The Devil's Revenge

by K.N. Shields

1983. A trail of footprints lead Deputy Archie Lean and criminologist Perceval Grey to the body of a murdered thief. The victim's exposed flesh has been burnt beyond recognition and occult symbols mark the nearby walls. But two days earlier this same man was lowered into his grave...

As Lean and Grey dig deeper, they're pulled into a maze of death, deceit and revenge as they try to prevent a devious murderer from unlocking an ancient and lethal power.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery

439 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Kieran Shields grew up in Portland, Maine. He graduated from Dartmouth College and the University of Maine School of Law. He continues to reside along the coast of Maine with his wife and two children. The Salem Witch Society is his first novel.

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the dead body of a renowned thief is dug up and immolated, this causes some consternation for policeman Lean and private eye Grey. They're swept up in a maelstrom of demonic symbolism, family feuds and scared crooks. I found this an enjoyable adventure and a great novel to escape into on a deary winter's day.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The Salem Witch Society and thought it was absolutely awesome. The research the author had put into historical events was breathtaking, so I was delighted when I saw the sequel hot on the heels of it.

It is very slow to start, and not as engrossing as The Salem Witch Society but once it picks up, boy does it pick up. Again the historical events surrounding the main story, must have been painstaking in the extreme.

We have the return of Perceval Grey, Archie Lean and, briefly, the delightful widow, Helen Prescott. We also have the dastardly Jotham Marsh and his evil side kick, Jerome Morse.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the way it ends leaves it nicely open for another thumping good read.

Highly recommended.

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

After enjoying The Salem Witch Society and loving that book, I had to read this one.

Although I did ultimately enjoy this book I stumbled across a few problems. At the start it was pretty slow, and yes I did eventually get into the book, but with this one, there was something missing. I can't quite put my finger on what's missing, but for some reason I feel there was something slightly off with this book.

Even with the problems I had with the book and that It took me so long to actually read it, I did enjoy the book overall. The plot was great and I appreciate K.N. Shields effort and research he has made with this book.

If you liked the first book, then chances are you'll like this book and will recommend to previous and new readers.

[Mireille · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slow start , but an enjoyable read still loving Mr Grey .

[Rachel Kidd]

Dnf

[Ricky Sherriff-Short · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second instalment following the Salem witch society, good follow up from the 1st book.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having really loved The Salem Witch Society, I had to get my hands on this book very quickly when I knew it existed. To be honest, it was a little bit of a let down after the first. While this book was still good, it was really good actually, I think the problem was I had a very heightened anticipation for it based on how amazing I found the first in the series.

The research put in to both this book, and the one prior, is astounding. The thickness of atmosphere is just... wow. The atmosphere was here in this book, it was there in abundance, but the plot was a bit ropey.

Perceval Grey and Archie Lean are a formidable duo - though it was nice to see them as more individual characters rather than attached at the hip. I liked how the two originally independent lines of enquiry wove together. The addition of Helen in the middle portion of the book made me very happy (I'm still quietly shipping Helen & Grey. I won't lie.) The antagonists reappeared which was a good touch, and there was the epilogue with them that left options for another book open - something I'm quite excited about!

The story was slow, I don't think it was as developed as the book prior to it. While it was still enjoyable, it didn't engage me to quite the extent! I loved how it linked back in parts to the first book, giving those people who read The Salem Witch Society a greater degree of closure on things that were - while not unexplained - underdeveloped. I particularly loved the link between Phebe and Madeline.

This is an era of history that I'm not familiar with in America (honestly I'm not particularly familiar with much American history whatsoever) but it's made me want to read more historical fiction set in America.

I hope there's another book in the future - soon preferably - as I really, really love the style and the substance the author puts in to these!

[Christel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off really drawn out and boring. However, I did stick with it and about a third of the way in it did start to pick up a little bit but only a little. I have never been so glad to get to the end of a book. I wouldn't recommend it unless your having trouble sleeping as it is a good remedy for sleep deprivation

[Helen Belton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book after loving the first in the series but was a little let down. The fast moving pace of the first book just wasnt there for me, i actually gave up twice beofre i managed to finish it!...not a terrible book but nowhere near as goof as the first

[Davina Keating watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the Salem Witch Society, so expected to love this too. However, I found it hard going. The ending was great but I didn't enjoy getting there. It was long winded and I found it quite boring at times.

[Jordan Hewett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and loved the first in the series. I was gutted to find out the third instalment was not picked up. The adventures between the two leads was a fun read and the mixed in historical aspect is always a winner for me.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

solid story in a Sherlock Holmes style. better pacing than the first.