The Talk of the Party

by Foluso Agbaje, To Be Announced (Narrator)

In a family built on lies, what happens when the truth comes out? ‘A glamorous, dramatic portrait of the lives, desires, and tensions of Nigeria’s upper class.' Oyinkan Braithwaite

Bukola Obanile’s 60th birthday party is the hottest ticket in town. But champagne isn’t all that is being served…

The Obaniles' picture-perfect life is the envy of all Lagos society, and everyone wants a piece. So, when renowned matriarch Bukola’s birthday approaches, there are no expenses spared. Five hundred guests are invited, and her four children are all in attendance. Everything will be perfect, just as planned.

Except living the dream comes at a price and, as the party draws closer, each of the Obanile children find themselves embroiled in scandals that could shatter the flawless reputation their mother has carefully built.

As the music builds and chandeliers glitter, this one perfect night could be all it takes to destroy a family built on deception…

Readers LOVE The Talk of the Party! 'The thrills and twist will keep you reading into the night' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'TWISTED AND SUSPENSEFUL' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A sharp, unsettling novel' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A tender, incisive, and deeply human exploration of life and death—and everything in between. Agbaje writes beautifully of love and of secrets; of what we inherit, what we choose to protect, and the cost of knowing. And ultimately, if we are lucky, redemption.’ Chika Unigwe

‘A highly entertaining family drama’ Rukky Brume, author of It Comes in Waves

'Sun, fun, fashion…and twist on twist to keep you guessing.' Saga

'A smart, incisive, thrilling, epic romp … keeps us wanting more till the very end!’ Bolu Babalola

'With remarkable empathy and objectivity, Foluso Agbaje boldly exposes the shallowness and decadence of Lagos society’ Sefi Atta

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

Audible Audio

Published June 4, 2026

About the author

Foluso Agbaje is a British-Nigerian writer exploring how choices and connections shape who we are. After studying at the Faber Academy, she completed her debut novel, The Parlour Wife. When she’s not writing, Foluso enjoys visiting bookshops and museums, watching period dramas, and seeking inspiration in new places.

Reviews

[Olajoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book intending to read it for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon but ended up finishing it in less than 24 hours. The author did an excellent job of slowly revealing each character, making it impossible not to become invested in their lives. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew them personally, and had experienced a full range of emotions while reading. As someone familiar with Lagos, I especially appreciated how vividly the city and its residents came to life on each page. The humor, chaos, warmth, and complexity of everyday Lagos life was so accurately depicted that I found myself laughing out loud often. This is the kind of story that stays with you after you've turned the last page and I'd love to see it adapted into a movie or TV series one day!

[Rayo Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lies, betrayal, broken friendships, the illusion of perfection, blind loyalty — all that and more in this novel.

Sleeping with a married man (when you know he's married), friendships scattered because of a man, a worker who has a hand in someone's murder, lies so deep, betrayals up, down, right, left, and center.

The Talk of the Party said, "Settle in, let me give you a show," and honestly, it did exactly that. This is my first work by Foluso Agbaje, and she didn't disappoint.

Now, at first, it took me a bit of time to get used to the many characters in this book, and I really loved reading each character's POV. But one thing kept nagging me: why didn't we get a POV from Mr. Obanile? Like, why!!!!

Our parents are our parents until they become human and we get to see their mistakes.

This book had me glued to the pages. I wouldn't say it is a thriller; it is more of a family drama, and it is heavy on the drama!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First. this book is better than Big Little Lies and White Lotus in my humble opinion. The story centers around the 60th birthday party being thrown for Bukola Obanile's 60th birthday in Lagos, Nigeria. Her family is one of the wealthiest, most popular, most social families in the city.

But with that status comes inevitable responsibilities. Expectations. Reputations to be upheld no matter what the cost. Each family member is going through major issues in order to continue to l8ve a life that they think will live up to the standard their mother, and thus "society " will approve of and envy. A lot of work/tears/angst/?????

The eloquent author, Foluso Agbaje has beautifully described each character in a way that we see their beauty, but also their fear: of failure, of public judgement and perception, of social narratives that define success.

This book's genre is social thriller reflective (?). But an excellent read. And I think this lesson is one that definitely spans cultures.

I especially loved the beginning where the author included a dictionary of Nigerian Pidgen English and also a reference of how the characters were related to each other.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a fabulous read of an ARC for an objective review. To be published 5/26.

A TBR for sure!

