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Psychics and Soul Food Mystery #2
Let the Murderer Say Amen
As prosperity and great cultural changes sweep across 1920s America during the Jazz Age, Nola Ann Jackson learns more about developing her natural psychic talents from her aunt—talents that prove crucial when she investigates murder in her Black community.
The people of Agate, Illinois, have welcomed Bishop Pius Amun Ra with open arms, flocking to become congregants of his Temple of Righteous Revelation. He has won over the hearts not only of the Black churchgoers, but of the city’s white political and wealthy elite. Bishop Ra is more than a preacher of the good word, he is a faith healer, blessed with the gift on the banks of the Nile during his youth in Egypt. His worshippers believe he can cure cancer—and even raise the dead.
Sequoia LaMarche was saved by Bishop Ra, and the young white woman serves his church as a singer, receiving death threats for her efforts. Despite Ra’s protection, members of the Temple’s inner circle hold Sequoia in contempt, including bodyguard Sam Constant, who publicly accuses her of stealing money from the collection plate. After the confrontation, Sequoia’s murdered body is discovered, and Sam becomes the police’s number one suspect.
Nola is a good friend of Sam’s sister, believing he’s innocent. Guided by her psychic instincts, she conducts her own investigation, uncovering secrets about the Bishop and the people closest to him, including his wife. The leaders of the Temple are not as righteous as they claim. Their altruism masks sins they prefer buried. And when another murder occurs, Nola must unveil the killer before she becomes the next victim . . .
The people of Agate, Illinois, have welcomed Bishop Pius Amun Ra with open arms, flocking to become congregants of his Temple of Righteous Revelation. He has won over the hearts not only of the Black churchgoers, but of the city’s white political and wealthy elite. Bishop Ra is more than a preacher of the good word, he is a faith healer, blessed with the gift on the banks of the Nile during his youth in Egypt. His worshippers believe he can cure cancer—and even raise the dead.
Sequoia LaMarche was saved by Bishop Ra, and the young white woman serves his church as a singer, receiving death threats for her efforts. Despite Ra’s protection, members of the Temple’s inner circle hold Sequoia in contempt, including bodyguard Sam Constant, who publicly accuses her of stealing money from the collection plate. After the confrontation, Sequoia’s murdered body is discovered, and Sam becomes the police’s number one suspect.
Nola is a good friend of Sam’s sister, believing he’s innocent. Guided by her psychic instincts, she conducts her own investigation, uncovering secrets about the Bishop and the people closest to him, including his wife. The leaders of the Temple are not as righteous as they claim. Their altruism masks sins they prefer buried. And when another murder occurs, Nola must unveil the killer before she becomes the next victim . . .
288 pages, Hardcover
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
Carolyn Marie Wilkins
13 books93 followersAs a kid growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Carolyn Marie Wilkins dreamed of singing backup for Aretha Franklin while becoming the next Agatha Christie.
Although she’s still waiting for Aretha to call, Carolyn is now the author of five books. Mojo For Murder and Melody For Murder feature the crime-fighting exploits of Bertie Bigelow, a forty-something choir director and amateur sleuth living on the South Side of Chicago. Carolyn’s nonfiction work includes They Raised Me Up: A Black Single Mother and the Women Who Inspired Her; Damn Near White: An African American Family's Rise from Slavery to Bittersweet Success, and Tips For Singers: Performing, Auditioning, Rehearsing.
An accomplished jazz vocalist and professor at Berklee College of Music, Carolyn has performed on TV and radio with her group SpiritJazz, toured South America as a Jazz Ambassador for the US State Department, and played for shows featuring Melba Moore, Nancy Wilson, and the Fifth Dimension. When she’s not in the classroom or writing her next mystery novel, Carolyn can be found hanging out in the jazz clubs around Boston, MA.
Although she’s still waiting for Aretha to call, Carolyn is now the author of five books. Mojo For Murder and Melody For Murder feature the crime-fighting exploits of Bertie Bigelow, a forty-something choir director and amateur sleuth living on the South Side of Chicago. Carolyn’s nonfiction work includes They Raised Me Up: A Black Single Mother and the Women Who Inspired Her; Damn Near White: An African American Family's Rise from Slavery to Bittersweet Success, and Tips For Singers: Performing, Auditioning, Rehearsing.
