Review-The Obeahman’s Dagger

Don’t be fooled by the cover, there is a lot to like about this book. David Chelmsford, a journalist attempts to solve a 100-year mystery of women disappearing during Trinidad carnival’s J’ourvert celebration. Author Neil Daniel weaves the mystery around an intricate tapestry of Trinidad’s folklore, stick-fighting tradition, and obeah culture. The supernatural aspects of the book are put forth so matter-of-factly that the reader has no choice but to go along with the author’s version of events.

The book relies too much on direct exposition and dialogue to reveal plot details, however, the carefully detailed action scenes and dream sequences redeem it to some extent.