Sandy 📖

[Adenike Raks · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story, The secrets that hold a family together are the same ones that devastate it. We follow the Obanile on the journey of a devastation they don't know is coming as what is supposed to be a celebration becomes a day where decades long dirty secrets are revealed.


This book was such a delicious read! I pretty much devoured it. It had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was next. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and understanding their motivations. As someone who grew up in Lagos, I also enjoyed the familiarity that came with reading this.

I enjoyed this author's debut, enjoyed this too and can't wait for her next book!

Thanks to the publishers for the ARC. I got it at the Black British Book Festival and I'm glad I snagged a copy.

[Charnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

[Femi (The Book Alert) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book was so slow but the second half delivered on family drama and entertainment

[Steph Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set on Victoria Island and Lagos, Nigeria, this novel follows the incredibly wealthy and influential Obanile family, centring around the matriarch, Bukola, and the lead-up to her 60th birthday celebration.

Bukola comes from generations of wealth and success. She owns 'The Showroom', a world-renowned interior design business, is the largest real estate owner in Lagos, and supports countless charities across the country. As one of the most prominent figures in Nigerian society, she is always invited to the biggest amd best events, so naturally, her own birthday party is expected to be the social event of the year!

While the party serves as the backdrop, the story focuses more on what happens before and after. It's very much a character driven book which has strong character development and also jumps timelines including 30 years prior. Be prepared in the first quarter of the book to meet a huge cast of characters! I nearly DNF'd the book at 28% because I was starting to get a bit overwhelmed with the huge number of characters. However, the writing was so fantastic that I decided to continue—and I'm very glad I did.

By the halfway mark, I felt much more comfortable with the characters and their relationships to one another, and the story really came together. The author does an excellent job of weaving together family dynamics, secrets, and drama, creating an engrossing and rewarding read.

Superb writing, memorable characters, and plenty of drama make this a standout novel!

I received a free advanced reader copy and am leaving my honest review voluntarily. My thanks to #Netgalley, the author and #HarperCollinsUK for this eARC.

[Bando Living · Rating 2 out of 5]

The gulf in quality between The Parlor Wife and The Talk Of The Party is ENORMOUS! It’s difficult to believe the same author wrote both books. TOTP felt more like something an amateur, run of the mill author will write. It’s not in anyway a bad book. It’s entertaining in its own way, but the writing was a bit clumsy and naive at-times. It fell into cliche so many times that it was laughable.

I’m inclined to say a lot of the scenes before the party were not even needed, and it felt like author was trying to overextend a premise that required less volume. The book most definitely did not deserve to be as long as it was. I also think the book should’ve been given a bit more background. The one the author added was a bit rudimentary and doesnt really do much in making you care about the turn of events preceding the party. Cut a couple of scenes from the children’s lives and add a bit more of the university setting where we get to explore how the relationships developed from there and this book would’ve been genuinely better.

It’s not a book you struggle to read, it’s just something you completely forget about as soon as you finish it.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly the book starts with all the characters and their relation to one another and a glossary of Nigerian Pidgin English. This is so helpful when reading the book. I hope more writers follow this example!
I don’t think I have ever read a novel with this many narrators. Which makes it hard to be very distinct and different in tone. While nearly every character is interesting, the book could have done with less POVs.
The book had a good pace and interesting twists and look into the lives of the wealthy in Lagos.
I enjoyed reading it and going along for the ride. I think it would make an excellent limited series for tv.

The book is really not like “Big Little Lies” or “the White Lotus. It’s different and in ways better. But I think it’s not helpful to compare this original work to those works.

[ivana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 🌟

It’s the week leading up to Bukola Obanile’s 60th birthday party, and secrets from the present and past are showing through the cracks. Her seemingly perfect family is not what it seems, and what better than a birthday bash to expose the truth?

I have to be honest, I found this book challenging to get into. I’m used to multi-POV fantasy books, but contemporary! Not so much…
There are a lot of characters and a lot of stories that are central to the plot, so it took some serious adjusting.
That being said, once I was at the 52% mark, I found myself flying through the pages.
The ending felt a little anti-climactic for me, and I think everything tied up a little too nicely, but that’s just me.
I would definitely recommend it!

[Wadzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars* Really, really enjoyed this one. Chock full of allllllllll the drama, but it still had emotional depth to it.

I do think it all buttoned up a little too cleanly at the end. Everyone who did all these awful things suddenly had these huge moments of epiphany and awareness of their wrongs which just isn’t how people work. It was giving after-school special a bit there. But: All in all a fantastic read!

PS: there were SO many characters to keep track of. If not for the party guest list included at the beginning of the book (and the Kindle character lookup thingy), I would’ve been completely lost trying to remember who everyone was. 😩

[Ajayi Damilola · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love love love the story line, every character had a personality and the plot twist, gosh who would have thought!

[tomilovesbooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lol ok.

[Layo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The drama, oh the drama!

So the book centres around an ultra wealthy family in Nigeria, but particularly around the family matriarch, Mrs Bukola Obanile. Her grand 60th birthday party is coming up and with a family with lots of secrets (even hidden from each other) you know it will be a day to remember!

One thing about Nigerians is we have a sense of pride and maintaining a good reputation. However the Obanile family takes it to a whole new level. Each family member, as well as their close friends, and even their employees have their secrets but all individually feel the pressure to uphold the family reputation, but even more, to live up to Bukola’s high standards.

The story is told from each of the character’s perspective, so for most of them, you get to see exactly what their secret or turmoil is from the outset. You’re let in on their secrets and waiting for how the truth will unfold! The author does a great job of making you feel different emotions for each of them. I think largely because most of them are good people, but you see where all the pressure has led them or where they’ve allowed theirselves to be. We witness the impact of generational trauma passed down as well as the beauty of strong family relationships.

Whilst the book was predictable with some story lines, I still felt entertained and on the hook waiting for all the drama to be exposed and excited to see how it would all unfold and the fall out from it.

The only challenging thing I originally found with this book was that there were so many characters and so many perspectives. However, quite helpfully the author starts with a description of each core character so you can flip to it if needed. I will say though, as someone who struggles generally with character names, as I got into the book more, I instantly remembered each person. Also whilst I didn’t need it, there is a glossary of Nigerian Pidgin English also at the start, which some may find helpful.

After recently also reading The Parlour Wife, I’m excited to see what Folusho Agbaje has in store for us next!

4.5 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley, Folusho Agbaje and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[ijeawele · Rating 1 out of 5]

Foluso Agbaje, NEVER write again.

The talk of the party was at best clunky, old-fashioned, boring, and poorly edited with several grammatical and spelling errors. At its worst it was misogynistic, transphobic, harmful, sex shaming, and victim-blaming.

I have nothing positive to say about this book, other than it played out like those cheap quality Nollywood movies I'm always forced to watch while making my hair at the salon. This book was hot trash, and it had the audacity to have the most boring prose I've ever read, and overuse similes and metaphors like no man's problem.

Here's an example:

"She watched the news as the rest of the world carried dead bodies wrapped up like shawarmas." like shawarmas. dead bodies.

Or: "The sound rubbed against her brain like a grater on cheese." you mean cheese on a grater? Moreover, grating cheese is mostly soundless, and the better metaphor is nails on a chalkboard.

Or even worse: "He had given her one of his hugs that felt like being squeezed in a burger." What does this even mean.

"There was the usual pre-party excitement draped over the compound like a blanket of fairy lights" blanket of fairy lights? blanket?

I could go on and on. There was a sentence that had “twenty one degrees celsius," "faw" instead of far, and McDonald's and McDonalds used interchangeably in the same paragraph. This book didn't even make it through the first round of edits, it seems. Simple spelling errors were littered throughout the book, which made it so god-awful.

Oh, I can't forget this one: "…Peter turned his attention to a stray dog that had wandered down the street, picking at a carton in the gutter, and like the carton, his mind was flung into a dark place as he thought of where Blessing could be." How awfully convenient that a nearby object in the setting neatly fits the emotional state the character is in. And this happens many other times throughout the book, by the way: "A pigeon landed on the windowsill by the sink and started to defecate just as Omi walked into the kitchen. 'Life is just sos full of shit, isn't it,' Omi said." GIVE HER THE PULITZER NOW!!

Onto the downright harmful tropes and stereotypes in the book. The first few chapters opens up with disturbing descriptions or comparisons about Black hair. Agbaje describes a man's locks as "swinging like a dog's tail," which I tried to give the benefit of doubt to until a few paragraphs later, she writes about a twelve year old boy: "…David sat up in his bed, fully awake now as he scratched the matted afro of his top fade." you're describing Black hair as dirty, or comparing it to a dog, and it's weird.

