The Shabti

This is a delightful debut and m/m romance with very mild creepy vibes. I really liked all of the characters, the romance and the housecat tertiary character. In 1934, a conman is recruited by an Egyptologist who works in a small university museum and believes he has a real haunting on his hands. For a debut I thought this was pretty solid and quite enjoyable. There was something missing for me, the closest thing I can think of is the haunting is just to move the plot forward and there was too much time spent with this other threat that emerges.

Book Review: The Shabti by Megaera C. Lorenz

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

The Shabti by Megaera C. Lorenz is a delightful debut that invites readers into a world of supernatural intrigue and cozy romance set against the backdrop of 1934 America. The story follows Dashiel Quicke, a former medium turned skeptic, who travels the country exposing fraudulent spiritualists while also trying to outrun his complicated past with a former lover and business partner. His life takes an unexpected twist when he meets Hermann Goschalk, an earnest Egyptologist convinced that he possesses a haunted artifact. While initially skeptical, Dashiel's curiosity—coupled with an undeniable chemistry with Hermann—draws him into a mystery that reveals more than just ghosts.

The narrative is a perfect blend of eerie charm and playful banter, making it an immensely entertaining read. Lorenz crafts well-drawn characters that are easy to root for, especially the sweet dynamic between Dash and Hermann. Their relationship blossoms in the face of a supernatural menace, creating a cozy romance that warms the heart while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The pacing is just right, allowing readers to savor the unfolding mystery without feeling rushed. I found the supernatural elements to be engaging rather than overwhelming, striking a balance that contributes to the book's charming atmosphere. The cover art itself is eye-catching and perfectly encapsulates the tone of the story—inviting readers into this fascinating blend of romance and the paranormal.

Overall, The Shabti is enormously enjoyable, showcasing Lorenz's talent for storytelling in a captivating debut. With its combination of humor, suspense, and genuine emotional depth, this book left me eager for more from the author. I can't wait to see what Megaera C. Lorenz has in store for us next!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

3.25 “I really wanted to love this book” stars. Maybe my expectations were too high after seeing rave reviews from several of my favorite authors and reviewers, including some that compared The Shabti to the work of the singular [a:Jordan L. Hawk 6519692 Jordan L. Hawk https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1521548404p2/6519692.jpg]. Maybe I had a book hangover from a recent 5-star read, and any follow up would have paled in comparison. Whatever the reason, I'm going to be the outlier, and admit that I liked-not-loved this debut novel. There is plenty to appreciate about the book's premise. Disgraced but charming reformed fake medium Dashiel meets nerdy, Jewish, Ancient Studies professor Hermann; who wouldn't enjoy a queer opposites attract trope set in a Depression-era small town? The ancient evil is suitably creepy, and the story's climax is suspenseful and dramatic. The weakest aspect of the book is its characters. The MCs felt like black and white drawings that hadn't quite been colored in sufficiently. I appreciated the way Hermann's religion and frequent use of Yiddish phrases were presented as No Big Deal. His impassioned defense of his chonky cat after an unwelcome visitor disses him was the book's highlight. But the dialogue between Hermann and Dashiel frequently rang false. That issue, and the closed door nature of their physical relationship, contributed to a disconnect between the strong emotions they expressed and the lukewarm passion I sensed between them. The bad guys were sort of bad, but not diabolically evil (where's a good Cthulhu cultist when you need one?). I even felt a bit sad when one of them Got What He Deserved. I'm a big fan of queer paranormal fiction set in the first half of the 20th century, and I hope that Lorenz is planning more books about these characters. Perhaps as we learn more about their pasts and personalities, I will feel as strongly about them as Hermann does about his cat. ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for objective review.