Author: Carolyn Marie Wilkins
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense, Paranormal
Publisher: Kensington Books
Book Release Date: July 28, 2026
Pages: 269
Source: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: 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 . . .
My Review: 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!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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