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)

Great

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

I TRULY ENJOYED THIS READING

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

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!!

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.

Great Book from an Unsung Black Writer

Most mysteries I can solve before the book ends but this one was really a mystery and a good one! The narrator is sooooo good too. Highly recommend it.

1930s Harlem

This work was reminisce of Holmes and Watson set in 1930s Harlem. I really enjoyed this read. I wish this could have been made a series.

Necessary Listen

if you're s fan of detective novels or mysteries, this is a must listen. I can't believe I'd never heard of the author previously. If you haven't either, do yourself a favor and purchase this book, and also research his life. The book is amazingly written and not dated at all despite being written nearly 100 years ago. The characters are believable and dialogue is masterful. Concepts and science discussed are ahead of it's time.

Missing: a good editor and vibrant voices

Oh dear, this could have been a much better story with a good editor. Endless detailed descriptions and story that continued too long did no favors to Rudolph Fisher's tale . This, compounded by an audible narrative that lacked much intonation, had me considering pulling an early plug.
One unavoidable aspect of reading something written nearly 100 years ago is our contemporary perspective on black and white Americans. The 3 main characters, Dr. Archer, Detective Dart snd Frembo the Conjure Man himself, reflective of a higher class, utilized an educated vocabulary rarely, if ever, employed. On the other hand the lower classes were depicted as shucking and jiving young bloods. Worse yet, in the Audible version the young bloods sounded like Amos & Andy.
Thw short story at the conclusion of The Conjureman was much, much better.!m