Title: Name of the Devil
Author: Andrew Mayne
Series: Jessica Blackwood, #2
Published: July 2015, Bourbon Street Books
Format: ARC Paperback, 432 pages
Source: Publisher via TLC Book Tours
In this
electrifying sequel to the crowd-pleasing thriller Angel Killer,
magician-turned-FBI agent Jessica Blackwood must once again draw on her
past to go up against a brutal murderer desperate for revenge at any
priceAfter playing a pivotal role in the capture of the
Warlock, a seemingly supernatural serial killer—and saving the FBI’s
reputation in the process—agent Jessica Blackwood can no longer ignore
the world she left behind. Formerly a prodigy in a family dynasty of
illusionists, her talent and experience endow her with a unique
understanding of the power and potential of deception, as well as a
knack for knowing when things are not always as they appear to be.When
a church congregation vanishes under mysterious circumstances in rural
Appalachia, the bizarre trail of carnage indicates the Devil’s hand at
work. But Satan can’t be the suspect, so FBI consultant Dr. Ailes and
Jessica’s boss on the Warlock case, Agent Knoll, turn to the ace up
their sleeve: Jessica. She’s convinced that an old cassette tape holds
the key to the mystery, and unraveling the recorded events reveals a
troubling act with far-reaching implications. The evil at work is human,
and Jessica must follow the trail from West Virginia to Mexico, Miami,
and even the hallowed halls of the Vatican.Can she stop a
cold-blooded killer obsessed by a mortal sin—or will she become the next
target in a twisted, diabolical game of hunter and prey…?
My thoughts: I was so excited when I saw that this book was coming on tour – I really enjoyed the first book, Angel Killer, and even had the chance to meet Andrew Mayne last year at BEA! As soon as I finished that book I knew I wanted more, so of course, when I was approached about being on this tour, I jumped at the opportunity…and I wasn’t disappointed!!!
This is a series that I just can’t seem to get enough of…I devoured the first book and devoured this one as well. Once I started reading it, I found I just couldn’t put the book down, as I became completely wrapped up in what was going on…and then there were the chapter endings – it was like mini-cliffhangers. How could you stop after reading when something big is revealed or hinted at? I kept saying to myself – just one more chapter and then I’ll go do so and so, but I could not put the book down.
Then there’s Jessica. I really like her character and felt that we really get a better sense of her in this book. I loved how there were some chapters that went back into her past and how that tied in to how she did her job, how she handles cases today. There isn’t too much magic in this book, but there is some and Jessica does once again explain her thought processes when it comes to relying on her magician background in her current profession as an FBI agent – this I absolutely love and I think this only enhances the story!
Once again Damien is involved and I still can’t put my finger on what is really going on between him and Jessica. He’s quite the mystery, though he does seem to have connections all over. And then there’s Max. Damien introduces him to Jessica as a valuable resource and boy oh boy, is it scary all the data he has at his fingertips. I sure hope we haven’t seen the last of him!
This series is definitely going down as one of my must-reads…it’s not really my typical read in the fact that I don’t usually read anything having to do with magic, but I really like this series. I like the psychological aspect of it and I really enjoy Andrew Mayne’s writing style, so consider this reader hooked!!!
Books in this series:
1. Angel Killer
1.5 Fire in the Sky
2. Name of the Devil
About the author: Andrew Mayne is the star of A&E’s magic reality show Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne, and has worked for David Copperfield, Penn & Teller, and David Blaine. He lives in Los Angeles.
Authors Links:
To see who else is participating in Andrew Mayne’s Name of the Devil tour, click here.
I am really interested in these books. Such a unique background for the characters – at least in my reading experience. And to get in on a series at the beginning is a big plus for me. LOL
It's a fun series…and I just found out about the short story – it's free on Amazon. Haven't read it yet, but got it last night. Let me know when you start the series – curious to know what you think!
I'm glad you enjoyed this book so much, Kristin. It sounds like an excellent sequel. My own reading has been scant this summer, but I hope to read more soon.
I really like the magic part of the background – it adds something a bit different to this series.
Thanks for being a part of the tour!
That's a very cool concept. I'll have to look for this series.