Lagos Noir by Chris Abani

An uncompromising anthology of noir stories set in the tumultuous metropolis, Lagos, written by some of the most versatile and fascinating Nigerian authors working today. Fans of the darker side of literature will revel in these tales from Nigeria’s largest city.

In his superb introduction, editor Chris Abani guides the reader through the dark, criminal and riotous history of Lagos. With an intimate knowledge of the city, each writer takes us through the murky underbelly of waterways and alleyways, freeways and spaghetti bridges to reveal the unbridled darkness pulsating through the nerve centre of this megacity by the lagoon.

Featuring corrupt cops, luxurious mansions and a trail of bodies, this carefully curated collection shines a light on the darkest sides of Lagos.  From Abani’s witty and superb homage to Sherlock Holmes, ‘Killer Ape’,  to Chika Unigwe’s ‘Heaven’s Gate’, where a taxi driver’s newfound riches disappear as quickly as it arrives, these compelling and sometimes surprising interpretations of the noir genre make Lagos Noir a must read.