Publisher's Weekly Starred Review:

"Dark fantasy writer Engstrom (Black Leather) starts on familiar ground, but rapidly turns this 'novel in stories' into a genre-blending exploration of love, aging, grief and sacrifice. Fast-paced, melancholy and beautiful, the overarching narrative binds a collection of good stories into a superb if unconventional novel."

Karen Joy Fowler, New York Times bestselling author of The Jane Austen Book Club:

"From the ominous opening to the soaring conclusion, these braided stories -- subtle and spooky and smart -- will keep the reader spellbound. The Northwoods is a scary place to live, but in Ms. Engstrom's hands, it's a fabulous visit."