Illusionist

In this sensuous and intriguing novel the unexpected appearance of Dean Lily, a charismatic young man with magical gifts, dramatically transforms a once beautiful town in Upstate New York and prompts the age-old question: What do women really want? Dean deftly uses his considerable charms on the local women, and his elaborate seductions are met with little resistance. The women Dean sets his sights on are incapable of recognizing him for who and what he is. THE ILLUSIONIST is a haunting, fiercely erotic novel that thwarts conventions of gender and love.

Chicago Tribune Beautifully written. With this haunting book, Smith tells a wonderful tale and raises provocative questions., Stephen King Mesmerizing, erotic suspense., Alan Cheuse All Things Considered A powerful novel about sexual desire and social disorder., Edward Hower The New York Times Book Review A skillfully written novel. And its greatest strength is the sensitivity with which Smith explores the complexities of love., Detour magazine Smoke-and-mirrors prose that would dazzle Houdini...Smith has written a truly chilling winter's tale.

Dinitia Smith is the author of two previous novels, Hard Rain and Remember This. She is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and has taught creative writing at Columbia University. She is now a national correspondent for culture at The New York Times and lives in New York City.