Driven

Gavin Pierce, a homicide detective with the Nassau County Police Department on Long Island, is in hot pursuit of a serial killer. As Pierce's hunt for the unconventional maniac progresses, there is no shortage of clues, evidence...or victims. All of which point to a predator whose expertise is matched only by an unnerving ability to escape capture. With this exciting and spiritual thriller in the vein of Frank Peretti, W.G. Griffiths offers up a chilling tale of one man's desperate fight against an evil that is darker and more violent than any he has encountered before. And when the final curtain is at last raised on this paranormal drama -- the hunter finds himself the hunted.

Highly original touches and an impressive flair for atmosphere make this spooky supernatural thriller one that nudges readers to examine spiritual matters while delivering an outstanding level of suspense. Lobster fisherman Karl Dengler is inhabited by the demon Krogan, and partners with other demon-possessed people to commit horrific acts of violence. When Krogan destroys the New York Aquarium's tanks of whales and dolphins, Det. Gavin Pierce's grandfather is one of the spectators killed. In his quest for vengeance, Gavin joins forces with Amy Kirsch, a sassy, drop-dead gorgeous computer hacker who has a homespun "fortune cookie" saying for almost every occasion. Recovering alcoholic Karianne Stordal suffers from her own demon and is commandeered by Krogan to help him commit vehicular homicide. Under hypnosis, she provides clues that help unlock the murders. As Krogan continues his reign of terror, Gavin and Amy turn to a reluctant exorcist-turned-dairy farmer who has been victimized by Krogan in the past. The novel features a skillful mix of passages that entertain and frighten, and the plot is fast-paced and drenched in evil. Although the themes are strongly Christian, this is a solid crossover novel that should appeal to many readers of suspense and paranormal fiction.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Krogan is an ancient and evil warrior who exists in the modern world and kills his victims with cars, planes, and boats. When one of his victims is the grandfather of Nassau County homicide detective Gavin Pierce, the detective finds himself investigating a series of strange vehicular accidents instigated by a mysterious driver who is able to magically walk away. The accidents usually leave no other survivors, but Pierce is lucky enough to get testimony from a Norwegian airline stewardess that leads him to a previous victim willing to help in the hunt. He also gets help from Amy Krisch, the sister of one of Krogan's victims, who joins him in the supernatural battle that is the novel's climax. Mainstream crime fiction readers are likely to show little patience with the paranormal elements here, but for fantasy-horror fans or those who don't mind mixing genres, this otherworldly police procedural should have definite appeal. Gary Niebuhr
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