Unraveling

This tale of Afro-Caribbean-flavored myth and magic is a loose sequel to the author's Redemption in Indigo, and features appearances by some of the same characters. It's a blending of the modern world, in which Miranda is a forensic pathologist investigating a series of murders, with intervention by angels and by mythical undying characters Chance (representing all the possible versions of the future) and the Trickster (who transforms at one point into his alternate guise as Anansi the spider).

The narrative is very much not linear, twisting and turning and looping back among future, past, and present, as it explores the nature of memory and the mystery of who is really behind the murders and their reason for committing the crimes, with a sub-theme of learning to recognize one's privilege due to systemic inequality, and choosing to work for change.

The dream imagery is lovely (if at times quite brutal), but the narrative is difficult to follow, and in the end I felt as though I was missing a couple of pieces which would have made the ending more comprehensible and satisfying for me.

It's not necessary to read Redemption before reading this one, but I think readers' understanding and appreciation will be enhanced by doing so.

Readers who prefer stories where there is really a comprehensible ending may find this one unsatisfying, but those who enjoy myth and magic, and don't require solid resolutions, may find the novel entrancing.