Let the Murderer Say Amen - by Carolyn Marie Wilkins (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

As prosperity and great cultural changes sweep across 1920s Jazz Age America, Nola Ann Jackson learns more about developing her natural psychic talents from her aunt--talents that prove crucial when she investigates murder in her Black community--in this thrilling historical mystery written by a real-life psychic medium and jazz pianist.

The people of Agate, Illinois, have welcomed Bishop Pius Amun Ra with open arms, flocking to become congregants of his Temple of Righteous Revelation. He has won over the hearts not only of the Black churchgoers, but of the city's white political and wealthy elite. Bishop Ra is more than a preacher of the good word, he is a faith healer, blessed with the gift on the banks of the Nile during his youth in Egypt. His worshippers believe he can cure cancer--and even raise the dead.
Sequoia LaMarche was saved by Bishop Ra, and the young white woman serves his church as a singer, receiving death threats for her efforts. Despite Ra's protection, members of the Temple's inner circle hold Sequoia in contempt, including bodyguard Sam Constant, who publicly accuses her of stealing money from the collection plate. After the confrontation, Sequoia's murdered body is discovered, and Sam becomes the police's number one suspect.

Nola is a good friend of Sam's sister, believing he's innocent. Guided by her psychic instincts, she conducts her own investigation, uncovering secrets about the Bishop and the people closest to him, including his wife. The leaders of the Temple are not as righteous as they claim. Their altruism masks sins they prefer buried. And when another murder occurs, Nola must unveil the killer before she becomes the next victim . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for Murder at the Wham Bam Club

"The historical scene is deeply described, with spot-on details of Prohibition, the Great Migration, and soul food, making 100 years ago feel as recent as yesterday. Fans of Walter Mosley, Eleanor Taylor Bland, and Attica Locke will appreciate the fresh voice of this emerging crime writer."--Library Journal

"Wilkins delivers on all fronts, presenting readers with a brain-teasing puzzle, a memorable heroine, and a well-drawn setting. Mystery fans who like their whodunits with a supernatural twist will enjoy themselves."- Publishers Weekly

"A well-plotted mystery that will introduce mystery lovers to a dynamic new sleuth, Nola Jackson. Culturally rich and full of period detail, this mystery has everything including good food, music, and a paranormal touch." --Valerie Burns, author of A Cup of Flour, A Pinch of Death

"In Murder at the Wham Bam Club, psychic Nola Ann Jackson uses her abilities to help her community fight against crime. Set amidst the high times and corruption during the Roaring Twenties Jazz Age, Nola must use psychic arts to save a young woman who goes missing from Wham Bam Club. Fast-paced, scandalous-- Nola is a detective to watch." --Vanessa Riley, award-winning author of Island Queen and The Lady Worthing Mysteries

"Murder at the Wham Bam Club is a powerful, impressive, and entertaining debut with well-developed, diverse, and unforgettable characters. The plotline, descriptions of the characters, and dialogue are so real, it's hard to believe that this is a work of fiction. If you only read a few books a year, make this one of them." --Mary Monroe, New York Times bestselling author

"Murder at the Wham Bam Club offers readers a unique peek at small-town Black life during the 1920s in a mid-western accent--with mysticism and spells thrown in for an intriguing twist." --Valerie Wilson Wesley

About the Author

Carolyn Marie Wilkins is a practicing psychic medium, a Santeria priestess, and a professor at Berklee College of Music Online. An accomplished jazz pianist and vocalist, she has toured South America as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department. She is a member of Crime Writers of Color and Sisters in Crime New England. When she is not writing, performing, or offering Reiki to students at Berklee, Carolyn maintains a private practice in healing and mediumship. She lives in the Boston area and can be found online at CarolynWilkins.com.