Sometimes, you can go home again, albeit taking a few supernatural shortcuts on the way. Calliope Jenkins, singer turned PI, heads back to Iowa to find her missing business partner, Josh White, who keeps leaving messages for her after his reported death. Following Josh’s trail takes Calliope into the Hidden Lands, an alternate Midwest where legendary creatures roam. Provoked by a guide and a goad, Calli learns to confront her own fears of making a life for herself and of losing her best friend. Debut novelist Testerman provides a satisfying blend of noir and magic, and if the bantering dialogue keeps covering the same ground, at least the story keeps moving, with sweet revelations such as a mundane piece of tire tread turning out to be a lilac-scented dragon scale. (Sept.)
Reminiscent of Neil Gaiman’s dark fantasies and the early books of Stephen King.” — Library Journal
“Although this has many of the trappings of a detective story, drawing noticeably on The Maltese Falcon, Calliope’s search ends up more of a quest in contemporary fantasy form . . . An entertaining read and a very solid first novel.” — Locus
“I loved this book from start to finish. It’s strange, weird and down to earth, all at the same time; chock full of fascinating characters, dark dreams and fantasy elements that deliver a real sense of wonder. What’s not to love?” — Charles de Lint
“Along with the clever, determined, dauntless protagonist, Testerman brings an impressive dark energy to the scenario and plotting . . . Agreeably creepy, with original flourishes and flashes of dark humor.” — Kirkus Reviews
“A satisfying blend of noir and magic.” — Publishers Weekly
“Hidden Things reveals the America I want to believe in—dragons on highways, trolls in the hills, motels that lead to new dimensions. I’ll never look at a rest stop the same way again.” — Maureen Johnson, author of the Shades of London series
“This world of wizened wizard-men and demon clowns will lure you into the shadows, and once you meet the characters who live in those dark strange places you’ll never want to leave. The magic matters here, but it’s the human touch that really brings the book to life.” — Chuck Wendig, author of Blackbirds and Irregular Creatures
“Apparently this is Testerman’s first novel. You’d never know it from his assured writing style and his ability to tell a story...He is helping to build a uniquely North American mythology that still has its roots in older traditions.” — Charles de Lint, Fantasy & Science Fiction
“The real deal when it comes to North American fantasy (or as I like to call it, mythic fiction). — Charles de Lint, Fantasy & Science Fiction
Although this has many of the trappings of a detective story, drawing noticeably on The Maltese Falcon, Calliope’s search ends up more of a quest in contemporary fantasy form . . . An entertaining read and a very solid first novel.
This world of wizened wizard-men and demon clowns will lure you into the shadows, and once you meet the characters who live in those dark strange places you’ll never want to leave. The magic matters here, but it’s the human touch that really brings the book to life.
I loved this book from start to finish. It’s strange, weird and down to earth, all at the same time; chock full of fascinating characters, dark dreams and fantasy elements that deliver a real sense of wonder. What’s not to love?
Hidden Things reveals the America I want to believe in—dragons on highways, trolls in the hills, motels that lead to new dimensions. I’ll never look at a rest stop the same way again.
Supernatural detective yarn: blogger Testerman's first novel. In California, Calliope Jenkins of White Investigations receives a phone call from her partner, Josh White, who's pursuing a case in Iowa, although he's explained nothing of what the case involves. The following day, Detective Darryl Johnson and Special Agent Walker show up at her office with the news that Josh has been murdered. However, on the answering machine is another message from Josh, mysteriously warning Calliope to watch out for the "hidden things" and, according to the time stamp, left several hours after Josh was killed. There's no question that Josh is dead. Walker doesn't believe that Calliope knows nothing and insists on raiding the files. Outside, Calliope notices she's being followed by a homeless bum wearing a hoodie and clown makeup; being a martial arts expert, albeit with anger management issues, she clobbers the unfortunate creature and thinks nothing more of it. However, Vikous proves tougher than he looks, and very persistent. Finally he persuades Calliope to listen: He is, in fact, one of the "hidden things," a bogeyman, and the clown makeup isn't makeup, it's his real face. Clearly a road trip to Iowa is in order, where Calliope grew up and her estranged family still lives. But Vikous isn't the only supernatural operator in the game, and the opposition proves treacherous, powerful and cunning, with motives that Calliope won't understand until much later. Along with the clever, determined, dauntless protagonist, Testerman brings an impressive dark energy to the scenario and plotting, even though, despite the profanities and sexual situations, the characters dwell rather YA-ishly long on working through prior issues and hang-ups. Agreeably creepy, with original flourishes and flashes of dark humor.
