The Devil Take the Blues - by Ariel Slick (Paperback)

About the Book

In 1920s Louisiana, a woman makes a deal with the Devil to save her sister from being murdered.

Book Synopsis

During the 1920s, 28-year-old, Beatrice Corbin just wants to keep her general store afloat and keep an eye on her 18-year-old, newly married sister, Agnes, in the small town of Azoma, Louisiana. Until, she is approached by the Devil, Frank Charbonneau, and learns that her sister will be murdered. At first, she doesn't believe Frank until one of his predictions comes true. To save her sister, she makes a bet with him, staking her soul on the wager that she can find her sister's would-be killer in seven weeks. Meanwhile Agnes is hiding her own secret, and Beatrice ignores her growing feelings for a Black blues musician, with whom Frank has also made a deal.

Unbeknownst to Beatrice, the true target is someone in her own family. As her time runs out, Beatrice becomes desperate and unknowingly pushes Agnes toward her inevitable fate. And everyone knows that the Devil doesn't play fair...but in this case, is he?

Review Quotes

"Slick's gumbo of folklore, music, racial tension, and sultry Southern nights will please fans of the 2025 film Sinners, as this work similarly updates traditional Southern Gothic elements for a tale that feels both timeless and fresh."-Kirkus Reviews

"I love this novel. It's powerful and original, funny and tragic--and most of all, true."-Mark Spencer, author of Ghost Walking

"Your novel is the best I've read in a long time."-Terri Valentine, author of Louisiana Caress

"A stunning read that swelters with tension and sultry grit, The Devil Take the Blues by Ariel Slick is a macabre masterpiece of family, sacrifice, and the seductive charms of darkness. This immersive and sharply penned novel is marked by consistent linguistic flair and the author's unflinching exploration of the underworld. Combining elements of historical fiction, crime thriller, family drama, with a helping of sardonic humor, the story transports readers to a gothic world of smoke-filled blues clubs, graced with compellingly acerbic heroines facing down the greatest of all antagonists. ★★★★★" -The Self-Publishing Review