Shutter

I picked this up during my spooking reading and stopped listening for the following reasons:

1. The supernatural piece wasn't what I was expecting and didn't fit into my spooking vibe reading. Basically, the mood of the book didn't match the mood I was in.
2. There is a dual time narrative and I felt like there was too much time spent in the past narrative and the pacing was slow because of that. I typically don't mind a dual time narrative but I think it would have worked better for me if there was a few chapters in present day for every chapter in the past.
3. My notes for why I added to my list were - blood-chilling, supernatural horror, on the reservation. In the first 2 hours of the audio book all I got was the reservation. This was reading much more like crime fiction than horror.

First things first: the whole concept of "ghosts" is embarrassingly silly.

That said... I enjoyed the hell out of this book. The ghost gimmick is key to the story, but the focus (har!) is always on the protagonist. Her dealing with the ghosts, personally and culturally, involves complex moral questions and I loved how Emerson developed (har!) these issues, how her character struggled and grew. I loved the supporting characters, loved Emerson's pacing and well-sustained level of tension: it was hard to put the book down.

Jumbo levels of improbability, and not just the ghost thing: dialog; some of the personal interactions; high body count; and oodles of perfect-timing serendipity. Still totally worth reading. Grab a Suspension of Disbelief pill or two—or even a handful—and prepare for some thoughtful fun.

I enjoyed this book, but I expected it to be scarier. There was disturbing imagery and suspense for what would happen next.

I love the character of Rita! The narrator most definitely influenced my love for her. The structure with the back and forth nature of it was an interesting way to weave the story together. I didn't love every plot point, but they all worked together for the story. If you want to read a slightly paranormal mystery novel with a compelling sleuth, pick up this one.

This title intrigued me as I spent some meaningful time a few years ago in NM and the Navajo Nation - the settings for this novel. The first chapter is gory & disturbing. Skip to the end of it as it isn't vital to the plot. I liked the first person narrator and her ability to see the spirits who occupy the places she travels. I could have done less with her back story as her history occupied at least half of the book - alternating past and present by chapter. This shifting slowed dowe the plot - which already felt thin to begin with. The plot's "mystery" was cliched and held little suspense. I do like the main character and may consider reading future entries in a series as future titles will likely focus on her present as I presume (hope) her back story has been throughly told in "Shutter."

The whole time I just wanted her to explain to her grandma how the ghosts work and that she cant really control it. Everything else was so good but damn that was an itch for me.

4.5/5 stars