The Exodus Killer

by Max Ember

A killer can cite scripture for his purpose—and that is exactly what happens when the small town of Holmfirth receives threatening messages taken from the Book of Exodus. The killer begins inflicting plagues of blood, hail, darkness, and other biblical tragedies that result in death, all so his demands to the police may be Let my people go, so that they may worship me. But who are these worshippers? Why is the Exodus Killer obsessed with a book from the Old Testament? And how are these apocalyptic plagues possible? These are the same questions that fifteen-year-old Sean Chorath must ask himself as he becomes the legal ward of his older brother. As detective for the Holmfirth’s police, Sean’s new guardian forces the two of them into the middle of what can only be described as Hell on Earth.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2024

Reviews

[Max Ember · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my self-published book!

It's great for younger fans of Stephen King, lovers of horror/paranormal, and readers who enjoy detective novels. It will also interest those who enjoyed the tv shows Stranger Things, Supernatural, and Lucifer.

I will shamelessly give it 5 stars because I spent more than five years writing it. I worked on the book throughout university under the guidance of my Creative Writing professors. I think it deserves some love because these characters could really use something good in their lives in between all the murder and fear.

There's angsty brotherly dynamics, a moody main character who has to live in a sleepy town after the death of his mother, and a serial killer who likes to leave biblical messages to the police. Give it a try and leave a review :)

[Sudipta Nandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I thought, we readers were dealing with a serial killer. In that context, Sean's bully beating, mom's deadly accident, "drenched puppy" Kayden, and Aaron's sudden parental fortune sounded like supporting elements. Even Sean's quick healing of bones, the dead Garter snake in Chief Callaghan's office (Holmfirth police department), odd deaths, and Batrachotoxin poisoning did not ring me.

I kept thinking about a mad genius scientist who might be playing with biblical verses. But then came the body notes, peculiar hailstorm, and Benjamin Ellory’s body. Alone came the pungent smell of supernatural elements. I loved how Sean's teenage traits transform into " the Usurper of the Bottomless Pit". The descriptions of the underworld, Virgil's climb (which reminds me of Dante's inferno), and the Sean-Abbadon demonic bond have a surreal appeal.

“Your eyes turned green like the field, and then you made the dirt

rise up around you. And you said—”

I have to mention the visual-sensory appeal of the demonic sigils and nonagram on me. The requirements of the inmates, Rachel's instinct, the black plague, and "three different types of plagues" with "Gnats, flies, and locusts" are the results of good Biblical research. Brook's suicide and Sean's sleepwalk demonstrate different coping styles for Kayden and Sean. I love the engaging word presentation, the analyses of verses combining current occurrences, and the character development (particularly of the prince of hell). However, the letters/memos by Abbadon or Sean in the underworld should be in Hebrew or Aramaic (with a translation for readers) as English (even the old version) is not a thing back then. The application of language has a special appeal in this story.

It is a great read about supernatural elements and Biblical prophecies.

I received a copy (BookSirens) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book by BookSirens, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

This was kind of like watching an episode of supernatural, but in book format and with more of a Stephen King background. It was such an enjoyable read. I loved the brothers. Their characters were relatable and lovable, and of course, we love a good bit of teenage angst. I also like that we dabbled in small romantic moments, so the story wasn't all doom and gloom.

The things I didn't like as much was that the pacing throughout the book was inconsistent - not bad, just inconsistent. The beginning dragged on, the middle went quick, and the ending slowed down a bit, too. I also half predicted the twist. I didn't predict it to the extent that it was, so it was still a shock, but I just wish it came more out of the blue.

The ending wasn't what I wanted, but it wrapped up the story well and in a way that I didn't even think was possible.

Overall, it was a great read. Thank you for letting me take this adventure!

[Robin Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually thoroughly enjoyed this book, the plot was great as were the characters. I am pretty new to the crime fiction genre but this was really good and I wish there was more haha. The bible tie ins with the plagues was awesome for a killer to me, very suspenseful. I would recommend this book to anyone who like crime shows/ books, or suspense.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. I will do that at one point I audibly said where are Sam and Dean when you need ‘em. Yeah fans of horror, paranormal and the like should really find a good read in this book. It’s like watching an episode of Supernatural without the boys…. Like if they were in vacation. Not gonna give spoilers but I recommend giving this book a read

[Lauren Scott-Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to booksiren and author for this ARC.

Found this book a slow burn, and I did end up guessing what was happening involving one of the main characters. This has been self-published by the writer, and I am intrigued to see what else they bring out.

[Adrian Reaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The exodus killer

This is a well written,exciting novel

When a serial killer starts using the plagues of Egypt to terrorise a local community, Aaron has to face his families personal demons before it's too late.

[Nancy]

Definite Stephen King vibes going on here. Character development was strong, and easy to follow the story. I love the Bible/religious thoughts that are used. Not overpowering.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took a silly, supernatural turn. If they could have kept this in the real world it would've been more appealing to me.