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The Eisenbrey Trilogy #1

The Way Evil Does

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Rebecca Reis considers abandoning her career as a novelist until she begins writing about convicted serial killer Thomas Eisenbrey.

Nicknamed the Hunter because of his penchant for targeting groups of hunters in the forest, Eisenbrey is the worst kind of psychopath. He is crafty, aloof, at times possessing a charm that is almost hypnotizing, and he’s wheedling his way into her mind.

As her interviews with him in the Washington State Penitentiary progress, Rebecca finds herself having feelings for the last man in the world that she should, forcing her to ignore her attraction to the detective who is also vying for her affection. But when the Hunter escapes, she worries—who will he hunt next?

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2014

48 people are currently reading
725 people want to read

About the author

Amara Draska

3 books18 followers

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5 stars
96 (28%)
4 stars
114 (33%)
3 stars
76 (22%)
2 stars
31 (9%)
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20 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Sally.
189 reviews18 followers
March 15, 2018
I COULDN'T STOP READING!
This book was one of the best psychological thrillers I've read so far!
It totally sucked me in from the very first page.. I felt entranced by it and I was just unable to put it down.
I loved the psychological aspect of this book and I very much enjoyed the imperfection of each character and their flaws! Some people might not understand Rebecca's behavior, especially since she's a grown woman. But seriously, the whole Rebecca being vulnerable, depressed, dealing with past trauma.. mentally weak justifies her behavior. I seriously loved how realistically Tom was portrayed.. the whole psychotic mind and manipulative attitude is very much a trait of a true psychopath. I loved how he didn't just turn into a loving good guy by the end of the book, just like many other books about serial killers!
I can't wait to see what Amara Draska has in store for the next two books. Honestly, I'm still thinking about what the hell happened towards the end and I SERIOUSLY can't wait for the second book!

Overall, a GREAT read!


UPDATE August 2017:

So, I'm starting to lose hope that the second book of this trilogy will ever be published? The Darkest Need was supposed to come out back in 2015.. we're in August 2017.. so? Should I just give up on this series or what exactly? There are no updates from the author either ... not here or on her website..?!

Full Review:
https://lettersoncanvas.wordpress.com...
Profile Image for Alicia Huxtable.
1,910 reviews60 followers
June 19, 2019
Disturbingly wow!

This book was written to completely capture the reader and capture me it did. To the point that I was constantly questioning the main female characters sanity. Great reading
Profile Image for Olga - Storytellers Book Club.
31 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2022
Rebecca falls hard for convicted killer, Tom. I tried to understand her but I can't. He was even violent towards her, yet, she still loved him. I'll never understand that kind of dysfunction and I won't even try. Although, without giving any spoilers, I slightly applaud Rebecca at the end. I'm hoping that in the second book Rebecca comes to her senses.
Profile Image for Y.I. Washington.
Author 2 books33 followers
Read
September 17, 2014
I had to stop reading this book. I just couldn't wrap my head around this woman falling for such a monster. I do know it happens in real life, but I just couldn't continue reading. The more I read the stupider she was to me. I found myself rooting for Tom to kill her only to realize there are 2 more books to go. I can't see reading them just to find out if he kills her.
Profile Image for Kelle.
303 reviews
August 18, 2014
4.5 thrilling stars

WOW!!!!
Kudos to you Amara Draska


This story had me pretty much sucked in from the beginning! What a wonderful job by the author.

Phsychological Thriller Romance... I say total Mind F%&k!!! I'm still thinking about this book (always a good sign)

I thought there was something wrong with me when another author got me hooked on aliens, a lizardman and a bug but I thought no way in hell is an author gonna get me on the bandwagon of a serial killer.


You meet Rebecca, an author, who is going to write a book about Thomas Eisenbrey convicted serial killer. Tom's good looks, arrogance and at times smooth talking ways soon have Rebecca and the reader captivated.

I know there is so much more to this story and I CAN'T wait to read the next book.

Please hurry with it Amara!!
Profile Image for Catina Martinez.
84 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2014
The book started out great...the dialog was sharp and witty, and the protagonist believable. Then it morphed into 50 Shades of Grey, borrowing heavily from Silence of the Lambs. Our smart heroine, for no discernible reason, falls for a serial killer on death row. While incredibly good looking, he lacks charm, intelligence or warmth. There are subtle hints that the killer may have some paranormal power, though it is never resolved. We just know (think?) that he can read the heroine's mind, which felt like too much of a stretch because it is never explained.