On several occasions, Agbaje's story and prose were unnecessarily misogynistic. Several plot points revolved around cheating scandals, and it was telling how all the women were troubled by or punished by their cheating, killed even, while the men went scot free. Soma, who was Wale's mistress, was killed by Mr. Peter. Wale wasn't even slightly criticized. It was all "Wale has such a big heart, it's Bukola's fault for stealing him from Soma, Bukola is a conniving bitch, she always wants what's not hers." as if Wale isn't a big boy with his own autonomy, ok. What I found even worse than a character getting murdered because she committed the grave crime of sleeping with a married man was this paragraph below:

" 'I heard you in the room, with your vibrator. You told me you didn't like sex anymore, but there you were, having the time of your life.' Dami's face fell like a broken elevator into the dark pit of shame within her. She couldn't meet his eyes." Was about to make a comment about not only the absurdness of the remark but also the shame the character felt to drive the point home, but Agbaje already did it for me, twice. Another major issue with her writing style. She shows AND tells.

The misogynistic tropes in this book are so overdone. Like this one here: ""With [her husband] away, she didn't have to feel guilty about not initiating sex, about leaving Micah fully in Blessing's care while she slept in." This isn't even new or exciting. Classic career woman being punished for having a career. Woman with undiagnosed post-partum depression villainized. Boring.

(I'm going to pause and be a little pedantic here and remind everyone that (asexual) people can masturbate without liking sex, which I'm sure is not the case here, but obviously and most importantly, noone should ever shame others for having a low sex drive, or be jealous of a fucking toy. How fucking ridiculous, fighting with a TOY.)

I try not to ascribe (lack of) morals or values to authors based on their stories; people should be able to write about terrible people with terrible beliefs. However, writers as conduits of popular media have an important responsibility to dissuade people from agreeing with these ideas, or at the very least challenge your agreement. Moreover, if these conservative opinions or actions aren't challenged, or are permitted without pushback, it shows where the author stands on those issues. If Foluso Agbaje writes a novel about two married cheating men who aren't criticized for cheating, but instead the women—who aren't married —they cheat with are called prostitutes, whores, immature, are body shamed, and spat on, I can fairly assume that Agbaje is sexist.

I'm not joking about the spitting, by the way. "Then Dami spat at Lala…'You're fucking gross! No wonder Dikeh doesn't want you, you're disgusting!' Lala screamed. The spit was fast disappearing along the snug path between her breasts, into the depths of her dress." the concept of this paragraph. No words.

This book was awful. I read it in complete shock and disgust. I can't believe it got published, and I hope that no impressionable teenager hoping to seek out more Nigerian stories reads this. Agbaje should be ashamed of herself for writing this. I'm so ashamed of her.

To close us out, I would like to include the first quote that made me realize that the pages of this book were better off as tissue paper to wipe my nyash: "It was already bad enough that her bum cheeks clapped whenever she did her jumping jacks; the unmistakable sound could be heard above Davido singing Fia through the patio speakers."

And a bonus:

"Her ridiculous cleavage rose and fell as she breathed harder." male gaze writing from a woman is ridonkulous I'm fucking crying.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t used Goodreads since 2018, but I had to reactivate my account just to leave a review for this book because it is exceptional.

The Talk of the Party is a great book that kept me guessing, throughout the book, I was taking notes, and without spoiling the book, trying to decipher, who did what, and who was who.

As a Nigerian, I especially enjoyed the storytelling, and explanations of the culture of Nigeria.

I loved the author’s debut novel, the Parlour Wife, but I think The Talk of the Party now ranks number 1 for me.

Well done Foluso Agbaje on another book that will surely be a bestseller.

[Ope Adedeji · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Foluso Agbaje’s debut novel, The Parlour Wife, she announced herself as a writer attentive to women’s desires. With Talk of the Party, her preoccupation with women remains. She however turns her attention to a more contemporary setting. Here, we see the portrait of a family, and their individual lives over the course of a few days surrounding a matriarch’s 60th birthday celebration.

Bukola, the matriarch, is perfect on paper. She has a successful business, a wonderful husband, and four accomplished children. The birthday party is however a catalyst in unravelling that narrative. Over the course of the novel, Agbaje reveals the private struggles of each member of the family: financial pressures, complicated romantic relationships, parenting anxieties, and more. Each child carries their burdens alone, understanding that their mother - parents - expect(s) excellence and composure above all else.

The novel’s strength lies in how it situates these intimate tensions in Lagos, Nigeria. The chaotic city is an animating presence - a deserving character. Agbaje captures the theatrics of Nigerian life, Nollywood style. You’ll see it in the humour, the subtle social codes that shape how people look at and understand one another, the emotional intensity.

