Even Though I Knew the End a book by C. L. Polk

Queer noir with magical elements and Christian mythological elements Elena “Helen” Brandt works for clients as a detective and photographer after being kicked out of a magical order after making a deal with a devil. Her latest case is tracking down a killer the police have dubbed the White City Vampire. Despite the nickname, there are no vampires here, but elements from Christian mythology abound. This case could endanger Elena, her sweet girlfriend Edith, and Elena’s estranged brother Ted, still a member of the Brotherhood of the Compass that expelled his sister. The mystery of who did it is easy to spot from the beginning. But the whys lead down a twisting trail of clues, with key information being hid by her clients and helpers. The magic involves astrology, specific hours, numerology, movements of the moon, precise ingredients, etc. And it involves angels and demons in an interesting way. Not as dark or as problematic as early 20th century noir novels. But a lot is packed into 133 pages. The atmosphere is the ratta-tat-tat Chicago of the 1940s, but with a lot more blatant horror and real consequences than found in the dry noir films or the comedic Torchy Blane quick-thinking murder mysteries. There is much more weight, with human and supernatural lives on the line. Still, the occasional noir line slips out for the fun of it: pg. 122 “I shot them again for want of a snappy comeback.” There’s one element of the story that I can’t talk about without spoilers and I’m not sure how I feel about how it was handled. Complex thoughts. 8/10 definitely an entertaining time. I am biased though with the old timey feel, supernatural events, and sapphic main characters. If that’s not your game, it’s still a quick and interesting.