The Demon Catchers of Milan

Starred review from July 1, 2012
To the recent crop of strong debuts in an overcrowded literary arena add this series opener, a tale of demonic possession and a centuries-old family trade in exorcism. Life in Mia's loving, if overprotective, Italian-American family is upended when a horrifying demon enters and nearly kills her. After Giuliano Della Torre and his grandson Emilio, long-estranged relatives from Milan, arrive and drive it out, they talk Mia's reluctant parents into letting her return to Italy with them. For her safety, she's sequestered in the family's home and adjacent candle shop. Studying Italian history and language, Mia comes to love her family (including some of its ghosts) and heritage, even the scary bits, but she increasingly resents confinement, longing to explore this rich new world. Cliche-free characters--patriarch Giuliano, his wife Laura, gorgeous Emilio and his sister, Francesca, especially--appear to have lives of their own beyond serving the needs of the plot. The demons themselves are haunting, multifaceted creatures that are both pathetic and extremely dangerous; the evil they project is complex and pain-ridden. Fortunately Mia demonstrates a strong gift for the family trade, which, like the novel's other elements (the food will have readers salivating), is portrayed in exquisite, affectionate detail. This one goes to the head of the class. (Fantasy. 12 & up)

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December 1, 2012

Gr 8 Up-Mia Dellatorri is possessed by a demon. With an opening scene reminiscent of Linda Blair's ordeal in The Exorcist, readers are drawn into this intriguing and unique story. Mia is saved by a pair of long-lost Italian relatives and is subsequently whisked off to Milan for her own safety, where she learns the ancient family trade of demon hunting. She learns about much more than demons-she uncovers plenty of mysteries in her own family history as she discovers the history of Milan. Beyer combines atmosphere, characterization, and plot for a believable demon-infested story, replete with ghosts, a touch of romance, an exotic setting, and history to enrich the narrative. Mia's personal growth matches the intensity of the tale, which will surely be continued in further books, as there are plot threads left dangling. The "girl in a pretty dress" cover does not quite match the mood or quality of the book, but it might attract readers who will be pleasantly surprised to find a supernatural novel with a fresh premise worthy of note.-Angela J. Reynolds, Annapolis Valley Regional Library, Bridgetown, NS, Canada

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2012
Sixteen-year-old Mia Delatorris life changes forever after she is possessed by the demon that has pursued her family for centuries. Forced to hide in Milan with her demon-catcher kin, Mia finds an unexpected destiny. Well-paced and with a plethora of interesting characters, Beyers novel is about family, heritage, and lifes most important choices.

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

May 15, 2012
Grades 7-10 This one starts off with a bang: 16-year-old Mia Delatorri is in her room in New York State when a demon invades her body. Her family, demon fighters for generations, travel from Italy to perform the exorcism before taking her back to Milan, where she'll be more protected. The plot slows down from there, as Mia learns to speak Italian, studies Milanese history, and begins to trust her instincts. She assists on exorcisms, all while trying to remain safe from the demon out to get her. Milan is practically a character here, with its gorgeous Italian men (including a Satanist named Lucifero), fabulous clothes, ancient sites, and strong coffee. Although sometimes slow ( That's the thing about fighting evil. There are a lot of boring parts ) and not quite bone-chilling enough, Beyer's novel sets the stage for a thrilling sequel. By the book's close, Mia is armed and readyshe whispers to the demon lurking beyond, You'll have to wait. But I'm coming. Believe me, I'm coming. Readers will be ready, too.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)