Politically, the novel operates with restraint. Themes of class disparity, generational pressure, and gender expectations sit beneath the surface. Unlike The Parlour Wife where feminist concerns were more explicitly foregrounded, Talk of the Party approaches questions of gender equality more subtly. For example, Bukola, in many ways, is the family’s stabilising force. She sustains the family materially and emotionally while still moving within familiar expectations of womanhood, which can be a reflection of many Nigeria households where the man wears the ‘head of the house’ crown. Agbaje allows this contradiction to exist, trusting the reader to understand what she’s written between the lines.

Alongside the secret sitting at the heart of the novel, the most compelling narrative turn comes from the revelation that Bukola herself is farther away from the flawless figure her children imagine. In this way, the novel is as much about friendship and betrayal as it is about family in the way it traces how past decisions ripple forward into the present.

The book’s main weakness lies in one of the things that makes it compelling. Agbaje writes from multiple perspectives. This creates a rich social tapestry, which at times, can be disorienting - a common challenge in multi-perspective novels. Some characters are so engaging that the reader longs to remain in their interior world longer, rather than being moved on just as emotional momentum builds. The father’s character, in particular, feels more distant than the others. Though central to the family’s history, he appears largely through the perspectives of others. Whether this absence is intentional — reflecting the emotional dynamics of the household — or a narrative gap is open to interpretation, but it leaves a noticeable imbalance in an otherwise immersive portrait.

In all, with Talk of the Party, Agbaje has shown her versatility as a writer.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Foluso Agbaje, Harper Collins UK, and, One More Chapter for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

There’s a particular thrill in stepping into unfamiliar literary territory and finding yourself completely at ease—and Foluso Agbaje delivers exactly that kind of electric experience. This novel is more than a family drama, with a slow-burning powder keg set against the glittering backdrop of Lagos high society. Appearances shimmer and secrets fester just beneath the surface as the reader watches.

At the heart of it all is Bukola Obanile’s lavish 60th birthday celebration—a guest list capped at 500, Champagne flowing freely, and a city eager to witness every curated moment. Yet Agbaje makes it clear early on that while the bubbles may sparkle, it’s the fractures within the Obanile family that will truly erupt. What unfolds is a masterclass in tension where every toast feels loaded and every smile masks something sharper.

Agbaje’s pacing is razor-precise. Chapters move with intention, tightening the narrative screws until the pressure becomes almost unbearable. Twists land with confidence and the story escalates with a sense of inevitability that makes the final act hit all the harder. There’s a structural assurance here that many veteran writers would envy.

What truly elevates the novel, however, is its character work. This is not a story driven by a single protagonist but rather a web of fully realised individuals, each carrying their own burdens of loyalty, grief, and quiet (or not-so-quiet) vendettas. The Obanile family is as compelling as it is combustible, and the surrounding cast—particularly those revealed through carefully placed flashbacks—adds depth without ever slowing the momentum. No one feels incidental in a piece where everyone matters.

Equally striking is the cultural richness woven throughout. Agbaje immerses the reader in Nigerian life with a confident, unshowy authenticity—through language, food, fashion, and social nuance. The use of pidgin English adds texture and immediacy, making the setting feel lived-in rather than simply described. You don’t just read about the party—you feel like you’re there, glass in hand, watching the evening unravel in real time.

This is a novel that balances intrigue with emotional weight, spectacle with substance. It’s as much about the cost of maintaining appearances as it is about the consequences of long-buried truths. By the final pages, the glamour has been stripped away, leaving something far more raw and resonant in its wake.

A stunning, assured work that announces Foluso Agbaje as a voice to watch—this is one party you won’t want to miss, even if it all ends in ruin.

Kudos, Madam Agbaje, for a refreshing look at Lagos life!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Isabella Omoloye · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Talk of the Party – Foluso Agbaje ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Talk of the Party was such a quick read. Not because it’s short, but because it’s incredibly easy to get into. Once I started, I kept turning the pages.

As a Lagos girl myself, one thing I was worried about was how the city would be portrayed. The novel is set in post-COVID Lagos, and I honestly expected the usual clichés—the kind of Lagos that often feels written for outsiders, full of “Detty December” stereotypes and surface-level observations.

Instead, Foluso Agbaje got it exactly right.

The Lagos in this book feels lived in. It’s familiar without trying too hard. The restaurants, schools, neighbourhoods, and everyday references aren’t there for decoration; they tell you who these characters are, the worlds they move in, and the lives they’ve lived. I actually laughed when real restaurants and schools started popping up because it made everything feel so authentic. As someone who lives in Lagos, I never once cringed. That alone deserves praise.

