Himself is a magical realism novel with dark fairy tale and comic elements interwoven.  The book centers around Mahoney, an orphan who returns to Mulderrig, after receiving a letter telling him that it is the town of his birth.  His arrival stirs up the town, terrifying, angering and exciting the various residents depending upon their involvement in his arrival at the orphanage.

The magical elements are  spellbinding and  atmospheric.  The sense of isolation and other worldliness of the village and in its inhabitants comes through the pages clearly.  The murder mystery is cleverly done and the cast of characters provide ample possible suspects and motives to sift through.

An interesting take on a murder mystery with a magical realism twist.  Very enjoyable read!