Tense.  Gory.  Impactful and thought provoking.  

“Wuhang was the epicenter of body bags and NYC was the epicenter of anti-Asian hate crimes.”

Part ghost story, part serial killer mystery, part unflinching commentary on how our worst fears can lead to illogical fear and blame.  Bat Eater is a deftly layered story that’s as gruesome and intense as it is original and affecting.  

This is the kind of story meant to be told through horror elements!  

Haunted by her sister’s murder...and maybe even her sister’s ghost...Cora grapples with fear. Fear of the germs killing people.  Fear of the hungry ghosts wanting fed.  And fear of a serial killer targeting Asian women.  

Baker has delivered a suffocatingly intense narrative that is rife with uncomfortable truths.  The complex storyline skillfully explores the inner turmoil of grief and trauma Cora faces while also expounding upon the external turmoil of seeing Asian women hunted and brutalized.  It’s no surprise that the writing is raw and provocative to match the tone of the read.  And while the richly crafted characters and the dark humor sometimes offset the sense of foreboding, the narrative never quite let’s go of its sinister nature.

This is a rage filled horror novel that is meant to evoke deep feelings.  And for me, Baker well delivered through this perfect blend of Chinese lore and incisive commentary.  

🎧Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zang is an Earphones Award winner, and with GOOD reason.  It’s narrated by the incomparable @natalienaudus who delivered an engrossing performance that captured the fullness of the emotion and breathed life into Cora Zang.

Many thanks to my friends at @_mira_books_ @htp_hive @htpbooks and @htpbooks_audio for the free #gifted copies of this book.  #partner