Black History Month is a time to honor the historical contributions of Black communities in American society. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate contemporary Black artists who are shaping the future.
From romance and fantasy to gothic horror, Black authors are crafting page-turners in every genre. Borrow these titles from your local library or shop at a Black-owned bookstore!
“That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon” by Kimberly Lemming. This fantasy romance is a delightful, fast-paced romp of a read.
Cinnamon Hotpepper is walking home from a festival, just a little tipsy, and manages to save injured demon Fallon. He enlists her in his mission to kill a demon-enslaving witch — adventure, chaos and witty banter ensue.
Cin is a smart and resourceful heroine, more than a match for Fallon’s alpha energy. Her boisterous family is a central feature of the novel, bringing additional charm and heart to the story. This book is a great choice for established fantasy and romance fans — or a fun introduction for anyone curious about these genres.
“Lone Women” by Victor LaValle. Adelaide Henry strikes out for Montana after the death of her parents, hoping to claim land as a “lone woman” — except she isn’t alone. Among her few possessions is a locked steamer trunk that contains a family secret, described as her “burden.”
In Montana, Adelaide finds an empty landscape made even less hospitable by murderous neighbors and white townspeople who are less than friendly to outsiders. When her “burden” gets loose, she will need the help of new friends and neighbors to grapple with her secret and its shocking repercussions.
LaValle crafts a gothic atmosphere out on the Montana prairie, rife with psychological terror. This is a perfect read for horror fans and anyone who is eager to explore Black perspectives on Western settings.
“All the Sinners Bleed” by S.A. Cosby. Titus Crown is the first Black sheriff in Charon County, Va. As a former FBI agent raised in the area, he is well aware that darkness can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful communities. When a school shooting unearths new horrors, Crown finds himself tracking down a serial killer.
Cosby is an accomplished storyteller, specializing in Southern noir crime fiction. He ensures that readers feel empathy for his characters as well as understand the historical context of this Southern community. Grab this now before the Netflix series comes out!
“A Master of Djinn” by P. Djèlí Clark. In 1912, agent Fatma el-Sha’arawi is the youngest agent working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities in Cairo.
Fifty years ago, a mysterious man named al-Jahiz pulled back the veil between the magic and mundane realms, releasing djinn and magic into the world. Now, a secret brotherhood dedicated to al-Jahiz has been murdered, supposedly by al-Jahiz himself, in condemnation of societal oppressions. Agent Fatma is on the case, trying to restore peace to the streets of Cairo.
Clark weaves social commentary about colorism, patriarchy and LGBTQ+ relationships into this magical detective mystery, with plenty of action and adventure to keep you turning the pages.
“All Her Little Secrets” by Wanda M. Morris. Ellice Littlejohn is leading a charmed life with an Ivy League law degree, a well-paying job as the only Black lawyer in a top spot at a respected Atlanta law firm, and a fun fling with her married boss.
When she finds her boss dead, she just walks away. She cannot risk her own secrets and dark past being discovered. Ellice is given her boss’ job, and as she uncovers disturbing information about the company she works for, she finds her own secrets revealed.
Pick this up to enjoy an enthralling thriller, but stay tuned for the smart commentary on the racism and sexism experienced by Black women in corporate America.
“An Arcane Inheritance” by Kamilah Cole. Ellory Morgan was reluctantly accepted to elite Warren University and is determined to prove that she belongs there. She is haunted by the feeling that she has been there before, seeing strange hallucinations and finding notes in her own handwriting that she can’t remember writing.
She teams up with fellow student and Warren legacy Hudson Graves to investigate, and uncovers a dark secret tied to the Goodwin scholarship that Ellory herself holds.
This dark academia fantasy is witchy and atmospheric, while also delving into themes of inequity and power, perfect for fans of “The Secret History” and “Bunny.”
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