THE DEVIL'S DREAMCATCHER

This sequel to The Devil’s Intern (2014) sends the familiar characters plus one on a new and crucial mission.

The snarky humor that made the first book a standout is still on display as Mitchell continues his internship in Hell’s accounting office, joined by a new assistant, narrator Medusa. Alfarin, a Viking prince, and Elinor, who died in the Great Fire of London, round out the posse. It seems that someone has stolen a Dreamcatcher used by The Devil to keep his horrifying dreams from destroying the world. It also seems that the thief is Medusa’s stepfather, an abusive monster who has escaped from the worst pit of Hell. Tasked with catching him, Medusa and her friends team up with a group of angels, including Joan of Arc, who pursue the same prey. The two teams have some difficulty getting along, but when they learn just how high the stakes really are, they find ways to work together. Sadly for them but happily for the book, the forces of evil—literally—seem always to be one step ahead. Hosie spools out her marvelous dark humor, making the first half of the book an utter joy to read, although the plot demands more focus on action later. Readers may well wonder why these eminently likable characters have been consigned to Hell, but apparently in some cases it is merely a bureaucratic error.

More splendidly hellish fun.