the story delves into themes of child trauma, friendship, and family dynamics— exploring how these experiences shape who we become and what we choose to fight for.
The pacing is fast, the characters feel real, and their motivations are believable. I did notice a few typos here and there, but hopefully, Masobe Books will address them in future prints. That aside, it’s an impressive debut and a reminder that Nigerian thrillers deserve more spotlight.
November 7, 2025
Let me start by saying, I guessed the identity of the Crimson Vigilante wrongly. Oops!
The Crimson Vigilante is a gripping crime fiction that takes readers deep into the world of investigation and suspense, as the author masterfully unravels the mystery behind the elusive perpetrator. The book is a thrilling ride filled with twists and turns, just when you think you’ve reached the end, you realize it’s only the beginning.
Set in Lagos, the story follows a wave of terror sweeping the city as politicians and businessmen are kidnapped and murdered, each crime marked by cryptic messages written in crimson. To stop the chaos, a Joint Task Force is formed featuring Bidemi’s team from the NSS and Tomiwa’s team from the SDCI to hunt down the Crimson Vigilante.
The novel is rich with intriguing characters, layers of family drama, and buried secrets that kept me flipping the pages. One standout character for me was Simi I absolutely loved her!
That said, I did find the back-and-forth of the investigation a little dragged out, which dulled the impact of the big reveal for me.
Still, this book is a solid win for crime and thriller lovers, especially those looking for a well-grounded Nigerian setting. It left me both impressed and curious about what the author writes next.
The Crimson Vigilante is a gripping crime fiction that takes readers deep into the world of investigation and suspense, as the author masterfully unravels the mystery behind the elusive perpetrator. The book is a thrilling ride filled with twists and turns, just when you think you’ve reached the end, you realize it’s only the beginning.
Set in Lagos, the story follows a wave of terror sweeping the city as politicians and businessmen are kidnapped and murdered, each crime marked by cryptic messages written in crimson. To stop the chaos, a Joint Task Force is formed featuring Bidemi’s team from the NSS and Tomiwa’s team from the SDCI to hunt down the Crimson Vigilante.
The novel is rich with intriguing characters, layers of family drama, and buried secrets that kept me flipping the pages. One standout character for me was Simi I absolutely loved her!
That said, I did find the back-and-forth of the investigation a little dragged out, which dulled the impact of the big reveal for me.
Still, this book is a solid win for crime and thriller lovers, especially those looking for a well-grounded Nigerian setting. It left me both impressed and curious about what the author writes next.
November 25, 2025
After moderating a book discussion with the author, Olayinka, and hearing the intentionality behind every word, I knew I had to approach this review with the gravity it deserves.
...
I devoured The Crimson Vigilante in a mere two days—and that was only due to real-world commitments! From the very first page, the book is fast-paced and driven by genuinely high stakes.
One of standout features for me was the descriptions. Olayinka paints a very picturesque view of Lagos, Nigeria, fully immersing you in the setting without bogging down the pace.
He also did an exceptional job with the characters. There is a clear individualization and immense thought poured into their creation. The use of multiple POVs gives glimpses into various backstories, yet this depth is handled so expertly that it never feels "too much," and you can still distinctly tell who the protagonist is.
Beyond the thriller elements, the book successfully weaves in deeper, timely themes. It features a male mental health representative and offers a very real depiction of PTSD, making the characters and their struggles profoundly relatable.
The sign of a truly great detective story is one you can't solve, and The Crimson Vigilante delivers. I absolutely didn't guess the CV (and I honestly don't think anyone could have).
I loved, loved, loved this book. If you have been looking for a definitive Nigerian detective/crime fiction recommendation, this is it.
P.S.: I believe I speak for every Nigerian when I say that if we had a real-life Crimson Vigilante, we would likely be happy.
...
I devoured The Crimson Vigilante in a mere two days—and that was only due to real-world commitments! From the very first page, the book is fast-paced and driven by genuinely high stakes.
One of standout features for me was the descriptions. Olayinka paints a very picturesque view of Lagos, Nigeria, fully immersing you in the setting without bogging down the pace.
He also did an exceptional job with the characters. There is a clear individualization and immense thought poured into their creation. The use of multiple POVs gives glimpses into various backstories, yet this depth is handled so expertly that it never feels "too much," and you can still distinctly tell who the protagonist is.
Beyond the thriller elements, the book successfully weaves in deeper, timely themes. It features a male mental health representative and offers a very real depiction of PTSD, making the characters and their struggles profoundly relatable.
The sign of a truly great detective story is one you can't solve, and The Crimson Vigilante delivers. I absolutely didn't guess the CV (and I honestly don't think anyone could have).
I loved, loved, loved this book. If you have been looking for a definitive Nigerian detective/crime fiction recommendation, this is it.
P.S.: I believe I speak for every Nigerian when I say that if we had a real-life Crimson Vigilante, we would likely be happy.
November 28, 2025
I totally enjoyed reading this book. I think the author is a genius. I was glued to the book till I finished reading and I couldn't stop thinking about it when I finished. The plot twist was twisting. I'm so glad I got to read this book.😂😂
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews