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The Devil You Know #3
Too Many Gods in the Kitchen
It’s good to be the boss, but be careful what you wish for.
Nick got what he wanted and now has to establish an agency to audit Heaven and Hell’s operations. Rob is his right-hand man, but Amy has responsibilities of her own and owes a favor to the local coven. Nick’s plans go out the window when a mystery client shows up and throws everything into chaos, representing a new godly power no one expects.
Things get even more complicated when Rob uncovers a massive loophole that threatens the natural spiritual order. Tensions run high between the agency and a psychic con man. If that wasn’t enough, Amy’s bill comes due and the spirits come calling when she discovers a magical dilemma of epic proportions. Caught between loyalties, she must decide where they lie.
Our trio faces their largest challenge yet, and the threads they chase threaten to tie everything in knots. Will Nick be able to deal with the elephant in the room, or will everything come crashing down?
Nick got what he wanted and now has to establish an agency to audit Heaven and Hell’s operations. Rob is his right-hand man, but Amy has responsibilities of her own and owes a favor to the local coven. Nick’s plans go out the window when a mystery client shows up and throws everything into chaos, representing a new godly power no one expects.
Things get even more complicated when Rob uncovers a massive loophole that threatens the natural spiritual order. Tensions run high between the agency and a psychic con man. If that wasn’t enough, Amy’s bill comes due and the spirits come calling when she discovers a magical dilemma of epic proportions. Caught between loyalties, she must decide where they lie.
Our trio faces their largest challenge yet, and the threads they chase threaten to tie everything in knots. Will Nick be able to deal with the elephant in the room, or will everything come crashing down?
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2024
4 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Ben Schenkman
7 books34 followersBen Schenkman likes many things in life: his 20-pound Maine coon cat, his family, his coffee, and his eclectic hobbies—not necessarily in that order.
Ben also likes to play devil’s advocate in his urban fantasy books by exploring the gray areas of good and evil with questions like, “Does the end really justify the means? Or is it all simply black and white?” Ben leaves these questions lingering in the ether to challenge readers’ conventional thinking and delve into the complexities of moral dilemmas.
As a native of Connecticut, Ben draws inspiration from his upbringing and college years in New Haven, where his novels take place. When he wants to escape being a writer, he’s a massive foodie who goes on gastronomic adventures, an overachiever who collects degrees in Theater, Nuclear Engineering, and an MBA, or the manager/performer of the fire dance troupe, HVBRIS—you know, the basics. No big deal.
Want to know more about his work, or talk about coffee and cats? He loves hearing from readers!
Ben also likes to play devil’s advocate in his urban fantasy books by exploring the gray areas of good and evil with questions like, “Does the end really justify the means? Or is it all simply black and white?” Ben leaves these questions lingering in the ether to challenge readers’ conventional thinking and delve into the complexities of moral dilemmas.
As a native of Connecticut, Ben draws inspiration from his upbringing and college years in New Haven, where his novels take place. When he wants to escape being a writer, he’s a massive foodie who goes on gastronomic adventures, an overachiever who collects degrees in Theater, Nuclear Engineering, and an MBA, or the manager/performer of the fire dance troupe, HVBRIS—you know, the basics. No big deal.
Want to know more about his work, or talk about coffee and cats? He loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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August 19, 2025I liked how
Meghna's characterization rubbed me the wrong way, particularly on page 249. Idk the way Nick talks about and to her + describes her...
I liked the multiple perspectives in this book but unfortunately every character sounds the same and has the same idiolect. In fact, the characters themselves are all pretty similar. They're all little cinnamon rolls who are big foodies, go to therapy, and love each other. All a bit too fluffy for my taste. They also all describe the same things in depth (e.g. food and outfits), whereas I'd expect different narrators to view the world differently and focus on different things in people and plot.
I think this would have been awesome as a comic similar to Scott Pilgrim, particularly given the supernatural aspects of this
Meghna's characterization rubbed me the wrong way, particularly on page 249. Idk the way Nick talks about and to her + describes her...
