Children of Chicago is a 2021 mystery horror novel written by Cynthia Pelayo.
 | |
| Author | Cynthia Pelayo |
|---|---|
| Audio read by | Sofia Willingham |
| Language | English |
| Series | Chicago Saga |
| Genre | Horror, mystery |
| Publisher | Agora Books |
Publication date | 2021 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardback, paperback), ebook, audiobook |
| Pages | 304 pages |
| ISBN | 1951709209 First edition US hardback |
| Followed by | The Shoemaker's Magician |
The novel is the first in the Chicago Saga series, each of which is centered upon a different fairy tale. A second book in the series, The Shoemaker's Magician was published on March 21, 2023.
Synopsis
editThe novel centers upon Lauren, a detective living in the city of Chicago. She's called in to investigate a murder in Humboldt Park, only to discover that the murder bears striking similarities to one committed decades before: Lauren's own sister. This, along with several other signs, convinces Lauren that the serial killer responsible for the deaths has returned to Chicago. Known only as the Pied Piper, Lauren must confront the past - including a promise she made to the killer themself - in order to stop them from killing again.
Development
editWhile writing the story Pelayo drew upon her own experiences growing up in the city of Chicago, as well as her knowledge of fairy tales and contemporary issues. She specifically highlighted the story "Pied Piper of Hamelin" for the novel.[1] Pelayo also wanted the city of Chicago to feel like its own character, as she felt it was an important part of the main character and story.[2]
Release
editChildren of Chicago was first published in ebook and hardback format in the United States on March 9, 2021, through Agora Books.[3][4] A paperback edition was released the following year.[5]
An audiobook adaptation read by Sofia Willingham was published alongside the hardback release, via Tantor Audio.[6]
Adaptation
editFilm rights to Children of Chicago were optioned in 2022 by Zucker Productions and Lonetree Entertainment, with Janet Zucker and Tony Eldridge set to produce.[7]
Reception
editCritical reception for Children of Chicago has been positive. The Los Angeles Review of Books and Tor Nightfire both reviewed Children of Chicago, both praising the work for its use of fairytales as a motif.[8][9]
Awards
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Pavlik, Tina (2022-03-17). "Women in Horror: Interview with Cynthia Pelayo". Horror Writers Association. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
- ^ White, Gordon B. (August 2022). "Interview: Cynthia Pelayo". Nightmare Magazine.
- ^ Pelayo, Cynthia (2021). Children of Chicago. Agora Books. ISBN 1951709209.
- ^ Pelayo, Cynthia (2021). Children of Chicago. Agora Books. ISBN 1951709438.
- ^ Pelayo, Cynthia (2022). Children of Chicago. Agora Books. ISBN 1951709705.
- ^ Pelayo, Cynthia (2021). Children of Chicago. Tantor Audio. ISBN 1666123927.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (2022-02-10). "'Children Of Chicago': Producers Janet Zucker & Tony Eldridge Option Cynthia Pelayo's Award-Winning Horror Novel For Film". Deadline. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
- ^ Zamorano, Désirée (2021-04-21). "Payment Is Due: On Cynthia Pelayo's "Children of Chicago"". Los Angeles Review of Books. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
- ^ Iglesias, Gabino (2021-02-10). "In Cynthia Pelayo's Children of Chicago, A City's Darkness Shines". Tor Nightfire. Retrieved 2023-05-31.