The Devil You Know: An Angel & Kincade Mystery

by James Harper

Betrayal is the deepest wound, and only blood can ease its pain.When the body of a man recently released from prison is found strangled and beaten to death, the killing is horrifically similar to the rape and murder of thirteen-year-old Ainsley Bannister, a crime that rocked the nation eighteen years previously. And in case they couldn't work it out for themselves, the killer pins a note to the body, a challenge to DI Max Angel and his team - if you won't give us justice, I will.

The investigation is fraught with problems from the start. The victim's new identity was a closely-guarded secret and now it's Angel and Kincade's job to identify the leak. What's worse is the impossible dilemma of dealing with Ainsley Bannister's shell-shocked family, balancing the sympathy they feel for them as they're taken back to the darkest days of their lives against treating them as the prime suspects. And if that wasn't bad enough, there's somebody out there hell-bent on making those dark days blacker still.

With the eyes of the nation on him, the last thing Angel needs is for his personal life to blow up in his face. Still reeling from learning he has a grown-up daughter, the discovery that restored his faith in life itself suddenly becomes a cause for concern when Angel's nemesis, the corrupt Romanian detective, Virgil Balan, takes an interest in her . . .

The Devil You Know is the seventh novel in the Angel & Kincade murder mystery crime series by USA Today bestselling British crime writer, James Harper. Perfect for fans of JM Dalgliesh, JD Kirk, Damian Boyd, LJ Ross, Rachel McLean and Simon McCleave.

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

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Reviews

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series, The Devil You Know, is a story about lies, secrets, family, hate, betrayal and revenge. An ex-con is found dead in the same way he murdered a teenager eighteen years ago. Although many seem the murder as justice, Angel and Kincade will work to find the killer and the more they search the more they find connections to the girl's murder. Is it revenge from a family member? There are many leads and they seem to push and pull not necessarily in the best way to find the culprit. Angel will also find the he has too many women around him and they do not always agree to what he wants to be done. The end is a cliffhanger and I'm looking forward to learn what will happen next! Great entertainment!
I thank the author for this ARC.

[Bruce McNair · Rating 5 out of 5]

The body of a man who was recently released from prison is found on a nature reserve where a violent rape and murder occurred 18 years before. It turns out the dead man had a new identity. So who could have known who he was? Meanwhile DI Max Angel is on leave, and his DCI wants him back ASAP.
The story has lots of twists, turns and red-herrings. The tension surged and ebbed as events unfurled.Added to the main plot was the worry that his family would be dragged into another predicament. With his need to protect them, tearing him from the investigation to the family situation. I found this an intriguing story worthy of 5 stars.

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read as we dive into the life and work of Angel and Kindade.

Revenge and murder colour the cases the team are working on while pressure from events in their personal lives continues to evolve.

James Harper has developed these characters and their lives in such a way, that as a reader, you feel invested in them. You laugh and cry with them through the highs and lows of both their professional and personal lives.

If you like well written mysteries with interesting characters. you will enjoy this series of books

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest instalment of the Angel & Kincade series centres around a murder linked to a crime from 18 years prior. As with all the books in this series, there are plenty of twists, lots of suspense, and well-developed characters, along with complex family dynamics!
Mercedes' appearance in the book shows us another side of Angel and his family.
The pace is fast, and I do sometimes lose track of which new character is which. Overall, it's another great read from James Harper.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.

[Cathy Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

When 1 of the 2 young boys convicted of a murder is himself found brutally murdered after his release from prison it opens up many wounds from the past and many questions. Angel & Kincaid find themselves questioning the facts from the original case and need to unravel a deep web of lies to find the truth of what happened.

Meanwhile a new family member for Angel comes with its own set of challenges.

Brilliantly written, you are immersed in a murder mystery that right the end keeps you guessing while at the same time you learn more about Angel and what makes him tick.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This newest installment in the series had me completely hooked—I devoured it in just three days! It felt like reconnecting with old friends, catching up on their lives while being swept along by all the plot twists and turns. I’m already eagerly anticipating the next book.

Even if you’re new to the series, you’ll have no trouble following the story. But fair warning: once you finish this one, you’ll almost certainly want to go back and read the earlier books too!

[Linda Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another complex investigation for Angel and Kincade.
The current murder is linked to a murder 18 years ago.
The families involved are devious, liars, guilty and scheming. There’s revenge, scores to settle and people to be silenced. A lot happening.
This seventh book in the series should have a trigger warning for the topic covered. Some descriptions are very graphic, some, including dialogue is unnecessary.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently released from prison a man responsible for a rape and murder gets a new identity. This man is found dead similar to the death of his victim. Another page turning Angel and Kincade investigation.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another ripper of a mystery in the series. Loved the interactions between the various team members. Angel again caught between a rock and a hard place. Lots of twists most of which you’ll not expect. I didn’t want to stop reading.

[S McK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Love this series.

Each book gets better and better.

Great characters, fabulous writing style & pace, twisty storylines that keep surprising me and the delectable background details, which unfold with each book.

Can't wait for another book in this series - more, please!

[Eleanor Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another extremely well written book from James Harper, full of action from start to finish, with a great cast of characters. An edge of the seat page turner.

[Richard JF Gallick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I have read from this author and found it very interesting. Keep your wits about you with the book. I enjoyed this book and look forward to other books.

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all the Angel and Kincade books but this is the best so far, the relationship between the two of them just gets better and better
can't wait for the next one

[Margaret E. Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for the next book in the series.

I do so enjoy reading about the characters in these books. The human frailty of their personal lives is just so interesting.

[Debi Levins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great book

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The characters are interesting and complex. It is with great pleasure that I look forward to the next installment

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story kept me guessing all the way until the end.
I enjoy reading about Agrl & Kincsde.
Looking forward to the next episode.

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel must dig into the past to solve this heinous murder. Extraordinary noVel.

[Amanda Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another all nighter, you just can't put this book down until you work out who is responsible for the killings.

Angel and Kincaid never let us down with their banter, personal lives and their ability to find the killers, they keep us enthralled.

I'm already looking forward to the next book!