LIE LIKE THE DEVIL

by Birgitte Märgen

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU LIED?



The first lie: MONSTERS DON’T EXIST.



When the body of a man is discovered in the Boston Common, Martina finds herself entering a horrific nightmare. She discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of ancient methods of persecution being carried out by a Puritan-indoctrinated serial killer who believes the devil walks among us.



The second lie: YOU WOULD KNOW A MONSTER IF YOU SAW ONE.



After the first victim is dismissed as gang-related, Martina fears there is more to the murder than meets the eye. Her instincts are soon proven correct when another victim is found, her body displayed in the same gruesome manner. But Boston has dark secrets of its own. Now, the threads of the past are unraveling once again as history repeats the sins of our fathers. A time when religion reigned and the word of God was the ultimate persecutor.



The third lie: YOU CAN SAVE EVERYONE.



Just as Martina and her partner, Neil, discover the dark rituals have a link to the past, the tables are turned, and they are pitted against time to stop the "Wingmaker" before he strikes again. Martina’s faith will be tested as she fights her own demons and more bodies continue to mount. Can she stop the killer, or has the next victim already taken flight?




A Reader’s Favorite 5-star Award *****
Indies Today 5-star Award *****




Praise for LIE LIKE THE DEVIL:


"Speechless."

“Comparisons to Thomas Harris are well-earned.”

“Smart. Dark. Gritty.”

“History repeats itself in a chilling environment.”

“The setting and the setting. Religion ties everything together. Death and penance. Boston, priests, and detectives.”

“This book had my heart racing a few times.”

"Dark. Gruesome. Evil. Everything I love in a mystery!

“Great serial killer murder mystery with roots in the Salem Witch Trial era of history.”

“This book is a predicted five star and OMG! Amazing!”

“If you like James Patterson, you will enjoy this book.”

"...this is the BEST book I have read to date."

“The book was so addicting that I couldn't put it down!”

“The story, the plot, the characters, the ending! I loved every bit of it!”

“This book was fantastic. Definitely a 5 out of 5 book for me!”

“It's fast paced and keeps you wanting to read more.”

Genres: Thriller

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

BIRGITTE "BREE" MÄRGEN is the author of "LIE LIKE THE DEVIL" and "THE RED DEATH," whose writing has also been featured in Mystery & Suspense magazine. Her foretelling medical thriller "THE RED DEATH" was written before the Covid pandemic. The serial killer thriller, "LIE LIKE THE DEVIL," has received two reader awards, including Reader's Favorite & Indie's Today.

A note from the author:
A huge THANK YOU to all my readers! If you enjoyed one of my books, please leave a review on Amazon & Goodreads, it is a tremendous help to us authors. I read all my reviews and enjoy hearing what my readers have to say! Please give me a follow as well, I have written a few new books that are being shopped around, and you will see the latest updates!

Instagram:
/birgittemargen

Tiktok:
@birgittemargen

Reviews

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always on the look-out for a good serial killer book! And hello…I definitely found it in this read!🙋🏻‍♀️

From a gang member found hanging, to a girl buried beneath the ice…the killer is just getting started!

Detective Marti Zucco and Detective Neil Cavanagh Boston PD are in charge of finding the killer. The big question at hand is determining if the killings are gang related or is there something even more sinister at play!

This book definitely had my attention. From the gruesome crime scenes to an unexpected twist that shocked and delighted me! I flew through this read in only a couple sittings.

I loved the relationship and banter between the two detectives. The characters were superbly developed, and I really enjoyed getting to know Marti’s personal side. I’m hopeful that this is just the beginning of a series!

Thank you to the author, Birgitte Margen for providing me with a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.

✍️ Birgitte Margen
333 pages
🗓️ Available Now
📈 4/5🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Mystery Thriller, Crime, police procedural, serial killer

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping, dark, mysterious, and horrific! LIE LIKE THE DEVIL - A Chilling Serial Killer Thriller is an intense and addictive book where Martina and her partner, Neil, hunt a killer who leave horrific crime scenes in his wake. Crime scenes where scriptures from a Geneva Bible are left on the bodies. From the very first page, I was fully invested in the plot that gives glimpses into the past during the Salem witch trials to the book's current day where a Puritan-indoctrinated killer is wreaking havoc.

