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The Accidental Exorcist
THE ACCIDENTAL EXORCIST (A short novella)
For fans of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Ted Dekker, and Frank Peretti
When forensic psychiatrist Abigail Lee meets a baby-killing mother who has been declared criminally insane and acquitted, she discovers something lurking beneath the surface. Something far deeper and more insidious than mere psychopathy. But can she come to terms with her own struggle with science and faith in time to confront it?
For fans of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Ted Dekker, and Frank Peretti
When forensic psychiatrist Abigail Lee meets a baby-killing mother who has been declared criminally insane and acquitted, she discovers something lurking beneath the surface. Something far deeper and more insidious than mere psychopathy. But can she come to terms with her own struggle with science and faith in time to confront it?
53 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2010
282 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
About the author
Joshua Graham
55 books212 followersJOSHUA GRAHAM is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Beyond Justice, Terminus, and Darkroom, the winner of the International Book Award, Forward National Literature Award, USA Book News Best Books Award, and host of Thriller Radio. His award-winning novel DARKROOM hit 3 bestseller lists on Amazon the night of its release.
CBS NEWS described DARKROOM as a book with "action, political intrigue and well-rounded characters...a novel that thriller fans will devour."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY described BEYOND JUSTICE as: "A riveting legal thriller...breaking new ground with a vengeance...demonically entertaining and surprisingly inspiring."
Suspense Magazine listed BEYOND JUSTICE in its BEST OF 2010, alongside titles by Scott Turrow, Ted Dekker, Steven James and Brad Thor.
Many of Graham's readers blame him for sleepless nights, arriving to work late, neglected dishes and family members, and not allowing them to put the book down.
Josh grew up in Brooklyn, NY where he lived for the better part of 30 years. He holds a Bachelor and Master's Degree and went on to earn his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University. During his time in Maryland, he taught as a professor at Shepherd College (WV), Western Maryland College, and Columbia Union College (MD).
Today he lives with his beautiful wife and children in Southern California.
For Film Rights Josh is represented by UNITED TALENT AGENCY. Please use the CONTACT button on his website www.joshua-graham.com/contact for all inquiries.
Connect with Josh on:
Facebook: http://joshua-graham.com/fb
Twitter: @J0shuaGraham
www.joshua-graham.com
Sign up for exclusive updates, interviews, and to be entered for giveaways by subscribing to Josh's newsletter: www.joshua-graham.com/GIA
CBS NEWS described DARKROOM as a book with "action, political intrigue and well-rounded characters...a novel that thriller fans will devour."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY described BEYOND JUSTICE as: "A riveting legal thriller...breaking new ground with a vengeance...demonically entertaining and surprisingly inspiring."
Suspense Magazine listed BEYOND JUSTICE in its BEST OF 2010, alongside titles by Scott Turrow, Ted Dekker, Steven James and Brad Thor.
Many of Graham's readers blame him for sleepless nights, arriving to work late, neglected dishes and family members, and not allowing them to put the book down.
Josh grew up in Brooklyn, NY where he lived for the better part of 30 years. He holds a Bachelor and Master's Degree and went on to earn his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University. During his time in Maryland, he taught as a professor at Shepherd College (WV), Western Maryland College, and Columbia Union College (MD).
Today he lives with his beautiful wife and children in Southern California.
For Film Rights Josh is represented by UNITED TALENT AGENCY. Please use the CONTACT button on his website www.joshua-graham.com/contact for all inquiries.
Connect with Josh on:
Facebook: http://joshua-graham.com/fb
Twitter: @J0shuaGraham
www.joshua-graham.com
Sign up for exclusive updates, interviews, and to be entered for giveaways by subscribing to Josh's newsletter: www.joshua-graham.com/GIA
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
August 9, 2016
Disclaimer: I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review.
