The plot: Rita Todacheene is Navajo. She was raised by her grandmother on the reservation, and grew up loving photography; she also grew up seeing ghosts. Too bad her supernatural gift is taboo in Navajo society. As an adult, Rita now works in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a forensic photographer. She photographs crime scenes, and her gift sometimes helps her see clues the police miss. Though she tries very hard not to let any of the ghosts around her know that she can see them. It doesn't always work. And her latest case just brought a very angry ghost into her life, one who was murdered and who is determined to make Rita find her killers.
My thoughts: What a spellbinding read! Rita is such an interesting character. I loved how the author interweaves her childhood and all her first ghostly experiences with her present day life. The well-drawn New Mexico backdrop along with Rita's detailed camera skills ground the novel and give it a real sense of authenticity, which contrasts nicely with all the supernatural elements. And Emerson does an excellent job of creating tension and suspense. I was drawn into Rita's life, and her job, and the mystery surrounding the angry ghost. I really hope Emerson is planning on writing a sequel. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Happy Reading!
I like the character and the plot. Must look it up. Enjoyed your review.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one. I hope you get a chance to check it out. :D
DeleteI love books set in New Mexico and this one definitely sounds like a winner!
ReplyDeleteIt's a fascinating setting to read about...and to visit. I've been there once, but would love to go back.
DeleteWhat a great premise. I like the supernatural aspect woven in with Rita's criminal work. I hope Emerson will turn this into a series for you. :)
ReplyDeleteI really hope she writes another book about Rita; she's such an interesting character.
DeleteI do like a supernatural aspect to the books that I'm reading so this sounds pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI love when books combine mystery and the supernatural (or romance and the supernatural!), so I really liked that about this one, too.
DeleteI loved the Tony Hillerman books--such a fascinating settting--I'll have to hunt this up.
ReplyDeleteHis books were amazing! I loved that Southwestern setting, too.
DeleteThis sounds really interesting. I love the supernatural element mixed with the Navaho culture. Adding to my TBR.
ReplyDeleteAnd that mix of supernatural with Navaho culture plays a major role in this story; it's what I liked about this one.
DeleteCool job she has and interesting about her seeing ghosts.
ReplyDeleteI liked both of those things a lot!
DeleteShe sounds like a really cool character to build an entire series around...so many possibilities for her.
ReplyDeleteI hope the author does write more books about her. It's a setting I love, and she's a very interesting character.
DeleteI got this book for Christmas but haven't had a chance to read it yet. I love the premise and setting, and that there are ghosts! Great review!
ReplyDeleteHope you get a chance to read it soon. It's a good one! :D
DeleteGreat review, Lark! I love a southwestern setting, and the supernatural aspect has me intrigued. :)
ReplyDeleteBoth things are favorites of mine, too. :D
DeleteI love the supernatural angle to this one!
ReplyDeleteThat's what made me want to check this one out. And I'm glad I did.
DeleteI have this one on my tbr so I am thrilled to see that you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteIt's good! Can't wait to hear what you think of it. :D
DeleteAdding this to my wish list!
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading! :D
DeleteThis sounds excellent.
ReplyDeleteI loved the setting and the supernatural aspect of it.
DeleteOh, I like the sound of this one! I'll see if they have an audio. :)
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed! :D
DeleteSounds like a good one! Supernatural and suspense seem like a great combination, too. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favorite combinations. :D
DeleteI like the idea of a forensic photographer, but am not so much into the supernatural side of it. I still think I will give it a try some day.
ReplyDeleteIt does give this book an interesting twist, one I really liked.
DeleteWhoa a forensic photographer ... that must be a heavy kind of job on one's psyche. She does sound like a cool character.
ReplyDeleteI would find a job like that very hard to do. But it's very interesting to read about.
DeleteI don't think I could be a forensic photographer either, but- like you-- I did find it interesting to read about.
ReplyDeleteI liked that it gave a different perspective on the crime than what you usually get in these kinds of mysteries.
DeleteHi Lark, this book sounds really good,. We probably learn alot about Rita and Navajo culture and I love books set in New Mexico even though I've never visited.
ReplyDeleteI love when books immerse me in another culture! Especially one as interesting as the Navajo.
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