Azazel's Public House

Now an audiobook performed by the incomparable Nancy Dhulipala. I’ll be giving away 50 free audiobook performances of Azazel’s (25 in the USA, 25 in the UK). For a chance to win yours, please message me. Let me know whether you live in the USA or the UK (the audible redemption codes are different) and list 3 books you’ve enjoyed in the last year. Winners will be chosen on February 1st, 2024

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Azazel’s Public House is a dive bar in Staten Island, the New York City borough best known for its mountainous garbage dump, and it's run by Pete, who happens to be a lot more than just the manager.?

Pete’s ever-seeking spirit gallops on the foul stench that wafts from the Dump and torments the good people of Staten Island. But Pete's had his fill of outer-borough provincial life and is gunning for a promotion. To land the new gig, he’s got to impress the man downstairs. He needs a couple of big scores and lucky for him, Staten Island is oozing with potential for evil.

Carl and Anthony, two teenage buddies who share a bond that goes deeper than friendship, deeper even than blood, may be just the ticket. Pete descends upon them in a desolate lot. He orchestrates a depraved act of violence and betrayal, which sends him cruising towards his promotion.?

The only person standing in Pete's way is a skinny teenage misfit named Gina, who Pete laughs off as a pushover. But when Gina and Pete collide, all hell’s going to really break loose.?

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2023 Firebird Book Awards winner in three categories (Paranormal, Horror and Thriller)

Arginteanu’s prose throughout is vivid and colorful, and he keeps his narrative bubbling with interest by filling it with a large cast of well-defined characters… The author does a remarkably skillful job at mixing casual brutalities of life with the uplifting qualities of existence that stubbornly persist… A grim but thoroughly enjoyable tale set amid urban horrors. --Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews has chosen Azazel’s Public House to be featured in its winter magazine as an, ‘Indies Worth Discovering’.?

I've read books about demons living in the bowels of churches, cemetery graves, and the attics of old, crusty homes. But this is the first book I’ve read about a demon running a local bar… What I liked most about this book was Dr. Arginteanu’s creation of vivid characters… believable individuals participating in an unbelievable series of events… Azazel’s Public House is peppered with enough humor to have made me laugh out loud… But this is no comedy… Pete is a nasty piece of work, and he does his best to tempt his unwary prey into a life of evil… Dr. Arginteanu captures the essence of the Staten Island neighborhood during the 1980s. --Online Book Club

Arginteanu is an adept storyteller who aptly describes life in Staten Island in the 1980s and skillfully sucks readers into this dark drama. The characters are believable and multidimensional, but not necessarily likable… the story keeps readers turning the pages. Those looking for an atmospheric horror tale set in the 1980s will find the plot engrossing. --BlueInk Reviews

Azazel ’s Public House is a truly original read which plays with the notions of good and evil, the negative psychic influence of others on our minds, and the personal responsibility we have to fight for good… Arginteanu uses vibrant and immersive language to draw readers into the story… For fans of occult fiction, this book is for you. -- Book Excellence

https://amzn.to/3S50g2b (UK author’s page)

https://amzn.to/3ZvKhLU (USA author’s page)