Lizzie Brown would make anyone who thinks they’re well put together look disorganized. She doesn’t go to the grocery store without a pre-typed shopping list, and she has timed directions on a sheet of paper in hand to go to her 30th birthday dinner party even though she’s eaten at the restaurant before. So when a grandmother she didn’t know she had, shows up on a pink motorcycle to tell her she’s a demon slayer and a demon springs forth from her toilet, to say she’s thrown for a loop would be a monumental understatement.  

She tries to resist, but Grandma Gertie drags her and her Jack Russell terrier, Pirate, on a demon-slaying adventure where she meets a coven of witches, a pack of werewolves and an oh-so-sexy man named Dimitri. Did I mention he’s also a griffin? But then her grandma gets kidnapped by a fifth-level demon, and she’s told she’s the only one who can rescue her. 

Angie Fox has written a rollicking fun adventure with THE ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER. She has created a wonderful character with the obsessively organized Lizzie who has to learn to let go if she is to succeed at her mission. She resists all the way, giving up on such intense organization can’t be easy on a girl. I found many of her predicaments and reactions laugh-out-loud funny, and Fox has a talent for description although some of the items sound none too pleasant. A spell trap consists of a chocolate bar, some tails of critters and I can’t remember what else.  

Her dialogue sparkles with energy, and the supporting characters are terrifically unique and play their roles well. The relationship between Lizzie and Dimitri has its requisite rough spots, but Lizzie keeps talking about returning to her job at Happy Hands Preschool, and I’m not sure griffins are allowed in class. While a light-hearted read, there is some violence and lessons learned in trusting oneself. If you’re ready for an act-packed, humorous tale, this is a must read. I hope Fox plans to write more because I’m ready to read more.

December 9, 2008