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Girl Number 8
Not yet published
Expected 19 Jan 27In a bustling and class-divided Nigerian state, a strong-willed female detective is called to the mansion of a wealthy politician to investigate the disappearance of a house girl’s daughter.
Olori’s four-year-old daughter, Frieda, has vanished. Working as a house girl for wealthy politician Samson Buzugbe, Olori suspects his wife knows more than she’s saying. But no one—certainly not the police—listens to domestic workers. And Olori has so much regret when it comes to her girl.
What begins as a missing child case takes a sinister turn when Detective Sola Adeyemi, leader of the police’s Department of Ritualistic Murders and Human Sacrifice, is called to investigate. Frieda is the eighth child to disappear in the lead-up to an important election day. And for the superstitious in Nigeria, the girl’s light green eyes put her in particular danger.
As the election looms and Sola’s personal life unravels, she discovers the crime may just reach the highest levels of power. It’s up to her to find Frieda. But proving ritualistic involvement won’t be easy.
Fans of Tana French and Oyinkan Braithwaite will be captivated by this electrifying exploration of maternal guilt, systemic corruption, and the deadly price of superstition.
Olori’s four-year-old daughter, Frieda, has vanished. Working as a house girl for wealthy politician Samson Buzugbe, Olori suspects his wife knows more than she’s saying. But no one—certainly not the police—listens to domestic workers. And Olori has so much regret when it comes to her girl.
What begins as a missing child case takes a sinister turn when Detective Sola Adeyemi, leader of the police’s Department of Ritualistic Murders and Human Sacrifice, is called to investigate. Frieda is the eighth child to disappear in the lead-up to an important election day. And for the superstitious in Nigeria, the girl’s light green eyes put her in particular danger.
As the election looms and Sola’s personal life unravels, she discovers the crime may just reach the highest levels of power. It’s up to her to find Frieda. But proving ritualistic involvement won’t be easy.
Fans of Tana French and Oyinkan Braithwaite will be captivated by this electrifying exploration of maternal guilt, systemic corruption, and the deadly price of superstition.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 19, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 24, 2026
I settled on an average rating for this debut novel. It is a crime/mystery novel surrounding a disappearance of a young girl. And as you can guess from the title, this is girl number 8. The book begins with great promise, and hooks you into the story, but then the middle section drags, and almost threatens this reader to abandon the whole project. However, if you persevere, the final quarter of the book reveals the promise shown earlier pays off.
The writing was not bad, but the story was laden with too much social commentary. Janice Okoh, was overreaching for authenticity by painting a picture of Nigerian culture from all angles. The police corruption, the class issues, the indigenous practices vs. traditional religion, and the presence of queer relations, despite the danger this presents in the culture.
She packs all this and more into what is essentially a crime novel. So, this accounts for the sluggish middle of the novel. When you invite these themes, you must of course explain how said themes are viewed in society. I will read her next book, as her flair for storytelling is an example of budding talent. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for an advanced DRC. Book drops Jan. 19, 2027.
The writing was not bad, but the story was laden with too much social commentary. Janice Okoh, was overreaching for authenticity by painting a picture of Nigerian culture from all angles. The police corruption, the class issues, the indigenous practices vs. traditional religion, and the presence of queer relations, despite the danger this presents in the culture.
She packs all this and more into what is essentially a crime novel. So, this accounts for the sluggish middle of the novel. When you invite these themes, you must of course explain how said themes are viewed in society. I will read her next book, as her flair for storytelling is an example of budding talent. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for an advanced DRC. Book drops Jan. 19, 2027.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Girl Number 8 by Janice Okoh is a dark and unsettling crime thriller set against the backdrop of class, superstition, corruption, and modern-day Nigeria.
Four-year-old Frieda has disappeared from the compound of powerful politician Samson Buzugbé, where her mother Olori works. If it is discovered that Samson or his wife had anything to do with Frieda’s disappearance, his political career could be destroyed. But as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the political fallout may be the least frightening thing about what has happened to Frieda.
There are whispers that Frieda is a witch because of her unusually light green eyes, and the possibility that she has been taken because of these beliefs makes an already horrifying situation even more disturbing. Frieda is also not the first child to disappear—she is Girl Number 8—and Detective Sola Adeyemi is determined to uncover what has happened to all of them.
Sola was easily my favorite character. As the lead officer in the Department of Ritualistic Murders and Human Sacrifice, she is clever, determined, and unwilling to let powerful people or uncomfortable truths get in the way of finding Frieda. I appreciated how seriously she takes the investigation and how strongly she feels that Frieda deserves to be found and protected. Her investigation also provides a fascinating look at the intersection of traditional beliefs, modern life, power, and corruption in Nigeria.
The multiple perspectives worked well, particularly because they allowed the reader to see just how differently the various characters viewed Frieda’s disappearance. Olori, Samson, and Sola each bring their own motivations, secrets, and complicated relationships to the story, and I was constantly questioning who could be trusted.
