Satan's Affair
"Satan's Affair" by H.D. Carlton is a dark, gripping novella that serves as a prequel to the popular "Cat and Mouse" series, introducing readers to a twisted world of horror, vengeance, and psychological complexity. Set within the eerie backdrop of a traveling Halloween carnival known as Satan’s Affair, the story follows Sibel, or "Sibby," a young woman with a fractured mind and a deadly mission. The carnival, with its haunted houses, thrilling rides, and festive atmosphere, provides the perfect cover for Sibby’s dark purpose: identifying and eliminating those she deems evil, one execution at a time.
Sibby is a compelling and unhinged protagonist, shaped by a traumatic past. Born into a abusive cult led by her father, she endured horrors that shattered her perception of reality. After witnessing her mother’s suicide and killing her father in an act of desperation, Sibby escapes and finds refuge in Satan’s Affair. There, she lives within the walls of a haunted attraction called the Dollhouse, accompanied by her five "henchmen"—loyal companions who aid her in her bloody crusade and share a polyamorous relationship with her. Her ability to "smell" evil sets her apart, driving her to stalk and slaughter her prey with a chilling blend of childlike glee and ruthless precision.
The narrative unfolds with visceral intensity, blending elements of dark erotica, horror, and psychological thriller. Carlton doesn’t shy away from graphic violence or explicit content, making "Satan’s Affair" a story that demands a strong stomach. Sibby’s kills are brutal and theatrical, often followed by scenes of raw, unapologetic sexuality with her henchmen, reflecting her chaotic inner world. The carnival setting amplifies the macabre tone, evoking a nightmarish blend of Wes Craven and Rob Zombie vibes, as one reader aptly noted.
A pivotal moment occurs when Sibby encounters Zade, a mysterious figure who assists her in dispatching a group of particularly vile men. This scene ties "Satan’s Affair" to the broader "Cat and Mouse" universe, hinting at Zade’s significance in the subsequent books, "Haunting Adeline" and "Hunting Adeline." However, the story takes a sharp turn when Sibby’s actions lead to her capture. After a car accident, she awakens in a mental facility, where she’s diagnosed with schizophrenia. The revelation that her henchmen may be figments of her imagination—a product of her fractured psyche—adds a haunting layer of ambiguity to the tale. Refusing to accept this reality, Sibby clings to her mission, eventually escaping to continue her violent purge.
Carlton’s writing is unapologetically bold, diving deep into themes of trauma, revenge, and moral ambiguity. Sibby’s character oscillates between sympathetic and terrifying, embodying a rare female antihero who revels in her power without hesitation. The novella’s pacing is relentless, its brevity amplifying its impact, though some readers find the epilogue overly long or the content too extreme. Trigger warnings abound—violence, gore, sexual assault, child abuse, and cult trauma are woven into the fabric of the story, making it a polarizing read.
"Satan’s Affair" isn’t for everyone, but for fans of dark fiction, it’s a wild, unforgettable ride. It sets the stage for the "Cat and Mouse" series while standing alone as a twisted exploration of a broken mind seeking justice in a world of shadows. Whether you’re drawn to its unhinged heroine, its carnival of horrors, or its unflinching brutality, this novella leaves an indelible mark—one that lingers long after the final page.
You can buy Satan's Affair by H. D. Carlton with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3Rx05vv
Sibby is a compelling and unhinged protagonist, shaped by a traumatic past. Born into a abusive cult led by her father, she endured horrors that shattered her perception of reality. After witnessing her mother’s suicide and killing her father in an act of desperation, Sibby escapes and finds refuge in Satan’s Affair. There, she lives within the walls of a haunted attraction called the Dollhouse, accompanied by her five "henchmen"—loyal companions who aid her in her bloody crusade and share a polyamorous relationship with her. Her ability to "smell" evil sets her apart, driving her to stalk and slaughter her prey with a chilling blend of childlike glee and ruthless precision.
The narrative unfolds with visceral intensity, blending elements of dark erotica, horror, and psychological thriller. Carlton doesn’t shy away from graphic violence or explicit content, making "Satan’s Affair" a story that demands a strong stomach. Sibby’s kills are brutal and theatrical, often followed by scenes of raw, unapologetic sexuality with her henchmen, reflecting her chaotic inner world. The carnival setting amplifies the macabre tone, evoking a nightmarish blend of Wes Craven and Rob Zombie vibes, as one reader aptly noted.
A pivotal moment occurs when Sibby encounters Zade, a mysterious figure who assists her in dispatching a group of particularly vile men. This scene ties "Satan’s Affair" to the broader "Cat and Mouse" universe, hinting at Zade’s significance in the subsequent books, "Haunting Adeline" and "Hunting Adeline." However, the story takes a sharp turn when Sibby’s actions lead to her capture. After a car accident, she awakens in a mental facility, where she’s diagnosed with schizophrenia. The revelation that her henchmen may be figments of her imagination—a product of her fractured psyche—adds a haunting layer of ambiguity to the tale. Refusing to accept this reality, Sibby clings to her mission, eventually escaping to continue her violent purge.
Carlton’s writing is unapologetically bold, diving deep into themes of trauma, revenge, and moral ambiguity. Sibby’s character oscillates between sympathetic and terrifying, embodying a rare female antihero who revels in her power without hesitation. The novella’s pacing is relentless, its brevity amplifying its impact, though some readers find the epilogue overly long or the content too extreme. Trigger warnings abound—violence, gore, sexual assault, child abuse, and cult trauma are woven into the fabric of the story, making it a polarizing read.
"Satan’s Affair" isn’t for everyone, but for fans of dark fiction, it’s a wild, unforgettable ride. It sets the stage for the "Cat and Mouse" series while standing alone as a twisted exploration of a broken mind seeking justice in a world of shadows. Whether you’re drawn to its unhinged heroine, its carnival of horrors, or its unflinching brutality, this novella leaves an indelible mark—one that lingers long after the final page.
You can buy Satan's Affair by H. D. Carlton with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3Rx05vv
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