Description
Longlisted for the National Book Award 

This blood-chilling debut set in New Mexico’s Navajo Nation is equal parts gripping crime thriller, supernatural horror, and poignant portrayal of coming of age on the reservation.


"A haunting thriller, written with exquisite suspense . . . This is a story that won't let you go long after you finish, and you won't want it to end even as you can't stop reading to find out how it does."
—Tommy Orange, author of There There

 

Rita Todacheene is a forensic photographer working for the Albuquerque police force. Her excellent photography skills have cracked many cases—she is almost supernaturally good at capturing details. In fact, Rita has been hiding a secret: she sees the ghosts of crime victims who point her toward the clues that other investigators overlook. 

As a lone portal back to the living for traumatized spirits, Rita is terrorized by nagging ghosts who won’t let her sleep and who sabotage her personal life. Her taboo and psychologically harrowing ability was what drove her away from the Navajo reservation, where she was raised by her grandmother. It has isolated her from friends and gotten her in trouble with the law.

And now it might be what gets her killed.

When Rita is sent to photograph the scene of a supposed suicide on a highway overpass, the furious, discombobulated ghost of the victim—who insists she was murdered—latches onto Rita, forcing her on a quest for revenge against her killers, and Rita finds herself in the crosshairs of one of Albuquerque’s most dangerous cartels. Written in sparkling, gruesome prose,
Shutter is an explosive debut from one of crime fiction's most powerful new voices.

Product form

Shutter

$25.95

    • Guaranteed secure & safe checkout.

      shop pay
    • Shipped today? Order within: Jun 05, 2026 17:00:00 -0600
    • Pay later with Shop Pay or After Pay
    • Layaway available in-store
    Description
    Longlisted for the National Book Award 

    This blood-chilling debut set in New Mexico’s Navajo Nation is equal parts gripping crime thriller, supernatural horror, and poignant portrayal of coming of age on the reservation.


    "A haunting thriller, written with exquisite suspense . . . This is a story that won't let you go long after you finish, and you won't want it to end even as you can't stop reading to find out how it does."
    —Tommy Orange, author of There There

     

    Rita Todacheene is a forensic photographer working for the Albuquerque police force. Her excellent photography skills have cracked many cases—she is almost supernaturally good at capturing details. In fact, Rita has been hiding a secret: she sees the ghosts of crime victims who point her toward the clues that other investigators overlook. 

    As a lone portal back to the living for traumatized spirits, Rita is terrorized by nagging ghosts who won’t let her sleep and who sabotage her personal life. Her taboo and psychologically harrowing ability was what drove her away from the Navajo reservation, where she was raised by her grandmother. It has isolated her from friends and gotten her in trouble with the law.

    And now it might be what gets her killed.

    When Rita is sent to photograph the scene of a supposed suicide on a highway overpass, the furious, discombobulated ghost of the victim—who insists she was murdered—latches onto Rita, forcing her on a quest for revenge against her killers, and Rita finds herself in the crosshairs of one of Albuquerque’s most dangerous cartels. Written in sparkling, gruesome prose,
    Shutter is an explosive debut from one of crime fiction's most powerful new voices.

    WHY ELLIS TANNER TRADING COMPANY?

    While Other Shops Focus On The "Sale," Ellis Focuses On The People

    Ellis believes his business only succeeds when the Navajo and Native American community thrive.

    Since 1967, Ellis - the “Little In-law” - has built more than a trading post; he’s built a business that honors the Navajo people and their way of life. Whether you’re admiring the Circle of Light Murals honoring Navajo leaders or browsing the largest library of Navajo authors, you’ll feel the difference: This isn't just a store. It is a pillar of the Four Sacred Mountains where every transaction is rooted in a lifetime of mutual respect.

    • <h2>Powered by Culture.<br/>Excel in Education.</h2>

      Powered by Culture.
      Excel in Education.

    • <h2>Grounded in Tradition. Power in Community.</h2>

      Grounded in Tradition. Power in Community.

    © 2026 Ellis Tanner Trading Co., Powered by Shopify

      • American Express
      • Apple Pay
      • Diners Club
      • Discover
      • Google Pay
      • Mastercard
      • Shop Pay
      • Visa

      Login

      Forgot your password?

      Don't have an account yet?
      Create account