Sacrilege

Barbara Avon presents a dark narrative centered on Cris Corelli, a wayward priest who abandons his sacred collar to flee town. He boards a midnight train with no clear destination, unaware that Satan is following him through the shadows. This pursuit leads him to an unassuming boarding house managed by Jules, a beautiful but tortured woman harboring her own secrets. These secrets echo in the mind, persisting despite screams meant to drown them out. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Thanksgiving Day in 1985. A senseless act of violence bonds Cris and Jules, bringing their small town to its knees. In the aftermath, they indulge in drugs and alcohol to numb their pain, teetering on the edge of darkness together. The narrative explores the psychological toll of trauma and the lingering presence of evil. It draws on gothic traditions where the monster is not beneath the bed but within the mirror, choking on bile to suppress vile thoughts. This work suits readers who appreciate character-driven horror focused on internal demons and supernatural dread. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or clear resolutions, as the tone remains heavy with psychological weight. Avon’s prose captures the visceral nature of guilt and fear. The connection between the priest and the boarding house resident is forged through shared trauma rather than romance. The presence of Satan is a constant, lurking threat that defines their existence. The story does not offer escape but rather immersion into a world where darkness is inescapable.