The Exorcist: A Novel

· Sold by Harper Collins
495 reviews
Ebook
400
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

"A horror story for all midnights." —The Boston Globe

"Read the book. It’s an experience you will never forget."—St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The phenomenal #1 bestseller that inspired the classic motion picture, a landmark of supernatural horror that remains the most terrifying and unforgettable novel ever written.

Originally published in 1971, The Exorcist is a bestselling literary phenomenon and remains one of the most frightening and controversial novels ever written.

Based on true events of a child’s demonic possession in the 1940s, The Exorcist tells the story of eleven-year-old Regan MacNeil and her mother Chris, a famous actress and doting mother. When Regan’s personality unexpectedly shifts and she starts exhibiting disturbing, often violent behavior, her desperate mother is driven to seek help from two Catholic priests, men who will risk everything—including their own souls—in a terrifying rite of exorcism to free the girl from the ancient malevolent force possessing her.

Purposefully raw and profane, this landmark of classic horror still has the extraordinary ability to shock readers and cause them to forget that it is "just a story." More than fifty years after its initial publication, The Exorcist remains a truly unforgettable reading experience.


  • A great read for spooky-season nights
  • A perfect addition to any Halloween reading list
"A horror story for all midnights." —The Boston Globe "Read the book. It’s an experience you will never forget."—St. Louis Post-Dispatch The phenomenal #1 bestseller that inspired the classic motion picture, a landmark of supernatural horror that remains the most terrifying and unforgettable nove...

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Ratings and reviews

495 reviews
Brendan Tolentino
October 31, 2026
Not my absolute favorite novel, but definitely a must-read for horror fans! I learned a surprising amount about the actual mechanics of exorcism—turns out you can't just perform one on the spot; it takes a staggering number of procedures and official approvals. ​ I was also really impressed by how heavily the story leans into psychology, biology, medical science, and character skepticism before reality slowly starts to set in. It adds so much depth to the possession angle. ​ Looking forward to watching the director's cut of the movie someday! Good luck to me! 🤞🙏❤️
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Simon Larsson
April 14, 2021
A pretty great read; though there is some structural weakness, there's the occasional bit of true mastery in writing, and it often makes you stop and think. It's enjoyable to compare to the film, too, but the book trumps the film in depth and character development.
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Jaime Aparicio
December 7, 2018
Having seen the movie first, I didn't realize it was adapted from a novel. After finally reading the book, I must honestly say, I still prefer the movie over the book. The novel still gave me chills when reading the interactions between the demon and Karras but the haunting imagery of the movie still sticks with me to this day. Still an enjoyable read.
15 people found this review helpful
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About the author

William Peter Blatty (1928–2017) was the bestselling author of The Exorcist, which he turned into an Academy Award–winning screenplay. The son of immigrant parents, he was a comic novelist before embarking on a four-decade career as a successful Hollywood writer. Blatty died on January 12, 2017, in Bethesda, Maryland.

William Peter Blatty (1928–2017) was the bestselling author of The Exorcist, which he turned into an Academy Award–winning screenplay. The son of immigrant parents, he was a comic novelist before embarking on a four-decade career as a successful Hollywood writer. Blatty died on January 12, 2017, ...

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