The cast is huge, and at first I thought I’d need the glossary to keep track of everyone. Surprisingly, I never used it. The connections between the characters gradually became clear, and watching all of their lives intertwine was one of the most satisfying parts of the novel.

At the centre of it all is Mrs. Obanile. As we peel back the layers of her life, we learn about her marriage, the lies it was built on, the sacrifices she made, and the complicated family she helped create. Around her are children with their own struggles, a husband with secrets, a so-called cousin with her own baggage, friends carrying hidden burdens, and an entire web of people whose choices ripple into one another’s lives.

Everyone has wahala. Every lie, every act of jealousy, every selfish decision, every moment of greed quietly builds toward the inevitable. By the time Mrs. Obanile’s birthday party arrives, you realise you’ve been watching a chain reaction all along.

Beneath all the family drama is a thoughtful exploration of human nature. Jealousy. Pride. Greed. Loyalty. The stories we tell ourselves and the ones we tell everyone else. No one is entirely innocent, and that’s what makes the characters feel so real.

It’s also one of the best post-COVID novels I’ve read. The pandemic is part of the world without overwhelming it, and the setting feels contemporary in a way that doesn’t date the story.

Foluso Agbaje has done it again. I’m honestly still deciding whether I prefer The Talk of the Party or A Mouth Full of Salt, but the fact that I’m even comparing them says everything. This is a rich, entertaining, and sharply observed family saga that captures Lagos, its people, and all their beautiful, messy complications with remarkable authenticity.

A fantastic read.

[Bisi Miyebi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a deliciously layered, drama-filled read this was! 4.5 ⭐️

The Talk of the Party by Foluso Agbaje serves family secrets, suspense, romance, and premium Nigerian owambe energy—and I ate it up.

On the surface, the Obaniles are the picture of perfection: wealthy, respected, scandal-free. But behind closed doors? Secrets. Heartache. Hidden histories. Quiet tensions. And by the time the family matriarch’s 60th birthday party arrives… let’s just say that was when everything spectacularly hit the fan.

One of my favorite things about this novel was the multiple perspectives. I loved getting a chapter dedicated to each character’s voice and inner musings—it made everyone feel layered and alive, and every revelation hit harder. The movement between past and present was also so well done and kept unfolding the story in such an addictive way.

And the twists?! Whew. I was genuinely shocked several times. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, Foluso Agbaje pulled another surprise out of the bag. The suspense was suspense-ing.

But beyond the drama and jaw-dropping secrets, there was so much heart here too. I absolutely loved Bukola and Wale—the tenderness of their love, even in old age, was beautiful to witness… though there’s a certain something about their story I’ll keep to myself because readers deserve to discover that magic firsthand. 🤫

I also appreciated how the novel explored parenting and loving children intentionally, even through difficulty. And the portrayal of Nigerian family life? So vivid, nuanced and authentic. The owambe scenes sparkled. You could almost hear the music and see the aso-ebi.

Bonus points for the rich vocabulary—I learned a few new words myself.

My only tiny hiccup was that with so many perspectives, I occasionally had to check whose account I was in, but honestly, it was a small trade-off for such an ambitious and rewarding story.

If you love unpredictable family dramas packed with secrets, emotional depth, romance, thriller elements and vibrant Nigerian flavor, please pick this up.

Foluso Agbaje really brought the drama and the heart with this one.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and delighted review.

[Muhsinat · Rating 3 out of 5]

🤭The Obaniles glitter but they’re not gold. Everybody is hiding something.

📢 May the day of your celebration not be the day of your shame. Can I get an Amen??

The Obaniles are a wealthy, elite family in Lagos and everyone wants to be associated with them. But beneath the curated perfection and glamour are cracks, lies and secrets.

On the morning of her 60th birthday party, Bukola (the matriarch) is shaken when her driver hints at a confession. It’s not just what she suspects he wants to say that unsettles her, but the terrifying possibility that a long-buried secret of hers could come to light. However, she isn’t the only one burdened with secrets, her children are also battling with theirs.

What should’ve been the party of the year turns into the day the Obaniles’ dirty laundry is aired for public consumption.

💌I liked how the book highlighted the (in)visible struggles of motherhood and how women sometimes sustain the family financially while men take the glory.

💌 The exploration of perfectionism stood out, especially how it shapes children’s perceptions of their parents and influences their lives (sub)consciously.

💌The character cast and Nigerian Pidgin glossary at the start of the book was a nice addition.

💌 Although told through multiple PoVs and timelines, the author was able to weave a plot that was engaging. Even with a 3rd person narrative style, I still felt close to the characters. Being privy to their sometimes shocking thoughts, private struggles and motives added depth to the story.

