Cahokia Jazz by Francis Spufford

A Guardian, Financial Times, New Statesman and Times Literary Supplement Book of the Year 

A thrilling tale of murder and mystery in a city where history has run a little differently - from the bestselling author of Golden Hill.

In a city that never was, in an America that never was, on a snowy night at the end of winter, two detectives find a body on the roof of a skyscraper.

It's 1922, and Americans are drinking in speakeasies, dancing to jazz, stepping quickly to the tempo of modern times.

But in this 1922, things are a little different. Beside the Mississippi, the ancient city of Cahokia lives on - a teeming industrial metropolis, containing every race and creed. Among them, peace holds.

Just about. But that body on the roof is about to spark off a week that will spill the city's secrets, and bring it, against a soundtrack of wailing clarinets and gunfire, either to destruction or rebirth.

The multiple-award-winning Francis Spufford returns, with a lovingly created, richly pleasure-giving, epically scaled tale set in the golden age of wicked entertainments.

REVIEWS

Utterly immersive' Spectator'

'Thrilling' Financial Times

'A classic of alternative history' Observer

'A delight' Sunday Telegraph

 'A marvellous, atmospheric, beautifully written and gripping read that dares to hope, amidst a background of bleak darkness and the pulsing joy of jazz, that I recommend highly.'

'Original, imaginative, thought provoking, engrossing, engaging and beautifully written with characters who are credible and engaging. What more is there to ask for from a master at the top of his game. I enjoyed this as much as Golden Hill, which is praise indeed.' 

Hardback

Language: English
Extent: 496
Publish Date: 5 Oct 2023
ISBN: 9780571336876

Paperback

Language: English
Extent: 496
Publish Date: 4 April 2024
ISBN: 9780571336883
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Publisher: Faber & Faber
Imprint: Faber & Faber