So, some reviews of Raising Stony Mayhall have popped into my mailbox this morning.

Library Journal gave it a star, and ended their review with this:

The author of The Devil’s Alphabet and Pandemonium has written a masterly tale of love that defies standard limits. Stony Mayhall emerges as a unique character, defined by the people who love him, at war with his own identity, and driven to create his own definition of “being human.” VERDICT Part superhero fiction, part zombie horror story, and part supernatural thriller, this luminous and compelling tale deserves a wide readership beyond genre fans. Highly recommended.

And Karen Burnham at SF Signal gave Stony a five-star review. She starts with “So where to begin? Well, let’s start with Stony, the best zombie character ever.” She discusses many of the plot elements, themes, and techniques of the book, but then says, “I don’t want to lose sight of the fact that Raising Stony Mayhall is also a lot of fun… He’s playing with the forms, asking questions that only parodists or satirists usually ask.”

And then she ends with this:

I suspect (and hope) that with the upcoming publication of Gregory’s first collection of short stories (Unpossible and Other Stories, Fall 2011), more thorough critical attention will be heading his way. More than many novelists, Gregory’s work not only withstands but grows richer with re-readings and sustained attention.

Last but not least, Kel Munger of the Sacramento News and Report. became so engrossed in Stony that he got a sunburn.

So the score this week  for those playing at home: One star, five stars, and intense solar radiation. I’m happy.