Unholy Fire

Father John Rafferty is a dedicated priest with only one temptation—the beautiful and troubled young woman he has been counseling. When she is found brutally murdered in his Greenwich Village church, Father Rafferty is forced to face his greatest test of faith … especially when the NYPD uncovers her sexually twisted life. But the terror and scandal continue as the church he loves becomes the site of increasingly violent and sinister acts. Father Rafferty knows he must overcome his personal horror in order to emerge from the devil's shadow … to triumph over Hell's fiendish strength … to unmask a murderer who wears an angel's face. This chilling novel of psychological terror and demonic possession will hold you in thrall as it explores the powerful forces of evil lurking where we least expect them …

From Publishers Weekly

Weak and whining priests fight off a chillingly omnipotent demon in Strieber's often moronic tale of Satanic possession in New York City. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Of all the predators that have stalked Strieber's bestselling horror (Billy, Communion, etc.), none match for sheer exuberant evil the dark star of this resonant novel--a rip-roaring, fire- snorting demon infesting the soul of a Greenwich Village priest. But which priest harbors the demon? Kindly old John Rafferty, beloved pastor of Mary and Joseph church? His young assistant, Frank Bayley? Or ancient Tom Zimmer, mute for five years? A routine question, that, to drive the fast-moving plot, but one fueled by issues of faith and corruption--beginning with the enthralling opening chapters, which find Father John's vow of celibacy teetering under the seductive push of lovely young parishioner Maria Julien. Succumbing to Maria's kisses, John goes to her apartment...and the story leaps hours ahead, with Maria crowing ``The cherry is pitted'' to--Fr. Frank. He too, it seems, is under Maria's spell--and that of her leathers and whips. But that night, a vile, capering, nonsense-spewing entity--seen here, as throughout, in artful half-light--strangles Maria in the church. And over the next days, several more die gruesome deaths--two burned alive--even as the media uncover John's affection for Maria, and as the Holy See, shuddering at the scandal, puts Frank in John's place as pastor. In the meantime, a winsome female cop investigates the killings--and is attacked by the demon in her apartment--while old Fr. Tom shambles about in the wee hours. One priest is roasted, a second is unmasked, and a third must pit his shaky faith against the gibbering demon in an extended showdown that jumps and gyrates with evil energy. Any novel of demonic possession must bear comparison to The Exorcist--and Strieber's holds its own, with brilliantly realized characters, fascinating Church intrigue, and plenty of prose- dazzle, if not quite the shock and slam that made the Blatty so unforgettable. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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