Peyote Trip has a pretty good gig in the deals department on the fifth floor of Hell. Sure, none of the pens work, the coffee machine has been out of order for a century, and the only drink on offer is Jägermeister, but Pey has a plan—and all he needs is one last member of the Harrison family to sell their soul.

When the Harrisons retreat to the family lake house for the summer, with their daughter Mickey’s precocious new friend, Ruth, in tow, the opportunity Pey has waited a millennium for might finally be in his grasp. And with the help of his charismatic coworker Calamity, he sets a plan in motion.

But things aren’t always as they seem, on Earth or in Hell. And as old secrets and new dangers scrape away at the Harrisons’ shiny surface, revealing the darkness beneath, everyone must face the consequences of their choices.

Sign Here by Claudia Lux is an unexpected twist on the concept of hell and is completely delightful for being so original. The voices of the characters resonate with all the foibles and flaws we all have, helping to build a connection with readers. Beyond the normal twists and turns of a story, this novel builds the story and then everything changes, all your perceptions of the characters, the story and hell spin into something new. The twists in the story are incredible. 

I also love the tongue in cheek style, especially in every encounter we see with Peyote and the denizens of Hell. I didn’t think I’d root for a citizen of Hell but ultimately, it’s impossible not to because he’s so charismatic. I also love that family and love are at the heart of the story.

If you love stories that have an unexpected twist or two, that have a unique concept and a new vision of Hell, I encourage you to read Sign Here. I loved the characters and the story. The humor and themes will wow you.

Rating: 5 out of 5 contracts.