I absolutely loved this book so much. It has a little of everything for everyone. We have the prohibition era, the roaring 20s, Jazz Age, Klansmen, psychics, and murder!

Agate, Illinois, is the home of our FMC Nola Ann Jackson and her psychic Aunt Sarah. Their relationship and dynamic was so sweet and strong. Aunt Sarah's stories about slavery were touching and important. The Wham Bam Club is the home of Jazz local Eddie Smooth and some not so good men until it burns down and Eddie is found shot dead. Nola will play detective and, with her psychic abilities, will try to find out who killed Eddie so that an innocent girl isn't blamed for the murder.

Everything about this book was so fun to read and very educational. I really enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe. Their seances were delightful, and they were progressive for their times.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

This book was such a cool mix of historical mystery, supernatural vibes, and Jazz Age flair. Murder at the Wham Bam Club follows Nola Ann Jackson, a young widow and psychic, as she investigates a murder tied to a speakeasy and a whole web of shady secrets in 1920’s Illinois. The atmosphere hooked me from the start with the Prohibition era speakeasies, underground jazz clubs, corrupt elites, and an unapologetic heroine trying to make sense of a world that doesn’t always welcome her voice. The mystery itself had plenty of twists, and I really liked how it dug into class, race, and gender issues. If you love historical fiction with a little magic, strong female leads, and murder mystery drama, add this one to your TBR!

An engaging and educational historical mystery with a touch of the paranormal. Small town Illinois in the 1920s was not kind to people of color something Nola well knows. She uses her psychic abilities to locate Lily, a young woman who escaped an institution Nola herself fled but who is now a murder suspect. This has more depth than the usual cozy (especialy of the paranormal variety) because it leans in on racism. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Great atmospherics and a dynamic character in Nola make this a good read. I'm looking forward to another.

Kensington Publishing provided an early galley for review.

An interesting title and cover is what drew me to this mystery set in the roaring '20s. The setting and time period offered up a different flavor of tale.

Looking at the Wilkin's published work to date, I can see that music, mystery and psychic abilities are areas she has focused so far with the mid-west and 1920's also common in the settings. These appear to be elements the author enjoys drawing upon. If the reader finds them of interest too, then there might be a good match here.

The story moves along at a good pace, introducing more of the characters in Agate as Nola moves through her investigation. The reader comes away with a good sense of them which will prove beneficial should there be a sequel (the book is labeled as Psychics and Soul Food Mysteries book 1 so it appears the author hopes to continue Nora's adventures).

As someone who focuses a lot on writing (due to my own writing endeavors), I had observations that might not get picked up by the average reader. For example, I felt that Nola's ability to read psychic auras came across as a too convenient manner to tell me details rather than narratively show me. There were places where the dialogue came across as exposition heavy. I also could not help but notice when the passive sentences were cropping up a good bit. As these are some of the areas I watch for when editing my own work, they jump out when I am reading published works too.

solid and fun murder mystery! the setting is well-set up, the twists are interesting, and it feels firmly grounded in the time it's set in. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

This is an enormously fun start to a new historical mystery series featuring a 21-year-old spunky psychic, a young Black woman named Nola who returns home to Agate, Illinois after her husband is killed in the war, to live with her aunt, who is also into hoodoo magic.

Home also brings with it troubled memories of the Wheatley Institute, a boarding school for young Black women where Nola first ended up when she had nowhere else to turn. But a girl there has gone missing, rumored to be caught up in the sex trafficking ring at the Wham Bam Club, an exciting new juke joint in town with a shady reputation. When jazz trumpeter Eddie Smooth is murdered after a fire destroys his club, the girl, Lilly, becomes a prime suspect and Nola joins forces with the Wheatley Institute to clear her name and the school's reputation.

This book did an excellent job at setting the scene and showing what life was like for marginalized folks away from Northern cities even post slavery, threatened by the power of the Klan in the area, two-faced white politicians, and the casual, everyday racism they encountered at every turn. This was an intriguing setting for a historical mystery and breathed fresh life into this genre.

The mystery was fun and twisty and kept me guessing at every turn in this jazz-soaked story full of gangsters, delicious Southern food and Black people trying to make it in difficult times. I liked how Nola was a psychic, which added another dimension to the typical amateur detective story. Nola could be a bit naive at times but I liked how curious and whip-smart she was as a character.

The book even ended with the hint of a fun new romance in the works for young, bright Nola.

