"I have the disease of cruelty." is something Dominic Hood (the narrator) confesses to a priest. We (the readers) know this as we've followed his life up to that point. Well, at least the major events of it from when he was 8 anyway. From believing he's witnessed a miracle from a character who assumes an almost mythic status as Dominic ages. Unfortunately he also comes into contact with an unsavoury element and childish games turn dark and the question "You like it, don't you?" will come back to haunt him as he is introduced to sadomasochism after encountering Deborah Black. So a tormented soul ensues, filled with shame from his Catholic upbringing but still relishing the acts he and Deborah delight in. Will he succumb to this darkness or will he turn to the light with the help of the enigmatic exorcist and miracle-worker, Father Ignatius Malone?

This is another novel by Glen Duncan that's hard to classify. Part coming of age drama, part sexual discovery/erotica and part just contemporary literature all thrown in with more than just a dollop of religion and the supernatural. The writing, as I've come to expect from the author, is as fantastic as ever. Managing to create a sympathetic lead character despite the unpleasant things he does is quite an accomplishment but there are some very good relationships formed throughout the tale. Tender moments with his sister, Julia, and childhood friends, Pen and Kelp, abound and offset the darker aspects of the narrative more than enough to have the reader actually care what happens. It's a challenging read which doesn't shy away from the darker edges but is lightened by moments of real fun. Even though I've been a fan of Mr Duncan for a while now I would say that this compares favourably with The Last Werewolf as my top read by him. Unfortunately, I've got no more of his books on the tbr shelves now so am stuck waiting for the next one to be published before reading anything new by him. ( )

About a boy who becomes aware as he grows up that he is sexually aroused by the pain of others. Quite well-written, not very nice. No reason why books should be nice. You could argue that it's a good thing for the world to have books like this one which explore how someone might become a Moors murderer. Nonetheless, not really a beach read. ( )