Whew! This book kept me on my toes and turning the pages! I enjoyed the tension and the sense of unease and dread that leapt from the pages. I also loved the settings in Boston and Salem. Religion and judgement are expertly utilized in the telling of this book. The themes of judgement, religion, hyperreligiosity, true belief, history, and persecution all come into play. I enjoyed the detectives relentless search for a killer while coming across some 'interesting' characters who enjoy taunting Marina. Speaking of the detectives, I enjoyed their dynamic, banter and teamwork. Their investigation into the killings is intriguing as were the bible passages used.

LIE LIKE THE DEVIL - A Chilling Serial Killer Thriller is wonderfully written, well thought out, and shocking. I enjoyed the twists and turns along the way. The ending had my pulse pounding and I could not turn the pages fast enough!

Thank you to Birgitte Märgen who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you get giddy over a new episode of Criminal Minds? Did Netflix's show Midnight Mass have adding extra butter to your popcorn?

Well then do yourself a favor and grab "Lie Like the Devil" by Birgitte Margen.

Told through multiple timelines, we follow two Boston Detectives as they attempt to find the cause behind a gruesome murder, a man hung and flayed in Boston Commons. We also flash back to the late 1600s, when the trials of women were at their at their peak, and the word of God was judge, jury and executioner.

As these two timelines weave into one, we have to wonder, are these ritualistic killings more than gang related violence?

I thank the author for a copy of this, I really enjoyed it and had a few moments of pure anxiety! A great add to your T-Bee-R is you love police procedurals, religious thriller and anything with a twist.

[Matt Ferenczy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When this book came to me directly from Birgitte Märgen, and she offered it to me, I read the summary and thought, OK, something about a serial killer, I like it. But as the pages continued, I discovered this wasn't another crime thriller.

"When the body of a man is discovered in the Boston Common, Martina finds herself entering a horrific nightmare. She discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of ancient methods of persecution being carried out by a Puritan-indoctrinated serial killer who believes the devil walks among us."

I have to tell you, everyone, this is a great detective thriller, but this is a GRUESOME one. Some grotesque circumstances may disturb you (and I know you'll love it 😉). This is only a way to encourage you to take this amazing trip.

And I have to be honest and tell you that the story has some holes, in a narrative way. Sometimes the facts seem to explode in your face without a warning, and not in a plan to surprise you. It seems as if some parts were glued together without noticing those holes, those narrative jumps.

But all that is a minor inconvenience because the lore and the original story are sufficient to not only intrigue you but also take you to the limit of stopping everything you had been doing to end this creepy tale.

Thanks to the author for letting me read her work, and I recommend this tale to all of you!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great detective thriller

This is my first time reading this author and wow. Awesome serial killer book. Fast paced excitement. The ending is unexpected which I like in my books.
Well done backdrop on the characters and not drawn out. This is a very well written story.
I myself don't like writing spoilers or reviews that ruin the story. As the description of books are written on the front or back pages.
I highly recommend this to people that like detective and serial killer books.

[Cherise Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read for me. I am a huge fan of police procedurals, and this checked most of the boxes.

Initially, I just picked up this one to read a few pages to get the feel of it. However, a few pages turned into a few chapters, and I found it hard to put down. The book is well written and the imagery spot on. I love the historical elements to it and the inclusion of the Bible verses. I never knew or even heard about the Geneva Bible, and I love when books teach me new things.

The investigation was thrilling and suspenseful. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and I never knew what to expect. It was so dark and twisty. Then, when you throw in the occult, it turns into something entirely different, adding a segment of spookiness and unease. I loved it.

Throughout the book, I struggled to connect with Martie. I wasn't feeling the chemistry between her and Neil either. I found their interactions awkward and Neil to be a tad bit annoying. Whilst Martie was a little too dull and, at times, borderline pretentious.
I needed a bit more backstory on her because I just wasn't leaning towards her character.

Having said that. The story is immersive and highly enjoyable. I look forward to more of this author's work.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love thrillers that incorporate the Bible into the story. "Lie Like the Devil" incorporates the Geneva Bible, which is an old translation most of us have heard of but never used.

We also go back and forth in timelines. We start off seeing how the Puritans dealt out punishment. We then fastforward to modern-day Boston, where a killer is at work.

The victims of these gruesome deaths seem to have nothing in common other than the way their bodies were displayed. The more research she does leads Detective Martina to wonder if these killings might be ritualistic of some kind. (Note: While the death scenes are gruesome, the killings are not detailed.)

