What do you think?
Rate this book
The Devil's Playground
In a forgotten corner of a rainlashed park in Amsterdam, the body of a tramp is found. With scarring on his body which suggests he may be the latest victim of a serial killer terrorizing the city, the police can find no name, only the telephone number of a young Englishman.
Jon Reed is summoned from London to identify the body, of the man he knew as Jake Colby. With a killer on the loose, he and the detective in charge of the case are determined to help uncover the truth of what happened to his mysterious friend, no matter where that may lead them.
Jon Reed is summoned from London to identify the body, of the man he knew as Jake Colby. With a killer on the loose, he and the detective in charge of the case are determined to help uncover the truth of what happened to his mysterious friend, no matter where that may lead them.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
15 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Stav Sherez
25 books76 followersBorn in 1970, Sherez grew up in London and attended Latymer Upper School and the University of Leeds.
Stav Sherez is a British novelist whose first novel The Devil's Playground was published in 2004 by Penguin Books and was shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey Dagger.
Sherez's second novel, The Black Monastery, is published by Faber & Faber in April 2009.
From 1999 to 2004 he was a main contributor to the music magazine Comes with a Smile.
From December 2006 he has been literary editor of the Catholic Herald.
Stav Sherez is a British novelist whose first novel The Devil's Playground was published in 2004 by Penguin Books and was shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey Dagger.
Sherez's second novel, The Black Monastery, is published by Faber & Faber in April 2009.
From 1999 to 2004 he was a main contributor to the music magazine Comes with a Smile.
From December 2006 he has been literary editor of the Catholic Herald.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 9, 2016
There is a serial killer in Amsterdam, killing young women in an unspeakable manner. The body of the elderly tramp, found in a rain soaked park, is covered in scarring of all types, so police assume that he is the latest victim, despite the differences in the manner of his death. All Detective Ronald van Hijn has as a clue to the victim's identity is a name and a phone number, written on the inside of the book of poetry found in the tramps pocket.
Jon Reed knew the old man – Jake Colby – because he had recently been overwhelmed with a sense of responsibility for this quiet, homeless man. Some strange impulse had made him invite Jake into his flat, where they had spent time together talking about their backgrounds and their respective fathers.
Summoned to Amsterdam to identify Jake, Jon finds himself drawn to the city; to the investigation into Jake's death; to the Jewish quarter and to Suze, an American student writing her thesis on a little known Jewish artist, killed in Auschwitz. Jake had recently discovered he wasn't who he had thought he was. Jon is aware that he is not who he really is, and that his own father had denied their Jewish history totally. Whilst he is searching for Jake's past and what it was that led to his death, Jon finds himself pulled into a strange twilight world of drugs, alcohol, Jewish History, Nazism and fetishes.
THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND is a thriller. The action is almost non-stop and there's lots and lots of sex and drugs; a bit of rock and roll; Nazi's; pornographers; shadowy Internet auction sites; body piercers; cruelty; secret societies and a huge dose of despair. Whilst there is a lot of action and always something new happening, there are also some short reflective moments whilst Jon tries to work out what being Jewish means to him. Van Hijn is another rumpled, slightly maverick Detective. What makes him different and interesting though is that he's actually not bullet-proof, he also sticks with this investigation, despite the powers that be wanting him anywhere else. And he's addicted to cheesecake – the seriously nice sounding variety and some really weird sounding varieties (chilli and chive or liquorice cheesecake anyone?) . Suze is not just your typical love interest or token female, she's got some very challenging behaviours of her own.
THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND is dark. Much of it's subject matter is revolting, many of the characters just appalling, the violence is extreme and people behave badly – frequently. The sex and the drug taking are graphic and brutal. The cruelty of the murders is reflected again and again in cruelty at all levels – to each other and animals; historical and current day. But the pace of the book is sharp and the storyline is taut and well written. THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND is not a comfortable read, but it is a great thriller.
Jon Reed knew the old man – Jake Colby – because he had recently been overwhelmed with a sense of responsibility for this quiet, homeless man. Some strange impulse had made him invite Jake into his flat, where they had spent time together talking about their backgrounds and their respective fathers.
Summoned to Amsterdam to identify Jake, Jon finds himself drawn to the city; to the investigation into Jake's death; to the Jewish quarter and to Suze, an American student writing her thesis on a little known Jewish artist, killed in Auschwitz. Jake had recently discovered he wasn't who he had thought he was. Jon is aware that he is not who he really is, and that his own father had denied their Jewish history totally. Whilst he is searching for Jake's past and what it was that led to his death, Jon finds himself pulled into a strange twilight world of drugs, alcohol, Jewish History, Nazism and fetishes.
THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND is a thriller. The action is almost non-stop and there's lots and lots of sex and drugs; a bit of rock and roll; Nazi's; pornographers; shadowy Internet auction sites; body piercers; cruelty; secret societies and a huge dose of despair. Whilst there is a lot of action and always something new happening, there are also some short reflective moments whilst Jon tries to work out what being Jewish means to him. Van Hijn is another rumpled, slightly maverick Detective. What makes him different and interesting though is that he's actually not bullet-proof, he also sticks with this investigation, despite the powers that be wanting him anywhere else. And he's addicted to cheesecake – the seriously nice sounding variety and some really weird sounding varieties (chilli and chive or liquorice cheesecake anyone?) . Suze is not just your typical love interest or token female, she's got some very challenging behaviours of her own.
THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND is dark. Much of it's subject matter is revolting, many of the characters just appalling, the violence is extreme and people behave badly – frequently. The sex and the drug taking are graphic and brutal. The cruelty of the murders is reflected again and again in cruelty at all levels – to each other and animals; historical and current day. But the pace of the book is sharp and the storyline is taut and well written. THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND is not a comfortable read, but it is a great thriller.
May 16, 2014
The Devil’s Playground – It Really Is!
The Devil’s Playground was Stav Sherez first novel originally published back in 2004 this paperback edition is from 2014. Having read this book and enjoyed it, it is very easy to understand why this book was shortlisted for a CWA Award personally I would have awarded it! Set in Amsterdam this book as a thriller not only examines the dark underbelly of this city where anything and everything is available for a price it also examines one of the darkest periods in recent European history the Holocaust.
This book also is able to question how much we really know about ourselves and how deeply we look back at our own families and cities. As a historian I often point out the Germans alone did not march Jews to the cattle trucks they had local help. Yes that means you France and you Netherlands large numbers of Jews were sent east with your citizens help. It also makes us examine what happened at the end of the war when some Germans and Ukrainians took on others identities to escape the allies and live out their days.
A body turns up dead in a park in Amsterdam and he has a book belonging to Londoner Jon Reed in his pocket along with his telephone number. Detective Van Hijn asks him to come and identify the body of Jake Colby who may have been part of serial killers known kills. He had taken Jake in as a house guest after taking pity on him and found that they were both Jews who knew little or next to nothing about their Jewishness. Jake went to Amsterdam to find out more and it is in that search that kills Jake and draws Jon in to an investigation that could end in his own death or that of those around him.
As he digs deeper he finds that the mystery is about 49 reels of film from Auschwitz that are up for auction and the hunt is on to find them. These reels are wanted by all sections but those that want them the most seem willing to kill to get them. With the help of his American girlfriend Suze he is able to uncover the truth about what has been going on, will it be enough to keep him and Suze alive is a different matter.
For a debut novel this thriller packs a punch and has a terrific pace about it there are no wasted sentences or descriptions. This is a wonderfully structured novel that has been well researched, written with understanding some reverence and not afraid to deliver the knock out blows when required. A great deal of intelligence and care has been taken and the clear prose used makes it a delight to read. This is a powerful novel worth every minute you spend reading and it is almost a shame to finish it. Worth the time worth the money and leaves you wanting to read more from Stav Sherez.
The Devil’s Playground was Stav Sherez first novel originally published back in 2004 this paperback edition is from 2014. Having read this book and enjoyed it, it is very easy to understand why this book was shortlisted for a CWA Award personally I would have awarded it! Set in Amsterdam this book as a thriller not only examines the dark underbelly of this city where anything and everything is available for a price it also examines one of the darkest periods in recent European history the Holocaust.
This book also is able to question how much we really know about ourselves and how deeply we look back at our own families and cities. As a historian I often point out the Germans alone did not march Jews to the cattle trucks they had local help. Yes that means you France and you Netherlands large numbers of Jews were sent east with your citizens help. It also makes us examine what happened at the end of the war when some Germans and Ukrainians took on others identities to escape the allies and live out their days.
A body turns up dead in a park in Amsterdam and he has a book belonging to Londoner Jon Reed in his pocket along with his telephone number. Detective Van Hijn asks him to come and identify the body of Jake Colby who may have been part of serial killers known kills. He had taken Jake in as a house guest after taking pity on him and found that they were both Jews who knew little or next to nothing about their Jewishness. Jake went to Amsterdam to find out more and it is in that search that kills Jake and draws Jon in to an investigation that could end in his own death or that of those around him.
As he digs deeper he finds that the mystery is about 49 reels of film from Auschwitz that are up for auction and the hunt is on to find them. These reels are wanted by all sections but those that want them the most seem willing to kill to get them. With the help of his American girlfriend Suze he is able to uncover the truth about what has been going on, will it be enough to keep him and Suze alive is a different matter.
For a debut novel this thriller packs a punch and has a terrific pace about it there are no wasted sentences or descriptions. This is a wonderfully structured novel that has been well researched, written with understanding some reverence and not afraid to deliver the knock out blows when required. A great deal of intelligence and care has been taken and the clear prose used makes it a delight to read. This is a powerful novel worth every minute you spend reading and it is almost a shame to finish it. Worth the time worth the money and leaves you wanting to read more from Stav Sherez.
March 26, 2022
Firstly, if you find descriptions of animal cruelty abhorrent, don’t read this book. I very nearly gave up on it because of this, I was disgusted & I feel it was unnecessary. The characters were two dimensional, at no point was I invested in them. Wouldn’t recommend.
August 23, 2016
This is a painful book to read - not just because of the concentration camp theme (which I was expecting), but because of the self-harming, body-piercing, self-violence aspect of it, which I found disturbing.
This feels closer to the author (and his musical interests or personal life) than his later novels, perhaps too close at times (common enough fault in a debut novel). But it captures the sleazier side of Amsterdam particularly well.
This feels closer to the author (and his musical interests or personal life) than his later novels, perhaps too close at times (common enough fault in a debut novel). But it captures the sleazier side of Amsterdam particularly well.
December 19, 2020
Ok for a first book. Just a bit too much going on that waters down the plot and a few too many cliches: the rogue cop etc etc. As I’ve commented elsewhere: does anyone really like detailed descriptions of sex? Also, no police department in the world would ask someone to make an international trip and help the investigation based on a phone number in a book of poems.
July 26, 2022
Deeply disturbing and completely gripping from beginning to end!
March 18, 2013
Having recently read the first Carrigan and Miller novel by Stav Sherez, I was determined to read his back catalogue and so obtained a copy of "The Devils Playground". This was brilliant - I would have to say even better than "A Dark Redemption" if I'm honest even though I loved both. Detective Van Hijn is an extremely interesting character and the search for a serial killer in Amsterdam was both intriguing and a little frightening. This is also an atmospheric novel - at one point while reading it I realised that I was taking extremely deep breaths and had perched myself right on the edge of my chair, quite literally. The portions of the book dealing with the Holocaust are well written and extremely sensitive whilst at the same time conveying the horror of it. The book is not without its humour - dark humour, granted, but humour none the less and this in conjunction with an extremely complex and intriguing story makes this a must read for anyone that loves a great tale in any genre. I have been lucky lately with my book choices - and I was extremely lucky with this one.
March 7, 2018
This was really disappointing. I previously read and enjoyed A Dark Redemption. However, this book reads like a really amateurish effort, the writing is clunky and cliche-ridden. Plot is convoluted but ultimately nonsensical . I regret the few days i wasted reading it.
Cannot recommend it.
Cannot recommend it.
Read
May 1, 2017Paperback
October 20, 2019
This is my first Stav Sherez's book. I know this is his first novel, so I try to be a bit kinder.
The writing style is a little unusual from the usual thriller / crime genre, however personally I find it hard to enjoy the overly dramatic emotions and state of mind of the main characters. I found the story itself to be compelling and that's what kept me going until the very (but unsatisfying and underwhelming) end.
There is way too much reference to drugs, kinky sex and music that distracts the flow of story. Many scenes are just don't make any sense or appear logical at all. Many of the characters appeared to be highly pompous and pretentious, talking about needless "intellectual" topics that just irritate you.
If not for the interesting plot, I would have given up on the book and Stav Sherez.
The writing style is a little unusual from the usual thriller / crime genre, however personally I find it hard to enjoy the overly dramatic emotions and state of mind of the main characters. I found the story itself to be compelling and that's what kept me going until the very (but unsatisfying and underwhelming) end.
There is way too much reference to drugs, kinky sex and music that distracts the flow of story. Many scenes are just don't make any sense or appear logical at all. Many of the characters appeared to be highly pompous and pretentious, talking about needless "intellectual" topics that just irritate you.
If not for the interesting plot, I would have given up on the book and Stav Sherez.
January 7, 2022
A crime thriller that takes place in Amsterdam can only be one thing, good, debaucherous fun. The story pits a depressed Londoner confused by his Jewish heritage sucked into a who-done-it plot after helping a bum off the streets with a place to stay and some food. He is dragged to Europe’s sin city to help solve the case of Nazi snuff films being auctioned online and tortured girls found in the city gardens. It was fast paced and very exciting. Also, after spending some time in Amsterdam on this trip, it was nice to imagine bikes, streets, tourists, canals. It made me want to go back to Amsterdam … sort of.
July 6, 2017
Intrusions was my first Stav Sherez book. I liked it so much that I grabbed the other two in the series as soon as I could and stayed up late into the night trying to finish each.
After reading the first few chapters of Devil's Playground, I was so glad I had started with Sherez's latest rather than his debut novel. I just could not get into the book which is why it now sits on my "deserted" shelf.
After reading the first few chapters of Devil's Playground, I was so glad I had started with Sherez's latest rather than his debut novel. I just could not get into the book which is why it now sits on my "deserted" shelf.
