A Voodoo bokor mentors two teens in the dark arts.
Lucien Nazaire flees his Haitian homeland and heads for the U.S. Once he reaches his golden years, he settles in a quiet, Wisconsin trailer park filled with elderly tenants. He hires a teen to help him with household jobs. As their relationship progresses, Lucien invites the boy into the world of Voodoo.
Jake LaRue lives in foster care with his abusive uncle. Voodoo gives him a sense of power within an otherwise helpless situation. He brings Henry, a classmate, to Lucien’s trailer.
Henry Novak has Asperger’s Syndrome. His disorder prevents him from socializing with his peers. He fixates on the 2010 Haitian earthquake. After hearing Jake talk about his neighbor, Henry begs for an introduction.
The teens test their spells on those they hate and lust. Their immature motives lead to dire consequences.
Henry’s church organizes a mission trip to rebuild Haiti. He convinces his family to sign up. The trip turns into a nightmare for Henry and his family.
Bad Juju is a balance of horror, romance, and literary fiction intended for ages seventeen and up. The novel weaves research into the mystical side of Voodoo e.g. shapeshifting, zombies, and possession.