It’s time for the party of the year… but for all the wrong reasons. With thanks to Mellissa for her review.

The story follows the glamorous, ultra-wealthy Obanile family, who sit at the very peak of the social hierarchy, living the life most people can only dream of.

Bukola Obanile is about to celebrate her 60th birthday with a 500-guest party full of elegance, glamour and extravagance. After months of planning, little does she know what’s about to happen, or what long-buried secrets are about to be revealed.

On the outside, the Obaniles are a picture-perfect family. The reality is far from it. Family members are hiding huge secrets, while the family’s past holds dark trauma dating back 30 years. And now, it’s all clawing its way to the surface.

If you like juicy family dramas, societal scandals and immersive stories, this needs to be your next read (or added to your TBR pile at the very least!).

With a large cast of characters and the story being told from multiple points of view, the book could get a little confusing at times. I was very grateful that it begins with a reference guide showing who the characters are and how they’re related.

The book also includes a glossary of Nigerian Pidgin English at the start, which helped me understand the culture and atmosphere of the story without missing any of the drama.

I did find myself flicking back to the glossary and character guide a few times to keep track of everything that was happening, which made this a longer read than usual for me.

About the Book

In a family built on lies, what happens when the truth comes out?

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…

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.

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