I'll be paying attention to this series in the future. A solid start, a good mystery, strong characters and a unique setting made for an entertaining and gripping story.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.My first read by this Author.I love this era of time period.,the Prohibition era with speakeasies,jazz ,,the home for colored girls,the shady characters.The mixture of the historical insights and the spin of mystery with a little bit of Hoodoo.keep me up reading .I would love to see Nola embarking on some more adventures.Loved the characters in this novel. Will be looking out for more books from this author

A Gripping Dive into Jazz, Justice, and the Spirit World
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Prohibition-era speakeasies and the electric energy of the Roaring 1920s, this thrilling historical mystery delivers on every front. The author—herself a psychic medium and jazz pianist—infuses the narrative with a rich sense of authenticity, making the historical depiction not just fascinating, but immersive. The music, the danger, the double lives—all pulse through the story like a syncopated rhythm.
At the heart of the novel is Nola Ann Jackson, a complex and engaging heroine. A young Black widow and budding psychic, Nola is not only navigating her grief but stepping into her spiritual power under the guidance of her Aunt Sarah, a seasoned seer. Her role as an intuitive investigator gives the mystery a unique twist that feels both grounded and magical. I was drawn deeply into Nola's world as she tackled the disappearance of a promising young woman and uncovered far more than anyone expected.
The mystery unfolds with clever pacing and a creative solution that kept me guessing until the final pages. From corrupt elites to the seedy underbelly of jazz clubs like the Wham Bam, the plot spins a compelling web of scandal, murder, and social injustice that never loses momentum. Each character—from the haunted Lilly Davidson to the enigmatic Eddie Smooth—feels vividly real, layered with motives, secrets, and unexpected depth.
This book is more than just a mystery—it's a page-turner that skillfully blends historical richness with supernatural intrigue. If you're looking for a novel that crackles with Jazz Age excitement, celebrates a powerful and intuitive Black heroine, and delivers a satisfying and surprising conclusion, look no further. I couldn’t put it down.

This was a quick, fun read. I loved the 1920s setting—full of jazz clubs, secrets, and danger—and Nola Ann Jackson is such a compelling character. Her journey as a young widow learning to embrace her psychic gifts while solving a murder mystery kept me hooked the whole way through. The mix of historical fiction, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural was really well done. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a smart, atmospheric mystery with a strong female lead! Looking forward to another installment.

Thanks to Netgalley Kensington for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

Set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, a missing person’s case turns into a murder mystery tangled up in small town secrets. Nola thought she left the Phyllis Wheatley Institute for Colored Girls firmly in the past when she moved to Harlem. Now, newly widowed and back in Illinois, the school asks for Nola’s help to locate a student who disappeared. Lilly was last seen at the Wham Bam Club with the notorious Eddie Smooth, so when the speakeasy goes up in flames and Eddie is gunned down, the authorities think Lilly’s the one responsible. But Nola knows that a man like Eddie has more powerful enemies than a schoolgirl. Can Nola unravel the political conspiracy behind these crimes to prove Lilly’s innocence? Author Carolyn Marie Wilkins is a jazz pianist and a professor at Berklee College of Music.

A fabulous mystery set in Illinois in the 1920s, Nola Jackson is a vocal and strong minded heroine living in time when African Americans had few rights. Nora, a young widow, returns to her home town to live with her aunt and she's asked to assist in helping to locate a missing young woman. When the missing girl appears to have become embroiled in a murder of a famous singer at the local Wham Bam nightclub, Nora must find the girl and help prove her innocence. She is a compassionate and strong advocate for others and uses her abilities to get to the truth - I loved how this book unflinchingly tells a story set in an environment of corruption and social injustice.

I just love books set in this era - prohibition-era speakeasys, smoky nightclubs and jazz bands. It's edgy in an exciting and romantic way. Written by Carolyn Marie Wilkins, this is a great story set during the prohibition. A writer and accomplished jazz singer, her love of the era and music is obvious in her writing and it adds depth and authenticity to the book. A highly recommended read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book. Publication date is 29 July 2025.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A spellbinding jazz-soaked mystery with heart, history, and a heroine you won’t forget.

Murder at the Wham Bam Club is everything I want in a historical mystery: richly atmospheric, socially aware, and driven by a fierce, intuitive protagonist. Set in a vividly drawn 1920s Illinois, the story thrums with speakeasy secrets, smoky jazz clubs, and a community fighting for justice in a world stacked against them.

Nola Ann Jackson is a standout heroine—grieving widow, budding psychic, and a voice for the voiceless. Her emotional depth, spiritual journey, and unflinching loyalty to the truth make her both inspiring and deeply human. I loved how her psychic abilities were portrayed as powerful yet grounded—woven into the plot in a way that felt natural and compelling rather than gimmicky.

The murder mystery kept me hooked with its layers of political corruption, hidden motives, and complex social dynamics. I especially appreciated how the book centers Black voices and experiences in an era often whitewashed in historical fiction. The author’s own background as a psychic medium and jazz pianist clearly shines through—infusing every page with authenticity, rhythm, and a dash of the otherworldly.

If you're a fan of historical fiction with strong female leads, a touch of the supernatural, and high-stakes sleuthing, Murder at the Wham Bam Club belongs on your TBR.

This debut novel in a soon to be series is indeed an excellent read if you are looking for an American 1920's mystery. It has all the exciting elements such as prohibition, gangs, murder and the whole nine yards. If that is what you are looking in a novel then this is definitely the book for you. I will say that I was very impressed with. this novel. The plot itself was interesting and the characters themselves had interesting backstories.
Our story starts with the introduction of our main character Nora who lost her husband in the great war. She decides to return to the home of her aunt. Nora lost both her parents at a very young age and was enrolled at the Phyllis Wheatley school which she had a very bad experience at. After she arrives home the school reaches out to her telling her that one of its students is missing. Nora reluctantly agrees to help search for the missing girl.
After going around looking for answers Nora eventually ends up at a Jazz Club the Wham Bam Club. While the missing girl is there the story doesn't end there. There ends up being a murder and the missing girl is considered a suspect. Will Nora be able to uncover the truth in this investigation.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

You don't have to be a psychic to know that Carolyn Marie Wilkins has a winner with her debut book of the Psychics and Soul Food Mystery series, Murder at the Wham Bam Club. I knew as soon as I read the first paragraph of this wonderful historical mystery.
The setting of a small American town in the 1920s, and in particular the section of town housing the black population, is rich, detailed, and clearly well researched. There are plenty of cultural details woven into the storyline, gently teaching those unfamiliar with this part of American history the important details of food, music, relationships, beliefs, and challenges facing the black population of the time. The diverse characters are well-developed and relatable, bringing home the difficulties black people faced at the time, in a manner that stays with you much longer than the mere facts you find in the history books. In particular, the main character of Nola Ann Jackson is complex, courageous, and determined - definitely a woman to be reckoned with.
Wilkins has written a book that is, at its core, an intriguing mystery with a paranormal twist. It is fast-paced and fascinating, with just a touch of romance, and sure to keep you turning the pages to the very end.
I consider myself quite lucky to have been invited by the author to join her Street Team for #MurderattheWhamBamClub, and am grateful to her, #KensigntonPublishing, and #NetGalley for the ARC. I highly recommend this wonderfully engaging book to fans of historical and cozy mysteries alike.
#PsychicsAndSoulFoodMysteriesBk1 #paranormal #psychic #soulfoodie #historicalmystery #historicalresearch #warwidow #herbalist
#Blackhistory #thriller #suspense #amateurdetective #diversereleases #cozymystery

A really good book. A psychic, a speakeasy, and mystery in the 1920s. It's a great combination. It was a good lesson in history. Definitely recommend.

A different and very real look at the US in the 1920s. The story/mystery solving is meticulous and very well done, but the history lessons are things that need to be remembered and changed. Nola came back to her hometown in southern Illinois at her aunt's request after Nola's husband was killed with the Harlem Hellfighters in WW1. Like her aunt, Nola is a psychic and views auras. The first thing she is asked to do is to find a young woman who has left the boarding school for orphans which Nola herself escaped from. While looking for Lilly, Nola is at a speakeasy when it is burned to the ground and a local notorious womanizer is found shot to death. Everyone is rounded up and taken in except Lilly who becomes the only suspect in the eyes of the police. The author takes us into the music scene and some of the political intrigue of the day as Nola investigates and finds that her heart is not as dead as she thought. Very excellent read with engaging characters and complex history lessons.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Kensington Publishing | Kensington via NetGalley. Pub Date Jul 29, 2025
#MurderattheWhamBamClub by Carolyn Marie Wilkins @jemaya7 @kensingtonbooks #NetGalley #PsychicsAndSoulFoodMysteriesBk1
#paranormal #psychic #soulfoodie #historicalmystery #historicalresearch #warwidow #herbalist
#Blackhistory #thriller #suspense #amateurdetective #diversereleases #cozymystery @goodreads #*****bookreview @bookbub @the.storygraph @booksamillion @barnesandnoble @bookshop_org @bookshop_org_uk #BlackAuthors #BlackWriters @librarythingofficial @kobo @waterstones

War widow Nola leaves jazz-age Harlem to return to her hometown of Agate, Illinois, where her aunt serves as a local "hoodoo woman." Nola grew up in the Phyllis Wheatley School, and when that school needs her help to deal with a threat to its reputation that threatens its very survival, she steps up to help.

Unfortunately, that help takes her to the notorious Wham Bam Club, where things go from bad to worse, with one of the students suspected of murder. Nola's adventures are interwoven with African-American history and depictions of life for black people in the Midwest in the early 20th century. The result is an eye-opening book.

The characters are complex and the community is an interesting one; I hope there will be more in the series.