Yadriel just wants to be accepted by his family for who he is. His mum was incredibly supportive, quickly understanding him when he came out as a trans gay boy. She was the one who eased his transition within his family. Now she is gone and most family members still call him by the wrong name.

He is part of a very special Latino family. They live within a cemetery, can see and communicate with spirits and can help them pass onto the afterlife. Once a year, their lost loved ones can return for 2 days, to talk, laugh, and celebrate their time together.

This special ceremony is approaching and more than anything, Yadriel wants to be accepted as a boy and take his place alongside the men (Brujo – sorceror) among them. When anyone in their family is hurt or dies, they can all feel it. Yadriel’s cousin Miguel is found to be missing and he wants to help search for him. He is angry and hurt to be told it is too dangerous and to stay home (meaning, with the women and girls) while the Brujo look for Miguel.

Determined to prove himself, he performs a ritual that includes animal blood, a special dagger and special prayers to their religious icon, Lady Death. With his best friend Maritza at his side, Yadriel more than proves himself. The only problem is he summons the wrong spirit. It’s not Miguel in front of him, but school troublemaker Julian Diaz.

Yadriel instantly knows what to do, planning to send Julian to the afterlife. Julian has other ideas. Shocked to know he is dead, he wants to check in on his friends and family, to make sure they’re okay.

Maritza vows to keep Yadriel’s secret and the three of them put together a plan to help Julian, search for Miguel and make sure no-one in Yadriel’s family discovers what he has done.

They are soon wrapped up into a mystery of more missing teens, past and present hurts, and a simmering love story. Yadriel knows falling for a ghost is a really dumb idea, but Julian’s reputation is nothing like the real boy. He’s full-on, funny, straight talking and fiercely loyal to those he loves. He also shows Yadriel how to be true to himself.

There is so much to this novel. Pain, hurt, and a desperate desire for acceptance. Love, loyalty and determination to protect. Family traditions and celebrations, and the realisation that sometimes these must change with lives lived now. There are spirits, both good and evil, mystery and madmen.

The three main characters contrast against one another. Yadriel is studious, quiet, respectful and wants his family to see who he is. His cousin and best friend doesn’t care what people think and loves nothing more than trouble brewing.

Then there is Julian. Alive, he was always a wild spirit earning him a bad reputation. In death he’s just as full-on. But he’s not bad, just excitable, and brimming with the will to enjoy every part of ‘life’.

Loved it.

Author – Aiden Thomas

Age – 13+

Meet Aiden here

See more LGBTQ+ Reviews here

(2022, Macmillan, Latinex, Latino, Mexican, Lady Death, Suga Skulls, LGBTQ+, Transgender, Gay, Acceptance, Family, Traditions, Brujo, Mystery, Murders, Spirits, Ghosts, Courage, Loyalty, Love, Siblings, Brothers, Truth and Lies, Paranormal)