Pursuit of Demons

Vanished #2

by D.J. Maughan

Young women are disappearing in Budapest at an alarming rate. Where are they going, and who is taking them?

Peter Andrassy, a retired NYC detective, has reluctantly accepted a new position with the human-trafficking task force in Budapest. He returned to Hungary to avoid violent crimes against women, and now finds himself surrounded by them.

He’s at a crossroads when a young woman comes to him begging for help. Her best friend has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. When Zsuzsa, the intoxicating bartender he’s developed feelings for offers to help. He knows he’s walking a dangerous line. Will he put another woman he loves at risk? Can he trust the other members of the task force?

Genres: Audiobook

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2023

Reviews

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Pursuit of Demons” by D. J. Maughan is a gripping thriller that blends mystery, action, and dark secrets. The pacing kept me hooked, and the layers of suspense unfolded in a way that made it impossible to put down. I listened to the audio version and thought it was fantastic—the narration really brought the tension to life. A tense, well-written story that delivers twists and intensity right up to the end.

[Kari Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had my attention right from the start. It is the second book in a series, and better than the first book. I'm a bit disappointed with the ending, however. It ends in a cliffhange! I'm too impatient for that.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exceptional book and series. Just when I think I've figured it out, it twists on me lol. I'm really enjoying this series and hope there is a lot more to come. I really like Peter, and Kovacs is very sly. They may a good team.

Just be forewarned, if you have triggers, this may not be for you.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter is back and this time he’s working as a consultant for the national police. He’s on the trail for the people trafficking ring, but this time things hit a little too close to home!

Another fantastic read!

[Katherine Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant setting, characters and Pace.

As soon as I read the word Budapest, I wanted to read on. I love anything Eastern European, and Prague (just across the river) is one of my favourite places. For me, the descriptions of place set the tone of the book and had me from the get-go. The Budapest and wider Hungarian setting gives the story atmosphere, and that makes it different from other novels. The complex investigation shows the author put a lot of thought into building a grounded world. The writing is clean and accomplished, and I bonded with the characters.

The story introduces some serious subjects, with tense, underground crime and corruption, funded by dirty organisations. For crime fiction set in European locations, and a story with dark themes, this is the series for lovers of a good read.

[Marco D. Martin]

Gripping! Nail biter!

Wow! This book is a page turner. Make sure you get everything you need to do done before starting it because once you start,you won't be able to put it down. Fast paced, great characters and top notch writing

I book I will probably read more than once! Dont miss this one!

[Maxine Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in this series didn't disappoint. DJ Maughan brings alive the characters and makes you feel as if you're in the book too!

[Wendie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliffhanger

I have read other DJ Maughan books before, and even read a Peter Andrazy book later in the series.

Pursuit of Demons has a lot going on that at times is hard to follow. Though it is book 1 in a series, there are several events that occurred prior that are touched upon in this book, so the reader doesn't know if they are important in this story line or if they will come into play in a later book.

I don't know much about Budapest or Hungary, but DJ Maughan's descriptions help illustrate the scene. He also builds the characters well. The fact that the chapters from the main character's perspective arent in 1st person is an interesting choice. The police director's and Peter's boss' chapters are in 1st person....

There are a few cliffhangers, so I'll definitely read book 2 to see if/how they're resolved.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I quickly downloaded it after finishing the first book. This book sucked me in. I couldn’t stop reading it. I fell asleep two nights in a row with my kindle in my hand reading it. This morning I was doing my housework and was reading at the same time. It left off at a perfect start for the next book. I cannot recommend this book enough. Honestly the whole series!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome story that will keep you intrigued, wanting more. Peter is a retired NYC detective. In Budapest he accepted a new job dealing with trafficking of women. Not an easy job, the story takes you on the journey of trying to stop trafficking. Suspense, danger and more to keep you reading.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd in the series.

Book 2 was just as great as book 1! Diving deeper into the sex trafficking, Peter and Lajos begin to feel they can't trust who they're working with.
Near the end of the book my jaw fell on the floor! HOW could you do that?!

[Kari Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. It is very well written, and I love the characters. It has its share of suspense and twists and I definitely didn't want to stop reading. I am very excited to see what the next book has in store for Peter!

This is really a great series. Highly recommend this and all of DJ's books.

[Anna Kaaiakamanu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting mystery. There were so many different aspects and locations and people that I had a hard time keeping it all straight at times. I did enjoy the story and felt that it was a great crime mystery.

[Ida Anak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ending?

Great book . Great story that is well told.
II like how DJ Maughan tells the story but the ending in this second book ... I guess I have to look for book 3 now.

[Ada Iaboni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m liking this series!
A good series from a first time author!
There are some interesting twists and foreshadowing that kept me interested.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book! Really liked all the twists. Excited for the next one.

[Frannie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the Vanished series! Devouring these books!

[Christie Reynolds · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 50 pages. I was gifted this book and really tried, but the writing was so poor I just could not do it anymore!

[Olga Nohra · Rating 1 out of 5]

horrible

Don’t bother. This story does not come to a conclusion in this book. Consider it click bait to buy the following book.