That said, this was not an enjoyable read for me. The subject matter is incredibly disturbing, particularly because it involves the potential abuse and ritualistic murder of young children. Interestingly, I found the writing itself quite cold and detached considering how horrific some of the events are. In this case, that emotional distance may actually have been a good thing, because one particularly awful scene was more than enough for me.
I also struggled with some of the characters, particularly Frieda’s mother, whose priorities and decisions made her difficult for me to sympathize with. There is a general sense throughout the story that some characters are remarkably unbothered by the terrible things happening around them, which made the book even more unsettling.
Ultimately, I was glad I finished Girl Number 8, largely because I had to know what happened to Frieda. It certainly succeeds as a thought-provoking and disturbing crime novel, and I appreciated the opportunity to read a thriller set in Nigeria while exploring beliefs and social issues that are very different from what I typically encounter in crime fiction.
This was a difficult book for me, but Sola’s investigation and the mystery surrounding Frieda kept me turning the pages until the end.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Four-year-old Frieda has disappeared from the compound of powerful politician Samson Buzugbé, where her mother Olori works. If it is discovered that Samson or his wife had anything to do with Frieda’s disappearance, his political career could be destroyed. But as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the political fallout may be the least frightening thing about what has happened to Frieda.
There are whispers that Frieda is a witch because of her unusually light green eyes, and the possibility that she has been taken because of these beliefs makes an already horrifying situation even more disturbing. Frieda is also not the first child to disappear—she is Girl Number 8—and Detective Sola Adeyemi is determined to uncover what has happened to all of them.
Sola was easily my favorite character. As the lead officer in the Department of Ritualistic Murders and Human Sacrifice, she is clever, determined, and unwilling to let powerful people or uncomfortable truths get in the way of finding Frieda. I appreciated how seriously she takes the investigation and how strongly she feels that Frieda deserves to be found and protected. Her investigation also provides a fascinating look at the intersection of traditional beliefs, modern life, power, and corruption in Nigeria.
The multiple perspectives worked well, particularly because they allowed the reader to see just how differently the various characters viewed Frieda’s disappearance. Olori, Samson, and Sola each bring their own motivations, secrets, and complicated relationships to the story, and I was constantly questioning who could be trusted.
That said, this was not an enjoyable read for me. The subject matter is incredibly disturbing, particularly because it involves the potential abuse and ritualistic murder of young children. Interestingly, I found the writing itself quite cold and detached considering how horrific some of the events are. In this case, that emotional distance may actually have been a good thing, because one particularly awful scene was more than enough for me.
I also struggled with some of the characters, particularly Frieda’s mother, whose priorities and decisions made her difficult for me to sympathize with. There is a general sense throughout the story that some characters are remarkably unbothered by the terrible things happening around them, which made the book even more unsettling.
Ultimately, I was glad I finished Girl Number 8, largely because I had to know what happened to Frieda. It certainly succeeds as a thought-provoking and disturbing crime novel, and I appreciated the opportunity to read a thriller set in Nigeria while exploring beliefs and social issues that are very different from what I typically encounter in crime fiction.
This was a difficult book for me, but Sola’s investigation and the mystery surrounding Frieda kept me turning the pages until the end.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Freida is Girl Number 8, the eighth young girl to disappear from one of four villages. Detective Sola Adeyemi is investigating a troubling pattern: every four years, shortly before an election, four children vanish. The timing feels too deliberate to be coincidence, and as Sola digs deeper, the possibility of ritual killings and political corruption becomes impossible to ignore.
One of the things I appreciated most about this novel was how completely it immersed me in a setting that felt unfamiliar. This is the first book I've read set in Nigeria, and the setting wasn't just a backdrop. It was essential to the story. The dialogue reflects local speech patterns, which took me a chapter or two to adjust to, but once I did, I could practically hear the characters speaking. It added authenticity and helped bring the world to life.
I also found the social commentary fascinating. The casual acceptance of corruption among some of the police and political figures was eye-opening, as were the community beliefs surrounding Freida's green eyes. Seeing a child viewed with suspicion because of a genetic trait was both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. The book explores how fear, superstition, power, and tradition can shape people's lives in ways that are often unfair and devastating.
Detective Sola Adeyemi was my favorite character. She's determined, intelligent, and committed to finding the truth even when the obstacles seem overwhelming. I enjoyed following her investigation and watching her piece together the mystery.
The plot kept me engaged throughout, and I was invested in discovering what had happened to the missing girls. While the pacing occasionally slowed as the story explored broader social issues, those same elements are what made the novel stand out from many crime thrillers I've read recently. This isn't just a mystery; it's a story that raises questions about justice, power, and the stories communities tell themselves.
Content warnings should include violence against women and children, murder, ritual practices, child disappearances, and corruption.
