David Niall Wilson, Deep Blue

Deep Blue

David Niall Wilson

Five Star, May 2004, $25.95, 322 pp.

ISBN: 159141428

Guitarist and vocalist Brandt knows that the booze has taken him down so far as he barely can perform at gigs. He is so drunk he has left his keys behind so he cannot enter his apartment. When he hears strange sounding blues, he investigates and meets harmonica playing Wally. Not long afterward, Brandt plays the performance of his life and walks away.

Band member Synthesia follows with her most incredible show and leaves. That leaves band members Shaver and Dexter to cross over, but both fears where the music will take them. Unless the entire band takes the giant leap along with Shaver's artist pal Liz, they will not be able to accomplish their mission when they confront their enemy in the California Mountains.

This is an engaging but weird fantasy that needs patience and a bit of adjustment to comprehend what is going on as David Niall Wilson keeps readers guessing. Once the readers begins to grasp the underlying parable that emerges slowly that there is more to this band and its mentor than a local gig, the tale hooks the audience with its magic's in the music theme. Readers who give the plot time to develop will appreciate the complex DEEP BLUE allegory.

Harriet Klausner