An accomplished jazz vocalist and professor at Berklee College of Music, Carolyn has performed on TV and radio with her group SpiritJazz, toured South America as a Jazz Ambassador for the US State Department, and played for shows featuring Melba Moore, Nancy Wilson, and the Fifth Dimension. When she’s not in the classroom or writing her next mystery novel, Carolyn can be found hanging out in the jazz clubs around Boston, MA.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 26, 2026
This is the second book in this series, and while I didn't love it like I did book 1, it was still a very good book and delves into charlatan "religion" and how doing bad [and being greedy] will almost eventually [but not always unfortunately] catch up with you. I struggled with some of the choices Nola makes in this book, and there were moments where the story seemed to drag, but again, it was a good book and really highlights some of the issues that were occurring in America, even in the north, at that time.
If you are looking for a great series set in 1920's Illinois and what it was like to navigate that world whilst being Black, then, this series is absolutely for you. The author does amazing research and the stories feel very true-to-life and the writing is also excellent [add in really great narration - Diana Blue does a fantastic job and I really look forward listening to her tell these stories] and I can only hope for more books in this outstanding series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Carolyn Marie Wilkins, and Kensington Publishing/Kensington for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you are looking for a great series set in 1920's Illinois and what it was like to navigate that world whilst being Black, then, this series is absolutely for you. The author does amazing research and the stories feel very true-to-life and the writing is also excellent [add in really great narration - Diana Blue does a fantastic job and I really look forward listening to her tell these stories] and I can only hope for more books in this outstanding series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Carolyn Marie Wilkins, and Kensington Publishing/Kensington for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2026
Let the Murderer Say Amen is the second sequel in the Psychic and Soul Food Mystery series. A religious organization called the Temple of Righteous Revelation has settled in Agate. The leader of the Temple of Righteous Revelation is named Bishop Ra, who is a healer and believed to cure cancer. Many African American people including, Nola’s friend, named Sam have become congregants of the Temple of Righteous Revelation. One day, Sam is accused of murdering a white singer named Sequoia La Marche who is also a member of the Temple of Righteous Revelation. Can Nola help prove Sam’s innocence and find the real murderer.
Nola is a fascinating heroine. I like how she is a psychic and uses her gift to solve mysteries. I also found Nola to be an intelligent woman. She also uses her logic to narrow down the suspects and find the real murderer. Therefore, I found her to be a capable female sleuth. I also like her sense of independence. I also love her sense of justice. She is a caring woman, especially with her friends. I found Nola to be a strong heroine, and I couldn’t wait to see how her psychic abilities would get stronger in time.
Overall, the book is about family, friendship, and justice. The message of the book is that everything will work out in time. I thought all of the characters were well-developed, complex, and realistic. I thought the author did an excellent job in portraying a small town in the Jazz Age. She did a wonderful job depicting the setting that made it almost seem as if Agate was a real place. Even though the mystery was predictable and was easy to solve, I thought that it was still complex, especially in regards to the motivation. Let the Murderer Say Amen was a very breezy and cozy read! I found it so hard to put down, and I did not want it to end! I can’t wait for the sequel! Let the Murderer Say Amen is an engrossing and entertaining read for mystery fans! I recommend this book for fans of Dead Dead Girls, If I Should Die, and Last Call at the Nightingale!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
Nola is a fascinating heroine. I like how she is a psychic and uses her gift to solve mysteries. I also found Nola to be an intelligent woman. She also uses her logic to narrow down the suspects and find the real murderer. Therefore, I found her to be a capable female sleuth. I also like her sense of independence. I also love her sense of justice. She is a caring woman, especially with her friends. I found Nola to be a strong heroine, and I couldn’t wait to see how her psychic abilities would get stronger in time.
Overall, the book is about family, friendship, and justice. The message of the book is that everything will work out in time. I thought all of the characters were well-developed, complex, and realistic. I thought the author did an excellent job in portraying a small town in the Jazz Age. She did a wonderful job depicting the setting that made it almost seem as if Agate was a real place. Even though the mystery was predictable and was easy to solve, I thought that it was still complex, especially in regards to the motivation. Let the Murderer Say Amen was a very breezy and cozy read! I found it so hard to put down, and I did not want it to end! I can’t wait for the sequel! Let the Murderer Say Amen is an engrossing and entertaining read for mystery fans! I recommend this book for fans of Dead Dead Girls, If I Should Die, and Last Call at the Nightingale!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
August 10, 2026
As prosperity and great cultural changes sweep across 1920s Jazz Age America, Nola Ann Jackson learns more about developing her natural psychic talents from her aunt—talents that prove crucial when she investigates murder in her Black community—in this thrilling historical mystery written by a real-life psychic medium and jazz pianist. Really intriguing to see what African Americans dealt with in the 1920s, especially with men coming back from the Great War.
What it's about: The people of Agate, Illinois, have welcomed Bishop Pius Amun Ra with open arms, flocking to become congregants of his Temple of Righteous Revelation. He's won over not just the Black churchgoers, but the city's white political and wealthy elite too. Bishop Ra is more than a preacher—he's a faith healer, blessed with his gift on the banks of the Nile during his youth in Egypt. His worshippers believe he can cure cancer—and even raise the dead.
Sequoia LaMarche was saved by Bishop Ra, and the young white woman serves his church as a singer, receiving death threats for her efforts. Despite Ra's protection, members of the Temple's inner circle hold Sequoia in contempt, including bodyguard Sam Constant, who publicly accuses her of stealing from the collection plate. After the confrontation, Sequoia's murdered body is discovered—and Sam becomes the police's number one suspect.
Nola is a good friend of Sam's sister, believing he's innocent. Guided by her psychic instincts, she conducts her own investigation, uncovering secrets about the Bishop and the people closest to him, including his wife. The leaders of the Temple are not as righteous as they claim. Their altruism masks sins they'd prefer buried. And when another murder occurs, Nola must unveil the killer before she becomes the next victim...
I grabbed this one for the idea of it more than anything, and it honestly delivered more than I expected. Historical mystery + psychic detective + 1920s Jazz Age setting? Sign me up. There's something so refreshing about a mystery set in a thriving Black community during this era, and Wilkins brings that world to life with real care—the music, the atmosphere, the everyday texture of life, and especially what it was like for men coming back from the Great War trying to find their place. That historical layer is honestly one of the best parts.
The mystery itself is solid and twisty. The Bishop is such a fascinating suspect—a charismatic faith healer who's convinced a whole town he can raise the dead, and the secrets buried inside that Temple are genuinely juicy. Nola's psychic angle is integrated really cleverly; it never feels gimmicky or over-the-top, just like an extra tool in her toolbox as she pokes around where she probably shouldn't. The investigation moves at a good pace and the reveal felt earned rather than out of nowhere.
Bottom line: if you like historical mysteries, psychic cozies, or just a good whodunit with actual heart and history, this is absolutely worth your time. Nola is a fantastic protagonist, the setting is rich, and the mystery is just plain fun. I already want to go back to the first one and keep going from here. Recommended.
What it's about: The people of Agate, Illinois, have welcomed Bishop Pius Amun Ra with open arms, flocking to become congregants of his Temple of Righteous Revelation. He's won over not just the Black churchgoers, but the city's white political and wealthy elite too. Bishop Ra is more than a preacher—he's a faith healer, blessed with his gift on the banks of the Nile during his youth in Egypt. His worshippers believe he can cure cancer—and even raise the dead.
Sequoia LaMarche was saved by Bishop Ra, and the young white woman serves his church as a singer, receiving death threats for her efforts. Despite Ra's protection, members of the Temple's inner circle hold Sequoia in contempt, including bodyguard Sam Constant, who publicly accuses her of stealing from the collection plate. After the confrontation, Sequoia's murdered body is discovered—and Sam becomes the police's number one suspect.
Nola is a good friend of Sam's sister, believing he's innocent. Guided by her psychic instincts, she conducts her own investigation, uncovering secrets about the Bishop and the people closest to him, including his wife. The leaders of the Temple are not as righteous as they claim. Their altruism masks sins they'd prefer buried. And when another murder occurs, Nola must unveil the killer before she becomes the next victim...
I grabbed this one for the idea of it more than anything, and it honestly delivered more than I expected. Historical mystery + psychic detective + 1920s Jazz Age setting? Sign me up. There's something so refreshing about a mystery set in a thriving Black community during this era, and Wilkins brings that world to life with real care—the music, the atmosphere, the everyday texture of life, and especially what it was like for men coming back from the Great War trying to find their place. That historical layer is honestly one of the best parts.
The mystery itself is solid and twisty. The Bishop is such a fascinating suspect—a charismatic faith healer who's convinced a whole town he can raise the dead, and the secrets buried inside that Temple are genuinely juicy. Nola's psychic angle is integrated really cleverly; it never feels gimmicky or over-the-top, just like an extra tool in her toolbox as she pokes around where she probably shouldn't. The investigation moves at a good pace and the reveal felt earned rather than out of nowhere.
