Black History Month Day 1: The Dead Cat Tail Assassins P. Djèlí Clark

 

It's the first day of Black History Month and with the attempted erasure of all things that doesn't center whiteness by our current governing party it's even more important now to highlight and celebrate the diversity of Blackness in all aspects of life. An important part of life for me is literature in all of its forms. I'll be highlighting Black authors all month and I hope that you'll find something new to you as I do my part to highlight authors I enjoy or want to read from. This is one of my favorite times of the year in the book community because I always find new books to add to my list from readers I follow. 

My first read of the month is The Dead Cat Tail Assassins P. Djèlí Clark. I've read everything by him so far and have never been disappointed so I'm sure that I'll enjoy this short read as well. Honestly, I don't even care what it's about, I was going to buy this one for the cover alone-stunning!!! If you are reading this on 2/1/2025 the hardback is currently on sale for $11.99 on Amazon. 

The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark 

Synopsis:

The Dead Cat Tail Assassins are not cats.

Nor do they have tails.

But they are most assuredly dead.

Nebula and Alex Award winner P. Djèlí Clark introduces a brand-new world and a fantastical city full of gods and assassins.

Eveen the Eviscerator is skilled, discreet, professional, and here for your most pressing needs in the ancient city of Tal Abisi. Her guild is strong, her blades are sharp, and her rules are simple. Those sworn to the Matron of Assassins―resurrected, deadly, wiped of their memories―have only three unbreakable vows.

First, the contract must be just. That’s above Eveen’s pay grade.

Second, even the most powerful assassin may only kill the contracted. Eveen’s a professional. She’s never missed her mark.

The third and the once you accept a job, you must carry it out. And if you stray? A final death would be a mercy. When the Festival of the Clockwork King turns the city upside down, Eveen’s newest mission brings her face-to-face with a past she isn’t supposed to remember and a vow she can’t forget.