"Even a devil's heart isn't just for beating." 

Autopsy Bliss writes an ad in the newspaper inviting the devil to the town of Brethed. A boy named Sal suddenly shows up claiming he is the devil. Autopsy's son, Fielding, befriends him and welcomes him in his home. Soon, the townspeople start acting weird and strange events occur. Is Sal really who he says he is or is he just an intellectual 13 year old boy? 

I was not prepared for the emotional damage this book caused me 😭 There was SO much going on; themes of good vs. evil, love, homophobia, racism, and redemption were all present. This book really made me think and feel while exploring these important themes that McDaniel did a wonderful job depicting. 

I loved the narration, how it went back and forth from Fielding in present day as an old man to his childhood and the story of how he met Sal. I liked the fact that there were so many characters, but we got a good glimpse into each of their personalities, intertwining their lives together even when the town was going crazy because of the heat (or the devil). 

This was a beautifully written story from start to finish. A raw, powerful book that kept me captivated throughout. If you haven't read this yet, be prepared for the strong emotions evoked because it will happen 🥲