The shoemaker's magician

The haunting if overbearing second paranormal mystery in Pelayo's Chicago Saga series (after Children of Chicago) pays homage to a slew of classic horror films. As a child, Polly used horror movies to escape the real horror of life with an abusive mother--and they gave her and her brother an idea. Desperate to escape their home life, the pair attempted magick to summon demons and ask for what they desired most. Their parents died shortly after, making Polly believe that their magick really worked. Now Polly has a successful career as a YouTuber discussing all things horror and a happy domestic life with Chicago homicide detective Bass and their young son, Bela. Bela's origins, however, have a dark backstory: after six miscarriages, a desperate Polly invoked all 72 demons to grant her wish of having a child. When Bass starts investigating a series of murders involving demon sigils and horror movies, Polly fears the ritual she did to get Bela may be responsible. Pelayo loads the text with references to cult films and asides about their production histories that will delight horror buffs but may overwhelm more casual fans. The details about Chicago are similarly exhaustive. This is not for the faint of heart. Agent: Lane Heymont, Tobias Agency. (Mar.)

Bram Stoker Award--winning Pelayo welcomes listeners back to her fantastical, frightening vision of Chicago with this second installment in the "Chicago Saga" series (following Children of Chicago). Paloma is a fan of silent films and horror movies. Her job as a horror influencer allows her to stay home and care for her son. She's also scored an interview with reclusive horror host Grand Vespertilio, who is never seen without his makeup. Meanwhile, a killer with a penchant for silent movies is leaving mutilated bodies in Chicago's historic theaters. A lost silent film links these three people, but which one will find the film first and unleash its power? Pelayo builds on the mythology she began in Children of Chicago, incorporating silent films, horror, and the channeling of magical forces. This tale has many points of view, including Paloma's homicide-detective husband, and Sophia Willingham's voice truly embodies Paloma, a woman who has lived through so much but would still do anything to protect her family. VERDICT Though Paloma's narrative is captivating, this tale is a must-purchase for Pelayo's gorgeously written love letter to horror movies and Chicago, a city brimming with eclectic tales, urban horrors, and palpable magic.--James Gardner