I liked the multiple perspectives in this book but unfortunately every character sounds the same and has the same idiolect. In fact, the characters themselves are all pretty similar. They're all little cinnamon rolls who are big foodies, go to therapy, and love each other. All a bit too fluffy for my taste. They also all describe the same things in depth (e.g. food and outfits), whereas I'd expect different narrators to view the world differently and focus on different things in people and plot.
I think this would have been awesome as a comic similar to Scott Pilgrim, particularly given the supernatural aspects of this
August 6, 2025
Thank you Indie fantasy Bookwrm Tracker, and Ben Schenkman for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was so hard to put down, and I read it in two sittings.
This is hands down on of the best stories I've read in ages where the author was able to seamlessly weave the individual plots for all three main characters around each other and have the stories combine at the end. It was so satisfying, and the little hints along the way kept me wanting to read more to see where each story was going. I also liked that the characters also went off and did quite a bit on their own instead of always being together as a group too.
I adore the personal growth for each character, and I think Amy was my favorite this time. She is solidly coming into her witchy powers, and can now stand equally with Nick and Rob as a partner instead of just a fragile human like she was before.
There is tons of action, lots of emotion, a whole boatload of danger, and even some new friends.
I really hope there will be more adventures in this series in the future. I really want to meet more Gods and non-human entities.
This book was so hard to put down, and I read it in two sittings.
This is hands down on of the best stories I've read in ages where the author was able to seamlessly weave the individual plots for all three main characters around each other and have the stories combine at the end. It was so satisfying, and the little hints along the way kept me wanting to read more to see where each story was going. I also liked that the characters also went off and did quite a bit on their own instead of always being together as a group too.
I adore the personal growth for each character, and I think Amy was my favorite this time. She is solidly coming into her witchy powers, and can now stand equally with Nick and Rob as a partner instead of just a fragile human like she was before.
There is tons of action, lots of emotion, a whole boatload of danger, and even some new friends.
I really hope there will be more adventures in this series in the future. I really want to meet more Gods and non-human entities.
October 9, 2024
I am never sure what is going to happen in a book in this series, and that is such a good thing. One of the things that I really love about this series is that we get to see events from all three of the main characters, not just Nick. Another thing is that this series is a little bit irreverent in a good way; there are no good answers to some questions because things aren’t always black and white. This latest in the series brings in another religion, and I loved it! Poor Nick is torn in so many directions in this one, and he is rethinking his new job. I think this might be the last in the series, but I’m hoping not as I’ve come to appreciate and love these characters so much. If so, I’m sure I’ll adore whatever the author has coming up next. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 8, 2024
I love love love that this series keeps getting better! Introducing other religions opens up whole new avenues! I read this one in one sitting because I could not put it down! Loving Amy’s journey to discovering the depth of her power, Robs redemption, and Nick’s quest to do the right thing. Love this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
Chaos and Snark
Too Many Gods in the Kitchen is the third book in The Devil You Know series. Nick’s new job auditing Heaven and Hell gets chaotic when a new god shows up, Rob finds a dangerous loophole, and Amy faces magical trouble. ⚖️🔥✨
The story is packed with humor, twists, and great character growth. It’s an unpredictable, fun read that leaves me hoping the series isn’t over! 😄📚
#BookReview #TooManyGodsInTheKitchen #TheDevilYouKnow #DarkComedy #OccultSuspense #HumorAndChaos #FantasyReads #MustReadSeries
Book Series Order
Book One: My Boss is the Devil
Book Two: Dueling Shoulder Angels
Book Three: Too Many Gods in the Kitchen
Too Many Gods in the Kitchen is the third book in The Devil You Know series. Nick’s new job auditing Heaven and Hell gets chaotic when a new god shows up, Rob finds a dangerous loophole, and Amy faces magical trouble. ⚖️🔥✨
The story is packed with humor, twists, and great character growth. It’s an unpredictable, fun read that leaves me hoping the series isn’t over! 😄📚
#BookReview #TooManyGodsInTheKitchen #TheDevilYouKnow #DarkComedy #OccultSuspense #HumorAndChaos #FantasyReads #MustReadSeries
Book Series Order
Book One: My Boss is the Devil
Book Two: Dueling Shoulder Angels
Book Three: Too Many Gods in the Kitchen
October 23, 2024
This series is so conceptually original, I don't think I've read anything quite like it before.
I was so thrilled that we got other gods in this book. Because obviously God and the Devil weren't enough for Nick to have to deal with.
I also really enjoy that we get to rotate point of views between Nick, Amy and Rob.
I feel like we get such a better understanding of everything going on with all three of their voices being included.
I really didn't see how Nick could have anymore added to his plate by running The Devil's in the Details but boy was I wrong!
This well rounded book takes all three of them on an adventure of twists and turns that you'll never see coming.
Exceptional Read!!!
I was so thrilled that we got other gods in this book. Because obviously God and the Devil weren't enough for Nick to have to deal with.
I also really enjoy that we get to rotate point of views between Nick, Amy and Rob.
I feel like we get such a better understanding of everything going on with all three of their voices being included.
I really didn't see how Nick could have anymore added to his plate by running The Devil's in the Details but boy was I wrong!
This well rounded book takes all three of them on an adventure of twists and turns that you'll never see coming.
Exceptional Read!!!
October 10, 2024
Several months ago, I scrolled by a post looking for ARC readers for what looked to be a fun and quirky book series. I am so glad I applied; this has been the most unique and fun series concept. As the third book in the series, this book maintains all of the humor we have become accustomed as we continue to follow Nick through his career growth with the devil. This book gives us more POV from Nick's girlfriend and friendly witch, Amy, as well as more from Rob, Nick's one-time nemesis. It also brings a new religion into the mix as Nick and crew find themselves now being pulled in another direction with a third deity.
October 16, 2024
I absolutely loved this book and this series. This is my favorite of all of them! I love how the author brings spirituality and religions of all sorts into play! The relationship between Nick and Amy is so normal, not over the top or overly romantic, just normal which is refreshing. I admit that I have to look up some of the characters but I love that it is making me learn about other religions (in the best way possible). I really hope the story continues as I’d love an Amy story!
October 30, 2024
Another super fun read in this awesome series. We get a whole new pantheon (or two)! Plus this book was even witchier than the first two, which I love. (Go Amy!)
Some favorite quotes:
“Now’s not the time to hold out on me, dear one. I have the soul of an elderly golfer in the kitchen.”
“Is this a felony?”
“Well, Adam, it’s not not a felony.”
Nick looked like death warmed over. His suit was immaculate, but the body inside it had the air of a sentient pile of slept-in clothes.
Some favorite quotes:
“Now’s not the time to hold out on me, dear one. I have the soul of an elderly golfer in the kitchen.”
“Is this a felony?”
“Well, Adam, it’s not not a felony.”
Nick looked like death warmed over. His suit was immaculate, but the body inside it had the air of a sentient pile of slept-in clothes.
May 15, 2025
Out of the frying pan and into the fire.
As if dealing with God and the Devil were not enough to handle, now Nick and Rob have other religions and gods descending upon their new agency. How on earth will the pair cope?
This Book 3 in the series is as captivating as the previous books. Great characters and fabulous storylines. A mix of fantasy, witchcraft and magic.
Highly recommended and best to start with book one.
As if dealing with God and the Devil were not enough to handle, now Nick and Rob have other religions and gods descending upon their new agency. How on earth will the pair cope?
This Book 3 in the series is as captivating as the previous books. Great characters and fabulous storylines. A mix of fantasy, witchcraft and magic.
Highly recommended and best to start with book one.
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July 31, 2025The title on this book is so on point! There is a lot going on and we've now got 3 POVs--all of these wild plot points see unrelated, until you get to a point where Schenkman weaves them together really satisfyingly! I like the progression of the series, with book 1 starting with Nick's deal with the devil, and now we've got more pantheons converging on the trio. It was well done and I'm looking forward to more.
October 15, 2024
The addition of other deities in this book is absolutely amazing! I have enjoyed this series beyond measure. Ben has a way of making you question what you know about God and the Devil, we all know the Bible is subject to interpretation but Ben brings out the grey areas very well in this series. Question what you know!
I look forward to the next book in the series.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
December 9, 2024
This was a great read!
