Murder, magic, and 1920’s history? Sign me up! Historical fantasy is one of my favorite genres and, as my kid points out when he wakes up late at night and wanders into the living room – “You’re always watching murder shows, Mom!” Libba Bray’s The Diviners is the perfect blend of some of my favorite things.
The book’s first murder happens after a dance marathon, and hints at darker things to come. An evil man’s spirit is seeking resurrection and must complete death rituals to make it happen. Readers soon meet the main character Evie, who is a Diviner – someone who can “read” memories from objects owned by other people.
But her magical talent often shows her uncomfortable truths. When she blurts them out, ruining the reputation of the town’s Golden Boy, her parents decide to ship her off. She also frequently gets herself in trouble sneaking off to dance clubs and drinking – which is illegal.
Bath tub gin, anyone? ;)
Evie lands at her Uncle’s Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult shortly after the first murder. When the police come to him for help solving it she tags along – using her gift to read an object on the dead woman.
The story moves quickly from there as she makes friends throughout the city, murders pile up, and romance blossoms. I devoured the book in three hours on a flight – couldn’t put it down!
Bray isn’t afraid to go a bit deeper with this fantasy – she touches on racism during the 1920’s and the difficulties for interracial couples with another character, Memphis. Henry DuBois is a gay secondary character is wary of being “caught” and forms a relationship with a woman, Theta, who knowingly provides him cover. And, in one flashback scene, readers discover why she’s loyal to him and see firsthand the dangers of back alley abortions (a relevant reminder in today’s political climate).
The Diviners has gruesome murders and suspense, cults and magic, and a headstrong heroine who manages to get herself in plenty of trouble.
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