Books

Pedals of Destruction is a gripping 60,000-word fiction thriller novel set in the vibrant Kilimani area of Nairobi. At the peak of his illustrious career, Joseph Korir, a 34-year-old movie star, film producer, and astute businessman, mysteriously vanishes without a trace. Joseph's disappearance sends shockwaves through his professional and personal circles. On a critical Saturday, Joseph fails to show up at various scheduled appearances and becomes unreachable by phone, prompting a series of distress calls from concerned colleagues, friends, and family. Speculations about his whereabouts abound, with some hinting at suicide, but the mystery deepens as no one can unravel the truth behind his sudden vanishing act. Kestine Nkatha, also 34, was Joseph's girlfriend during their university days 18 years ago. She knows better than anyone about his tendency to disappear without warning. Although their relationship ended due to his ghosting, Kestine had fallen deeply for him, and the memory of Joseph has lingered like a haunting shadow in her life, despite her attempts to deny it. Joseph's troubled past is rooted in his parents' tumultuous love story. Born to college sweethearts who eloped and married, his mother dropped out of school and was disowned by her parents. This marked the beginning of her woes. Joseph's father turned out to be abusive, and young Joseph was caught in the crossfire of their never-ending fights. These early experiences filled him with a deep-seated anger that profoundly affected his ability to connect with others. Orphaned at the tender age of ten, Joseph was left to navigate a harsh world on his own. He bounced from one family to another, seeking daily sustenance, as no one was willing to take sole responsibility for him. His life took a pivotal turn when a visiting NGO, impressed by his bravery and academic excellence, decided to support his education. This opportunity allowed Joseph to excel academically and eventually travel abroad, where he gained the exposure and experience, he later leveraged to build a successful business empire, making allies, friends, and enemies along the way. Nelly Kosgei, a 26-year-old fashion model, is the most recent victim of Joseph's aloof nature. Unable to endure the emotional detachment that defined their relationship, she suggests a break to give him time to define their situationship. Like the women before her, Nelly finds it impossible to rein in Joseph's elusive nature. Amidst the chaos of his personal relationships, Tai, the product of a brief fling with Doreen—a cast member in his film "Maverick"—stands out as Joseph's only soft spot. The birth of Tai reveals a softer side to the otherwise hardened and cruel Joseph. With Tai, he feels a rare sense of humanity and normalcy, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor. On the day of his kidnapping, Joseph's thoughts are a whirlwind of confusion and calculated reasoning. He believes that if someone has come for him, there must be a price to pay, though he doubts it would be death. He is certain, however, that there will be casualties—collateral damage in the intricate web of his life. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey through the streets of Nairobi, uncovering secrets and hidden motives. Kestine's unresolved feelings for Joseph and her intimate knowledge of his past become crucial in the search for him. Meanwhile, the complex dynamics of Joseph's relationships, his troubled upbringing, and the enemies he has made along the way create a thrilling narrative filled with twists and turns. Pedals of Destruction explores themes of love, betrayal, and abandonment, set against the backdrop of a vibrant city. It's a tale of a man haunted by his past, the women who loved him, and the dark forces that threaten to destroy him. Will Joseph Korir emerge from the shadows of his own making, or will he be lost forever?