The Foreign Exchange is the second Mambo Reina urban fantasy mystery by Veronica G. Henry. Released 28th Feb 2023, it's 287 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.The first book is also currently available on KU.
This is a modern paranormal fantasy mystery featuring a strong and intelligent (if occasionally foolhardy) female protagonist. It's set in New Orleans and the setting is absolutely indelible. The author does a wonderful job of place and description, the entire book is redolent with the sights and sounds of NOLA. The verisimilitude from the author's descriptions of the area and culture, especially in the aftermath and rebuilding after hurricane Katrina add a lot to the story.
The plotting and background are well paced and the mystery is constructed believably within the constraints of the genre, but a slightly less than satisfying denouement and resolution. It's the second book in the series, but works well enough as a standalone. The author is adept enough to provide enough backstory that readers coming into the series with this book won't have any trouble keeping up.
There are some graphic descriptions, including body horror, and rough language. It's not at all derivative, but fans of Tanya Huff and Jim Butcher will find a lot to love here.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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