Midwest Book Reviews: Many historical novels are set in either Europe or America, so it's refreshing to discover that The Devil Knows takes place in neither place, but makes the most of 19th century Canada, London, and Jamaica as it explores a pastor's daughter's encounters in the Canadian wilderness.

With its huge cast of characters, ranging from pastor and daughter to First Nation peoples and others, The Devil Knows could easily have proved a complex, challenging read under a less steady hand; but Janet Holt-Johnstone's ability to capture the sights, sounds, and feelings of her characters makes the setting and story line a breeze to absorb.

Canada's pioneer days and their challenges are brought to life in a compelling series of events that transform Susan with a series of adventures driven by circumstance, evolution, and perhaps the Devil himself. As bears and romance both loom on her horizon, Susan finds her place in a changing world that embraces both her growing beauty and her missionary zeal for different cultures and peoples.

The juxtaposition and contrasts between these peoples and their lives drives The Devil Knows and makes for a winning frontier story that offers a number of satisfyingly unexpected twists and carries readers along in a tumultuous atmosphere of change, opportunity, and social inspections. It's a feisty, fun saga that historical novel readers will relish. - Diane Donovan, Editor and Senior Reviewer