Scan barcode
A review by gigireadswithkiki
The Hatak Witches by Devon A. Mihesuah
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
If you like the forensic anthropology & mystery solving of the TV show Bones, mixed with indigenous folklore horror, and tinged with a splash of Mothman, this book is for you. But my highest recommendation is to avoid the synopsis before reading, I truly think the synopsis does the book a disservice in setting readers up for disappointment.
That being said, I still really enjoyed this story. The mystery of the stolen museum bones tied into issues of NAGPRA seamlessly, raising rightful accusations of museum profiteers purposefully withholding Indigenous remains from Tribal Nations. The horror elements were built up fairly well, with a good mix of body gore and creepy crawly creatures that’ll send shivers running up your spine.
My biggest critiques are the occasional lines of fatphobia laced throughout Monique’s thought patterns (especially the scene where she’s shopping at Walmart) as well as the inconsistencies in pacing toward the end. The fatphobia was entirely unnecessary and undeveloped and honestly I feel like the book should have been at least 50 pages longer in order for the ending to not feel rushed. But overall, I still enjoyed the book and would recommend for any person who’s a big fan of horror!
That being said, I still really enjoyed this story. The mystery of the stolen museum bones tied into issues of NAGPRA seamlessly, raising rightful accusations of museum profiteers purposefully withholding Indigenous remains from Tribal Nations. The horror elements were built up fairly well, with a good mix of body gore and creepy crawly creatures that’ll send shivers running up your spine.
My biggest critiques are the occasional lines of fatphobia laced throughout Monique’s thought patterns (especially the scene where she’s shopping at Walmart) as well as the inconsistencies in pacing toward the end. The fatphobia was entirely unnecessary and undeveloped and honestly I feel like the book should have been at least 50 pages longer in order for the ending to not feel rushed. But overall, I still enjoyed the book and would recommend for any person who’s a big fan of horror!