Overall, Girl Number 8 is a compelling and thought-provoking crime novel that offers both an intriguing mystery and a vivid sense of place. It's the kind of book that lingers in your mind after you've finished the final page, and I suspect I'll be thinking about it for quite some time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
One of the things I appreciated most about this novel was how completely it immersed me in a setting that felt unfamiliar. This is the first book I've read set in Nigeria, and the setting wasn't just a backdrop. It was essential to the story. The dialogue reflects local speech patterns, which took me a chapter or two to adjust to, but once I did, I could practically hear the characters speaking. It added authenticity and helped bring the world to life.
I also found the social commentary fascinating. The casual acceptance of corruption among some of the police and political figures was eye-opening, as were the community beliefs surrounding Freida's green eyes. Seeing a child viewed with suspicion because of a genetic trait was both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. The book explores how fear, superstition, power, and tradition can shape people's lives in ways that are often unfair and devastating.
Detective Sola Adeyemi was my favorite character. She's determined, intelligent, and committed to finding the truth even when the obstacles seem overwhelming. I enjoyed following her investigation and watching her piece together the mystery.
The plot kept me engaged throughout, and I was invested in discovering what had happened to the missing girls. While the pacing occasionally slowed as the story explored broader social issues, those same elements are what made the novel stand out from many crime thrillers I've read recently. This isn't just a mystery; it's a story that raises questions about justice, power, and the stories communities tell themselves.
Content warnings should include violence against women and children, murder, ritual practices, child disappearances, and corruption.
Overall, Girl Number 8 is a compelling and thought-provoking crime novel that offers both an intriguing mystery and a vivid sense of place. It's the kind of book that lingers in your mind after you've finished the final page, and I suspect I'll be thinking about it for quite some time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 2, 2026
Review of ARC provided by NetGalley, my thanks for making this available.
“You can’t hire a vigilante just like that. They are allocated by local committee.” Quote not so related to my review but I think representative of this book’s dedication to highlighting contradictions in modern Nigeria.
This debut novel by Okoh follows the disappearance of Frieda Iseregwu, the daughter of a servant in the household of a local politician. The ripples are explored through the perspective of the politician, the mother of the missing girl and the policewoman who investigates Frieda’s disappearance.
As well as driving the narrative, the character’s perspectives serve as an examination of traditional spiritual belief systems (juju) and how it fits into modern Nigerian ways of life. I have mixed feelings on the exploration here. I do have to issue the disclaimer here that I’m trying to avoid the white saviour complex but I’m also pretty representative of a modern audience.
The book presented a legitimate criticism of the impact of superstitious beliefs and dangerous practices. At times, I felt like there was a link between poverty and those who are in less developed areas with beliefs posed as irrational. With that said, we saw in the book how people in every echelon of society had a complicated relationship with juju.
Ultimately, I feel pretty positive about my feelings being mixed; I don’t want to read books where I docilely accept what’s presented to me, I think it’s good when a book gives me something to chew on like this has.
I thought the exploration of the experience of queer women in modern Nigeria felt at times frustrating, but it’s hard to balance how much of this was character flaw rather than writing flaw. It just felt a bit lacking that there was such a lack of urgency in the potential for being outed and the ramifications of this.
Overall, I would recommend this to friends and colleagues.
“You can’t hire a vigilante just like that. They are allocated by local committee.” Quote not so related to my review but I think representative of this book’s dedication to highlighting contradictions in modern Nigeria.
This debut novel by Okoh follows the disappearance of Frieda Iseregwu, the daughter of a servant in the household of a local politician. The ripples are explored through the perspective of the politician, the mother of the missing girl and the policewoman who investigates Frieda’s disappearance.
As well as driving the narrative, the character’s perspectives serve as an examination of traditional spiritual belief systems (juju) and how it fits into modern Nigerian ways of life. I have mixed feelings on the exploration here. I do have to issue the disclaimer here that I’m trying to avoid the white saviour complex but I’m also pretty representative of a modern audience.
The book presented a legitimate criticism of the impact of superstitious beliefs and dangerous practices. At times, I felt like there was a link between poverty and those who are in less developed areas with beliefs posed as irrational. With that said, we saw in the book how people in every echelon of society had a complicated relationship with juju.
Ultimately, I feel pretty positive about my feelings being mixed; I don’t want to read books where I docilely accept what’s presented to me, I think it’s good when a book gives me something to chew on like this has.
I thought the exploration of the experience of queer women in modern Nigeria felt at times frustrating, but it’s hard to balance how much of this was character flaw rather than writing flaw. It just felt a bit lacking that there was such a lack of urgency in the potential for being outed and the ramifications of this.
Overall, I would recommend this to friends and colleagues.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing Group for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of Girl Number 8 by Janice Okoh. This will be published on January 19, 2027.
