Like Lee Thomas' Stoker-winning novel STAINED and the Denzel Washington film FALLEN, THE DEAD PARADE is another entry into the 'mysterious-demon-possesses-people then uses them to kill' subgenre (I've read many novels the past few years with this basic plot so I guess at this point we can call it its own subgenre).

After one of his best friends commits suicide, James McGee becomes the host for a small (and vicious) African demon (don't ask) who turns him into a murder machine. But among his (near) victims is an ex-con named Elmer who decides to call one of his old cell mates to help him take down the nutjob who nearly killed him. James is hiding out at his girlfriend Debra's secluded cottage, waiting for her to arrive---but his mind's no longer sure if he loves her or wants to butcher her like his growing trail of victims.

As Debra, the two ex-cons, the police and an invisible "dead parade" of James' victims close in along with the "Bakisi" demon, the stage is set for a brutal--although familiar--slash & shoot-a-thon.

If you're a fan of this subgenre you'll probably enjoy Daley's debut novel--if you're not, much of it may seem routine. But regardless, THE DEAD PARADE is fast paced (thanks to the tiny chapters and upbeat prose) and a decent first novel by an author who seems to have a lot of gusto. ( )