A Child for the Devil by Conrad Jones

Hunting Angels Diaries #1

by Conrad Jones

A Child for the Devil is a full length dark thriller based on the novella 'Nine Angels'. When the author Conrad Jones was asked to help the police with the investigation into a double murder by identifying occult symbols, which had been carved into the victims, he is plunged into a nightmare and forced to go on the run. Hunted by the law as a murderer and by a powerful cult that he exposed, he has to stay one step ahead to survive. A terrifying truth, more frightening than fiction.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Suspense

Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

About the author

Conrad Jones is a best-selling thriller writer with 30 thriller novels.
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey

18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com

FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones

Reviews

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evil exists in this world, oh yes, dark evil.

This is a book that messed with my head. It had my brain doing some back flips and resembling a tumble dryer cycle in early parts of the book as I tried to establish what was fiction and what was not. I gave up and just went with the flow.

The book kicks off strongly with an awful graphic scene of torture and death, linked to an underground, but worldwide strong satanic cult called The Nine Angels. It's not for the those with a mild disposition, it kind of grabs you and sucks you in and leaves you a bit stunned by it's graphic, intense nature. Disturbing! It's a bit like this..



Featuring a writer who has stumbled across research linking missing people, mutilation, rape, torture and deaths to this satanic cult. Before too long he is in deeper than he wanted to be as his research continues.

The plot is fast paced and steamrolls ahead giving a nice sense of tension through the book, culminating in a powerful ending that I was not expecting. There are more graphic scenes throughout the book but apart from one more near the end, and a few spattered (get it, spatter? gore? spatter?) the first one is really the worst of it.

Frustratingly, for the middle section of the book I felt it was less horror and more suspense thriller, the writing is clear and simplistic almost, this is not a hard book to read, I read it over a few hours. But I wanted a bit more of the darker horror element to remain constant. For me the horror is locate in the start and the finish.

There are suggestions to Google certain things in the book and I did, and was shocked to find how much of it was true. I decided not to delve into that too much lest I become a target myself. Very clever, very clever indeed. I really liked the twists that Conrad Jones has in this book. There is a massive twist towards the end around a really disturbing scene that I did not see coming, and I am not easily disturbed in dark fiction.

If graphic violence, violent sex and murder bothers you, don't go here. If on the other hand you like horror and/or dark crime and don't mind it a bit graphic you will enjoy this one. It's something a bit different.

The start and finish of this book is an easy 4 stars, the middle more 3 stars but I have rounded off to 4 stars due to enjoying this one overall. A surprise package.

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[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of books about satanic cults, it's something that has always fascinated me. After reading The Child Taker by the same author I was delighted to find out he had written a book to do with this very subject. Ashamedly it has been sat there a while but have finally got round to reading it.

The prologue totally grabbed my attention, it was everything that I was expecting from a book about satanic cults and more and I knew straight away that I was going to enjoy this book.

Then comes the first chapter and I am totally thrown. We meet the author, yes that's right we meet Conrad Jones who through his writing manages to get involved with the police who are investing a couple of murders that they suspect are the result of some satanic cult. By doing this it attracts some very unwanted attention by the members of the cult which puts not only the author himself but people he knows lives at risk.

The author advises the reader to Google information about the Order Of The Nine Angles/Angels so that they can see for themselves that this satanic cult is very much a real group, which according to Google it is!

Knowing that the cult that the author was writing about is very much real, not only added to my interest but did slightly also make me freak out.

I have never come across a book like this before and after what it did to my head I don't know if I would be in a rush to again due to a roller coaster of emotions but yet it was brilliant!

For me it put the author into a totally different light and I absolutely loved Evie Jones his faithful Staffie.

I'm not even going to attempt to go into the story as it would totally spoil it for someone else as this is one book that you need to read for yourself to believe it.

A Child For The Devil, will have you wondering is it fact or fiction? You decide.

[Mark Tilbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book to mess with your head, then this one will do the job!

What is fact and what is fiction? You're never too sure. What I was sure of was how engrossing and interesting the plot was. Satanic cults, torture and murder feature frequently and you'll need a strong stomach for some scenes.

The main characters trying to uncover the truth behind the death of a journalist, and young woman, are Conrad and his Staffie, Evie. I've never read a book before where the author puts themselves in their own book. This was the element that messes with your mind the most, as you wonder what he has really experienced and what information he actually uncovered.

This is a dark read. The violence is graphic and on some occasions described in detail. It seemed as thought the violence was more graphically described when inflicted upon those who deserved it. I was silently cheering at some parts as Conrad and Evie eliminated some human evil.

Special mention has to be given to the ending of this book. Excellent, completely unexpected and the perfect lead-in into the second of the series, which I intend on reading asap.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, REALLY enjoyed this book. It was a little tedious at first, but quickly the pace picked up and the book was off and running.

One of the more unusual things about this book that I have never seen before is that the author is also the main character with the same job. The MC is a writer of books about the paranormal, especially books dealing with satanism. He is an atheist who doesn't believe in the devil anymore than he believes in God, but he does believe there is evil in the world, and he writes about it in its many forms.

It during his research for his latest book about a devil worshiping group known as the Nine Angels that the trouble really begins when he goes with his homicide detective sergeant friend to a mental hospital to witness the interrogation of woman named Jennifer Booth who is the main suspect in a grizzly murder. She notices him behind the two way mirror that she cannot possibly see through. Conrad, on the other hand, is convinced that she is is innocent of the charges and vows to find a way to prove it.

However, when those connected with the investigation begin dying all over the place Conrad gets scared. But when a park ranger tries to firebomb his house with him in it and a rogue police officer appears at his door ready to kill him Conrad kills his first two people and goes on the run with his dog.

If you want to know all of what leads up to this point or what happens next you are just going to have to read the story or listen to the audio book. I have the sequel to this book already on my Android tablet ready to be listened to in just another day or two.

I can only hope that the sequel is as exciting as the original.

I received this audio book from the author in exchange for an honest review!

[John Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not up to the usual standard!

In the 1960s, author Dennis Wheatley wrote novels about Satanism and the occult. He always finished his books with a warning to readers not to experiment with black magic and the occult. This particular story by Conrad Jones is a 21st century update on a Dennis Wheatley offering, except it is darker and more violent. The idea of the author writing himself into the story was certainly different, as was the overlap between fact and fiction. Unfortunately, the story came across as dry and repetitive. Not for me, I'm afraid.

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories focus on the Nine Angels Cult, something I wouldn’t normally read through personal choice but I enjoyed them both and was surprised at how much I got into them. Very different from what I usually read. I must state these books do make references to child abuse, rape and torture which may not be to all readers tastes. These stories are both written well and easy to read but I did find they contained long chapters for me personally, as I prefer short chapters. I did find them both long reads but very worthy to read and continued with as I was hooked!

The opening chapter to A Child For The Devil… Just WOW! That was dark and evil and even made me feel sick, not for the faint hearted. But wierdly enough that is what got me hooked does that make me a bad person? After the first chapter though it all calms down and the story begins and what a wierd and amazing story that lies ahead for you. These stories especially the first felt so real for me, I generally thought poor Conrad Jones was going to die in real life and myself. I must admit I did actually research into the Nine Angels Cult and what I found shocked me (RESEARCH IT I DARE YOU!). These books have messed with my head! Will I die because I’ve written about the Nine Angels Cult on my blog and researched them? I really hope not 😦

You can really tell that Conrad has put a lot of time and research into these stories and it has paid off brilliantly. You’ve really shocked me with how much I enjoyed these stories. I would highly recommend these stories to you all, they may just surprise you too. I awarded a brilliant four stars for both these books and the box set overall! Cleverly written to make you believe it is real life. I need to calm down after reading these two.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read quite a few Conrad Jones books and this is certainly one of the best. I was holding my breath in places and found it quite traumatising but in a good scary way. I have always been open minded about the occult and Conrad made it very believable and unique in the way he told the story as the main character. Evie Jones was his saviour and the very dearest of friends, I loved her even though her actions could be quite vicious, I suppose eating all that raw liver didn't help.!!!. I will be reading the next in the series very soon

[R · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bollocks

[Caz Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a strange one ......... fact or fiction or maybe a bit of both

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading A Child for the Devil. I can’t compare it to any of the my previous reads as I don’t think there is anything even vaguely similar. What struck me as ‘standout different’ is that the author mentioned in the blurb is, well, the author. This is the story of Conrad Jones’s dealings with the devil. Or to be more specific, his encounter with an occult loving group of satanists. And they are everywhere; your local councillor, the headteacher of the primary school, your librarian, your parents…. Having previously referred to this particular group in one of his crime novels, they now know exactly who Conrad is and he is the skurge of their lives, the stain to be removed. He is a writer and all writers must be destroyed. At points throughout the book you are advised to Google the cult if you don’t believe what you’re reading. I couldn’t do it. I’m not ashamed to admit that I was too scared to look! And I think that says a lot.

