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Practical Demonkeeping, Christopher Moore's first novel, takes us on a rollicking joyride to what becomes the site of many an adventure in his future novels, Pine Cove. This sleepy little tourist town is populated with such characters as Augustus Brine, the owner of a popular shop that sells bait, tackle and fine California wines; Rachael, the homicidal, vegan, aerobic instructing witch; and "Breeze" an aging semi-bald surfer dude. They are all about to be joined by two new visitors, Travis and his constant companion, Catch -- the man-eating demon from Hell.

Travis, who accidentally becomes the forty-year "master" of Catch, is traveling the country trying to find the key to unlocking his distressing and often horrifying relationship with this demon. Catch isn't as high on the hellish food chain as Beelzebub but he's higher than the demon who "leaches the taste of Styrofoam into coffee from the cups."

In coming to Pine Cove, Travis meets Jenny, an about-to-be-divorced waitress, and becomes romantically involved. All of this goes on with Travis not realizing that he and Catch are being stalked by the King of the Djinn, who has been trying to break a curse since the days of King Solomon. Catch and the djinn were both under the control of King Solomon and in a moment of lust, Catch was able to break free but left the djinn stuck with no way to leave Earth.

Manned by a seeming cast of thousands, Travis's pursuits of both Jenny and the incantation that will free him take many an interesting and hilarious turn. With exploding seal bombs, red silk panty-wearing hotel night auditors and English food, this is not your average tourist tale.

Moore gives an early glimpse into a bizarre imagination that has contributed to eleven novels to date and demonstrates why the Denver Post said, "Moore is rapidly becoming the cult author of today, filling a post last held by Kurt Vonnegut." Narrated by Oliver Wyman, a voice that is so familiar but hard to place, gives a "homey" and anecdotal quality to Moore's story. Wyman's various credits include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pokemon and various other anime offerings that are numerous and difficult to pronounce.

Practical Demonkeeping is great fun. With more twist and turns than the California costal highway, Moore's offering is a happy, sick little tale of love, loss and unending friendship that leaves the reader homesick for Pine Cove.

A belly dancing, dyslexic wife and mother who in her spare time works as a library clerk. A full and rich life is lead through the books she listens to and/or reads. Dyslexics Untie!