Azazel’s Public House

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

“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

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 (critter-chick) named Gina, who Pete laughs off as a pushover. But when Gina and Pete collide, all hell’s going to really break loose.

The concepts central to Azazel’s Public House, of physical and psychic violations of one’s brain, align with my professional training. I’m a neurosurgeon (one of the characters in Azazel’s is a fairly vile neurosurgeon) who grew up in Staten Island during the time in which the novel is set (1980s).