"The writing is magnificently inventive throughout...a terrific voice and premise."--
Kirkus Reviews "Scratch finds Steve Himmer doing what he does best--putting a magnifier to the fine line between human and beast, between what is tame and what is red in tooth and claw. Then he sets fire to any old platitudes about nature and man, creating a new mythology out of the ashes and shadows."
--Amber Sparks, author of The Unfinished World
"Scratch is not only a ripping tale--of dreams and darkness, humans and houses, and the creatures those houses are meant to keep out--but a contemplation of the beautiful dark mysteries of nature. Like a strange old story you overheard when you thought you were alone in the woods, Scratch is beguiling, haunting, and wild."
--Kate Racculia, author of Bellweather Rhapsody
"Steve Himmer's particular genius involves giving the minds of his characters room to roam. His take on literary horror might usefully be compared to that of Benjamin Percy or William Gay, but its roots reach back much further, through Shirley Jackson to Hawthorne and Poe. This book, this gift to us, is an absolutely essential reminder that every story starts at the edge of the forest."
--Roy Kesey, author of Any Deadly Thing
"The writing is magnificently inventive throughout...a terrific voice and premise.""Kirkus Reviews"
""Scratch" finds Steve Himmer doing what he does bestputting a magnifier to the fine line between human and beast, between what is tame and what is red in tooth and claw. Then he sets fire to any old platitudes about nature and man, creating a new mythology out of the ashes and shadows."
Amber Sparks, author of "The Unfinished World"
"Scratch" is not only a ripping taleof dreams and darkness, humans and houses, and the creatures those houses are meant to keep outbut a contemplation of the beautiful dark mysteries of nature. Like a strange old story you overheard when you thought you were alone in the woods, Scratch is beguiling, haunting, and wild.
Kate Racculia, author of "Bellweather Rhapsody"
"Steve Himmer's particular genius involves giving the minds of his characters room to roam. His take on literary horror might usefully be compared to that of Benjamin Percy or William Gay, but its roots reach back much further, through Shirley Jackson to Hawthorne and Poe. This book, this gift to us, is an absolutely essential reminder that every story starts at the edge of the forest."
Roy Kesey, author of "Any Deadly Thing"
"
""Scratch" finds Steve Himmer doing what he does bestputting a magnifier to the fine line between human and beast, between what is tame and what is red in tooth and claw. Then he sets fire to any old platitudes about nature and man, creating a new mythology out of the ashes and shadows."
Amber Sparks, author of "The Unfinished World"
"Scratch" is not only a ripping taleof dreams and darkness, humans and houses, and the creatures those houses are meant to keep outbut a contemplation of the beautiful dark mysteries of nature. Like a strange old story you overheard when you thought you were alone in the woods, Scratch is beguiling, haunting, and wild.
Kate Racculia, author of "Bellweather Rhapsody"
"Steve Himmer's particular genius involves giving the minds of his characters room to roam. His take on literary horror might usefully be compared to that of Benjamin Percy or William Gay, but its roots reach back much further, through Shirley Jackson to Hawthorne and Poe. This book, this gift to us, is an absolutely essential reminder that every story starts at the edge of the forest."
Roy Kesey, author of "Any Deadly Thing""
