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Demonic possession is one of the lesser-used tricks in the horror writer's trade, since vampires are the boogie critters of choice. But first-time novelist Daryl Gregory tackles the subject with an engrossing story of our world, with demons thrown in. Pandemonium follows one man in the aftermath of a childhood possession.

Del Pierce was 5 years old when the Hellion invaded him. Now in his 20s, a car accident has left him feeling that the demon may have returned. It has been proven that people who've previously been taken are susceptible to a secondary infection.

Del begins a frantic quest to rid himself of the Hellion: one that leads him to science fiction writer Philip K. Dick (himself possessed by an entity called Valis); a cult determined to destroy all demons; and a rather abrasive nun named Sister Mariette. Del's search also will bring him face to face with an unspeakable truth about himself.

This is an extremely well-crafted first novel. Gregory paints the backdrop of his strange world with a deft touch, and he's subtle about leaving clues for what will occur later. Everything combines well in a novel that's difficult to put down, because we're always being drawn to what comes next.

The author also does a good job of making readers empathize with Del. This makes the book's conclusion all the more poignant, and this climax wouldn't work if readers didn't feel so much for the protagonist. The demons also are intriguing: Their origin is a pivotal idea, and one that isn't fully explained, although this mystery doesn't detract from the tale.

Gregory is one of the best new authors I've come across this year. Pandemonium is a compact, well told tale, and I look forward to seeing more from this author.

This review appeared in the Davis Enterprise on October 16, 2008. The book was provided by the publisher.