The Mystery of Grace

By: Charles de Lint

Narrated by: Richard Powers, Tai Sammons

On the Day of the Dead, at the Solona Music Hall, Altagracia Quintero meets John Burns - just two weeks too late.

Grace, as her friends call her, has a Ford Motor Company tattoo running down her leg and grease worked deep into her hands. She works at Sanchez Motorworks customizing hot rods. Finding the line in a classic car is her calling. Now Grace has to find the line in her own life. Grace loves John, and John loves her, and that would be wonderful, except that John, like Grace, has unfinished business: He's haunted by the childhood death of his younger brother. He's never stopped feeling responsible. Before their relationship can find its resolution, the two of them will have to teach each other about life and love, about hot rods and Elvis Presley, and about why it's necessary to let some things go.

©2009 Charles de Lint (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

Charles de Lint, multiple winner of the Yalsa Best Book for Young Adult Award, "believes in the power of magic - or at least the magic of fiction - to open our eyes to a larger world." (Edmonton Journal)

"Charles de Lint is the modern master of urban fantasy. Folktale, myth, fairy tale, dreams, urban legend - all of it adds up to pure magic in de Lint's vivid, original world. No one does it better." (Alice Hoffman)

"The story develops through comforting, warm compassion to reach the inevitable, mostly satisfying solution." (Publishers Weekly)

Great story

Lovable characters and excellent storyline. Ending left so much for the imagination. I have so many questions remaining.

A gifted story teller

About 10-15 years ago I started reading this story and I did not like it. De Lint writes stories that may not resonate with you, but if you circle back they later do. I'm glad I picked this one up again.

Good.

It seemed to be aimed for the YA market. His other books span the generations better. Good story, though; I always love his stories, love the characters and the plot line. It was good, but it didn't hold my interest like some of his other books.

The mystery of Grace

This was recommended by a friend.I totally enjoyed it ,just wish it was longer.Narration was good.

Satisfying, lovely story

De Lint can always be counted on for a story that doesn’t sugarcoat life, but grants grace to the all-too-human characters he creates. This story is no exception. A lovely study of complexities of the afterlife. Well performed by the actors. It took me a little time to get into the story, but I was well rewarded for staying with it.

Good story

DeLint always has interesting stories to read. This is a tidy contemplation on death, power and belief. Also trusting what comes next. Nicely done!

not shelf stable. it happens.

it was a good performance for the female protagonist and not so much the male one. liked the sensitivity in his voice but it would have been better for a mystical character not a love interest. it's not progressive enough in the language. I later realized it was written in 2009 but there was sexism, and Grace, a street smart character probably wouldn't call tattoos "tats" or a sex worker a 'prostitute" or a person with a substance use issue a "junkie". reason being, she's too compassionate. street smart people can be quite sensitive in their language rather than a middle ground persons reflections OF them. that's not how it seemed that CDL wanted to paint this character, he seems to want us to see her as tough but compassionate, so word choice would matter. however, 2009 was quite a different time, so there's that.

Interesting Listen

The book starts strong with believable characters and well read narrators. There is a good twist and the book stays faithful to the concept. Not an epic mystery by any means, but enjoyable and interesting- good for an ethics book club question.

Ok, but not my cup of tea

When i picked this book, i somehow didn't realize it would be so focused on "other worldly" things... Probably my fault, but that's just not to my tastes, so i was disappointed. I did listen to the entire book and found it ok, but i generally select crime fiction and thrillers that deal with real world issues. If you're the same, you should probably skip this one. Narration was good.

Great story!

This was a well performed story and kept me listening throughout. The narrator was a pleasure to listen to, and of course the writing was delightful.