The Devil Finds Work

A Case for Cannon #2

by Michael Delving

Dave Cannon, amiable young American dealer in rare books and manuscripts, comes to the serene English village of Bartonbury, only to be drawn into a strange and baffling mystery, which ends with a murder in the village church.

Genres: Horror

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

About the author

A pseudonym used by Jay Williams

Reviews

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gloriously funny tale, Delving has a unique and charming voice which he brings to every page of this novel. The story follows two Americans as they trundle around an English country village, getting embroiled with the banalities of home-made wine clubs, darts competitions, antique thefts, church desecrations, demonic rituals, murder... many of the normal things you would expect in 1970. The characters are all hilarious and crack out witty idioms at every opportunity. The mystery is exciting with a few twists. And the setting is perfect for a summer read. Five stars.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I put this on my to-read list, but I found it on ebay and bought it. A tepid but readable Satansploitation adventure. A lot of casual racial stereotypes accompanied with lecturing others on not doing the same. And homophobia that has nothing to do with anything but still sneaks in. The villain is a Crowley stand-in. The absent-minded aunt was a charming and underused character.