I loved the first book in this series though it was darker than I usually read. EXPOSURE was not as big a hit for me. I didn't like the second point of view and found it very distracting and too creepy. I hope if there is a next one in the series that we get more of Rita's point of view and less of some creepy character's point of view.

Rita Todacheene, a forensic photographer in Gallup, New Mexico, has a gift she doesn’t want: she sees dead people. They see her too, and bombard her night and day, asking for her help to get a message to their loved ones, or to cross over, or just to be acknowledged. Some are gentle, some of them angry and abusive. She’s still recovering from a near-fatal injury, and she feels weak and battered in both body and mind. A new case involving the murders of six children proves almost too much, and she seeks refuge with her grandmother on the Navaho reservation.
In Gallup, a serial killer is preying on the homeless population. She is asked to help find him, and against her better judgment and over the protests of her family, she agrees. The shadowy villain leads her on a frightening and dangerous dance, and it takes all her police and psychic skills to track him down.
This is the second in the Rita Todacheene series. The first, Shutter, was longlisted for the National Book Award. Exposure looks like another award winner.

Read the first book and this one was also good. An interesting series. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

The book opens with Rita, a forensic photographer for the Albuquerque Police Dept., being called to a grizzly crime site. It appears that the older brother has shot his entire family, three girls, three boys, and his parents. But one of the girls shows Rita that things are not what they seem. I assume Rita's ability to see ghosts is explained in the first book but not having the background did not detract from the story.

What follows is Rita's story as she tries to heal and the story of a killer. The alternating chapters move the story along quickly. This was a hard one to put down.

I would recommend this to readers who like a dark story and are not put off by very descriptive visuals.

Thai book was so engrossing I finished it in a day. I enjoyed the Native representation. I also really enjoyed the alternating chapters and felt like Exposure lived up to Shutter.

This is Ramona Emerson’s second title exploring the pathway of Rita Todacheene, a forensic photographer for the Albuquerque Police Dept. Rita’s almost supernatural abilities to connect with crime victims has taken a physical and mental toll on her. Her colleagues disbelieve her and are not supportive. Friends have left and her family is back on the reservation. In the interest of healing Rita decides to leave her work behind and somehow find solace and a path forward by going back home. Not too far away in Gallup, lurks an evil murderer that will draw her back to aid the local police in seeking justice and end these violent deaths.

This title is even darker than the first one. Its dual narrative of Rita and the murderer pits good against evil. The evil character is given a back story that explains but never excuses his actions. Rita, who has faced so much death and victims, risks her well-being to ferret out how he operates. Emerson hints at a third title that just maybe will bring a balance into Rita’s life. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this title.

The second book in the Rita Todacheene trilogy, Exposure is even more visceral than Shutter. Rita is awakened by the spirit of a little girl and ends up at a horrific crime scene where the spirit girl, and her whole family have been murdered. It seems that the oldest brother is to blame for the massacre but Rita is getting a different story from the spirits. Rita is not supposed to be back at work yet, (due to the happenings in Shutter), and this crime scene, along with the newest one in Gallup, have overwhelmed Rita. She becomes soul-sick and her grandmother and Mr. Bitsilly, the medicine man, come to take Rita back home and away from the corruption of the APD.
But the ghosts will not be ignored and Rita must decide if she can help investigators in Gallup with serial murders, or risk her soul.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Soho Crime for this e-arc.*

Thriller | Adult
[Cover image]
Doggone that Ramona Emerson – she’s done it again. Just as in her first novel, Shutter, the book opens with an almost intolerable description of violent death. Rita Todacheene is an Indigenous woman, working in Albuquerque as a forensic photographer. She is still recovering from being shot in the first novel, and is blackballed at work for turning in a bad cop. She’s also shunned because word is out that she sees ghosts of the murdered victims, whose words influence her investigative work. The ghosts are back in this book – a family, a corrupt mayor, and a couple floating over the cornfields – and they are tormenting her, demanding that she stop the killings. The torment is enough to make Rita psychically and physically ill, until her family discovers the situation and uses spiritual guidance and prayers to protect her. In a dual storyline, we learn the story of the murderer’s motivation and warped justification of the killings, and Emerson does a credible job of creating in the killer a sympathetic character, though that dissipates quickly in the final scene. By the book’s end, I’m glad I’ve read it, but it’s one heck of a difficult journey. These are not easy books to read, and trust me the ghost trope is given a completely new treatment in Emerson’s hands. It should be noted Shutter earned a spot on the National Book Award top 10 for 2022, so her work is top notch. Still, I’m not sure I’ll have the strength to try a third novel, if it appears. My thanks to Soho Press for the advance reading copy provided digitally through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
More discussion and reviews of this novel: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204642470

