Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong (2004, Paperback)

Kelley Armstrong has a wonderful satiric voice. I meant to bring the book in to quote one paragraph that sums her voice up, but left it at home.

This was my first book by Ms. Armstrong. A friend told me I had to read this one. She was right. Well-written in a strong, stand-alone voice, _Dime Store Magic_ will go on my keeper shelf once I buy my own copy. I will also order her backlist and am heading to the store today to look for _Industrial Magic_.

The relationship between 20-30 something Paige Winterbourne and her 13 going on 40 year old ward is almost too real. I found myself sympathetic to both sides. Armstrong masters the teenage angst and doesn't make it laughable at all.

If I had to quibble then I would say her mocking Wiccans with one broad brush is a bit much. I am Wiccan though and I found most of the comments really funny. Although, most Wiccans wouldn't do the hysterical ritual in the backyard. But it's fiction! And if I can't laugh at myself, who can I laugh at, right?

The concept is fresh. The relationships are built slowly and tightly. The plot is character-driven. The characters make mistakes and grow from them.

I can't say enough good things about this book!