Bottom line: if you like historical mysteries, psychic cozies, or just a good whodunit with actual heart and history, this is absolutely worth your time. Nola is a fantastic protagonist, the setting is rich, and the mystery is just plain fun. I already want to go back to the first one and keep going from here. Recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This lively and compelling mystery is set in a small town in Illinois in the 20’s. While author Wilkins names her fictional town Agate, to orient yourself, it’s fairly close to Joliet, outside of Chicago. The central character is the charming Nola Ann Jackson, who is working for a caterer and lives with her aunt Sarah. Both women are psychics though Aunt Sarah has far more experience, and is known as a conjure woman. Both can see auras. I loved this aspect of their characters – it made them both more specific and more interesting.
The two black women are living in the 20’s, not long enough after the Civil War that relatives don’t remember “slave times.” However, the black culture in the town of Agate seems strong and vital. As the book opens, Nola is working an event at a new church in town run by a Bishop Ra. Nola’s antennae are up – she thinks there’s something phoney about him though she does think he some psychic ability. The only white woman in the place is an opera singer. The other white person is the man who provided funding for the church building.
As the women are packing up to leave, they meet the Bishop’s wife, who comes to thank them and to winkle a recipe out of Nola’s boss, Minty, who only gives it reluctantly. They go home exhausted, to awaken to the news that the opera singer has been murdered, and that a friend of theirs, Sam, has been arrested for the murder. The police are planning to move him to Joliet as the last time a black man was accused of killing a white person, the KKK broke into the jail and lynched him.
His lawyer is an old drunk named Freddie, and Nola and her friends are not only sure that Sam is innocent, they are sure Freddie can’t handle the case. Before Sam leaves for Joliet Aunt Sarah makes him a “mojo bag” to wear and keep him safe while he’s in jail. Sam is still waiting for the Bishop to get him out, but it turns out the Bishop’s testimony put him there.
While Sam is up in Joliet, there’s another murder, and another friend is arrested, really putting Nola to work as she tries to clear her friends. What I loved about the book was the relationship between Nola and her Aunt, and the details of her awareness of people’s auras as well as the work that Aunt Sarah does. There’s a scene where the two expel a ghost from someone’s home that is one of the best of the whole novel.
The rest of the characters, especially the ones delineated at Bishop Ra’s church, are well done and the story really moves. It’s hard to put the book down. The combination of the unusual setting – the Midwest in the 20’s is not frequently covered in mystery novels, nor is the black culture in the Midwest. It’s another strength of the novel. I was cheering for Nola to figure out her love life (reader, she does) as much as I wanted her to nail the killer. Which she also does. This was really a fun read despite some of the harsh details of life depicted – it’s Nola who makes the book shine.
The two black women are living in the 20’s, not long enough after the Civil War that relatives don’t remember “slave times.” However, the black culture in the town of Agate seems strong and vital. As the book opens, Nola is working an event at a new church in town run by a Bishop Ra. Nola’s antennae are up – she thinks there’s something phoney about him though she does think he some psychic ability. The only white woman in the place is an opera singer. The other white person is the man who provided funding for the church building.
As the women are packing up to leave, they meet the Bishop’s wife, who comes to thank them and to winkle a recipe out of Nola’s boss, Minty, who only gives it reluctantly. They go home exhausted, to awaken to the news that the opera singer has been murdered, and that a friend of theirs, Sam, has been arrested for the murder. The police are planning to move him to Joliet as the last time a black man was accused of killing a white person, the KKK broke into the jail and lynched him.
His lawyer is an old drunk named Freddie, and Nola and her friends are not only sure that Sam is innocent, they are sure Freddie can’t handle the case. Before Sam leaves for Joliet Aunt Sarah makes him a “mojo bag” to wear and keep him safe while he’s in jail. Sam is still waiting for the Bishop to get him out, but it turns out the Bishop’s testimony put him there.
While Sam is up in Joliet, there’s another murder, and another friend is arrested, really putting Nola to work as she tries to clear her friends. What I loved about the book was the relationship between Nola and her Aunt, and the details of her awareness of people’s auras as well as the work that Aunt Sarah does. There’s a scene where the two expel a ghost from someone’s home that is one of the best of the whole novel.
The rest of the characters, especially the ones delineated at Bishop Ra’s church, are well done and the story really moves. It’s hard to put the book down. The combination of the unusual setting – the Midwest in the 20’s is not frequently covered in mystery novels, nor is the black culture in the Midwest. It’s another strength of the novel. I was cheering for Nola to figure out her love life (reader, she does) as much as I wanted her to nail the killer. Which she also does. This was really a fun read despite some of the harsh details of life depicted – it’s Nola who makes the book shine.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advance copy from NetGalley and the author and am sharing my thoughts.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 stars)
This was such an interesting blend of historical mystery, spiritual folklore, and character-driven storytelling.
Set in 1920s Illinois, the story follows Nola, a widowed woman who can see auras - and I loved how those auras shift with mood and emotion. Her gift felt like a natural part of the story rather than a gimmick, and it becomes central to how she understands people and learns to trust herself.
The setting really stood out to me. The interracial church at the center of the novel is both hopeful and complicated, and the story does not shy away from the realities of segregation in the period. I found myself learning a lot about Southern Illinois during this time, especially how difficult it could be to find justice or representation. That added a lot of depth to the mystery.
I also really enjoyed the characters. Nola is thoughtful and observant, with a quiet strength that builds throughout the book. Maybelle was a standout for me - sharp, capable, and just fun to read (female policewoman & boxer in the 1920s!!). There are also these smaller details that made the world feel lived in, like the mentions of food (Minty’s pineapple cake sounded amazing) and touches of Hoodoo practices, including Aunt Sarah’s “walking powder.”
The mystery itself kept me guessing, and I appreciated that the resolution connected back to larger ideas about belief, power, and the risks of manipulating faith for personal gain. It felt surprising in a way that still made sense.
This series continues to build in a really compelling way, and I would definitely come back for more. There are a few characters I would love to see again, and I am excited to see where Nola’s story goes next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 stars)
This was such an interesting blend of historical mystery, spiritual folklore, and character-driven storytelling.
Set in 1920s Illinois, the story follows Nola, a widowed woman who can see auras - and I loved how those auras shift with mood and emotion. Her gift felt like a natural part of the story rather than a gimmick, and it becomes central to how she understands people and learns to trust herself.
The setting really stood out to me. The interracial church at the center of the novel is both hopeful and complicated, and the story does not shy away from the realities of segregation in the period. I found myself learning a lot about Southern Illinois during this time, especially how difficult it could be to find justice or representation. That added a lot of depth to the mystery.
I also really enjoyed the characters. Nola is thoughtful and observant, with a quiet strength that builds throughout the book. Maybelle was a standout for me - sharp, capable, and just fun to read (female policewoman & boxer in the 1920s!!). There are also these smaller details that made the world feel lived in, like the mentions of food (Minty’s pineapple cake sounded amazing) and touches of Hoodoo practices, including Aunt Sarah’s “walking powder.”
The mystery itself kept me guessing, and I appreciated that the resolution connected back to larger ideas about belief, power, and the risks of manipulating faith for personal gain. It felt surprising in a way that still made sense.
This series continues to build in a really compelling way, and I would definitely come back for more. There are a few characters I would love to see again, and I am excited to see where Nola’s story goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Let the Murderer Say Amen is a dark, elegant, and quietly devastating thriller that unfolds with the kind of emotional precision and atmospheric tension your reviews always lean into. It’s a story steeped in guilt, faith, and the long shadows cast by violence—told with a lyrical sharpness that makes every chapter feel both intimate and unsettling.
The novel’s strength lies in how it explores the aftermath of a crime rather than the spectacle of it. The characters move through the world carrying secrets like bruises, and the author captures that weight with a tenderness that never softens the underlying menace. The narrative circles themes of redemption, inherited trauma, and the dangerous ways people justify the unforgivable, creating a slow, simmering tension that builds beautifully.
The writing is rich with atmosphere—small‑town claustrophobia, religious fervour, and the quiet dread of knowing the past is never as buried as people pretend. As the story deepens, the lines between truth and belief blur, and the emotional stakes rise in a way that feels both haunting and inevitable. The twists land not because they shock, but because they reveal the painful truths the characters have been trying so hard not to face.
Elegant, unsettling, and deeply human, Let the Murderer Say Amen is the kind of thriller that lingers long after the final page—less for its darkness than for the fragile, aching hope threaded through it.
With thanks to Carolyn Marie Wilkins, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The novel’s strength lies in how it explores the aftermath of a crime rather than the spectacle of it. The characters move through the world carrying secrets like bruises, and the author captures that weight with a tenderness that never softens the underlying menace. The narrative circles themes of redemption, inherited trauma, and the dangerous ways people justify the unforgivable, creating a slow, simmering tension that builds beautifully.
The writing is rich with atmosphere—small‑town claustrophobia, religious fervour, and the quiet dread of knowing the past is never as buried as people pretend. As the story deepens, the lines between truth and belief blur, and the emotional stakes rise in a way that feels both haunting and inevitable. The twists land not because they shock, but because they reveal the painful truths the characters have been trying so hard not to face.
Elegant, unsettling, and deeply human, Let the Murderer Say Amen is the kind of thriller that lingers long after the final page—less for its darkness than for the fragile, aching hope threaded through it.
With thanks to Carolyn Marie Wilkins, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Carolyn Marie Wilkins has done it again. I really love this series, and Nola continues to be one of my favorite characters. She’s smart, sassy, and always trusts her instincts, which makes following her investigations so much fun. From the beginning, I was pulled into the mystery surrounding Bishop Ra and his Temple of Righteous Revelation. The whole setup was intriguing, and the deeper Nola dug, the more secrets started coming to light.
This story kept me guessing the entire time. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist came along and proved me wrong. The tension within the church and among its inner circle added so much drama and suspense. I also have to say I love Maybelle—she always brings something special to the story.
Overall, this was an engaging and entertaining read with plenty of surprises. The mystery, the characters, and the small-town atmosphere all worked really well together. I’m definitely hoping there’s another installment because this is such a great series, and I’m not ready to leave Nola or Agate just yet.
Thanks Netgalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
This story kept me guessing the entire time. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist came along and proved me wrong. The tension within the church and among its inner circle added so much drama and suspense. I also have to say I love Maybelle—she always brings something special to the story.
Overall, this was an engaging and entertaining read with plenty of surprises. The mystery, the characters, and the small-town atmosphere all worked really well together. I’m definitely hoping there’s another installment because this is such a great series, and I’m not ready to leave Nola or Agate just yet.
Thanks Netgalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Let the Murderer Say Amen, Book 2 of A Psychics and Soul Food Mystery by Carolyn Marie Wilkins, is a stellar follow-up to the introductory book, building nicely on all of the elements introduced earlier and sweeping the reader along to the very end.
Set in 1920s Illinois, the book is clearly well researched as the small town setting cradles the story of murder and mayhem, supporting the storyline without overpowering it. The author skillfully provides a unique look at a time and place in history that is relevant even today.
The main character of Nola Ann Jackson is still honing her psychic gift, which she draws on as she investigates a murder at a new 'church' led by a charismatic and devious man. Suspects abound as Nola puts herself at risk to investigate. The story is full of suspense and drama, added to by the touch of the paranormal surrounding different characters. I was kept guessing at the identity of the murderer, changing my mind more than once along the way, right until the end.
Thank you to the author and #NetGalley for the ARC of #LettheMurdererSayAmen. I highly recommend this wonderful historical mystery.
Set in 1920s Illinois, the book is clearly well researched as the small town setting cradles the story of murder and mayhem, supporting the storyline without overpowering it. The author skillfully provides a unique look at a time and place in history that is relevant even today.
The main character of Nola Ann Jackson is still honing her psychic gift, which she draws on as she investigates a murder at a new 'church' led by a charismatic and devious man. Suspects abound as Nola puts herself at risk to investigate. The story is full of suspense and drama, added to by the touch of the paranormal surrounding different characters. I was kept guessing at the identity of the murderer, changing my mind more than once along the way, right until the end.
Thank you to the author and #NetGalley for the ARC of #LettheMurdererSayAmen. I highly recommend this wonderful historical mystery.
August 21, 2026
Let the Murderer Say Amen does a great job blending a Jazz Age murder mystery with Nola Ann Jackson’s developing psychic abilities. I especially enjoyed the setting in 1920s Agate, Illinois, and the complicated world surrounding Bishop Pius Amun Ra and his Temple of Righteous Revelation. With a faith healer claiming he can cure cancer and even raise the dead, there’s already plenty of mystery, but Sequoia LaMarche’s murder and Sam Constant being immediately blamed add another layer of tension. Nola’s belief in Sam’s innocence gives her a personal reason to dig deeper, and her psychic instincts make her investigation especially interesting.
I liked how the deeper Nola gets, the more cracks she finds beneath the Temple’s respectable image. The secrets involving Bishop Ra, his wife, and the people closest to the church kept me guessing about who was actually hiding something. The second murder raises the stakes nicely, and Nola’s growing abilities become more than just a curiosity—they may be the only thing keeping her alive. A fun historical mystery with a strong sense of place, an intriguing supernatural element, and plenty of secrets to uncover.
I liked how the deeper Nola gets, the more cracks she finds beneath the Temple’s respectable image. The secrets involving Bishop Ra, his wife, and the people closest to the church kept me guessing about who was actually hiding something. The second murder raises the stakes nicely, and Nola’s growing abilities become more than just a curiosity—they may be the only thing keeping her alive. A fun historical mystery with a strong sense of place, an intriguing supernatural element, and plenty of secrets to uncover.
August 15, 2026
After The Emancipation Day Parade of 1924, Bishop Pius Amun Ra of the Temple of Righteous Revelation, which is the only interracial church in Agate, Illinois was holding a banquet for twenty four of his close circle and influential outsiders. Bishop Ra is more than a preacher of the good word, he is a faith healer as his worshippers believe he can cure cancer and even raise the dead. Nola Jackson works for DeLuxe Catering company working the Founder's Day Banquet while learning about her psychic abilities.
Once saved by Bishop Ra, Sequoia LaMarche serves his church as a singer, receiving death threats before being accused of stealing money from the collection plate. The Bishops security Sam Constant becomes the police’s number one suspect after the discovery of Sequoia body and is immediately arrested.
Guided by her psychic instincts Nola, conducts her own investigation to clear Sam. While uncovering secrets about the Bishop and the people closest to him, including his wife, another murder occurs and now Nola must unveil the killer before she becomes his next victim.
Once saved by Bishop Ra, Sequoia LaMarche serves his church as a singer, receiving death threats before being accused of stealing money from the collection plate. The Bishops security Sam Constant becomes the police’s number one suspect after the discovery of Sequoia body and is immediately arrested.
Guided by her psychic instincts Nola, conducts her own investigation to clear Sam. While uncovering secrets about the Bishop and the people closest to him, including his wife, another murder occurs and now Nola must unveil the killer before she becomes his next victim.
July 31, 2026
Nola Jackson works for Minty Layton at DeLuxe Catering. Nola moved in with her Aunt Sarah who is a master psychic and runs her own conjure business. Nola also has psychic abilities, she can see auras.
The Temple of Righteous Revelation has a new bishop in town, the Honorable Bishop Pius Amun Ra. The bishop hosts a Sequoia LaMarche, who is a white woman. Sam who is the head of the bishops security detail catches Sequoia stealing. When Sequoia is found dead, everyone blames Sam. Nola will try to prove Sam's innocence before it is too late.
What a beautiful story. I couldn't get enough of Nola and all the characters. I specially enjoyed her friend Maybelle Clark who was paving the way for women of color in the police force. Nola was a brilliant heroine who used logic, magic, cunning and empathy to assess the suspects. This was a great and powerful read.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
The Temple of Righteous Revelation has a new bishop in town, the Honorable Bishop Pius Amun Ra. The bishop hosts a Sequoia LaMarche, who is a white woman. Sam who is the head of the bishops security detail catches Sequoia stealing. When Sequoia is found dead, everyone blames Sam. Nola will try to prove Sam's innocence before it is too late.
What a beautiful story. I couldn't get enough of Nola and all the characters. I specially enjoyed her friend Maybelle Clark who was paving the way for women of color in the police force. Nola was a brilliant heroine who used logic, magic, cunning and empathy to assess the suspects. This was a great and powerful read.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed Let the Murderer Say Amen by Carolyn Marie Wilkins. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read it.
This isn’t just a murder story—it’s a deep dive into guilt, faith, secrets, and the consequences of hidden truths. The tension builds slowly but steadily, with more focus on psychological and spiritual conflict than shock value. I especially appreciated how the characters felt layered and human, wrestling with denial, accountability, and redemption.
The themes of faith versus morality and public image versus private truth gave the story real emotional weight. It’s thoughtful, character-driven, and leaves you with plenty to reflect on after the final page.
A compelling and meaningful read.
This isn’t just a murder story—it’s a deep dive into guilt, faith, secrets, and the consequences of hidden truths. The tension builds slowly but steadily, with more focus on psychological and spiritual conflict than shock value. I especially appreciated how the characters felt layered and human, wrestling with denial, accountability, and redemption.
The themes of faith versus morality and public image versus private truth gave the story real emotional weight. It’s thoughtful, character-driven, and leaves you with plenty to reflect on after the final page.
A compelling and meaningful read.
July 30, 2026
Let the Murderer Say Amen is book #2 in the Psychics and Soul Food mystery series. Nola, Maybelle + several other characters from book #1 return. A new mystery unfolds. Jazz Era 1920s small town Illinois setting. New mysteries, characters + murders. I enjoyed the character growth of Nola + Maybelle. Loved the food references in Nola's catering gigs. In addition to the new mysteries the side plot romance storyline was a nice continuation from book #1. Racial tensions added to the plot without being heavy handed. Nola's psychic abilities, guided by Aunt Sarah, added an interesting element.
