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Newford
From a Whisper to a Scream
Originally published under the pen name "Samuel M. Key"
"Years after the death of a notorious child murderer, children have begun to die again...and a crime photographer begins to suspect he has the one true clue that connects the horrific events."
In the early 1990s, Charles de Lint wrote and published three dark fantasy novels under the pen name "Samuel M. Key." Now, Orb presents them for the first time under de Lint's own name.
"Years after the death of a notorious child murderer, children have begun to die again...and a crime photographer begins to suspect he has the one true clue that connects the horrific events."
In the early 1990s, Charles de Lint wrote and published three dark fantasy novels under the pen name "Samuel M. Key." Now, Orb presents them for the first time under de Lint's own name.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1992
17 people are currently reading
995 people want to read
About the author
Charles de Lint
447 books3,973 followersCharles de Lint is the much beloved author of more than seventy adult, young adult, and children's books. Renowned as one of the trailblazers of the modern fantasy genre, he is the recipient of the World Fantasy, Aurora, Sunburst, and White Pine awards, among others. Modern Library's Top 100 Books of the 20th Century poll, conducted by Random House and voted on by readers, put eight of de Lint's books among the top 100.
De Lint is a poet, folklorist, artist, songwriter and performer. He has written critical essays, music reviews, opinion columns and entries to encyclopedias, and he's been the main book reviewer for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction since 1987. De Lint served as Writer-in-residence for two public libraries in Ottawa and has taught creative writing workshops for adults and children in Canada and the United States. He's been a judge for several prominent awards, including the Nebula, World Fantasy, Theodore Sturgeon and Bram Stoker.
Born in the Netherlands in 1951, de Lint immigrated to Canada with his family as an infant. The family moved often during de Lint's childhood because of his father's job with an international surveying company, but by the time Charles was twelve—having lived in Western Canada, Turkey and Lebanon—they had settled in Lucerne, Quebec, not far from where he now resides in Ottawa, Ontario.
In 1980, de Lint married the love of his life, MaryAnn Harris, who works closely with him as his first editor, business manager and creative partner. They share their love and home with a cheery little dog named Johnny Cash.
Charles de Lint is best described as a romantic: a believer in compassion, hope and human potential. His skilled portrayal of character and settings has earned him a loyal readership and glowing praise from peers, reviewers and readers.
Charles de Lint writes like a magician. He draws out the strange inside our own world, weaving stories that feel more real than we are when we read them. He is, simply put, the best.
—Holly Black (bestselling author)
Charles de Lint is the modern master of urban fantasy. Folktale, myth, fairy tale, dreams, urban legend—all of it adds up to pure magic in de Lint's vivid, original world. No one does it better.
—Alice Hoffman (bestselling author)
To read de Lint is to fall under the spell of a master storyteller, to be reminded of the greatness of life, of the beauty and majesty lurking in shadows and empty doorways.
—Quill & Quire
His Newford books, which make up most of de Lint's body of work between 1993 and 2009, confirmed his reputation for bringing a vivid setting and repertory cast of characters to life on the page. Though not a consecutive series, the twenty-five standalone books set in (or connected to) Newford give readers a feeling of visiting a favourite city and seeing old friends.
More recently, his young adult Wildlings trilogy—Under My Skin, Over My Head, and Out of This World—came out from Penguin Canada and Triskell Press in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Under My Skin won 2013 Aurora Award. A novel for middle-grade readers, The Cats of Tanglewood Forest, published by Little Brown in 2013, won the Sunburst Award, earned starred reviews in both Publishers Weekly and Quill & Quire, and was chosen by the New York Times Editors as one of the top six children's books for 2013. His most recent adult novel, The Mystery of Grace (2009), is a fascinating ghost story about love, passion and faith. It was a finalist for both the Sunburst and Evergreen awards.
De Lint is presently writing a new adult novel. His storytelling skills also shine in his original songs. He and MaryAnn (also a musician) recently released companion CDs of their original songs, samples of which can be heard on de Lin
De Lint is a poet, folklorist, artist, songwriter and performer. He has written critical essays, music reviews, opinion columns and entries to encyclopedias, and he's been the main book reviewer for The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction since 1987. De Lint served as Writer-in-residence for two public libraries in Ottawa and has taught creative writing workshops for adults and children in Canada and the United States. He's been a judge for several prominent awards, including the Nebula, World Fantasy, Theodore Sturgeon and Bram Stoker.
Born in the Netherlands in 1951, de Lint immigrated to Canada with his family as an infant. The family moved often during de Lint's childhood because of his father's job with an international surveying company, but by the time Charles was twelve—having lived in Western Canada, Turkey and Lebanon—they had settled in Lucerne, Quebec, not far from where he now resides in Ottawa, Ontario.
