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The Knowing #1

The Knowing

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Sorceress of psychological suspense, Ninie Hammon, brings you the first book in The Knowing Saga , a sprawling tale of spiritual warfare that spans a quarter of a century. If you crave sleep-with-the-lights-on suspense coupled with characters so true they'll feel like family, The Knowing will open a world you won't want to believe is real. But it is . It starts with a school shooting...
It ends with the return of an evil as ancient as the bones of the universe.
When the hot call comes over the radio: "Code Red! Active shooter at Carlisle Elementary School," Police Sergeant Jack Carpenter has only one job: find the gunman; take him out. Carpenter rushes into the school, fully armed and focused on cold, hard reality. But what happens to him there shatters the world as he knew it. And in the next three days, everything Jack Carpenter believes about himself, about reality, about good and evil and the whole nature of the universe will be challenged.
Can it possibly be true- seriously? -that invisible demons prowl among us?
That a winged creature more horrifying than any Hollywood-animated, computer-generated, mechanical unreality, exist?
And that the single-minded mission of the beast-a creation of absolute, soul-less evil-is to kill Jack Carpenter? That's crazy! Fairy-tale-science-fiction-horror-movie-bogeyman crap!
Bottom line: it flat-out cannot possibly be true.
But it is.
Award-winning journalist and suspense author Ninie Hammon has created a terrifyingly real world where the people fighting to defeat invisible monsters from the bowels of hell are folks you might bump carts with in the grocery store. People so ordinary, in fact, that when the unexplainable rips apart their lives, when demons destroy their reputations and attack their children, you begin to wonder if the same thing could happen to you, too.
If you enjoy a fast-paced, suspense-filled story so gripping you'll decide the dirty dishes aren't going anywhere and the car will survive one more day without an oil change, The Knowing is the book for you.

414 pages, Paperback

First published November 9, 2015

700 people are currently reading
789 people want to read

About the author

Ninie Hammon

48 books240 followers
I was born in Socorro, New Mexico, sometime shortly after the earth cooled off. It’s clear that from the outset my parents never intended for me to amount to anything. How could I? With a name like “Ninie?” Please.

Fame and fortune do not come to people named Ninie Bovell (My maiden name.) Gabriella Bovary? You could work with that. Even something as pedestrian as Madeline Bovell or Rebecca Bovell or (though you’d lose points here for lack of originality) Elizabeth Bovell. But Ninie? I never had a chance.

If I sound a mite hostile, bear in mind that in one decisive stroke my parents sentenced their precious newborn daughter to a lifetime of explanations that began my first day at Muleshoe Elementary School. (Yeah, Muleshoe. The hits just keep on coming.) After a painful week, I had a rap down that I still use today:

“No, it’s not Ninnie like skinny and penny. It’s Ninie—rhymes with tiny and shiny. 9e…get it? And no, it doesn’t mean anything, it isn’t short for anything, long for anything, or a substitute for anything. It just is. (Pause here for the inevitable ‘Why?’) You got me, pal, I couldn’t tell you.”

I grew up in Texas, got a BA in English and theatre from Texas Tech University and snagged a job as a newspaper reporter. Didn't know a thing about journalism, but my editor said if I could write he could teach me the rest of it and if I couldn't write the rest of it didn't matter. I hung in there for a 25-year career as a journalist. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, but as soon as I figured out that making up the facts was a whole lot more fun than reporting them, I never looked back.

Now, I write suspense--every flavor except pistachio: psychological suspense, inspirational suspense, suspense thrillers, paranormal suspense, suspense mysteries.

In every book I write I try to keep this promise to Loyal Reader: I will tell you a story in a distinctive voice you'll always recognize, about people as ordinary as you are--people who have been slammed by something they didn’t sign on for, and now they must fight for their lives. Then smack in the middle of their everyday worlds, those people encounter the unexplainable--and it's always the game-changer."


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5 stars
607 (49%)
4 stars
347 (28%)
3 stars
191 (15%)
2 stars
54 (4%)
1 star
24 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,395 reviews80 followers
August 21, 2022
This is a 4.5 star read.

