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Devil on My Trail
It was an accident.
Marc's hand slipped and he played the secret chord that summons the Devil—the same chord Jimi Hendrix and Robert Johnson knew. The one Keith Richards’ ghost showed him years ago in a moment of weakness. When all hell breaks loose, Marc is pulled into a quest to collect magical artifacts from rock and roll history to prepare for a showdown with the Devil. Marc’s road is instantly beset with supernatural forces working against him, but he isn’t alone. Not by a longshot. Riding shotgun is his band of the pop-culture loving Bollocks; the burgeoning rock journalist Maybelline; the occult practitioner Tanner; and Marc’s ghost buddy who brought this all about in the first place, Keith Richards.
Along the way he crosses paths with Papa Legba and one of the biggest rock stars of the 20th century, who just so happens to be the Devil’s son. Failure means eternal damnation—not only for himself, but for his friends and Keith Richards' ghost, who needs Marc to help him win back his own soul traded years ago. Armed with one of the most famous guitars in history, a leather jacket that may have been worn by Elvis, and a magic guitar pick, this should be a piece of cake. But when bargaining with the Devil, it might take more than tricks and sick guitar riffs to save their souls.
Marc's hand slipped and he played the secret chord that summons the Devil—the same chord Jimi Hendrix and Robert Johnson knew. The one Keith Richards’ ghost showed him years ago in a moment of weakness. When all hell breaks loose, Marc is pulled into a quest to collect magical artifacts from rock and roll history to prepare for a showdown with the Devil. Marc’s road is instantly beset with supernatural forces working against him, but he isn’t alone. Not by a longshot. Riding shotgun is his band of the pop-culture loving Bollocks; the burgeoning rock journalist Maybelline; the occult practitioner Tanner; and Marc’s ghost buddy who brought this all about in the first place, Keith Richards.
Along the way he crosses paths with Papa Legba and one of the biggest rock stars of the 20th century, who just so happens to be the Devil’s son. Failure means eternal damnation—not only for himself, but for his friends and Keith Richards' ghost, who needs Marc to help him win back his own soul traded years ago. Armed with one of the most famous guitars in history, a leather jacket that may have been worn by Elvis, and a magic guitar pick, this should be a piece of cake. But when bargaining with the Devil, it might take more than tricks and sick guitar riffs to save their souls.
346 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2024
3 people are currently reading
2859 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 13, 2024
Rock’n’roll never had an official history book…until now! In his second outing, DiFranco forces another merry band of indie rock misfits on the road. This time around, they’re facing the devil and a roster of soul-selling rock legends. With break neck pacing (I love me some punchy chapters) the story amps up as fast and hard as your favorite punk song. Heartfelt and hilarious, this rock tour satire treads new ground for the genre while simultaneously adding eerie new depth to DiFranco’s debut novel, Panic Years.
March 28, 2025
After the loss of his parents at the age of thirteen, Marc’s solace was to play the Fender Stratocaster guitar his uncle had gifted him not long before that tragic event. About a year later, he was visited in his bedroom by the ghost of Keith Richards—which would be scary even under the normal circumstances of such strange and ghostly visitations, but the fact that Keef is still very much alive and rockin’ makes it downright weird. Since then, the guitar legend has been paying regular visits to Marc, even helping him buy a better guitar—a very special guitar, in fact—not to mention teaching him a secret chord. A taboo chord, which Marc must never play.
Some years later Marc and his drummer colleague—who I’ll refer to as B—are doing okay, gaining gigs as two-piece band Mojo Pin. It’s at one of these that Marc, unfortunately distracted by the presence of music journalist Maybelline, manages to play The Chord—that which summons the Devil. Marc may well ask Richards—who promptly appears with a belated warning about playing the thing—why the hell Keef showed it to him in the first place. That’s the key word, of course. Hell. Where Marc could well end up, if he isn’t careful. Looks like it’s too late, however, as events are about to get very weird indeed. If the stage on which Marc and B have just played collapsing in clouds of smoke—and then turning back to how it was beforehand—isn’t downright strange enough, Marc’s cherished guitar going missing at the after-party and some surreal happenings on the subway while he’s searching for it are enough to convince him that there’s some serious stuff going down.
Their numbers increased by the addition of Maybelline and Tanner—a musician with occult interests—Marc and B set off on a Lord of the Rings-style quest for some Harry Potter-esque horcruxes. On their merry way they discover some surprising—or not—information, such as a list of those—musicians or otherwise—who’ve entered into deals with the Prince of Darkness, such as ‘Johnson, Jimi, Janis, Jobs. Morrison, Monroe, Mozart.’ For those of a musical disposition, the legend of Clarksdale, Mississippi—wherein bluesman Robert Johnson is alleged to have sold his soul at the ‘Devil's Crossroads’ in exchange for otherworldly musical skills—is said to apply, which is how Keef came to be of their number, and how Marc is drawn into his attempts to wriggle out of the arrangement. After all, Leonard Cohen—with ‘the only outright mention of the secret chord in a song’ either ‘never used it,' or 'found a way to slither his poet-talking a$$ out of the deal.’
Enough already. Suffice to say that it’s one hell of a journey, one that you might like to be a part of. The writing’s slightly off in a few places, but not enough to spoil the narrative enough to make this ageing reading-rocker leave the gig early—especially as the lyrics of Charlie Daniels’ ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’ seem to be accurate. Sizzling stuff.
Some years later Marc and his drummer colleague—who I’ll refer to as B—are doing okay, gaining gigs as two-piece band Mojo Pin. It’s at one of these that Marc, unfortunately distracted by the presence of music journalist Maybelline, manages to play The Chord—that which summons the Devil. Marc may well ask Richards—who promptly appears with a belated warning about playing the thing—why the hell Keef showed it to him in the first place. That’s the key word, of course. Hell. Where Marc could well end up, if he isn’t careful. Looks like it’s too late, however, as events are about to get very weird indeed. If the stage on which Marc and B have just played collapsing in clouds of smoke—and then turning back to how it was beforehand—isn’t downright strange enough, Marc’s cherished guitar going missing at the after-party and some surreal happenings on the subway while he’s searching for it are enough to convince him that there’s some serious stuff going down.
Their numbers increased by the addition of Maybelline and Tanner—a musician with occult interests—Marc and B set off on a Lord of the Rings-style quest for some Harry Potter-esque horcruxes. On their merry way they discover some surprising—or not—information, such as a list of those—musicians or otherwise—who’ve entered into deals with the Prince of Darkness, such as ‘Johnson, Jimi, Janis, Jobs. Morrison, Monroe, Mozart.’ For those of a musical disposition, the legend of Clarksdale, Mississippi—wherein bluesman Robert Johnson is alleged to have sold his soul at the ‘Devil's Crossroads’ in exchange for otherworldly musical skills—is said to apply, which is how Keef came to be of their number, and how Marc is drawn into his attempts to wriggle out of the arrangement. After all, Leonard Cohen—with ‘the only outright mention of the secret chord in a song’ either ‘never used it,' or 'found a way to slither his poet-talking a$$ out of the deal.’
Enough already. Suffice to say that it’s one hell of a journey, one that you might like to be a part of. The writing’s slightly off in a few places, but not enough to spoil the narrative enough to make this ageing reading-rocker leave the gig early—especially as the lyrics of Charlie Daniels’ ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’ seem to be accurate. Sizzling stuff.
October 18, 2024
Buckle up and get ready for a rock n roll adventure. The "ghost" of Keith Richards has been around since Marc's childhood, helping him become a guitar aficionado. Marc didn't know that the Devil played any role in it, until one day Marc plays the secret chord and all hell breaks loose, pun intended.
Suddenly, Marc and some new and old friends must take a wild and twisty ride to ensure that the Devil doesn't take their souls. They're thrust into a road tour where they meet people who have been impacted by the Devil's bargain as well, and want to hurt or help. In between adventures, you'll find a treasure trove of references to topics such as: Harry Potter, LOTR, Edgar Allen Poe, rock n roll history, famous songs, and probably a lot of other stuff that I didn't catch but would be a delicious easter egg hunt for people who are into.. whatever you're into.
If you are remotely interested in music, history, music history, rock, occult stuff, nerdy stuff, satanic stuff, adventures-with-friends novels - this book is for you.
Suddenly, Marc and some new and old friends must take a wild and twisty ride to ensure that the Devil doesn't take their souls. They're thrust into a road tour where they meet people who have been impacted by the Devil's bargain as well, and want to hurt or help. In between adventures, you'll find a treasure trove of references to topics such as: Harry Potter, LOTR, Edgar Allen Poe, rock n roll history, famous songs, and probably a lot of other stuff that I didn't catch but would be a delicious easter egg hunt for people who are into.. whatever you're into.
If you are remotely interested in music, history, music history, rock, occult stuff, nerdy stuff, satanic stuff, adventures-with-friends novels - this book is for you.
December 1, 2024
To start off, I'm so proud of my auntie Frankie. He has such an incredible and creative mind that his pen just flows through the pages with ease. I'm very unsure why he's so nervous. And, It's truly an honor to be able to read this before it publishes. I feel very special and I have bragging rights. Also, long live Drix!!!
With that being said, this was such a treat to read. This book, like Panic Years, was such a page-turner. I couldn't put it down for the life of me and ended up eating it up in less than two days! His writing and the plot is immaculate and I really enjoyed all of the dramatic irony and the silliness of the book. It's also pretty nerdish but in a good way.
This deserves no less than the full 5 stars. And again, I couldn't be any prouder of my auntie for his works than I am right now. Auntie, this is the best second book you've written!
With that being said, this was such a treat to read. This book, like Panic Years, was such a page-turner. I couldn't put it down for the life of me and ended up eating it up in less than two days! His writing and the plot is immaculate and I really enjoyed all of the dramatic irony and the silliness of the book. It's also pretty nerdish but in a good way.
This deserves no less than the full 5 stars. And again, I couldn't be any prouder of my auntie for his works than I am right now. Auntie, this is the best second book you've written!
January 11, 2025
The Devil’s in the details of DiFranco’s sophomore novel. A fresh & unique folktale of rock n roll. The plot ramps & layers every chapter with historical asides & cameos of famous rockstars. Paces well with poppy one-liners & chummy characters. Risky at first but you’ll finish in the limelight. Nice going.
April 29, 2025
This book caught my eye just by the cover page, and only after the first chapter I'm hooked! I would definitely recommend for you guys to take the time to read this!
April 29, 2025
This book is a must read for anyone and everyone!!!
October 8, 2025
It was fun, funny and also made me…emotional. Great read.
Currently reading
April 28, 2025omggg!! This book is so awesome 10/10 I really recommend others to read it.
February 23, 2025
Dan DiFranco writes extremely charming characters that you will think about long after the book ends.
Always a wonderful adventure of a read.
Long live Drix!
Always a wonderful adventure of a read.
Long live Drix!
May 6, 2025
the book Devil on my trail is a very interesting book and it keeps you wanting to read more
April 30, 2025
I've always wanted to read a story like this one, but I never could, until this amazing person published one. The journey of Marc and Keith Richards was so fascinating, it was filled with so much exploration and creativity. The entire story was captivating, I didn't want it to end, but everything comes to an end eventually. Overall, it was a great book and I'm very proud of my teacher. Also, I was one of the first people to ever receive the "Devil on My Trail" pick ;)
October 11, 2024
You like to Rock? You like taking the devil down to Georgia or tributes to greatest songs in the world about battling the devil with Rock? I'm not talking about Dwayne Johnson... I'm talking about Rock and Roll! Rock N' Roll? I don't know which is correct. DiFrancos new book right here take you on the journey/road trip to Battle the devil with the help of friends and the spirit of Keith Richards. Yeh you read that right. Some other rockers come into play as well through out the book too! Make sure pre-order this book now! The future of mankind may depend on it!
December 10, 2024
I love this book, best book ever written.
May 4, 2025
Witty. Creative. Thrilling. Captivating. All in all a fantastic read.
May 5, 2025
Book was vivid and captivating from start to finish.
March 23, 2025
I just spent a half hour arguing with an AI about whether Elvis or Leonard Cohen would win a rap battle if someone’s soul was on the line. I am so tangled up now I can’t remember who I was rooting for. 'Where Elvis offers a party, Cohen offers a confession.'
Wait, I am supposed to be writing a review. But just like this story, it starts out wonky because all Hard Rocks look the same to me, and then there was money. Next, a strange interlude with K. Richards and the good old devil, then boom, we are in Philly, and things start making sense right about the time you expect a period at the end of a sentence.
A modern Crossroads story? Some names and places may sound familiar yet unexpected.
You are then led on a wild cross-country road trip that starts in 1770 Virginia. All on the way to a road gig somewhere, and for almost all the rest of the book, it’s like reference after culture reference, almost as if we (the author and myself) grew up at the same time and place. I am not going to try and explain because it will be different for you and everyone else. There is even some technical stuff about playing some guitar notes and chords that has to be witchcraft.
That skill the author has is not easy to come by. Where the story flows in different details for different people. You will be laughing or cringing or maybe even crying by the end of the book, which I am happy to say will gather everything together and explain parts you might have missed or ignored along the way.
So, enjoy the ride as you read along. Sympathy for the devil? No way, José
Wait, I am supposed to be writing a review. But just like this story, it starts out wonky because all Hard Rocks look the same to me, and then there was money. Next, a strange interlude with K. Richards and the good old devil, then boom, we are in Philly, and things start making sense right about the time you expect a period at the end of a sentence.
A modern Crossroads story? Some names and places may sound familiar yet unexpected.
You are then led on a wild cross-country road trip that starts in 1770 Virginia. All on the way to a road gig somewhere, and for almost all the rest of the book, it’s like reference after culture reference, almost as if we (the author and myself) grew up at the same time and place. I am not going to try and explain because it will be different for you and everyone else. There is even some technical stuff about playing some guitar notes and chords that has to be witchcraft.
That skill the author has is not easy to come by. Where the story flows in different details for different people. You will be laughing or cringing or maybe even crying by the end of the book, which I am happy to say will gather everything together and explain parts you might have missed or ignored along the way.
So, enjoy the ride as you read along. Sympathy for the devil? No way, José
September 29, 2025
Exciting and fun read! Loved the strong personalities of the characters and the music references throughout. The dialogue was so funny and really brought the story to life. 5/5!!!
May 30, 2025
Devil on My Trail is a very brilliant and eye catching book and I love it so much. I most definitely recommend reading this and if you did already read it again.
December 31, 2025
This is the best second book I have ever written.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews