Play Book Tag discussion

The debut novel is a blending of supernatural elements within a crime-drama set in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is a haunting exploration of the boundary between life and death, while also being a deeply personal story about identity, trauma, and the search for belonging.

The protagonist, Rita, is a young Native American woman working as a forensic photographer. She has a unique ability: she can see the ghosts of the people who have died. Although this supernatural awareness can be an asset in solving murders; it is also a curse because it draws the dead to her if they have some unfinished business. It doesn't help that few know of this ability which can cause others to question her sanity when Rita is engaged with the supernatural. She finds her job rewarding; however, a recent encounter with a ghost that died from an apparent suicide may threaten her and those she loves.

Emerson creates a palpable contemporary Albuquerque melding the beauty of the land with the dangers of the desert, especially those of human origin. The author balances well the supernatural elements with those associated with the crime drama. My one minor criticism is the inclusion of the well-worn trope of avoiding eye contact with the ghosts to prevent one from being overwhelmed by their requests for assistance.

Rita herself is a complex and layered character. She is tough and resourceful, but also vulnerable, haunted by the abandonment by her mother at an early age. Her grandmother, who she dearly loves, is the one who raised her which is told in alternating chapters.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good crime novel but wants something special to set it apart from others in this genre.

I loved this one! I believe a second will be pu lished in near future.

Fab review, John.

This sounds wonderful. Adding it to