Although Joe Hill dedicated this novel to his mother, it's really just a big fat wonderful ode to his father. 
 Everything that King does wonderfully -- storytelling, plotting, pacing -- Hill gets right, and so much more. This book is carefully and perfectly paced, and Hill's characterization (of every character) is thoughtful and consistent. It feels folksy and New England-y like Stephen King's best work, but it never feels like it needs an editor (which I feel some of King's later work really does...). Hill has poured so much care and attention into this book; and I guess it doesn't really matter who it is or should be dedicated to. It's just a great story. 
 Kate Mulgrew does an excellent narration, too. She is pure Americana, rough and raspy, and a great hero and even better villain. Also, the audiobook has a really nice afterword by Hill himself, where he talks about the writing of this book and about audiobooks, and he gives some audio recommendations.