ONE OF THE 10 BEST HORROR NOVELS OF 2021--LIBRARY JOURNAL

ONE OF THE MUST-READ BOOKS FOR SUMMER 2021--The Chicago Tribune

2021 INTERNATIONAL LATINO BOOK AWARD WINNER

ONE OF THE BEST OF THE BEST BOOKS OF 2021 BY THE CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY

NOTABLE MENTION THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR; CRIME FICTION 2021--CrimeReads

HONORABLE MENTION THE BEST NOIR FICTION OF 2021--CrimeReads

ONE OF THE BEST NEW CRIME NOVELS--Book Riot

A gripping, modern-day spin on the Pied Piper fairy tale, as well as a gritty love letter to the underworld of Chicago from acclaimed Bram Stoker nominee Cynthia Pelayo.

Reminiscent of the Bloody Mary urban legend, the Pied Piper's story can be tracked back to the deaths of children for centuries and across the world--call to him for help with your problems, but beware when he comes back asking for payment.

Chicago detective Lauren Medina's latest call brings her to investigate a brutally murdered teenager in Humboldt Park--a crime eerily similar to the murder of her sister decades before. Unlike her straight-laced partner, she recognizes the crime, and the new graffiti popping up all over the city, for what it really means: the Pied Piper has returned.

When more children are found dead, Lauren is certain her suspicion is correct. Still reeling from the recent death of her father, she knows she must find out who has summoned him again, and why, before more people die. Lauren's torn between protecting the city she has sworn to keep safe, and keeping a promise she made long ago with her sister's murderer. She may have to ruin her life by exposing her secrets and lies to stop the Pied Piper before he collects.