Answer to:  HAITIAN FOLKLORE (Noam Elkies, 2009)

(as solved by George Barany)

ROTATOR
OSIRIS
MANANA
ASSASSIN
NEWSWEEK
NEMO_ME_IMPUNE_LACESSIT
UNEVEN
MATATA
EARL_RAY
REVIVE
ACIDIC
LILY-LIVERED
FOR-PROFIT
OFF-OFF-BROADWAY
ROCOCO
FALKLAND_ISLANDS
IRON_ORE
VERY_REVEREND
EAST_SAINT_LOUIS

*****

Final Answer Word: VOODOO

Explanation: As you solve each of the 19 clues, you will notice that every single one of them (including the two words in the title) is in the format: wxyzyx ...

Reading, in order, the first letters (w) of each answer word or phrase gives: ROMAN_NUMERAL_FOR_FIVE, which, of course, is V. Therefore. the first letter of the final answer word is V.  The remaining five letters are uniquely specified both by the "rule" and by the two-word clue that is the title of the puzzle.

For Noam's own take on the solution, click here.

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