In Something Wicked, Debi Chestnut takes readers on a journey into the dark side of the paranormal. More specifically, into the demonic side.

This book is part paranormal investigation primer (with detailed explanations of useful terms), part warning about what’s out there and what could happen if you mess with things you’re not trained to deal with, and part illustrative stories of hauntings and demonic encounters (both real and possibly imagined).

The book deals a lot with demons: how demons get in (tip: clean your house), how to recognize the signs of the presence of a demon, details about the Catholic Church and the Rites of Exorcism, how to deal with the aftermath of a demon encounter, and the difference between demonic oppression, repression, and possession are just a few examples. The author also takes great pains to talk about what is not a demonic presence and illustrates with some heart-wrenching stories what can go wrong when novices take matters into their own hands (trigger warning for some kind-of gruesome descriptions of people being beaten and killed because someone suspected them of being possessed – including small children. I honestly teared up at some points.)

I found Something Wicked fascinating and I really came out the other side feeling like I learned something – one of my favorite feelings when I finish a book. I highly recommend this book to lovers of the paranormal and especially fans of ghost hunting and paranormal investigation shows, I almost guarantee it will leave you with a deeper understanding and a deeper appreciation of what you’re seeing out there.

**This book was reviewed via Netgalley**

Chestnut's Something Wicked is an overview of exorcism, that looks at history, forms in other cultures and traditions, what demons are vs other types of 'negative’ entities, levels progressing to full-blown possession, exorcism gone wrong, and the necessity of protection and a few basic types of protection.

This book was pretty straightforward and clearcut. Chestnut is very clear that the novice ghost-hunter should not try to deal with demonic or very dense (read negative) entities, but call on seasoned professionals. She is also clear in that it is believe and faith that helps these methods work. She also stresses the importance of not judging, because each person's reality is different, since our perceptions shape our reality. Sometimes the investigator needs to work within their own paradigm, and at other times, need to work within the mindset of the client/victim.

The cases of exorcism gone wrong horrified me, especially the one of the little autistic boy. I have very little use for organised religion, and when it goes off the rails like this, and in the case of the 'gay’ exorcisms, I despise it all the more. I follow a shamanic path devoted to rune spirits.

Another proofing would not be amiss. There were a few grammar and spelling errors. Also- djinn is plural; djinni is singular. An anachronistic error as well. Multiple Personality Disorder is now Dissociative Identity Disorder. They are not both a thing today.

🎻🎻🎻 Quick, informative read. Recommended for this interested in demonology, exorcisms, or interest in paranormal or occult.