Accidents Happen: Stories

Themes of death, violence, and injustice are woven through these 11 subtle yet thrilling tales from Batacan, several of which feature Father Augusto Saenz, the hero of her novel Smaller and Smaller Circles. A Jesuit priest and professor of forensic anthropology who occasionally assists the Manila police, Saenz is asked in “No. 1 Pencil” to interview a young woman who might be involved in her stepmother’s death. “Comforter of the Afflicted” finds him investigating a violent killing only to discover a woman’s hidden life as a savior to female abuse victims. Elsewhere, Batacan delivers crime stories that shade into domestic drama or speculative fiction. “Accidents Happen” revolves around the supposed death of a powerful politician’s son, the explanation for which is more complicated than it initially appears. Other entries feature a sentient knife and vengeful ghosts. Impressively, these tales feel both firmly tethered to their Philippines setting and universal in their portrayal of how violence haunts people’s lives. This excellent and elliptical collection will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. Agents: Jayapriya Vasudevan and Helen Mangham, Jacaranda Literary. (Mar.)