Christopher Adam's book 'I Have Demons' is composed of three short novellas that are linked by genre, mood, and over-arching principles - all of which is related in one of the best introductions to a text I have read in recent months. (So good in fact that I rather hope that Mr Adam will put out a book of nonfiction next).

Of the three tales, I found the first, 'An Alpine Lodge Special,' to be the weakest link as it deals too much in cliche'd plot variables - a pensioner looking to assert her independence, an unreliable child failing to visit, a waitress past her prime who suffers a breakdown. If the best tales are those that spring from life, this one seems to rely more on second-hand experience, and doesn't convince.

The titular tale is an improvement, however, and follows a priest and a troubled young man through Ottawa in Canada as they travel to bury the remains of the man's neighbour. Confusion, misdirection, and miscommunication are the order of the day here, but the characters seem more their own and are certainly more memorable.

The final story, "David and Franco," is a darkly humourous tale that pits the naive, idealistic David against the untrustworthy Franco; in attitude David reminded me of Sean Penn's character in 'The Assassination of Richard Nixon."

All in all 'I Have Demons' was a short read, but long enough to convince me that I would happily read more by the author. ( )