Strange Folk: A Novel BY Alli Dyer

In this lush, shimmering debut novel, a woman returns to her estranged magical family in Appalachia, only to find that a protective conjuring may have unleashed something sinister. Perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman, Deborah Harkness, and Sarah Addison Allen, this story blends magical realism with a deeply personal journey.

Lee left Craw Valley at eighteen, eager to distance herself from her family’s mystical heritage and the power they wielded to aid their community. But when her life in California falls apart and she has nowhere else to turn, she returns to her roots with her children, seeking refuge with her grandmother, Belva.

Determined to steer clear of her grandmother’s world of magic, Lee’s resolve is tested when Belva’s spellcasting results in a tragedy: the target of one of her spells is found dead. Lee begins to suspect that the magic meant to protect their community has inadvertently summoned something far darker.

As Lee and her family delve into the mystery, they encounter a series of strange phenomena and unearth long-buried family secrets. Forced to confront her own past and her latent abilities, Lee must navigate a complex web of magic and history to safeguard her loved ones and the town she thought she’d left behind forever.

The novel captures a vibrant and imaginative world, as Lee’s journey of self-discovery and redemption unfolds against the backdrop of a bewitching Appalachian setting.