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The Devil I Know: My Haunting Journey with Ronnie DeFeo and the True Story of the Amityville Murders
In November 1974, 23-year-old Ronnie DeFeo was convicted of murdering his entire family. Decades later, he was haunted by a terrifying demon from his past. But no one wanted to listen. Except one woman.
For years, as the legend of the Amityville Horror murders were retold in print and film, DeFeo withdrew, growing more bitter as his twisted celebrity status increased. Then he received a note from Brooklyn psychic, Jackie Barrett, saying she had been made aware of his presence by an unknown force. She didn't know if he was guilty, innocent, or insane - but she sensed that he was besieged by a fearsome evil.
As Jackie began to talk to Ronnie DeFeo, and discover the truth, she realized something startling: She hadn't been guided toward him merely to help him find salvation. There was someone else whose soul needed saving. Someone much closer.
Here, in her own words, Jackie Barrett reveals the details of her astonishing relationship with Ronnie DeFeo and, for the first time, his revelation of what really happened in that terrible night.
Includes photos.
For years, as the legend of the Amityville Horror murders were retold in print and film, DeFeo withdrew, growing more bitter as his twisted celebrity status increased. Then he received a note from Brooklyn psychic, Jackie Barrett, saying she had been made aware of his presence by an unknown force. She didn't know if he was guilty, innocent, or insane - but she sensed that he was besieged by a fearsome evil.
As Jackie began to talk to Ronnie DeFeo, and discover the truth, she realized something startling: She hadn't been guided toward him merely to help him find salvation. There was someone else whose soul needed saving. Someone much closer.
Here, in her own words, Jackie Barrett reveals the details of her astonishing relationship with Ronnie DeFeo and, for the first time, his revelation of what really happened in that terrible night.
Includes photos.
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2012
24 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Barrett
6 books9 followersFor over Twenty - five years Jackie has been using her unique gift as a psychic medium to help those of all walks of life . Her assistance with NYPD cold case has earned her an honorary badge . Jackie has been featured on tv shows, news papers and radio across the world. June me live every Saturday from 10pm-11pm on my new radio show Beyond The Door .
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 10, 2019
This was an creepy book to me and given the notoriety of the case makes it all the more interesting. The book though was a little drawn out as it not only covered the crime of Ronnie DeFeo it also went through all kinds of crime that Ronnie DeFeo did in his life prior to the murdering of his family. The book also covers the life of the author before she comes into contact with DeFeo, so it made the book longer than it should have been.
The author, Jackie Barrett, being a psychic medium, has dealt with all kinds of entities and paranormal activity. When she starts to interview Ronnie DeFeo by phone to get his story of what happened on 112 Ocean Avenue in Long Island, she starts experiencing demonic manifestations in her home. The demonic entity that possessed Ronnie DeFeo the night that he murdered his family is still with him in prison.
The book goes into detail about how the Amityville Horror was considered a hoax and Ronnie DeFeo explains quite a bit about what happened with the book and the movie. Jackie Barrett delves deep into the mind of Ronnie DeFeo and he tells her everything that happened to him from the time he was young up till after the murder. There is quite a bit of creepy heebie-jeebies feel through most of the book as it goes into detail about the demonic activity.
It makes you wonder that if Ronnie DeFeo was possessed by a demon when he committed the murder of his family, then you would think that the house would contain some of that demonic activity after he killed them making the house haunted. It still is an interesting theory whether it is a hoax or not. Could be possible? Maybe. I am giving the book three stars for keeping me spooked.
The author, Jackie Barrett, being a psychic medium, has dealt with all kinds of entities and paranormal activity. When she starts to interview Ronnie DeFeo by phone to get his story of what happened on 112 Ocean Avenue in Long Island, she starts experiencing demonic manifestations in her home. The demonic entity that possessed Ronnie DeFeo the night that he murdered his family is still with him in prison.
The book goes into detail about how the Amityville Horror was considered a hoax and Ronnie DeFeo explains quite a bit about what happened with the book and the movie. Jackie Barrett delves deep into the mind of Ronnie DeFeo and he tells her everything that happened to him from the time he was young up till after the murder. There is quite a bit of creepy heebie-jeebies feel through most of the book as it goes into detail about the demonic activity.
It makes you wonder that if Ronnie DeFeo was possessed by a demon when he committed the murder of his family, then you would think that the house would contain some of that demonic activity after he killed them making the house haunted. It still is an interesting theory whether it is a hoax or not. Could be possible? Maybe. I am giving the book three stars for keeping me spooked.
December 29, 2012
The sub-heading of this book really sums up what it is all about. But, just to clarify, Ronnie (Butch) DeFeo was accused and convicted of killing his parents and four younger siblings in the early 70's with no explanation given, ever. Until now that is. And the person he told his story to and who wrote the book is a medium and voodoo princess. Hmmm ... interesting, I hear you say. Or are you about to stop reading this review? Please don't! It is actually not as bad as it sounds. Let me explain.
Essentially, this book invites us to enter a world not often presented to outsiders. It is not only the story of and about a mass murderer, but also introduces the reader to the life of the author and how this entire process affects her and her family. Jackie Barrett appears to have lived - and still does - quite an interesting and 'colourful' life and ancestry. Not only was she born into and grew up with voodoo in her life - the healing and helping kind, not the mythical 'making zombie' kind! - but, being an exceptionally gifted medium, she also works closely with police and one homicide detective in particular, having helped solve quite a number of missing and murder cases.
As for the subject matter at hand, the essence of the story told presents itself as that the house is/was haunted and thus affected its occupants, and it was this fact that brought Jackie and Ronnie together. They were both fighting evil - as in the devil / Lucifer kind - for decades and needed to help one another dealing with and healing from their past. And while I do agree that they both needed to come to terms with and accept what happened to and around them, I am not sure I buy into having to fight actual entities to do so. However, this is an interesting story on many levels, giving the reader insight into both worlds - Jackie Barrett's and Ronnie DeFeo's - and for that alone it is well worth reading. Even when doubts in the subject of demon possession came up, I could not put the book aside and/or stop reading, and that in itself speaks volumes as to how well Jackie's writing invokes interest and involves the reader in her and Ronnie's story. And his evolvement from seemingly mented and (self-)loathing killer to becoming at peace with himself and his deeds is wonderfully described and documented. It's absolutely amazing what dealing with your past and being honest with yourself can do for you!
Essentially, this book invites us to enter a world not often presented to outsiders. It is not only the story of and about a mass murderer, but also introduces the reader to the life of the author and how this entire process affects her and her family. Jackie Barrett appears to have lived - and still does - quite an interesting and 'colourful' life and ancestry. Not only was she born into and grew up with voodoo in her life - the healing and helping kind, not the mythical 'making zombie' kind! - but, being an exceptionally gifted medium, she also works closely with police and one homicide detective in particular, having helped solve quite a number of missing and murder cases.
As for the subject matter at hand, the essence of the story told presents itself as that the house is/was haunted and thus affected its occupants, and it was this fact that brought Jackie and Ronnie together. They were both fighting evil - as in the devil / Lucifer kind - for decades and needed to help one another dealing with and healing from their past. And while I do agree that they both needed to come to terms with and accept what happened to and around them, I am not sure I buy into having to fight actual entities to do so. However, this is an interesting story on many levels, giving the reader insight into both worlds - Jackie Barrett's and Ronnie DeFeo's - and for that alone it is well worth reading. Even when doubts in the subject of demon possession came up, I could not put the book aside and/or stop reading, and that in itself speaks volumes as to how well Jackie's writing invokes interest and involves the reader in her and Ronnie's story. And his evolvement from seemingly mented and (self-)loathing killer to becoming at peace with himself and his deeds is wonderfully described and documented. It's absolutely amazing what dealing with your past and being honest with yourself can do for you!
November 12, 2012
The Devil I May Know is about the infamous home 112 Ocean Avenue and the people who dealt with the evil that was manifested there. Jackie went into this journey to understand what happened there and to help Ronnie DeFeo understand what he was going though. I have heard the stories over the years and I figured some of the events as what Jackie did. This is not only the true story of the events but also the terror that Jackie and her family faced and are still facing as a result of searching for the truth.
This book take you a journey into the evil and possession that exists and is lurking at 112 Ocean Ave and in Ronnie DeFeo. Jackie shares with us the danger she faced and the evil presence that has attached itself to her. Many things happen from noises, to illness etc and Jackie and her family stay strong though out to come up with truth and share it with the world.
I had my own events happen while reading this book. Being so open I should have expected it but I didn't. Reading this book has made me more stronger in reading everything Jackie went though and how she always remained a pillar of strength and a fighter.
Take everything you know about 112 Ocean Ave also known as the Amityville house and forget about it as you read this book. The insight you will receive from reading it will be worth it.
