My Best Friend's Exorcism: A Novel
From the New York Times best-selling author of The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, this unholy hybrid of Beaches and The Exorcist blends teen angst and unspeakable horrors into a pulse-pounding supernatural thriller. The year is 1988. High school sophomores Abby and Gretchen have been best friends since fourth grade. But after an evening of skinny-dipping goes disastrously wrong, Gretchen begins to act...different. She's moody. She's irritable. And bizarre incidents keep happening whenever she's nearby. Abby's investigation leads her to some startling discoveries--and by the time their story reaches its terrifying conclusion, the fate of Abby and Gretchen will be determined by a single question: Is their friendship powerful enough to beat the devil? Blending pulse-pounding supernatural horror with razor-sharp humor, rich 1980s nostalgia, and deeply authentic emotion, Grady Hendrix delivers a novel that's as heartbreaking as it is terrifying. Every shocking twist is grounded in the powerful bond between two teenage girls determined to protect one another against impossible odds, creating a story that has earned its place as a modern horror favorite.
- A retro possession thriller with unforgettable female protagonists
- Richly evokes the nostalgia of the late 80s through music, fashion, and culture
- Blends emotional depth, humor, suspense, and genuine scares
- Perfect for fans of The Exorcist, Stephen King, and character-driven horror
Become enthralled by a chilling coming-of-age story and discover and unforgettable horror story that proves true friendship can be the strongest force against evil.
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Readers say *My Best Friend’s Exorcism* vividly captures 1980s nostalgia through sharp pop culture references, an era-authentic playlist, and social t...
Grady Hendrix does a great job at discussing serious topics that the world panicked about in the 80s.
This novel comes with its own 80s playlist.
It was creative, funny and original.
The novel provides excellent character development, making them all memorable.
In My Best Friend's Exorcism, Grady teaches us how to summon the demon Andras.
We also learn that the next Halley's Comet is in 2061.
Can't wait to see it! 🌠 🔭
I absolutely loved My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix.
At first, it felt like a fun, slightly campy 1988 throwback. The pop culture references made me laugh and smile, but they also highlighted some of the harsher realities of the time. The attitudes toward the LGBTQ community and the fear surrounding AIDS were frustrating and uncomfortable to read — but in a way that felt honest and true to the era. The way adults dismissed Abby when she tried to ask for help was especially infuriating, and that realism made the story hit even harder.
Yes, this is a supernatural horror novel. And when it finally goes there? It goes HARD. The first half carefully builds the foundation, and then the ending absolutely does not let up. It’s intense, unsettling, and completely gripping.
But underneath the possession, the horror, and the chaos, this is really a story about friendship. About loyalty. About loving someone enough to fight for them when no one else will. And that’s what made it so powerful for me.
This officially takes the top spot as my favorite Grady Hendrix book. I loved it.
This is my second read from Grady and so far I love his writing style. This book gives you major 80s horror movie vibes. I loved the imagery at times it really felt like you were apart of the story. One part in particular gave me goose bumps was the beginning of chapter I would die for you when the demon speaks in tongues. Man it was crazy hearing the voice changes when listing to the audiobook. Great book.
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