She Waits Where Shadows Gather

Tang’s atmospheric but shakily plotted debut weaves a rich tapestry of folklore, Filipino culture, and the complex dynamics of deceit and longing within a troubled marriage. First generation Filipino Canadian Avery reluctantly relocates from Canada to Manila with her husband, Carlos, at the request of his family, who need a mysterious, unnamed favor. They move into Carlos’s childhood home and, from the start, Avery senses something evil haunting them. When Avery’s fierce desire for motherhood and Carlos’s mounting recklessness clash, a near-tragedy intensifies the malevolent aura in the house and Avery must fight supernatural forces for both their lives. The fascinating extended family dynamics will have readers primarily rooting for the strong side characters, who often outshine the less developed leads. Tang’s lush imagery and description shines, but her portrayal of the couple runs a bit short on substance and nuance, and some plot points feel frustratingly underexplored. Readers who come purely for the spooky vibes may be satisfied, but others can skip this. (May)