Evil and possession do walk with us in this world. It is not like in the movies or on tv it is real very real. It can take lives and destroy them in a single instance or event. Pay attention and always have an open m
This book take you a journey into the evil and possession that exists and is lurking at 112 Ocean Ave and in Ronnie DeFeo. Jackie shares with us the danger she faced and the evil presence that has attached itself to her. Many things happen from noises, to illness etc and Jackie and her family stay strong though out to come up with truth and share it with the world.
I had my own events happen while reading this book. Being so open I should have expected it but I didn't. Reading this book has made me more stronger in reading everything Jackie went though and how she always remained a pillar of strength and a fighter.
Take everything you know about 112 Ocean Ave also known as the Amityville house and forget about it as you read this book. The insight you will receive from reading it will be worth it.
Evil and possession do walk with us in this world. It is not like in the movies or on tv it is real very real. It can take lives and destroy them in a single instance or event. Pay attention and always have an open m
November 16, 2013
Let me say that this is one of the worst books I've ever read in my life. And that's saying something because I read A LOT, and I least like most books that I've read.
Most of this book has absolutely nothing to do with Ronnie DeFeo or the Amityville Murders. It is a bizzare and fantastical autobiography of Jackie Barrett. If even half the stuff she describes actually happened to her, I'll sell my firstborn. I'm really confused about why so much of this book is about her considering the subtitle of the book.
The "true" confession from Ronnie DeFeo of what happened the night his family was murdered is a sorry rehash of one of the many claims he's been making for over 30 years. If you're looking for some startling new revelation, this is not the place to look for it.
I can't believe this book is labeled as nonfiction. It could have been a half decent fiction novel, although it still would have fallen quite short of the mark.
The continuity is confusing. One moment she's talking about a conversation with Ronnie and then she jumps to some random description if her strange voodoo childhood. What one had to do with the other, I don't know.
I wish I could get a refund on the hours of my life that was spent reading this trash. If you are any kind of an Amityville fan, whether a believer or not, I strenuously DO NOT recommend this book! Please, save yourself the time, and find another book to read.
Most of this book has absolutely nothing to do with Ronnie DeFeo or the Amityville Murders. It is a bizzare and fantastical autobiography of Jackie Barrett. If even half the stuff she describes actually happened to her, I'll sell my firstborn. I'm really confused about why so much of this book is about her considering the subtitle of the book.
The "true" confession from Ronnie DeFeo of what happened the night his family was murdered is a sorry rehash of one of the many claims he's been making for over 30 years. If you're looking for some startling new revelation, this is not the place to look for it.
I can't believe this book is labeled as nonfiction. It could have been a half decent fiction novel, although it still would have fallen quite short of the mark.
The continuity is confusing. One moment she's talking about a conversation with Ronnie and then she jumps to some random description if her strange voodoo childhood. What one had to do with the other, I don't know.
I wish I could get a refund on the hours of my life that was spent reading this trash. If you are any kind of an Amityville fan, whether a believer or not, I strenuously DO NOT recommend this book! Please, save yourself the time, and find another book to read.
September 27, 2012
I was fascinated with Barrett's account of her experience with Ronnie DeFoe of the famed Amityville murders. I've always been intrigued by this story, and for the longest time believed in--and was creeped out by--the now debunked Amityville Horror written by Jay Anson. Not only did she help bring forth DeFoe's story, she helped him conquer the evil presence surrounding him and attain a measure of peace though at a great expense to her and her family. Barnett's detailed descriptions of her occult upbringing, her psychic gifts, and her investigative work with the police were sometimes dry but always absorbing. Sometimes the story felt a little disjointed since she routinely bounced between the past and present, between her story and his, but I still found it hard to put the book down. If you're mesmerized with these murders and by all things supernatural, then this is the book for you. Four stars.
June 27, 2025
Author is a voodoo high priestess- scared to write review!
This one overall didn’t pan out for me although I am open to all different types of stories and it did sound potentially interesting. I wish I knew a little more about the author going into it as the stories are very out there so I keep feeling my cynical mind kicking in. I understand she was on a psychic show and very well received by the audience.
This one overall didn’t pan out for me although I am open to all different types of stories and it did sound potentially interesting. I wish I knew a little more about the author going into it as the stories are very out there so I keep feeling my cynical mind kicking in. I understand she was on a psychic show and very well received by the audience.
August 10, 2012
This is one of my rare forays into nonfiction. Jackie Barrett is a psychic medium. (By which I mean that not only does she know things that most people wouldn't be able to know, but she can also communicate with the dead.) In this book, she discusses her relationship with Ronnie DeFeo and reveals what really happened the night his entire family was murdered.
