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Rita Todacheene #2
Exposure
In the follow-up to the National Book Award–longlisted Shutter, Navajo forensic photographer Rita Todacheene grapples with a fanatical serial killer—and the ghosts he leaves behind.
A dual-voice cat-and-mouse thriller, told from the points of view of a killer who has created his own deadly religion and the only person who can stop him, an embattled young detective who sees the ghosts of his Native victims.
In Gallup, New Mexico, where violent crime is five times the national average, a serial killer is operating unchecked, his targets indigent Native people whose murders are easily disguised as death by exposure on the frigid winter streets. He slips unnoticed through town, hidden in plain sight by his unassuming nature, while the voices in his head guide him toward a terrifying vision of glory. As the Gallup detectives struggle to put the pieces together, they consider calling in a controversial specialist to help.
Rita Todacheene, Albuquerque PD forensic photographer, is at a crisis point in her career. Her colleagues are watching her with suspicion after the recent revelation that she can see the ghosts of murder victims. Her unmanageable caseload is further complicated by the fact that half the department has blacklisted her for ratting out a corrupt fellow cop. And back home in Tohatchi on the Navajo reservation, Rita’s grandma is getting older. Maybe it’s time for her to leave policework behind entirely—if only the ghosts will let her.
A dual-voice cat-and-mouse thriller, told from the points of view of a killer who has created his own deadly religion and the only person who can stop him, an embattled young detective who sees the ghosts of his Native victims.
In Gallup, New Mexico, where violent crime is five times the national average, a serial killer is operating unchecked, his targets indigent Native people whose murders are easily disguised as death by exposure on the frigid winter streets. He slips unnoticed through town, hidden in plain sight by his unassuming nature, while the voices in his head guide him toward a terrifying vision of glory. As the Gallup detectives struggle to put the pieces together, they consider calling in a controversial specialist to help.
Rita Todacheene, Albuquerque PD forensic photographer, is at a crisis point in her career. Her colleagues are watching her with suspicion after the recent revelation that she can see the ghosts of murder victims. Her unmanageable caseload is further complicated by the fact that half the department has blacklisted her for ratting out a corrupt fellow cop. And back home in Tohatchi on the Navajo reservation, Rita’s grandma is getting older. Maybe it’s time for her to leave policework behind entirely—if only the ghosts will let her.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2024
239 people are currently reading
17185 people want to read
About the author
Ramona Emerson
4 books594 followersRamona Emerson is a Diné writer and filmmaker originally from Tohatchi, New Mexico. She has a bachelor’s in Media Arts from the University of New Mexico and an MFA in Creative Writing from the Institute of American Indian Arts. As a police department photographer in Alberquerque, New Mexico, she spent 16 years documenting crime scenes before becoming a novelist. She is an Emmy nominee, a Sundance Native Lab Fellow, a Time-Warner Storyteller Fellow, a Tribeca All-Access Grantee and a WGBH Producer Fellow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
May 16, 2024
More like 4.5 stars
I loved Shutter because I fell in love with Rita Todacheene. While I think Exposure can be read on its own, I highly recommend starting with Shutter because the events in the first book highly impact what is happening in the second.
Emerson ratchets the danger up another 50% in the sequel. Not only is Rita still recovering from the events in Shutter she faces a new foe, Father Gabriel and he is full of evil. It's hats off to Emerson's writing for making me care about a villain. I truly emphasized with him (at some points).
If you were in love with Gran and Mr. Bitsilly as much as I was in the first book, you will glad to see them come around again.
Exposure is a smart, slightly scary, propulsive thriller and just as good, if not a pinch better than Shutter.
Thank you to Edelweiss Plus and Soho Crime for an advance look in exchange for an honest review.
Exposure will be published on October 1, 2024.
I loved Shutter because I fell in love with Rita Todacheene. While I think Exposure can be read on its own, I highly recommend starting with Shutter because the events in the first book highly impact what is happening in the second.
Emerson ratchets the danger up another 50% in the sequel. Not only is Rita still recovering from the events in Shutter she faces a new foe, Father Gabriel and he is full of evil. It's hats off to Emerson's writing for making me care about a villain. I truly emphasized with him (at some points).
If you were in love with Gran and Mr. Bitsilly as much as I was in the first book, you will glad to see them come around again.
Exposure is a smart, slightly scary, propulsive thriller and just as good, if not a pinch better than Shutter.