I was completely sucked into this book and didn't want to put it down. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Spooky Bookish Bit*h · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lie Like The Devil is a well-written, psychological thriller. This wild roller coaster ride will have you trying to solve the mystery and the twists and turns will leave you reeling. The imagery is so vivid you feel like a part of the story. The characters and their development is phenomenal. Be sure to expect the unexpected.

[Casey Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lie Like The Devil is an excellent crime thriller with an historical religious angle. In modern day Boston, Detective Marti gets called onto a dead body scene. While her partner, Neil, immediately assumes this is related to gang violence, Marti is not convinced. As they do more digging, the mystery deepens and the body count rises. Old bible pages are found to accompany the bodies and the plot takes on a religious angle, also bringing in the occult. Jumping back and forth in time from the 1600s to modern day, Margen weaves an excellent crime thriller story that plays out very much like your favorite detective show, while also a compelling story exploring Puritan religion when God’s judgement reigned supreme. Margen takes these two concepts and merges them together, weaving in real historical facts. It’s an interesting combination of elements and totally works to make a compelling read that you want to see how it plays out! Marti and Neil are a great partnership whose personalities play off each other. The details and descriptions don’t hold back and paint gruesome scenes that you can’t turn away from. Overall, I thought this was a great story! And read until the end because the ending is twisty!

I would recommend if you enjoy detective shows like CSI and/or “historical crime thriller” sounds appealing to you.

[Balthazarinblue · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I love thrillers with weird religious angles so I was immediately intrigued when the author approached me and offered a copy for me to review. Lie Like The Devil sounded right up my street! And it was. I loved the Puritan aspect of the serial killer's motivation. The crime scenes were gruesome without being stomach turning. Marti and Neil are great partners, and play off each other's strengths well. I have a soft spot for birds, so Marti being a fellow bird lover endeared her to me even more. If you live in Boston or are familiar with the area, I think you'd really enjoy this. The city is almost its own character in this book, and the description makes you feel 'on location' as you read. The historical aspects made this story stand out as original, which is why I was a little disappointed that some of the red herrings and fake outs felt generic - more like rote plot points the author was working through than true twists in the plot. The author can obviously construct a well put together police procedural; they didn't need to fall back on predictable plot points. I look forward to what this author writes next as I think their writing will only get stronger.

Also it's totally shallow of me but I loved the formatting of the e-book. The fancy illuminated letters to start each chapter, resembling an old gothic Bible was an inspired choice!

[Kelly (Little.shropshire.reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good police procedural, and this one didn't disappoint. Set in Boston, it follows two detectives, Marti and Neil, as they try and piece together the clues and catch a serial killer called 'The Puritan'. It switches between past and present events, which are connected to one another.

I really enjoyed reading this story and its plot. It had me hooked from the start. I thought it was cleverly done, and it took me by total surprise. It contains many things that interest me when reading this type of book. Religion and its affect over people, cults, gangs, and serial killers. It's dark and brutal, I would say check you triggers. I found this ok for me, but I have a strong stomach

The two detectives were characters I liked. You get more of a glimpse of Marti's life. I found her fascinating with her approach to things, intelligent and empathetic, but also had a fragility to her. Neil is a likeable character too, a family man who is a strong person good at communicating with people. For me, this book was missing side characters. You had a minor glimpse at a few, but I just wanted a bit more.

Overall, I really enjoyed the twists and turns the story has and the way the ending panned out. It is a fascinating, fast-paced, and binge worthy book

[Jennifer Waltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved itttt 🫶🏻

Ja heel raar misschien om te zeggen over een thriller maar hoe duidelijker en gekker het geschreven is hoe leuker ik het vind. Het eerste hoofdstuk begon in jaren 1600 dus ik dacht hmmm toch niks voor mij, maar op zich was dat meer achtergrond info en speelde het boek zich wel in deze tijd af. Dus ja een goed boek, kleine verrassingen maar ook zonder had het boek 5 sterren gekregen!

—————————————————————

Thanks Brigitte for sending your book! I really enjoyed this book. Probably weird to say about a thriller hahaha. But this book does exemplify why I love thrillers.

The book started with a chapter in 1600. I was a bit hesitant then because that's not really my thing. But this turned out to be background information. So in case you don't like this either, don't let it stop you. In this book, everything is written clearly and in detail. Which I love I think it always sets a tone in a book. It contains a lot of suspense and mystery. Really worth 5 stars. There were also plot twists in it that make the book even better. But even without the twists, I would have given Lie Like The Devil 5 stars.

