Bone Music

Startling originality, a strong and rhythmic narrative voice, compelling characters and delightfully quirky metaphysics make this a noteworthy hardcover debut for Rodgers, author of New Life for the Dead and other paperback horror novels. In this apocalyptic tale rich in the mythos of the African-inspired religion of Santeria, the singing at his death by blues musician Robert Johnson of the legendary, forbidden song Judgment Day cracks the Eye of the World, allowing the forces of evil entree to the earth. Assorted blues singers, including Leadbelly, Ma Rainey, and even Elvis; mythic figures such as John Henry and Saint Peter; more mundane heroes and heroines such as musician Dan Alvarez and Lisa Henderson, a young girl who dies and returns to life--all have pivotal roles to play in saving the world. Well-realized settings range from contemporary New York City to Missouri and Mississippi in 1938; heaven and hell both come down to earth in modern New Orleans. Through colloquial prose that's strong and perfectly pitched, Rodgers combines elements of horror (sometimes graphic), fantasy and magical realism into a unique novel that's not only an occult standout but a captivating memoir of an important slice of American culture. (Sept.)