Title: Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She’s Dead
Author: Christiana Miller
First published January 1, 2011
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.83
Overview
Maggie’s life has been a series of unfortunate events lately. Everything seems to go wrong, and her tarot card readings confirm her worst fears.
In a desperate attempt to turn her luck around, she tries her hand at some magic. Suddenly, she receives news that her estranged great aunt has passed away, leaving her the sole beneficiary of her estate.
But when Maggie moves into the inherited mansion, she realizes that things are not as they seem. Her aunt Tillie is still hanging around, and she is not happy with Maggie’s magical meddling.
To make matters worse, Maggie accidentally unleashes a demon and awakens the spirit of the most powerful witch in history. Aunt Tillie is out for blood, and it’s up to Maggie to save herself from the wrath of the afterlife.
But as the demon and the witch pull Maggie in different directions, she finds herself in a battle for her own body.
Editoral Review
Christiana Miller’s Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She’s Dead is a charming, supernatural mystery novel sure to delight fans of the genre. Miller, best known for her work in television as a writer and producer, brings her wit and humor to this page-turner, first published on January 1, 2011.
The story follows protagonist Mara, a struggling young artist who receives a mysterious inheritance from her dead aunt Tillie. As she delves into her family history, Mara discovers that Tillie was a powerful witch and that she now must navigate the dangers and intrigue of the supernatural world.
Along the way, she meets a cast of quirky and endearing characters, including her aunt’s familiar, a talking magpie named Gus. Miller’s writing is clever and engaging, with a knack for pacing that keeps the reader hooked.
Her characters are well-drawn and memorable, with Mara serving as a relatable and sympathetic lead. The setting is equally captivating, with the backdrop of modern-day Los Angeles providing a perfect contrast to the old-world magic of Tillie’s world.
Despite its fantastical elements, Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She’s Dead deals with contemporary issues and themes, from the difficulties of navigating family relationships to the corrosive influence of power and greed. The novel also offers a refreshing and inclusive portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, with Mara’s love interest, Gus’s partner, and other key figures in the story being part of the community.
That being said, the novel does suffer from some flaws. At times, the plot can feel convoluted, with too many subplots and characters to keep track of.
Additionally, some readers may find the humor and tone to be too light-hearted for the darker moments of the story. Overall, Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She’s Dead is a delightful and fun read that fans of the genre will thoroughly enjoy.
Miller’s writing and characters are the stars of the show, with her unique blend of the fantastical and the contemporary making for a truly engaging tale. For those looking for a break from the stresses of daily life, this novel is a perfect escape.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
