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Stoner McTavish Mysteries #3
Gray Magic
After telling Gwen's grandmother that they are lovers, Stoner and Gwen set off to Arizona to escape the fallout. However, it's no vacation when things turn frightening and Stoner's friend Stell falls ill with a mysterious disease and she meets the old woman Siyamtiwa.
250 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
8 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Dreher
13 books23 followersBorn March 26, 1937, in Hanover, Pa., Sarah Dreher attended Wellesley College and went on to earn her doctorate in clinical psychology from Purdue University. She moved in 1965 to Amherst, MA where she established her private practice. She was the co-founder of Sunrise-Amanecer Inc., a nonprofit organization, serving as president and clinical director for seven years. She was a member of the Welsh Society of Western New England and an activist during the women's movement.
Dreher was the author of the Stoner McTavish lesbian detective series. The seventh in the series, Shaman's Moon, won the Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian Mystery for 1998. Dreher was also the author of several plays and a romance novel Solitaire and Brahms. She was the recipient of the 2005 Alice B. Readers' Award.
Dreher was the author of the Stoner McTavish lesbian detective series. The seventh in the series, Shaman's Moon, won the Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian Mystery for 1998. Dreher was also the author of several plays and a romance novel Solitaire and Brahms. She was the recipient of the 2005 Alice B. Readers' Award.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 22, 2020
Stoner is back in book 3 (Originally published in 1987 but they do not feel dated at all, except for Stoner lamenting the 1984 election results.)
Ah how I love her empathetic nature. Gwen, too, is by her side supporting and loving her lady. At the start of the novel we see Gwen telling her Grandmother of the nature of their relationship, not wanting to hide or be ashamed of her love for Stoner. It was admirable and I swooned. Stoner was scared and upset by what negativity she knew would come out, and unfortunately all her fears were indeed made real, when Gwens Gran says all the worst cliche things she can to the couple. Thank Goodness for Aunt Hermione who interjected with her heartfelt, no nonsense advice, but unfortunately it falls on Grans deaf ears.
They decide to take a trip to the Arizona desert and an Indian reservation that her good friend Stell (from Book 1) is helping with, while a strange illness is spreading throughout. Stoner senses something deeply in the area, and it goes into more metaphysical and mystical areas including a lot of Native American Folklore. She meets a very old Hopi Grandmother who gives cryptic advice. As Stoner tries to learn about Native American culture and the dark history that still plagues their people and the mistrust many still hold, as well as old racisms that still exist.
I didn't realize it at the time, but I guess this is the perfect Thanksgiving read for those in the US and beyond.
It isn't long because before our friend Stell is herself become sick, and her life in endangered. Stoner seeks answers and becomes more embroiled in more Native American Mysticism. You hear from a lot of characters of 'Indian' heritage and their own struggles to come to terms with their old ways and beliefs while still dealing with a modern 'white' world, and often feeling tethered between the two and never fully apart of one or the other. Such as was the case of a Navajo nurse they encounter at the hospital.
I love that these books give you insight into characters through the characters own words and experiences, and by way of Stoner's own empathy in wanting to understand people. It never feels heavy handed or like you're being lectured, it's just people talking, sharing and understanding - which is exactly how it should be.
As in typical fashion, Stoner becomes embroiled and Gwen put in danger. Thus starts a quest to set things right. Again with a lot of ancient native wisdom passed along to our green eyed hero. I kind of love that Stoner's spirit animal ends up being a burro, a strong but compact working donkey with good endurance and a stubborn streak. It just somehow makes so much sense that her animal would be so unassuming, and it tickled me.
I really enjoyed the installment and the constant love between Gwen and Stone and the friendships they form around them.
Ah how I love her empathetic nature. Gwen, too, is by her side supporting and loving her lady. At the start of the novel we see Gwen telling her Grandmother of the nature of their relationship, not wanting to hide or be ashamed of her love for Stoner. It was admirable and I swooned. Stoner was scared and upset by what negativity she knew would come out, and unfortunately all her fears were indeed made real, when Gwens Gran says all the worst cliche things she can to the couple. Thank Goodness for Aunt Hermione who interjected with her heartfelt, no nonsense advice, but unfortunately it falls on Grans deaf ears.
They decide to take a trip to the Arizona desert and an Indian reservation that her good friend Stell (from Book 1) is helping with, while a strange illness is spreading throughout. Stoner senses something deeply in the area, and it goes into more metaphysical and mystical areas including a lot of Native American Folklore. She meets a very old Hopi Grandmother who gives cryptic advice. As Stoner tries to learn about Native American culture and the dark history that still plagues their people and the mistrust many still hold, as well as old racisms that still exist.
I didn't realize it at the time, but I guess this is the perfect Thanksgiving read for those in the US and beyond.