In 1980, de Lint married the love of his life, MaryAnn Harris, who works closely with him as his first editor, business manager and creative partner. They share their love and home with a cheery little dog named Johnny Cash.
Charles de Lint is best described as a romantic: a believer in compassion, hope and human potential. His skilled portrayal of character and settings has earned him a loyal readership and glowing praise from peers, reviewers and readers.
Charles de Lint writes like a magician. He draws out the strange inside our own world, weaving stories that feel more real than we are when we read them. He is, simply put, the best.
—Holly Black (bestselling author)
Charles de Lint is the modern master of urban fantasy. Folktale, myth, fairy tale, dreams, urban legend—all of it adds up to pure magic in de Lint's vivid, original world. No one does it better.
—Alice Hoffman (bestselling author)
To read de Lint is to fall under the spell of a master storyteller, to be reminded of the greatness of life, of the beauty and majesty lurking in shadows and empty doorways.
—Quill & Quire
His Newford books, which make up most of de Lint's body of work between 1993 and 2009, confirmed his reputation for bringing a vivid setting and repertory cast of characters to life on the page. Though not a consecutive series, the twenty-five standalone books set in (or connected to) Newford give readers a feeling of visiting a favourite city and seeing old friends.
More recently, his young adult Wildlings trilogy—Under My Skin, Over My Head, and Out of This World—came out from Penguin Canada and Triskell Press in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Under My Skin won 2013 Aurora Award. A novel for middle-grade readers, The Cats of Tanglewood Forest, published by Little Brown in 2013, won the Sunburst Award, earned starred reviews in both Publishers Weekly and Quill & Quire, and was chosen by the New York Times Editors as one of the top six children's books for 2013. His most recent adult novel, The Mystery of Grace (2009), is a fascinating ghost story about love, passion and faith. It was a finalist for both the Sunburst and Evergreen awards.
De Lint is presently writing a new adult novel. His storytelling skills also shine in his original songs. He and MaryAnn (also a musician) recently released companion CDs of their original songs, samples of which can be heard on de Lin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 26, 2016
From a Whisper to a Scream is not as creepy as Angel of Darkness, but it does make me wish it was still daylight out (and not just above freezing) so I could go for a walk. This is apparently the first Newford novel ever written, but it's worlds away from the other Newford books. I don't want to spoil it too much but it's basically about the ghost of a serial killing pedophile who rises from the grave and starts murdering again. It comes at it from two separate viewpoints. The first, from a newspaper photographer who sees graffiti and a girl at two of the crime scenes, realizes their must be a connection and starts tracking her down to try to help her. The second viewpoint is the Native American police detective who originally killed the serial killer by coincidence and has been assigned to the new serial killing cases. There's a lot conflict between his roots on the reservation, which he's being pressured to return to, and his work in urban society where he's facing prejudice from the fact that he's Native American.
All in all, it's a good book. I was on the edge of my seat for the last quarter of it, hoping that everyone would make it out ok. Since he's killed off main characters before, you can't take anything for granted.
All in all, it's a good book. I was on the edge of my seat for the last quarter of it, hoping that everyone would make it out ok. Since he's killed off main characters before, you can't take anything for granted.
February 26, 2015
After reading and really liking The Blue Girl I wanted to read more by Charles de Lint. I decided to pick this book because it sounded like it might be a dark and scary read.
And it is indeed a lot darker and a lot more grim, but just as beautiful despite its darkness.
The story is told from multiple viewpoints, some of the characters likable, others far more seedier. My favorite character was Thomas Morningstar, a Native American police officer. I thought the story line about him trying to find his place in society, torn between his loyalty to his tribe and his desire to make a place for himself in the world outside of the reservation was very compelling.
The overall story is very gripping and suspenseful. It doesn't take long to figure out who the killer is, but it's all about how, and if, he can be stopped. There are themes of abuse, trying to move on from life shattering events, and holding on to the past.
This story isn't an easy one, but still I loved it and was drawn in. The ending gives hope, and I will most probably reread this book in the future. And I most certainly will get my trotters on more books by de Lint.
And it is indeed a lot darker and a lot more grim, but just as beautiful despite its darkness.
The story is told from multiple viewpoints, some of the characters likable, others far more seedier. My favorite character was Thomas Morningstar, a Native American police officer. I thought the story line about him trying to find his place in society, torn between his loyalty to his tribe and his desire to make a place for himself in the world outside of the reservation was very compelling.
The overall story is very gripping and suspenseful. It doesn't take long to figure out who the killer is, but it's all about how, and if, he can be stopped. There are themes of abuse, trying to move on from life shattering events, and holding on to the past.
This story isn't an easy one, but still I loved it and was drawn in. The ending gives hope, and I will most probably reread this book in the future. And I most certainly will get my trotters on more books by de Lint.