The first book in a trilogy on the epic fight between good and evil, demons and angels. I was completely drawn into the story of two men, seemingly unknown to each other, whose lives become intertwined in the aftermath of a bizarre school shooting. While trying to figure out why it happened the way it did, we are given insights via flashbacks to three children fighting a demonic entity one summer in the mid 80's and how the fight of a lifetime seems to have come full circle. While obviously religious belief plays a large part in the tale it never feels shoved down your throat and I'd be hesitant to label this Christian fiction as such.
An action packed, at times devastatingly heartbreaking, saga that leaves you holding your breath as to what will happen next. Highly recommended for those that love the Angels/Demons, Good/Evil genre with a foot firmly placed in the reality of today's world.
Profile Image for Nikki.
39 reviews4 followers
June 25, 2016
Can't put this one down!

This is a sit on the seat of your pants type of book. I'll admit there's a bit too much filler for my liking, however, if some weren't there, you might have a heart attack from the suspense. Jack, Theresa, Daniel & Andi are an offbeat group of people fighting the ultimate battle of good vs. evil. Ninie Hammon has created an amazing set of characters who are facing actual demons sent by a Prince of Hell. I'm really looking forward to the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Mark Tilbury.
Author 27 books279 followers
May 9, 2016
This is a different genre of book to a previous novel that I've read by this author and I was interested to see how her writing of paranormal suspense (this book) compared to her thriller Sudan, which I'd enjoyed.

Good vs evil is the predominant theme of this book. The two male lead characters have to search their pasts (part of which seems to have been wiped away) to find information after a school shooting and sightings of a demon.

The paranormal element of the story is well done and I really liked the authors way of describing what was seen and felt when demons appeared. The characters combined to create an interesting mix of personalities where conflicts of interest added a little something extra to the main plot.

The writing is dark and foreboding and had me thinking about spirituality on more than one occasion. If there was an Amazon category of Paranormal psychological thriller, then this book should go in it. This is a great read and I'll be keeping an eye out for book 2.
17 reviews
June 30, 2016
Very reminiscent of Stephen King

If you like the works of Stephen King, then this book is for you. The writing has a wonderful flow and is definitely a page turner. The characters are believable and Ms. Hammon's style of writing and storytelling is certainly engaging Looking forward to reading book two to see how the story continues.
Profile Image for Ramona Lazar.
227 reviews10 followers
January 2, 2016
A real , excellent book. It had nightmares while reading it...
Profile Image for Jenniferk.
54 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2016
Very engaging and suspenseful

I really enjoyed this story and will pick up the next one to continue the series. Good character development and relationships within the book are compelling.
12 reviews
March 14, 2017
I literally read for 10 hours straight. WOW!

This is yet another amazing example of 9e's ability to continue writing books that are seamlessly woven with spirituality, action, emotion, comedy, and characters who you feel you know personally. This book is absolutely amazing and 5 stars does not do it justice it needs much more. The author is also so personal with fans that she has answered several of my emails, who does that? 9e, you are incredibly talented and I am grateful for your gift, thank you.
Profile Image for Jo.
233 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2015
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I need to start this review by stating that I am not a fan of paranormal stories. I handle small amounts in books but do not like books that revolve around it. That said this book was so well written that I was happy reading it the whole way through & I wanted to know what happened at the end. I also want to read the next one in the series. This isn't my favourite book of Ninie's however it is still a really good read, and probably more so if you like paranormal things
Profile Image for Cristina Trowbridge.
576 reviews7 followers
June 23, 2016
Not my favorite...

Although I consider myself to be a big fan of Ninie's other books, I really didn't enjoy this one very much. I found the conversations/dialog to be awkward and some major holes in the plot. Granted, some of those holes may be filled in the subsequent books in this series, but I'm honestly not sure I'll get too those. I think I'd rather read some of her other works instead.
Profile Image for Cathy.
47 reviews
August 16, 2016
Nothing to scare you here.