It isn't long because before our friend Stell is herself become sick, and her life in endangered. Stoner seeks answers and becomes more embroiled in more Native American Mysticism. You hear from a lot of characters of 'Indian' heritage and their own struggles to come to terms with their old ways and beliefs while still dealing with a modern 'white' world, and often feeling tethered between the two and never fully apart of one or the other. Such as was the case of a Navajo nurse they encounter at the hospital.
I love that these books give you insight into characters through the characters own words and experiences, and by way of Stoner's own empathy in wanting to understand people. It never feels heavy handed or like you're being lectured, it's just people talking, sharing and understanding - which is exactly how it should be.
As in typical fashion, Stoner becomes embroiled and Gwen put in danger. Thus starts a quest to set things right. Again with a lot of ancient native wisdom passed along to our green eyed hero. I kind of love that Stoner's spirit animal ends up being a burro, a strong but compact working donkey with good endurance and a stubborn streak. It just somehow makes so much sense that her animal would be so unassuming, and it tickled me.
I really enjoyed the installment and the constant love between Gwen and Stone and the friendships they form around them.
November 5, 2007
The third book in the Stoner McTavish series has Stoner and Gwen heading out to visit Stel Perkins for a vacation. We met Stel in the first book and it was great to see her make an appearance. Everyone needs a Stel Perkins in their lives.
In this book, Stoner doesn't set out to solve a mystery, she's drawn in by a mysterious illness that's affecting women in the area and she has several curious encounters with a Native American woman who tells her it is up to Stoner to make things right.
This is the most overtly mystical of the series so far but it works well. Stoner seems to come to a sort of acceptance that these sorts of things are going to keep happening to her and she needs to be a bit more open minded even though she'd rather that Strange Things would stop happening.
The story manages not to become too melodramatic and stays entertaining and, as always, the characters are interesting. At least the protagonists are, the antagonist tends to be a bit one-dimensional, but the book really isn't about the antagonist. It's a book about things below the surface and how there is always more than one way to look at the world.
And, Stoner's quest to be ever so politically correct is always entertaining!
In this book, Stoner doesn't set out to solve a mystery, she's drawn in by a mysterious illness that's affecting women in the area and she has several curious encounters with a Native American woman who tells her it is up to Stoner to make things right.
This is the most overtly mystical of the series so far but it works well. Stoner seems to come to a sort of acceptance that these sorts of things are going to keep happening to her and she needs to be a bit more open minded even though she'd rather that Strange Things would stop happening.
The story manages not to become too melodramatic and stays entertaining and, as always, the characters are interesting. At least the protagonists are, the antagonist tends to be a bit one-dimensional, but the book really isn't about the antagonist. It's a book about things below the surface and how there is always more than one way to look at the world.
And, Stoner's quest to be ever so politically correct is always entertaining!
August 20, 2019
I wonderful story of Hopi and white moving heaven and earth for a joined endeavor.
This book gives me hope that it may be possible for me to share all the seemingly impossible experiences I have had into a wonderful heartwarming story.
This book gives me hope that it may be possible for me to share all the seemingly impossible experiences I have had into a wonderful heartwarming story.
July 4, 2017
4.5 Lovely little novel (first one I have read in this series). There is a mystery to be solved, but that is the least of the story. There are lots of real and wonderful relationships: Stoner and her new lover Gwen, many women's friendships, Gwen dealing with rejection by her grandmother whom she adores, etc etc. Characters are authentic, writing is vivid. There is exploration of issues around feminism and homophobia, there is lots of Native American spirituality that is well done. All around worth reading.
February 9, 2010
One of the things I love the most about Sarah Dreher's Stoner McTavish series is that she doesn't focus on the "required lesbian love/sex scene" that so many lesbian authors seem to fall into. Not that it doesn't occasionally pop up...but it always flows naturally, as part of the plot. Not sex scene because it's required. When I want that, I can read erotica. I read this series for the mystery, the spiritual explorations. Kudos to the author.
October 16, 2021
Phenomenal!
I love this series so much!! Stoner continues to claim that she doesn't really believe in anything metaphysical, but she is immersed in some Native American beliefs and traditions in this third book in the series. This one had a deeper emotional impact due to Gwen's being rejected when she comes out prior to the trip that she and Stoner take to Arizona. Things are strained between them, but everything is complicated even more by the events that happen after they arrive.
Stoner seems to accept what she learns, and what she's expected to do, but she doesn't really admit to having any type of spiritual gifts that will aid her in her rescue mission/journey. She uses the "powers" she acquired when faced with danger and extremes at the climax of the story. I wonder if it is a permanent shift in acceptance that will continue throughout the rest of the series.
As always, I highly recommend this entire series, but the Native American element brought even more appreciation for this book.
I love this series so much!! Stoner continues to claim that she doesn't really believe in anything metaphysical, but she is immersed in some Native American beliefs and traditions in this third book in the series. This one had a deeper emotional impact due to Gwen's being rejected when she comes out prior to the trip that she and Stoner take to Arizona. Things are strained between them, but everything is complicated even more by the events that happen after they arrive.
