Book Review: Devil On My Trail

Reviewed by Lauren Hayataka

A collision of music and myth leads one musician down a path where riffs and redemption intertwine.

Daniel DiFranco’s Devil on My Trail is a rock and roll fairytale about soul-bartering, cosmic riffs, and the supernatural forces lurking behind music history. The novel’s premise—a guitarist accidentally summoning the Devil by playing a forbidden chord—could have easily fallen into predictability, but DiFranco spins it into an inventive, high-octane adventure that bridges the worlds of rock legends, occult lore, and cosmic mischief.

At the center of the novel is Marc, an aspiring guitarist who, in a moment of reckless playing, unlocks a secret only a handful of rock legends—Jimi Hendrix, Robert Johnson, and even Keith Richards—have ever known: a chord so powerful it calls forth the Devil himself.

A whirlwind adventure follows as Marc scrambles to collect legendary musical artifacts to prepare for the inevitable showdown with Lucifer. By Marc’s side are his pop-culture-obsessed drummer Bollocks, rock journalist Maybelline, the occult expert Tanner, and his ghostly mentor, Keith Richards.

DiFranco sets his stage with equal parts humor, mythology, and music lore, as Marc’s road trip becomes a fantastical journey through the annals of rock history. Armed with a magical guitar, a leather jacket rumored to have belonged to Elvis, and a guitar pick from Johnny Newman, Marc battles personal and literal demons in his attempt to outplay the Devil.

Marc, as a protagonist, is a relatable everyman driven by a lifelong obsession with music. His backstory—losing his parents, finding solace in his Fender Stratocaster, and being raised by an uncle who introduced him to the chaotic world of The Rolling Stones—adds depth and a nostalgic edge to his character. His complicated relationship with music is one of the highlights of the novel. Marc finds freedom in the electric guitar, yet he’s haunted by whether it’s worth risking his soul to pursue artistic greatness—a dilemma that resonates with anyone chasing a dream at all costs.

Keith Richards, who sold his soul years ago for rock immortality, takes on a dual role as mentor and cautionary tale. Richards’ ghost, constantly dropping in with a sardonic quip or cryptic lesson, is one of the novel’s most memorable characters, and his regret for trading his soul adds a poignant undercurrent to the otherwise high-energy plot. The humor in Devil on My Trail is biting and can be sacrilegious, from references to Colonel Sanders being on the Devil’s list of soul-sellers to the running gag that the Devil doesn’t accept Venmo. 

The novel’s pacing is sharp, with DiFranco deftly alternating between Marc’s childhood memories and his present-day, reality-bending quest. The cast of characters is colorful—Maybelline, the African American journalist whose own ambitions lead her to Rolling Stone, and Tanner, a witch whose knowledge of the occult gives Marc a fighting chance.

But it’s the inclusion of music lore that makes the world of Devil on My Trail enthralling for music lovers. From Easter eggs about legendary musicians to an impromptu pilgrimage to the site of Jeff Buckley’s tragic death, the novel is steeped in a reverence for the raw and often surreal power of rock and roll. 

Behind the humor and chaos lies an exploration of deeper themes. DiFranco questions the price of fame, the destructive allure of artistic ambition, and the lengths people will go to leave a legacy. Marc’s internal struggle is mirrored by his journey to reclaim Keith Richards’ soul, adding emotional weight to an otherwise rollicking plot. It’s not just about facing off with the Devil—it’s about the sacrifices made to pursue greatness and whether those sacrifices are worth the cost.

Ultimately, Devil on My Trail celebrates music, myth, and misfits, a fast-paced, irreverent ride through rock history’s most iconic moments and beyond. DiFranco expertly mixes humor, heart, and soul (literally), crafting a novel that’s as rebellious and unpredictable as rock and roll.

For anyone who’s ever obsessed over the legends of music or wondered if there’s more to the chords we strum than meets the ear, Devil on My Trail is a head-banging, thought-provoking trip you won’t want to miss.

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