The Exorcist types always freak me out to read but prove to be worth the scare in the end to read. The truth behind what you believe in, the demons that exist and the faith to confront them. A true challenge for Forensic Psychiatrist Abigail Lee because at first she is not sure of what she believes in until she is faced with Cheryl Morgan. The Cheryl Morgan case dealt with the mother being possessed by a demon that caused her to kill her 3 children. Abigail is seeking answers and asks for advice from mentor & Professor Freidrich Koehler but ultimately she has to decide what she believes in and her time is running out. After a frantic call from Father Thomas McGhee, Abigail must come face to face with Legion, the demon, but will she find her faith in time to save the father's life? Her own life? and Cheryl Morgan's soul?
The Exorcist types always freak me out to read but prove to be worth the scare in the end to read. The truth behind what you believe in, the demons that exist and the faith to confront them. A true challenge for Forensic Psychiatrist Abigail Lee because at first she is not sure of what she believes in until she is faced with Cheryl Morgan. The Cheryl Morgan case dealt with the mother being possessed by a demon that caused her to kill her 3 children. Abigail is seeking answers and asks for advice from mentor & Professor Freidrich Koehler but ultimately she has to decide what she believes in and her time is running out. After a frantic call from Father Thomas McGhee, Abigail must come face to face with Legion, the demon, but will she find her faith in time to save the father's life? Her own life? and Cheryl Morgan's soul?
September 2, 2017
A seriously creepy short story that ended with a bang! Well written and paced with an interesting protagonist. Loved it.
March 6, 2013
If there's one thing I hate, it's being preached at by a book. Whether it's the blatant political propaganda of The Turner Diaries, or the blatant religious propaganda of Frank Peretti (oh, do not get me started) is immaterial; if I wanted to read a manifesto, I would.
The Accidental Exorcist had such potential, which I think is what makes me so irritated with it. There's clearly a set-up for a series, and a kick-ass female exorcist could be a hell of a good central character (pun definitely intended). The story, though, is just a vehicle to push what amounts to fundamentalist Christianity, complete with a special-effects-laden conversion scene worthy of The Exorcist.
I gave it two stars purely because the writing is better than most of these sort of books. Believe me, I gritted my teeth in doing so.
June 22, 2012
No Accident: Intense and fast, June 10, 2012
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: THE ACCIDENTAL EXORCIST (Kindle Edition)
This story hits you like a fastball and, just as quickly, is done. Satisfying? Yes, but certainly leaving me wanting to read more from this author. From the very first line to the last, I enjoyed the clean, crisp writing, the fast pace, the lively characters and situations. The dialogue was snappy, the action well-paced. Although a bit formulaic and, thus, predictable, it was nevertheless wholly entertaining--as long as you check your faith at the door and allow some suspension of disbelief. I'll definitely be checking out some of his other "Accidental" tales.
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: THE ACCIDENTAL EXORCIST (Kindle Edition)
This story hits you like a fastball and, just as quickly, is done. Satisfying? Yes, but certainly leaving me wanting to read more from this author. From the very first line to the last, I enjoyed the clean, crisp writing, the fast pace, the lively characters and situations. The dialogue was snappy, the action well-paced. Although a bit formulaic and, thus, predictable, it was nevertheless wholly entertaining--as long as you check your faith at the door and allow some suspension of disbelief. I'll definitely be checking out some of his other "Accidental" tales.
February 6, 2013
Loved it! The story grabbed me from the first word and wouldn't let me go (no pun...lol) !
September 16, 2014
Found this quite good i dont understand the negative reviews I really liked it will definitely read this author again :)
June 1, 2020
Good Short Story
This was a really good short story. I think this would have been a great novel. Faith and perseverance can help anyone overcome things if they believe they can.
This was a really good short story. I think this would have been a great novel. Faith and perseverance can help anyone overcome things if they believe they can.
June 2, 2016
It was not as good as I thought, though the title looked promising.
All the action comes in the last chapter.
First three chapters were boring(It had only five chapters)
I picked it up to pass waiting time,and read first four chapters.
I think the last chapter could be a stand alone.
2 stars.
All the action comes in the last chapter.
First three chapters were boring(It had only five chapters)
I picked it up to pass waiting time,and read first four chapters.
I think the last chapter could be a stand alone.
2 stars.
March 25, 2023
Oh, the bitter sweet feelings after finishing a great short story. While great in its own rights, it also leaves you wanting more. Such is my feelings for The Accidental Exorcist by Joshua Graham.
The story follows psychiatrist Abby Lee, and her sudden obsession over a recent patient, Cheryl Morgan. Abby's job is to interview Cheryl to determine if she is mentally fit to stand trial for the murder of her children. This was Abby's job, something she had done countless times before, but this time, something was just different with Cheryl.
That initial interview left Abby with a strange questioning and uneasiness that she could not let go of, so she started researching the woman more in depth in her own time, and any related or similar cases she could find. This took a staggering mental toll on Abby, to the point that her doctor forces her to take at least a week off work.
Abby complies, or at least tries to. But the constant ringing of her phone from a block number will not allow her to relax. She reluctantly answers, only to find a frantic priest on the other end of the line, saying Cheryl Morgan is asking for her.
There you go. You're all set up for the rest of the story. It should be pretty obvious where it goes from there just by the title.
For what it was, this short story was extremely gripping. There was some pretty good fleshing out of Abby's character; as much as can be done in a short story anyway.
Online reviews tend to rate it kind of low due to what they call "Christian vibes". Well, no shit, Karen. What other kind of vibes would an exorcism story have in it? "You know, that romance book would have been really great, but all that kissing just ruined it." "What's up with all these ghosts in that ghost story?" Hey, I commend you for stepping out of your normal genres and reading something you're obviously not used to, but don't slam something you don't understand.
Now, back to The Accidental Exorcist. Was it good? Yes, absolutely. Does it borrow a lot from William Peter Blatty's "The Exorcist"? Um, yeah. What exorcism story doesn't? That's the godfather of them all.
Cons other than it being short? Well, know what you're buying. One thing that irked me is that it is marketed as a novella, but the story itself is only half the book. The second half of the book is advertising and sample chapters from the writer's other works. I read this on Kindle, and when I reached the end of the story, it only showed 56% done. If I'm completely honest, I did feel kind of cheated with that. If you can catch it during a free promo, jump at the chance.
The story itself was really engaging though. If this has been part of a collection of stories or a short prequel to a full book or series, I'd definitely continue on.
The story follows psychiatrist Abby Lee, and her sudden obsession over a recent patient, Cheryl Morgan. Abby's job is to interview Cheryl to determine if she is mentally fit to stand trial for the murder of her children. This was Abby's job, something she had done countless times before, but this time, something was just different with Cheryl.
That initial interview left Abby with a strange questioning and uneasiness that she could not let go of, so she started researching the woman more in depth in her own time, and any related or similar cases she could find. This took a staggering mental toll on Abby, to the point that her doctor forces her to take at least a week off work.
Abby complies, or at least tries to. But the constant ringing of her phone from a block number will not allow her to relax. She reluctantly answers, only to find a frantic priest on the other end of the line, saying Cheryl Morgan is asking for her.
There you go. You're all set up for the rest of the story. It should be pretty obvious where it goes from there just by the title.
For what it was, this short story was extremely gripping. There was some pretty good fleshing out of Abby's character; as much as can be done in a short story anyway.
Online reviews tend to rate it kind of low due to what they call "Christian vibes". Well, no shit, Karen. What other kind of vibes would an exorcism story have in it? "You know, that romance book would have been really great, but all that kissing just ruined it." "What's up with all these ghosts in that ghost story?" Hey, I commend you for stepping out of your normal genres and reading something you're obviously not used to, but don't slam something you don't understand.
Now, back to The Accidental Exorcist. Was it good? Yes, absolutely. Does it borrow a lot from William Peter Blatty's "The Exorcist"? Um, yeah. What exorcism story doesn't? That's the godfather of them all.
Cons other than it being short? Well, know what you're buying. One thing that irked me is that it is marketed as a novella, but the story itself is only half the book. The second half of the book is advertising and sample chapters from the writer's other works. I read this on Kindle, and when I reached the end of the story, it only showed 56% done. If I'm completely honest, I did feel kind of cheated with that. If you can catch it during a free promo, jump at the chance.
The story itself was really engaging though. If this has been part of a collection of stories or a short prequel to a full book or series, I'd definitely continue on.
April 16, 2025
Puntuación: 2.5 estrellas de 5
Este es uno de esos libros cortos que se hubiera beneficiado mucho de extender la historia al menos unas 100 páginas más.
La historia sigue a Abby, una psiquiatra forense que se encuentra con una mujer llamada Cheryl quien es absuelta de haber asesinado a sus hijos a pesar de exhibir claros síntomas de locura criminal.
Francamente, siento que la historia fue demasiado corta para ser efectiva. Pretende ser profunda en temas de fe, dada la escena clímax del enfrentamiento al mal y las superfluas reflexiones de la protagonista, a la vez que intenta asustar al lector con algunas escenas chocantes.
Sin embargo, nada de esto realmente funciona si no se tiene una base decente desde donde partir. Abby es una protagonista a la que no conocemos casi nada. ¿Quién es ella? ¿Cuál es su relación con la religión? ¿Es una persona de fe? Lamentablemente, el autor no nos da tiempo de conocerla, de conocer sus gustos, creencias o conflictos internos, antes de lanzarla de cabeza a una situación muy obviamente sobrenatural. Lo poco que se nos presenta es demasiado superficial y vago, lo cual evita que el lector se sienta involucrado.
Por otro lado, tampoco conocemos mucho de la poseída, Cheryl Morgan. ¿Quién era ella antes del suceso, a qué se dedicaba, quién era su familia? ¿Qué causó su posesión? ¿Cuál era su posición con respecto a la fe y a la religión antes del inicio de todo? Todas estas son preguntas importantes que el autor se salta y que hubieran hecho mucho para darle profundidad a la historia.
Veo que la historia tiene mucho potencial, pero el resultado me pareció insuficiente y me dejó muy insatisfecha. Una pena.
Este es uno de esos libros cortos que se hubiera beneficiado mucho de extender la historia al menos unas 100 páginas más.
La historia sigue a Abby, una psiquiatra forense que se encuentra con una mujer llamada Cheryl quien es absuelta de haber asesinado a sus hijos a pesar de exhibir claros síntomas de locura criminal.
Francamente, siento que la historia fue demasiado corta para ser efectiva. Pretende ser profunda en temas de fe, dada la escena clímax del enfrentamiento al mal y las superfluas reflexiones de la protagonista, a la vez que intenta asustar al lector con algunas escenas chocantes.
Sin embargo, nada de esto realmente funciona si no se tiene una base decente desde donde partir. Abby es una protagonista a la que no conocemos casi nada. ¿Quién es ella? ¿Cuál es su relación con la religión? ¿Es una persona de fe? Lamentablemente, el autor no nos da tiempo de conocerla, de conocer sus gustos, creencias o conflictos internos, antes de lanzarla de cabeza a una situación muy obviamente sobrenatural. Lo poco que se nos presenta es demasiado superficial y vago, lo cual evita que el lector se sienta involucrado.
Por otro lado, tampoco conocemos mucho de la poseída, Cheryl Morgan. ¿Quién era ella antes del suceso, a qué se dedicaba, quién era su familia? ¿Qué causó su posesión? ¿Cuál era su posición con respecto a la fe y a la religión antes del inicio de todo? Todas estas son preguntas importantes que el autor se salta y que hubieran hecho mucho para darle profundidad a la historia.
Veo que la historia tiene mucho potencial, pero el resultado me pareció insuficiente y me dejó muy insatisfecha. Una pena.
October 12, 2019
Writing an engaging, satisfying short story is notoriously difficult. When it is done well it can be amazing - MR James springs to mind!
Sadly this story came up very short. The idea behind it is great but this just doesn't deliver. It feels incredibly rushed, especially the ending. No suspense is built and the characters are not given enough flesh for the reader to feel connected to them in any way.
As I said - the ending is incredibly rushed, simplistic and rather a let down.
It's a shame that the author didn't use his idea to write a full novel, or even a novella, as it does have the potential to be great.
Sadly this story came up very short. The idea behind it is great but this just doesn't deliver. It feels incredibly rushed, especially the ending. No suspense is built and the characters are not given enough flesh for the reader to feel connected to them in any way.
