VICTOR THORPE (Nigeria)

A certain generation of African readers will always remember the "Pacesetters" series with some fondness; especially outstanding authors like Kalu Okpi, Helen Ovbiagheli, and of course Victor Thorpe.

Victor Thorpe was born in the Riverine area of Nigeria in 1919. He would see action during the World War 11, and thereafter become a leading Librarian and bibliophile. And write.

Thorpe's books, novels, are all exciting, with excellent plots and themes. Thorpe always had an interest in the supernatural "esoteric", which comes to the fore in his books - as we read about gigantic snakes that can not be harmed in any way by sharp knives, cudgels or machetes; or about specially gifted ones who suddenly disappear, or even levitate.

Here are two reviews of two of Thorpe's works:

The Worshippers

Remarkable female twins, with distinct esoteric talents and powers, definitely telepathic and clairvoyant...gruesome killings across the land...fear and foreboding all over... These are ingredients of Victor Thorpe's first novel where he introduces the very funny, brave and intelligent Paul Okoro (crime reporter) to the world. Not forgetting the powerful scene of the drinking parlour "shebeen" early in this work where cold beers can be obtained cheaply, somehow. And where terrible fights break out involving all sorts of protagonists. This is a fast-paced thrilling work - it is also in this first adventure where Paul meets his equally remarkable wife, Aimee, as "special chemistry" takes over and they bond. Not that this stops him from consorting with prostitutes in the underworld - all in pursuit of investigating the case of course; and spending the night with a warm-hearted woman of the night who inadvertently sheds more light on goings-on. Stirring, yet frightening songs that add to the intrigues. We learn about dreaded crocodiles and an esoteric ruthless organisation holding the whole country to ransom. Paul and his gorgeous lady are captured, and escape of course and help in rounding up a most evil cabal of individuals. Bravo! Pity that Paul would lose a leg though, but can one make an omelette without breaking eggs?

Stone of Vengeance

Author Victor Thorpe's plots (in his novels) are ingenious - and so it is here again in this adventure. Even the titular "stone" is an understatement, as the reference is actually to diamonds – diamonds that made certain unconscionable people rich beyond their dreams; though they would pay a heavy price for this many years later. The stones are "cursed" and later on bring horrific sickness, plagues and lingering death to those involved in the desecration and disappearance of them in the past, from the original sacred owners. And in the case of a particular woman brave enough to wear one of such glittering treasures on her neck, said neck is brutally slit! This adventure involves reporter and investigator, Paul Okoro and his lovely wife (Aimee) again; and there is death, horror, mystery, intrigues again. We are introduced to certain characters whose greed and ruthlessness would result in their downfall - all hinged on the original theft of priceless stones. Ironically the man who actually stole the diamonds at inception is the one who suffers most - and his children later on swear, and do all they can to recover the "stones". All this results in another brilliant story, with Thorpe's usual humour and the zest and never-say-die attitude of Okoro and wife. The police finally round up the miscreants one way or the other, until Mr Okoro triumphs – and is ready to enjoy his reward with his intrepid wife; "but not to buy diamonds (with the reward) for Ikoro's sake!".

-         - O Bolaji