Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Devil's Forest: John Decker Universe

Rate this book
When a group of campers in the Maine wilderness are attacked by a large, bipedal creature they claim to be a Bigfoot, John Decker is sent to investigate, and what he finds is stranger than he ever would have believed, and just as deadly…

A shorter version of this novella first appeared in the Turning The Tide Anthology.

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2023

152 people are currently reading
87 people want to read

About the author

Anthony M. Strong

36 books307 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
249 (50%)
4 stars
165 (33%)
3 stars
58 (11%)
2 stars
19 (3%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Dawn.
206 reviews15 followers
June 28, 2023
AM I READY FOR THE NEXT JOHN DECKER BOOK IN THE (CUSP SERIES) - HELL YES!!!!

(Especially after this book, I ask the author)!!

A shorter version of the novella was included in a previously published anthology called Turning The Tide.

This book in the new series is a spin-off from the John Decker books with adventures with some of the characters we have come to love. Well, I have. Each book will focus on different characters from the John Decker books. If you have read any, you'll know them well.

This book is set in the woods in Maine and who doesn't love a story of campers going on an outing but with John Decker it is not all that it seems to be when a bipedal animal is lurking in the woods arghhhh 😱😳😳

Well, what can I say? This is the 2nd book in this series, and I have absolutely loved it. But just as I thought phew, I could relax with this book, the author throws in another twist and in my opinion, oh no you can't do that to me, shouting at the book I know.

I have been reading this author's books over many years and have read them all and everytime he draws me in from the first word to the very last in the book, I literally devoured this book, wow just brilliant, looking forward to the next book, addictive and unputdownable!!!!!
9 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2023
Great Read

Book number 2 of the CUSP Files will not disappoint. Like the first novella in this series it is written as though it is a full length novel. That means it's not one or two scenes made in to a short story, it could stand on it's own as a novel. This stars John Decker himself on the hunt for Bigfoot. I doesn't follow the timeline of the John Decker books though, it takes place a couple of years in working for CUSP. As usual it's a fast read with fully rounded characters and a lovely twist. It is well worth 5 stars and should keep Decker fans happy until Night Wraith appears in November. Any non fans can read this as a standalone, as a way of "dipping their toe in", but I would recommend the first full novel What Vengeance Comes if they. Sorry, when they enjoy this.
Profile Image for David.
604 reviews14 followers
June 27, 2023
This is an easy one-day read with enough action to keep the reader occupied but it could be so much more. The author does mention that this is an expanded version of an earlier short story. My sense is that there is much more that could be added. I don't favor books that add filler just to increase page length but sometimes more meat is necessary.
The gist of the story is that a group of campers are attacked in the Maine wilderness by what they claim is Sasquatch. John Decker and his team are tasked with investigating this attack figuring to find a logical answer to the mystery. What they find is not what any of them expected.
If you've never read any of Anthony Strong's work, this would be an excellent introduction to the world of John Decker. While it isn't his best work, it should whet your appetite for more.
Profile Image for Mike.
73 reviews
July 5, 2023
I am apparently behind on this. John Decker novels are new to me. This was the first one that hit my radar. I realize that it is not part of the core series, but since it was a short read I thought I would give it a shot. I've always been intrigued by Bigfoot mythology. I really wanted to like this. And, in fact, through the vast majority of the book I did.

I will probably try another book from the main series before abandoning Mr. Decker altogether, but this one was a bit hit or miss for me.
Profile Image for Cat B..
788 reviews7 followers
June 27, 2023
Second novella in the CUSP files is another great read. Love all things John Decker and this is no exception. It's a quick read but that does not mean it is not full of the chills we have come to expect from this author when it comes to horror/thrillers. This one just served to remind me why sleeping outside in the woods is really not my thing.
I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review of the tale.
Profile Image for Boomer.
394 reviews5 followers
July 14, 2023
This was an enjoyable novella and a definite improvement on book 1 which gives me hope for the CUSP Files moving forward. John Decker returns, this time investigating a supposed Sasquatch sighting in the forests of Maine. It's only around 150 pages so won't take long to get through and there isn't a whole lot of character depth, but it is an enjoyable story with an interesting ending twist I didn't see coming.
32 reviews
September 25, 2023
I'd love to know where Anthony Strong comes up with his creatures. Devil's Forest proved that imagination can be a powerful thing when mixed with fear. I enjoyed this story. It took me by surprise. I have a nice collection of the books. I still have a couple of more of his books to read. Keep them coming!
Profile Image for Cattie Whaley.
300 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2025
Remind me not to go camping!

Decker is sent into the Maine wilderness to look for a Bigfoot that has been spotted. Teamed up with a member of the Ghost team and a zoologist, something is out in the woods and is mad that they are in it's territory. A great, fast, spooky read. Highly recommend!
1,228 reviews60 followers
June 20, 2023
Forest

Decker and a group of others are sent to investigate after some campers are attacked by a monster. When they set up camp, strange noises are heard. Is Bigfoot stalking them? Can they escape? Another great adventure for John Decker. Creepy read.
Profile Image for Rose Haskins.
816 reviews5 followers
June 27, 2023
Awesome big foot story

Oh WOW. A totally awesome twist to this big foot story. It gave this cryptic a whole new light. I'm hoping that Anthony Strong has more John Decker and Cusp Files coming our way.
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,398 reviews8 followers
July 6, 2023
Bigfoot lives in Maine?

Thrilling John Decker story that involves a possible Bigfoot living in the vast Maine forest. CUSP Files is becoming as addictive a series as the John Decker series!
838 reviews4 followers
July 8, 2023
4 Stars

John Decker, a Ghost team member, a skeptical scientist, a frightened guide and two college students searching for treasure, invade a Bigfoots territory and He's not happy about it.
Profile Image for Yvonne Anagnost.
16 reviews
July 25, 2023
Fun Read

Fun story to read - who doesn't want to solve the mystery of Bigfoot/Sasquatch? Lighter than other Decker books, but still quite enjoyable. Even if the ending is no surprise.
26 reviews
June 23, 2023
John Decker to the rescue

No matter what, John z decker can do it. I enjoy reading Anthony's writing and following it to the end. Highly entertaining and a good fun read.
Profile Image for Trevor.
1,447 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2023
John Decker is sent to investigate when a big foot is reported in a remote camping location. A case from the CUSP files, as Decker tries to get to the truth.
Profile Image for Nadine.
830 reviews9 followers
July 13, 2023
This was really edge of your seat reading!!! My only question is… WHAT ABOUT THE HAIRS!!!! ???? Can’t wait until the next CUSP files book, and who will be in that one. Happy Reading:)
144 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2023
really good read

I enjoyed the storyline and was happy to find excellent grammar.
Will be looking for the next book! Nice finding a new and enjoyable writer.
Profile Image for Heather Fair.
124 reviews
January 4, 2024
A fast read about big foot. Once I sat down to read, it didn’t take long to finish. Another good adventure with John Decker.
Profile Image for Dale Robertson.
Author 6 books35 followers
February 16, 2024
Another enjoyable cryptid adventure in the John Decker universe.

Short tale with even shorter chapters. Writing is excellent with good characters and storyline.
65 reviews
October 23, 2024
Is it a bigfoot? Read and find out.

Very addictive read. Rich characters, even richer monsters. Decker and team on it! Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the woods.
6 reviews
April 6, 2025
Another great read

Anthony strong never disappoints,another fantastic read.I love all his books,John Decker series was A one. Can't wait for more CUSP books
Profile Image for Shawn Deal.
Author 19 books19 followers
May 29, 2025
A nice little novel. Wish it had been longer. Very entertaining.
838 reviews
July 3, 2025
This book was a solid "meh". As much as I enjoy the John Decker/CUSP series, I think the novellas are nothing to write home about.
94 reviews2 followers
August 13, 2023
awesome as usual

I love the CUSP books. They would make very good movies. I believe of Hollywood will get off of the dead ass and quit making only see.
356 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2023
Good book

It is a good story but kinda far fetched. Full of action and enough to keep your attention. The ending was a great let down, maybe I just expected too much. I recommend reading this book because it is a good story.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.