October 13, 2013
This is a reissue from when Charles de Lint wrote a more horror-based story under the pen name of Samuel M. Key. I've read some of de Lint's more horror-based stuff before, and I don't think this early work is as good. A runaway punk girl is being haunted by the ghost of her dead stepfather, who, of course, sexually abused her. De Lint really gets into describing the thoughts of the abuser and my reaction is just...Eeeww, do I really have to read this in so much detail? Also, the way that the policeman who gets drawn into the ghost's path is a righteous Native American who killed the original evil guy "on a hunch" was just a bit too convenient. If he had been a fat white guy (like the killer is described) his hunch would have never been right, but because he's a cool, young, thin Native American, you know his "hunch" is just his superior inner wisdom. I think the later de Lint is more complex, and I like that better.
August 16, 2014
Charles de Lint has been one of those writers that I have been lukewarm about. I’m not sure why, but there it is. I can say that the odds of my picking this book up at a reminder sale would have been close to non-existent if it hadn’t been for two Goodreads friends and their absolute, but critical, love for de Lint. He owes them drinks, dinner, a free book, an autograph.
According to the book blurb, de Lint published this in the early 90s under a pseudonym because it was darker than this other work, in particular the Newford novels. It is darker than the other de Lint books, and it runs closer to a feel of a Sonja Blue novel, though it is less violent. The crime is sexual in nature, but not graphically described.
The two main characters of the book – the policeman Tom and the photographer Jim - are not equal. Despite the back blurb, the story is more Tom’s than Jim’s. There are two drawbacks to this. The first is that Tom is a better drawn character and his marriage is shown better than Jim’s romantic connection. The second is the character of Tom, who despite being drawn pretty well runs the risk of being a cliché for some readers. Tom is a Native American who has disappointed his father being going to live off the reserve and in the city of Newford. He’s disappointed his brother by becoming a cop. This book was written before the establishment of Nunavut, and I don’t know if de Lint was tapping into issues in addition to the question of land ownership and society. But the plot runs dangerously close to Tom having to embrace his Native American heritage type of story.
I say close because for me it doesn’t cross over to that realm, though I have no doubt for some readers it might. It is balanced by Tom’s wife and his partner. My criticism is that the book’s length doesn’t allow de Lint to really explore the issues he raises – does one join the culture and change it that way or does one separate one’s self.
My other criticism of the novel is the women. De Lint does write good women, and he doesn’t write damsels in distress. The women in this novel, however, felt underdeveloped and while one of them is central to the resolution (and how this is done was strength of the book); they lacked the presence of Jim and of Tom. In fact, if I had to hear one more time how Tom and Meg were just friends, I was going to smack someone. (De Lint, my brother thanks you for not mentioning it again). It seems feels like an excuse to have a rather weak romance in bloom sub-plot between Jim and Cindy, who allows de Lint to bring music into the book, the soul, in part, of most of his story telling.
Criticisms aside, however, the plot is tight and believable. The pacing is good. The last 50-100 pages are gripping. You believable that the characters are at risk, that there is indeed danger in the air. The ending is not one of those pull it out of the hats and everyone is great types. It is a satisfying read if not a great one.
Crossposted at Booklikes.
According to the book blurb, de Lint published this in the early 90s under a pseudonym because it was darker than this other work, in particular the Newford novels. It is darker than the other de Lint books, and it runs closer to a feel of a Sonja Blue novel, though it is less violent. The crime is sexual in nature, but not graphically described.
The two main characters of the book – the policeman Tom and the photographer Jim - are not equal. Despite the back blurb, the story is more Tom’s than Jim’s. There are two drawbacks to this. The first is that Tom is a better drawn character and his marriage is shown better than Jim’s romantic connection. The second is the character of Tom, who despite being drawn pretty well runs the risk of being a cliché for some readers. Tom is a Native American who has disappointed his father being going to live off the reserve and in the city of Newford. He’s disappointed his brother by becoming a cop. This book was written before the establishment of Nunavut, and I don’t know if de Lint was tapping into issues in addition to the question of land ownership and society. But the plot runs dangerously close to Tom having to embrace his Native American heritage type of story.
I say close because for me it doesn’t cross over to that realm, though I have no doubt for some readers it might. It is balanced by Tom’s wife and his partner. My criticism is that the book’s length doesn’t allow de Lint to really explore the issues he raises – does one join the culture and change it that way or does one separate one’s self.
My other criticism of the novel is the women. De Lint does write good women, and he doesn’t write damsels in distress. The women in this novel, however, felt underdeveloped and while one of them is central to the resolution (and how this is done was strength of the book); they lacked the presence of Jim and of Tom. In fact, if I had to hear one more time how Tom and Meg were just friends, I was going to smack someone. (De Lint, my brother thanks you for not mentioning it again). It seems feels like an excuse to have a rather weak romance in bloom sub-plot between Jim and Cindy, who allows de Lint to bring music into the book, the soul, in part, of most of his story telling.
