A stand-alone historical fantasy novella with a lesbian protagonist.
Publication year: 2022
Page count: 136
Publisher: TOR
Format: ebook
Helen Brandt is a magical detective in 1940s Chicago. She's also a lesbian in a loving relationship with Edith. The 40s aren't kind to people who are different than the norm but Helen has more to hide than most people.
When Helen's main client, Marlow, sends her to do an augury on a murder site, she stumbles on a mystery: mystical symbols that aren't familiar to her. Then two members of the Brotherhood of the Compass show up. The Brotherhood controls magicians and they know that Helen is a warlock, a rogue magic user. And one of them is Helen's little brother whom she hasn't seen in years.
Helen goes back to Marlow and refuses to investigate more. However, Marlow gives her such an enticing offer that she must take it. Soon, Helen realizes that she's on the trail of a serial killer who is also a demon.
This was a bitter-sweet story that had a lot going on. I enjoyed Helen and Edith's relationship. It's so rare to see a happy established couple. Edith is a sweet young woman who feeds birds but has a secret of her own. While Helen's brother wasn't a deep character, it was also very nice to see her love for him.
The fantasy side was very interesting and I'd love to see more stories set in this world. We also get to visit a speakeasy and an insane asylum.
I really enjoyed this novella and I'm going to read more from this author.
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