Book Review: "Practical Demonkeeping" by Christopher Moore

"Practical Demonkeeping", released in 1992, was Christopher Moore's first published novel. Since then, he's released many others, including "Lamb" and "The Stupidest Angel". After reading Practical Demonkeeping, it's easy to see why Moore has gained a loyal following in a world where reading for entertainment is becoming less and less common.

Normally, Pine Cove is a quiet, peaceful small town near Big Sur, California. That all changes the day Travis O'Hearn and his companion arrive. Catch is his companion, a man-eating demon that Travis accidentally summoned up in his youth during World War I. One of the benefits of summoning up random demons from the netherworld is that Travis enjoys eternal youth and immortality. However, Travis detests the fact that Catch must murder innocent civilians regularly. After years of traveling, Travis has come to Pine Cove in the hopes of finally freeing himself from the demon.

Following closely on their heels is Gian Hen Gian, the King of the Djinn and Catch's archenemy. The king enlists the help of local fisherman and convenience store owner, Augustus Brine to bring down the demon. The story ends with most of the characters coming together in a grand showdown on the outskirts of Pine Cove.

While the plot moves quickly enough that it doesn't bore the reader, the odd characters are really what brings the novel to life. In addition to the people and beings mentioned above, there's Rachel, the mostly good witch who moved to Pine Cove to escape her past. Billy Winston, a transvestite motel clerk, plays a small part. Robert, the not very successful photographer, has just been kicked out by his wife and spends his days figuring out how to try to get his wife back and visiting the local bar, Head of the Slug. His nights are spent living in a trailer with The Breeze, a local, small-time drug dealer. Jenny, his soon-to-be ex-wife, waits tables at the local café, owned by H.P., an eccentric old man obsessed with a race of beings that he believes ruled the Earth before man came along. Also seen slinking around town is police detective, Rivera.

Although the story sounds as if it would be a horror-fest, Moore writes in a darkly humorous style and the book is mostly light-hearted. Moore's writing style bears more resemblance to Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett than Stephen King or Clive Barker.

If you're looking for a short, light read, "Practical Demonkeeping" is one of the best I've come across in the humor section and is highly recommended.

9/10 stars