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Exorcist Road
"Possessed by a demon...or by the urge to kill?"
Chicago is gripped by terror. The Sweet Sixteen Killer is brutally murdering sixteen-year-old girls, and the authorities are baffled.
A seemingly normal fourteen-year-old boy has attacked his entire family and had to be chained to his bed. His uncle, police officer Danny Hartman, is convinced his nephew is possessed by a demon. Danny has sent his partner, Jack, to fetch the only priest in Chicago who has ever performed an exorcism.
But Jack has other plans tonight. He believes the boy isn t possessed by a demon, but instead by an insatiable homicidal urge. Jack believes the boy is the Sweet Sixteen Killer. And he aims to end the reign of terror before another girl dies."
Chicago is gripped by terror. The Sweet Sixteen Killer is brutally murdering sixteen-year-old girls, and the authorities are baffled.
A seemingly normal fourteen-year-old boy has attacked his entire family and had to be chained to his bed. His uncle, police officer Danny Hartman, is convinced his nephew is possessed by a demon. Danny has sent his partner, Jack, to fetch the only priest in Chicago who has ever performed an exorcism.
But Jack has other plans tonight. He believes the boy isn t possessed by a demon, but instead by an insatiable homicidal urge. Jack believes the boy is the Sweet Sixteen Killer. And he aims to end the reign of terror before another girl dies."
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2014
3 people are currently reading
705 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Janz
60 books2,083 followersJonathan Janz is an author and public schoolteacher. His sci-fi horror novel VEIL is now available, and you can find his story "Lenora" in THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT: NEW TALES OF STEPHEN KING'S THE STAND. He’s represented for Film & TV by Adam Kolbrenner of Lit Entertainment, and his literary agent is Lane Heymont. His ghost story The Siren and the Specter was selected as a Goodreads Choice nominee for Best Horror. Additionally, his novels Children of the Dark and The Dark Game were chosen by Booklist and Library Journal as Top Ten Horror Books of the Year. Jonathan’s main interests are his wonderful wife and his three amazing children. You can sign up for his newsletter (http://jonathanjanz.us12.list-manage....), and you can follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, Threads, Bluesky, TikTok, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 28, 2019
Every now and then you just need to read something that grabs you and does not let go. Sometimes you just need to read a book that has a demon grab on to a character and not let go. Or you can do both, and read Exorcist Road. What a super scary and great novella this one was! Horribly horrific, graphic (not for the squeamish), just scary biscuits really.
Possessed by a demon...or by the urge to kill?
Chicago is gripped by terror. “The Sweet Sixteen Killer” is brutally murdering sixteen year-old girls, and the authorities are baffled.
A seemingly normal fourteen-year-old boy has attacked his entire family and had to be chained to his bed. His uncle, police officer Danny Hartman, is convinced his nephew is possessed by a demon. Danny has sent his partner, Jack, to fetch the only priest in Chicago who has ever performed an exorcism.
But Jack has other plans tonight. He believes the boy isn’t possessed by a demon, but instead by an insatiable homicidal urge. Jack believes the boy is the Sweet Sixteen Killer.
And he aims to end the reign of terror before another girl dies.
The plot in this book is fantastic, taut and tense from start to finish, well written, engaging and something to have you on the edge of your seat, or bed, or chair, or whatever. It's fast paced from start to finish. I so needed a book like this after reviewing a few mediocre three star books in a row. This one shook me up and spun me around a few times. Basically I read this novella without a break, just so good.
This fourteen year old boy, Casey is not in a good way dear readers. No, he is...well...not quite himself. In fact he is not like himself at all. Something dark has taken over and wants to have it's say. What it does have to say makes the plot all that more interesting.
With characters that each play a pivotal role in the book, it's just fantastic. The author keeps switching our focus from one character to the next so our suspicions, likes, dislikes are fluid, it's very cleverly done.
It's got plenty of violent, scary intense demon vs priest scenes, bible reading, prayer, exorcism....no spinning heads however, or projectile vomiting. But enough to give you the freaking creeps badly. But this demon has a LOT to say, the question is what is truth and what is straight from the mouth of the devil?
Is the boy the serial killer that is torturing and killing sixteen year old girls in horrific and graphic ways? Is that why he knows so much detail about each killing? This book just hooks you in to a plot that twists and turns, throws in a load of fantastic horror writing and supernatural battles then leads you to an ending you DID not see coming. Nope. It got me good and proper. Very, very clever writing. Did I say that already?
Freaking loved it, it's got everything a horror book should have. I like it when a horror book actually has a decent plot behind it and is not just all shock or gore factor. If you like intelligent horror, this is one for you. I have not read Jonathan Janz before, but I will be very soon, as I am now moving on to read his new novel The Nightmare Girl
I suggest not reading this horror novella at night, all by yourself. Consider this a public service announcement.
I received an ARC of this novella thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, many thanks.
Possessed by a demon...or by the urge to kill?
Chicago is gripped by terror. “The Sweet Sixteen Killer” is brutally murdering sixteen year-old girls, and the authorities are baffled.
A seemingly normal fourteen-year-old boy has attacked his entire family and had to be chained to his bed. His uncle, police officer Danny Hartman, is convinced his nephew is possessed by a demon. Danny has sent his partner, Jack, to fetch the only priest in Chicago who has ever performed an exorcism.
But Jack has other plans tonight. He believes the boy isn’t possessed by a demon, but instead by an insatiable homicidal urge. Jack believes the boy is the Sweet Sixteen Killer.
And he aims to end the reign of terror before another girl dies.
The plot in this book is fantastic, taut and tense from start to finish, well written, engaging and something to have you on the edge of your seat, or bed, or chair, or whatever. It's fast paced from start to finish. I so needed a book like this after reviewing a few mediocre three star books in a row. This one shook me up and spun me around a few times. Basically I read this novella without a break, just so good.
This fourteen year old boy, Casey is not in a good way dear readers. No, he is...well...not quite himself. In fact he is not like himself at all. Something dark has taken over and wants to have it's say. What it does have to say makes the plot all that more interesting.
With characters that each play a pivotal role in the book, it's just fantastic. The author keeps switching our focus from one character to the next so our suspicions, likes, dislikes are fluid, it's very cleverly done.
It's got plenty of violent, scary intense demon vs priest scenes, bible reading, prayer, exorcism....no spinning heads however, or projectile vomiting. But enough to give you the freaking creeps badly. But this demon has a LOT to say, the question is what is truth and what is straight from the mouth of the devil?
Is the boy the serial killer that is torturing and killing sixteen year old girls in horrific and graphic ways? Is that why he knows so much detail about each killing? This book just hooks you in to a plot that twists and turns, throws in a load of fantastic horror writing and supernatural battles then leads you to an ending you DID not see coming. Nope. It got me good and proper. Very, very clever writing. Did I say that already?
Freaking loved it, it's got everything a horror book should have. I like it when a horror book actually has a decent plot behind it and is not just all shock or gore factor. If you like intelligent horror, this is one for you. I have not read Jonathan Janz before, but I will be very soon, as I am now moving on to read his new novel The Nightmare Girl
I suggest not reading this horror novella at night, all by yourself. Consider this a public service announcement.
I received an ARC of this novella thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, many thanks.
December 4, 2014
I have to say that I was completely blown away by the pace of this novella! It's told from the point of view of Father Crowder, a young priest who entered into his chosen profession because he believed himself a coward when it came to the world around him. Ironically, I found Crowder the "strongest", emotionally speaking, of all of the characters. The action in this book NEVER lets up. When Crowder gets a wake up call from Officer Danny Hartman, asking him to bring his bible and other things used in a "special situation", he has no idea what events are about to unfold before him that night.
To compare EXORCIST ROAD to Blatty's THE EXORCIST, is doing a grave disservice to this novella. While the element of exorcism may be at the center of the tale, this story is completely unique and compelling all on its own merits. There is savagery, bloodlust, torture, and vile secrets revealed about many of the key characters. In the foreground of this story, is the hunt for "the sweet sixteen killer"--a serial killer who takes sadistic pleasure in the raping, torture, and mutilations of girls the age of sixteen. Janz effortlessly throws suspicion on many characters; accusations of being the serial killer, and other damaging secrets are revealed on almost every page. Just when I was sure I had it figured out, another revelation was announced that had me questioning everything I had previously thought. It is fairly rare for me to find a book that keeps me guessing until the very end--and this book did just that!
A riveting read that will rate among my top 20 reads of this year.
Highly recommended!
To compare EXORCIST ROAD to Blatty's THE EXORCIST, is doing a grave disservice to this novella. While the element of exorcism may be at the center of the tale, this story is completely unique and compelling all on its own merits. There is savagery, bloodlust, torture, and vile secrets revealed about many of the key characters. In the foreground of this story, is the hunt for "the sweet sixteen killer"--a serial killer who takes sadistic pleasure in the raping, torture, and mutilations of girls the age of sixteen. Janz effortlessly throws suspicion on many characters; accusations of being the serial killer, and other damaging secrets are revealed on almost every page. Just when I was sure I had it figured out, another revelation was announced that had me questioning everything I had previously thought. It is fairly rare for me to find a book that keeps me guessing until the very end--and this book did just that!
A riveting read that will rate among my top 20 reads of this year.
Highly recommended!
December 9, 2014
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
3.5 Stars
“We all have our secrets, Father. I’ll keep yours if you keep mine.”
If you’re anything like me, as soon as you read the word “exorcist” your brain immediately wanders to someplace like this . . .
or this . . .
or this . . .
God that’sfabulous nasty.
Exorcist Road is the story of one hellish night spent trying to exorcise the demon which has possessed young Casey . . . or trying to figure out if he’s truly possessed at all and not actually a psychotic serial killer.
What a wild ride! In the course of one evening EVERYONE’S skeletons come tumbling out of the closet in a story that is filled with surprise twist after surprise twist. There’s a little bit of something for everyone - Dirty business dealings, family secrets, immoral priests, and let’s not forget about all those dead 16-year old girls. Exorcist Road is a prime example that a story doesn’t have to be long to pack a wallop. In fact, I would have been okay with this one being even a little shorter and I'm bumping it down half a star because of it. (And for that seriously ugly cover. Covers are important.) Although imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Exorcist Road was brilliantly written as a killer stand-alone that did not need to rely on some knock-off The Exorcist scenes in order to add to the page count.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
3.5 Stars
“We all have our secrets, Father. I’ll keep yours if you keep mine.”
If you’re anything like me, as soon as you read the word “exorcist” your brain immediately wanders to someplace like this . . .
or this . . .
or this . . .
God that’s
Exorcist Road is the story of one hellish night spent trying to exorcise the demon which has possessed young Casey . . . or trying to figure out if he’s truly possessed at all and not actually a psychotic serial killer.
What a wild ride! In the course of one evening EVERYONE’S skeletons come tumbling out of the closet in a story that is filled with surprise twist after surprise twist. There’s a little bit of something for everyone - Dirty business dealings, family secrets, immoral priests, and let’s not forget about all those dead 16-year old girls. Exorcist Road is a prime example that a story doesn’t have to be long to pack a wallop. In fact, I would have been okay with this one being even a little shorter and I'm bumping it down half a star because of it. (And for that seriously ugly cover. Covers are important.) Although imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Exorcist Road was brilliantly written as a killer stand-alone that did not need to rely on some knock-off The Exorcist scenes in order to add to the page count.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
December 3, 2018
4.5/5 stars!
I read this on audiobook as it was included with the novel Exorcist Falls. Here's a link to my audiobook review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I read this on audiobook as it was included with the novel Exorcist Falls. Here's a link to my audiobook review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 12, 2014
This was an eARC from Netgalley.
Demonic possession and a serial killer.
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt...right?
Wrong.
Jonathan Janz proves himself to be one of the more imaginative authors in horror when he takes these two staples of the genre and goes off in an unexpected direction....at high speed. You'll have no choice but to hang on for dear life as he drags you through unexplored territory in this fast paced novella filled with every flavor of unholy evil....and possibly a new one or two.
Highly recommended.
Demonic possession and a serial killer.
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt...right?
Wrong.
Jonathan Janz proves himself to be one of the more imaginative authors in horror when he takes these two staples of the genre and goes off in an unexpected direction....at high speed. You'll have no choice but to hang on for dear life as he drags you through unexplored territory in this fast paced novella filled with every flavor of unholy evil....and possibly a new one or two.
Highly recommended.
March 13, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Father Crowder is called to the home of 14 year old, Casey, who is exhibiting some violent behaviour. His uncle, policeman Danny Hartman has called the priest for help, believing that his nephew is possessed. Danny's partner, Jack, believes that Casey may be the notorious 'Sweet Sixteen' killer and is determined to get a confession from him at any means.
The story is told through the pov of Father Crowder, there are really two stories going on, the demonic possession/exorcism and the capture of the 'Sweet Sixteen' killer. The possession story is fairly straightforward and draws many parallels with The Exorcist, a young naïve priest and the more experienced priest who already has several exorcisms under his belt, battle to save the teenagers soul. There are some great scenes with the demonic Casey, telling the assorted individuals present a few home truths and sowing the seeds of distrust of who the killer might really be. The serial killer story has quite a few red herrings thrown in to keep you on your toes and moves suspicion deftly from one individual to another, I ended up changing my mind several times on who I thought the killer was.
The characters were believable and engaging for the most part, Casey's father Ron felt a little like a caricature of the 'bad father/husband' but he was still fun to spend time with. The end to Father Crowder's story was a nice twist on the possession trope and has given the author plenty of scope to revisit telling his adventures and I really hope he does.
A tightly paced read that adds something fresh to the genre. Recommended.
Father Crowder is called to the home of 14 year old, Casey, who is exhibiting some violent behaviour. His uncle, policeman Danny Hartman has called the priest for help, believing that his nephew is possessed. Danny's partner, Jack, believes that Casey may be the notorious 'Sweet Sixteen' killer and is determined to get a confession from him at any means.
The story is told through the pov of Father Crowder, there are really two stories going on, the demonic possession/exorcism and the capture of the 'Sweet Sixteen' killer. The possession story is fairly straightforward and draws many parallels with The Exorcist, a young naïve priest and the more experienced priest who already has several exorcisms under his belt, battle to save the teenagers soul. There are some great scenes with the demonic Casey, telling the assorted individuals present a few home truths and sowing the seeds of distrust of who the killer might really be. The serial killer story has quite a few red herrings thrown in to keep you on your toes and moves suspicion deftly from one individual to another, I ended up changing my mind several times on who I thought the killer was.
The characters were believable and engaging for the most part, Casey's father Ron felt a little like a caricature of the 'bad father/husband' but he was still fun to spend time with. The end to Father Crowder's story was a nice twist on the possession trope and has given the author plenty of scope to revisit telling his adventures and I really hope he does.
A tightly paced read that adds something fresh to the genre. Recommended.
November 15, 2014
Exorcist Road is a tale of demons and murder, told through the eyes of priest Jason Crowder, a self-confessed coward who entered his chosen vocation because he was scared of the world, particularly women. So the vow of celibacy was a natural step for a man who just wanted to hide from certain aspects of life.
Everything is about to change though for our hide away priest when Officer Danny Hartman knocks on his door one night and asks him to bring his bible, and anything else you guys use in a special situation.
Add to that a side order of serial killer known as the sweet sixteen killer, who as the name suggests kills sixteen year old girls and the stage is set for page turner that most will struggle to put down.
Exorcist Road was my first read by Jonathan Janz and this was a frenetically paced horror thriller that never takes its foot of the gas, the tension never subsides and as stories go, this flows like a trip down the rapids gripping on for dear life.
If I had any criticism at all it would be that the story reads somewhat like a film, there’s lots happening, plenty of action, twists galore and different characters that all contribute to the story but I never really felt any of the characters, never really loved or hated any of them. It’s one of those stories you just buckle in for the ride and let it take you.
I received Exorcist Road from Samhain Publishing & Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and that’s what you’ve got.
Also posted at.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
Everything is about to change though for our hide away priest when Officer Danny Hartman knocks on his door one night and asks him to bring his bible, and anything else you guys use in a special situation.
Add to that a side order of serial killer known as the sweet sixteen killer, who as the name suggests kills sixteen year old girls and the stage is set for page turner that most will struggle to put down.
Exorcist Road was my first read by Jonathan Janz and this was a frenetically paced horror thriller that never takes its foot of the gas, the tension never subsides and as stories go, this flows like a trip down the rapids gripping on for dear life.
If I had any criticism at all it would be that the story reads somewhat like a film, there’s lots happening, plenty of action, twists galore and different characters that all contribute to the story but I never really felt any of the characters, never really loved or hated any of them. It’s one of those stories you just buckle in for the ride and let it take you.
