I think this book found a way to balance the supernatural witchy energy with the murder mystery genre vibes really well. It remained relatively cozy, and was enjoyable. I think it fell a little to much into the trap of 'setting up a series' but not enough that it hindered my enjoyment.

Something, I did really like about this book is the way the author establishes the diversity within San Francisco. I was a bit hesitant at first when we had started mentioning Latin Folklore, then Vodou, and Wicca, etc. I was worried it would come across like picking and choosing things the author thought was 'cool' and leaning on stereotypes. However, I do think the author went about all of this intentionally and seemed to be pushing back on stereotypes, especially when it comes to the perception of Vodou. I don't want to say it was perfect, there are a few moments that felt less successful with this push back. But I wanted to keep in mind when this was published (2009) and what I recall being on tv at the time, regarding Vodou, especially in cop/mystery shows. So, with that context of when this was written, I do appreciate the way the author did this, and mostly just critique the effectiveness of the approach taken for some of it.

Additionally, there was a very purposeful defining of groups, so if something was referenced that is specific to a culture, that cultural identity and history gets established. They make sure to emphasize that these cultural practices and any magical aspects are all neutral at their core. It was also nice to see that in a world where we have supernatural witches, and supernatural elements in general, that they still established Vodou as a separate entity, and didn't just absorb it into this bubble of witchcraft. And it was nice to see an MC approach these various cultures and elements with curiosity. So, when she first comes across something that appears to be Vodou, she doesn't jump to assume it means anything negative, and she finds someone within the community to help her understand more.

After finishing this book, I learned that the author has Masters in Anthropology and Social Work, which I do think influences the way she approached this blending of communities. I also learned that this blend of communities and cultures, is something that continues within this series and branches to additional groups that face lots of stereotypes around their faith. And those two things together turned my 'I might read more of this' into a 'yes, I will read more.' This series appears to be complete, and she wrote 11 books with the last being published in 2021, so there is a lot in her approach that might have evolved over all that time, which I am interested to look at, and I am curious to see how her Masters Degrees will continue to play a role in that approach.