Murder at the Wham Bam Club

Wilkins (Death at a Séance) introduces psychic gumshoe Nola Ann Jackson in this solid series launch set in 1922. In the years following WWI, Agate, Ill., has transformed from a “sleepy river town” into a bustling Black haven. After Nola’s husband was killed in combat, she returned to Agate to live with her aunt, who also has paranormal abilities. Sallie Wyatt, headmistress of the school Nola attended as a child, reaches out to Nola when one of her current charges, a girl named Lilly Davidson, disappears. Sally believes Lilly’s disappearance may have something to do with jazz trumpeter Eddie Smooth, whom the girl had been spending time with at the Wham Bam Club. Nola agrees to use her gifts to search for Lilly, but things get complicated when the club is torched and Eddie is gunned down. Circumstantial evidence points toward Lilly as the culprit, but Nola pursues other suspects, including a local Republican power broker. 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. Agent: Lane Clarke, ArtHouse Literary. (Aug.)