I very much enjoyed this book. The third in the series, it grabs the characters by the neck and throws them into situations that I could not guess the outcome. Great plot. Terrifically interesting characters. I know I am going to reread the entire series again, and it has a prominent place on my book shelf. Very good book. Read it. Highly recommended
I very much enjoyed this book. The third in the series, it grabs the characters by the neck and throws them into situations that I could not guess the outcome. Great plot. Terrifically interesting characters. I know I am going to reread the entire series again, and it has a prominent place on my book shelf. Very good book. Read it. Highly recommended
January 29, 2025
A five-star series where each book gets better than the last. Read these for pleasure (I laughed out loud) or with deeper meaning to be found. I will say the last book was probably rushed a bit and both it and the second book could have used just a little more editing (but not so much as to be distracting.)
December 27, 2025
God, The Devil And The Inbetween
This is a fast paced series and excellent to boot. I can see this being endless because well....there is so much work to be done😂 Who would have guessed that God and the Devil could actually compromise? All here with witches in the mix along with psychics with ill designs. Its a fantastic read !
This is a fast paced series and excellent to boot. I can see this being endless because well....there is so much work to be done😂 Who would have guessed that God and the Devil could actually compromise? All here with witches in the mix along with psychics with ill designs. Its a fantastic read !
November 11, 2025
This would have been a 5 star read but when I cry it loses a half star
This trilogy has had more up than downs and to be honest is one of the few 5 star series I've read in awhile. Definitely worth the read.
This trilogy has had more up than downs and to be honest is one of the few 5 star series I've read in awhile. Definitely worth the read.
October 15, 2024
This series had me laughing and catching my breath so many times. The banter is fantastic. I loved the growth of the characters through the trilogy.
November 21, 2024
Too Many Gods? Nope. I enjoyed the acknowledgement of other Gods and their abilities.
December 12, 2025
Doesn’t Disappoint
Yeah, I think you could say I’m a fan. This series is just so much fun and (at least for me) thought provoking. I’m ready for the next book!
Yeah, I think you could say I’m a fan. This series is just so much fun and (at least for me) thought provoking. I’m ready for the next book!
October 27, 2025
A fantastic return to Ben Schenkmans world he created in the third book. Really enjoyed the story and all the new characters (and old) we go to see in this story. Highly recommend the trilogy.
March 9, 2025
The third book in the series, this one continues Nick, Amy and Rob’s adventures. Nick and Rob are partners in the new agency to audit both God Co and Devil Co. Amy is a consultant. Rob and Lester, office manager at Devil Co, are dating, and life is good.
Or is it?
Nick gets a proposal from Elphas Co, which represents the Hindu deity, Ganesha, and they had subcontracted Devil Co, which has resulted in a file coming to Nick. Meghna, their client needs a blessing from Lord Ganesha to escape the clutches of an asura who will claim the souls of her family if she fails. One of her ancestors entered into a deal with the asura in return for a successful business, and the asura can claim their souls after three generations. No one except Meghna cares, and Nick’s attempts to convince her father fails miserably.
Rob is after a case of his own, when a file about a soul in purgatory catches his attention. It leads to a rabbit hole and a scam involving souls. Thousands of souls are involved and they’re neither in heaven nor hell AND not in purgatory either. A family of mediums have them enslaved inside glass statues.
Amy has her own problems after a trapped soul contacts her. She manages to make contact with the deity who helps her with her witch magic, and he tells her to solve the problem of the souls who are unable to cross over. It’s like they’re all trapped under a heavy weight.
Soon, they realise that all three problems have common threads and resolving one can lead to resolving all. But in the meantime, they have to deal with murderous asuras and a mafia like family.
I must say that I love the Hindu mythology aspects in this. As a Hindu and a mythology fan, I adore it whenever it’s incorporated into a book, and it’s done so well in this.
The characters are so good. Amy and Rob both get their own POVs and character ARCs. Rob and Lester, just like Amy and Nick, make a cute couple whose relationship is based on communication, honesty, respect as well as love. Seriously, I adore both couples!
The side characters like the coven that Amy is a part of, Meghna, the people from Elphas group, and WALT, the preacher friend of Nick’s are all well realised.