This was a complex story centered around the sudden disappearance of a four-year-old girl. The story of Frieda’s disappearance is told from three point-of-views. Her mother, Olori; the officer investigating the disappearance, Sola Adeyemi; and Samson Buzugbe, a wealthy politician who employs Olori as a house girl.
There are multiple subplots to the main plot that encompasses family relationships, religious and political corruption and sinister superstitions in Nigeria. It’s a compelling thriller that steadily progresses at a fast-pace.
Throughout the novel, the Nigerian culture is displayed. Most prominently with the dialogue as Olori’s narrative is written in the first person. At first, it may seem that the pidgin is hard to follow but you do understand the essence of what is being said. After a while, I didn’t really notice it to the same extent as I did in the beginning.
The characters are well-written and developed. You learn more about them the deeper into the story you get and how truthful each character may or may not seem. What I thought of some characters definitely changed by the time I completed the book.
The social, political and religious commentary are major themes throughout. What happens in the story in Nigeria is not much different from what happens in other cultures around the world. It’s not a surprise that those who should represent a moral compass with ethics and integrity do not. And those who would be deemed lacking of morals, ethics and integrity are the voices of reason.
This was a phenomenal read that I’d definitely recommend.
This was a complex story centered around the sudden disappearance of a four-year-old girl. The story of Frieda’s disappearance is told from three point-of-views. Her mother, Olori; the officer investigating the disappearance, Sola Adeyemi; and Samson Buzugbe, a wealthy politician who employs Olori as a house girl.
There are multiple subplots to the main plot that encompasses family relationships, religious and political corruption and sinister superstitions in Nigeria. It’s a compelling thriller that steadily progresses at a fast-pace.
Throughout the novel, the Nigerian culture is displayed. Most prominently with the dialogue as Olori’s narrative is written in the first person. At first, it may seem that the pidgin is hard to follow but you do understand the essence of what is being said. After a while, I didn’t really notice it to the same extent as I did in the beginning.
The characters are well-written and developed. You learn more about them the deeper into the story you get and how truthful each character may or may not seem. What I thought of some characters definitely changed by the time I completed the book.
The social, political and religious commentary are major themes throughout. What happens in the story in Nigeria is not much different from what happens in other cultures around the world. It’s not a surprise that those who should represent a moral compass with ethics and integrity do not. And those who would be deemed lacking of morals, ethics and integrity are the voices of reason.
This was a phenomenal read that I’d definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of Girl Number 8, by Janice Okoh. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance review copy.
Five stars.
This is a beautiful debut novel from Janice Okoh, that combines crime fiction with a fascinating insight into modern Nigeria.
Four year old Frieda, daughter of a house girl, has gone missing. Policewoman Sola Adeyemi, head of the Department of Ritualistic Murders and Human Sacrifice, forces herself onto the case, seeing a link between this case and other missing children. A politician's reputation is at stake, secrets are to be revealed, and beliefs in evil possession (ogbanje) are everywhere. Sola must work out who she can trust.
I greatly enjoyed this story. Not only is it a great crime fiction story, but it paints a vivid picture of life in central Nigeria. Everything is described colourfully, and you really get a sense of it. I love the juxtaposition of the modern technology we all use - WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, with the traditional beliefs of superstitions that still hold for some of the characters. I sped through it quickly, eager to see where the story would go.
Each chapter is written from the view of one of the main protagonists - house girl Olori, the mother of the missing child, Samson, an ambitious politician who employs her, and Sola, determined to solve not just this case but the other historic cases. Each character has their own unique writing style, which is a great innovation.
I strongly recommend this if you enjoy intelligent crime fiction, and like me, love getting the feel of a country and culture that is new to you at the same time.
You might like this if you like Parker Bilal, Abir Mukherjee, Will Dean or Tom Bradby.
Five stars.
This is a beautiful debut novel from Janice Okoh, that combines crime fiction with a fascinating insight into modern Nigeria.
Four year old Frieda, daughter of a house girl, has gone missing. Policewoman Sola Adeyemi, head of the Department of Ritualistic Murders and Human Sacrifice, forces herself onto the case, seeing a link between this case and other missing children. A politician's reputation is at stake, secrets are to be revealed, and beliefs in evil possession (ogbanje) are everywhere. Sola must work out who she can trust.
I greatly enjoyed this story. Not only is it a great crime fiction story, but it paints a vivid picture of life in central Nigeria. Everything is described colourfully, and you really get a sense of it. I love the juxtaposition of the modern technology we all use - WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, with the traditional beliefs of superstitions that still hold for some of the characters. I sped through it quickly, eager to see where the story would go.
Each chapter is written from the view of one of the main protagonists - house girl Olori, the mother of the missing child, Samson, an ambitious politician who employs her, and Sola, determined to solve not just this case but the other historic cases. Each character has their own unique writing style, which is a great innovation.