I skimmed the last 3 chapters to be honest. It took so long to pull to the point of the book that I just got bored. And it ended as I expected. Granted that I am hard to please when it comes to horror, I don't think I'm being too snooty by saying that the demons weren't very scary and I just couldn't get into the plot. Sorry, if you are looking to be scared out of your boots this isn't the book that will do it.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Hunt.
26 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2017
Knowing excitement

Hammond has spun a tale that kept me riveted until the end. Looking forward to reading the next one. A must read!
Profile Image for Lorena J Jacobs.
9 reviews
August 28, 2017
Disappointed in her new genre

I have been an avid fan of Ninie Hammond every since I read Five Days in May. I love her plots, her characters and the way their lives interact, and the way she keeps a story moving from page one. I especially love her inclusion of spirituality into each story line and conclusion. However, this new line of demon possession and brutality does nothing for me. It took me forever to finish this book as I was just not drawn to that level of excitement to see how it ended. I used to love Stephen King in his early days until he started going off the deep end. I seldom read him now. I'm sure I will not continue with this trilogy of Ms. Hammonds.
Profile Image for Darcysmom.
1,513 reviews
October 9, 2017
The Knowing started out really strong. The suspense was immediate and the set up was very scary. The violence, while truly terrible, was not gratuitous and added to the overall feeling of dread. The character building really worked, as well. About 2/3 through the book the action became mired in details that look like they will play out in subsequent volumes of the series. I would have been much more invested in the story if the action had continued at the same pace as in the beginning. Sadly, the end fizzled out some because it was clear what would happen and what would be tackled in the next book.
Profile Image for C.J. Santiago.
478 reviews4 followers
May 11, 2019
Must read....

Anyone who likes Stephen Kings writing will love this book. It has basic good versus evil twisted up in a fabulous story. I don't necessarily like the language toward black people, but understand that this is a work of fiction. Jack, Daniel, Emily, Becca and Andi and of course Theresa, have fascinating roles in this book. They are the barriers that keep the evil from moving in. Six young boys are possessed by monsters, and although Daniel and Jack don't remember that summer, somehow, they manage to begin to remember after the gunman went into the school.

I loved this book. I will have to read the next to ensure evil loses.

Read on my friends
5 reviews
November 15, 2017
Really Intriguing!

I wasn't too sure I'd like this book, but I'm happy to say that I couldn't put it down once I started it. This book was really captivating. It really drew you in, and made it so that you couldn't stop reading it. The author did A fabulous job at writing everything so that you felt as though you were right along side the main characters. I'm very eager to read the second book in the series. If you like reading anything to do with the supernatural, good vs. evil, heroism, or possession, you'll love this book!
Profile Image for Christine Lowe.
624 reviews4 followers
February 14, 2018
A Great Read!

This is a great spiritual/supernatural novel. Ninie Hammon ranks up there with Frank Peretti. The prose is rich with descriptions that allowed me to see her characters clearly. The suspense is as good as I've ever read. I liked the beginning enough to buy books 2 and 3 before I finished reading The Knowing. I could go on and tell you about the plot but I enjoy a book much more if things come as a surprise. If you enjoy novels about demons and angels and how they might manifest on earth, you will love this book.
Profile Image for Bonnie Blackledge.
420 reviews28 followers
July 6, 2020
I purchased this book a while back, but never found time to read it. Since then, I have become a huge fan of Ninie's writing and have read many of her other books. When I found out she is getting ready to release the fourth book in this series, I decided it was time to read The Knowing. As with most of Ninie's books, this one sucked me in from the very start. I fell in love with all the main characters - the good ones! - and I'm so excited to know that I will meet them again in the future as I continue to devour the books in this series.
2 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2017
Extremely Riveting. Can't wait to read more.

