Nikki Marsh

“You can make anything by writing.” – C.S. Lewis

The Juju Girl -Mystery, Magic, Madness & Love in the Crescent city

When the Great Storm of 1893 leaves fifteen-year-old Gabbie homeless, the only place she can go is to New Orleans. On her only other visit, she heard voices no one else heard. She saw things no one else saw. She pierced the veil that separates the living from the dead. The thought of returning terrifies her.
Now, she has to navigate in a world where superstition, conjure, mystery, and magic blend to make up the fabric of everyday life. It’s here she learns her paranormal power is a Gift passed down from mother to daughter. The only problem is -- she doesn’t want it. When circumstances force her to reconsider, she begins a journey to learn the truth about herself, her Gift, and her family. On the way, she also learns about friendship, love, betrayal, and redemption.

Editorial Reviews

“What an amazing, absorbing read! I truly enjoyed every minute of it.” Jennifer Rees, Children's Book Editor of award-winning and New York Times bestselling Teen Fiction and Nonfiction, including Suzanne Collins' unparalleled THE HUNGER GAMES series.
"A journey filled with magic and hauntings, spells and conjuring, sadness and misgivings. This young adult fiction pulled me in with its crisp language and the possibilities of learning about the mixed culture of the Creoles." Aneesha Shewani, Editor, Reedsy "The Juju Girl introduced its readers to a cultural magic that isn't often discussed in literature. I loved seeing the spirit magic performed throughout the story, and that we experienced a metaphor for grief through the representation of juju..." Literary Titan, Silver Award Winner "A mix of superstition, dark magic, and spells makes this supernatural plot intriguing. Blended with Creole culture and home remedies, the author creates an intriguing and thought-provoking experience for the reader. Clearly well-researched, the author has blended history and superstition into a solidly-crafted plot." The BookLife Prize

Reader Reviews

"I devoured this book in almost one sitting - it was riveting with engaging characters and a fascinating history. I look forward to more! " "Magic, Murder, Mystery and so much more make this a favorite for me! "
"Wow! I loved the JuJu Girl!! Everything about this book has me intrigued and found it hard to put down!! The writing is FANTASTIC!! The characters are so well developed!! Especially Gabbie, seeing her growth as she grieved her Popá’s death, and as she learned of her Creole gift and the power she had, and as she grew and valued the relationships she was forming. The description of New Orleans, plus crossing the veil, etc are AMAZING!! I was so engrossed that it was hard to force myself to come up for air. This is a definite favorite for me, and I highly recommend it!!"
"Gabbie is a heroine for good. After suffering tragedy upon tragedy, Gabbie learned of the power within her. In gaining this knowledge, she had to learn to use her power for good and push away the desire to do evil. Gabbie met the challenge. She embraced her heritage, she found her strength, and she overcame her fears to help her loved ones. The story began with a young, frightened girl who was lost and alone and ended with a strong, brave woman who found friendship and love in the people around her."
"This is a wonderful novel. I doubt that my review will do it justice. It definitely grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. The hardships are plentiful and the characters overcoming them makes for an excellent read. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a complimentary copy."
"This book, The Juju Girl grips from beginning to end. In the quest to heal and to right old wrongs she finds her own power and direction. She learns to listen and is able to join worlds, genders and more. It is a good read and a good introduction to this world of Louisiana healers."

Meet the Author

Nikki lives in the charming and artsy town of Gulfport, Florida with her husband, but they are both proud native Washingtonians. Before embarking on her writing career, Nikki worked with teens and young adults as both an educator and counselor. Besides writing young adult historical fiction, Nikki enjoys jewelry making, antiquing, and travelling. Every spring she and her art professor sister enjoy a “Sisters Without Misters” vacation to a faraway country where they explore the art and culture of each region. They spend lots of time visiting art galleries, savoring the culinary delights of each culture, and exploring the local “cemetery art”.

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