💌 IMO, certain POVs could’ve been removed because they affected the suspense. Some parts became predictable around the 40% mark, which slightly reduced the emotional impact of certain revelations. I wasn’t exactly shocked. However, this didn’t dampen my curiosity, I was still invested in seeing how everything would unfold.

Overall, this was an engaging and entertaining read. I’d watch this as a movie or limited series.

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️| Drama: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Release Date: May 21st

[Roslyn Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of The Talk of the Party from NetGalley, and this was my first read by Foluso Agbaje. What a wild ride. From the very first chapter, this author drops you into the glittering, highstakes world of Lagos society where appearances are everything, secrets are currency, and the Obanile family sits right at the center of it all. Also, I am a big fan of Nollywood movies, so I knew that I would love this book so hopefully this this book will be made into a movie! The setup is irresistible. Bukola Obanile’s 60th birthday party is the event of the year, with five hundred guests, an endless amount of champagne, and a reputation to uphold at all costs. Bukola has spent decades crafting the perfect image for her family, and this celebration is meant to be the crown jewel of her legacy. But as the big night approaches, each of her four children finds themselves entangled in scandals that threaten to blow everything apart. The tension builds beautifully, chandeliers glittering overhead while the cracks beneath the surface widen with every passing hour. What I loved most is how the author balances the glamour with the stench underneath. The Obaniles’ life looks perfect from the outside, but the story makes it clear that perfection comes at a price. Each sibling’s storyline adds a different shade of chaos, and watching their carefully curated world start to unravel is both entertaining and surprisingly emotional. There’s a twist in how the scandals collide that I didn’t even see coming, and it gives the final act a sharp, satisfying punch. By the time the party reaches its peak, the truth is impossible to contain and the fallout is exactly the kind of messy, dramatic payoff I was hoping for. This book was fun, sharp, and a compulsively readable family drama with plenty of sparkle and bite. A fantastic introduction to Foluso Agbaje’s writing, and I’ll definitely be picking up more from her. #NETGALLEY #THETALKOFTHEPARTY

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really tough to read, and I think it's because I read it on the kindle. Had I had a paperback version where I could very easily constantly refer to the character list and the incredibly useful and extensive list of Nigerian vocabulary and phrases at the start, so I could translate what I was reading, it would have been a bit easier to read.

As there are a really large number of characters, and they rightly are all speaking their local dialect which I believe is authentic, but as someone unfamiliar with it, it just take a lot longer to read.

Each chapter focuses on a different character, from various members of Bukola Obanile's family, to their family driver and Fran the event planner. Many of them are hiding things from each other, but the reader is privy to some things right up front.

This is a fascinating look at life in Lagos, although at times the book switched locations to England so quickly, and without warning that I was often confused.

And all of this background is of course incredibly needed and I kept reading in the hopes that the payoff would be worth it. Well for me the story became unputdownable around the 70% mark, and I was invested in what would happen.

But for me, as someone that loves books set in exotic locations, stories that feature rich people, and thrillers, well it just fell a bit flat all around overall. That being said I can't help but feel that had I been able to spare the time to read this in slightly longer stints, like by a pool on holiday, then I would have felt differently, so I think the issues I had were mine, and not the book.

Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Shanquelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Talk of the Party by Foluso Agbaje is packed with lies, deception, family secrets, and nonstop drama and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

One thing I really appreciated was how the author opened the book with a detailed list of the main characters and how they were connected. With such a large cast of characters, this made following the story so much easier and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the Obanile family dynamics from the very beginning.

I’ve been reading more books by Nigerian authors lately, and I’m truly enjoying being exposed to the culture, family structures, social expectations, and atmosphere woven throughout these stories. The glamorous Lagos setting mixed with scandal and dysfunction made this such an addictive read.

As Bukola Obanile’s extravagant 60th birthday party approaches, the family’s carefully crafted image begins to crack. Every chapter seemed to reveal another secret, betrayal, or scandal waiting to explode. The tension steadily builds until everything feels ready to unravel at any moment.

If you enjoy family dramas filled with messy relationships, secrets, wealth, reputation, and emotional tension, this one is definitely worth picking up. I highly recommend adding it to your TBR. And the fact that it will be available on Kindle Unlimited makes it even better.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[andshe.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk of the party focuses on family drama, secrets, scandals & deception all based in Lagos. So if this sounds like something you would enjoy I recommend you add it to your tbr.

