"Rootwork is one part magical realism, one part coming of age story, one part examination of American identity, and all parts pure magic. It's unique and spellbinding, and I loved it." —Lisa Morton, six-time winner of the Bram Stoker Award

"With Rootwork, Tracy Cross introduces herself to readers as a gifted storyteller of the highest order. This is a richly folkloric tale of traditions passed down, or community and family, and the lasting links forged through the shared experiences of sisters and the impenetrable bonds that anchor them to their histories and each other. At the heart of Rootwork is its plucky, free-spirited heroine, Pee Wee Conway, who is certain to beguile readers of all ages." —Vince A. Liaguno, Bram Stoker Award-winning editor of Unspeakable Horror: From the Shadows of the Closet and Other Tales: An Inclusive Anthology

"Rootwork fearlessly brings folk horror to the Deep South. Tracy Cross paints a dark portrait of Black family life, with all the wisdom of our ancestors-their accomplishments, their sorrows, their unresolved hope and rage-and in doing so delivers uniquely American horror without pulling any punches. If you're a fan of historical fiction and tales of the supernatural, this book will resonate with you long after you're done reading it." —John Edward Lawson, author of Bibliophobia

"Rootwork transported me to another world, on I was unfamiliar with but thoroughly enjoyed. Blending history, hoodoo, and horror elements, Tracy Cross delivers a compelling narrative with characters I sincerely hope to meet again. I really did feel like I was right there alongside Pee Wee and Aunt Teddy." —Janine Pipe, Splatterpunk Award-nominated author of Sausages: The Make of Dog Soldiers

"The power and promise of fiction is the ability to take you places you can't go and do things you'll never do with people you'll never meet. Rootwork delivers on that promise with an engrossing coming-of-age tale set amid the voodoo and hoodoo of backcountry Louisiana in 1889. Tracy Cross works magic with the characters and setting of her debut novel. You will love this book and the people in it." —F. Paul Wilson, author of The Keep

"Rootwork is a love letter to Black American spirituality, history, and resilience. Much like the work of Zora Neale Hurston, Tracy Cross's debut novel demystifies and uplifts the medicinal and magical practices of rootwork in Black communities while never straying from its true mission: to tell you a story about a family that loves, fights, and heals. In this time of upheaval and uncertainty, Rootwork is the kind of novel you want to curl up with at the end of the day. It is a story that reminds us of the courage and love we hold in our hearts." —Wi-Moto Nyoka, Head Spooky Chick at Black Women Are Scary podcast, and Dusky Projects