I strongly recommend this if you enjoy intelligent crime fiction, and like me, love getting the feel of a country and culture that is new to you at the same time.
You might like this if you like Parker Bilal, Abir Mukherjee, Will Dean or Tom Bradby.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
this book has a lot of strong elements and hooked me in the beginning and then again at the end. the middle felt like it lagged quite a bit and impacted my overall experience of the read. below is my breakdown.
atmosphere: okoh does an amazing job of creating a palpable cultural atmosphere through narrative voice. that definitely was one of the most special parts of this book.
narrative approach: i enjoyed inhabiting the different perspectives of sola, samson, and olori. initially i found the pidgin very compelling and immersive, but over time it felt like many of the word choices felt a little high-brow or unnecessarily technical (i.e. corrugated roof) and didn’t match the vibe of the pidgin and started to feel inauthentic— that took me out of the reading experience and ultimately became distracting.
character: i probably enjoyed sola the most. she felt most dimensional. olori and samson, though layered, felt a bit trope-ish and flatter. though towards the very end, i found certain drastic revelations about their characters interesting to chew on.
plot: this was probably my biggest challenge. there was very little movement for most of the book until the final 30% when things moved at almost a breakneck speed that felt rushed and in some respects not as considered as it could have been. the middle felt like quite a bit of meandering that didn’t feel of consequence to character, plot, atmosphere. and yet, the final 30% was page turning. i wish just a smidge of that energy was in the rest of the book.
happy i read this. i find reading books richly steeped in culture like this very rewarding.
atmosphere: okoh does an amazing job of creating a palpable cultural atmosphere through narrative voice. that definitely was one of the most special parts of this book.
narrative approach: i enjoyed inhabiting the different perspectives of sola, samson, and olori. initially i found the pidgin very compelling and immersive, but over time it felt like many of the word choices felt a little high-brow or unnecessarily technical (i.e. corrugated roof) and didn’t match the vibe of the pidgin and started to feel inauthentic— that took me out of the reading experience and ultimately became distracting.
character: i probably enjoyed sola the most. she felt most dimensional. olori and samson, though layered, felt a bit trope-ish and flatter. though towards the very end, i found certain drastic revelations about their characters interesting to chew on.
plot: this was probably my biggest challenge. there was very little movement for most of the book until the final 30% when things moved at almost a breakneck speed that felt rushed and in some respects not as considered as it could have been. the middle felt like quite a bit of meandering that didn’t feel of consequence to character, plot, atmosphere. and yet, the final 30% was page turning. i wish just a smidge of that energy was in the rest of the book.
happy i read this. i find reading books richly steeped in culture like this very rewarding.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advance copy of this book. Thank you.
This is an impressive debut novel, with a lot going on, to keep the book moving and full of fascinating aspects of Nigerian culture that I knew little about.
I found the beginning of the book a little chaotic, as the characters were introduced and figuring out who is telling what part of the story and what their role is.
Olori is the house girl of the wealthy politician, Samson Buzugbe and his wife. She has a 4yr old daughter, Frieda, who spends a lot of time with Samson's wife, who is obsessed about having a child. The wife returns home from an outing, frantic that Frieda has been stolen. Detective Sola Adeyemi is called in. She gets the sense that those she questions aren't telling the truth. Since this seems to be related to other cold cases she's been working on, she feels she's as close as she can be to finding a thread which will enable her to unravel the mystery, so she digs in. Olori keeps pushing for answers, yet she doesn't know who to trust, Sola gets close to what she thinks might be a connection, only to find it's not.
As I said this is an ambitious book and bit off a lot.
There is Nigerian Culture, corruption of politicians, superstitions, juju, society ranking. Sola not only is a detective, but she also has a teenage son, she worries, she's losing their connections with all of her work, she's gay and that's part of the story.
There is definitely no clear bad guy, and will keep you guessing until the end.
This is an impressive debut novel, with a lot going on, to keep the book moving and full of fascinating aspects of Nigerian culture that I knew little about.
I found the beginning of the book a little chaotic, as the characters were introduced and figuring out who is telling what part of the story and what their role is.
Olori is the house girl of the wealthy politician, Samson Buzugbe and his wife. She has a 4yr old daughter, Frieda, who spends a lot of time with Samson's wife, who is obsessed about having a child. The wife returns home from an outing, frantic that Frieda has been stolen. Detective Sola Adeyemi is called in. She gets the sense that those she questions aren't telling the truth. Since this seems to be related to other cold cases she's been working on, she feels she's as close as she can be to finding a thread which will enable her to unravel the mystery, so she digs in. Olori keeps pushing for answers, yet she doesn't know who to trust, Sola gets close to what she thinks might be a connection, only to find it's not.
As I said this is an ambitious book and bit off a lot.
There is Nigerian Culture, corruption of politicians, superstitions, juju, society ranking. Sola not only is a detective, but she also has a teenage son, she worries, she's losing their connections with all of her work, she's gay and that's part of the story.
There is definitely no clear bad guy, and will keep you guessing until the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is set in class ridden and superstitious Nigeria and I was very pleased to have finished it. I had to finish it to find out what happened to Frieda. She had gone missing from the compound of an important politician called Samson. If it is discovered that he or his wife had anything to do with Frieda’s kidnapping his career will be finished.
As a reader you feel this is the least of the problems in the story because underlying all this is the possibility she’s been taken because some people believed she is a witch as her eyes are very light green and they disturb people. She is 4 years old! The fear is she will be horrifically abused and ritualistically murdered. Frieda’s mother comes over as quite a complicated woman but ultimately is more interested in catching a husband than in caring for Frieda. Most unsympathetic and the attitude of most other characters in the story seem to be very unbothered about the horrific deeds going on around them.
One standout character is the lead officer in the Department of Ritualistic Murders and Human Sacrifice. Sola Adeyemi is a determined and clever detective who feels very strongly that she must find and save Frieda. Frieda is one of 7 other little children who have gone missing and yet to be found.
Despite the horrific nature of the subject I found the writing to be quite cold and uninvolved. Perhaps a good thing as one awful but thankfully short scene in the book was more than enough.
This book was not an enjoyable read for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the kindle ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a reader you feel this is the least of the problems in the story because underlying all this is the possibility she’s been taken because some people believed she is a witch as her eyes are very light green and they disturb people. She is 4 years old! The fear is she will be horrifically abused and ritualistically murdered. Frieda’s mother comes over as quite a complicated woman but ultimately is more interested in catching a husband than in caring for Frieda. Most unsympathetic and the attitude of most other characters in the story seem to be very unbothered about the horrific deeds going on around them.
One standout character is the lead officer in the Department of Ritualistic Murders and Human Sacrifice. Sola Adeyemi is a determined and clever detective who feels very strongly that she must find and save Frieda. Frieda is one of 7 other little children who have gone missing and yet to be found.
Despite the horrific nature of the subject I found the writing to be quite cold and uninvolved. Perhaps a good thing as one awful but thankfully short scene in the book was more than enough.
This book was not an enjoyable read for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the kindle ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s set in Nigeria right before a massive election, and it does a fantastic job of mixing a heartbreaking mystery with a harsh look at corruption and class divides. The story starts with every parent's worst nightmare: four-year-old Frieda goes missing while being watched by a powerful politician's wife. Because Frieda’s mom is a domestic worker, you immediately feel the painful power imbalance. Detective Sola Adeyemi takes the case, and things get dark fast—Frieda is the eighth child to vanish, and Sola has to dig through political cover-ups and intense local superstitions about Frieda's unique green eyes to find the truth. You can definitely tell Okoh is a playwright because the dialogue is incredibly sharp and the tension just keeps building. I loved how she wove cultural folklore into a gritty detective story without making it feel forced. The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars for me is that some of the political side plots got a bit dense, but the main mystery kept me totally hooked. It’s a fierce, heavy, and incredibly well-written book that will definitely have people talking in 2027.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a different kind of thriller and, if I’m honest, I’m still not quite sure what I thought about it. The story follows the disappearance of a young girl in Nigeria and brings together missing children, superstition, corruption, politics and some very interesting cultural elements.
There was plenty going on, with lots of characters and different layers to the story, although at times I found it a little difficult to keep track of everything and it took me a while to settle into the book.
I enjoyed the police procedural side and Detective Sola Adeyemi was an interesting character, but I think the story was perhaps a little more complex than I was looking for. There were some good twists and plenty to think about, and I appreciated how different it was from the usual thrillers I read.
Overall, an interesting and atmospheric debut with a lot going on. I enjoyed parts of it, but I’m left feeling that it just didn’t completely grab me in the way I’d hoped.
There was plenty going on, with lots of characters and different layers to the story, although at times I found it a little difficult to keep track of everything and it took me a while to settle into the book.
I enjoyed the police procedural side and Detective Sola Adeyemi was an interesting character, but I think the story was perhaps a little more complex than I was looking for. There were some good twists and plenty to think about, and I appreciated how different it was from the usual thrillers I read.
Overall, an interesting and atmospheric debut with a lot going on. I enjoyed parts of it, but I’m left feeling that it just didn’t completely grab me in the way I’d hoped.
July 24, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
Girl Number 8 is a crime novel that offers something a little different. I was immediately excited by the Nigerian setting, which gave the story a fresh perspective and added so much to the atmosphere.
Detective Sola Adeyemi is a character I really enjoyed getting to know. She’s determined, compassionate and was prepared to challenge those in power as she investigates the disappearance of a young girl from the home of a wealthy political family. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that almost everyone is hiding something, and I found myself constantly rethinking who I could trust.
A gripping, character-driven crime novel with a unique setting and plenty of twists. I’ll definitely be back for the next book featuring Sola.
Girl Number 8 is a crime novel that offers something a little different. I was immediately excited by the Nigerian setting, which gave the story a fresh perspective and added so much to the atmosphere.
Detective Sola Adeyemi is a character I really enjoyed getting to know. She’s determined, compassionate and was prepared to challenge those in power as she investigates the disappearance of a young girl from the home of a wealthy political family. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that almost everyone is hiding something, and I found myself constantly rethinking who I could trust.
A gripping, character-driven crime novel with a unique setting and plenty of twists. I’ll definitely be back for the next book featuring Sola.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Olori is the housekeeper to a wealthy family in Nigeria and supports her daughter, Frieda. She ignores the rumours and gossip that circulates about her daughter, with many speculating the there is something different about Frieda.
And then Frieda goes missing. And Olori becomes aware of a whole different set of rumours and gossip that circulate around her powerful employers.
But surely they could not have had anything to do with her daughter's disappearance. Could they?
This is an interesting story that will provide insights into a very different culture and environment for many readers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
And then Frieda goes missing. And Olori becomes aware of a whole different set of rumours and gossip that circulate around her powerful employers.
But surely they could not have had anything to do with her daughter's disappearance. Could they?
This is an interesting story that will provide insights into a very different culture and environment for many readers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the title and cover for this book and am glad I had the chance to read it. Okoh, has a great way of telling the story. The prose is precise, to the point, and works well here.
The subject matter is disturbing, but told in a compelling way that had me turning the pages and invested. I enjoyed the investigative aspect, and thought Sola was well crafted as a character. While not perfect, and some of the characters left me wanting (Frieda's mother) this book is definitely one to read if you like a mystery/thriller with dark themes that some might find disturbing, especially with children involved.
The subject matter is disturbing, but told in a compelling way that had me turning the pages and invested. I enjoyed the investigative aspect, and thought Sola was well crafted as a character. While not perfect, and some of the characters left me wanting (Frieda's mother) this book is definitely one to read if you like a mystery/thriller with dark themes that some might find disturbing, especially with children involved.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Girl Number 8 is a taut, unsettling novel that blends mystery with social realism, following a protagonist whose search for answers forces her to confront systemic failures and personal ghosts. Okoh’s writing is crisp and unflinching, and she builds suspense not through spectacle but through the steady accumulation of dread and revelation. The book’s emotional core lies in its exploration of identity and survival—how a person reconstructs themselves when the world has repeatedly tried to erase them. It’s gripping, empathetic, and quietly devastating in all the right ways.
September 30, 2026
Girl Number 8 takes place in Nigeria and follows a couple whose daughter has disappeared. The wife is obsessed with getting pregnant while the husband loses interest in her because of it. We also have an investigator who is trying to find their daughter and other children who have been taken.
I went into this with no expectations. The writing is good, and the characters were well written. The plot lost me occasionally, but it’s a solid book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
I went into this with no expectations. The writing is good, and the characters were well written. The plot lost me occasionally, but it’s a solid book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🇳🇬
Right from the first pages of the book we dive into the action-full story of a missing girl and view it from the sides of different classes of Nigeria society. The language, the narration, the politics, the events — all helps us get fully immersed in the setting and feel the suspension atmosphere of the events from the first pages the very end.
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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Right from the first pages of the book we dive into the action-full story of a missing girl and view it from the sides of different classes of Nigeria society. The language, the narration, the politics, the events — all helps us get fully immersed in the setting and feel the suspension atmosphere of the events from the first pages the very end.
- - -
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley and Janice Okoh for the advanced reader copy!
I was not sure what to expect when starting this book. Though from the start I was drawn into the mystery of a missing Child and the culture!
As the story follows the investigation you feel submerged a rich governmental culture versus poor culture.
Was unable to put the story away. And started to read a week or two back and had decided to restart only to finish in less than 24 hours.
Brilliant work by the Author!
I was not sure what to expect when starting this book. Though from the start I was drawn into the mystery of a missing Child and the culture!
As the story follows the investigation you feel submerged a rich governmental culture versus poor culture.
Was unable to put the story away. And started to read a week or two back and had decided to restart only to finish in less than 24 hours.
Brilliant work by the Author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was very ambitious. I applaud it for all that it wanted to accomplish. However, I believe it divided its attention amongst so many things, all of which were heavy-hitting topics, that it often fell flat. This story is brimming with so much potential that I feel would have really shined through if it was given more real estate to breathe.
