This book was informative and helpful for my current research. Main takeaways:
- Santa Muerte's origins are unclear - many worshipers claim Indigenous heritage, but the author thinks that she came from a version of the Spanish La Parca
- Unlike other saints, she is not a former person, but rather death itself, giving her a power that is simultaneously greater than Jesus/God at times but also more accessible to individuals (she simultaneously represents the "great equalizer" of human life and is perceived as very Mexican [offerings of tequila, cigarettes, water are common])
- Santa Muerte is not recognized by the Catholic church but is worshiped by many self-identified Catholics nonetheless in rituals that mix West African, Catholic, and Indigenous beliefs (lots of votive candles of different colors utilized here, with each color symbolising a different purpose - red for love, white for purity, purple for healing, etc.)
- Often these rituals are for purposes that perhaps you wouldn't ask other saints to help you out with, including protecting gay people or wishing harm upon your enemies (yellow candles for protection from substance abuse)
- Santa Muerte is relatively all-purpose, despite her reputation as the patron saint of drug dealers
- The Mexican government (at the time of publication) was intent on taking down Santa Muerte as a religious figure (likely in large part because of her reputation)
- Worshipers of Santa Muerte are men and women alike, often working class
- Santa Muerte worshipers live in Mexico, but not just in Mexico - increasingly she is worshipped in the US and other countries in Latin America

Reading this book was interesting when paired with my current knowledge about how worship of Santa Muerte has increased post-COVID. The author repeated information frequently, which made for a frustrating read - especially when the final chapter was yet another summary.