The Conjure-Man Dies: A Harlem Mystery

Detective Club Crime Classics

By: Rudolph Fisher, Stanley Ellin - introduction

Narrated by: J. D. Jackson, John Chancer

One of Buzzfeed’s Most Anticipated Books of 2021.

When the body of N’Gana Frimbo, the African conjure-man, is discovered in his consultation room, Perry Dart, one of Harlem’s 10 Black police detectives, is called in to investigate. Together with Dr Archer, a physician from across the street, Dart is determined to solve the baffling mystery, helped and hindered by Bubber Brown and Jinx Jenkins, local boys keen to clear themselves of suspicion of murder and undertake their own investigations.

The Conjure-Man Dies was the very first detective novel written by an African American. A distinguished doctor and accomplished musician and dramatist, Rudolph Fisher was one of the principal writers of the Harlem Renaissance but died in 1934 aged only 37. With a gripping plot and vividly drawn characters, Fisher’s witty novel is a remarkable time capsule of one of the most exciting eras in the history of Black fiction.

This crime classic is introduced by New York crime Writer Stanley Ellin and includes Rudolph Fisher’s last published story, ‘John Archer’s Nose’, in which Perry Dart and Dr Archer return to solve the case of a young man murdered in his own bed.

©1932 Rudolph Fisher (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"A well-constructed thriller of a little-known side of Harlem life, with a Black detective to solve the crime and with just enough humour on the side." (Rumana McManis, New York Times)

"A detective story of the first class, written with adroitness, humor, and a clever plot." (Boston Transcript)

"Captures the historically induced unique qualities of Black people." (Oliver Henry, The Harlem Renaissance)

I TRULY ENJOYED THIS READING

This was different than what I usually listen to. Different time set. Held my interest to the end.

Excellent period piece

No great histrionics narrator portrayed characters in fashion believable to me, particularly given the time (around 90 years ago) and professions. various supporting characters spoke authentically to my ear. was no clowning for effect that's how people spoke.

story was interesting whodunit but the perpetrator/victim was like no other. An African king turned conjure man, a psychic. I liked the existential conversations between the doctor and conjure man.

recommend to mystery fans.

Cultural and Smart

Enjoy these two diverse and smart works of Noir fiction set in 1930's Harlem, New York. These smart and witty, unforgettable characters will leave you wanting more!!

Great

I loved this book and the narration
Wish there was more stories
The narrators voice ...wow

A treasure

Amazing characters; too bad the author died before having the chance to share more of this world with us.