Book cover of The Conjure-Man Dies: A Harlem Mystery

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Conjure-Man Dies as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Mainly because it's a book set in 1920s Harlem, written by an African-American writer who lived there at the time; all the characters are African-American. The language is rich and lively, full of "Harlemisms." There is an intricate murder mystery and a wealth of unique characters.

While Dr. Archer and the conjure-man Frimbo have erudite discussions about science and philosophy, the repartee of prime suspect Jinx Jenkins and his friend Bubber Brown is informal and full of colloquialisms and jokes, even in serious situations.

I had never read a book like this before. It was interesting and entertaining. 

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