Mall Priest 2 - The Second Coming: A Tale of Demonic Holiday Horror

by Chris Heinicke, Kate Reedwood

Christmas 1986.

One year after the devastating demon uprising left the Springfield Mall in ruins, a new threat rises from the darkness. A serial killer is on the loose in the streets of Las Vegas who leaves behind a gruesome calling card– the victims are all burned from the inside out.

Is it the work of a demon?

Or something far more sinister?

Fearing that the Vegas killings may be yet another plot by the Devil to enslave humanity, Samuel Morris, the legendary Mall Priest, is tasked by the reclusive Church of the New World Order to investigate.

As the body count climbs and the world teeters on the edge of cataclysm, Samuel and his trusted crew of demon hunters must confront the malevolent forces lurking in the shadows. Unraveling the complex connections between the killings, rock star Ricky Gibson, and a secret military base known only as Area 51, they find themselves standing on the precipice of a second apocalypse.

With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, will the Mall Priest and his resilient allies triumph over encroaching darkness, or will they discover that the most perilous demons are the ones that reside within?

Genres: Horror

318 pages, Paperback

Published October 31, 2023

About the author

Although working as a baker for many years, writing has been a passion for Chris for some time, starting in high school and reigniting again in 2006, when he first got the inspiration to begin writing 'The Man In Black.'
After completing that project eight years later, he took part in NaNoWriMo in November 2014, culminating into a project named 5PM. Deciding to self-publish, 5PM came out in February 2015, and then The Man In Black in August.
2016 saw the release of 7PM, and in that same year, his writing path met with that of Canadian author Kate Reedwood. A mutual respect of each other's work ignited an interest in working together, creating the Legacy Hunter series, the first of which to come out in July 2017.
Apart from writing, Chris enjoys travelling, reading, watching movies and all things geeky. He resides in Coffs Harbour with his wife and three children.
Chris will be at Nexus Con on July 29 celebrating the release of the first book in his Legacy Hunter series.

Reviews

[Sam Veltre · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mall Priest 2: The Second Coming" by Kate Reedwood is a captivating tale of demonic holiday horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set one year after the devastating demon uprising that left the Springfield Mall in ruins, this sequel promises even more chills and thrills than its predecessor.

The story follows Father Sam Bella Sarah and the subtitle Rockstar on a rip of a tale set in Vegas investigate a series of gruesome murders in Las Vegas. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a chilling truth: the killer is not of this world. The parallel stories drive the narrative forward at warp speed.

"Mall Priest 2: The Second Coming" is masterfully crafted, with well-developed characters and a storyline that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking. Reedwood's vivid descriptions of the demonic horrors will send shivers down your spine, while her exploration of faith and the battle between good and evil (both demonic, angelic, and human) will leave you pondering long after you turn the last page.

If you're looking for a thrilling horror read that will leave you haunted, then "Mall Priest 2: The Second Coming" is the perfect choice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mall Priest II: The Second Coming continues the story of Sam Morris, the now famous Mall Priest that saved Springfield, and the world, last Christmas. Now, just a year later, a new threat rises in Las Vegas, a city rife with sin. A serial killer stalks the streets, leaving bodies inexplicably burned to a crisp from the inside out. Meanwhile rock star Ricky Gibson prepares for yet another Christmas Eve concert and Sam is on his way to Area 51, summoned by the Church of the New World Order to deal with yet another apocalyptic holiday. Will Sam and his friends continue their holy streak of saving humanity? If you thought the first book was wild, buckle up, because this series just gets more intense in the second installment.

The Mall Priest books are the perfect holiday horror reads, filled with gore, humor, and terror. The character development really takes off, and if you’re familiar with the work of Chris and Kate, you’ll see some familiar faces pop up. As with the first book, there were moments that shocked me, made me laugh out loud, and made me incredibly sad. The cliffhanger ending is a perfect setup for the third and final book, which I’ll definitely be reading soon!

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel Morris, now dubbed The Mall Priest, is at it again after a string of murders in Las Vegas appear to the result of demonic activity. Add in a rock star and Area 51, and what the reader is in for a wild ride through a possible apocalypse. Can Samuel save the world again?

I loved diving back into the world of Mall Priest. Samuel is still a compelling and entertaining character. The authors really wrote the love letter to the horror community with this sequel. The tone is a little more serious, but no less enjoyable. After all, we're in Sin City. This book was a rollercoaster that did not let up until the end. There were so many twists and turns that I was constantly surprised. No one and nothing is as it seems in this book.

Thank you to BookSirens and the authors for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all views expressed are my own.

[Stefanie Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many twists and turns! I loved this even more than book one! The characters had the chance through the obstacles they faced to be more fleshed out, and me being me it meant I got seriously emotionally attached. Genuinely found myself tearing up at one point.
And yelling at the book in more places than one (why? WHY!)
With every victory, there was only another greater challenge waiting for them. The story moved at a fantastic pace, and was an absolute page-turner.
Now begins the waiting game for book 3!

[Alexandra Nisneru · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to hear about Sam and Sarah's lives after the mall incident and the defeat of Abbadon. I wasn't sure what to expect, since I almost never read the book description's before hand, but one thing I am certain of. I enjoyed every word of this second installment of the Mall Priest Series. And, with reading my third book written by the power couple Kate and Chris, I am officially a fan.

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. This time, we see Sam, Sarah, and Bella together as a family, with Sarah pregnant with her and Sam's kid. Ricky's in Vegas, about to try and perform another Christmas show (because some people never learn, including dumb managers). The story is another demonic hell ride from beginning to end, although, sadly, this time, none of this takes place in a mall. Now I'm thrilled to check out the end of the trilogy, aptly titled 'The End of Everything.'

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cathy Dionne · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Mall Priest 2, I felt like I had been on the roller-coaster ride of my life! This book has twists and turns that will make you a little a little queasy and shocked, but in the end, completely satisfied that you went on the ride with these two amazing authors.

Kate Reedwood and Chris Heinicke are giving these characters and their readers the time of their lives with their unique storytelling. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. A must-read for any horror buff or for those who love the paranormal genre.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mall Priest 2: The Second Coming is the second book in the Mall Priest horror trilogy by Kate Reedwood and Chris Heinicke, and it was a real treat! Not only is it the perfect spooky book for fall, but once again it takes place during the Christmas season, so it's like celebrating two holidays in one.

In book 2, Sam, the former Catholic priest with faith so unshakeable that he's able to banish demons, is moving his new family to Nevada in hopes of a new start for all of them. The Church of the New World Order, Sam's new employer, is located on a mysterious compound in the middle of the desert, and is not exactly what he expected.

When Sam finds out that their old friend Ricky is in danger, he heads to Las Vegas to help the authorities track down a strange killer, leaving behind a heavily pregnant Sarah.

This entry in the series is a little more serious, and slightly darker than book one but it was still a page turner.

In addition to our old friends, there are a few new characters introduced in this book, but like book one, don't get attached to anyone for long because you never know what's going to happen.

This book was a rollercoaster ride. Just when I thought I had things figured out someone would do something that would make my head spin (not literally). It seems like no one is who or what they seem!

I can hardly wait for the conclusion of the trilogy in book three!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the first in this book was entertaining…well this second book in the series was popping! All the characters are back and some new ones too. This book plays like a movie while reading. There are scenes of what Sam is doing as well as Ricky, stuck with a crazy management team. Then there is Sara dealing with the people in suits telling her she is possibly having a demon possessed baby. I found myself turning the pages quickly a to find out what was going to happen next. Then there is this crazy Vietnam vet who is determined to punish everyone for his death. I fell in love with Bella even more because I think she is something more (she does seem to have some powers the suits missed). I loved everything about this novel! I am moving on to Mall Priest 3…thanks to receiving an early copy from the authors!

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you haven’t read the first book in the series, go back and do so. It’s much more enjoyable to read these in order so that the plot line flows better. With book 1, you think, okay, demon almost destroyed the world, good guy save it, it all ends well. Book 2 is calling me a liar. Once again the Mall Priest is called into action to save the world and it’s NEVER an easy task. There will be death and destruction, but there’s a mostly happy ending. This series reads quickly and the pace never slows down. It’s not a book I thought I would have reached for, but I’m glad I did. The authors have wild imaginations and they work well together to create a vivid storyline. Definitely worth picking up if you like mild horror stories.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[David Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mall Priest 2 by Chris Heinicke and Kate Reedwood

5/5

How can I best describe the sequel to Mall Priest for you?

Imagine, The Exorcist The Matrix and Ghostbusters wash smooshed together and directed by Peter Jackson.

The horror, action and comedy is blended so expertly that some scenes are the literary equivalent of watching someone juggle chainsaws.

Puns and gags are woven beautifully with John Woo action with high stakes and some great scares to boot.

The whole thing is drenched in a glorious 80s glow that makes the Mall Priest series feel like going back and watching one of those comfort movies from your childhood.

Can't wait to find out what happens next...

Then it's onto The Slasher Cruise!

[ThatBookMoth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Christmas festive read this year…while I survive working retail…in a mall.
Again I would love a demonic invasion just so I can close up and go home early.
Set a year after the first book, Sam gets asked to join a church being hosted by the SCP foundation out in Area 51. With a statement like that you already know where this is going.
Evil spooky terrorizing Las Vegas, good spooky gets conscripted to help, in which case I hope to see Hugo again.

[Jenni Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story picks up a year after the 1985 demonic attack on Springfield Mall, this time beginning in Vegas with a series of murders. The great cast of characters includes 2 of my favorites, Mall Priest Sam and rock star Ricky Gibson. It’s an exciting paranormal edge of your seat crazy ride, full of twists and turns.
I love book 2 as much as book 1, and I’m ready to dive into book 3. Here we go!

[Brian Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, the storyline is gripping and the characters ones you get to dislike and ones you love make this an absolutely amazing read.
I would happily recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suzzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved book 2

Enjoyed reading this. Looking forward to book 3
These authors work so amazing together and I love reading all their words.

[Joan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Chris Heinicke, Kate Redwood, and BookSirens

This is part 2 of a three part trilogy. It does keep the same demon(Abaddon) and the survivors of the Springfield Mall. I enjoyed the development of the surviving characters better than Mall Priest. This story has strong vibes of demonic pregnancy movies, like Rosemary's Baby, the Omen, and others. Lovers of vintage horror movies of the 60s, 70s, and 80s should enjoy.

I am looking forward to Mall Priest 3, which is coming out in Spring 2024

Occult
Good vs Evil
Christmas Horror

I really enjoyed the Audible narrator, Justin Price reading of this book

[Derek Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much fun as Mall Priest was, The Second Coming is even better. Some of the characters have returned, as well as the action and the humor. This story will make you laugh out loud at points, even if demons are trying to take over the world. The story and characters are woven into a brilliant tapestry. You’ll laugh, you probably won’t cry, but you’ll cheer and hope and, as an added bonus, hate the government even more than you already do.

For a fun escape check it out. Chris Heinike and Kate Reedwood have an awesome thing going here.