As I said - the ending is incredibly rushed, simplistic and rather a let down.
It's a shame that the author didn't use his idea to write a full novel, or even a novella, as it does have the potential to be great.
January 23, 2020
A short story about discovering ones own faith or beliefs. Also truly listening to the people around you and making decisions based on what is best for you.
Not my type of story, not much on ones heavy on the power of realigion. Not knocking it and to the ones who have found faith and the strength that comes with that, I am always impressed but it is not what I prefer to read about. I picked this purely on the title.
A fast read and while many will enjoy the story, it is not for me. In this case the fact it is packed into a short story I feel hurts it more for a larger group of readers.
Not my type of story, not much on ones heavy on the power of realigion. Not knocking it and to the ones who have found faith and the strength that comes with that, I am always impressed but it is not what I prefer to read about. I picked this purely on the title.
A fast read and while many will enjoy the story, it is not for me. In this case the fact it is packed into a short story I feel hurts it more for a larger group of readers.
February 6, 2020
Truly exciting and chilling at times.
Unlike some others who reviewed this book, I was not shocked it has a religious theme because IT'S ABOUT AN EXORCISM. Apparently not everyone understands how that works.
I'd classify this as a Christian thriller and I enjoyed reading it.
It is surprisingly short because it turns out the ebook contains a sample chapter of one of the author's other works. I've seen a pattern of that with free ebooks and what seems to be a short novella will end up being a short story bulked up with other material.
Unlike some others who reviewed this book, I was not shocked it has a religious theme because IT'S ABOUT AN EXORCISM. Apparently not everyone understands how that works.
I'd classify this as a Christian thriller and I enjoyed reading it.
It is surprisingly short because it turns out the ebook contains a sample chapter of one of the author's other works. I've seen a pattern of that with free ebooks and what seems to be a short novella will end up being a short story bulked up with other material.
June 28, 2020
Amazing!
For those who fear demons and spirits, this book may not be for you. If you've never watched The Exorcist, this book is not for you. I thoroughly enjoyed this author's ability to write this book with a clarity that you could see in your mind's eye. The battle of good vs evil, God vs Satan if you will. It has always intrigued me that in these stories and movies, the priests have no power and the non clerigical every day people get the revelation. As I was reading, my mind just started quoting scripture. I know I'll be reading more of his books.
For those who fear demons and spirits, this book may not be for you. If you've never watched The Exorcist, this book is not for you. I thoroughly enjoyed this author's ability to write this book with a clarity that you could see in your mind's eye. The battle of good vs evil, God vs Satan if you will. It has always intrigued me that in these stories and movies, the priests have no power and the non clerigical every day people get the revelation. As I was reading, my mind just started quoting scripture. I know I'll be reading more of his books.
December 30, 2017
Flecks of dust floated in the air like pixie dust, when in fact, they were nothing more than dead skin particles.
I had just finished Netflix-bingeing the second season of The Exorcist when I came across this short horror story on my virtual TBR shelf. "Exorcists are cool," I thought, as I quickly became immersed into this fast-paced police thriller about a criminal psychologist who quickly becomes submerged in a paranormal case. A quick page-turner, and recommended.
I had just finished Netflix-bingeing the second season of The Exorcist when I came across this short horror story on my virtual TBR shelf. "Exorcists are cool," I thought, as I quickly became immersed into this fast-paced police thriller about a criminal psychologist who quickly becomes submerged in a paranormal case. A quick page-turner, and recommended.
January 28, 2021
Thin as a razor and nearly as sharp, Graham's economically written novella of diabolic horror is the stuff of nightmares. The main character is extremely likable and reader empathy is high as our heroine gradually discovers she is dealing with something not of this earth. The words fly by and the climax is breathtaking and extremely satisfying. A chiller.
January 31, 2019
I absolutely loved it! It caught my attention right from the start and kept it until the end! I do wish it was a longer book! I want to read more of it- what happens to Abby? Does she end up becoming a part time exorcist? All in all, well done Joshua!
October 23, 2020
Very Powerful & Uplifting Story
The book follows a well-known storyline of faith in Jesus overcoming demonic possession, and one I never tire of. I found this story managed to make that story seem more personal.
For persons of faith, and for doubters, this is a great read.
The book follows a well-known storyline of faith in Jesus overcoming demonic possession, and one I never tire of. I found this story managed to make that story seem more personal.
For persons of faith, and for doubters, this is a great read.
December 21, 2025
While it did have such an impactful message and made my skin crawl, it left me with so many more questions!
I wish that it had been longer and had more depth! Overall, I liked it but I didn’t LOVE it!
I wish that it had been longer and had more depth! Overall, I liked it but I didn’t LOVE it!
September 29, 2017
Intense short read that I somehow felt I'd read before. No reason not to give this book a 5-star rating except that I didn't really love it.
March 27, 2018
a short story, but
if you like to get scared, this is one of the books I recommend. has I few chapters of a couple of his other books.
if you like to get scared, this is one of the books I recommend. has I few chapters of a couple of his other books.
July 12, 2018
Though this book started out a bit slow it really is a great read. The characters are well-developed and the story is exciting up until the very end.
January 16, 2019
The Accidental Exorcist was ok. It’s starts quick & ends quick. No unneeded details at all. It was to the point and had an predictable ending.
September 19, 2019
2.5
It wasnt bad, but in my opinion, a book this short doesnt have the luxury to be so slow. Only by the last third it picked up and then it just ended. If it were longer, it would have been great!
It wasnt bad, but in my opinion, a book this short doesnt have the luxury to be so slow. Only by the last third it picked up and then it just ended. If it were longer, it would have been great!
November 2, 2019
This book will make you think, I hope you have an open mind.
This Forensic Psychiatrist has an unusual person that she has to deal with.
I could not put this book down and read it right away.
This Forensic Psychiatrist has an unusual person that she has to deal with.
I could not put this book down and read it right away.
March 30, 2020
Great book from start to finish. Loved it, gave me the chills
May 19, 2020
Ugh!
June 22, 2022
I could pass on this. It was mediocre, unfortunately.
Read
June 11, 2024Amazing book!
The book is so nicely written! From the start to the finish. Its interesting thrilling and I wish there was more, maybe a series?
The book is so nicely written! From the start to the finish. Its interesting thrilling and I wish there was more, maybe a series?
April 10, 2013
Stories of exorcisms are tough as they will of course all be compared to the godfather of them all The Exorcist. But how can they not? There is little a writer can do to change the angle on this one. There is also the difficulty of religion. Exorcisms in the western world are based in the Catholic faith. It takes a skilled writer to create a nuanced, complex story without falling into the for or against religious argument. Graham either lacks the skill or wanted to take sides here.
William Peter Blatty’s hand is all over this story. Bibles, Jesuit priests, and epileptic fits abound. Graham’s story vanished numerous times to images of Linda Blair and pea soup. There is also a very religious subtext to the story. The protagonist moves from a borderline non-believer to a believer. “She knew everything would work out. She had faith.” Throughout the story, there are repeated references to sin and guilt. I read these as implications that Cheryl (our possessed girl) was inhabited by demons because she had been corrupted by sin. A very medieval concept, particularly considering the stance the Church took toward women in the 1200s (the womb as a vessel for Satan and all that nonsense).
I am still not sure if this is just a ripoff of The Exorcist or one of those religious tracts disguised as a horror story. The message in a bottle concept. Either way, this just did not work for me on any level.
William Peter Blatty’s hand is all over this story. Bibles, Jesuit priests, and epileptic fits abound. Graham’s story vanished numerous times to images of Linda Blair and pea soup. There is also a very religious subtext to the story. The protagonist moves from a borderline non-believer to a believer. “She knew everything would work out. She had faith.” Throughout the story, there are repeated references to sin and guilt. I read these as implications that Cheryl (our possessed girl) was inhabited by demons because she had been corrupted by sin. A very medieval concept, particularly considering the stance the Church took toward women in the 1200s (the womb as a vessel for Satan and all that nonsense).
I am still not sure if this is just a ripoff of The Exorcist or one of those religious tracts disguised as a horror story. The message in a bottle concept. Either way, this just did not work for me on any level.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews