Wahala

The worlds of three mixed-race best friends are overturned by a newcomer to their group in Wahala, the deliciously intrigue-packed debut from Nikki May.

Ronke, Simi and Boo are all Anglo-Nigerian women living in London, and they are searching for different things in their lives. Ronke wants a husband and children; she has hopes for her current boyfriend but her friends have their doubts. Boo is feeling stifled by motherhood and the limited fulfillment of a job that she's placed on the back burner. Simi and her husband, who is temporarily an ocean away, should be enjoying their career successes but she's not as certain of the plans they made together as she claims. When Simi's childhood friend Isobel comes back into her life, she seems glamorous and exciting, if perhaps a little too eager to insinuate herself into all of their lives. But as their relationships with each other and their families begin to suffer, it becomes clear that Isobel has darker plans.

Sharply funny and insightful, Wahala tackles realistic issues around colorism, race and imposter syndrome, while reveling in culture, fashion and food. (Recipes are included.) It seamlessly blends the friendship fiction with a more sinister thriller aspect. Readers will fall in love with this group of friends, hold their breath waiting to discover their fates and eagerly look forward to more from May. --Kristen Allen-Vogel, information services librarian at Dayton Metro Library

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