Stoner seems to accept what she learns, and what she's expected to do, but she doesn't really admit to having any type of spiritual gifts that will aid her in her rescue mission/journey. She uses the "powers" she acquired when faced with danger and extremes at the climax of the story. I wonder if it is a permanent shift in acceptance that will continue throughout the rest of the series.
As always, I highly recommend this entire series, but the Native American element brought even more appreciation for this book.
April 12, 2018
Wonderful
Full of spirit and power, this evocative book can transport those with an open heart and mind to the intersection of Hopi, Navajo and White cultures where a world out of balance can lead to sickness and death. Only the courage and spiritual growth of the hero can set thing right.
Full of spirit and power, this evocative book can transport those with an open heart and mind to the intersection of Hopi, Navajo and White cultures where a world out of balance can lead to sickness and death. Only the courage and spiritual growth of the hero can set thing right.
February 1, 2018
Great!
I love this book Read it many years ago in paperback form and was delighted to find it on my Kindle. Fantastic read wether you are new to the spiritual. World or a long term believer
I love this book Read it many years ago in paperback form and was delighted to find it on my Kindle. Fantastic read wether you are new to the spiritual. World or a long term believer
December 17, 2020
What a great book to read and learn gray magic.
October 12, 2010
I was pretty thoroughly charmed by the first Stoner McTavish novel, called (gasp!) Stoner McTavish. The second one, Something Shady didn't seem nearly as charming. And I found that odd, because it was in many ways a tip of the hat to Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, a novel I've always placed high on my list of really great reads, if not necessarily great lit.
With Gray Magic, Dreher and Stoner seem to have their magic back. I don't seem to be alone in this assessment. I notice that the Goodreads average rating dips for the second novel.
Both 1 and 3 were set in the west while 2 is in the east. Can it be that simple. That I find a novel playing in Hopi and Navajo mythology more appealing than a rehash of Hill House?
Could be, I guess. I love Tony Hillerman's Navajo mysteries.
Certainly Siyamtiwa, the old, nay ancient, Hopi holy woman is an appealing gamine character. And sex with a spirit walking lover is an appealing idea. The villain may be a bit of a straw man, but I didn't care. What was important here was the triumph of woman power!
With Gray Magic, Dreher and Stoner seem to have their magic back. I don't seem to be alone in this assessment. I notice that the Goodreads average rating dips for the second novel.
Both 1 and 3 were set in the west while 2 is in the east. Can it be that simple. That I find a novel playing in Hopi and Navajo mythology more appealing than a rehash of Hill House?
Could be, I guess. I love Tony Hillerman's Navajo mysteries.
Certainly Siyamtiwa, the old, nay ancient, Hopi holy woman is an appealing gamine character. And sex with a spirit walking lover is an appealing idea. The villain may be a bit of a straw man, but I didn't care. What was important here was the triumph of woman power!
June 13, 2014
Sarah Dreher's 'Gray Magic' is a trip and a half. Third instalment in the Stoner McTavish series, it sees Stoner and Gwen travelling to Arizona, after Gwen comes to her grandmother. Mrs Burton turns out to be far less tolerant to lesbianism than Stoner's Aunt Hermione. In Arizona Stoner and Gwen are reunited with their friend Stell Perkins who is running a trading post while her cousin is in hospital.
The Ya Ya sickness is randomly affecting women around the Hopi reservation. Superstition or reality? While Stoner has been living with Tarot reader and psychic Hermione since the age of 16, she is not a believer herself. However, Siyamtiwa, an old Hopi woman she meets in the desert, will take her into a voyage through magic and other worlds.
'Gray Magic' is an entrancing novel full of deep thinking and humour. As per usual Stoner is over-thinking every detail in life, and her lover Gwen is here to keep her grounded, while Siyamtiwa is the wild card of the moment, wise and full of humour until the end.
I forgot to say: I love this book!
December 11, 2010
This is the 3rd in the Stoner McTavish lesbian mystery/detective series by Sarah Dreher. Although the series is billed as mystery/detective, I wouldn't tag this one that way. In this one, Stoner and Gwen go out to Arizona on vacation after Gwen's coming out to her grandmother. While there, Stoner gets into Hopi/Navajo mysticism, magic and spirits. There's very little mystery/detective in it. Having said that, though, I found it a much better read than the previous one.
June 2, 2011
love this series. They are keepers and I re-read them every couple of years.
November 15, 2018
Wonderful
Takes me to the desert every time I read it. I have read it many times and never get tired of it.
Takes me to the desert every time I read it. I have read it many times and never get tired of it.
December 5, 2020
Another page-turner like the first two.
I may or may not have shared a tear for two old grandmothers. Bless them.
I may or may not have shared a tear for two old grandmothers. Bless them.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews