The Dead Cat Tail Assassins leads you astray, trips your feet out from under you, and then dunks your head underwater, all in the span of one night. This novella is an action-packed romp through a gloriously rich and well-defined world. Clark crafts a succinct and enthralling story that carries you through until the last page, offering a wide cast of vivid characters (mostly assassins) who capture your attention and your heart. On top of all of that, there lies a time paradox to challenge and twist your perception of the world itself.
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark, (List Price: $20.99, Tordotcom, 9781250767042, August 2024)
Reviewed by Faith Skowronnek, Epilogue: Books Chocolate Brews in Chapel Hill, North Carolina