What I loved the most is how Agbaje introduced each character gradually over the course of the book, revealing more about them each time. It's impossible not to become invested in their lives as individuals but also as a family.

The multiple perspectives also gave us insight into the characters thoughts, seeing deep beneath their persona which reveals their struggles, their expectations & their thoughts on the family dynamic.

Agbaje also did a tremendous job of bringing Lagos to life for us as readers. The setting was vivid, whilst Agbaje also explored Nigerian culture & the different classes within.

The suspense & tension was amped especially because not every secret was revealed in a rush, the slow release of information has the tension rising with each chapter.

My only critique which didn't take away my enjoyment was I felt the book title & cover didn't in my opinion really match the story inside so what I got I really wasn't expecting.

If you're a fan of wealthy families, culture, messy family dynamics all in a atmospheric setting then you'll enjoy this one.

Thank you to Harper Collins for a copy of the book.

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the matriarch of the wealthy Obanile family celebrates her 60th birthday with a lavish event that has all of Lagos gasping, guests glory in the opportunity to attend the party of a lifetime. They are expecting luxury and excitement, and the celebrations do not disappoint. Indeed, given what is revealed at the event, it could be said that the entertainment provided exceeds the attendees' wildest dreams!

Because Bukola Obanile’s quartet of children have been up to all kinds of things, and their sins are now coming home to roost. Their mother will definitely not be celebrating once she finds out how all this has the potential to torpedo the reputation that she has spent decades painstakingly building...

An enjoyable and engaging story that allows readers in an insight into the world of the wealthy in a very different culture, which is nevertheless oddly familiar, because in some ways the rich are the same the world over.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Sandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I was immediately transported to Lagos, Nigeria. The author had a way to describe the surroundings to make us feel like we were there too. This book has a lot of POV so the glossary at the beginning was very appreciated. I really liked getting into all of the family drama. It did take a little while to start, as the story starts a few days before the party. But in that time, we got to know the characters and their dynamic with the family. All of them are hiding secrets from each other. These secrets won’t be revealed until the end. I really enjoyed the author’s writing and how she was able to characterize so well all of the many characters. The story was very engaging and intriguing. There were many plot twists that I did not expect. I really liked the ending. I felt like it tied well the story.
Overall, it’s a very good book that explores family dynamics and drama of a wealthy family in Nigeria. I definitely recommend this book!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO. MANY. SECRETS.

This family needs a group chat moderator, a therapist, and probably several NDAs.

As Bukola Obanile’s extravagant 60th birthday party approaches, the family’s perfectly curated image starts falling apart one scandal at a time. Every chapter delivered a new betrayal, revelation, or “WAIT… EXCUSE ME?!” moment, and honestly, I started reading this book like I was watching reality TV with popcorn in hand.

I absolutely devoured this story. The glamorous Lagos setting, the outrageous wealth, the family drama, the tension, the gossip — it was addictive. This was also my first novel by a Nigerian author, and I loved being immersed in the culture, family dynamics, and social expectations woven throughout the story.

By the end, I felt like I had personally attended this birthday party, standing in the corner sipping champagne and silently thinking, “There is absolutely no way this evening ends well.”

[Rachel Sargeant]

Bukola Obanile is matriarch of a wealthy and prominent Lagos family. Her sixtieth birthday party must be perfect and – more importantly – be seen to be perfect. Appearances are everything to maintain status in high society. Five hundred guests are invited to the lavish event. But her four children have their secrets, and the risk of any one of several scandals breaking on the big day is mounting. Told from several viewpoints in the weeks and days before the party, the novel creates rounded, interesting characters.
The story reminded me of Maeve Binchy’s Silver Wedding, which featured a family with secrets, planning an anniversary party for the parents. Just as Binchy richly evoked her Irish setting, Agbaje does the same for Lagos with sumptuous descriptions of food, clothing and customs.
This is an independent review of an early copy. With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity.

[Nnenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ The plot did not twist the way I thought it would because I guessed the plot twist pretty early on. I think I was just reading to find out how the characters would have handled the twist. I appreciated the fact that the author neither condemed nor justified the actions of any of the characters. They were all humanized in a way where as the reader you were left to condemn or side with the characters on your own.

I just struggled with the amount of characters in this book. It got sooooo confusing after awhile understanding who was related to who, who was friends with who, who where just passing acquaintances … Even a random driver of one of the family member’s or party goers had a name. I didn’t understand why some of the characters were significant enough to give them a name when they added nothing to the plot.

Otherwise, I thought it was another page turner and enjoyable read.