Not as good as the collection The Very Best of Charles De Lint which is the only other book I've read by this author. Still an intriguing modern Fantasy.

Well written, although not what I expected at all. It still had a flavour of the De Lint I've come to love, but felt like his early work where he's still working on what he wants his story to convey.

There's a fair amount of violence, sexual assault and mentions of drugs in this book which means it won't be suitable for all readers. Not an upbeat read. But if you'd like a different type of urban fantasy which leaves you room to think for yourself, I'd recommend it. ( )

This novel's blend of urban fantasy elements with Italian mob intrigues was an unexpected, but clever, combination of opposites. Canadian folk-lore (remnants from British settlers) is a major element of the plot here, but it is overshadowed by the human concerns of the real world: a potential kidnapping for money and a crime-sydicate feud. Even though the focus was more on the urban than the fantasy elements, I still found this novel to be highly interesting because Charles touches on a theme that is prevalent regardless of content. The primal Mystery of the world is never going to leave, no matter how industrialized things get, because no one can explain everything and some things are better left to being Secrets. We may have explained the "magic" in gunpowder with science, but it's still a spark that had to come from somewhere!

Though I totally just realized that we never get to find out of the problems with the Don in New York ever get resolved! He may have gotten taken out, along with his sons, BUT that doesn't mean that Valenti's problems are all over! ( )

This is one of Mr. de Lint's earlier works. It showcases his style but is much earthier than most of his writing. It incorporates the mythology of Pan/the Green Man with a mafioso-like story that feels odd at times but is still a very enjoyable read.
Frankie and her daughter have moved into an old farmhouse out in the wilds of Ottawa. Their nearest neighbor is a retired mobster. All of them hear magical piping at times coming from the woods behind their homes. When their past lives come back to haunt them, they find more than trouble in a world where legends become real. ( )

I found this to be an incredibly fast, breezy read (I finished it in about 24 hours) though the concept of the book is rather odd: Italian mobsters clashing with ancient mysteries in the deep woods outside of Ottawa. de Lint's characters, as always, as realistic and complex. There's a mobster framed for a don's murder, living in hiding; a divorced mom graced with a big lottery win, and her bright teenage daughter; a cast of baddies include the mom's ex-husband, a callous murderer who finds out about her jackpot; and in the backdrop of everything, soul-touching music that drifts from the woods, and a magnificent stag who is not always a stag.

The ending didn't quite satisfy me, though I understand why de Lint took it the direction he did. The magical angle doesn't seem like it will be as memorable for me as the Italian mob angle. Even with my criticism, though, I am reminded that I need to read more of de Lint's work. ( )

I like the mix of modern-day thriller and mystical fantasy which de Lint manages to weave together so skillfully. Think of a mash-up of Catherine Coulter and Angela Carter... it is something like that.

Short synopsis: Former Mafia hitman, now in hiding from the 'family', acquires new neighbors - a woman who has recently won the Wintario lottery and her 14-year-old daughter. The woman's lowlife ex-husband decides to come for the money and recognizes the neighbor. Meanwhile, strange & magical music comes from the forest behind the 2 houses, affecting everyone but the daughter most of all. A mystery and a secret are calling her into the woods... ( )