****Spoiler****







Then suddenly, the story goes from unbelievable to abject depravity. The heroine MARRIES the serial killer so they can have a conjugal visit. Ummkay.

Because she was initially painted as smart and witty...educated, I could not buy it. Did I mention that the conjugal visit had to be observed by prison staff? Yes.

In summary...the story is a borrowed idea, with its own unique properties - poorly executed.
Profile Image for Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ TrixieTracy Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ.
120 reviews30 followers
September 2, 2014
Woah!! This is definitely a read for the dark & twisted out there (unfortunately, that includes me!!)

This story had me empathising in places where I should have been questioning the plot, not my own moral judgement!! It had me pushing on the good side and pulling on the dark. I don't know where it's going but what's possibly worse, is that I don't even know which direction I want it to go, I think I'd be good with either...say what?

If anyone finds some scruples on the lose out there, please return them to me immediately!!
Profile Image for April Duffy.
4 reviews23 followers
August 11, 2014
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars

The scariest part of love for most us is that the person we are in love with can ultimately shatter our world as we know it. But in Amara Draska’s thriller, The Way Evil Does, 40-year-old Rebecca Reis realizes her love is capable of shattering the world of others as well.

While interviewing the notorious serial killer, Thomas Eisenbrey, Rebecca finds herself captivated by his piercing, blue eyes and devilish good looks. Though he was only supposed to be a writing project, he soon is all she can think about.

This hold is similar to the one Draska has on us, her readers. Although sometimes difficult to process, the twisted connections between the characters in the story are so well rounded and believable, you can’t help but develop an understanding of the situations those characters find themselves in, and want to read on.

Because there are so many sinister events happening with the main characters, at times some of the supporting characters are forgotten about until their presence is needed. We know enough about Rebecca and Tom, but there is little to be said about the other characters, and many other relationships are left on the back burner. Even Rebecca’s best friend, Kat, gets neglected through most of the book. Though this does not detract from the overall storyline, it does not go unnoticed.

Amara Draska has written a fun, dark, and twisted thriller that will keep you reading. The book benefits from Draska’s clever wit, which keeps the mood light in spite of the sinister events taking place. For an exhilarating and suspenseful read, pick up The Way Evil Does and join Rebecca on her downward spiral into love and fear, as she shows what it is like to be in love with someone who could kill you if only given the chance.

Disclosure: The author, Amara Draska, was kind enough to provide Read Owl with a free copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.
Profile Image for Pamela .
1,439 reviews77 followers
February 15, 2015


If you’re looking to read something that’s dark and twisted, I highly recommend “The Way Evil Does” as the author gives the readers just that – dark and twisted. What a page-turner this turned out to be. It’s about a woman, Rebecca, a writer who falls in love with her subject, Tom, who happens to be a serial killer. All she has to do is visit Tom in prison and get his story. Sounds simple right? Well it’s not. Seriously, by the time I finished reading it I wasn’t sure who was more demented. It’s as though Rebecca had gone down a rabbit hole of sorts. Everything she did, everything she said and thought, all I could think was this chick needs to see a psychiatrist and fast. Trust me, the things she does for Tom will have you shaking your head as well. She’s definitely not of the right mind. In fact, I’d have to say Detective Darryl Scanlon, just one of the men who captured Tom, is also not of the right mind. No matter what she does, how much she may disappoint him, or have him pulling his hair out, he still finds himself falling in love with Rebecca. Talk about a novel that’s full of suspense, drama, and romance, that also includes a touch of paranormal. A dark and twisted tale that’s so intriguing and full of twists and turns, it’s one I highly recommend if that’s what you’re in the mood for. Unfortunately, this is the first book in a series. Yep, the story doesn’t end here. Not only that, I think this is just the tip of the iceberg, that there’s a lot more to come. I get the feeling that Rebecca will be needing more than a good psychiatrist. I hope book 2 comes out soon as I hate waiting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Christine.
42 reviews10 followers
October 1, 2014
This is a book for people that like flawed characters, suspense, thrillers.

What lengths are you willing to go for to get a good story/sacrifice for your art? What do you do when you become the story?

How close are YOU willing to walk next to what you fear most?

What happens when people trade one addiction for another?

What do we choose when faced with a difference between mind-numbing, moral-crashing sexual attraction and love?

How do people become monsters, and why?

What do you really believe in?

These are some of the questions that involve the multiple layers in this story.

It's scary. It's sick. It's twisted. It's compelling.

The characters are very flawed.

These are characters I will remember for a while.

I could have done with less explicit sex, but I was fascinated by the author's absolute fearlessness.

Can't wait for the second book.

It reminds of the books by Chelsea Cain & her compelling examination of her protag, Archie Sheridan.

Write on!






This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hlee.
351 reviews21 followers
March 24, 2015
Uh, 2.5..maybe 3 stars. I don't really know how to review this one. For most of the book, I found myself quite disturbed how this seemingly normal woman who may still be coping with a traumatic event in her teen years would EVER, EVER, in a million years, be drawn to such an evil person. And to continue what she believes in her head as a "relationship" was completely insane to me. But then, it also brings up the point of how so many women do the same thing in real life: marry convicts, people who murder and rape. It is definitely an interesting topic of discussion, however crazy. So now if I want to find out what happens, I gotta wait till later this year when the 2nd novel of this trilogy is released. Will I venture into this and continue on? Possibly...it has the feelings of an absolute train wreck: you cringe and make faces, but you just can't seem to look away and keep going. Eh, who knows.
Profile Image for Jaimie Roberts.
Author 30 books1,866 followers
August 3, 2014
Bloody hell, what on earth have I just read???!!!
I was instantly gripped from page one and found myself up well past my bedtime reading it. Thomas Eisenbrey was some sick, twisted, crazy M.F. who for some unknown reason had me feeling just as obsessed with him as Rebecca was! It defied logic!

Throughout the whole book I kept thinking there is definitely something more to this Eisenbrey character than he lets on. I kept trying to convince myself that he surely must have a reason for killing all those people. I guess we are yet to find out, but I'm frustrated and need to know more now!! Hurry up with the second book, Amara Draska! I need to know what happens next!

On another note, five bright and shiny stars for this talented new author! Well done.
Profile Image for Kelli.
197 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2014
Even though I'm not quite sure how to categorize this book, it was still a page turner. Romance, serial killers, detectives, murders and a touch of paranormal. It's definitely like nothing else you have read before. A twisted romance with a look at the darkest side of humanity. It was intriguing, exciting and I didn't want to put it down.
Amara's book is well written and put together and I'm looking forward to reading more. For a trilogy, it wasn't left with much of a cliffhanger, but that's not stopping me from waiting impatiently for the second book!
Profile Image for Wanda Figueroa-rosado.
29 reviews
August 20, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I was a little sceptical at first, but wow this book took me by surprise. It had me on the edge of my seat. It was so good I didn't want to stop reading it left me wanting for more. Read the book in one day. A little upset I have to wait for the next book 2015 :(
Profile Image for Pam.
81 reviews
December 4, 2015
Hated Rebecca. She got dumber every second. If she had half a brain I probably would have been much more interested.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
May 20, 2019
This is the first book by this author that I have listened to and boy am I glad I started with this book.
Basically it's a love story with a huge twist because it's how a damaged writer falls in love with the serial killer she is writing her next big book about. With the twisted games he plays its not long before he gets her doing his bidding but that's okay because he is on death row with no chance of getting out......right? WRONG.
As the the listener you wonder how he can have so much power over someone but with Gwendolyn reading its not long before you are captivated by the story too and left wanting more. Will be looking out for the next book in the series to see how it plays out.
Profile Image for Molly Blue.
254 reviews18 followers
June 24, 2020
Very amateur writing. The characters lack essence and charm; instant love story is completely ridiculous, since it lacks any background, just appears right at the beginning, and is based solely on Thomas' appearance. I mean, the guy is a bloody serial killer, Rebecca, who talks about his killings in all the gory details and without any regrets , and you want him in your panties, like,right away? You don't even try to fight it? In Silence Of The Lambs there was buildup, tension, which made all of the story so powerful and believable. You wanted it to happen. Especially in Hannibal Lecter movie. Sadly, this book can't even compare.
Profile Image for Veronica.
396 reviews
July 7, 2017
Twisted. This is not for the purist. The characters in this book need serious couch time, and this is only the 1st book. I am interested in knowing if the villain/Eisenbrey evolves any over the next two books and if the heroine?/Rebecca gets any smarter. This could be a brilliant series if written properly. If not, it could be exactly what some reviewers say and be a bad knock off of 50 shades/Silence of the Lambs. There is no news on when #2 comes out, so I guess we are stuck waiting.
Profile Image for Tess.
49 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2017
I need the next book in the series........... like I needed sleep after binge reading this in less than 24 hrs.

Yes, it was a bit predictable and yes it went a bit Silence of the lambs but wow what a ride!
I still have a few questions that can only be answered in books 2 and 3 .. that apparently are not published yet.

If Amara reads her book reviews - PLEASE finish this, I have to know how this ends! It's killing me faster then the Hunter took care of his victims.
Profile Image for Donna.
874 reviews4 followers
November 9, 2017
Silence of the Lambs meets 50 Shades of Grey

When author Rebecca Reis is offered the chance to uplift her failing career by interviewing serial killer Thomas "The Hunter" Eisenbrey she's wary. After accepting the job she has many misgivings, especially when she finds this notorious serial killer is handsome and can be very engaging. A spine tingling thriller that will leave you wondering what's next.
Profile Image for Crystal w.
267 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2016
This book was good and strange at the same time. It was interesting and kept me guessing what was going to happen next.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,576 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2019
Good book

You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
1,074 reviews5 followers
December 9, 2019
Altho I despised the main character ( a drunken female author), the interviews in prison with a serial killer was interesting. The last couple of chapters were riveting. I rate this a 4.8
Profile Image for Patricia Hastings.
95 reviews
October 29, 2021
Kept me reading and couldn’t put it down!

The story line is really good, wasn’t a fan of the bad language but other than that it was good!
Profile Image for Regina.
253 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2016
It should have been so good...but it wasn't. It's OK to have an alcoholic main character with horror in her past. But don't make her stupid, weak, and gullible, too. I kept waiting for Rebecca Reis to sober up and get a clue. She never did. And if I was meant to ascertain that she was under some kind of compulsion (and I think I was) it never came out in the writing. The voodoo aspect was hinted at but never explained, even to entice for the next installment in the series.

The premise for this book is such a good idea and I was really looking forward to listening to it. In the end, though, the main character was annoying in that she consistently allowed people to talk her into doing things with very little resistance and gave the killer (and everybody else) everything he wanted just because he demanded it. The sex scenes were OK. The descriptive words used for body parts were more vulgar than necessary and I could only assume they were used for shock value. This undermined the writing which, other than the sex scenes, was good. For me, in the end, the story just wasn't developed fully enough to keep my interest. I listened to the end mostly because I am stubborn that way and like to finish what I start...and because I'm always hoping that the end will redeem the entire thing for me. It didn't in this case. Bottom line: I may give the second book a chance if I were to get it free from the author but would probably not spend a credit on it. It's too bad, because, again, it could have been soooo good.

The narration was decent. Gwendolyn Duyor does a nice job on the voice for Rebecca and most of the other female characters, and even some of the men. I did not care for the way she voiced Tom Eisenbrey, however. He never came across as menacing the way I'm thinking Amara intended him to be.

I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Leslie.
66 reviews
April 19, 2016
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com."



Ok, so I REALLY do not know how to start this one off. I chose this audiobook because it was a thriller, which I truly enjoying reading and listening to. It was also described as having some paranormal elements to it and a serial killer, so I figured, what the heck and requested it.

Um, WTF?!!!! I don't know if it liked it or not. However, I will say that I finished it. Here goes....

EvilRebecca Reis is an author, with 3 books to her repertoire. The first two were hits and her last book was a complete failure. So, like any well respected person, she turns to whiskey and drowns her sorrows away. Luckily for her, her manager loves her and gives her the opportunity of a lifetime. She sells her on the idea of writing a novel based on the serial killer, The Hunter, that is sitting on Death Row in the prison of Walla Walla, just a 4 hour drive from her home. Rebecca accepts and there the story begins.

Now, I know that the synopsis mentioned that she would develop feelings for him, but @$!!!!, it happened on the first encounter. I could not wrap my head around that. How could a grown woman with a sense of right and wrong, become obsessed and/or infatuated with a serial killer after the first visit? I am well aware of those women that communicate with death row inmates, but this was crazy. I was tempted to stop listening, but guess what? I am NO Quitter!!! So, I continued on.

Paranormal? Not really, that left me bothered. She felt his presence, saw someone in her car that wasn't there. Nothing much else, which left me bothered. Her behavior with him was just crazy and I found myself yelling at her (in my head of course as to not wake my husband). Otherwise, she appeared normal enough. She had a sexy detective wanting her. I would have jumped on that. But, not her.

Basically, not my cup of whiskey, but will I listen to the rest of the triology? Damn right, because as I already mentioned, I am no quitter and I want to see where the story goes! LOL.
Profile Image for Eric Reeves.
46 reviews
October 14, 2016
This book was really good, but the narration was even better! I'll get back to that later.

Rebecca is an author who's depressed about her third and last book. It was terrible and everyone knew it. Her agent gets her involved with a new project...biography of a serial killer. She's beautiful and vulnerable, he's deplorable but handsome and charming. You can probably imagine where this is going. The story does not disappoint in this area. In fact, the last third of the book, I spent time shaking my head and wondering just how completely insane this girl really was to say and do the things she did regarding Tom (the serial killer). It reminded me quite often of the old adage, "Nice guys finish last." I don't think the author could have come up with a more despicable character than Tom, yet he has this almost magical ability to captivate and mentally hold Rebecca hostage without her even knowing it. It was a good storyline and was executed very well in my opinion, but again, I had trouble believing the depths to which Rebecca had sunk in such a short period of time.

The narrator, Gwendolyn Druyor, is one of the best that I've heard. She was fluid. She was animated at all the right times. She was great at infusing emotion where appropriate for maximum effect. If all books were narrated like this, I'd have a hard time ever going back to physical books. Bravo!!!

Overall, this was a great book and I'm looking forward to the next part of the trilogy!!!

I received a free copy of this audio book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,800 reviews46 followers
September 11, 2014


I was so excited when I got this book. It has everything a little bit of romance a hot detective a psychopath killer named THE HUNTER who is rather dashing and charming but also very crafty. He is slowly getting into the mind of Rebecca the reporter sent to interview him. She is sent to the State pen to interview him and as the interviews progress she finds that she is starting to fall for the debonair killer But there is also the very hot detective that also wants her. But she is scared that when the hunter escapes who will he go after and will she live to see another day.

The author takes us on a ride that will end up reading all night long. This has a romance, serial killers , murders and a twist of paranormal. The characters are so well written . You feel for them and start to care for them. I must admit I did like Thomas even though he was a serial killer and probably

want to stab me to death. He did kind a get under your skin while you read.

I didn't think that all the aspects would work but it did. Even the twist of paranormal . It does and trust me you will be drawn into hell and back and yes there is a cliff hanger but not a big of one that will make you scream. This book will keep you up all night reading. Hope you are ready for a big book hangover. So check out this book and check out the great story lines characters and wonderful plots. I promise you will not be disappointed
Profile Image for Linda.
1,059 reviews25 followers
September 28, 2014
I really wanted to like this book since a friend recommended it to me. There is a picture going around on facebook right now. It says, "Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes the reason is that you are stupid and make bad choices." This is a good description of the protagonist in The Way Evil Does. I know there are supposed to be barriers set up over and over to make conflict for the protagonist. But her barriers are her stupid choices.

Her excuse is that she loves the man (even though he is a serial killer) and that he's somehow gotten into her mind. I want strong women in my books. I do not want women who are willing to humiliate and degrade themselves in front of an audience because of a man. She masturbates in front of prison guards because this killer she has the hots for wants her to. She has naked sex in front of half-a-dozen prison guards because she thinks she's in love with a psycho. After he tries to choke her to death, she still daydreams about the wacko. At the very end, she makes another really stupid decision.

I don't want a woman protagonist who lets her clitoris make all her decisions for her.
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