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Message: <blockquote data-quote="TwistedBishop" data-source="post: 1155138" data-attributes="member: 12503">I couldn't agree more.  It seems criminally neglected, really.  I can't even remember seeing anyone speak about it before this post.  I had to go through a rare book shop for my copy, and even then it was a long process.  Such a shame.  The dialogue is some of the best I've seen in any novel, probably followed by the Fletch books and perhaps Dead Koontz.For those who may not be familiar with it, the basic plot is a mixing of Lovecraftian mythos horror with classic film and history monsters.  Jack the Ripper, Larry Talbot (THE Larry Talbot, still cursed), Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, ect.  Even Sherlock Holmes shows up.  The characters (most of them anyway) have gathered in a rural area outside of London to play an old game, which culminates on Halloween.  The events of that game decide if the portal allowing Lovecraft's Elder Gods should open or remain closed.  It's largely a mystery novel, as the machinations of the game take over slowly while October progresses.One of the best parts about the novel is the point of view you're given.  Each magician (for lack of a better term, that's what I consider the players in the game to be) has a familiar, and it's through their eyes that the story unfolds.  A dog, cat, owl, snake, bat, squirrel, ect.  This may lead some people to think it's a children's novel, but that's far from the case.  These aren't cute, passive animals, but rather creatures imbued with a human level of clarity.  They act as the magician's agents and information gatherers, as their masters prepare spells and rites and, quite soon, begin murdering each other.  You see, no one really knows what side anyone stands on....opener or closer....each needs the help of their own faction, but risks being killed by the enemy if they reveal themselves.Just a fantastic novel.  I hope more people check it out.</blockquote>

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