Exposure by Ramona Emerson is the second in a series, new to me, and one I chose explicitly because of its foray into the Native American spirituality/occult. I am fascinated by this topic and it’s treatment in numerous novels. This was an interesting book, switching between two narrators: one the Native American forensic photographer/investigator; and the other a severely mentally ill serial killer. It was a fascinating display of being haunted as each of them were. Rita Todacheene was called to the residence where an horrific mass murder had taken place. An entire family, gone. She was greeted by the ghost of one of the little girls. She spent hours on the photos and then a startling discovery was made in the shed. The head of this family was a retired cop and, no matter what, his reputation must be guarded. It was exactly what had gotten Rita shot and in the mental state she was now. She was not sure how much longer she could work in this corrupt system. The second narrator was Brother Gabriel Jensen, a man who had suffered abuse his entire childhood and had entered adulthood to join a small sect of priests who were less than conventional. He was loved by all and worked hard to save his “parishioners,” the homeless Navajo wandering the streets of Gallup, NM.

This was a novel which touched my soul. The weight Rita carried was beyond burdensome: it was driving her mad. Thankfully she had her friend, Shanice, and her grandmother as well as a native medicine man, who brought her back to the reservation and forced her to rest. She could not interpret what she was seeing and so she tried to manage the visions, the ghosts, by simplifying her life. It turns out what she needed was to find absolution for all of them so they could pass to the next life. This was an interesting book, from the standpoint of being present while a man sunk into mental illness. We all know it is out there, now we have one example of why. What if we could prevent it? Could we? This was an amazing novel. I can’t wait to read her next one.

I was invited to read Exposure by Soho Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #SohoPress #RamonaEmerson #Exposure

I almost gave up on this book a few times. I found the alternating viewpoints somewhat annoying but more importantly, I don't especially like knowing what is in the killer's mind. I will say that Ms. Emerson pulled it off rather brilliantly, showing multiple sides of the killer's personality. I find myself wondering what will happen to the young photographer...will this become a series? Will the ghosts behave in the future? I would recommend this to someone who's not put off by the darker side of things.
Thank you to Ms. Emerson, her publisher and Netgalley for making this book available to me.

Police photographer Rita is still plagued by ghosts in this follow-up to “Shutter.” She goes home to the reservation near Gallup, NM to heal, but the spirits follow her there, demanding justice. Her Navajo community does the best they can to protect her, but Rita knows that until she finds the killer, there will be no peace.

Rita’s story is told in alternating chapters with the killer, giving a unique perspective into the mind of a murderer who believes in his own righteousness. Often we don’t get to go deep into the villain’s history like this, and it added an interesting element to the story.

This is a very dark book, with lots of blood and death. If you don’t like gore and ghosts, you should skip this one. I preferred Exposure over Shutter, the first book in the series; if you haven’t read it, I’d start there first. If the series continues, I look forward to reading the next one too.

This is a series that gets better and better and this is just the second installment. The very first chapter drew me in with its vivid imagery of a brutal family slaying and the addition of the deceased in ghostly form never let me go. The main character’s gift or curse allows her to see the dead and most of the time expose how they died. Her emotional gauntlet she runs leaves her fearful and alone. Or so she thinks. Does all she need to do is return to the reservation and her family?

There is a killer out there dispensing his own brand of justice. Will Rita be able to regain her inner strength to deal with this person who may make you feel some compassion?

Highly recommended! I can’t wait for the next one!

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 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.

*Trigger warning for violence against children.
There is a lot going on here. Rita is a great character who is dealing with a lot. Ghosts are bombarding her, there is definite PTSD from the events in Shutter, her own coworkers don't trust her. Add guilt for staying away from her grandmother for so long and you have someone on the edge of a complete breakdown. Luckily, her family was there to nurse her back to health. Her family and her Dine culture are a very important part of this book.
The killer's point of view makes you understand why they took the road they did. The empathy that was created made the ending even more horrifying, although it also made it apparent that there could only be one true ending.
Recommended for fans of Shutter, those who enjoy supernatural events in their thrillers, and those who are interested in Native American stories.

