This Cursed House

In 1962, Jemma Barker, a young woman with the ability to see spirits, escapes the cold of Chicago for a job with the enigmatic Duchon family in New Orleans. The Duchons, light-skinned enough to pass as white, have long held themselves above their black peers, living in a grand but decaying mansion. Jemma soon realizes she's been deceived—the family is trapped by a curse and believes she holds the key to breaking it. As she delves deeper, she uncovers horrifying secrets about the Duchons' past, secrets that bind her to their fate and reveal the insidious nature of racism and colorism. As Jemma navigates the haunted mansion and the spirits that linger there, she must confront not only the curse but also the ghosts of her own past. The novel weaves a chilling tale of family scandals, historical sins, and the enduring impact of trauma, blending Southern Gothic atmosphere with a haunting exploration of identity and redemption.