When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first. (From Goodreads)
Libba Bray is a storytelling master. She's genius. She's so awesome that I will read her ginormous book and love every single second of it. Because she doesn't seem to be satisfied with just telling a story - she goes beyond and puts you into the lives of the people involved in that story. Even better, this book acts more like a portal directly into 1920's New York where you can put your face to the glass and really feel like you're seeing it all play out first hand.
Evie is such a fun character. Shes kind of crazy, but she just doesn't let other people stop her from doing what she wants to do. As a person who colors within the lines and follows rules, I kind of admire this. Even as a rebellious teen, she's still not like any character I've read before. Evie commands most pages in this book, but a few other characters get some pretty decent face time as well. There's Memphis, the healer, and Theta, the beautiful dancer with a mysterious past. I loved these subplots that added such great dimension and depth.
This book is all fun and games until people start dying in terrifying ways. I actually had nightmares while I was reading this book. I'd fall asleep reading (because it was late, not because the book is a sedative) and then wake up completely terrified. But this book is so worth the nightmares. The villain will make your skin crawl. The settings will make your heart pound and your breath a little quicker.
Libba Bray has long been one of my favorite authors. Her acknowledgements are even incredible written works. I'll forever read anything that she writes and every time I read her books, she again earns her place in my favorites list. She's incredible, and this book is such a powerhouse and exemplary piece of fiction. I'm blown away and completely enamoured.
