A review by theverysleepygirl
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It's not often that an author can make me fall so hard for its characters in such a short amount of time, but Clark has managed to deliver a book whose biggest critique from me is that it just isn't long enough. 

A sardonic undead assassin. Her clever, and very-much alive, target. A city night full of debauchery and drunk festival revellers. 

I think that the strength to this book is its strong sense of atmosphere. Clark combines the compelling mystery that ties Eveen, the assassin, and Cyanna, her mark, against an interesting setting and magical folklore that we learn across the journey. Their mission, to be completed before dawn, is marked by the appearance of a colourful cast of characters, from quirky (and scary) assassins to shady city leaders. 

As we go about the story, we learn bits and pieces about the magic present and it's involvement in the local history, but it's only by the end that was able to piece everything together in a way that made sense. I find that there is still much about the magic that is left unanswered, however, this does not make the story feel incomplete, but feel rather like a piece to a wider world that we have yet to discover. 

Master of Djinn, Clark's other work, has always been on my TBR, but this novella has definitely pushed me to get to it faster. 

Overall, it's a great read, with compelling characters and a charming story. Definitely a good one for those that like their fantasy with a side of humour and found family elements. 

Thank you to TOR and NetGalley for providing me with an eArc of this book!