[Teresa Krasteva · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolute wild ride! 4,25 stars!

Lie Like the Devil follows Detective Martina Zucco and her partner Neil as a series of savagely mutilated bodies emerge in different locations in and around Boston. Following a standard pattern of police procedurals, the narrative focuses on Marti, who grapples with the innate symbolism of the murders as they bleed into her past and present personal life, and her investigative instincts that ultimately prove her to be on the right path to solving the puzzle of bodies.

The book is incredibly well-written. There is dynamic dialogue, expressive language, very dark and deliciously arousing imagery of the arcane. Furthermore, the author includes a couple of chapters from the killer's point of view that highlight the psychology and emotionality (or lack thereof) behind criminality which adds to the mysteriousness of the killer and elevates the story overall.

One of the most intriguing elements and a focal point of the story is religion. Religion as a concept seeps into the very makings of the book and has a profound effect on the reader. The book utilizes flashbacks to another time, thus introducing two timelines—present-day Boston and 17th-century colonial Massachusetts. While the 1600s narrative is not an abundant one, it does help to establish the very important foundation and intricate facet of religion as a tool to understand its continued misapplication and corruption in the present. The symbolic, ritualistic murders that the detectives face suggest a form of religious fanaticism that advocates for the complete annihilation of the human body, the flesh of the sinner. The grotesque and vivid imagery of the description of the bodies enhances the created sense of unease in the reader and intensifies the eeriness and the uncanny. The introduction of a cult brings another conundrum to the equation—perversion of holiness and fetishism of (sometimes) mundane tasks. The reader feels almost like a voyeur, watching intimacy unfold within a frame of bodily autonomy before the eyes of God.

All of these tools and elements combined, produce a fast-paced, exciting, and sinful read, with well-rounded main and secondary characters, torturous criminality, and a female protagonist who saves herself and others through hard work, determination, intelligence, and intuition!

*I have deducted 0,75 stars because of the almost abrupt end. I felt the need for more resolution—an added 10 pages with one last conversation between Marti and Neil as well as a deeper dive into Marti's thoughts on the entire investigation.

[Supriya K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lie Like the Devil-by Brigitte Margen,
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

My thoughts :
This is not just a thriller – it's an unflinching journey into the mind of a twisted, Puritan-indoctrinated serial killer convinced that "monsters walk among us."

The story kicks off with the discovery of a body in the Boston Common, and Detective Martina is immediately thrust into a nightmare that grows darker with each step. When her instincts point beyond a gang killing, a haunting pattern emerges: the killer's methods are chilling echoes of centuries-old persecution, bringing forth the sins of a time when “the word of God was the ultimate weapon.” As the body count rises, Martina and her partner Neil race against the clock, desperate to unmask the killer before he strikes again. The story feel so real, it’s as if you’re watching a true crime documentary unfold in vivid, cinematic detail.

Martina and Neil make an incredible detective team – they’re the perfect duo, each bringing something unique to the table. Their teamwork, trust, and instincts make them the ultimate crime-fighting pair,I honestly want more of Martina and Neil.

The ending twist? Mind-blowing. Just when I thought everything over, the story flipped, leaving me on the edge. This book delivers pure, adrenaline-pumping thrills from start to finish. The gruesome murders, forensic detail, and eerie atmosphere kept me captivated and chilled. With every turn of the page, I found myself more entangled in the plot, unable to tear myself away.

If I had any criticism, it would be that the story could be a bit shorter for a faster pace. Damien Vittoro, a key character, is fascinating, and though I wanted to know more about him, his role did feel slightly overdone at times.

Overall, this is an intense, well-crafted crime thriller that feels incredibly real. If you’re into dark mysteries with plenty of suspense, this is a must-read! It’s one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year, and I highly recommend it.

[Lia's Haunted Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, even though thrillers aren’t usually my go-to genre. I rarely have the patience for thriller shows, but this read felt like watching a particularly gripping Criminal Minds episode.

The story centers on a serial killer whose murders have a religious undertone, while also following the main detectives on the case. One of the highlights for me was how well-developed the characters were. The author gave just the right amount of backstory to make me feel invested in each of them without giving away too much.

