Exposure by Ramona Emerson

In the haunting landscapes of New Mexico, where ancient beliefs intertwine with modern justice, Ramona Emerson’s Exposure delivers a chilling exploration of supernatural abilities and serial murder. This sophomore novel, following her critically acclaimed debut Shutter, further develops the compelling story of Rita Todacheene, a Navajo forensic photographer whose gift of seeing ghosts both aids and complicates her work in law enforcement.

The Weight of Sight: A Critical Analysis

Exposure masterfully builds upon the foundation laid in Shutter by Ramona Emerson, deepening our understanding of Rita’s supernatural burden while introducing new layers of complexity to her character. The novel alternates between Rita’s perspective and that of Brother Gabriel, a deranged killer who believes he’s doing God’s work by “helping” homeless Native Americans reach heaven. This dual narrative creates a taut psychological thriller that examines themes of justice, faith, and the often-ignored plight of indigenous communities.

Strengths: Where the Novel Shines

Character Development

Rita’s character evolution is perhaps the novel’s greatest triumph. Unlike in Shutter, where she struggled primarily with her gift in isolation, Exposure forces her to confront her abilities in a more public sphere after her secret becomes known to her colleagues. The resulting professional and personal tensions feel authentic and add compelling depth to her character.

Cultural Integration

Emerson’s integration of Navajo culture and traditions isn’t merely decorative but fundamental to the story’s structure. The novel’s exploration of different spiritual beliefs—from Rita’s traditional Navajo perspective to Brother Gabriel’s warped Christian fundamentalism—creates a rich tapestry of competing worldviews.

Setting as Character

The author’s portrayal of Gallup and the surrounding Navajo Nation is masterful. The harsh winter landscape becomes almost a character itself, with the brutal cold serving both as a weapon for the killer and a metaphor for the institutional coldness that allows such crimes to go uninvestigated.

Areas for Improvement

Pacing Issues

The novel occasionally struggles with pacing, particularly in its middle section. Some of Brother Gabriel’s chapters, while crucial for understanding his twisted mindset, can feel repetitive and slow the narrative momentum.

Secondary Character Development

While Rita and Brother Gabriel are fully realized characters, some secondary characters, particularly in the police department, could have been more thoroughly developed. This sometimes makes the institutional conflicts feel less nuanced than they could be.

Plot Resolution

The climactic confrontation, while intense, feels slightly rushed compared to the careful build-up that precedes it. A few narrative threads are tied up too neatly, potentially sacrificing some of the complexity that makes the rest of the novel so compelling.

Thematic Resonance

Justice and Invisibility

One of the novel’s most powerful themes is the invisibility of Native American victims in the justice system. Emerson skillfully uses Rita’s ability to see ghosts as a metaphor for giving voice to the voiceless, while simultaneously critiquing the systemic indifference that allows such crimes to proliferate.

Faith and Delusion

The parallel exploration of faith through Rita’s traditional beliefs and Brother Gabriel’s religious mania provides a fascinating examination of how spiritual beliefs can either heal or destroy, depending on their interpretation and application.

Technical Execution

Emerson’s prose is sharp and evocative, particularly in scenes involving Rita’s photography work. The technical details of forensic photography are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, lending authenticity to the procedural aspects while never overwhelming the story’s emotional core.

Impact and Relevance

Exposure by Ramona Emerson succeeds not only as a supernatural thriller but also as a commentary on contemporary issues facing Native American communities. The novel’s exploration of institutional racism, religious manipulation, and the vulnerability of marginalized populations feels particularly timely.

Final Verdict

Despite its minor flaws, Exposure is a worthy successor to Shutter, demonstrating Ramona Emerson’s growth as a writer while maintaining the unique blend of supernatural elements and procedural detail that made her debut so compelling. The novel is recommended for fans of:

• Tony Hillerman’s Navajo crime novels
• Stephen Graham Jones’s indigenous horror
• Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon series
• Louise Erdrich’s literary mysteries

Comparison to Similar Works

While Exposure by Ramona Emerson shares DNA with other Native American crime fiction, its supernatural elements and dual narrative structure set it apart. Unlike Tony Hillerman’s more straightforward procedurals or Stephen Graham Jones’s pure horror, Emerson creates something unique: a ghost story that doubles as both a thriller and a critique of systemic injustice.

Conclusion

Exposure confirms Ramona Emerson as a vital new voice in contemporary mystery fiction. Her ability to blend genres while maintaining cultural authenticity and narrative tension marks her as an author to watch. While the novel has some rough edges, its ambitious scope and powerful themes make it a significant contribution to both Native American literature and supernatural crime fiction.

For readers new to the series, starting with Shutter is recommended but not essential – Exposure works well as a standalone while rewarding those familiar with Rita’s previous adventures. The novel’s conclusion leaves room for future installments while providing satisfying resolution to its immediate conflicts, suggesting exciting possibilities for this promising series.