Title: My Best Friend’s Exorcism
Author: Grady Hendrix
First published May 17, 2016
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.96
Overview
From the moment Abby met Gretchen, they were inseparable. They shared everything from secrets to their love for horror movies.
But when Gretchen’s behavior starts to become erratic in their sophomore year of high school, Abby is convinced that something sinister is at play. As Gretchen’s possession becomes more evident, Abby knows she has to act fast to save her best friend.
With the help of a few unlikely allies, Abby sets out on a dangerous journey to face the demon possessing Gretchen. Will their friendship be enough to conquer evil?
Find out in Grady Hendrix’s spine-tingling novel, My Best Friend’s Exorcism.
About the Author
Meet Grady Hendrix, a talented novelist who has written some truly unique and spooky stories. Have you heard of Horrorstör?
It’s a novel about a haunted IKEA, and it’s sure to give you chills. Or maybe you’d prefer My Best Friend’s Exorcism, a story set in the 80s that combines the drama of Beaches with the horror of The Exorcist.
But Grady’s talents don’t stop there. He’s also the author of We Sold Our Souls and The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, as well as the upcoming Final Girl Support Group (out on July 13th!).
One of his most notable works is Paperbacks from Hell, a Stoker award-winning history of horror paperbacks from the 70s and 80s. This book is jam-packed with information about all kinds of creepy creatures, from Nazi leprechauns to killer babies and evil cats.
Grady has also dabbled in screenwriting, with his work on Mohawk, a horror film set during the War of 1812.
If you’re interested in hearing more from Grady, you can check out his podcast, The Losers’ Club, or read his personal blog. There’s no shortage of spooky secrets to uncover with this talented author!
Editoral Review
My Best Friend’s Exorcism is a horror novel written by Grady Hendrix and first published on May 17, 2016. Hendrix is a horror writer and journalist known for his work in the horror comedy genre.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism is a departure from his usual work, as it is a straight horror novel.
The novel takes place in 1988 Charleston, South Carolina, and follows the story of two best friends, Abby and Gretchen.
After a night of experimenting with drugs, Gretchen seems to undergo a disturbing change in personality. Abby becomes convinced that her friend is possessed by a demon and sets out to save her with the help of a few other friends.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism is a novel that plays with the horror genre in a unique way. It follows the classic horror story structure of a possessed individual, but Hendrix adds layers of personal relationships to the mix to make it more than just a simple demon possession story.
The story is told through the friendship between Abby and Gretchen, and Hendrix uses this to explore themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and teenage friendship. One of the strengths of the novel is its pacing.
The story moves quickly, and the tension and horror build consistently throughout the book. Hendrix also does an excellent job of building the setting of 1988 Charleston, from the fashion and music to the political climate of the time.
However, the novel falls short in its character development, which is especially apparent in the supporting characters who lack depth and motivations. The method of exorcism also feels underdeveloped, as it does not appear to reflect any real-life rituals, which limits the book’s effectiveness.
Despite its shortcomings, My Best Friend’s Exorcism is an entertaining read that will satisfy horror fans looking for a unique, character-driven take on the genre. Hendrix’s clever use of the classic horror story structure and exploration of themes of friendship and sacrifice elevate it above a simple horror tale.
Overall, I recommend this book to fans of horror and anyone looking for a nostalgic trip back to the 80s. My Best Friend’s Exorcism garners three and a half stars out of five, for its originality and clever structure, but falls short in character development and ritual execution.
