When the Rogaru comes calling, Métis and First Nation peoples are usually well prepared. Prepared by story and memory and equipped with the tools to fight, be those wit or salt bone. Joan’s husband, Victor, has disappeared. For her it seems virtually impossible. How could he leave? And why? It’s been nearly a year. But then, out of the blue, she spots him going under a different name and pretending he is a Reverend calling his flock in a mission tent. And he doesn’t seem to remember her at all. It’s enough to drive you mad. Unless you have elderly aunties who can read these signs and help you prepare for the fight ahead to get your man back. This is a meaty story of love and commitment set in a world that blends native metaphysics with western religion. Joan and her family — mother and brothers — are great characters, but it is her relationship with her Mere and her young nephew that stand out. Throughout, family ties and community provide the bulwark to defend oneself against the many dangers that lie without. The writing is full of enthusiasm, which sometimes overflows into a surfeit of similes. But once the final chase gets underway, the similes drop out and we remain fixed on Joan’s plight. A rollicking read, if sometimes uneven. And gently recommended. (read less)

When the Rogaru comes calling, Métis and First Nation peoples are usually well prepared. Prepared by story and memory and equipped with the tools to fight, be those wit or salt bone. Joan’s husband, Victor, has disappeared. For her it seems virtually impossible. How could he leave? And why? It’s been nearly a year. But then, out of the blue, she spots him going under a different name and (read more)

Since her husband Victor disappeared almost a year ago, Joan has never given up her search for him. One day she finally spots him -- but he's preaching in a revival tent in a Walmart parking lot and he doesn't seem to remember her at all. But Joan can see that there's something terrifying in his eyes, something that brings to mind the old legends about the rogarou, a werewolf who haunts and preys upon her Metis community. Will she be strong enough to fight an ancient creature and get him back? I really enjoyed this book and its interesting take on werewolf legends. Joan is a great main character, flawed but also fiercely likeable, and her love for Victor and determination to save their relationship is completely believable. The other characters, from Joan's raucous family to her friend and advisor Ajean to the people caught up in the revival group that is secretly hiding an ancient evil, are all wonderful as well. Author Cherie Dimaline's relatable characters helped make the story of possession and recovery genuinely scary at times and a fun read. I'm looking forward to her next book. (read less)

Since her husband Victor disappeared almost a year ago, Joan has never given up her search for him. One day she finally spots him -- but he's preaching in a revival tent in a Walmart parking lot and he doesn't seem to remember her at all. But Joan can see that there's something terrifying in his eyes, something that brings to mind the old legends about the rogarou, a werewolf who haunts (read more)