It is gory and it is violent but I got the feeling the author knew where the limits were and made sure the explicit content was pulled back. In all honestly, I probably would have liked a little more gore but then I’m strange!

I didn’t really feel anything for the characters. Although I do not know Conrad Jones personally, I know of him and see him interacting in several bookish Facebook groups. Having pondered on it I’m pretty sure that is why I felt no connection to the characters, I had trouble separating the real person from the fictional account. I guess I invest more in characters that are new and I can shape them in my mind as I wish. Although I would like to know exactly how much of this book is autobiographical (and I don’t mean the toting of the sawn-off shotgun*!). Other readers may not have this problem.

Would I recommend this book? I would. I can’t wait to make a start on the second book in the box set and find out what is going to happen next.

Four out of five stars.

I chose to read and review a copy of A Child for the Devil (Hunting Angels Diaries). The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

WTF? And once more, I must say, WTF? My mind has completely gone, (shut up you in the back who said it was never there). What a total head f**k! I'm struggling to write my review because I'm in shock. My jaw has dropped and is dragging along the floor. I haven't blinked in 3 hours. I'm reading this book, and I'm thinking what a shame for that nice writer Conrad Jones, him who writes the excellent books about that lovely detective Alec Ramsay. Him who thanked me on Facebook for my kind review for Three or Brick or one of his other books. Oh dear, he's had a right time of it, and his devoted rescue dog, Evie Jones, and then I'm all "WTF? THIS MAN'S A MURDERER!!!!" Then I'm all, "Silly me, it's fiction!". But I'm not sure how much is fact and how much is fiction. If you like action packed, perspiration inducing, stomach clenching, sh*t stirring thrillers, you'll love this book. I can't remember the last time I was so frightened. I read until 4am and then thought I should get some sleep. Did I sleep? Did I hell! I kept waking up with a start, sure I'd heard someone or something. Looking at my rescue bichon frise who's had all her teeth removed and thinking what would happen if I had to rely on my dog to save my life? Well, she could give the murderer a thorough sucking! But I digress, because my mind is still all over the place. The most unusual, original concept for a book, which has been so fantastically executed by Conrad Jones that I may never sleep again. I'm just gobsmacked. Read this book, Do it NOW! Now I tell you. I have no idea how long I'll be wandering around the house in this semi catatonic state. Can someone check that the dogs have been fed? I need to lie down in a darkened room. No, actually leave the lights on! OHMIDAYS! Mr Jones - what have you done? I only ever had a tentative grasp on reality at the best of times. What a book, what a brilliant book!

[Michael Brookes · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my younger days I enjoyed reading the Satanic cult books by Dennis Wheatley (The Devil Rides Out and so forth), by modern standards they're fairly tame, but the I enjoyed the concept of them and of supernatural evil in general. I still do enjoy reading such tales and A Child for the Devil covers similar ground, but in a modern setting.

The premise is a simple one, Satanic cults are thriving in the internet age and the writer discovers them while researching for his novels. He encounters them personally while assisting in a murder case and becomes a target.

While overall it is a good read, I did have a couple of issues with the book. The first is the lengths it goes to to try and establish itself as real events. While that is part of the style of the story I think it pushed a little too hard in this regard. I'm more than happy to provide a suspension of sibelief for a story, but in the case it struggled because it was making too big a point.

As a counterpoint to that for the most part the research did help ground the story into the world we are familiar with.

The other issue (or to be fair more of a quibble!) was the style of the writing, it's very matter of fact. In fairness that does help ground the story, but does make it a little dry to read. Finally the lead character isn't particuarly likeable, not a major problem as it helps him in the context of the story.

Those minor issues aside this is a fun read. The story works well and is paced nicely. I'm a fan of the subject matter, although it does skirt along the edge of the supernatural element. It will be interesting to see if that angle develops further. Overall I liked it and would recommend it for horror fans.

[Astrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has an interesting premise. It follows author, Conrad Jones as he investigates and delves deeper into the world of the Satanic cult known as 'The Nine Angels'. The book is written as though the cult is a real one and is genuinely after Conrad Jones and is subsequently destroying his life and killing or maiming his loved ones.

However, I found I couldn't fully immerse myself in the book. I'm not sure why this was - if it was because in the back of my mind I knew it was just that, a book, a story, and that spoilt the whole point of the book, or if it was the writing style. It's very descriptive, sometimes too descriptive in some places. It also is a bit repetitive (I lost count of how many times it's mentioned that Conrad Jones looks like a rough and ready skin head, and that he has a staffordshire bull terrier called Evie Jones).

I also read this book thinking it was a one off novel - and if it was, it would have been fine as is. However, it has follow up books (which I haven't decided whether to read or not yet), as I haven't read them I don't know if they enhance the story or not.

The story is quite disturbingly gory. I would not recommend it to anyone with a faint heart, or anyone that's susceptible to conspiracy theories and such (as books like this can damage the mind frame of such people - that's down to the person, though, not the book's fault).

It was an interesting book. I don't regret reading it, but I'm not sure if I'll be picking up the sequels.

[Livia Sbarbaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark Terrifying Chilling Read

Omg this story will shock you to the core ..In the first chapter we meet a journalist ..who investigating a group called the nine angels is lured to a place where he is tortured and killed .From the next chapter we have Conrad Jones assisting the police ..from here you are so on edge as you begin to wander what is real and what is not...The more I read about the Nine Angels the more dark and disturbing the story became..I googled the name and yes...the Nine Angels are indeed alive and in circulation.. This made the story all the more terrifying..As Jones investigates the group all the while you have this feeling he is being watched...But what is real and how can he expose this group apart from going into hiding along the way meeting some of the most vicious and terrifying characters.. As Jones life takes a totally different road all he has left is Evie his precious loyal dog.....Then a lead takes him to the darkest place imaginable....Absolutely terrifying ..dark ...and chilling ...

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

i won this book through good reads first reads,and wow what a read, firstly i don't want to give to much away as i feel that would spoil the journey this book takes you on,ill start with saying this book is not what id usually pick up to read,but saying that a bit of change is good and can sometimes surprise you, its written in the first person which i usually find a bit irritating but in this case fitted the story perfectly,its also pretty violent in places which i didn't mind as the story line merited this,I always judge the merit of a book by how long it takes me to finish (i read this in a day)Once i started i needed to finish, i felt like i was on a personal journey with Conrad jones and Evie and i wanted to be there to the bitter end no matter the outcome.This was a brilliant read that keeps you captivated from beginning to end,its gritty and a real page turner which currently my partner is engrossed in i would definitely recommend this book a thumbs up from me.

[tinalouisereadsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an author is asked to help the police with the investigation into a double murder by identifying occult symbols, which had been carved into the victims, he is plunged into nightmare and forced to go on the run. Hunted by law and a powerful cult, he has to stay one step ahead to survive.

My Thoughts:

From the very first pages of this book there is action right away, and it keeps going till the end of the book. The story is very gritty and had dark sexual,undertones that will keep the reader hooked till the very end just as I did.

What I found clever about this about is that it felt very real as it is the author Conrad Jones himself that is telling the story as if it really happened. Just like when the ‘Blair Witch’ came out people first thought that was real, just like how this book comes across.

The story was faced paced with plenty to keep an interest and I found the book very compelling and wanted to read more to see how it was going to turn out. I can imagine that something like this could be believeable as through the book Conrad tells the reader to check things out on the net. This I did as I was going along and the info was there making the book very real.

Real or not this book is well worth reading as it has something more to it than your bog standard horror / thriller. A worthy scary read !

[kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW... where do I start. This book is excellent. fast paced, disturbing, gripping and completely different to any thriller/horror I have ever read. The mix of fiction and non fiction is truly stunning, I was questioning what was real and what wasn't throughout.
Its starts off very fast with a scene which is so graphic I had to wince at the thought of the pain this male must be in. It then goes into the main story where Conrad Jones is asked to help police with a murder investigation that is links to a cult. As the story goes on its clear everyone is in danger from he cult and Conrad must fight to save himself.
After reading a few pages I had the urge to Google as the book tells you to. There were so many links to The nine Angle I was taken back. If you looking for a unique read that will keep you up at night then please read this book. I'm shamed to say I have never read any other books by Conrad Jones but now put them all at the top of my TBR list.

[Susann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ending is Wild!

I was confused a lot of the time with this book. The narrator has the author’s name and he is writing about himself being the protagonist in this strange and scary tale. Satan worshippers are everywhere fomenting evil and chaos among the “mundane” regular people and he writes as though the story is real life. Murders, mayhem and vast cover ups are involved at the highest levels of society. I loved the dog, Evie, who saved the day numerous times. The tension was unbearable towards the end of the book which leaves room for further exploits in future volumes. Clever and leaves the reader questioning what is reality and what isn’t. Not for the faint of heart.

[Alexina · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a very interesting web of threads Conrad has given us,
I am absolutely baffled at what the reality and fiction within this read is, I have ideas of what is and isn’t true, but don’t want to give away the plot lines.
An intriguing read that is horrific and gory, you will question what you are reading, you may even look up the nine angles/angles if you wish to when asked by Conrad.
Whichever route you go - it is a read like none other I have read and that is where I lay my stars, by putting himself as the main character he has given us a clever book with clever ideas and truth or fiction it doesn’t matter. Conrad is an excellent story teller and this deserves a read.

[Greta Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find it hard to put my feelings into written words to describe this book. Read at one sitting this superbly written book entered and really messed with my brain. Is it true or is it just a story? I don't know. Only the author can let me in on this secret. All I can say is read it and make up your own mind. This author is awesome and deserves more than 5* maximum we can award.

[Kelley Midgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just like wow!! Blew my mind. Alludes to the fact it may be real. I looked up the cult he writes about and they are actually an existing satanic cult. Wow! I'm not going to add any spoilers but the end truly blew the top of my head off it was so wild! Great book. Highly recommend.

[John Thys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fact or fiction

This is one disturbing book I did like the author said and googled to see if these sect's were there and guess what they sure are all I'll say about the book is it's very graphic intense and disturbing but I still found it a good read as for the fact or fiction I'll leave it up to you to decide

[barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a read when the actual author is in the book very deep and dark love his dog and leaves it up to you if it's real or not with different references for the reader to look up never read a book like this before and was amazed by it not going to begin what it's about but def different and amazing welll worth a read !!

[Mark's endless quest]

6 years later and I guess he obviously survived this 'life threatening ' expose,because he's still writing 😂 . A clever way to connect to both horror readers and Qanon believers . However I don't like it when severe child abuse cases are used to sensationalize a novel .Feels a bit cheap. Would be far better as a straight forward fictional story .

[Helen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a scary book as the Nine Angels actually exist and it left me wanting to look them up on the net but scared to in case they came looking for me! This book was so well written you can’t quite decide if it’s totally autobiographical or not, but it’s pretty frightening all the same! They do walk among us! It will stay with me for some time I think

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scary and mind messing

Omg, what a book!! I couldn't put it down. I don't m is if what I read was fact or fiction which is rather disturbing but regardless it is bri!ling. Not my usual type of book but a brilliant reD that I couldn't put down.

[Louise McCardie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and frightening story. The world is a scary and evil place. Our society is deranged and vulnerable people are being selected to join in their twisted games as they have no one else to turn to. It's horrendous.

[Sherri Childs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of being able to listen to Conrad Jones’ A Devil for the Child. The perspective Conrad uses in this novel is phenomenal and I’ve never heard another like it. You are instantly thrown into the chaos of a cult called The Nine Angels and a double murder investigation. The main character, who is an author, is sought out to assist the police in the investigation due to his extensive knowledge with these cults.
The depth of history Mr. Jones goes into adds to the thrill of the narrative and definitely satisfies The Why us readers always search for. This is by far my favorite read of the year and he is officially on my list of go to authors!

[jaime flanaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

This book will keep you guessing and at the edge of your seat. I couldn't put the book down, well worth the read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Conrad Jones knows how to spin a tale on satanic rituals that will scare you to the bone.