I was so happy to see the theme of female friendships where Amy wants to have more female friends even though she’s in an amazing relationship with someone who’s always in her corner. The coven fulfils that need in her, and I love to see it!
And the food descriptions. Nick is a foodie and the descriptions are too good. My diabetic, depressed, ADHD arse was craving carbs and sugars and caffeine.
I really want more books in this series!
Or is it?
Nick gets a proposal from Elphas Co, which represents the Hindu deity, Ganesha, and they had subcontracted Devil Co, which has resulted in a file coming to Nick. Meghna, their client needs a blessing from Lord Ganesha to escape the clutches of an asura who will claim the souls of her family if she fails. One of her ancestors entered into a deal with the asura in return for a successful business, and the asura can claim their souls after three generations. No one except Meghna cares, and Nick’s attempts to convince her father fails miserably.
Rob is after a case of his own, when a file about a soul in purgatory catches his attention. It leads to a rabbit hole and a scam involving souls. Thousands of souls are involved and they’re neither in heaven nor hell AND not in purgatory either. A family of mediums have them enslaved inside glass statues.
Amy has her own problems after a trapped soul contacts her. She manages to make contact with the deity who helps her with her witch magic, and he tells her to solve the problem of the souls who are unable to cross over. It’s like they’re all trapped under a heavy weight.
Soon, they realise that all three problems have common threads and resolving one can lead to resolving all. But in the meantime, they have to deal with murderous asuras and a mafia like family.
I must say that I love the Hindu mythology aspects in this. As a Hindu and a mythology fan, I adore it whenever it’s incorporated into a book, and it’s done so well in this.
The characters are so good. Amy and Rob both get their own POVs and character ARCs. Rob and Lester, just like Amy and Nick, make a cute couple whose relationship is based on communication, honesty, respect as well as love. Seriously, I adore both couples!
The side characters like the coven that Amy is a part of, Meghna, the people from Elphas group, and WALT, the preacher friend of Nick’s are all well realised.
I was so happy to see the theme of female friendships where Amy wants to have more female friends even though she’s in an amazing relationship with someone who’s always in her corner. The coven fulfils that need in her, and I love to see it!
And the food descriptions. Nick is a foodie and the descriptions are too good. My diabetic, depressed, ADHD arse was craving carbs and sugars and caffeine.
I really want more books in this series!
June 26, 2025
A Sharp, Witty, and Wildly Imaginative Sequel That Dares to Redefine Divine Chaos
Ben Schenkman’s Too Many Gods in the Kitchen is a clever, genre bending blend of urban fantasy, dark comedy, and metaphysical intrigue that delivers on every front. Following the events of its predecessor, this second installment raises the stakes and dives headfirst into celestial politics, magical debts, and existential bureaucracy.
Nick, now tasked with auditing the operations of both Heaven and Hell, quickly discovers that power brings its own kind of chaos. With Rob as his reliable (but increasingly suspicious) right-hand man and Amy entangled in her own witchy obligations, the trio is pulled in different directions by duty, deception, and divine disruption. The introduction of a mysterious client representing a new god shakes the foundation of Nick’s plans, and what follows is a whirlwind of clever twists, moral quandaries, and supernatural showdowns.
Schenkman’s worldbuilding is top tier equal parts absurd and profound weaving in philosophical undertones without ever losing its fast paced, humorous tone. The banter is razor sharp, the stakes feel real, and each character’s arc is richly developed. Amy’s journey, in particular, adds an emotional core that resonates as she grapples with loyalty, legacy, and the price of magic.
At its heart, Too Many Gods in the Kitchen is about control who has it, who thinks they do, and what happens when systems built on belief start to crack. It’s bold, unpredictable, and deeply satisfying.
Highly recommended for fans of Neil Gaiman, Douglas Adams, or anyone who loves their fantasy served with equal parts intellect and irreverence.
Ben Schenkman’s Too Many Gods in the Kitchen is a clever, genre bending blend of urban fantasy, dark comedy, and metaphysical intrigue that delivers on every front. Following the events of its predecessor, this second installment raises the stakes and dives headfirst into celestial politics, magical debts, and existential bureaucracy.
