I didn't know it, but I was waiting my entire life to read this book.
It's urban fantasy, turn of the century melting pot New York abouts Jews. A Jewish main character, a healthy sprinkle of Yiddish, even a Dybbuk (a Jewish soul demon)!!!!!
In this alt history novel, magic is real and acknowledged - but illegal. Inquisitors police America looking for malicious use od magic while those in power can cast spells with impunity. Each culture has their own method of magic. At first I was concerned about the portrayal of a Jewish inquisitor, as historically witch hunts were target aggressively towards Jews and many of the stereotypical "witch" elements are based off historic Jewish traits and stereotypes.
But Moriarty wonderfully balanced commentary with story to create this amazing narrative. As a middle grade book, the surface may not be such a deep plot but there are a lot of ideas to unpack here, from historical American prejudices and racism to the way we view witches and communism and the "otherness" of immigration in America today. I look forward to reading this novel again in the future to look for even more depth!

Of course I highly recommend this book. This was the New York of my great grandparents and I loved being able to take a step in while still playing in one of my favorite genres.
And if anyone was disappointed in the inept anti-Semitism/racism in the Fantastic Beasts films, this may be a good alternative.

My copy had a significant amount of typos, but I also know it was a smaller press edition. I'm happy to let it slide, though, for how much fun I had reading this book.