Snuff is our narrator, here, and he’s a smart, interesting, likable dog. He’s the friend and partner of a man called Jack, and they are preparing for a major event. Jack has a very sharp knife, which he and Snuff use in gathering the necessary ingredients for the ancient and deadly ritual that will be performed on Halloween.
But Jack and Snuff aren’t the only participants preparing for what they call “The Game.” Crazy Jill and her cat, Greymalk, The Count and his bat. Dr.Frankenstein, Rasputin, The Wolfman, and others–all (except The Wolfman) with their animal companions. Sherlock Holmes is very interested, but not, himself, a player.
As Snuff narrates events, we learn that there are “openers” and “closers,” and it’s a secret, or supposed to be, who is which until the night itself. We gradually realize what the significance of those terms is.
Until the night itself, as everyone gathers their necessary ingredients, and everyone works to figure out what the location of the ritual will be, players form temporary alliances sometimes with those who will be on the other side when the time comes. The animal companions don’t necessarily ally with the animal companions of their human/humanlike partners.
And there is a great deal of intrigue going on.
We see the story through Snuff’s eyes, and therefore the other animals more than the human partners. We nevertheless also learn a great deal about the humans involved, even as the animals are engaged in their parallel intrigues and efforts to prevent disaster.
But what’s disaster? Is it better for the openers or the closers to prevail?
It’s a fascinating story, with interesting and enjoyable characters.
Matt Godfrey as narrator absolutely makes me believe Snuff’s voice, and makes the other voices distinct and individual.
Highly recommended.
(Recorded Books, 2022)
