A Deal with Death by Carrie Pulkinen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read about control. Odette is a voodoo practitioner associated with the lua spirit Baron Samedi, the god of Death. She moves into an old house in New Orleans and lives her life without living or giving into her mysterious powers. But when ghosts walk through the house and her soul mate returns, fate seems to have other ideas. Desperate to avoid fate, Odette will have to find allies and use powers to save him. Can she do it or run from fear of her powers?
A great read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn’t put down. Well developed characters like Odette standing up for herself but vulnerable and afraid underneath or James determined and cocky but kind and caring underneath. Great cast of supporting characters like the fun friend Natasha or the no nonsense Noah.
I loved the visual detail throughout the novel like with the house with its bright pink walls and little windows, inviting and welcoming but still large enough for a sense of unease with empty rooms wonderfully written. Or the use of colour throughout in the small details like the purple veve scarves and the cards for a splash of colour in a harsh world around them. Or the use of the senses with the taste of rum or the smell fot he forests later on so strong its as if you’re actually there.
A wonderful example of world building with this magical society coexisting alongside humanity with their own laws and rules. A wonderful example of building upon the sequel with added fantasy elements such as ghosts and priestesses and fortune telling and the Rougarou later on.
I also loved the sense of culture this novel includes with the voodoo and its Haitain roots with tis gods and rituals and offerings, giving it an unique flavour to draw readers in and a sense of community between characters and loved the inclusion of its language and terminology which was a lovely touch. Overall, a great read and I would give it five stars.

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