John Robert Still’s Intercessor takes readers on a journey through the haunting streets of New Orleans, introducing our protagonist, Jim Hampton, who is wrestling with the void left by abandoning his career as a lawyer. This reflective and eerie novel weaves together themes of personal reinvention, spirituality, and the seductive yet ominous allure of a city steeped in mysticism. Still’s evocative prose paints vivid scenes, blending the supernatural with the struggles of a man caught in existential limbo.

Right from the start, I found myself drawn into Still’s rich depiction of New Orleans. The city almost feels like another character in the story, teeming with life and shadowed by ghosts, both literal and metaphorical. Still’s portrayal of New Orleans—from gas-lit streets to lively Bourbon Street bars—is immersive. One passage that stuck with me describes Jim walking through the French Quarter: “The old houses seemed to shimmer with an energy from centuries of sheltering eccentric occupants, their lives absorbed into the woodwork.” This line encapsulates the novel’s ability to merge physical setting with emotional resonance.

The protagonist, is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, his internal monologue—filled with regret, longing, and self-doubt—is relatable. On the other, his frequent moments of indecision and his awkward interactions, particularly with Myriam, a young and mysterious bartender, can make him frustrating to follow. There’s a scene where Jim misinterprets Myriam’s kind gestures as pity, and while it’s painfully human, it also underscores his tendency to overanalyze. Still captures the restlessness of midlife crisis well.

One of the novel’s standout elements is its eerie, almost gothic tone. From Jim’s unsettling encounters with shadowy figures to the foreboding whispers of a brewing storm, Intercessor expertly builds tension. A particularly gripping moment comes when Jim stumbles into a seedy underworld masquerading as a party. The scene’s descent from intoxicated excitement to outright menace is chilling and heart-pounding.

The book switches between being a spiritual allegory, a character study, and a supernatural thriller. As the story unfolds, it’s clear that Still wants to explore big ideas: faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. Myriam’s steadfast Catholic faith and her role as a beacon of hope juxtapose Jim’s cynicism and spiritual fatigue.

Intercessor is a moody and thought-provoking read that will resonate with those who appreciate character-driven stories laced with a touch of the supernatural. Its vivid settings and ambitious themes make it worth picking up. If you’re drawn to stories about personal growth, faith, and the mystery of the unseen, this book has much to offer.

Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0BS1PPT5H