num_pages: 414
description: Of all the predators that have stalked Strieber's bestselling horror (Billy, Communion etc.), none match for sheer exuberant evil the dark star of this resonant novel--a rip-roaring, fire- snorting demon infesting the soul of a Greenwich Village priest. But which priest harbors the demon? Kindly old John Rafferty, beloved pastor of Mary &amp; Joseph church? His young assistant, Frank Bayley? Or ancient Tom Zimmer, mute for five years? A routine question, that, to drive the fast-moving plot, but one fueled by issues of faith &amp; corruption--beginning with the enthralling opening chapters, which find Father John's vow of celibacy teetering under the seductive push of lovely young parishioner Maria Julien. Succumbing to Maria's kisses, John goes to her apartment...&amp; the story leaps hours ahead, with Maria crowing `The cherry is pitted' to--Fr Frank. He too, it seems, is under Maria's spell--&amp; that of her leathers &amp; whips. But that night, a vile, capering, nonsense-spewing entity--seen here, as throughout, in artful halflight--strangles Maria in the church. Over the next days, several more die gruesome deaths--two burned alive--even as the media uncover John's affection for Maria, &amp; as the Holy See, shuddering at the scandal, puts Frank in John's place as pastor. In the meantime, a winsome female cop investigates the killings--&amp; is attacked by the demon in her apartment--while old Fr Tom shambles about in the wee hours. One priest is roasted, a 2nd is unmasked, and a 3rd must pit his shaky faith against the gibbering demon in an extended showdown that jumps &amp; gyrates with evil energy. Any novel of demonic possession must bear comparison to The Exorcist--&amp; Strieber's holds its own, with brilliantly realized characters, fascinating Church intrigue, &amp; plenty of prose-dazzle, if not quite the shock &amp; slam that made Blatty unforgettable.--Kirkus (edited)
language: English
title: Unholy Fire
titlecomplete: Unholy Fire
genres: Fiction, Horror
ratings_count: 218
publisher: Signet Book/Penguin (NY)