Harare Review of Books

309 pages.

First published in Sept 2021.

Finished reading on Feb 16, 2022.

Genre: Fiction.

A version of this review first appeared in The Sunday Long Read.

Ed Morgan and Jim Davis, agents from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, are called in to Money, Mississippi, to investigate an apparent murder case where one of the bodies has gone missing. The local police are less than pleased to see them, at first. But, as the investigation gets out of hand, even the FBI steps in.

The pacing of this story is excellent, and the serious subject—lynching—is handled with unexpected humor
and sensitivity. (Think Lovecraft Country, the Netflix series, but perhaps a little lighter.) The town of Money is a wonderful character, and you can also expect to meet the Bryant/Milams, the murderers of Emmett Till; the ridiculous coroner, Doctor Reverend Fondle; Mama Z, a one-hundred-and-five-year-old witch; her great granddaughter, Dixie, who is passing; the KKK; and, a cast of zombies. Also, Trump.

Percival Everett is the author of over thirty books. This is the first of his books that I’ve read, and I found it delightful. If you’re looking for a diverting read that will give you light chills and also make you laugh, I highly recommend this one.

Rated: 9/10