Simon Schuster's loss is ex libris's gain. (For S-S read Houghton Mifflin, St. Martin's, Farrar, etc) The mainstream houses missed an opportunity to publish a beautifully crafted, engrossing story, one that surely would have reached a large audience. The man knows how to write. (For an example of some lovely words, spend some time with page 220.) It's a pity that many of today's editors (agents too?) are not discerning enough to recognize talent, even when they've got a manuscript right in front of them! Summation: YEA DAVID HALL! BOO ESTABLISHMENT EDITORS!