Book Talk: The Black Queen by Jumata Emill
📍End Of March Read:
👸🏽The Black Queen by Jumata Emill 🔪
📍Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🕵🏽♀️My In Depth Analysis 🗃️
The Black Queen is a murder-mystery book written by Jumata Emill. This murder-mystery book takes place in a segregated town. Due to the predominantly black high school burning down, now all students must go to the predominantly white high school. This forces the school to enact a Homecoming Queen inclusivity rule to ensure that both the black student body and the white student both are fairly represented. This leads to the school very first black homecoming queen, Nova Albright. Devastatingly after Nova’s coronation night, a tragedy would surely ensue. For on the night of coronation, Nova will be murdered.
Which begs the question, who murdered Lovett High’s first black homecoming queen? This is the mystery that Nova’s best friend, Duchess, and the number one suspect, Tinsley, sets out to solve. As they attempt to untangle webs of the events that took place on coronation night, secrets are revealed about those closest to them. Including secrets about the beloved Nova Albright that aids them in solving the case.
During all of this, we witness a beautiful friendship begin to blossom between Duchess and Tinsley. We also witness a VERY MUCH NEEDED character development in Tinsley. Also, we get a peak into what it’s like for those who are trying to change the system from the inside out. As well as how that not only affects them but also their loved ones.
My favorite part of the book is chapter twenty-seven. In this chapter, you will witness two sides of a coin wanting the same thing but for a different cost. Ev and her friends want justice for Nova even if it means arresting Tinsley though she may be innocent. While Duchess wants justice for Nova even if that means letting Tinsley off the hook in order to catch the actual murder. We see both sides of the coin wrestle with one another in an attempt to change the other’s point of view. Unfortunately conflict that each side has with the other keeps them from being able to resolve the matter. As a black woman, I see this coin being tossed amongst my community at every public act of injustice towards us. One side wanting justice by any means necessary even if it cost the innocent. While the other side wants justice but only if it’s not at the cost of the innocent. So reading this dialogue between the characters was my favorite.
Overall, I enjoyed this book despite it being outside of my usual genre. Before encouraging any of you to read this book, I would like to issue a trigger warning. The book does touch on subjects of SA, inappropriate relationships, as well as black trauma. If any of these are triggers for you but you desire to read it then proceed with caution. Skip those chapters if you need to or take breaks as you read through them. Thank you all for taking time to read my book talk. Until next time, read a good book. 📚🩷
#blackbookreviewer #blackgirlandherbooks #murdermystery #theblackqueen #jumataemill
The Black Queen by Jumata Emill unravels complex themes of race, justice, and personal growth intertwined with a chilling murder-mystery plot. Set in a segregated town, the story begins with the tragic burning of a predominantly black high school, leading students to confront both external and internal conflicts at a predominantly white high school. The narrative brings to life the challenges of inclusivity, especially regarding the historic election of the first black homecoming queen, Nova Albright. Her murder shakes the community, compelling best friend Duchess and the main suspect Tinsley, to delve into the depths of friendship and moral dilemmas. The book not only grips readers with its suspenseful plot but also presents pivotal discussions about justice in the face of societal prejudice. This exploration can resonate with many, as the characters embody differing outlooks on justice and morality, reflecting broader conversations on systemic issues within society. With trigger warnings for sensitive themes like sexual assault and inequality, readers are reminded to approach the material with care. Overall, The Black Queen is a must-read, offering both thrilling twists and meaningful dialogues that will leave an impact.
