Children of Chicago

2021 BRAM STOKER AWARD NOMINEE FOR SUPERIOR ACHIEVEMENT IN A NOVEL2021 INTERNATIONAL LATINO BOOK AWARD WINNER "GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOUR HEART THUMP AND SKIN CRAWLThe New York Times 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 Pipers story can be tracked back to the deaths of children for centuries and across the worldcall to him for help with your problems, but beware when he comes back asking for payment. Chicago detective Lauren Medinas latest call brings her to investigate a brutally murdered teenager in Humboldt Parka 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. Laurens torn between protecting the city she has sworn to keep safe, and keeping a promise she made long ago with her sisters murderer. She may have to ruin her life by exposing her secrets and lies to stop the Pied Piper before he collects.