A Take On Demonic Possession That Still Feels Fresh

Summary

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[Dale Peck] has written a handful of novels and even some children's books, but is probably best known for his literary criticism. He infamously wrote that "Rick Moody is the worst writer of his generation" and a few years back published a collection of scathing reviews called Hatchet Jobs.

[Ileana Magdalen] was once possessed, and was made to commit several brutal murders in that time. Now driven by vengeance she has hunted down and killed most of the Morgan -- which can only be done by killing the host, usually by decapitation (echoing the 1980s Highlander films). After his demon moves into a new host, Q. joins Ileana in her fight as a sort of "chosen one."

When a family dog enters the picture as a demon is looking for a new host, it doesn't take much to imagine where it's going to go. But Peck does take it a step further, not disappointing anyone looking for a cheap visceral thrill.

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A Take On Demonic Possession That Still Feels Fresh

Body Surfing

By Dale Peck

Atria Books, 417 pages, $34

THIS latest novel from New York-based writer Dale Peck reads like vintage Stephen King horror crossed with the vulgar sexua...

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