I first became aware of Grady Hendrix when he began writing the Great Stephen King Reread column on Tor.com. He’s since followed up that with Freaky Friday, a choice selection of some of the worst offending mass market horror paperbacks that were published in the 80s. A number of which I’ve read. In both cases, Hendrix writes with great wit and charm and a clear love for the horror genre.

Given my adoration for his non-fiction you’d think I would have purchased Hendrix’s first novel “Horrorstor” (an IKEA / Zombie mashup). But with my whole recent hankering to read award nominated novels – an obsession that’s thankfully in decline – his début novel passed me by. I wasn’t going to make the same mistake with Hendrix’s second book, the wonderfully titled My Best Friend’s Exorcism.

The novel, set in the 1980s – with most of the action taking place in 1988/89 – tells the story of Abby and Gretchen the best of friends since fifth grade. Now 16 years old and attending a prestigious private school they’re closer than ever, happily fending off boys while also experimenting with drugs. On one particular night Gretchen, after taking a tab of LSD, gets lost in the local woods. When she’s found a few hours later she’s in a state of shock. Something horrible has happened to Gretchen, something that will cut through her deep friendship with Abby, something that may require the help of an exorcist.

This is a fun novel. Not laugh a minute – in fact I congratulate Hendrix on declining to drag out every 80’s cliché – but the sort of book that’s a delight to read. Hendrix has chosen the 80s not because he wants to focus on the big hair and the popularity of Phil Collins (though Genesis gets more than one mention) but because of the whole anti-drug / fear of Satan and Satanic cults phenomena that pervaded American media at the time. Dotted throughout the narrative are pamphlets and Public Service Announcements informing parents of the tell-tale signs that indicate your child is on drugs or possibly a follower of Satan. These minor interruptions to the story only reinforce the 80’s vibe and highlight how shit-scared and irrational we’ve always been about our children, especially when the hormones kick in. Hendrix also explores class and social status, an important factor given that Abby is only attending private school because she’s earned a scholarship. It means that, as her world turns upside down, she often feels powerless because she’s from the wrong side of the street.

The relationship between Abby and Gretchen is the heart and soul of the novel. Their first meeting at Abby’s birthday party, which no-one but Gretchen attends, is a beautiful bittersweet moment that sets the tone for the rest of the book. And even when things turn to shit, and my God do they ever, this relationship – or at least its significance – remains front and centre.

The title of the novel promises an exorcism and we certainly get one and while I don’t want to spoil what transpires the last third of the novel is intense and disturbing.  Satan and demon possession aside this is a fantastic novel about friendship and love. It’s the only book about demon possession that’s made me cry.

Highly recommended.

Stephanie Hunt of The Post and Courier also loved the book, noting that aside from the wackiness and gore it’s also full of truth and tenderness.  Yes.  It is.  Ken Raymond – reviewing the book for The Oklahoman – also liked the novel arguing that despite the 80s setting it has wide range appeal – Millennials and Baby Boomers.