Criticisms aside, however, the plot is tight and believable. The pacing is good. The last 50-100 pages are gripping. You believable that the characters are at risk, that there is indeed danger in the air. The ending is not one of those pull it out of the hats and everyone is great types. It is a satisfying read if not a great one.
Crossposted at Booklikes.
June 1, 2020
This dark gritty supernatural murder mystery is compelling, cringey and entertaining as hell. See what I did there... 👻👹☠
I've only read two of de Lint's Newford novels but so far I dig his spin on urban fantasy. The aspects of Native American and Vodou spirituality in this one were very cool. And like the previous Newford novel I read, this book makes excellent use of six degrees of separation with myriad characters and multiple storylines that weave together wonderfully at the end.
Will definitely explore the streets of Newford again. Can't wait to see who or what I meet next time!
3 1/2 stars
I've only read two of de Lint's Newford novels but so far I dig his spin on urban fantasy. The aspects of Native American and Vodou spirituality in this one were very cool. And like the previous Newford novel I read, this book makes excellent use of six degrees of separation with myriad characters and multiple storylines that weave together wonderfully at the end.
Will definitely explore the streets of Newford again. Can't wait to see who or what I meet next time!
3 1/2 stars
October 19, 2021
Again, we have a dark world, although it is set in Newford, where unusual things are the usual. And the spirit of a pedophile, determined to continue his vile actions from beyond the grave. It takes a team...a former victim (the perpetrator's own daughter), a cop, a houngan and a mambo from the local voudoun community, as well as a Kickaha shaman to bring this evil spirit to his final reckoning.
November 11, 2022
Solid supernatural thriller. A nice 1990 period piece
March 9, 2021
Charles De Lint can write a creepy story. ...as long as it has a happy ending. But there's nothing wrong with that. Other than an odd detour into the irish mob that doesn't really go anywhere the story line is well done. The characters are solid, not particularly deep or complex but well written considering the book is under 300 pages. This book does a nice job rounding out the other Newford stories which are more the magic-is-a-force-for-good variety.
January 30, 2012
This was really written under a pseudonym, and I can see why. It's really way too dark for me.
Re-read December 11, 2011
A serial killer has been viciously murdering women in the Combat Zone, a seedy area of Newford. He makes a mistake when he kills a wealthy man's daughter, apparently mistaking her for one of the prostitutes he normally targets. There's a witness to this one too. He swears the killer stepped out of the side of a building and disappeared the same way.
Detective Thomas Morningstar has mostly left his Kickaha traditions behind on the rez. But something about these killers doesn't feel right, so he seeks help in the most unexpected of places.
And then there's Chelsea, a teen who's already experienced a lifetime of hurt. She's been told that her abusive father is dead, but she can still feel him out there. Searching for her. And she knows this time he won't stop until she's dead.
Still too dark for me. I do like horror, but this is a little too real. The so-called "horror" element doesn't feel real, but the abuse is the true horror. It's nothing gratuitous, but it is more graphic than I would like. Being inside the mind of a pedophile left me feeling dirty and more than a little disturbed. It's hard for me to read that kind of thing at any time, but especially when it involves children.
I miss that none of the Newford regulars showed up in this book. Part of what I love about the Newford books is spotting some of my favorite characters and finding out how they're doing. I know that sounds crazy, but after multiple re-reads of my favorites across 20+ books and at least 15 years, they really are old friends.
There are still some of de Lint's trademarks present here though. His good characters genuinely care about other people and try to help where they can. They step out on faith and work through bizarre happenings the best way they know how. I like the way different...spiritual? yes, probably the best word...traditions come together for the common good. And there are the characters who don't let the crappy hand they were dealt in their early years hold them back forever.
Sitting here, really thinking about it, that is probably the point of the book. People live worse things than this every day. I guess de Lint wanted to write about that darkness and point out that where there is darkness, there is always light if we just look for it.
I would not recommend this as an introduction to de Lint, but fans should pick it up as long as they think they can handle it. It does get awfully disturbing in between these pages.
Re-read December 11, 2011
A serial killer has been viciously murdering women in the Combat Zone, a seedy area of Newford. He makes a mistake when he kills a wealthy man's daughter, apparently mistaking her for one of the prostitutes he normally targets. There's a witness to this one too. He swears the killer stepped out of the side of a building and disappeared the same way.
Detective Thomas Morningstar has mostly left his Kickaha traditions behind on the rez. But something about these killers doesn't feel right, so he seeks help in the most unexpected of places.
And then there's Chelsea, a teen who's already experienced a lifetime of hurt. She's been told that her abusive father is dead, but she can still feel him out there. Searching for her. And she knows this time he won't stop until she's dead.
