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The Devil's Hairball
When Victor Holycross commits an act of heinous sacrilege at the Festival of the Blessed Virgin, he unwittingly brings forth a curse that transforms his wife and daughter into living hair balls. To seek absolution and lift the hairy plague, a penance is given: the recovery of stolen religious relics.
With a time frame of forty days and forty nights and a bicycle as his sole form of transport, Victor finds himself helped (and often hindered) by a one-legged whore, a talking dog with strange sexual proclivities and an attack-nun.
Thrust into a maelstrom of demonic confrontations, unholy alliances and duplicitous relationships, he soon discovers that the world is a darker place than he anticipated.
The Devil's Hairball is an absurdist journey through a bizarro landscape, riddled with black humour, twisted characters and an unhealthy serving of spite and malice.
With a time frame of forty days and forty nights and a bicycle as his sole form of transport, Victor finds himself helped (and often hindered) by a one-legged whore, a talking dog with strange sexual proclivities and an attack-nun.
Thrust into a maelstrom of demonic confrontations, unholy alliances and duplicitous relationships, he soon discovers that the world is a darker place than he anticipated.
The Devil's Hairball is an absurdist journey through a bizarro landscape, riddled with black humour, twisted characters and an unhealthy serving of spite and malice.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2019
About the author
Peter Caffrey
37 books96 followersPeter Caffrey creates stories stained with the darkest of dark humour, featuring elements of splattery filth, horror, bizarro and absurdity.
Alongside numerous books, his work has also appeared in a number of anthologies including ABC’s of Terror (Vol 4), Call Me Hoop, Unamerican Trash, In Uterus, Prose in Poor Taste (Vol 2), The Best of Bizarro Fiction (Vol 2) and The Bumper Book of British Bizarro. He has also featured in many publications including Underbelly, Horror Sleaze Trash, Infernal Ink, Terror House, Frontier Tales and Schlock!
He likes apes, dislikes gravity, and is unlikely to change.
Alongside numerous books, his work has also appeared in a number of anthologies including ABC’s of Terror (Vol 4), Call Me Hoop, Unamerican Trash, In Uterus, Prose in Poor Taste (Vol 2), The Best of Bizarro Fiction (Vol 2) and The Bumper Book of British Bizarro. He has also featured in many publications including Underbelly, Horror Sleaze Trash, Infernal Ink, Terror House, Frontier Tales and Schlock!
He likes apes, dislikes gravity, and is unlikely to change.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 14, 2026
So I’m giving this 4/5, despite not enjoying it much at all. I don’t think it was bad, by any means, but I just couldn’t find my interest in the story or characters. That’s just my personal preference, and shouldn’t reflect badly on this story. The writing was done well, and you can tell how much thought and effort went into developing this book, which is always commendable. The author really goes after organized religion and it’s done in a unique way. I can’t classify this as being an ‘epic’ adventure, bizarro, a combination of the two, or something else, but the story was its own entity. I can’t say that I loved the ending, either, but it’s hard to say, as this book just wasn’t for me.
October 11, 2020
I should be embarrassed to say that I enjoyed this book much more than I should have. From the bizarre beginning to the messed up ending, I was hooked.
To sum up the story; a man's wife and daughter and turned into hairballs, a curse cast upon his family for him trying to screw a holy statue. For penance, he must collect holy artifacts to lift the curse.
In all fairness, my summary does not do this story justice.
I laughed so many times.
This book has a cast of characters that are very likeable and fun. I know it sounds like a crazy book, and I admit that it's bizarre, but it's also so much fun.
To sum up the story; a man's wife and daughter and turned into hairballs, a curse cast upon his family for him trying to screw a holy statue. For penance, he must collect holy artifacts to lift the curse.
In all fairness, my summary does not do this story justice.
I laughed so many times.
This book has a cast of characters that are very likeable and fun. I know it sounds like a crazy book, and I admit that it's bizarre, but it's also so much fun.
June 13, 2021
This is my second book by Peter Caffrey, and it was just as fun and bizarre as the first (The God Of Wanking) A fun, gruesome, adventure, full of more and more surreal and horrific events as the quest goes on! Complete with naked attack nuns, a one legged whore, a demon dog, and so much more. Peter has a great way with words which will keep you chuckling along throughout the story!! On to the next one....🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
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May 12, 2019Review copy provided courtesy of the author.
Victor Holycross has committed an act of sacrilege. Because of this, his wife and daughter have been cursed and transformed into living hairballs. Now he must pay his penance by collecting a set of holy relics with the help (and hindrance) of a one legged whore, an attack nun, and a talking dog with a belly full of stones.
If Dante's Inferno, The Wizard of Oz, and Monty Python's Life of Brian had a sacrilegious threesome it may look quite a bit like The Devil's Hairball. It's wonderfully absurd, a bit whimsical, and completely bizarre--but with a clear message to keep it focused. It's starts out pretty comical, Victor isn't the brightest man, but he wants to do the right thing and be a good guy (even if he isn't always very successful), but trusting those around him only brings him deeper into the corruption and deceit of the church.
The writing style reminded me a lot of the kinds of stories of epic quests and adventures I liked to read as kid which I really enjoyed personally (and how weird and dark were a lot of books aimed at younger audiences back in the day?) and when things started taking more and more disturbing turns, the more the style seemed to heighten just how fucked things become. At times I wasn't sure if I should be laughing or horrified, which may not work for some, but for me it felt very effective. The hypocrisy of organized religion is ruthlessly ripped to shreds, but I felt Caffrey kept his critique focused firmly on Christianity and those who hold power within the church rather than those who follow the faith. While I am not (and never have been) religious, I definitely appreciate that Caffrey knew who his true targets were and kept his sights on them all the while.
Oh boy. That ending. It will likely piss people off. It pissed ME off, but after taking a moment to stop and consider it, and the overall message of the book, it was really the only proper ending (as much as I wish it weren't). The Devil's Hairball is probably the most scathing send up of Christianity I've read in the past few years, and while it doesn't shy away from the perversity and cruelty it still let's you have a damn fun time before it crushes your soul.
Victor Holycross has committed an act of sacrilege. Because of this, his wife and daughter have been cursed and transformed into living hairballs. Now he must pay his penance by collecting a set of holy relics with the help (and hindrance) of a one legged whore, an attack nun, and a talking dog with a belly full of stones.
If Dante's Inferno, The Wizard of Oz, and Monty Python's Life of Brian had a sacrilegious threesome it may look quite a bit like The Devil's Hairball. It's wonderfully absurd, a bit whimsical, and completely bizarre--but with a clear message to keep it focused. It's starts out pretty comical, Victor isn't the brightest man, but he wants to do the right thing and be a good guy (even if he isn't always very successful), but trusting those around him only brings him deeper into the corruption and deceit of the church.
The writing style reminded me a lot of the kinds of stories of epic quests and adventures I liked to read as kid which I really enjoyed personally (and how weird and dark were a lot of books aimed at younger audiences back in the day?) and when things started taking more and more disturbing turns, the more the style seemed to heighten just how fucked things become. At times I wasn't sure if I should be laughing or horrified, which may not work for some, but for me it felt very effective. The hypocrisy of organized religion is ruthlessly ripped to shreds, but I felt Caffrey kept his critique focused firmly on Christianity and those who hold power within the church rather than those who follow the faith. While I am not (and never have been) religious, I definitely appreciate that Caffrey knew who his true targets were and kept his sights on them all the while.
Oh boy. That ending. It will likely piss people off. It pissed ME off, but after taking a moment to stop and consider it, and the overall message of the book, it was really the only proper ending (as much as I wish it weren't). The Devil's Hairball is probably the most scathing send up of Christianity I've read in the past few years, and while it doesn't shy away from the perversity and cruelty it still let's you have a damn fun time before it crushes your soul.
October 10, 2021
‘All bicycles and bumholes!’
This thoroughly enjoyable adult story proved to read like the movie ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ but with plenty of abstract absurdity and more than a touch of the outright fantastical.
A medieval quest to find several highly unusual artefacts and relics which when collected will reverse a curse put upon Victor and his family by the Holy Gods and which will ultimately deliver power and control to the mighty leaders of the Christian church that are found on earth.
Plenty of sorcery, great characters, violent acts and loads of action to keep you enthralled until journey’s end.
Clever and thought provoking, with a fitting finale that will certainly make the reader ponder further on the way that our lives may be negatively affected by evil powers beyond our control.
Yes, Christianity certainly appears to take a hammering in this quite unique and often improper tale, just like the regular mention of bicycles and bumholes littered within this often evil and wicked trip into the land of pure fantasy.
Enjoy the trip pilgrims, you are sure not to be left disappointed!
Rating: 4.3 stars of highly entertaining absurd creativity.
This thoroughly enjoyable adult story proved to read like the movie ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ but with plenty of abstract absurdity and more than a touch of the outright fantastical.
A medieval quest to find several highly unusual artefacts and relics which when collected will reverse a curse put upon Victor and his family by the Holy Gods and which will ultimately deliver power and control to the mighty leaders of the Christian church that are found on earth.
Plenty of sorcery, great characters, violent acts and loads of action to keep you enthralled until journey’s end.
Clever and thought provoking, with a fitting finale that will certainly make the reader ponder further on the way that our lives may be negatively affected by evil powers beyond our control.
Yes, Christianity certainly appears to take a hammering in this quite unique and often improper tale, just like the regular mention of bicycles and bumholes littered within this often evil and wicked trip into the land of pure fantasy.
Enjoy the trip pilgrims, you are sure not to be left disappointed!
Rating: 4.3 stars of highly entertaining absurd creativity.
October 18, 2021
Warning: If you're someone who doesn't like the idea of Christianity being satirized, or don't like Christian figures being mocked, don't pick this book up.
Still here? Carry on reading the review...
This book jumps straight into the story with very little explanation, but the incident that leads to Victor's predicament is eventually told. Some of the book almost comes across as surreal. The descriptions were quite graphic at times, and having previously read 'The Captive Dwarf' by Sean Hawker - the descriptions are worse than that book. One thing I will say is that the characterization was done VERY WELL.
I got the idea that the use of the 'church' and its members is more reminiscent of the 1700 & 1800's. A possible topic to discuss: what the church portrays vs. what they actually believe. The Cardinal is the most toxic character I've come across - I got the idea that he was symbolic of the power that the church tends to hold.
Victor ends up meeting a few people on his journey, and he tends to have very strange dreams - even though these dreams are sort of explained towards the end of the book. I found the phrase for his wife - 'ball of fluff' - quite amusing.
Obstacles seemed to meet Victor at almost every turn. The description of some of the things that happen to Victor are so vivid - I could actually picture them, and felt as if I was actually WITH the character, and experiencing it alongside him.
This book kept on surprising me, especially at Osvaldo's revelation about Victor's travelling companion. I was speechless when the one-legged whore showed up to fetch Victor. The ending felt slightly depressing, and felt open as to what actually happened to Victor's family. I was actually sad about one of the deaths.
Sister Hildegard is definitely one of those amusing characters, despite her more wayward side, I actually liked her - I found her quite loyal. Osvaldo is for sure one of those crude characters.
This is an author to watch - I really enjoyed this book.
Still here? Carry on reading the review...
This book jumps straight into the story with very little explanation, but the incident that leads to Victor's predicament is eventually told. Some of the book almost comes across as surreal. The descriptions were quite graphic at times, and having previously read 'The Captive Dwarf' by Sean Hawker - the descriptions are worse than that book. One thing I will say is that the characterization was done VERY WELL.
I got the idea that the use of the 'church' and its members is more reminiscent of the 1700 & 1800's. A possible topic to discuss: what the church portrays vs. what they actually believe. The Cardinal is the most toxic character I've come across - I got the idea that he was symbolic of the power that the church tends to hold.
Victor ends up meeting a few people on his journey, and he tends to have very strange dreams - even though these dreams are sort of explained towards the end of the book. I found the phrase for his wife - 'ball of fluff' - quite amusing.