Thank you to Edelweiss Plus and Soho Crime for an advance look in exchange for an honest review.
Exposure will be published on October 1, 2024.
October 9, 2024
3.0 Stars
Video Review https://youtu.be/RdthP9SPEjE
This was an enjoyable sequel to the supernatural thriller, Shutter. I like the use of photography in this series that makes for an internet lense to tell this story.
I typically love indigenous fiction and wished that those cultural elements had played a larger role in the story. I wanted to learn more through this narrative, but found the description to be a bit surface.
Overall this is a fun installment in the series but perhaps not as memorable as I would hope it to be.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Video Review https://youtu.be/RdthP9SPEjE
This was an enjoyable sequel to the supernatural thriller, Shutter. I like the use of photography in this series that makes for an internet lense to tell this story.
I typically love indigenous fiction and wished that those cultural elements had played a larger role in the story. I wanted to learn more through this narrative, but found the description to be a bit surface.
Overall this is a fun installment in the series but perhaps not as memorable as I would hope it to be.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
April 22, 2025
In the second installment of this series, Rita is back as a forensic photographer for Albuquerque PD. However, things are taking a toll and she is forced to regroup and return to her grandmother to get some much needed care. There's also a serial killer who provides the other narration in this story. There is soon, though, a request for her special abilities and this puts her right into a collision course with this serial killer of Native Americans. Maybe there is a potential love interest for Rita, with the introduction of Charley, who I hope stays around as he would be a nice balance for the mental torture she sometimes endures.
October 14, 2024
I really enjoyed Shutter because it was such a unique crime solving story (and let’s be honest there isn’t much unique left in that genre), so I was excited to see this sequel. In some ways it was perfect and in other ways I wanted more, but overall I think I am pleased and hoping there will be more. I listened to the audiobook and I felt like the narrator did a good job for the story. The voice suits this character quite well. While it could probably be read as a standalone I strongly recommend reading Shutter before this one. Rita is pulled back to work despite not being certain it’s the right thing to do. When she has her own loss she decides it’s time to finally return home. The ghosts she sees seem to have a stronger pull on her since she briefly died and she’s struggling with ignoring them. And despite her move home and leaving her job, the dead are not willing to leave her alone. I really like the Navajo culture in this one and hope to get more of a glimpse as this series continues.
November 2, 2024
4 stars
Navajo forensic photographer Rita Todacheene is haunted. Not only by the death scene pictures she takes for the Albuquerque police department, on what seems to be a daily basis, but also by the spirits of those who have yet to cross over. Being of the Navajo race, spiritual interaction is of grave importance. However, death comes so quickly that Rita becomes overwhelmed and is forced to quit her job and run home with her tail tucked. But that is not the end of 'exposure' to the dead.
This is a second book in the series, Rita Todacheene. I think I liked the first book Shutter just a bit better, but both books are good. As far as Emerson knowing her subject - she spent 16 years documenting crime scenes in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the police department before becoming a novelist. So she definitely knows the ins and outs, and her writing reflects that.
Navajo forensic photographer Rita Todacheene is haunted. Not only by the death scene pictures she takes for the Albuquerque police department, on what seems to be a daily basis, but also by the spirits of those who have yet to cross over. Being of the Navajo race, spiritual interaction is of grave importance. However, death comes so quickly that Rita becomes overwhelmed and is forced to quit her job and run home with her tail tucked. But that is not the end of 'exposure' to the dead.
This is a second book in the series, Rita Todacheene. I think I liked the first book Shutter just a bit better, but both books are good. As far as Emerson knowing her subject - she spent 16 years documenting crime scenes in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the police department before becoming a novelist. So she definitely knows the ins and outs, and her writing reflects that.
October 21, 2024
Review TK
* thanks to Soho Crime for the NetGalley review copy. Exposure publishes October 1.
* thanks to Soho Crime for the NetGalley review copy. Exposure publishes October 1.
March 5, 2025
In theory, I had such high hopes for all this. Cameras? Check! Ghosts? Check! Murder? Check! ....... except something was missing and this series is just subpar when I wanted so much more!
October 13, 2024
Man, I really like this series! It's refreshingly different; like Karin Slaughter's graphic police procedurals, but with a Navajo forensic photographer who can see and hear those who have departed before their time.
This one was a little different from the first novel, Shutter, which I liked very much. In Exposure, the POV switches back and forth between MC Rita Todacheene and the killer. I didn't like the killer's chapters nearly as much as I liked Rita's, who quits her job and moves home with her grandmother because her white co-workers on the Albuquerque PD think she's spooky. Her Navajo family and friends worry about her gift, concerned that the spirits will ask too much of her in their desire for justice (or vengeance).
It's my opinion that this series isn't gratuitous, but the crime scenes can be shocking, and they go on for an entire chapter at a time. Personally, having spent a blink of time's eye working at a city police department (as a civilian), I thought the descriptions came across as clinical without sparing any details. If you have a sensitive constitution for such things, this may not be the series for you.
I really hope Ramona Emerson continues with many more Rita Todacheene novels! Fingers crossed.
This one was a little different from the first novel, Shutter, which I liked very much. In Exposure, the POV switches back and forth between MC Rita Todacheene and the killer. I didn't like the killer's chapters nearly as much as I liked Rita's, who quits her job and moves home with her grandmother because her white co-workers on the Albuquerque PD think she's spooky. Her Navajo family and friends worry about her gift, concerned that the spirits will ask too much of her in their desire for justice (or vengeance).
It's my opinion that this series isn't gratuitous, but the crime scenes can be shocking, and they go on for an entire chapter at a time. Personally, having spent a blink of time's eye working at a city police department (as a civilian), I thought the descriptions came across as clinical without sparing any details. If you have a sensitive constitution for such things, this may not be the series for you.
I really hope Ramona Emerson continues with many more Rita Todacheene novels! Fingers crossed.
November 29, 2024
I came across Exposure by accident and am glad I did. Ramona Emerson managed to portray her characters best in the New Mexico area.
It’s always nice to read Native Americans regardless if it’s fiction / nonfiction….
Good read!!
It’s always nice to read Native Americans regardless if it’s fiction / nonfiction….
Good read!!
August 19, 2024
Emerson's created another edge of your seat tale with corrupt police, creepy serial killers, and ghosties galore. I sometimes had to stop and remind myself how minor characters from her previous novel fit it, but it didn't detract from the experience. I was pleased to see that she's finally getting a bit of support base. Go Rita!
Thanks to NetGalley and Soho Crime for making an advance copy of this title available for an honest review.
p-h, s-n, v-h, a-n
Thanks to NetGalley and Soho Crime for making an advance copy of this title available for an honest review.
p-h, s-n, v-h, a-n
October 27, 2024
3.25
I had high expectations for this based on the first book in the series. This wasn’t a bad sequel by any means, but it felt very different from the first. I think it comes down to the alternating narrators. I found Rita’s chapters much more interesting than the other storyline. There was much less investigation in this book due to this as well.
I had high expectations for this based on the first book in the series. This wasn’t a bad sequel by any means, but it felt very different from the first. I think it comes down to the alternating narrators. I found Rita’s chapters much more interesting than the other storyline. There was much less investigation in this book due to this as well.
October 22, 2024
Navajo forensic photographer Rita Todacheene is back!
TW: This installment opens up with a very gruesome description of a family murder. There are many explicit details as the story progresses, which gives the book a true crime feel. I'm a big fan of true crime so when you combine the crime with the supernatural, this book is right up my alley. Rita sees ghosts of the dead at the crime scenes she is called upon to photograph. Her colleagues know this and do not trust her. This boggles my mind as I would think solving a murder would outweigh any disbelief in ghosts. The conflict in the department, along with an abundance of very nagging, negative ghosts, leads Rita to return home to her Grandma's house. Rita is very blessed to have the love of family to help care for her mental and physical health. This is in severe contrast to the villain in this book, who suffered heartbreak, loss, and abuse as a child, and who wreaks havoc as an adult. This story is told from both Rita and the villain's POV, jumping back and forth between them. Overall the book has a very dark, heavy feel to it and makes for an excellent spooky season read.
This is book two in the series. You do not need to read book one as I feel this story reads well as a stand alone book. I do feel this book has a slower pace and at times I thought it was a stretch that Rita was asked to help with cases. I'm hoping this is setting up for a third book in the series!
Charley Flyte narrates the audiobook. She did an excellent job as there were times I forgot there was only the one narrator.
Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia, Recorded Books for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
TW: This installment opens up with a very gruesome description of a family murder. There are many explicit details as the story progresses, which gives the book a true crime feel. I'm a big fan of true crime so when you combine the crime with the supernatural, this book is right up my alley. Rita sees ghosts of the dead at the crime scenes she is called upon to photograph. Her colleagues know this and do not trust her. This boggles my mind as I would think solving a murder would outweigh any disbelief in ghosts. The conflict in the department, along with an abundance of very nagging, negative ghosts, leads Rita to return home to her Grandma's house. Rita is very blessed to have the love of family to help care for her mental and physical health. This is in severe contrast to the villain in this book, who suffered heartbreak, loss, and abuse as a child, and who wreaks havoc as an adult. This story is told from both Rita and the villain's POV, jumping back and forth between them. Overall the book has a very dark, heavy feel to it and makes for an excellent spooky season read.
This is book two in the series. You do not need to read book one as I feel this story reads well as a stand alone book. I do feel this book has a slower pace and at times I thought it was a stretch that Rita was asked to help with cases. I'm hoping this is setting up for a third book in the series!
Charley Flyte narrates the audiobook. She did an excellent job as there were times I forgot there was only the one narrator.
Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia, Recorded Books for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
dnf
October 30, 2024DNF at 50%. Ending the month on a note like this makes a lot of sense because this is how this month has gone...
This is the sequel to Shutter, which I think I gave 3 stars to. I liked it well enough to give book 2 a try. I think book 2 is tied to book 1 enough that you really should read book 1 close to book 2. I found myself kind of lost when it came to the characters who carried over from book 1. I couldn't really remember the circumstances of book 1 either.
I think Emerson is a good writer on a sentence level. The crime scenes she describes at the beginning of both books are effectively harrowing. And I like the tone and the concept of her books. But they just don't grab me. I don't feel invested, and I wish I did! If you liked book 1, though, I think book 2 will be a win.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This is the sequel to Shutter, which I think I gave 3 stars to. I liked it well enough to give book 2 a try. I think book 2 is tied to book 1 enough that you really should read book 1 close to book 2. I found myself kind of lost when it came to the characters who carried over from book 1. I couldn't really remember the circumstances of book 1 either.
I think Emerson is a good writer on a sentence level. The crime scenes she describes at the beginning of both books are effectively harrowing. And I like the tone and the concept of her books. But they just don't grab me. I don't feel invested, and I wish I did! If you liked book 1, though, I think book 2 will be a win.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
December 16, 2024
I don't prefer parallel perspectives of detective and perpetrator. But I would continue this series.
October 12, 2025
Gory, brutal snapshot of a Medical examiner photographer that can see the ghosts all around after a near- death accident of her own. Horrific and gruesome descriptions of a family’s domestic violence, coupled with an intense insane serial killer, this one had all the gore except for a final splashy ending.
I feel like the story started strong, petered out in the middle, but the ending was perhaps written before the middle. Idk it just had a bit of a weird vibe, maybe too much gore for most but it was read during a month of Halloween horror stories for this reader. The depiction of Navajos on hard times makes your heart bleed 🩸 but the ravens and madness of the killer is a gore fest.
If you want to be inside the mind of a serial killer then the alternate chapters are insanity on display. A ghost story wrapped up with a psycho wrapped up in crime-scene narrative that at the end is all a bit mystical.
I feel like the story started strong, petered out in the middle, but the ending was perhaps written before the middle. Idk it just had a bit of a weird vibe, maybe too much gore for most but it was read during a month of Halloween horror stories for this reader. The depiction of Navajos on hard times makes your heart bleed 🩸 but the ravens and madness of the killer is a gore fest.
If you want to be inside the mind of a serial killer then the alternate chapters are insanity on display. A ghost story wrapped up with a psycho wrapped up in crime-scene narrative that at the end is all a bit mystical.
December 17, 2024
Follow up to Shutter, Rita is a forensic photographer who can see and hear the ghosts of the dead she photographs. Unfortunately most of this is unpleasant for her, and a threat. In the this story, someone is murdering the people of Gallup, and you read the story from Rita's point of view, and from the killer's.
I absolutely love both of Emerson's novels, and look forward to more of her work from Native Americans perspectives.
I absolutely love both of Emerson's novels, and look forward to more of her work from Native Americans perspectives.
March 23, 2025
I liked the first in the series better but I am still curious to see where this will go. Not for the faint of heart. Very graphic serial killer theme.
December 17, 2025
A very solid 4 ⭐️s!! Dark and atmospheric and just the right amount of suspense.
Can't wait til the next in the series!
Can't wait til the next in the series!
December 13, 2024
Oh my. Emerson's first book is gripping, complex and grim. If you haven't read it, please do, (as long as you have the fortitude for death and gore.) This book continues the protagonist's mission of seeking justice for the dead who come to her. But this time the cost is too much. And then there's the killer. He's just as much a central character. Emerson shows us his inner heart. Ewww. and Ohhh.
Would you believe me if I told you this book is so much more positive than the last?
Would you believe me if I told you this book is so much more positive than the last?
October 3, 2024
📚 Book Review 📚
- Exposure by Ramona Emerson
@reelindian
- Publisher - @soho_press
The follow up to Shutter is phenomenal! Emerson writes a tale much darker than the first one and I absolutely loved it!
Rita Todacheene is a forensic photographer who sees ghosts. This time it’s the victims of a dangerous serial killer. A serial killer that believes he is doing God’s work. RIGHT UP MY ALLEY!!! 😱😱
Told from both POV of Rita and the killer! I was immediately gripped from the very beginning! Her writing is absolutely incredible. Prose so beautiful! Her words seep into your mind and soul. I can confirm that I will definitely be reading the third book and can’t wait for its release!
Ramona Emerson is a writer and filmmaker who worked as a forensic photographer for sixteen years. Her debut novel, Shutter, was longlisted for the National Book Award and the Bram Stroker Award.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release Date - October 1, 2024
Add both Shutter and Exposure to TBR! You won’t regret it!
Extremely grateful to @soho_press @reelindian for the #gifted copy 🙏
- Exposure by Ramona Emerson
@reelindian
- Publisher - @soho_press
The follow up to Shutter is phenomenal! Emerson writes a tale much darker than the first one and I absolutely loved it!
Rita Todacheene is a forensic photographer who sees ghosts. This time it’s the victims of a dangerous serial killer. A serial killer that believes he is doing God’s work. RIGHT UP MY ALLEY!!! 😱😱
Told from both POV of Rita and the killer! I was immediately gripped from the very beginning! Her writing is absolutely incredible. Prose so beautiful! Her words seep into your mind and soul. I can confirm that I will definitely be reading the third book and can’t wait for its release!
Ramona Emerson is a writer and filmmaker who worked as a forensic photographer for sixteen years. Her debut novel, Shutter, was longlisted for the National Book Award and the Bram Stroker Award.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release Date - October 1, 2024
Add both Shutter and Exposure to TBR! You won’t regret it!
Extremely grateful to @soho_press @reelindian for the #gifted copy 🙏
October 10, 2024
Ramona Emerson has put together two beautifully crafted books. I recommend reading them in order, as the first book (Shutter) introduces the characters and gives background information about living on and off the reservation in New Mexico. The characters introduced in the first book are more securely woven into the main character's life here. More emphasis is given to the frightening statistics about the large number of native people who simply disappear. I greatly enjoyed these two books. Recommended with 5 stars 🌟. Ctrl
December 2, 2024
I loved book one, Shutter. I love the Navajo detail and setting and photography, and the character of Rita. I look forward to more books. I didn’t love the dual voice structure, but that is a personal preference so your mileage may vary. The narration for those point of view switches was well done.
October 7, 2024
Author Ramona Emerson is an engaging storyteller! As a New Mexican, I enjoyed her descriptions of the settings. I love that she is a local Dine author from Tohatchi, NM a part of Navajo Nation. I also enjoyed the double meanings with camera terms in the titles. After reading Shutter and Exposure, I feel connected to some of her characters especially Rita and Rita's grandmother, and plan to read book 3 when it is published. I recently had the opportunity to listen to her talk about her writing process as guest speaker in an Albuquerque library, and found her to be very unassuming and easy to listen to.
In her first book, Shutter, she introduces the Dine (Navajo) character of Rita Todachenne from Tohatchi, NM who works for the Albuquerque Police Department as a crime scene photographer. But in addition to being a gifted photographer, Rita, at times, has the unique ability to see and hear the ghosts of the murdered victims. This gives her insight into how the deaths actually occured which leads to a whole set of unique problems. In Exposure, book two, we reconnect with characters including Mrs. Santillanes, Rita's neighbor in Albuquerque, as well as Rita's wise and sweet grandmother and her friend Mr. Bitsilly. The book begins with a dark and gruesome crime scene involving the murder of an entire family seemingly by the teenaged son. The rest of the story is told through alternating voices. One chapter we see things through the lens of Rita. The following chapter we hear thoughts and actions from a serial killer. With half of the book being told by a troubled murderer, this is not a book for young readers or those triggered by descriptions of violence or abuse. It is a dark story. Some of the descriptions of life in Gallup are really depressing and sad. A recurring theme involves the actions of dirty cops in book 1 and book 2. Even so, there is hope in the end, some growth and healing, and enough left hanging to leave me ready to read book 3!
