Mister B Gone by Cliver Barker

Spinetinglers Rating - Five Stars

“Burn This Book. Go on. Quickly, while there’s still time.”

“Burn This Book. Go on. Quickly, while there’s still time. Burn it. Don’t look at another word. Did you hear me? Not. One. More. Word.” Jakabok Botch

Trapped in the pages of this book is Jakabok Botch, A.K.A. Mister B, the most fearsome demon ever to be unleashed from the depths of Hell. He abandoned his mother, he killed his father, and he bathes in the blood of infants. So, read this book if you dare, but be careful, because Jakabok may be watching! As you turn every page, he is studying you. He is trying to access your mind, so that he can use you to escape from his papery prison. What’s that noise you hear? It’s not the wind or an old house creaking... It’s Jakabok Botch, and he’s coming to get you... Yeah, right! That’s what Jakabok wants you to think. As demons go, he is a bit of an underachiever. He hasn’t any scary, dark powers. He can’t exhale fire, and he hasn’t the strength of a thousand men. He’s a bit of a bumbler really, and is a bit too lazy to think up some “grand scheme” to destroy the world. But who am I to tell you this? I could be a trickster, trying to lure you in by making light of Jakabok’s awesome hellishness. The only way you’ll ever find out is by reading the book... but remember, you’ve been warned!

I have never read a Clive Barker novel before (I know, and I call myself a horror fan!). I would certainly be a big fan of the movies to which he has contributed. I especially enjoyed Candyman and the Hellraiser series. The aforementioned movies are my only sample of the type of writer Barker is. Based on these movies, I was expecting a very dark, edgy book. Mister B. Gone is not what I expected, but I have to say that I was not in the least bit disappointed. This is especially true when other horror writers are churning out books with only one purpose, to be more shocking than the last. This novel is a refreshing change, as Mister B. Gone is blithesome and full of playful menace that fans of Tim Burton will appreciate.

The prelude to Mister B.Gone is one of the best I have read in years. The principal character, Jakabok Botch, tries his hardest to scare you. And in the opening pages of the book, he almost succeeds. But as you get to know him, you discover a demon who is inept and has not the slightest inclination nor the ambition to cause an apocalypse. Jakobok Botch may not frighten you, but the whimsical style of the book will keep you reading to the very end. Barker’s latest book is witty, subtle, and full of charm. In short, Mister B. Gone is a pleasure to read!