October 30, 2024
I've enjoyed a number of Sherez's novels but found this one hard going. Apart from the very explicit scenes of torture, human and animal, it was so repetitious. When anything happens to any of the characters you can be sure that in the next chapter someone will be told about it in tedious detail. Sherez is undoubtedly a skillful writer but if an equally skillful editor/proofreader had cut out 50/70 pages of flabby repetition, this would be a much better book.
October 23, 2021
Brilliant first novel set primarily in Amsterdam. About the deaths surrounding the auction of supposedly actual 8mm movie footage taken by a Nazi doctor at Auschwitz.
If you're into thrillers then this is a must read.
If you're into thrillers then this is a must read.
June 29, 2022
It lost me a little bit tbh. Maybe why or maybe because it took me so long to read it...
Read
July 14, 2022Strongly recommend you don't read this. It had promise but..
Read
March 6, 2017Generally, I avoid novels to do with the Holocaust. Luckily, most novels make it clear in the blurb. This did not. I read some stuff in this that I have pretty much already read in proper history books. I didn't need it in what looked like a crime novel. 'Europe's murky past' is not a good enough signifier of 'detailed description of death camps'.
January 11, 2014
Per my 2014 mission (see my "About Me" section) the first time the word "purchase" (in the context of gaining a grasp or foothold) is used in this book is at the 13 hour,34 minute mark (audio format).
There were aspects to this novel I liked very much, and one I did not like as much. It was a very good thriller/mystery, and provided the reader with many different characters to follow, while always making it easy to keep track of them. The plot moved at a good pace, and always kept my interest.
What I did not expect (as it's not part of the book's synopsis) is that the book is primarily focused on Nazis and the holocaust, with some pretty dark topics and scenes. Some of the things described are very graphic and dark. Some of it was too much for me, and I wish it hadn't gotten as graphic as it did.
Still, it was overall a good mystery/thriller.
There were aspects to this novel I liked very much, and one I did not like as much. It was a very good thriller/mystery, and provided the reader with many different characters to follow, while always making it easy to keep track of them. The plot moved at a good pace, and always kept my interest.
What I did not expect (as it's not part of the book's synopsis) is that the book is primarily focused on Nazis and the holocaust, with some pretty dark topics and scenes. Some of the things described are very graphic and dark. Some of it was too much for me, and I wish it hadn't gotten as graphic as it did.
Still, it was overall a good mystery/thriller.
Want to read
August 22, 2012Not a bad book so far but I'm hesitating to finish it. Both for the premise (So tired of Nazis) and characters that I'm not particularly fond of even halfway into the book. What really bothered me is something no one else seems to notice..or maybe I'm just been overly picky. Sherez has his American character Suze think in british terms. Several times he has Suze think of her mother as mum.. and has her call a trashcan a bin. It throws me out of the story.
Will put the book aside and read something else..for now.
November 3, 2011
Could not get in to this book at all. although the storyline is interesting and I was very excited about reading this as I lived near amsterdam for a few months. It was a very difficult read. A male family member and my fiance have also tried reading it and had the same problem!! I made it half way and gave up. Pity really as it had the makings of an excellent story!
December 15, 2012
Challenging literary crime fiction like this does not come around very often. The wonderful pacing and exploration of language, allied with a dark, chilling plot and engrossing characters, had me absorbed from start to finish. This book is a huge debut statement and looking forward to reading more of his oeuvre.
September 26, 2013
Ambientato ad Amsterdam, il libro racconta di una serie di efferati omicidi per mano di un serial killer - o almeno è questo che si presume. Con la scoperta del cadavere di un vagabondo di nome Jake Colby, le carte in tavola vengono mescolate......
Se vuoi leggere il resto della mia recensione vai qui:
http://adayinmayleaslife.blogspot.it/...
Se vuoi leggere il resto della mia recensione vai qui:
http://adayinmayleaslife.blogspot.it/...
October 18, 2014
Spectacularly written story - investigations around a modern day serial killer in Amsterdam lead to exploration of the horrors of the Nazi death camps. It makes very disturbing reading at times. Be prepared for shocking scenes that will stay with you, but appreciate the craft with which they are woven into a modern crime fiction story.
Read
March 12, 2009scary
September 23, 2014
Goodreads rating 65
September 28, 2014
Clever plot, excellent writing which engaged me and made me want to read another Shavez.
December 3, 2016
Could not get into this book. the characters never came alive and I just didn't care about them. Will try
another of his books.
another of his books.
March 27, 2019
This book was not what I expected. But I did enjoy it. The 2nd world war and the persecution of the Jewish people made this very interesting as I studied modern history at school.
November 30, 2011
I think the book is too long to tell the story it told and by the end it was predictable.
Read
June 26, 2012could not get into this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews