Y’all know how much we agree with the need for more diverse books. (In fact, we have a whole series on the subject!)
Author Jennifer Latham does too, and was inspired to write her new novel, Scarlett Undercover, following the “Ground Zero Mosque” controversy of 2011. The novel isn’t an “issues book,” however—it’s a detective story that features a strong Muslim woman as the main character.
Here’s the official word:
Meet Scarlett, a smart, sarcastic, kick-butt, Muslim American heroine, ready to take on crime in her hometown of Las Almas.
When a new client—a sweet young girl who’s worried that her brother may be responsible for the “suicide” of his friend—approaches the teenage private eye, Scarlett finds herself caught up in a centuries-old battle of evil genies and ancient curses. She soon discovers that her own family secrets may have more to do with the situation than she thinks–and that cracking the case could lead to solving her father's murder.
I’ll be reviewing the book closer to its release date (May 19), but I’m excited to give you an early taste of what the book’s all about. Says Jennifer: “When Scarlett agrees to look into Oliver Archer’s rich-boy suicide, she figures she’s in for an easy case and a quick buck. But after the investigation leads her to a church-turned-tattoo parlor in the scariest neighborhood in Las Almas, she realizes things might get a little stickier than she’d figured. And that’s only the first day … “
Check out an excerpt from Scarlett Undercover:
About the author:
Jennifer Latham has had some really weird jobs and some really normal jobs, including school psychologist, middle school teacher, and yoga instructor. She was born in New York City and currently lives with her husband and two daughters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Scarlett Undercover is her debut novel.
Connect with Jennifer via her website.