Review: 'Death Rattle' by Carter Pugh
This review contains spoilers.
"Death Rattle," an urban fantasy novel set in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, takes readers on a dark and messy coming-of-age journey through the eyes of Clarke Carpenter. Blending murder mystery elements with fantasy, the novel follows Clarke as she navigates trauma, friendship, self-discovery and a series of events that force her to confront a world far different from the sheltered life she has known.
Clarke’s difficult upbringing plays an important role in shaping her character. Bullied by her peers and dealing with a stressful home life, she has grown up feeling isolated from the acceptance, fun and self-love she longs for. Through well-executed flashbacks, readers gain insight into Clarke’s childhood and the experiences that shaped her. Her story—feeling like a social outcast, dealing with an ill parent and navigating an emotionally abusive father—gives the character an element of relatability that many readers may recognize in their own experiences.
As the story progresses, Clarke becomes a multifaceted character who is learning to build a life of her own. She begins developing trust in those around her while working through the challenges of becoming the person she wants to be. That journey takes a dramatic turn when she discovers her roommate murdered in their apartment, finds herself spending time in jail and encounters a mysterious person who begins helping her navigate what comes next.
The murder-mystery elements were one of the strongest aspects of the novel for me. The disappearance of Allison, Clarke’s closest friend, and the unanswered question of who killed her roommate kept me wanting to uncover what would happen next. Pugh’s decision to introduce the fantasy elements gradually also made the story stand out. What initially feels like a more traditional murder mystery eventually shifts into something much larger, with the turning point coming during Clarke’s time in a jail cell.
The novel also introduces supporting characters who initially appear somewhat one-dimensional but become increasingly important as the story unfolds. Haywood and Officer Cain, in particular, play roles that add to Clarke’s journey. Haywood, who initially appears human but is secretly a fae, becomes an important figure in helping Clarke navigate her time in jail and eventually escape.
While "Death Rattle" is a relatively quick read, it also feels like an introduction to a much larger story. As the first installment in a series, the novel leaves readers with plenty of unanswered questions and loose ends. Some plot points felt underdeveloped, but knowing the story continues into another book helped put those elements into perspective.
Overall, "Death Rattle" offers an intriguing combination of murder mystery, urban fantasy and coming-of-age themes, particularly through its Charlotte setting and relatable protagonist. Pugh’s writing style feels personal and character-driven, making it easy to become invested in Clarke’s journey. I’m looking forward to seeing how the story develops in the rest of the series and reading more from Pugh in the future.
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