THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE Mambo Reina, Book 2

Robin Miles enchants as she introduces New Orleans Mambo (Priestess) Reina Dumond, who practices Vodou, Haitian-African magic. Listeners meet kindhearted Mambo and her close friends, 20-something wrestler Tyka and talkative chef Darryl. They always have her back. A friend who is worried about her sometimes crooked husband asks Mambo to investigate his activities. This is an energetically rendered mystery-fantasy with mouthy, gutsy Tyka being the standout. Miles's feisty Mambo uses her ingenuity and clever magic (explanations are riveting) to uncover the city's dark underworld. Heartbreaking Katrina memories and fascinating lore add realism as Mambo uncovers a real estate scam and learns that African boys are being secretly "recruited" for the NBA. Mambo's thwarted cooking attempts provide humor. While the weak conclusion disappoints, Miles's narration is delightful. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2023]