Still too dark for me. I do like horror, but this is a little too real. The so-called "horror" element doesn't feel real, but the abuse is the true horror. It's nothing gratuitous, but it is more graphic than I would like. Being inside the mind of a pedophile left me feeling dirty and more than a little disturbed. It's hard for me to read that kind of thing at any time, but especially when it involves children.
I miss that none of the Newford regulars showed up in this book. Part of what I love about the Newford books is spotting some of my favorite characters and finding out how they're doing. I know that sounds crazy, but after multiple re-reads of my favorites across 20+ books and at least 15 years, they really are old friends.
There are still some of de Lint's trademarks present here though. His good characters genuinely care about other people and try to help where they can. They step out on faith and work through bizarre happenings the best way they know how. I like the way different...spiritual? yes, probably the best word...traditions come together for the common good. And there are the characters who don't let the crappy hand they were dealt in their early years hold them back forever.
Sitting here, really thinking about it, that is probably the point of the book. People live worse things than this every day. I guess de Lint wanted to write about that darkness and point out that where there is darkness, there is always light if we just look for it.
I would not recommend this as an introduction to de Lint, but fans should pick it up as long as they think they can handle it. It does get awfully disturbing in between these pages.
June 30, 2010
[Trigger warning for violence, pedophilia, incest, sexual and physical abuse:]
This is one of the most disturbing books I've ever read. It's very well-written, in de Lint's usual skillful style, but the content and events are much darker than your average Newford story. At least one reviewer has said that the story wasn't graphic about the sexual abuse; I disagree.
There are sequences where you actually spend time in the dead pedophile's head, finding out what he likes and why he does what he does, what he believes about what he does. The idea of a child abuser waiting in a type of limbo in which he's able to replay, over and over again, the glories of his sexual encounters with children (including his own daughter) made me physically ill.
I also found the resolution of the book problematic. Niki realizes that her fear of her dead father has conjured him back from the dead--essentially making her responsible for the deaths of the young girls and men his ghost attacked. I know this probably wasn't the intent, but to me it smacked of victim-blaming of the worst kind. Abuse victims who speak up or are not able to forget their abuse are often told by well-meaning family members that their insistence that their pain be acknowledged is a problem. They should get over it--can't they see how talking about what happened is hurting their family, or even the reputation of their abuser? (He's really a good person at heart, she just made a mistake, they're just sick, and we're family, we need to put it behind us.)
This is the first time I've been really disappointed in de Lint's handling of a story of abuse. He handles the topic much better in The Onion Girl and Widdershins--which includes a similar confrontation between an incest victim and her abuser and which does not contain the hints of victim-blaming this story invoked. On the other hand, I think the book's naked and brutal discussion of the amount of pain sexual and physical abuse can cause, not just to its direct victims but to the whole community, is very important and could serve to start some important discussions. All-in-all, a very mixed book.
This is one of the most disturbing books I've ever read. It's very well-written, in de Lint's usual skillful style, but the content and events are much darker than your average Newford story. At least one reviewer has said that the story wasn't graphic about the sexual abuse; I disagree.
There are sequences where you actually spend time in the dead pedophile's head, finding out what he likes and why he does what he does, what he believes about what he does. The idea of a child abuser waiting in a type of limbo in which he's able to replay, over and over again, the glories of his sexual encounters with children (including his own daughter) made me physically ill.
I also found the resolution of the book problematic. Niki realizes that her fear of her dead father has conjured him back from the dead--essentially making her responsible for the deaths of the young girls and men his ghost attacked. I know this probably wasn't the intent, but to me it smacked of victim-blaming of the worst kind. Abuse victims who speak up or are not able to forget their abuse are often told by well-meaning family members that their insistence that their pain be acknowledged is a problem. They should get over it--can't they see how talking about what happened is hurting their family, or even the reputation of their abuser? (He's really a good person at heart, she just made a mistake, they're just sick, and we're family, we need to put it behind us.)
This is the first time I've been really disappointed in de Lint's handling of a story of abuse. He handles the topic much better in The Onion Girl and Widdershins--which includes a similar confrontation between an incest victim and her abuser and which does not contain the hints of victim-blaming this story invoked. On the other hand, I think the book's naked and brutal discussion of the amount of pain sexual and physical abuse can cause, not just to its direct victims but to the whole community, is very important and could serve to start some important discussions. All-in-all, a very mixed book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2015
Един от малкото романи, които Чарлз де Линт е написал под псевдонима Самуел М. Кей и първото самостоятелно произведение за улиците на Нюфорд. Псевдонима не е таен, просто под него издава по-мрачните си произведения, за да знаем читателите какво да очакваме.
