The Search for Othella Savage
Foday Mannah
May 2025 · Quercus · Narrated by Ellen Thomas
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10 hr 7 min
Unabridged
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About this audiobook
**A Times best crime novel of 2025 so far**
'Sharp, evocative' Guardian
'A compelling and authentic mystery that explores faith, identity, corruption, and friendship with a deft touch. Foday's writing is vivid, thoughtful, and full of heart' Amen Alonge
When one of their own is found unconscious in the boot of her car, Scotland's Sierra Leonean community is cast into a state of shock. And the young woman's death a few days later sparks a murder investigation.
Though Hawa Barrie lives on the fringes of that community, which revolves around the Lion Mountain Church, the disappearance of a second woman - her childhood friend Othella Savage - draws her in.
But as the police investigation drags on, Hawa grows increasingly suspicious of the charismatic Pastor Ronald Ranka - and increasingly fearful for her friend, Othella. Desperate, she launches her own search, which will take her from Scotland to Sierra Leone and back again, revealing the true nature of Ranka's church whilst exposing dark secrets within the fabric of both countries she calls home.
A darkly compelling read inspired by a real incident, The Search for Othella Savage is an engaging and compulsive debut which examines the insidious nature of corruption - both religious and political - whilst also exploring the enduring power of friendship.
READER REVIEWS
'This was such a gripping read that grabbed me in its clutches and wouldn't let me go. When life got in the way and I had to put it down, I couldn't stop thinking about it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A very intriguing read with multicultural aspects. . . I would recommend picking up a copy!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I really liked this novel . . . the chapters are short and the suspense is present. The religious aspect is interesting and well written' ⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Sharp, evocative' Guardian
'A compelling and authentic mystery that explores faith, identity, corruption, and friendship with a deft touch. Foday's writing is vivid, thoughtful, and full of heart' Amen Alonge
When one of their own is found unconscious in the boot of her car, Scotland's Sierra Leonean community is cast into a state of shock. And the young woman's death a few days later sparks a murder investigation.
Though Hawa Barrie lives on the fringes of that community, which revolves around the Lion Mountain Church, the disappearance of a second woman - her childhood friend Othella Savage - draws her in.
But as the police investigation drags on, Hawa grows increasingly suspicious of the charismatic Pastor Ronald Ranka - and increasingly fearful for her friend, Othella. Desperate, she launches her own search, which will take her from Scotland to Sierra Leone and back again, revealing the true nature of Ranka's church whilst exposing dark secrets within the fabric of both countries she calls home.
A darkly compelling read inspired by a real incident, The Search for Othella Savage is an engaging and compulsive debut which examines the insidious nature of corruption - both religious and political - whilst also exploring the enduring power of friendship.
READER REVIEWS
'This was such a gripping read that grabbed me in its clutches and wouldn't let me go. When life got in the way and I had to put it down, I couldn't stop thinking about it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A very intriguing read with multicultural aspects. . . I would recommend picking up a copy!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I really liked this novel . . . the chapters are short and the suspense is present. The religious aspect is interesting and well written' ⭐⭐⭐⭐
About the author
Born in London, Foday Mannah spent his formative years in Sierra Leone before returning to the United Kingdom. He currently lives in Scotland where he works as a teacher of English. His short story, Amie Samba, was shortlisted for the 2019 Bristol Short Story Prize, he has also had stories longlisted, shortlisted or highly commended for the Bridport, Sean O'Faolain, Mo Siewcharran, Brick Lane, Commonwealth, Morley, Bloody Scotland and Queen Mary Wasafiri writing competitions. His novel The Search for Othella Savage won the 2022 Mo Siewcharran Prize.
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