In the swamps of New Orleans, a corpse surfaces—and the last person to see the victim alive was Daniel Ash. His family has a well-known history of magical roots, and he himself can feel the loa spirits. He didn’t kill anyone, but he wants to know who did. After all, ancient powers are warning of danger to his family. The fairy tale begins with “once upon a time.” Southern gothic begins with “you won’t believe this crap!” A new book from May, author of the popular trilogy of retellings “Gods in the Neon Light,” based on the myth of Hades and Persephone. The novel’s events unfold in New Orleans, where people believe in voodoo and practice magic. Realistic reflections of actual city locations, a detective thread, family scenes, rituals, and conversations with ghosts. The main themes are brotherly bonds, accepting losses, and mutual support.