Reviews

Technically, it was Ray Russell, not William Peter Blatty, who first brought the Catholic ritual of exorcism to the broad American consciousness. Russell's book predates Blatty's by nine years and the plot lines are so similar that it's hard not to conject that Blatty "borrowed" heavily from Russell's work. Still, it was The Exorcist, not The Case Against Satan, that went on to become a blockbuster American franchise. Is that fair? Russell's rendition is certainly less profane, less obscene, and therefore less sensational. But both are well written, and both are securely anchored in actual catholic doctrines and rituals. If forced to choose, I'd rank TCAS a little higher on my horror scale solely because Russell evoked that same gut-level sense of terror and peril with less devices and contraptions ...but it's a tough call.

marfim's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It shows the human urge to believe in something even tho you can never prove it. When the main character gets face to face with his own logic, all of his beliefs turn against himself. Where's the faith you've gathered all through your life when you most need it? Is that the first time you ever stop to think about it?

ikiefer's review against another edition

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1.0

Not a horror book at all, more like a mass market mystery thriller. Writing was less than average.

Susan was unnecessarily sexualized at so many points it took me out of the story. Maybe a product of the time?

I’m not saying rape and incest shouldn’t be discussed in books, but god was this just incredibly gross and offensive.

Regardless, did not enjoy.

gothmomlite's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars

This is similar in feel and flavor to the film "The Exorcist" but tells a somewhat different story of a Catholic priest who leaves his parish in haste, a teen girl suddenly incapable of stepping inside that parish's church, and the new pastor, and his bishop, who aim to get to the bottom of things. Only "things" seem to include the devil. That noted, it's rather a "cozy horror"--which I enjoy, only I feel like there could've been a bit more to draw out of the story. A quick, entertaining read that I typically need to rest face-down because its freaking cover WIGS ME OUT.

CW for:

Spoiler

talk of parental death, drowning, demonic possession, and sexual abuse