Title: Lake of Darkness: A Novel
Author: Scott Kenemore
Release Date: May 5th 2020
Genre: African American, Horror, Fiction
An Alternate History in which Power, Crime, and the Supernatural Intersect on the South Side of Chicago
During the First World War, on the South Side of Chicago, officer Joe “Flip” Flippity has begun an investigation into a serial decapitationist who is hunting young children. At a time when African American officers are rendered second-class by prejudicial policies, Flip is nonetheless called upon by the mayor of the city—the legendary Big Bill Thompson himself—and a host of powerful city fathers, to thwart this murderer who threatens to destroy the city’s reputation as a safe haven for those making the Great Migration north.
While searching to catch his killer—and to discover why the most powerful men in Chicago are truly concerned about the murders of poor black refugees—Flip’s bloody trail takes him through the South Side’s vice districts (where anything is available for a price), across its most dangerous criminal underbellies, and into a bracing and unexpected world of supernatural horror.
As Flip digs deeper in his quest to protect the city’s most vulnerable, he stumbles upon more mysterious murders, confounding psychological puzzles, and terrifying hints of something “other” that may reach across from unknowable distances to guide the hand of a killer. It soon becomes apparent that all is not as it seems, and that mysterious and powerful forces are conspiring to stand in Flip’s way.
A combination of detective thriller, cosmic horror, and historical fiction, Lake of Darkness takes us to the deepest and darkest places in Chicago’s very dark history.
The cover of this book caught my eye. I had to know more about it. Horror? Thriller? YES PLEASE!!
This book was fantastic!! It kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The story is set in Chicago. Way way back in time but also in an alternate timeline. I did feel transported to a different time while reading. I LOVE when that happens! Ah to get lost in the pages of a book is truly satisfying. Joe “Flip” Flippity is tasked with solving some disturbing crimes being committed. He has a long road ahead of him but he meets people along the way and together they set out to find clues.
Both the story and characters are well written. I love the no nonsense way about Joe but as you read more, you realize there’s much more going on behind the mask he wears. That goes for most of the characters in the book. I also loved the mystery to some of them. It made me want to read more. There are many twists and turns and I dig that I didn’t see any of them coming.
This book did not disappoint! I highly recommend if you’re a fan of a good horror/thriller. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and will be looking for more of his work. I give this 5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
The Literary Vixen 