The Devil Take the Blues: a Southern Gothic Novel - Softcover

Slick, Ariel

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798218712402

Publisher: Hell or Highwater Books, 2025

Synopsis

"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

During the 1920s, Beatrice Corbin just wants to keep her general store afloat and keep an eye on her younger, 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?

About this title

About the Author

Ariel Slick is a novelist from Fort Worth, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book, Ancient Egyptian Mythology, and she co-wrote the Good Harbor Witches mystery series with USA Today Bestselling author, Jeri White. Her short story "Bella," was published in the volume, Train Journey - Stories Associated With Railway Travels. In addition, her articles have appeared in Southern Gothic Magazine, Texas Highways, The Texas Observer, Texas Co-op Power, and many others. When she is not taking her beloved cat, Kate, on a walk, she is running through the forest.

Edition details

• Publisher: Hell or Highwater Books
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798218712402
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 362