Salsa Nocturna

I haven't read something this original in a long time. The whole concept of the linked stories in this collection is that the dead--and the half-dead--are all around us all the time, we just can't see them. That the dead have their own loose organization and crime-fighting corps to keep their antics from spilling over into the land of the living is innovative, but even more so is the focus on New York City and more particularly, its Latino ghost population.

The author is clearly in his element as he plays up scifi tropes. For instance, upon agreeing that the ghost of a white guy can join the gang of Latino ghost-stoppers, one of the Latinos says, "I thought on it and Cane can roll with us... but he definitely gotta be a sidekick.... That's the rule, people. Sicka white dudes being all primary in shit. He can be the sidekick or the nosey neighbor. That's it."

That quote shows up another strength of the writing: street slang that is well-written, current and frequently funny. In addition, there is some amazing description going on, as in this section:
"The rain keeps starting and stopping like an anxious lover who doesn't know if he should spend the night."

I liked all of the stories in this collection--a rarity in itself--but was particularly impressed by "Magdalena," a story about surviving abuse, and "The Passing," which got a bit meta about story collecting.

Throughout, I couldn't help thinking the world that Older has created would make a great premise for a television show. Coming soon on Netflix??? I hope so!