In her first book, Shutter, she introduces the Dine (Navajo) character of Rita Todachenne from Tohatchi, NM who works for the Albuquerque Police Department as a crime scene photographer. But in addition to being a gifted photographer, Rita, at times, has the unique ability to see and hear the ghosts of the murdered victims. This gives her insight into how the deaths actually occured which leads to a whole set of unique problems. In Exposure, book two, we reconnect with characters including Mrs. Santillanes, Rita's neighbor in Albuquerque, as well as Rita's wise and sweet grandmother and her friend Mr. Bitsilly. The book begins with a dark and gruesome crime scene involving the murder of an entire family seemingly by the teenaged son. The rest of the story is told through alternating voices. One chapter we see things through the lens of Rita. The following chapter we hear thoughts and actions from a serial killer. With half of the book being told by a troubled murderer, this is not a book for young readers or those triggered by descriptions of violence or abuse. It is a dark story. Some of the descriptions of life in Gallup are really depressing and sad. A recurring theme involves the actions of dirty cops in book 1 and book 2. Even so, there is hope in the end, some growth and healing, and enough left hanging to leave me ready to read book 3!
August 29, 2024
Wow. I think I liked this even more than the first book by Emerson, Shutter, which I loved!
This main character and the side characters are so interesting and have great depth.
I love the sense of place, which Emerson does so well with the Northern New Mexican landscape, having grown up there. She really draws a realistic and rich setting.
This book has excellent plotting, tight pacing, and fantastic descriptions which bring the story to life in my mind.
I actually can't think of any other author or series that is exactly like this. The realistic and respectful depiction of Navajo culture married with a nail-biting thriller is unique to Emerson. Other authors who might be similar (other than the Navajo element) are Jane Harper and Louisa Luna.
This book series is so wonderful, I hope Ramona Emerson writes many more.
This main character and the side characters are so interesting and have great depth.
I love the sense of place, which Emerson does so well with the Northern New Mexican landscape, having grown up there. She really draws a realistic and rich setting.
This book has excellent plotting, tight pacing, and fantastic descriptions which bring the story to life in my mind.
I actually can't think of any other author or series that is exactly like this. The realistic and respectful depiction of Navajo culture married with a nail-biting thriller is unique to Emerson. Other authors who might be similar (other than the Navajo element) are Jane Harper and Louisa Luna.
This book series is so wonderful, I hope Ramona Emerson writes many more.
October 12, 2024
The second book in the series was a dual POV. A serial killer and a CSI photographer who sees ghosts. It was dark with a vigilante twist.
October 23, 2024
Rita is an Albuquerque PD forensic photographer who sees the ghosts of her victims, they talk to her, they lead her to what really happened. This doesn't sit well with her superiors when her report rats out one of their own in a tragic family slaying blamed on the son. Rita quits before being fired and moves back home to be with her grandma - to quell the ghosts and recover her sanity before it's too late.
When Father Gabriel was eight he saw his dad come back from Vietnam with the devil in him and witnessed his father murder his mother with an axe.
When Father Gabriel moved to do charity work in Gallup, New Mexico he appoints himself one of St. Michaels Angels of life and death.
When people start dying in Gallup, by the same method, the police know they have a serial killer on their hands.
Detective Arviso calls in Rita to help in the investigation. Now begins a cat and mouse chase to catch a demon.
Will Rita succumb to her ghosts or will she find the killer and finally get relief from her past.
When Father Gabriel was eight he saw his dad come back from Vietnam with the devil in him and witnessed his father murder his mother with an axe.
When Father Gabriel moved to do charity work in Gallup, New Mexico he appoints himself one of St. Michaels Angels of life and death.
When people start dying in Gallup, by the same method, the police know they have a serial killer on their hands.
Detective Arviso calls in Rita to help in the investigation. Now begins a cat and mouse chase to catch a demon.
Will Rita succumb to her ghosts or will she find the killer and finally get relief from her past.
January 3, 2025
Wow!
Ramona has written an outstanding novel weaving threads of trauma, faith, service, loss, love, corruption, systemic failures, colonialism, and bigotry together into a compelling tale. Charlie Flyte's narration was spot on for me.
I've driven US 491 between Gallup and Window Rock several times in my life. Not sure if I could listen to the audiobook on that road. The story and Charlie's reading bring the ghosts and the characters to life!
As I listened to the story I could see the worst motel I've ever stayed in and taste the great food at the few Gallup restaurants I've visited. The bitter cold, ice and snow, ghosts that won't go away - "Do you remember?"
Ramona Emerson brings to mind two great authors, Stephen King and Tony Hillerman. I look forward to reading, or listening to, Shutter!
I enjoyed the juxtaposition of trauma with faith and how both can impact our lives for better and for worse.
Ramona's identification of societal problems was accurate and informative without being preachy or prescriptive.
This novel would be perfect for bringing awareness to a variety of issues while providing a starting point for identifying solutions.
Great read!
Ramona has written an outstanding novel weaving threads of trauma, faith, service, loss, love, corruption, systemic failures, colonialism, and bigotry together into a compelling tale. Charlie Flyte's narration was spot on for me.
I've driven US 491 between Gallup and Window Rock several times in my life. Not sure if I could listen to the audiobook on that road. The story and Charlie's reading bring the ghosts and the characters to life!
As I listened to the story I could see the worst motel I've ever stayed in and taste the great food at the few Gallup restaurants I've visited. The bitter cold, ice and snow, ghosts that won't go away - "Do you remember?"
Ramona Emerson brings to mind two great authors, Stephen King and Tony Hillerman. I look forward to reading, or listening to, Shutter!
I enjoyed the juxtaposition of trauma with faith and how both can impact our lives for better and for worse.
Ramona's identification of societal problems was accurate and informative without being preachy or prescriptive.
This novel would be perfect for bringing awareness to a variety of issues while providing a starting point for identifying solutions.
Great read!
November 30, 2025
I liked this story but at the same time a couple of things bothered me.
First, I wasn't the biggest fan of the split perspective. It removed most of the "mystery" aspect of the story. Personally, not my favorite technique to place an antagonist as a "main character." I do realize it was with purpose though.
Second, there was so much build up, at one point I had wondered if the book was going to end on a cliffhanger. Nope. Just rolled out the climax very quickly. So quick, I missed what happened the first time listening.
Everything was wrapped up pretty quickly after that. I almost wonder if it was a last minute change. This was all tied up so tightly I can't help but wonder if there will be any more books about Rita. If this is true, kinda brings some sadness. I like her and would love more stories about this unique perspective.
First, I wasn't the biggest fan of the split perspective. It removed most of the "mystery" aspect of the story. Personally, not my favorite technique to place an antagonist as a "main character." I do realize it was with purpose though.
Second, there was so much build up, at one point I had wondered if the book was going to end on a cliffhanger. Nope. Just rolled out the climax very quickly. So quick, I missed what happened the first time listening.
Everything was wrapped up pretty quickly after that. I almost wonder if it was a last minute change. This was all tied up so tightly I can't help but wonder if there will be any more books about Rita. If this is true, kinda brings some sadness. I like her and would love more stories about this unique perspective.
February 22, 2025
This is the second book with Rita Todacheene, who has the ability ( or curse) of seeing dead people. After almost losing herself during brutal police investigations as a photographer, Rita took more control of her life, with the help of her grandmother. In this one, someone is killing homeless Native Americans in a nearby community. This secondary storyline really made the book flow. I can see her new strength, along with her special powers, being a powerful storyline for #3.
April 21, 2025
The second in the series. This book is written very differently than the first, which is interesting—the chapters go back and forth between Rita, the heroine, and the killer, including his childhood.
The other thing that sets this book/series apart from other mysteries is that Rita sees is haunted by the dead, and can communicate with them. However, this ability is taking its toll, and in this book she has left Albuquerque and is living in the Navajo Reservation with her grandmother. The major crime she helps investigate takes place in Gallup.
Looking forward to book 3!
The other thing that sets this book/series apart from other mysteries is that Rita sees is haunted by the dead, and can communicate with them. However, this ability is taking its toll, and in this book she has left Albuquerque and is living in the Navajo Reservation with her grandmother. The major crime she helps investigate takes place in Gallup.
Looking forward to book 3!
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