New Neil Gaiman book is due out shortly: Anansi Boys.

High hopes for that. Gaiman is a hell of a creative guy, and a pretty good writer. Sandman is, I would say, one of the major works of fiction of the late 20th century, despite being just a comic book.

But Gaiman’s novel output isn’t quite up to that standard. Good Omens was, kindly, not that good (or to put it another way, piece o’ crap). Neverwhere is ok, worth reading, certainly. American Gods is far better, and in some ways brilliant, but it’s got enough flaws that I don’t recommend it to everyone.

I keep hoping Gaiman’s got that truly, truly great novel in him, and didn’t spend it all on Sandman.

His other output is different; his comics, almost to a one, are wonderful and creative. And his kids books are – well, god, just as good as kids books get. Coraline, Wolves in the Walls, The Dad I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish. All artistically and linguistically beautiful.

“No,” said her mother. “There are no wolves in the walls. You must be hearing mice, I suppose.”

“Wolves,” said Lucy.

“I’m sure it’s not Wolves,” said her mother. “For everyone knows what they say… If the wolves come out of the walls, its’ all over.”

“What’s all over?” asked Lucy.

“It,” said her mother. “Everybody knows that.”

I have high hopes for this new novel. I just pre-ordered it; I’m looking forward to hearing other readers reactions to it. I’ll post a review as soon as I finish it, which is likely to be soon after I get it.