* PREVIEW *
Personal Demons by Gregory Lamberson (2004 Broken Umbrella Press / 253 pp. / Trade Paperback available 2/1/05)
The most impressive thing about this near-perfect novel is the fact it was penned by a first-time author, and rightly deserved the Anubis Award for Horror, which it was awarded.
Personal Demons begins as a standard serial killer yarn, yet before you blink it turns into so much more. Inspired by the biblical story of Cain and Abel, Lamberson has crafted an engrossing story of demons, ghosts, an evil corporation, and genetic tampering. After resigning from the force (for refusing to take a drug test after wasting two burglars while he was on cocaine in the middle of a serial-killing investigation), Detective Jake Helman is offered a dream job as head of security at The Tower International, a huge building in mid-town Manhattan whose owner conducts controversial medical research. Despite the apparent dangers, he is lured in by a $300,000 a year salary and a beautiful on-site apartment. The mysterious owner Nicholas Tower (AKA "Old Nick") hires Jake as his personal bodyguard, and Jake develops an eye for Mr. Tower's personal assistant, the beautiful Kira Thorn.
Jake soon discovers a connection between The Cipher (a name given to the serial killer) and the goings-on at The Tower. When his wife falls victim to the killer, Jake's world turns into a living nightmare...literally...especially when he and his staff are attacked by a vicious demon in a disturbing and brutal confrontation at the Tower's main lobby.
Lamberson has delivered an irresistible, scary, action-packed horror novel full of intrigue and some deep thoughts on life and death. Fans of nail-biting suspense scenes will also be in their glory here. A debut that is beyond impressive, it's safe to say author Lamberson is going places. On a religious note: I usually don't review novels that sensationalize and/or tamper with demons, angels, heaven and hell...but if you're willing to check your biblical theology at the door (I know there are a couple of you out there), Personal Demons is a sure-fire hit for anyone who likes horror on the supernatural side. This is easily one of the best all-around horror novels of 2004.