I enjoy the peculiar crime series by this author so I thought I'd give this book a try. I was somewhat disappointed. It seemed as if the protagonist just continually goes in circles. Performing the same actions, expecting different results. There are multiple scenes that conflict with earlier scenes. They slept fully clothed but later he gets dressed? What? Again, I was disappointed in this story.

I love the Bryant and May books, so I had hoped for a witty and interesting read. Instead this is a very straightforward and predictable take on the Faust myth. Well written, but somehow I didn't find it challenging or captivating.
Does Spanky- a devil- really exist or is he all in the heroes mind...Oh look, he's been seen by someone else so he is real. End of ambiguity.

I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley and Random House Publishing Hydra. Thank you.

One of my favorite authors of mystery novels is Christopher Fowler. When I saw he had written some horror stories I was intrigued and wanted to try one. Actually I read Roofworld also, but that's for another review. Interesting information was revealed early on when I found this book was originally published in 1994 and when I read the Introduction by Fowler. It was a revelation to see how his experiences with this novel ultimately led to him writing the hugely successful Bryant & May mysteries. I enjoy reading a horror story every once in a while and I definitely enjoyed reading this one, but after realizing how close readers came to being deprived of the Bryant & May books I can't help but be glad things didn't turn out so well for Spanky.

Right away the reader can see that this novel will be filled with black humor with the most obvious example being the name of this daemon, Spanky. Spanky assures Martyn Ross that he is a daemon, not a demon, with the difference being that Spanky wants to be Martyn's muse. He even gives examples of famous people down through history who have allowed their muse to give them a little hand up to utilize their genius. Martyn Ross would never be described as a genius of anything but he is a plodder and he wants desperately to change his life because he is discontented with it all. The only thing he has going for him is his understated attractiveness but he is smart enough to tell Spanky that he will not trade his soul in exchange for having a muse who can give him all the best in life. Spanky is quick to assure Martyn that he isn't interested in Martyn's soul.

This was quite a good read even though it took a full 50% of the book for Martyn to wake up and smell the daemon. Once the blinkers were off, though, the author definitely delivered a worthwhile addition to the horror genre. This story didn't give me shivers down my spine. It also didn't make me afraid to turn the lights off when I went to bed. I found it to be more engaging my attention to find out how Fowler was going to end the situation Martyn found himself in. I wasn't sure up until the final moment what was going to happen and I count that as a worthy accomplishment by an author.

Oodles of fun to be had with this Faustian tale. I binge read it in one evening. Fowler has never disappointed, at least his earlier genre works and this one is no exception. Tough to find books, so it was very exciting to see a new digital release on Netgalley. Not merely a sell your soul to the devil thing, this is an elaborate is he or isn't he sane, daemon possession psychological trip of a story with some clever social commentary thrown in for good measure. Temptation has always been a tricky one and Martyn is just the sort of aimless lackluster young man to give into all a charming demon named Spanky can offer...sartorial perfection, opportunities, sex, money, success. All sounds too good to be free and, of course, it is. And the price turns out much to steep. Then the games begin. Fast paced, very entertaining, despite the somewhat protracted second act, darkly humorous at times, graphically violent at times enough to please even the seasoned genre fans, this one is a really wild ride. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.