The Paper Grail — James P. Blaylock

The second thriller in the supernatural trilogy by the World Fantasy Award�"winning author -- An “intriguing and absorbing work from a major talent” (Kirkus Reviews).
 
Howard Barton came to Mendocino in search of a folded scrap of paper. Not just any old scrap of paper, but one bearing what might be a sketch by the legendary Japanese artist, Hoku-sai. But Howard, unfortunately, is not the only one who wants the sketch . . .
 
There's old Heloise Lamey, whose lush and noxious garden is watered with blood, ink, and stranger substances.
 
And the enigmatic Mr. Jimmers, the owner of a workshop that holds a bizarre invention designed to raise the dead.
 
Even Howard's Uncle Roy, a builder of haunted houses and founder of the Museum of Modern Mysteries, has an interest in the sketch.
 
In Northern California, nothing is what it appears, but everything is connected -- and Howard is led to a mysterious private war between secret, underground societies. Now he just needs to figure out whose side he's on in the quest for the Paper Grail.
 
“Blaylock redeems the familiarity of his plot with a gift for drawing characters who are eccentric in delightful and original ways, whichever side of the war they are on.” -- Publishers Weekly
 
“Blaylock ventures into the realm of magical realism as eccentric matrons and failed entrepreneurs assume mythic proportions in this witty and intelligent metaphysical novel. This crossover novel belongs equally well in literary and fantasy collections.” -- Library Journal