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Cover of THE DEVIL'S GRIN
4.43

Based on 37 Goodreads ratings

THE DEVIL'S GRIN

by an otherworldly presence. Dandelion works in a nursing home and seems constantly distressed. Her father torments her with repeated calls espousing paranoid conspiracies that may be connected to her inexplicable experiences. Robert and Dandelion’s neighbor Gary is an African American cartoonist who knew Robert’s mother and has the supernatural ability to direct real events via his cartoons—sometimes with deadly results. While Gary contends with racism and personal frustrations, his cartoons give him godlike powers—and he keeps his attention on Robert and Dandelion. The artwork and subject matter echo underground comix (R. Crumb is name\u002Dchecked), with cartoonish effects like bulging eyeballs and thumping hearts deployed in extensive and graphic sex scenes. With this as only Book 1 and no resolution to be found in these pages, Graham’s ability to bring these wild elements to a satisfying conclusion remains to be seen. But the energy and tapestry of the work is intriguing."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:464
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9798875001

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This gripping historical mystery plunges readers into Victorian London's foggy underworld, where a young detective confronts a series of chilling murders connected to the city's most notorious crimin...

Our Review

This gripping historical mystery plunges readers into Victorian London's foggy underworld, where a young detective confronts a series of chilling murders connected to the city's most notorious criminal. The narrative masterfully blends authentic period detail with a relentless, fast-paced plot that will keep young adults turning pages late into the night. Atmospheric descriptions of gaslit streets and shadowy alleys create an immersive world, while the cleverly woven clues and red herrings challenge readers to solve the case alongside the protagonist.

What sets this novel apart is its complex, morally gray central character, whose personal demons add a compelling layer of depth to the investigative thriller framework. The tension escalates perfectly as the stakes rise from street-level crime to a conspiracy threatening the very heart of London society. Teen readers who crave intelligent mysteries with rich historical settings and psychological complexity will find this book utterly absorbing, finishing the final chapter with both satisfaction and a longing for the next installment in what promises to be an exceptional series.

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