The Devil’s Bag Man

Mansbach’s bloody, terrifying sequel to The Dead Run brings a 500-year-old power struggle to a climax inside the body of Jess Galvan, which he shares with the soul of the evil, homicidal Aztec priest Cucuy. Mansbach skillfully keeps the characterization and language of ancient priests and gods distinct from the modern idiom, so when Mexican prisons, cross-border cartels, modern police investigations, and fatherly concern finally come together with magically beating hearts and armies of undead virgins, the effect of worlds colliding is devastatingly effective. Galvan embodies a fascinating mix of psychological struggle, bravado, and raw brutality, fighting against the demon’s voice inside him while using Cucuy’s superhuman strength to protect those he loves. He singlehandedly shakes up carefully balanced drug wars through pure killing power, and his human struggle and family context make the singlemindedness of his inhuman power all the more horrifying. Mansbach believably builds a scenario for the destruction of the world, showing the best and worst of humankind brought to their knees by the power of gods, and leaving the rest of us to tremble. Agent: Richard Abate, Endeavor Agency. (July)