Spellbound

Spellbound (2019) Allie Therin (Magic in Manhattan)

Set in New York in 1924.

Rory Brodigan works for a woman he calls his aunt, helping assess the authenticity of antiques. But there is no science–only magic–behind his abilities.

Arthur Kenzie needs someone who can read the history of objects, and he thinks Mrs Brodigan is the woman who can help him. She he brings her a test–to find out if she’s what he hopes–because he and his friends need someone who can read the history of objects to help them in dealing with unsavory characters.

There is a LOT to like here. Arthur is a veteran of The Great War, and despite coming from wealth and privilege, defends his friends and family with everything.

“Quality gin doesn’t run itself from Toronto.”

Arthur scoffed. “Fifth Avenue deserves rotgut. Half those arseholes call for segregation during the day then have the nerve to slither into Harlem for culture at night. Be nice to bounce those hypocrites straight out of your speakeasy and onto the street.”

“Except they’d return with the police,” she pointed out, “because we’re in America, where the law lets your people street my people, never the other way around.”

This story is set in a very interesting time period–the roaring twenties, that era between the horrors of The Great War and the Great Depression.

“You wound me,” said Arthur, as a waiter approached. “I am the very model of a law-abiding citizen.”

The waiter set the drink down with a flourish. “Your gin rickey, sir.”

The sisters exchanged smirks.

“Oh, shut up,” said Arthur. “Half this country’s laws are travesties and Prohibition’s not even the worst.

There were some weak parts here–the language was off. But that might be particularly obvious to me because I’ve been reading Agatha Christie, and the language just felt a little off and a little to modern (especially for a character who spent a great deal of time in Europe). But I like the historical parts. Not just the prohibition, but the fact that racism was against not just Blacks, but also Italians and other immigrants.

And it’s nice to have good people–a good antidote to the current world.

“Some people see suffering that isn’t their own and still try to help, for no other reason than it’s the right thing to do.”

Another thing I thought interesting was the description not just of Rory’s powers, but his reactions to them. I can see how it would be easy to completely lose oneself in the history of an object.

As a bonus, all the boinking was fade to black!

Twas good! I liked it! I’ve got the next lined up to read!

Publisher: Carina Press
Rating: 8/10

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