Let me begin by saying I really enjoyed this book! So much so that I took it to the pool and couldn't leave until I finished it. I skipped lunch for this book. I got sunburn for this book. Needless to say it held a powerful magic over me.

Part of this is because of the writing style. Lavalle glides you with seemingly effortless grace through the various boroughs, events, and perspectives of the story. The imagery, the characterization, the dialogue - everything works in perfect harmony. The beauty is subtle, no large flourishes or needlessly elevated prose (something Lovecraft himself could have learned from), but it is always present, every scene enticing you and inviting you to read the next. Time seemed to stand still and rush by simultaneously. I guess what I'm really trying to say is the prose is great and it is an easy read!

The other power of the book comes from the story itself. I thought it was really cool how the book is almost split in half, switching narrative perspectives almost exactly halfway through. The first half focuses on Tommy Tester, a black man hustling to support himself and his father but who seems to deal with less than common wares and patrons. It's his skill and experience with otherworldly items that attracts the attention of the enigmatic Robert Suydam, which in turn attracts the attention of Detective Malone and sets off a chain of disastrous events. Then the book switches perspectives and the rest of the story is told from Malone's point of view. At first I was a little perturbed because I really liked Tommy as a character, but then the more I read I realized the benefit and power of seeing the second half from Malone (who is somewhat of an outsider to the magical happenings).

There are a couple of things that kept this from earning a perfect score from me. Some of the scenes were a little confusing to understand what was happening, and I couldn't quite square some of the characters' decisions. The pacing also seemed a little odd and jumpy in some parts. The eldritch horrors that I've come to love are present, but they're more subtle than I would have liked (although this also gives them a certain ability to put you on the edge of your seat when they do appear). But honestly I've never read Lovecraft's "The Horror at Red Hook" (the story that Lavalle is putting his spin on here), so I wonder how much of my issues are due to the author trying to stick to the source material. Guess I should read the other one and find out!

Overall this is a fantastic little read and I highly recommend it! By having a strong black lead, Lavalle works to undo, or perhaps rebut, the racist and xenophobic proclivities of Lovecraft's original stories (as well as just offer more reasons to read black horror authors!). I think it really works here, and I appreciate this re-imagining so much! Go read this book!