Някой, или нещо, започва да убива малолетни проститутки по улиците на Нюфорд в петък вечер. Един детектив с индиански корени и брат му, който е духовен войн, ирландски мобстър(тия са мафия, колкото якудза или триадите са мафия, точно това клише не го толерирам), вуду магьосник и жрица, фотограф и улична музикантка и едно момиче с минало, което се опитва да забрави - търсят убиеца, всеки по свой начин, за да сложат край на кървавия терор в града.
Типичен и все пак много по-брутален роман от автора, който вече ми е любимец. Тежките сцени на насилие и битова содомия се редуват с индиански и карибски митологични епизоди в изоставените сгради на Гробниците - най-пропадналото място в Нюфорд - където се събират клошари, наркомани, сводници и избягали хлапета. А духът на отдавна убит педофил набира сили с всяко следващо убийство и търси избягалата си някога дъщеря, за да я дари с изкривената си родителска ласка.
Разказът не те оставя да поемеш дъх и за миг, като постоянно повдига морални и социални въпроси по пътя на кървавата си вакханалия. Расизъм, насилие над деца, полицейски непукизъм, безпомощността на местното индианско население, престъпност и много други.
Препоръчвам горещо, както и другите неща на Чарлз де Линт, с или без псевдоним. Разтърсващ!
Някой, или нещо, започва да убива малолетни проститутки по улиците на Нюфорд в петък вечер. Един детектив с индиански корени и брат му, който е духовен войн, ирландски мобстър(тия са мафия, колкото якудза или триадите са мафия, точно това клише не го толерирам), вуду магьосник и жрица, фотограф и улична музикантка и едно момиче с минало, което се опитва да забрави - търсят убиеца, всеки по свой начин, за да сложат край на кървавия терор в града.
Типичен и все пак много по-брутален роман от автора, който вече ми е любимец. Тежките сцени на насилие и битова содомия се редуват с индиански и карибски митологични епизоди в изоставените сгради на Гробниците - най-пропадналото място в Нюфорд - където се събират клошари, наркомани, сводници и избягали хлапета. А духът на отдавна убит педофил набира сили с всяко следващо убийство и търси избягалата си някога дъщеря, за да я дари с изкривената си родителска ласка.
Разказът не те оставя да поемеш дъх и за миг, като постоянно повдига морални и социални въпроси по пътя на кървавата си вакханалия. Расизъм, насилие над деца, полицейски непукизъм, безпомощността на местното индианско население, престъпност и много други.
Препоръчвам горещо, както и другите неща на Чарлз де Линт, с или без псевдоним. Разтърсващ!
December 10, 2018
Whenever I search for Horror books on my cloud library a bunch of this author’s books always come up, so I finally decided to check him out. This story is about a city, Newford, and some very strange things going on there. Lots of young blonde women being killed by a man dubbed The Slasher. The police, one of whom is an Indian off the reservation, Thomas Morningstar, can’t seem to nail the killer. There’s also a photographer, Jim, who notices there’s a young dark-haired girl, in all of his photos at the crime scenes. This book has all kinds of interesting characters in it, including a massive spirit who has come back from the beyond to find his little girl, Niki. The story was okay, not as involved as I usually like them – De Lint is no Stephen King or Dean Koontz, but he wrote an interesting story and I liked the characters and I likes series books, so I’m going to read a couple more Newford books before I make a decision to read all of them. One thing I did like about this story, is that even though the characters couldn’t quite bring themselves to believe there was a massive ghost loose in the city killing hookers, several people from different walks of life all banded together to help rid the city of this monster - the police, Niki - a street kid, a Shaman from the Indian reservation and Voo Doo practitioners. It was an interesting and quick read.
October 29, 2013
I'm very divided on how I want to review this. Like all books in the Newford setting I enjoyed the characters and writing style. The plot moves along at an enjoyable pace. You're introduced to the main characters and throughout the story are given just enough information / back story to keep you hungrily flipping pages. In this Charles de Lint is second to none. There is a large amount of information about pedophilia in the book and it was honestly disgusting. To de Lint's credit he does this so that you will be disgusted with these scenes / characters so I guess he's accomplished that goal very well. But it was simply far over the top for me and I cringed every time (OFTEN) it came up. Perhaps I was so disgusted I never felt that this should be a "horror" genre book. I was disgusted not horrified. So how to rate the book?
Writing style: 5-star.
Plot line development: 5-star.
Was it a horror novel: 1-star.
Did I enjoy it: 2-star.
Will I read it again: absolutely not.
Was it worth reading: questionable. Yes because I want to read everything de Lint wrote in Newford. No because of the pedophilia.
Writing style: 5-star.
Plot line development: 5-star.
Was it a horror novel: 1-star.
Did I enjoy it: 2-star.
Will I read it again: absolutely not.
Was it worth reading: questionable. Yes because I want to read everything de Lint wrote in Newford. No because of the pedophilia.
December 13, 2016
A very impressive horror tale - and I'm speaking as someone who is laughing his way through the Library of America's Lovecraft volume (H. P. Lovecraft: Tales). Where Lovecraft is ambiguous and vague, de Lint is concrete and specific. Where Lovecraft is racist and prejudiced, de Lint is inclusive and open. Where Lovecraft has characters struggle to describe what they have been through (and fail, because the author obviously didn't), de Lint's characters explain as best as they can the horrors that happened.
Anyway, horror comes to Newford as the ghost of serial killer is coming back to for the prey that escaped him the first time. (Not a spoiler if you're worried). The good thing about this book is that you don't know you are in a fantasy-horror tale until about 60 pages in - and by then de Lint has you hooked. A very visually crafted book (again, unlike Lovecraft where the most visual cues you get is that something slimy and unformed...), I can imagine a great film being made out of it.
Anyway, horror comes to Newford as the ghost of serial killer is coming back to for the prey that escaped him the first time. (Not a spoiler if you're worried). The good thing about this book is that you don't know you are in a fantasy-horror tale until about 60 pages in - and by then de Lint has you hooked. A very visually crafted book (again, unlike Lovecraft where the most visual cues you get is that something slimy and unformed...), I can imagine a great film being made out of it.
October 27, 2011
Originally published under the pseudonym Samuel Key, this Newford novel reveals a darker side of the world. de Lint wanted to give his traditional readers an easy way to delineate between his less-dark (i.e., normal) writing and his darker forays. Now the Key books are available under his actual name, which makes them easier to find at the library.
In this book, a dead serial killer and child molester has found a way to express himself physically in Newford... and he's not letting a little thing like death stop him from killing again... and again. The protagonists are a mixed lot who have different skills and talents to bring to bear, but the darkness will not leave this world quietly or peacefully.
I really enjoyed this book, gory as it was in places, as it gave me a chance to look at a whole 'nuther side of Newford and its magics. It gave me a more well-rounded view of both and it confirmed my belief that there had to be a grittier side to that world. I look forward to exploring both sides of Newford more, as I read the rest of the series.
In this book, a dead serial killer and child molester has found a way to express himself physically in Newford... and he's not letting a little thing like death stop him from killing again... and again. The protagonists are a mixed lot who have different skills and talents to bring to bear, but the darkness will not leave this world quietly or peacefully.
I really enjoyed this book, gory as it was in places, as it gave me a chance to look at a whole 'nuther side of Newford and its magics. It gave me a more well-rounded view of both and it confirmed my belief that there had to be a grittier side to that world. I look forward to exploring both sides of Newford more, as I read the rest of the series.
August 17, 2015
Charles de Lint's second horror novel, From a Whisper to a Scream (1992) also happens to be his first novel set in Newford, which, as I'm reading his books in publication order, doesn't mean much to me, but for fans of his Urban Fantasy work, it may be a title which slipped past your radar.
As with Angel of Darkness, the book has some very dark material in; and the fact that it's dedicated to crime writer Andrew Vachss may give you an idea of the direction of that material.
The story focuses on a series of murders, which appear to have been cased by a dead man, and the people attempting to stop it; ranging from the police and journalists, to figures in the community and a runaway girl with a dark past. I found the book to be compulsively readable, and blazed through it quickly.
Sometimes fiction takes me to very dark places, but within them the light of hope and love can shine very brightly.
A great read.
As with Angel of Darkness, the book has some very dark material in; and the fact that it's dedicated to crime writer Andrew Vachss may give you an idea of the direction of that material.
The story focuses on a series of murders, which appear to have been cased by a dead man, and the people attempting to stop it; ranging from the police and journalists, to figures in the community and a runaway girl with a dark past. I found the book to be compulsively readable, and blazed through it quickly.
Sometimes fiction takes me to very dark places, but within them the light of hope and love can shine very brightly.
A great read.
January 3, 2017
This is one of Charles de Lint's dark novels, which was originally written under a pen name. It was about a serial killer, and the investigation by the police, and a photographer who somehow got involved and the victim. So there are three storylines throughout the book, and we hear about each and how they end of meeting together in the climax of the book. One can easily see the familiar styles of de Lint in this book, but it is a murder mystery with the supernatural. So even though the writing is similar in style it is a graphic novel, with death, sex, and vile language. Is that wrong? No, it is a great adult thriller. After reading so many urban fantasies by de Lint it was very refreshing to read such a mature book, as a change of pace. I thought it was well written and was a great novel. In fact while I was reading this novel, I though what a great horror movie this would make. And it would, it's a great book. I hope de Lint tries his hand at horror/thriller again in the future.
April 5, 2011
Big fan of DeLint. He wrote several novels (this is one) under the pseudonym Samuel M. Key, as they were much darker in tone than his usual urban fantasy offerings. I enjoyed this novel quite a bit. DeLint writes well and is an easy read. It’s a page-turner. Like several of his other books I’ve read, he starts with four different characters (or sets of characters) each approaching the same “story” from different perspectives. It’s always interesting to see how DeLint manages to bring them all together in the course of the novel. He’s a masterful plotter in that respect. Whisper is much darker than DeLint’s normal fantasy work. It straddles the line between dark fantasy and out and out horror. A lot of fun, even though the outcome is never in doubt for the characters involved.
December 26, 2014
3.5 stars
Jim is a photographer and he suspects a woman he took a picture of knows something about some recent murders, so he sets out to find her. When they figure out what's actually going on, he (and the others) are in for more than they bargained for.
It took a little while to get into it. The book is told from many different points of view, so the first number of chapters are all introducing different characters, so it made it harder for me to get into it, as I was trying to figure out who everyone was. Once I had a better idea of that and after the mystery woman is found, in about the second half, it really picked up for me. Overall, it was good.
Jim is a photographer and he suspects a woman he took a picture of knows something about some recent murders, so he sets out to find her. When they figure out what's actually going on, he (and the others) are in for more than they bargained for.
It took a little while to get into it. The book is told from many different points of view, so the first number of chapters are all introducing different characters, so it made it harder for me to get into it, as I was trying to figure out who everyone was. Once I had a better idea of that and after the mystery woman is found, in about the second half, it really picked up for me. Overall, it was good.
October 7, 2010
Much darker than the Newford series written under the name de Lint. I can see why he used a pen name to warn people there was a difference.
While it had the usual mix called urban fantasy, he was far more graphic in describing the abuse that frequently haunts his characters. It was a relief when Nikki stood up to her father in the end and sent him back to where he belonged, freeing all the souls he had bound to him. I do not recall any of these characters in his later Newford books and can only hope they overcame this sidestep into the dark.
While it had the usual mix called urban fantasy, he was far more graphic in describing the abuse that frequently haunts his characters. It was a relief when Nikki stood up to her father in the end and sent him back to where he belonged, freeing all the souls he had bound to him. I do not recall any of these characters in his later Newford books and can only hope they overcame this sidestep into the dark.
July 13, 2013
This book had everything you expect from de Lint. Buskers, homeless kids, and a bizarre magic no one believes but it obviously real. Much darker than his other things, but still a similar feel. I'd probably go 3.5 if I could.
Going into it, what was happening was obvious. So glaringly so that it had to be dramatic irony. The journey was still fun, but I knew who the monster was from the start. If that was meant to be a surprise? It was not.
Going into it, what was happening was obvious. So glaringly so that it had to be dramatic irony. The journey was still fun, but I knew who the monster was from the start. If that was meant to be a surprise? It was not.
September 23, 2007
It's deLint, it's part of Newford, it's not good!! The premise of a supernatural murder mystery was great but the story got bogged down in the lives of the detectives etc. I just did not enjoy this one and deLint said it was not essential to the Newford story but I wanted to read it anyway, guess I should skipped it.
November 9, 2013
Not like most of de Lint's other works; Whisper to a Scream, while set in Newford, takes a much darker and more horrific turn than other stories. It gets downright uncomfortable as well, since sexual abuse is a major part of the book. Still, it is well-written and some of the characters are both likeable and 3-dimensional.
August 31, 2016
This is the first one of the Samuel Key pseudonym de Lint I've read - and, as his intro makes clear, it's more graphic in the violence than the other Newford books - they can be awfully dark, but the violence is not as direct. I liked it - I just can't NOT like de Lint or anything he writes, but I prefer the "regular" Newford books.
September 5, 2008
A very well-done piece of dark modern fantasy. Not that there is any relation between the two, but fans of White Wolf Publishing's World of Darkness will feel very much at home in the world of this novel.
Read
January 10, 2012Early Newport novel, gritty and dark, a supernatural serial killer with voudoun and shamanism to round it out. A great read! I once again marvel at de Lint's capacity to make his characters come alive within the pages.
July 2, 2012
Eh. Not really my thing, I guess, but nothing very interesting happened in this book. The most notable element of the novel was the rampant racism. Were the early nineties that racially charged? That's not what I remember of the time.
February 20, 2014
With elements of both a detective novel and a horror story, this book is much darker than what I'm used to. I enjoyed it thoroughly, but I will have to be careful in recommending to others, because one perspective is that of a pedophile and it's very evocative and extremely twisted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2014
Loved the story . I read the digital version from Google Play. Really didn't like all the spelling mistakes and strange grammar. I don't know if this from Google or the publisher but it detracts from the story
July 2, 2007
This Charles De Lint book barely held my attention. I always come away from him feeling as though something was missed when he wrote...
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