Hidden Things: A Novel

by Doyce Testerman

Overview

A bizarre phone call launches a young P.I. on a murder investigation through a dark supernatural world hidden beneath the Midwest in this fantasy debut.
Watch out for the hidden things . . . That's the last thing Calliope Jenkins's best friend says to her before ending a two a.m. phone call from Iowa, where he's working a case she knows little about. Seven hours later, she gets a visit from the police. Josh has been found dead, and foul play is suspected. Calliope is stunned.
Especially since Josh left a message on her phone an hour after his body was found.
Spurred by grief and suspicion, Calli heads to Iowa herself, accompanied by a stranger who claims to know something about what happened to Josh and who can— maybe—help her get him back. But the road home is not quite the straight shot she imagined . . .
"A satisfying blend of noir and magic." —Publishers Weekly

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062108142
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	12/15/2023
Sold by:	OPEN ROAD INTEGRATED - EBKS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	336
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Doyce Testerman was born and raised in the wilds of South Dakota, where he began a lifelong love affair with the written word. He moved to Denver in 1995, and has since steadily ceded control of his weekends to two dogs, a brilliant wife, and two astounding children.

What People are Saying About This

Maureen Johnson

“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.”

Chuck Wendig

“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.”

Charles de Lint

“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.”

Editorial Reviews

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

From the Publisher

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

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

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

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

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.

Kirkus Reviews