I received Exorcist Road from Samhain Publishing & Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and that’s what you’ve got.
Also posted at.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
January 27, 2015
Wow! My mind is blown. This novella is simply astounding. I figured it would be good, but I was not prepared for the magnitude of excellence I was in for. This was my first time reading Jonathan Janz, but it will not be the last. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2015
Jonathan Janz' Savage Species is easily one of my favorite books... of any genre... ever. For those who think the pace of this novel is fast, Species is an all-out hell ride.
So it was with much excitement that I went into my second reading of a Janz work. Though it wasn't quite Savage Species, Janz does not disappoint with Exorcist Road.
Perhaps I don't give it five stars because I compare it to Species. Perhaps it is because I love works about the devil but not the Catholic priest exorcism scenario. So keep those personal tastes in mind when considering this review.
I found the plot kind of standard. In movie terms, it's a Fallen meets The Exorcist blend. What gives it the extra kick from three to four stars is Janz' high octane style of writing that keeps you flying through action/horror all the way through the first 4/5 of the book. The ending, for me, fell a little short but was solid enough.
My biggest issue with the story, one that despite all the other craziness going on I found hardest to suspend my disbelief and accept, was
Otherwise, definitely a fun and well-written read and one I would certainly recommend to fans of the whole exorcism sub-genre and Janz' hold-on-to-your-hats type pacing.
So it was with much excitement that I went into my second reading of a Janz work. Though it wasn't quite Savage Species, Janz does not disappoint with Exorcist Road.
Perhaps I don't give it five stars because I compare it to Species. Perhaps it is because I love works about the devil but not the Catholic priest exorcism scenario. So keep those personal tastes in mind when considering this review.
I found the plot kind of standard. In movie terms, it's a Fallen meets The Exorcist blend. What gives it the extra kick from three to four stars is Janz' high octane style of writing that keeps you flying through action/horror all the way through the first 4/5 of the book. The ending, for me, fell a little short but was solid enough.
My biggest issue with the story, one that despite all the other craziness going on I found hardest to suspend my disbelief and accept, was
Otherwise, definitely a fun and well-written read and one I would certainly recommend to fans of the whole exorcism sub-genre and Janz' hold-on-to-your-hats type pacing.
May 16, 2017
43/85, 4 stars ****
A horror that is horrible indeed ;)
A horror that is horrible indeed ;)
February 26, 2015
Wow! I had been told to read Janz by a few friends of mine who went on about how good his books are to the point it made me NOT want to read them. (kidding :P) But they finally wore me down, and I am glad they did. This was very good. It definitely was inspired by THE EXORCIST but it wasn't entirely derivative. There was a lot going on here with several surprises. Some I saw coming, some caught me off guard. This is true horror here as there's not much going on that will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling, but it IS a horror novel after all.
If you are a fan of THE EXORCIST or horror novels in general give this one a try. It's not for the squeamish, and it is a bit bleak, but very entertaining. I'm going to read more of JJ's work soon! (Really, I am! I already have two more of his ready to go!)
If you are a fan of THE EXORCIST or horror novels in general give this one a try. It's not for the squeamish, and it is a bit bleak, but very entertaining. I'm going to read more of JJ's work soon! (Really, I am! I already have two more of his ready to go!)
March 30, 2017
When a police officer turns up at the home of Father Crowder, insisting the priest give aid to a troubled fourteen-year-old boy, he has no idea where his night is headed. Although the insistence he bring a bible and rosary beads should have offered a clue it was going to be a tough night, right?
The youngster is not in the best of health - at least appearance wise. Think Regan MacNeil having a bad-bed-day, and you'll kinda get the deal. The kid is possessed. Or so it seems. Though not everyone is convinced.
We end with an assemblage of family members, holy men, and police officers gathered around the boy's bed, all of whom have differing opinions about what is happening to young Casey. Why the police officers?
Oh, right, I forgot to mention there's a serial killer been terrorizing the city. Police are hunting the Sweet Sixteen Killer - a maniac who delights in raping and torturing girls of that certain age - and young Casey is suspected of being the killer, at least by some of those gathered by his bedside.
To further complicate matters, the croaky voiced mutha f**ka that has taken residence inside Casey's body, well, its making claims that the 'real' Sweet Sixteen Killer is actually hiding in plain sight, among those in the house.
Thus ensues an evening of mayhem, violence and unpleasantness as the demon twists the minds and emotions of those he is toying with.
So there we have it, a couple of fairly generic scenarios; the unknown killer mingling amid the flock, and the demonic possession of a child. However, at this point I have to say fair play to Mr. Janz, because though this could have become a regular b-movie offering, it was actually anything but.
Exorcist Road whizzes along at high-octane pace, and comes with more twists and turns than a half-dozen, figure-of-eight racing circuits.
If I had one minor gripe it was that it niggled me how easily the group allowed themselves to be influenced by the demon's lies. Some rotten spawn of Hell is telling you not to trust someone you have known and loved for years, and you believe it? ...bog off, hell spawn.
Seriously though, this was good fun.
Go buy a copy!
The youngster is not in the best of health - at least appearance wise. Think Regan MacNeil having a bad-bed-day, and you'll kinda get the deal. The kid is possessed. Or so it seems. Though not everyone is convinced.
We end with an assemblage of family members, holy men, and police officers gathered around the boy's bed, all of whom have differing opinions about what is happening to young Casey. Why the police officers?
Oh, right, I forgot to mention there's a serial killer been terrorizing the city. Police are hunting the Sweet Sixteen Killer - a maniac who delights in raping and torturing girls of that certain age - and young Casey is suspected of being the killer, at least by some of those gathered by his bedside.
To further complicate matters, the croaky voiced mutha f**ka that has taken residence inside Casey's body, well, its making claims that the 'real' Sweet Sixteen Killer is actually hiding in plain sight, among those in the house.
Thus ensues an evening of mayhem, violence and unpleasantness as the demon twists the minds and emotions of those he is toying with.
So there we have it, a couple of fairly generic scenarios; the unknown killer mingling amid the flock, and the demonic possession of a child. However, at this point I have to say fair play to Mr. Janz, because though this could have become a regular b-movie offering, it was actually anything but.
Exorcist Road whizzes along at high-octane pace, and comes with more twists and turns than a half-dozen, figure-of-eight racing circuits.
If I had one minor gripe it was that it niggled me how easily the group allowed themselves to be influenced by the demon's lies. Some rotten spawn of Hell is telling you not to trust someone you have known and loved for years, and you believe it? ...bog off, hell spawn.
Seriously though, this was good fun.
Go buy a copy!
November 17, 2014
This was the first book by Jonathan Janz I have read and enjoyed. Will make a effort to read more of his books in the future. The story is told by the viewpoint of Jason Crowder, a junior Priest at St Matthews Church. Who is called by officer Danny Hartman to see his nephew 14 year old Casey that is acting violently and see if he is possessed. Danny's partner Jack Bittner thinks that Casey could be the Sweet Sixteen Killer by all the things Casey is saying. The Sweet Sixteen Killer has killed six 16 year old girls in a sexually violent way. So Father Crowder and Father Sutherland go into Casey's room to see if the boy is possessed and needs a exorcism. This is when the story takes off. I liked reading this story a lot. Enjoyed the twists and turns of the story and have to say well worth a read. A well written and paced story that kept you wanting to read more. I gave Exorcist Road 4 stars.
I received an e-arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an e-arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2015
Wow! This one really scared the hell out of me! Action packed with plenty of twists and turns and a very unexpected ending. Exorcist Road was my first book by Jonathan Janz but it won't be my last.
December 2, 2014
You might think that constructing a homage to The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty is attempting to fill some fairly large shoes. But author Jonathan Janz does so commendably well with his new novella from Samhain Publishing.
Coming in at a fairly lean 132 pages, Exorcist Road not only manages to set up the same structure as The Exorcist – insofar as a young priest teams with an older, more experienced one to determine whether a previously decent teenager has been possessed by some form of demon (there’s even a long fall to a set of stairs right outside the teenager’s window!) – but it also adds on a critical serial killer plotline, with at least one character believing the teenager is not possessed but is definitely The Sweet Sixteen Killer, a man who has been preying on 16 year olds throughout Chicago and doing so much more than just ending their lives. Then there’s questionable family dynamics, lies, accusations, and cheating all to contend with and making for a fairly dense read.
But not in terms of the writing. Presented as an after-the-fact psuedo-confession by the younger of the two priests assessing the teenager, Janz provides his usual lean and clean prose that is readily consumable – even if he does occasionally slip into allowing his priest to exercise the more rarely accessed elements of his verbal lexicon. Father Crowder is a flawed, yet likable enough lead character, and he is ably supported by a host of other interesting sorts. If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably dislike those you’re clearly meant to dislike, connect with those who are obvious candidates for a humanitarian award, and sit on the fence regarding the one who may or may not be whom he at first appears to be.
In short, the nicest guy writing horror today (no, seriously, read his blog and listen to his interviews and tell me he’s anything but), has scored another field goal with this layered version of an exorcism for the current age. Janz provides a number of moments of genuine dread, even as his plot twists and turns combine for what amounts to being a wholly satisfying read.
Now, to get onto my long overdue read of Dust Devils …
4 Whispered Secrets Laid Bare for Exorcist Road.
Check out this review and others like it at Horror After Dark.
The preceding was based on a copy obtained through Netgalley, courtesy of the good folk at Samhain Publishing.
Coming in at a fairly lean 132 pages, Exorcist Road not only manages to set up the same structure as The Exorcist – insofar as a young priest teams with an older, more experienced one to determine whether a previously decent teenager has been possessed by some form of demon (there’s even a long fall to a set of stairs right outside the teenager’s window!) – but it also adds on a critical serial killer plotline, with at least one character believing the teenager is not possessed but is definitely The Sweet Sixteen Killer, a man who has been preying on 16 year olds throughout Chicago and doing so much more than just ending their lives. Then there’s questionable family dynamics, lies, accusations, and cheating all to contend with and making for a fairly dense read.
But not in terms of the writing. Presented as an after-the-fact psuedo-confession by the younger of the two priests assessing the teenager, Janz provides his usual lean and clean prose that is readily consumable – even if he does occasionally slip into allowing his priest to exercise the more rarely accessed elements of his verbal lexicon. Father Crowder is a flawed, yet likable enough lead character, and he is ably supported by a host of other interesting sorts. If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably dislike those you’re clearly meant to dislike, connect with those who are obvious candidates for a humanitarian award, and sit on the fence regarding the one who may or may not be whom he at first appears to be.
In short, the nicest guy writing horror today (no, seriously, read his blog and listen to his interviews and tell me he’s anything but), has scored another field goal with this layered version of an exorcism for the current age. Janz provides a number of moments of genuine dread, even as his plot twists and turns combine for what amounts to being a wholly satisfying read.
Now, to get onto my long overdue read of Dust Devils …
4 Whispered Secrets Laid Bare for Exorcist Road.
Check out this review and others like it at Horror After Dark.
The preceding was based on a copy obtained through Netgalley, courtesy of the good folk at Samhain Publishing.
February 21, 2015
Jonathan Janz has always been a good writer. With Exorcist Road, Janz has shown that he has evolved into a great writer. Up until now, my favorite story of 2014 was Gord Rollo's The Jigsaw Man which was absolutely amazing. Well, Mr. Rollo, you now have some company. Exorcist Road is an expertly written scare fest that will cause you to stay up all night. Half of the night will be spent reading the tale. The rest of the night will be spent trying to sleep with one eye open because Exorcist Road will scare the bejeezus out of you.
Danny Hartman, a Chicago police officer, wakes up his 29-year-old priest, Father Crowder, with a rap on the door in the middle of the night. He explains to Father Crowder that his partner and him were summoned to Danny's brother's house and fears that his nephew is possessed. His partner, Jack, also thinks that his nephew is the Sweet Sixteen killer that has been terrorizing the area. What the priest finds handcuffed to the bed in that affluent suburban Chicago home is not of this earth. Is it also responsible for killing 16-year old girls in the area?
Exorcist Road is full of twists and turns and new revelations around every corner, every page turned, and the gripping story refuses to be put down. You'll cringe and your skin will crawl as the events are slowly revealed in teasing fashion. Janz pulls out all the stops and satisfies. There's blood. There's scares. There's eerie creepiness all packed in what becomes a "who dunnit" mystery that delivers a punch to the midsection. Jonathan Janz has pulled up a chair to the big boy table and I don't think he'll be done eating for quite some time. Do yourself a favor and get acquainted with the new face of horror. He just delivered one of the best reads of 2014.
5 out of 5 stars
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2J1...
TWITTER - @KenMcKinley5
Danny Hartman, a Chicago police officer, wakes up his 29-year-old priest, Father Crowder, with a rap on the door in the middle of the night. He explains to Father Crowder that his partner and him were summoned to Danny's brother's house and fears that his nephew is possessed. His partner, Jack, also thinks that his nephew is the Sweet Sixteen killer that has been terrorizing the area. What the priest finds handcuffed to the bed in that affluent suburban Chicago home is not of this earth. Is it also responsible for killing 16-year old girls in the area?
Exorcist Road is full of twists and turns and new revelations around every corner, every page turned, and the gripping story refuses to be put down. You'll cringe and your skin will crawl as the events are slowly revealed in teasing fashion. Janz pulls out all the stops and satisfies. There's blood. There's scares. There's eerie creepiness all packed in what becomes a "who dunnit" mystery that delivers a punch to the midsection. Jonathan Janz has pulled up a chair to the big boy table and I don't think he'll be done eating for quite some time. Do yourself a favor and get acquainted with the new face of horror. He just delivered one of the best reads of 2014.
5 out of 5 stars
You can also follow my reviews at the following links:
https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2J1...
TWITTER - @KenMcKinley5
January 14, 2015
Five stars is not a rating I give out often, but Jonathan Janz's Exorcist Road deserves a very solid five stars. This was a very well crafted tale in which two priests are called to a home in the Chicago suburbs late at night to preform an exorcism on the teenage boy of a parishioner. But then questions arise. This teenage boy knows too much about the recent murders of teenage girls and he may not be possessed at all but the serial killer that the police have been looking for instead. Before this night is over, the priests will know the answer.
In short, this was an amazing piece of horror fiction.
The characters within were well fleshed out, each showing a lot of depth. Each one with hidden sides revealed by a simple touch. The characters included in Exorcist Road were some of the best characters I've read in quite some time.
The story of Exorcist Road was essentially a horror who- dunnit. Is Casey possessed or a killer? Both sides of the story are possibilities and the reader discovers things as our characters do. Things about all of the players inside the house on Rosemary Road (a nice nod to a truly classic film) will come to light before the night is through and a killer will be revealed.
If you are a fan of horror with depth, you owe it to yourself to read, no, enjoy Exorcist Road. Jonathan Janz is an author to watch and one whom I will definitely be reading again.
In short, this was an amazing piece of horror fiction.
The characters within were well fleshed out, each showing a lot of depth. Each one with hidden sides revealed by a simple touch. The characters included in Exorcist Road were some of the best characters I've read in quite some time.
The story of Exorcist Road was essentially a horror who- dunnit. Is Casey possessed or a killer? Both sides of the story are possibilities and the reader discovers things as our characters do. Things about all of the players inside the house on Rosemary Road (a nice nod to a truly classic film) will come to light before the night is through and a killer will be revealed.
If you are a fan of horror with depth, you owe it to yourself to read, no, enjoy Exorcist Road. Jonathan Janz is an author to watch and one whom I will definitely be reading again.
March 6, 2017
REVIEW: EXORCIST ROAD by Jonathan Janz
This story is set in Chicago, and concerns whether the sudden bizarre behavior of a fourteen-year-old boy, son of a wealthy, upscale, family, is "possessed." I won't spoil it for readers, but I will mention that an actual case of exorcism on a young boy occurred in Chicago in the 1950's, and I believe that was the inspiration for William Peter Blatty' s novel.
I chose to read EXORCIST ROAD because I am an avid and delighted reader of Mr. Janz, and had just recently read and reviewed both THE SORROWS and CASTLE OF SORROWS and totally admired both. I can heartily recommend EXORCIST ROAD as well. The author weaves an engrossing tale of horrid behavior coupled with bizarre sights and strange illusions, yet at the core lies character study; soon almost all the participating individuals are stripped of their secrets and immoral vices and self-centeredness. Almost all, because as scary as is the main story line, the real terror unmasks just before the end--and it's terror unforgettable.
This story is set in Chicago, and concerns whether the sudden bizarre behavior of a fourteen-year-old boy, son of a wealthy, upscale, family, is "possessed." I won't spoil it for readers, but I will mention that an actual case of exorcism on a young boy occurred in Chicago in the 1950's, and I believe that was the inspiration for William Peter Blatty' s novel.
I chose to read EXORCIST ROAD because I am an avid and delighted reader of Mr. Janz, and had just recently read and reviewed both THE SORROWS and CASTLE OF SORROWS and totally admired both. I can heartily recommend EXORCIST ROAD as well. The author weaves an engrossing tale of horrid behavior coupled with bizarre sights and strange illusions, yet at the core lies character study; soon almost all the participating individuals are stripped of their secrets and immoral vices and self-centeredness. Almost all, because as scary as is the main story line, the real terror unmasks just before the end--and it's terror unforgettable.
August 12, 2016
A suspect in the brutal Sweet Sixteen murders is seemingly possessed by an evil spirit. A pair of priests are called upon to verify the possession and dispatch of the demon.
Exorcisms are hard enough without the possibility of a serial killer being amongst those present.
Exorcist Road is a very good novella from Jonathan Janz. There is no shortage of action or twists in this one. Told in the viewpoint of Father Crowder, he tries to make sense of an impossible situation as events start to spiral out of control rapidly. A good quick read with an enjoyably sinister ending. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from Mr. Janz.
I received and advance review copy of this release from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Exorcisms are hard enough without the possibility of a serial killer being amongst those present.
Exorcist Road is a very good novella from Jonathan Janz. There is no shortage of action or twists in this one. Told in the viewpoint of Father Crowder, he tries to make sense of an impossible situation as events start to spiral out of control rapidly. A good quick read with an enjoyably sinister ending. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from Mr. Janz.
I received and advance review copy of this release from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2014
In the dead of night, two priests, one younger and the other older and experienced, are summoned to an upscale Chicago suburb after a family reports being terrorized by the sudden frighteningly inhuman behavior of their fourteen year old son, Casey. One police officer, related to the family, suspects the boy could be plagued by a demon, but his partner believes Casey to be behind the series of brutal slayings by the Sweet Sixteen Killer. But as Father Crowder, the narrator of this novella, and Father Sutherland prepare to wage holy war to thwart the demonic invader and save the boy's soul, they're both wholly unprepared for the dark truth that awaits.
Jonathan Janz deftly weaves a chilling, gripping tale of terror that doesn't let up until it's stunning conclusion. Highly recommended!
Jonathan Janz deftly weaves a chilling, gripping tale of terror that doesn't let up until it's stunning conclusion. Highly recommended!
March 29, 2016
Fast paced demon fiction. The novella length was perfect. It held my interest from the first page to the last with enough twists throughout that I never got bored. Recommended for all horror aficionados.
September 13, 2014
I am seriously freaked out by demon possession/exorcism stories!
So, why did I brave reading Exorcist Road?
Because Jonathan Janz wrote it, and I'm an admirer of his talent and his intelligence.
This story immediately captured my attention.
I couldn't & didn't put it down till I finished.
I experienced both terror & pleasure as I read.
I was kept on edge the entire time, surprised till the very end.
Jonathan casts a spell with every book he writes, his latest one usually becoming my new favorite.
I simply enjoy the way he tells a story and love the characters he creates.
Yup, I'm a big fan of the author and the person. : )
I highly recommend this book!
So come on, read it, or else ......
5 possessed stars!
So, why did I brave reading Exorcist Road?
Because Jonathan Janz wrote it, and I'm an admirer of his talent and his intelligence.
This story immediately captured my attention.
I couldn't & didn't put it down till I finished.
I experienced both terror & pleasure as I read.
I was kept on edge the entire time, surprised till the very end.
Jonathan casts a spell with every book he writes, his latest one usually becoming my new favorite.
I simply enjoy the way he tells a story and love the characters he creates.
Yup, I'm a big fan of the author and the person. : )
I highly recommend this book!
So come on, read it, or else ......
5 possessed stars!
December 13, 2014
What can I say...just brilliant, one of the best horror novellas I have read this year. The story revolves around the search for the "sweet sixteen killer" and the possession and excorcism of a demon residing in the body of young Casey Hartman. Many readers will draw inference from The Excorcist by William Peter Blatty but Jonathan Janz's novel stands as a superb work in its own right. Will the sweet sixteen killer be caught? Will the demon be removed from the tormented body of Casey? The answers will be revealed in a story that I could not stop until I finished in one sitting. Everything about this story is stylish and slick and an ending both unexpected and utterly compelling in its execution.
June 3, 2017
This book could have easily fallen into the blood and guts genre that is "splatterpunk," but the mystery aspect is what raised this story to something I could not put down until I knew the answer to that mystery.
June 6, 2015
Brian Keene recently described Jonathan Janz as "one of the best writers of modern horror to come along in the last decade."
He's not wrong, either.
It's a dark and stormy night, and there's a serial killer on the loose. Sound a bit familiar? Well, I haven't gotten to the part about the exorcism. Oh, now I have your attention.
Jason Crowder relates the story of a horrific night when he's summoned by two detectives in the middle of the night to look in on a troubled young boy. One detective, the boy's uncle fears the kid is possessed by a demon, which sounds pretty crazy, but with the other detective convinced the boy is the feared serial killer who has terrorized the city and murdered a number of young girls, it all sounds even crazier.
It's ceaseless tension throughout, as just about every character in the story has some cloud of suspicion hanging over their heads. The boy, his parents, the two detectives, even the two priests. And when you're not trying to piece the clues together as to what's really going on, the horrific escalation in violence inside the house will have you turning pages either out of exhilaration or revulsion.
Exorcist Road taps into the same vein of visceral roller coaster style horror that Janz's serial novel, Savage Species, did last year. But I think this book is a more finely tuned effort with a smaller cast and a better focus on characters to go hand-in-hand with the horror. If you're squeamish, steer clear. But if you're a horror hound, definitely pick it up.
He's not wrong, either.
It's a dark and stormy night, and there's a serial killer on the loose. Sound a bit familiar? Well, I haven't gotten to the part about the exorcism. Oh, now I have your attention.
Jason Crowder relates the story of a horrific night when he's summoned by two detectives in the middle of the night to look in on a troubled young boy. One detective, the boy's uncle fears the kid is possessed by a demon, which sounds pretty crazy, but with the other detective convinced the boy is the feared serial killer who has terrorized the city and murdered a number of young girls, it all sounds even crazier.
It's ceaseless tension throughout, as just about every character in the story has some cloud of suspicion hanging over their heads. The boy, his parents, the two detectives, even the two priests. And when you're not trying to piece the clues together as to what's really going on, the horrific escalation in violence inside the house will have you turning pages either out of exhilaration or revulsion.
Exorcist Road taps into the same vein of visceral roller coaster style horror that Janz's serial novel, Savage Species, did last year. But I think this book is a more finely tuned effort with a smaller cast and a better focus on characters to go hand-in-hand with the horror. If you're squeamish, steer clear. But if you're a horror hound, definitely pick it up.
January 8, 2020
I read this in one sitting and couldn't put it down. It was so vivid, compelling and so full of twists.
The lenght was absolutely perfect in my opinion; the flashbacks just enough to make you empathize with the main characters and to let you know why things are how they are. I loved pretty much everything about it.
Although I started to think that and hope I can read Exorcist falls very soon.
I also experienced, maybe for the first time, a sense of unease, of unsettlement that accompanied me from it was very weird, but sort of cool in the way of being caused by reading a story.
I must not forget to mention, that the possession itself was very chilling and chapter 8 was absolutely, terrifyingly intense.
Furthermore, the combining of the killer/killings front and the possession front managed to make the story not merely one about demonic possession but a more complex and interesting one.
Jonathan Janz has never disappointed me so far.
The lenght was absolutely perfect in my opinion; the flashbacks just enough to make you empathize with the main characters and to let you know why things are how they are. I loved pretty much everything about it.
Although I started to think that and hope I can read Exorcist falls very soon.
I also experienced, maybe for the first time, a sense of unease, of unsettlement that accompanied me from it was very weird, but sort of cool in the way of being caused by reading a story.
I must not forget to mention, that the possession itself was very chilling and chapter 8 was absolutely, terrifyingly intense.
Furthermore, the combining of the killer/killings front and the possession front managed to make the story not merely one about demonic possession but a more complex and interesting one.
Jonathan Janz has never disappointed me so far.
June 15, 2017
Ive been finished w/this this story as it now appears in the book 'Exorcist Falls' (at the very beginning of course). Therefore my full review will be under my Horror Aficionado's sponsored group read for May-'Exorcist Falls' by Jonathan Janz.
I'm a bad girl & a bit late in finishing & I will not bore you w/my reasons. So, suffice it to say that my review of this short story will appear as 'Exorcist Falls' once I've completed.
As it is my personal challenge, no..,scratch that; rather my mission to read every book written by Jonathan Janz, Glenn Rolfe, & Patrick Lacey, I think this book counts since it was released earlier than 'Exorcist Falls' AND as a separate book. Seem fair?
What I will say about this tale as its own entity- is that it, without a doubt, scared the shit outta me & after my roommate left for the night, I couldn't read it (in the quiet, in the dark, during a storm, all alone). You can call me a wuss, but I prefer to call Mr.Janz a hell of a story teller ....terror, gore, great characters, & all of the other ingredients for a kickass evening.
Thank you for making my heart race Mr. Janz!
I'm a bad girl & a bit late in finishing & I will not bore you w/my reasons. So, suffice it to say that my review of this short story will appear as 'Exorcist Falls' once I've completed.
As it is my personal challenge, no..,scratch that; rather my mission to read every book written by Jonathan Janz, Glenn Rolfe, & Patrick Lacey, I think this book counts since it was released earlier than 'Exorcist Falls' AND as a separate book. Seem fair?
What I will say about this tale as its own entity- is that it, without a doubt, scared the shit outta me & after my roommate left for the night, I couldn't read it (in the quiet, in the dark, during a storm, all alone). You can call me a wuss, but I prefer to call Mr.Janz a hell of a story teller ....terror, gore, great characters, & all of the other ingredients for a kickass evening.
Thank you for making my heart race Mr. Janz!
June 12, 2015
Wow! What a great book this is! It was pack with plenty of action and kept me guessing until the very end. From page one I was hooked. Casey a 14 year old boy attacks his parents and has to be restrained to his bed posts. Officer Danny Hartman believes that his nephew is possessed by an evil demon. Danny calls upon Father Sutherland and Father Crowder to perform an exorcism on his nephew and to drive the evil demon out of his body. The demon that posses Casey knows too much information about the killings of the teenage age girls. Danny's partner Jack, believes that Casey is The Sweet Sixteen Killer. No one is safe from this evil demon. This is one hell of a roller coaster ride through the gates of hell, with know way out. A lot of blood will be spilled and life's will be taken. I would have like to seen a few more chapters added at the end but who knows what the author has planned. This is one of the best horror books that I have read this year. I highly recommend this book!
October 13, 2014
Exorcist Road is Jonathan Janz's most terrifying tale to date. Raw, brutal, chilling, it demands to be read in one sitting. The best fiction book on possession since The Exorcist!
December 13, 2014
Utterly horrifying with an ending I was not expecting!
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