Thank you to the author, the publisher Kensington and Goodreads. I was thrilled to win this advanced reader's edition book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Thank you to the author, the publisher Kensington and Goodreads. I was thrilled to win this advanced reader's edition book in a Goodreads giveaway.
August 12, 2026
A different kind of murder mystery with an excellent FMC. Nola lives in an area where her psychic skills are appreciated. But Nola is also an intelligent woman who can reason through her visions to find the answers behind the mysteries. In Let The Murderer Say Amen, a religious group of a different stripe has come to her hometown, and now a murder has Nola investigating the group and its charismatic leader. Carolyn Marie Wilkins has built a community and a cast of characters that fit well together. The town is small enough that every citizen is familiar to the others, at least until the Temple of Righteous Revelation moves to town. This book falls in between a cozy with great characters and a thriller with dark characters. Agate, Illinois, in the 1920s was a great place to live.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved the previous book in this series, and this one was absolutely incredible. This series focuses on medium slash private investigator slash caterer Nola Ann Jackson, and this particular book stars the Temple of Righteous Revelation, lead by the incredibly shady Bishop Ra. When his favorite singer dies, and his bodyguard is implicated, Nola Ann steps in to support her friend (the bodyguard's sister).
Each of the main characters is really fun and the plotting of this story is generally quite effective. The reveal was pretty good too, although I did feel like a hair more fleshing out of the powers would have worked. 5 stars. Thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for the ARC.
Each of the main characters is really fun and the plotting of this story is generally quite effective. The reveal was pretty good too, although I did feel like a hair more fleshing out of the powers would have worked. 5 stars. Thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for the ARC.
May 29, 2026
I truly enjoyed this read just like its prequel Murder at the Wham Bam Club! Wilkins has created a series in which it feels as if you’ve been teleported back into time when the Jazz era was booming. Wilkins brings Nola back for another murder mystery and I’m still a fan of this beloved character.
This time Nola is asked to help solve a murder that involves a young man named Sam who’s behind bars for killing a woman. This young man is involved with a church that is ran by Bishop RA, who’s a self proclaimed healer.
There are so many twists that this will keep you glued all the while trying to figure out who done it and why. So if you enjoy a good murder mystery with aspects of hoodoo/conjuring/psychics/freemasonry, then this book is for you! Overall I gave this 4.25 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this incredible arc read!
This time Nola is asked to help solve a murder that involves a young man named Sam who’s behind bars for killing a woman. This young man is involved with a church that is ran by Bishop RA, who’s a self proclaimed healer.
There are so many twists that this will keep you glued all the while trying to figure out who done it and why. So if you enjoy a good murder mystery with aspects of hoodoo/conjuring/psychics/freemasonry, then this book is for you! Overall I gave this 4.25 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this incredible arc read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this.
I was excited to read this. Having gotten into the 1920s mystery sleuth reads this year, I love the setting in Agate, Illinois USA, as well as the whole community surrounding the MC.
I thought I had the doer pinned, but it was quashed half way through. I love trying to see if I can figure out "whodunnit" by the last quarter, and this definitely kept me on my toes.
The final rating is 4.5, but I rounded up since it was such a good read and I'd happily read it again.
I was excited to read this. Having gotten into the 1920s mystery sleuth reads this year, I love the setting in Agate, Illinois USA, as well as the whole community surrounding the MC.
I thought I had the doer pinned, but it was quashed half way through. I love trying to see if I can figure out "whodunnit" by the last quarter, and this definitely kept me on my toes.
The final rating is 4.5, but I rounded up since it was such a good read and I'd happily read it again.
August 25, 2026
Let the Murderer Say Amen has a wonderfully unusual mix of Jazz Age history, mystery, and psychic intrigue. Nola's abilities give the investigation an unexpected twist, while the secrets surrounding Bishop Ra and his congregation kept me curious about who could actually be trusted. I loved the atmosphere and the way the story blends faith, romance, and suspense into one engaging mystery. A fascinating read for anyone who enjoys historical mysteries with a supernatural edge.
August 31, 2026
It’s fine. Not an especially compelling mystery, not enough witchcraft or magic from Nola. Her relationship with her boyfriend bounces around an awful lot from her liking him to feeling meh about him and back for no particular reason I saw.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This was spine chilling and fun start to finish
July 31, 2026
A cozy mystery with BIG heart! Colorful characters good and evil that keep you invested and racing to the end. You just want to know who did it. A good read!
August 4, 2026
I've never given a mystery a 5 star rating before, but this was excellent. I especially liked the fact that it is set in Illinois.
August 20, 2026
Really great read!
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