I loved every part of this book. I have always enjoyed reading suspense & supernatural books. This book kept me riveted from the beginning. Couldn't put it down. Am really looking forward to reading the other two in this series. I would like to find more books written by Ninie Harmon. I will be recommending this book to others that enjoy this type of story.
Profile Image for Big Book Theory.
325 reviews17 followers
July 10, 2017
When I started reading this story it felt a lot like reading a Stephen King novel. I love supernatural thrillers and the story was so descriptive that in the beginning, in the classroom, it felt as if I could not bear the tension anymore. The middle of the story was a little slow, and then the ending was full of action. The author did a good job of writing about different characters in different settings and then the story just melts together in the end. I really enjoyed reading this story!
Profile Image for Julie.
937 reviews8 followers
November 19, 2017
This amazing thriller starts out with a school shooting. And gets worse from there. In a nutshell this is about the battle between good and evil - and the main characters who find themselves in some hellish situations.

This author is like early Stephen King at his finest. I couldn't put the book down! My review does not do it justice; but if you are a King or Koontz fan, I can guarantee you will love it!
13 reviews
March 5, 2018
Yes! Yes! Yes!

I'm so very pleased with this book!!! First off I live in Louisville, Ky and to have the storyline take place in my backyard was just exhilarating!!! I really enjoy when religious characters have a big part in the story and the devil loses. Very climatic from the beginning to the end. I recommend this book to any who lives for action in unexpected places from unexpected characters. Great book!!! Thank you!!!
Profile Image for Che.
11 reviews
July 24, 2018
Powerful and engaging

I love the writing, the suspense and the characters are so alive. Reading this story is more than just picturing the people and their struggles, but like logging into a virtual reality game. Everything is so clear and defined it's like reading in High Def!
Loved it and so anxious to get started on the next book of this trilogy.
So far I have loved reading everything written by Ninie Hammon!!! Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Rebecca Hawkins.
84 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2017
Creepy

As a Christian, I know satan and his devil's are real , but I don't care to read another in this series. It did remind me that hell and the lake of fire are in God's word and that we don't hear that from our pulpits much anymore. God is love but there are eternal consequences for those who don't follow Him.
388 reviews7 followers
January 31, 2018
Chilling Well Written Paranormal

This book has a variety of elements that make an excellent plot really resound with readers. It is full of characters that have a very real feel to them, it is paced beautifully and there is clearly a lot of research done to create this epic story. It is a must read for fans of the paranormal and fiction in general.
Profile Image for Gwendolyn Harris.
24 reviews
February 12, 2018
Not my cup of tea!!!!

I read to 58% and could no longer stand it. Reminds of really really racist times and it was a turn off for me. I realize or at least hope it is the imagination of the author. No thanks! This is just my view on this particular story. I did not want to star this book but had no choice!😢
Profile Image for Christine Bishop.
523 reviews
April 24, 2019
Great Story!!

The Knowing is a book about good vs evil. Two men and one little girl must fight off demons in the ancient war of angels fighting demons.
The Knowing tells the story of Daniel Burke and Jack Carpenter as they try to regain their memories from the summer of 1985 and the reason they lost them in the first place.
Profile Image for Sharon.
278 reviews
June 10, 2020
completely mesmerizing. Nine Hammon is an extraordinary storyteller! From the first few paragraphs, she grabs your attention, shirt collar, arm, brain....you get the drift, and doesn't let go! You willingly jump into the world her multifaceted characters inhabit and remain with them until the last page - and beyond because there are two more books to follow! Masterful, simply masterful!
Profile Image for Sharon.
104 reviews
June 6, 2021
Intense

Hammon's descriptive writing draws the reader in. Time and again, I stopped to reread phrases so full of detail that a perfect picture of the action was planted in my mind. The characters are diverse and realistic, and the supernatural aspects of the plot are completely believable.
4 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2017
Nail biting suspense

Interesting, full of adventure, intrigue and suspense. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like a very entertaining story that is more than it seems.
124 reviews
June 29, 2017
Unusual

Demons!!! Not really my thing, but found this a really gripping tale and have been unable to put it down. Didn't think I would be purchasing the other books in the series but can't wait to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews

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