This book reads quickly, and is had to put it down, although the other-worldly aspect sometimes overrides the story line. The author's imagery and prose is breathtaking, even exquisite at times. The human characters are authentic, even with the unbelievable fantasy. Perhaps …more the fantasy is necessary the author for the author to achieve what was intended. Smothermoss, the mountain which is central to the story, seems almost to come alive, and in one way or in many ways, it influences Sheila, Angie, and their mother.

Symbolism and fantasy come together effectively, an example being the rope which constantly winds around Sheila's neck, limiting her life physically and mentally. Also, she is a lesbian, which in the eighties was not widely accepted. This keeps her from finding her place in the world.

Sheila's younger sister Angie is an imaginative brat who is not afraid of the murderer who is on the loose. She sets out to capture the man, all on her own.

Lack of money, friends, and conveniences brings a hard life, where darkness, a believable haunted mountain, and ghost-like people are paramount.

The ending of the book did not satisfy me, although it was gripping and intense. I will follow this author and see what develops. (less)