Driven

April 1, 2002
Highly original touches and an impressive flair for atmosphere make this spooky supernatural thriller one that nudges readers to examine spiritual matters while delivering an outstanding level of suspense. Lobster fisherman Karl Dengler is inhabited by the demon Krogan, and partners with other demon-possessed people to commit horrific acts of violence. When Krogan destroys the New York Aquarium's tanks of whales and dolphins, Det. Gavin Pierce's grandfather is one of the spectators killed. In his quest for vengeance, Gavin joins forces with Amy Kirsch, a sassy, drop-dead gorgeous computer hacker who has a homespun "fortune cookie" saying for almost every occasion. Recovering alcoholic Karianne Stordal suffers from her own demon and is commandeered by Krogan to help him commit vehicular homicide. Under hypnosis, she provides clues that help unlock the murders. As Krogan continues his reign of terror, Gavin and Amy turn to a reluctant exorcist–turned–dairy farmer who has been victimized by Krogan in the past. The novel features a skillful mix of passages that entertain and frighten, and the plot is fast-paced and drenched in evil. Although the themes are strongly Christian, this is a solid crossover novel that should appeal to many readers of suspense and paranormal fiction.

May 15, 2002
Krogan is an ancient and evil warrior who exists in the modern world and kills his victims with cars, planes, and boats. When one of his victims is the grandfather of Nassau County homicide detective Gavin Pierce, the detective finds himself investigating a series of strange vehicular accidents instigated by a mysterious driver who is able to magically walk away. The accidents usually leave no other survivors, but Pierce is lucky enough to get testimony from a Norwegian airline stewardess that leads him to a previous victim willing to help in the hunt. He also gets help from Amy Krisch, the sister of one of Krogan's victims, who joins him in the supernatural battle that is the novel's climax. Mainstream crime fiction readers are likely to show little patience with the paranormal elements here, but for fantasy-horror fans or those who don't mind mixing genres, this otherworldly police procedural should have definite appeal. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)