In case you aren't either (a) a horror movie fan or (b) a true crime junkie, Ronnie DeFeo lived in a house on Ocean Avenue in a little town called Amityville with his parents and younger siblings (two sisters and two brothers). One night, every other member of his family was found murdered, shot to death. Ronnie was later arrested and convicted of the crimes.
(But that isn't what that house is best known for. Later, a family called the Lutzes moved in and, a little under a month later, fled. A book was written about it, which later became a movie. The Amityville Horror.)
Anyway. A while back (I think two years ago around Halloween?), I stumbled across a documentary on TV about this story. It had Jackie Barrett talking to Ronnie DeFeo and I think it mentioned the prospect of a book on the subject. I have always been fascinated with this house and have gone back and forth on whether I think it's haunted*. So the thought of learning more about the DeFeos intrigued me.
This book is insanely creepy. It doesn't deal with ghosts so much as demons and whatnot. But it almost doesn't matter whether or not you believe in that.** This book is very enjoyable and fun to read. If you enjoy being scared, that is. (I do.)
As for whether Ronnie DeFeo told the truth about what happened to his family? I don't know. He's changed his story so many times, and I'm not entirely sure he's being honest now. I don't think we'll ever know with absolute certainty what happened in that house.
Highly recommended.
* = I do. Because the Lutzes left all their stuff. EVERYTHING. Clothes and toys, which can be replaced, but also pictures, which can't be. Also, DeFeo's lawyer says that they made it all up and that he was involved, but the Lutzes never recanted their story. And I don't even think you can make the case that they did it for money, because I don't think they made very much from the book deal and subsequent movie releases.
** = I don't.
In case you aren't either (a) a horror movie fan or (b) a true crime junkie, Ronnie DeFeo lived in a house on Ocean Avenue in a little town called Amityville with his parents and younger siblings (two sisters and two brothers). One night, every other member of his family was found murdered, shot to death. Ronnie was later arrested and convicted of the crimes.
(But that isn't what that house is best known for. Later, a family called the Lutzes moved in and, a little under a month later, fled. A book was written about it, which later became a movie. The Amityville Horror.)
Anyway. A while back (I think two years ago around Halloween?), I stumbled across a documentary on TV about this story. It had Jackie Barrett talking to Ronnie DeFeo and I think it mentioned the prospect of a book on the subject. I have always been fascinated with this house and have gone back and forth on whether I think it's haunted*. So the thought of learning more about the DeFeos intrigued me.
This book is insanely creepy. It doesn't deal with ghosts so much as demons and whatnot. But it almost doesn't matter whether or not you believe in that.** This book is very enjoyable and fun to read. If you enjoy being scared, that is. (I do.)
As for whether Ronnie DeFeo told the truth about what happened to his family? I don't know. He's changed his story so many times, and I'm not entirely sure he's being honest now. I don't think we'll ever know with absolute certainty what happened in that house.
Highly recommended.
* = I do. Because the Lutzes left all their stuff. EVERYTHING. Clothes and toys, which can be replaced, but also pictures, which can't be. Also, DeFeo's lawyer says that they made it all up and that he was involved, but the Lutzes never recanted their story. And I don't even think you can make the case that they did it for money, because I don't think they made very much from the book deal and subsequent movie releases.
** = I don't.
July 23, 2013
Very well written. Keeps you on the edge of your seat and aware of every bump in the night!
April 1, 2015
Fascinating insight in to the author's psychic gift and the troubled mind of DeFeo. Also looks at the validity of Amityville. If you have read that then this is a must. Good
April 27, 2019
This is a good book in the same way The Amityville Horror is a good book. I suppose it's up to each reader to decide if the story is fact or fiction. While I personally believe there is a mixture of Truth and stretch on the pages, it is a book I enjoyed reading and will recommend. Good for a discussion if nothing else.
January 17, 2026
The book was very interesting if you enjoy learning about the life of a person who commits heinous crimes before they get caught for them. I found the back story of Ronnie DeFeo to be incredibly interesting, I also enjoyed the authors back story. I found myself struggling with my instinctual skepticism on the paranormal details, but nonetheless it was captivating.
February 19, 2019
I didn't even bother to finish this book, it was just plain dreadful. The author jumps from topic to topic with no rhyme or reason and not for one second do I believe that Ronnie Defoe was not guilty of murdering his family because of demonic possession.
March 19, 2022
The truth. Great read. This book will scare the living hell out of you. Read this not Jay Anson. This was a thrilling scare ride read the entire book. This is one you will take a day off from work. Highly recommended read. Quit reading false books on Amityville horror.
September 25, 2021
I am ambivalent about this one. It was entertaining, informative... I think? and interesting. To say that I believe half of it, from everyone involved, would be generous.
November 27, 2014
Although I am open to interpretations when dealing with evil and "Lucifer", this book tends to push the boundaries.
The Ronald DeFeo sections bounce back and forth with Me Barrett's life story which brings a bit of predictability to the proceedings. Jackie Barrett's story within itself is fascinating and sets itself apart from the mess that is the DeFeo sections.
Ronald DeRek's illusions of grandeur seems to feed itself between his flights of fancy and slight moments of reality. It almost feels as if he has fancied himself as a Charles Manson conversationalist jumping from one neurotic though to the next but never fully comprehending the tale he himself is plucking from thin air.
If you are looking for a definitive story about Butch DeFeo and the murders, I'm afraid this is solely lacking as believability is really tested with his ideas to what happened.His timelines are all over the place and as he is swimming in his self deluded mind, nothing comes across coherent.
Honestly, no one is ever going to know what happened on this fateful night in 1974 especially since the killer himself has never really accepted responsibility for the crime nor stopped coming up with excuses for the action.
All fairness to Me Barrett for keeping a sceptical eye with her conversations and these moments are well handled, along with her story. Unfortunately, the book falls apart in the final third as demons are being chased and alternative methods are used making the reader suspend a lot of belief and trust into this reality.
For entering the mind of a delusional killer and looking into the life of a fascinating psychic, I would give this four stars but due to the over the top ending that made me raise an eyebrow one too many times, I had to drop a star. Fascinating but goes a step too far for my conservative views.
The Ronald DeFeo sections bounce back and forth with Me Barrett's life story which brings a bit of predictability to the proceedings. Jackie Barrett's story within itself is fascinating and sets itself apart from the mess that is the DeFeo sections.
Ronald DeRek's illusions of grandeur seems to feed itself between his flights of fancy and slight moments of reality. It almost feels as if he has fancied himself as a Charles Manson conversationalist jumping from one neurotic though to the next but never fully comprehending the tale he himself is plucking from thin air.
If you are looking for a definitive story about Butch DeFeo and the murders, I'm afraid this is solely lacking as believability is really tested with his ideas to what happened.His timelines are all over the place and as he is swimming in his self deluded mind, nothing comes across coherent.
Honestly, no one is ever going to know what happened on this fateful night in 1974 especially since the killer himself has never really accepted responsibility for the crime nor stopped coming up with excuses for the action.
All fairness to Me Barrett for keeping a sceptical eye with her conversations and these moments are well handled, along with her story. Unfortunately, the book falls apart in the final third as demons are being chased and alternative methods are used making the reader suspend a lot of belief and trust into this reality.
For entering the mind of a delusional killer and looking into the life of a fascinating psychic, I would give this four stars but due to the over the top ending that made me raise an eyebrow one too many times, I had to drop a star. Fascinating but goes a step too far for my conservative views.
July 2, 2016
I still couldn't believe Ronnie's latest account. I also couldn't make myself buy all Jackie's story. But there were many things I learned from her.
The bible says that the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. But I think Jackie's portrait was even more compelling. The devil is like a flu bug seeking a new host. He crept slowly and caught anyone by surprise. Many didn't even know (or chose to ignore the fact) they had been infected. The most important step was to acknowledge his existence, only then we could do something about it.
The bible says that the devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. But I think Jackie's portrait was even more compelling. The devil is like a flu bug seeking a new host. He crept slowly and caught anyone by surprise. Many didn't even know (or chose to ignore the fact) they had been infected. The most important step was to acknowledge his existence, only then we could do something about it.
October 21, 2015
I had such high hopes for this book and have been left very disappointed. Although there were really fascinating parts, there were many more parts that were in my opinion, not necessary or even connected to the Ronnie Defeo story. I found it very difficult to believe that a lot of this actually happened as was so far fetched. The author should have put her life story in a completely seperate book.
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May 16, 2013Seems so far really good!! Enjoying it!!
April 23, 2016
This is a book I started reading and I could not put down! I would love to see the movie. Jackie Barrett delves deep into the mind's of the criminal insane.
May 7, 2020
A spooky and interesting account of the events in Amityville. For me it raised more questions than it answered.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews