Powerful and disturbing, this is an incredibly timely work that deals in horror as much as mystery. Baker's descriptions and talent for writing atmosphere, as well as the supernatural, make for a dark book with incredible nuance when it comes to talking about culture, religion, racism, prejudice, and violence. As a protagonist, Cora Zeng is as reluctant to take center-stage as she is compelling, and it's incredibly difficult to put this book down once it's begun; at the same time, there are moments here which demand time to be absorbed.
There's no doubt that the level of gore and violence here will be more than some mystery readers are willing to take in, but it's worth noting that Baker doesn't go for shock value here. Instead, what's offered is a disturbing realism which, especially in the world today, can't and shouldn't be ignored. Parts of the book are difficult to read, as they should be, and I can't applaud Baker enough for being so unflinching in telling this story.
I'd absolutely recommend it, with the caveats above. I certainly look forward to reading more of the author's work.