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.

Another novel featuring Rita Todacheene, the Dine photographer who sees ghosts. Once again, this book was very hard to get through since there are so many graphic descriptions of dead bodies, and death. However, I think this was a little better than Shutter, since it doesn't talk about Rita's boring childhood, and it portrays the police as even more corrupted and incompetent than the first book did. The chapters alternate with the narration of some creep, who we get to know as the story carries on, and although I didn't love reading about him, I preferred that to reading about child Rita seeing ghosts.

The story was fine. It's mostly Rita dealing with the repercussions of the last book, struggling with her mental and physical injuries, especially since APD is giving her a hard time about her abilities. She struggles alone for the first part of the book, but when her elderly neighbor passes away she is forced back to the rez to live a quiet life with her grandmother, under the watchful eye of Mr. Bitsilly. The story really picks up from here as Rita learns to deal with her ghosts, and assists the Gallup police with their investigation. If the series continues, I hope it keeps Rita working in assistance with the Gallup police (and possibly tribal police, at some point?).

Once again, this book is strange in the way it talks so much about things that Navajos usually have massive meltdowns about, but since I was expecting it this time, it didn't bother me as much, just keeping my Pueblo expectations in check, including bracing for all the blood and gore.

My Honest Review
Exposure
By Ramona Emerson

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this follow up
Rita Todacheene story. Emerson’s character development and storytelling is absolutely incredible and am such a fan of her writing. If crime detective, mystery/thriller, and a touch horror highly recommend this phenomenal series.



📚Expected Release October 1, 2024📚
Thank you SoHo Press & SoHo Crime, NetGalley, & the brilliant author Ramona Emerson. I’m super appreciative for the opportunity.📚

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of Exposure by Ramona Emerson.

I loved Emerson’s debut Shutter and was very excited to read the second entry in the series. Exposure was very powerful, and I must say, more graphic than Shutter. Excellent writing, and I love the storyline, but it was difficult to read chapters from a killer’s point of view, that’s just personal preference.

Psychic Albuquerque PD forensic photographer Rita Todacheene returns in Ramona Emerson's sequel to Shutter, having been called in to assist in the investigation of serial murders of Native American women, made to appear to be due to exposure to the elements.

The story is told in a dual POV, Rita's and the serial killer's. The writing is taut and engaging. This is a creepy supernatural crime thriller / police procedural that was difficult to put down. Some of the secondary characters as well as the protagonist's personal and work related conflicts were carryovers from the first novel, but shouldn't be an impediment to a newcomer to the series. I thought Exposure was a little bit more thrilling than Shutter, and I will eagerly await the third book, which I am betting will be entitled Aperture.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC for this unbiased review.

"Monsters are real and ghosts are real. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win." (Stephen King)

Ramona Emerson goes deep in Exposure. If you've read the first book in this series, Shutter, you know there's a lot of WooWoo going on. Exposure does read as a standalone, but it's best to get your bearings straight in Shutter. This one sends a current of intensity from the first pages on.

Rita Todacheene is a forensic photo specialist for the Albuquerque Police. She's seen it all and the all follows her home at night. Rita has visions of the victims long after the crime scene is wrapped up. As a Navajo, she respects the dead. The ones that she deals with have had tragic endings and they wish for their voices, once silenced, to be heard.

A teenage boy has been accused of murdering his entire family. Rita is not so sure that he's guilty. The crime scene says otherwise. But the visions tell a different story.

Because of her unusual visions, Rita has been ridiculed by her fellow officers. The strain wears on her especially after she was severely injured previously and now walks with a cane. Dr. Cassler doesn't want to release Rita back into the force. But the need is great for her talent. This is more evident when officers from Gallup call for her help.

It appears that a serial killer is in their midst when the body count turns into multiples. The stress is beginning to take its toll on Rita and she returns to Tohachi to heal under her grandmother's care. But murder doesn't take a holiday and Rita is pulled back once again.

Ramona Emerson creates a dual storyline here. We'll be introduced to this killer early on in his youth. His life experiences will curl your toes. Emerson sees to that. Exposure allows us to walk around inside his head. Believe me, it jangles with all the bells and whistles of the wheels coming off of a human soul. Creepy to the max. But in regard to Rita, just you wait and see.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Soho Press and to Ramona Emerson for the opportunity.

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.