This book was very ambitious. I applaud it for all that it wanted to accomplish. However, I believe it divided its attention amongst so many things, all of which were heavy-hitting topics, that it often fell flat. This story is brimming with so much potential that I feel would have really shined through if it was given more real estate to breathe.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sola lives on the edge of the law and religion in Nigeria. She's a great character, sassy, determined, and sometimes a bit impulsive. She is against superstition but has to deal with it. As the story unfolds, Sola learns a bit about herself as well. Corruption abounds in this story and the secrets people keep can get one killed. I enjoyed the story and would like to see more stories about Sola and her life as a police officer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When a girl goes missing from the compound of a politician it sends an investigator down a path of missing children, affairs, murder, and lies.
While the premise of the story was great, I found it difficult to follow. There were a lot of characters - many well developed - but at times that was also confusing.
While the premise of the story was great, I found it difficult to follow. There were a lot of characters - many well developed - but at times that was also confusing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A very satisfying mystery. Review to come closer to release date
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced reader's copy!
Right off the bat I loved the culture in this book. Okoh does an amazing job at immediately immersing us in both the atmosphere and points of view from the different classes in Nigeria throughout, and I think this may be the strongest element! We get such a clearly painted picture of the environment, and the dialogue from each character really pulls us further into a setting some of us may not be the most familiar with. It was incredibly written!
I found the plot to be strong and to the point in the beginning. Another girl goes missing in the mix of the upcoming polls and political corruption. I thought the story was a little disconnected in the middle and I wasn't able to latch on as strongly as I would have liked. A lot of different things were happening and I wasn't quite how they tied together, however everything came to a close at the end and ending up making sense.
Overall, this book was thought provoking and unlike any books I've read up until now!
Right off the bat I loved the culture in this book. Okoh does an amazing job at immediately immersing us in both the atmosphere and points of view from the different classes in Nigeria throughout, and I think this may be the strongest element! We get such a clearly painted picture of the environment, and the dialogue from each character really pulls us further into a setting some of us may not be the most familiar with. It was incredibly written!
I found the plot to be strong and to the point in the beginning. Another girl goes missing in the mix of the upcoming polls and political corruption. I thought the story was a little disconnected in the middle and I wasn't able to latch on as strongly as I would have liked. A lot of different things were happening and I wasn't quite how they tied together, however everything came to a close at the end and ending up making sense.
Overall, this book was thought provoking and unlike any books I've read up until now!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of Girl Number 8, by Janice Okoh. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance review copy.
Five stars.
This is a beautiful debut novel from Janice Okoh, that combines crime fiction with a fascinating insight into modern Nigeria.
Four year old Frieda, daughter of a house girl, has gone missing. Policewoman Sola Adeyemi, head of the Department of Ritualistic Murders and Human Sacrifice, forces herself onto the case, seeing a link between this case and other missing children. A politician's reputation is at stake, secrets are to be revealed, and beliefs in evil possession (ogbanje) are everywhere. Sola must work out who she can trust.
I greatly enjoyed this story. Not only is it a great crime fiction story, but it paints a vivid picture of life in central Nigeria. Everything is described colourfully, and you really get a sense of it. I love the juxtaposition of the modern technology we all use - WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, with the traditional beliefs of superstitions that still hold for some of the characters. I sped through it quickly, eager to see where the story would go.
Each chapter is written from the view of one of the main protagonists - house girl Olori, the mother of the missing child, Samson, an ambitious politician who employs her, and Sola, determined to solve not just this case but the other historic cases. Each character has their own unique writing style, which is a great innovation.
I strongly recommend this if you enjoy intelligent crime fiction, and like me, love getting the feel of a country and culture that is new to you at the same time.
You might like this if you like Parker Bilal, Abir Mukherjee, Will Dean or Tom Bradby.
Five stars.
This is a beautiful debut novel from Janice Okoh, that combines crime fiction with a fascinating insight into modern Nigeria.
Four year old Frieda, daughter of a house girl, has gone missing. Policewoman Sola Adeyemi, head of the Department of Ritualistic Murders and Human Sacrifice, forces herself onto the case, seeing a link between this case and other missing children. A politician's reputation is at stake, secrets are to be revealed, and beliefs in evil possession (ogbanje) are everywhere. Sola must work out who she can trust.
I greatly enjoyed this story. Not only is it a great crime fiction story, but it paints a vivid picture of life in central Nigeria. Everything is described colourfully, and you really get a sense of it. I love the juxtaposition of the modern technology we all use - WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, with the traditional beliefs of superstitions that still hold for some of the characters. I sped through it quickly, eager to see where the story would go.
Each chapter is written from the view of one of the main protagonists - house girl Olori, the mother of the missing child, Samson, an ambitious politician who employs her, and Sola, determined to solve not just this case but the other historic cases. Each character has their own unique writing style, which is a great innovation.
I strongly recommend this if you enjoy intelligent crime fiction, and like me, love getting the feel of a country and culture that is new to you at the same time.
You might like this if you like Parker Bilal, Abir Mukherjee, Will Dean or Tom Bradby.
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