Nick, now tasked with auditing the operations of both Heaven and Hell, quickly discovers that power brings its own kind of chaos. With Rob as his reliable (but increasingly suspicious) right-hand man and Amy entangled in her own witchy obligations, the trio is pulled in different directions by duty, deception, and divine disruption. The introduction of a mysterious client representing a new god shakes the foundation of Nick’s plans, and what follows is a whirlwind of clever twists, moral quandaries, and supernatural showdowns.
Schenkman’s worldbuilding is top tier equal parts absurd and profound weaving in philosophical undertones without ever losing its fast paced, humorous tone. The banter is razor sharp, the stakes feel real, and each character’s arc is richly developed. Amy’s journey, in particular, adds an emotional core that resonates as she grapples with loyalty, legacy, and the price of magic.
At its heart, Too Many Gods in the Kitchen is about control who has it, who thinks they do, and what happens when systems built on belief start to crack. It’s bold, unpredictable, and deeply satisfying.
Highly recommended for fans of Neil Gaiman, Douglas Adams, or anyone who loves their fantasy served with equal parts intellect and irreverence.
November 7, 2024
This is the third book in the series (and the last, I think) and I enjoyed it just as much as the first two. Also...Too Many Gods in the Kitchen? I freaking love that title.
This series doesn’t fit any of the genres I usually read, but I was intrigued by the premise - and then delighted by the humor and originality of the tale. I mean, an average, wisecracking barista becoming an office drone for the devil and working his way up that career ladder? Then being recruited by God and mixing it up with other deities? That’s a new one for me.
Sure, this story has the devil (Lu), God (Leslie), and those other guys (whose names I can’t remember how to spell), but this is *not* a religious book and these are not your usual deities; it’s a comedic adventurous thrill ride with the author’s wholly original take on the characters.
I love banter in stories and this series also has that, in spades. It also kept me guessing what would happen next, which is a feat. There’s also a little romance in it, but that’s kind of ho hum, IMO. Likewise some of Amy's witchy side storyline.
All in all, it was a great change of pace from the horror and espionage books I usually read. I’m glad I took a chance on it as I’m generally not a fan of anthologies. If you were intrigued enough about this book/series to read the reviews, I’d say it’s well worth the risk to check out at least book 1.
This series doesn’t fit any of the genres I usually read, but I was intrigued by the premise - and then delighted by the humor and originality of the tale. I mean, an average, wisecracking barista becoming an office drone for the devil and working his way up that career ladder? Then being recruited by God and mixing it up with other deities? That’s a new one for me.
Sure, this story has the devil (Lu), God (Leslie), and those other guys (whose names I can’t remember how to spell), but this is *not* a religious book and these are not your usual deities; it’s a comedic adventurous thrill ride with the author’s wholly original take on the characters.
I love banter in stories and this series also has that, in spades. It also kept me guessing what would happen next, which is a feat. There’s also a little romance in it, but that’s kind of ho hum, IMO. Likewise some of Amy's witchy side storyline.
All in all, it was a great change of pace from the horror and espionage books I usually read. I’m glad I took a chance on it as I’m generally not a fan of anthologies. If you were intrigued enough about this book/series to read the reviews, I’d say it’s well worth the risk to check out at least book 1.
October 15, 2024
I absolutely love this series. It is such an amazing read. I love the continued character development and the wit used in this book. Nick thought his plate was full after book 2 however this book introduces another religion, and Nick's already complicated life gets even more complicated. I love how this book has POVs from all 3 main characters and not just Nick's. It was a book that was extremely hard to put down. At times there is no right or wrong answer or choice as the world isn't in black and white and this book showcases that perfectly.
November 8, 2024
Nick’s new job is auditing Heaven and Hell, things get a little hetic when new gods show up. Too many gods in the kitchen is full of magic, humour and unpredictable twist and turns
This series just keeps getting better you never know what to expect from it. The Introduction of other religions opens up for even more interesting things to happen.
This series just keeps getting better you never know what to expect from it. The Introduction of other religions opens up for even more interesting things to happen.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews