THE SOCIETY

A woman uses guile and her psychic ability to try to unmask the secret organization responsible for her best friend’s death in this debut thriller.

Housesitting for her grandmother is bringing back memories for architectural engineer Elizabeth Grant. On the night her best friend, Loralie Carter, disappeared seven years ago, Elizabeth saw her pal beaten and bloody in a vision. Elizabeth has since had nightmares and apparent hallucinations, which her family attributes to a mental condition. But Madame “Netty” Antoinette visits Elizabeth at her grandmother’s Mississippi home and says Loralie, who’s sadly dead, is worried about her friend. Evidently, both Netty and Elizabeth have psychic abilities, though the latter is repressing hers. Netty’s visit catches the attention of White supremacist group The Society for a Restored America, whose General believes Loralie stashed incriminating evidence that Elizabeth now hides. The organization, which indeed killed Loralie, goes to frightening lengths to maintain its secret, 150-year existence. Luckily, Elizabeth has allies, from Netty’s FBI nephew, Malcom Alexander, to Philadelphia reporter Juanita Alvarez, who’s investigating someone’s possible attempt to incite a race war. Elizabeth also receives spectral assistance, namely Loralie, and uses her own wits to try to bring down a group with members in powerful positions, including in the government. Abbot takes her time establishing characters, which makes for an unhurried pace as well as a dynamic cast. For example, whip-smart Juanita and her hacker colleague (and former convict) Heath Grayson practically solve a relevant Philadelphia murder on their own. Society members, meanwhile, are indisputable villains, preaching hatred and spewing racial slurs. They’re definitely menacing, as they watch, follow, and even attack Elizabeth. The author incorporates Elizabeth’s paranormal gift subtly, to the point that it’s not very helpful. But it’s an ability she can use to greater effect in the sequel, which the ending suggests is forthcoming. Despite knowing the story’s killer from the beginning, the final act boasts memorable twists.

An understated but sublime mystery with series potential.