I loved the religious themes woven throughout the narrative, along with the flashbacks that provided insight into the killer’s motivations without revealing everything at once. The straightforward storytelling approach worked for me—it was clear and easy to follow but still had its fair share of surprises to keep things engaging.

I’m truly grateful to the author for the opportunity to review this book because I might have missed out on this amazing thriller otherwise.

[Trina 🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I started reading Lie Like The Devil It was hard to put down! I’m a sucker for a good historical fiction thriller and that’s how it began. Boston in the 1600s. Then pivots back and forth to current day. I’m not usually big on detective novels but this one was an exception. It was more focused on the cases than the detective’s back stories, which is what I prefer. Serial killer thriller. The details, graphic horror and intensity kept me turning the pages! Suspense, mystery, darkness, intrigue, historical and religious aspects, all well done! I received a copy of the book from the author. The review is my honest personal opinion.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can honestly say I really enjoyed it. I love a good thriller & this did not disappoint.

Who doesn’t love a serial killer book….

This had me hooked from the first page, any book that incorporates religion I will give ago especially if it’s a thriller.
I loved the flashback throughout the book. Also the writing style was just engaging & kept me reading. I would highly recommend if you like police/serial killer books.

[Vaishnavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thankful for the author to provide me with the ARC of such a good book.
This book is about a serial killing, and I don't mind saying this..... this book kept me on my tips while reading. It was so binding that I was juwt turning the pages and nothing could stop me from reading not even my day to day activities..... its such a page turner.
The concept of the book and the themes explored were so well written and explained. There was enough thrill and mystery to keep my brain knocked on. The twists were also good. The characterisation was also done well.
There were some references to the past and present which I couldn't relate to that easily, and also the epilogue. There were few chapters which made little sense to me..... and this is the only negative I found for this book. Maybe it's not at all that unrelated and only maybe I was the one who didn't get it...

Coming to my rating : out of 5 ⭐️
Title : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The title is so capturing and good. It just pulls you to the book.
Cover :⭐️⭐️⭐️ the cover is good
Character development :⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ the characters are so well written and described, We could easily guess what was going on in their minds. Each characters emotions and mindset was well understandable and imagined, this really helped me connect with the characters.... and so with the book tooo...
Writing style : ⭐️⭐️⭐️the writing style of the author is good. Easy writing and understandable, the descriptions are also well written.
Originality and Plot : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️the theme of serial killers may be a bit common, but the other things in the plot was something I really liked, it was not that unique but it was well presented.
Emotional Impact : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️overall when I reached the end of the book, i was mostly satisfied and happy. But a part of me was a bit confused with few chapters in the book.
Overall : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️to say I did like the book enjoyed it, but I will not say that it was perfect, but I can say it was close to perfection.... i would love to read other books by the author.

[Davina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Lie Like the Devil opens with a bang—dark, intense, and gripping from the very first page. It’s one of those thrillers that promises blood-chilling crimes and complex investigations, and for the most part, it delivers.

The story follows Detective Marti and her partner, Neil, as they track down a brutal serial killer whose crimes are as gruesome as they are captivatingly written. The crime scenes are vividly detailed—enough to make you squirm—and the killer’s backstory is twisted and fascinating, adding a disturbing realism to the case. Marti and Neil make a strong pair, balancing each other with contrasting yet complementary personalities that bring life to the procedural elements.

However, while the book starts off incredibly strong, the tension dips midway. Some sections feel repetitive, and the pacing slows enough that it begins to lose the sharp edge that the opening promised. The ending, in particular, felt a bit underwhelming. The capture didn’t quite match the buildup, leaving me wishing the detectives’ tireless efforts had more payoff.

That said, Lie Like the Devil is still a dark, gritty thriller with memorable characters and vividly executed crime scenes. If you enjoy serial killer stories with strong character dynamics and detailed police work, this one might still be worth picking up.

[Kim Layman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This intense detective thriller will have you enthralled until the end.

This dual timeline story starts in Colony Bay, Massachusetts in the 17th century-setting the stage for religious trauma and persecution through the eyes of those who lived during the Salem Witch Trials. Present day slowly reveals the intention of the killer through means of brutal killings marked by various scriptures written in a combination of Modern and Old English. What is the point of these killings? Why are they happening? And why the Bible verses? That’s what Marti and Neil are trying to find out.

Märgen does a splendid job of weaving together red herrings and actual facts in the game of cat and mouse. What starts off as a simple case of supposed gang violence quickly turns into something more dangerous. We get glimpses of the killer through out the book but don’t know who he is, or why he is killing-initially. His mannerism, speech (or lack thereof) are unsettling and quite frankly, creepy. And as Marti and her partner get closer to finding out who he is, his past is revealed-showing a heartbreaking and traumatic religious past, and begs the reader to ask the question, who is the real villain?

This was a top notch thriller novel that enmeshed savvy detectives and religious vigilantes. Märgen packed quite a lot in this novel but was able to keep the flow and pacing on point. If you are a fan of thrillers, this is a must read. 4.5 stars

A big thank you to the author for sending me her book. My opinion is my own.

[Spencer Gilgenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author Birgitte Margen for a copy of Lie Like the Devil in exchange for a review! Definitely check out Birgitte’s work if you’re a detective drama/Criminal Minds fan - this one was all that and then some. Warning that this one is super graphic, and it was challenging for me to read the gory scenes.

Kudos to Birgitte for knocking it out of the park self-publishing - it’s no small feat.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're not into thrillers this book will ease you into it without giving you nightmares and the gore is described in a way that isn't too much! One of those thrillers where you curiously can't stop turning the pages.The twists were fun and well written!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really kept me on the edge of my seat!

The book begins with a flashback to the Puritans and their methods of punishment, we return to this throughout the book.
Then it jumps forward to present day Boston. When a body is found with the skin splayed to look like angel wings, police initially think it could be gang-related. Once a second body is found they realise they have a serial killer on their hands. Detective Marti Zucco was an interesting main character, it was clear she has demons of her own to face.
There are bible verses at the start of each chapter, this adds to the creepy atmosphere of the story as the police try to unravel the religious motives of the murders.

I found the story really intriguing, every detail was carefully thought out.

5/5

Thank you to the author @birgittemargen for sending me a copy to read and review. 🙂

Content warnings: gory crime scene descriptions. Religious themes, including satanism and Bible quotes.

[Parinati Deshmukh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a masterpiece for any crime lover. The twists and turns are worth the wait, making it a must-read for fans of true crime and mystery.

Marti: A detective who can't seem to catch a break from life.
Neil: Marti’s partner, whose humor lightens even the most intense situations.

The story begins when the body of a gang member is discovered, bearing a tattoo of an "M" and grotesque wings made of skin. From a distance, these wings resemble those of an angel. Is this the work of gang violence, or something more sinister?

Just a few days later, another body is found—this time, a sweet 15-year-old girl. Though both victims share the same horrifying "wings," there is no apparent connection between them: one is a gang member, the other an innocent teenager.

Now, it’s up to Marti and Neil to uncover the truth behind these chilling murders. Are they dealing with a serial killer, or is something even darker at play? To say more would spoil the mystery.

Happy reading!

[Sarah Leis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first three quarters of this book. I liked the fast pace, short chapters, and the way the story seemed to be unfolding. Certain elements reminded me of the TV series Hannibal but mixed with a more straightforward police procedural. However, the last quarter of the book kind of lost me, as everything started to feel rushed. There were a few plot points that didn't quite make sense, and ultimately, the ending left me feeling unsatisfied.

On the whole, I still think this is a good book, despite a few flaws. If you are fond of crime thrillers with a religious slant, I would recommend checking it out. 3.75⭐️

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Birgitte for sending me a copy
Detectives on the hunt for serial killer. For me this was a slow burn as there was alot going on but I felt intrigued to keep reading and I'm glad I did as it kept me guessing throughout right till the end.

[Chaitra S (brewed.bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, this book didn’t do it for me. I went in hoping for a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller, but instead, I found myself trudging through way too many graphic descriptions and unnecessary historical detours. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the intent—those jumps to historical events were probably meant to help us get into the killer's twisted mindset or highlight the relevance of their motives. But for me, it felt like hitting a speed bump every few pages, throwing me off the flow of the story.
The concept had potential, I’ll give it that. A killer inspired by Puritan-era persecution and witch trials? That’s dark and fascinating. But instead of being captivated, I felt overwhelmed by the gore and distracted by the narrative tangents. It was like the story couldn’t decide if it wanted to be a psychological thriller or a history lesson, and it didn’t quite nail either.
By the halfway mark, I was debating whether to push through or move on to something else. I did finish it—mainly because I hate leaving books unfinished—but I can't say it left much of an impression, except for a mild headache from trying to keep up with all the jumping around. Maybe it’s for someone who enjoys more graphic, detail-heavy narratives, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

[Windsor Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book at the author’s request. While thrillers aren’t usually my thing, I did enjoy this one. It is fast paced and just the right length. Being in the head of the detective while she is trying to figure out who the killer was fun. Martina is a complex main character whose thought process is interesting, I appreciated the way she’s always processing.

Martina and her partner, Neil, find themselves in the middle of a unique murder case. The victims are all hung and flayed to look like they have wings. They’re each found displayed in ways that point to their perceived wrongs. The killer appears to be obsessed with his distorted version of the Bible, and is taking people down one by one, going through a list of sins. As Martina and Neil get closer to the killer, the danger escalates, and they may not get out alive.

There are dueling timelines that I still don’t quite understand. The book flashes back and forth between the Witch Trials and present day, but doesn’t connect the two. I see the parallels between the killer and the women who were tortured in the past, I just didn’t feel like it was necessary.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable story. Especially considering I’m not a big thriller fan. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and was delightful. It is currently on Kindle Unlimited.

[Alexandra Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

A copy of the book was sent to me by the author.

I genuinely feel that this was published 20 years too late and as a wrong format. It reads very much like any 2000s CSI-like detective movie/tv show with the same typical misogyny, tacky dialogues & it actually felt like it was set in 2000s, not 2024 ("present days" are never defined, but besides one character owning a touchscreen phone & another being an ipad kid, everything else screamed 2000s). If it were such a movie, I'd probably have liked it, as a book - not so much.

The idea of religiously motivated serial killings is nothing new, but took a literal turn here, with a killer making his victims into winged angels. I didn't really care about the main character, she was quite annoying pick me girl in a male-dominated field trying to prove she deserves to be in that role. I found it funny how her boyfriend was introduced once to never be mentioned again - we respect treating male romantic interests the same way women are treated in adventure movies with male mcs. Other characters, including side characters and suspects were brought into the story for no purpose other than be a name on the list. Pretty much everyone is cardboard and serves no purpose.

There were quite a few plot holes and moments that made me go "well actually ☝🏻🤓", but it's too late to go over my notes and nitpick.

The writing is not the worst I've read recently, but it would've worked way better as a screenplay for a tv show + there were typos & some sentences within the same paragraph didn't contextually or logically relate to each other, so it could've used more editing and proofreading. Felt like a self-published book, so I'm not going to hate on errors that much.

Leaving this at 2 stars primarily because the idea for the plot was good & I feel like had it been published (filmed) in 2000s, it would've been received better.

[Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★.5

When the body of a man is discovered in the Boston Common, Martina ‘Marty’ and her partner, Neil, are called to the horrific crime scene. The dead man’s ID and rap sheet quickly reveal his ties to a local gang, and the police dismiss the case as a gang-related killing. However, Marty believes there’s more to the story. The victim was found with a piece of paper that appears to be scripture from the Geneva Bible, an unusual detail that doesn’t align with the gang angle and instead suggests a ritualistic killing.

Shortly after, the body of a young woman is discovered. Though the location and staging differ, there are clear parallels to the first killing, including another piece of scripture from the Geneva Bible. The victims could not be more different, and there doesn’t seem to be any obvious link between them.

Struggling to understand what connects the victims—and worried they might be dealing with a serial killer—Marty and Neil shift their approach. Their investigation draws them into a chilling world of satanic cults and Puritan beliefs. Can they stop the killer before he strikes again?

From the very first pages, this story reminded me of Tess Gerritsen’s Rizzoli and Isles series—also set in Boston—and I was hooked! Birgitte Märgen skillfully cites scripture from the Geneva Bible and weaves in stories from the Salem witch trials, bridging present-day crimes with those of the past. This adds rich context to the ritualistic killings, which echo Puritan doctrine. The historical ties enrich the story, creating an atmospheric setting that brings Boston to life.

A Catholic herself, Marty is forced to confront her own beliefs—a difficult task when the scent of a church feels like coming home, and the priest is the closest father figure she has. Safe to say, this case is hitting close to home in more ways than one.

The cast of characters Marty and Neil meet during their investigation is wildly entertaining. Their presence adds a lighthearted touch to a story that otherwise grapples with very dark themes.

If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers that combine police procedurals with historical crime, I highly recommend checking this one out.

Thank you, Birgitte Märgen, for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.