Demonica

This is outstanding.

Finished reading it last night.

Having read most of Davis' work, including The Trapeze Artist and the My Side of the Story duo, I am constantly impressed by how adaptable he is to different literary styles and genres. This is nothing like the others, and very much like one of the most disturbing stories you will read in a long time.

When spoilt eighteen year old Miranda suffers a terrible accident she survives, but her face is hideously scarred.  

Unable to bear what has happened to her, she locks herself away. Her only companions are Veronica, her cruel and beautiful mother, and Nelly, the sympathetic housekeeper.  

As time passes Veronica inflicts cruelty after cruelty on her disfigured daughter. Lonely and filled with despair, Miranda is astonished when Bernard, Veronica’s handsome younger boyfriend, takes an interest in her circumstances.  

For Bernard believes there is an operation that can restore Miranda’s face. But it will involve committing an unspeakable crime. A decision that will haunt her for the rest of her life...  

In the tradition of Angela Carter and Daphne du Maurier, Demonica is a terrifying modern fairy tale. 

Demonica is brilliantly executed. Instantly engaging from the off, and drenched both in blood and poetic prose.

Guaranteed to keep you awake at night.