Obstacles seemed to meet Victor at almost every turn. The description of some of the things that happen to Victor are so vivid - I could actually picture them, and felt as if I was actually WITH the character, and experiencing it alongside him.
This book kept on surprising me, especially at Osvaldo's revelation about Victor's travelling companion. I was speechless when the one-legged whore showed up to fetch Victor. The ending felt slightly depressing, and felt open as to what actually happened to Victor's family. I was actually sad about one of the deaths.
Sister Hildegard is definitely one of those amusing characters, despite her more wayward side, I actually liked her - I found her quite loyal. Osvaldo is for sure one of those crude characters.
This is an author to watch - I really enjoyed this book.
March 26, 2022
I went in blind so I didn't know what to expect. I did not except that epic journey of fantasy, blasphemy, and violence. Throw in Peters wicked humour and this was a winner all around.
September 27, 2024
A beautiful, well-written heartfelt tragedy about one man's penance for his understandable 'evil' deeds and the toils and tribulations that he bravely soldiers through to reach a hopeful absolution. Tear-inducing, moving, emotional, life-changing with a humanitarian, talking dog to boot.
April 30, 2025
This book was absolutely BONKERS and I enjoyed every messed up minute of it. This was my first Peter Caffrey read and it certainly won't be my last. I laughed, I gasped, I repeatedly said "wtf" throughout and I was on the edge of my seat to see how this adventure would end.
The Devil's Hairball follows Victor Holycross. He has committed a horrible sacrilege at the Festival of the Blessed Virgin and has cursed his family in doing so. His wife and daughter have been turned into living hair balls. In order to lift the hairy curse, Victor must seek penance by recovering stolen religious relics within 40 days and 40 nights. Among his journey he finds himself in the company of a one-legged whore, a talking dog with disturbing sexual tendencies, and a naked attack-nun as they are thrown into demonic and evil presences as these relics are being uncovered in their treacherous journey.
This was by far one of the most unhinged and creative Bizarro stories that I've read thus far. I'm going to have some wicked dreams tonight...
The Devil's Hairball follows Victor Holycross. He has committed a horrible sacrilege at the Festival of the Blessed Virgin and has cursed his family in doing so. His wife and daughter have been turned into living hair balls. In order to lift the hairy curse, Victor must seek penance by recovering stolen religious relics within 40 days and 40 nights. Among his journey he finds himself in the company of a one-legged whore, a talking dog with disturbing sexual tendencies, and a naked attack-nun as they are thrown into demonic and evil presences as these relics are being uncovered in their treacherous journey.
This was by far one of the most unhinged and creative Bizarro stories that I've read thus far. I'm going to have some wicked dreams tonight...
December 24, 2024
Bonkers, bizarre biblical penance. What’s not to love!
It seemed like the right time of year to head on a medieval penance. Victor has committed a sacrilege of the self-pleasuring variety. As punishment, his wife and daughter have been turned into devil’s hairballs and will only be released if he completes his penance and collects holy relics for the clergy.
One-legged whores, naked nuns, talking dogs, hysterical blasphemy and striking satire. Great fun!
It seemed like the right time of year to head on a medieval penance. Victor has committed a sacrilege of the self-pleasuring variety. As punishment, his wife and daughter have been turned into devil’s hairballs and will only be released if he completes his penance and collects holy relics for the clergy.
One-legged whores, naked nuns, talking dogs, hysterical blasphemy and striking satire. Great fun!
April 25, 2022
3.5 stars.
This book was good and made me laugh at times. A crazy Bishop with Cherub boys painted gold with stained glass wings that do whatever the Bishop says. Must I say more. I wish the ending was a little better. But a good read.
If you are religious and making fun of Catholics offends you don’t read this book.
Warning sexual molestation.
This book was good and made me laugh at times. A crazy Bishop with Cherub boys painted gold with stained glass wings that do whatever the Bishop says. Must I say more. I wish the ending was a little better. But a good read.
If you are religious and making fun of Catholics offends you don’t read this book.
Warning sexual molestation.
October 28, 2021
Now I think I know how Varg Vikernes felt on his way to church all those years ago.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews