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Jessica Blackwood #2
Name of the Devil
In this electrifying sequel to Angel Killer, magician-turned-FBI-agent Jessica Blackwood must channel her past to catch a killer consumed by a desire for revenge.
When a church combusts in rural Appalachia, the bizarre trail of carnage suggests diabolical forces are at work. Charged with explaining the inexplicable, the FBI's Dr. Ailes and Agent Knoll once again turn to the ace up their Agent Jessica Blackwood, a former prodigy from a family dynasty of illusionists. After playing a pivotal role in the capture of the Warlock, a seemingly supernatural serial killer, Jessica can no longer ignore the world, and the skills, she left behind. Her talent and experience endow her with a knack for knowing when things are not always as they appear to be, and she soon realizes this explosion is just the first of many crimes.
As the death toll mounts, Jessica discovers the victims share a troubling secret with far-reaching implications that stretch from the hills of West Virginia to cartel-corrupted Mexico to the hallowed halls of the Vatican. Everyone involved in what happened on that horrible night so long ago has tried to bury it—except for one person, who believes that the past can be hidden, but never forgiven. Can Jessica draw on her unique understanding of the power and potential of deception to thwart a murderer determined to avenge the past?
When a church combusts in rural Appalachia, the bizarre trail of carnage suggests diabolical forces are at work. Charged with explaining the inexplicable, the FBI's Dr. Ailes and Agent Knoll once again turn to the ace up their Agent Jessica Blackwood, a former prodigy from a family dynasty of illusionists. After playing a pivotal role in the capture of the Warlock, a seemingly supernatural serial killer, Jessica can no longer ignore the world, and the skills, she left behind. Her talent and experience endow her with a knack for knowing when things are not always as they appear to be, and she soon realizes this explosion is just the first of many crimes.
As the death toll mounts, Jessica discovers the victims share a troubling secret with far-reaching implications that stretch from the hills of West Virginia to cartel-corrupted Mexico to the hallowed halls of the Vatican. Everyone involved in what happened on that horrible night so long ago has tried to bury it—except for one person, who believes that the past can be hidden, but never forgiven. Can Jessica draw on her unique understanding of the power and potential of deception to thwart a murderer determined to avenge the past?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 430 reviews
March 7, 2021
My discovery of Andrew Mayne’s unique perspective to crime thrillers has made me an instant fan. After loving the first book in this series, I rushed to continue the magic (pardon the pun) with this second novel, which packs just as much punch. Jessica Blackwood’s time with the FBI may have started off being somewhat drab, but when she was brought along to help crack open a case of a serial killer with the power of illusion, she discovered her niche. Now, with The Warlock behind bars, Blackwood can bask in some of the fame, though there are new cases that require her attention. When a church congregation disappears in West Virginia, it looks to be something in the realm of magic. However, their discovery, dead, a few miles away, turns talk towards demonic forces. Blackwood and the FBI are there to piece it all together, though what lurks in the darkness is something no one could have predicted. Another stunning piece by Andrew Mayne that will have those who love a unique thriller up late into the night, turning pages.
While she enjoys the notoriety that finding The Warlock brought her, Jessica Blackwood wants something more out of her time with the FBI. When a case in West Virginia crosses her desk, she’s shuttled off to investigate. An entire congregation of a small church disappears into thin air, only to be found, dead, a few miles away. Markings in the area lead to discussion of ritual killing and demonic possession, something that does not go down well in this Bible-toting community.
Blackwood is used to dealing with the unusual, especially with her background as an illusionist. However, this is not all sleight of hand and puffs of smoke, but rather something with far darker origins. While demonic possession could surely play a factor, there has to be a human element to the crime, one that Blackwood must uncover before things get too out of hand.
The investigation takes Blackwood out of the area, as some sort of mild-altering drug may have been involved. Its origin in Mexico may be the key to uncovering what’s been going on. Blackwood makes the trip down there, only to find herself in the middle of other criminal activities. She’s forced to show a gritty side and bail before she becomes a crime statistic herself. However, Blackwood’s time in Mexico reveals some clues that might help with the larger investigation.
Back stateside, Blackwood returns to discover that there are secrets in this small West Virginia town that no one wants uncovered. Truths that relate to children and events three decades ago. Silence may be golden, but for some it takes on an obsession, one that could lead to murder in order to ensure its held in place.
As Blackwood slowly makes some revelations in the case and discovers what’s really going on, she realises that this might be tied to a terror group using new-fangled technologies. What appears clear-cut is simply an illusion, but one that could have significant consequences. No one is safe, including those at the highest levels within the Vatican. Blackwood must act quickly, as a papal visit to Miami is scheduled soon and the target is too large to ignore.
Andrew Mayne does it again with a stunning follow-up novel in this unique series. Pulling not only on the world of magic—read, illusions, not the realm of fairy tales—but also the demonic arts, Mayne pulls the reader into the darkest corners of the genre while remaining grounded in reality. This is a fast-paced story that will take the reader on a ride like no other, leaving them wanting more by the story’s end. Mayne does not skimp on detail or description, which is sure to impress many.
Jessica Blackwood is again in the protagonist’s chair, where she dazzles and shows her mettle. There are some added bits of backstory revealed in this piece, both from her time as a magician (illusionist) and growing up in the family business. There is also a great deal of character development for her, offering the reader a glimpse into how she has been able to bridge her past life with a career inside the FBI. Gritty and ready to risk it all, Blackwood shows that she stands out from many characters in the crime thriller, without too much of the smoke and mirrors that some need to make a difference.
Mayne surrounds Blackwood with some strong supporting characters, pulled from various realms to help accentuate the piece. Blackwood finds herself in a number of precarious situations in all corners of the globe, which begs for a strong cast to enrich the narrative in a variety of ways. Mayne does so in a masterful manner, keeping the reader on edge throughout this piece and leaving them wanting a little more.
Much as the first book flowed well, this one follows in its footsteps, offering a unique take on the crime thriller. Pushing the limits on magic, illusions, and flights of fancy, Mayne leads the reader down quite the rabbit hole and into control of the mind through a number of facets. Demonic worship does come into the story, though readers need not worry that this is a book all about the satanic rituals and pentagram branding. Rather, it takes the reader on a ride like no other. With a variety of chapter lengths, the reader is pulled in at times and taken on intense rides through other parts, all while the narrative gains momentum. There is little time to waste, as the story covers a great deal of ground in short order. All the twists surely pack a punch for the attentive reader and leave them wanting more. Thankfully, Mayne has penned another Jessica Blackwood thriller, which is where I am headed next!
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for another winner in the series and genre as a whole. I’m a fan and cannot get enough.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
While she enjoys the notoriety that finding The Warlock brought her, Jessica Blackwood wants something more out of her time with the FBI. When a case in West Virginia crosses her desk, she’s shuttled off to investigate. An entire congregation of a small church disappears into thin air, only to be found, dead, a few miles away. Markings in the area lead to discussion of ritual killing and demonic possession, something that does not go down well in this Bible-toting community.
Blackwood is used to dealing with the unusual, especially with her background as an illusionist. However, this is not all sleight of hand and puffs of smoke, but rather something with far darker origins. While demonic possession could surely play a factor, there has to be a human element to the crime, one that Blackwood must uncover before things get too out of hand.
The investigation takes Blackwood out of the area, as some sort of mild-altering drug may have been involved. Its origin in Mexico may be the key to uncovering what’s been going on. Blackwood makes the trip down there, only to find herself in the middle of other criminal activities. She’s forced to show a gritty side and bail before she becomes a crime statistic herself. However, Blackwood’s time in Mexico reveals some clues that might help with the larger investigation.
Back stateside, Blackwood returns to discover that there are secrets in this small West Virginia town that no one wants uncovered. Truths that relate to children and events three decades ago. Silence may be golden, but for some it takes on an obsession, one that could lead to murder in order to ensure its held in place.
As Blackwood slowly makes some revelations in the case and discovers what’s really going on, she realises that this might be tied to a terror group using new-fangled technologies. What appears clear-cut is simply an illusion, but one that could have significant consequences. No one is safe, including those at the highest levels within the Vatican. Blackwood must act quickly, as a papal visit to Miami is scheduled soon and the target is too large to ignore.
Andrew Mayne does it again with a stunning follow-up novel in this unique series. Pulling not only on the world of magic—read, illusions, not the realm of fairy tales—but also the demonic arts, Mayne pulls the reader into the darkest corners of the genre while remaining grounded in reality. This is a fast-paced story that will take the reader on a ride like no other, leaving them wanting more by the story’s end. Mayne does not skimp on detail or description, which is sure to impress many.
Jessica Blackwood is again in the protagonist’s chair, where she dazzles and shows her mettle. There are some added bits of backstory revealed in this piece, both from her time as a magician (illusionist) and growing up in the family business. There is also a great deal of character development for her, offering the reader a glimpse into how she has been able to bridge her past life with a career inside the FBI. Gritty and ready to risk it all, Blackwood shows that she stands out from many characters in the crime thriller, without too much of the smoke and mirrors that some need to make a difference.
Mayne surrounds Blackwood with some strong supporting characters, pulled from various realms to help accentuate the piece. Blackwood finds herself in a number of precarious situations in all corners of the globe, which begs for a strong cast to enrich the narrative in a variety of ways. Mayne does so in a masterful manner, keeping the reader on edge throughout this piece and leaving them wanting a little more.
Much as the first book flowed well, this one follows in its footsteps, offering a unique take on the crime thriller. Pushing the limits on magic, illusions, and flights of fancy, Mayne leads the reader down quite the rabbit hole and into control of the mind through a number of facets. Demonic worship does come into the story, though readers need not worry that this is a book all about the satanic rituals and pentagram branding. Rather, it takes the reader on a ride like no other. With a variety of chapter lengths, the reader is pulled in at times and taken on intense rides through other parts, all while the narrative gains momentum. There is little time to waste, as the story covers a great deal of ground in short order. All the twists surely pack a punch for the attentive reader and leave them wanting more. Thankfully, Mayne has penned another Jessica Blackwood thriller, which is where I am headed next!
Kudos, Mr. Mayne, for another winner in the series and genre as a whole. I’m a fan and cannot get enough.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
April 29, 2018
Name of the Devil is the sequel to Angel Killer (that I haven't read yet). Starting with book two is not the best perhaps, but I'm used to reading out of order and this one can easily be read without you having read the first book. Although if you are anything like me will you be dying to read the first book after you finished this book. I was, but I read book three instead, and now as I'm writing this review I'm reminded that I still have one book left to read woohoo!
I found Name of the Devil to be an engrossing story about some brutal murders that seem to be the devil's work, and then more people die in more mysterious ways. Thankfully FBI has agent Jessica Blackwood ex-magician to work the case and she is soon hot on the trail of the suspect. Which would go easier if her boss was more on her side and not working against her.
This book is great. I found the storyline to my liking and I adored Jessica Blackwood and I especially liked that she comes from a family of illusionists (with secrets) and that she has a "weird" relationship with a man wanted by the FBI. Just the extra ingredients in this story to make me even more intrigued.
I found Name of the Devil to be an engrossing story about some brutal murders that seem to be the devil's work, and then more people die in more mysterious ways. Thankfully FBI has agent Jessica Blackwood ex-magician to work the case and she is soon hot on the trail of the suspect. Which would go easier if her boss was more on her side and not working against her.
This book is great. I found the storyline to my liking and I adored Jessica Blackwood and I especially liked that she comes from a family of illusionists (with secrets) and that she has a "weird" relationship with a man wanted by the FBI. Just the extra ingredients in this story to make me even more intrigued.
May 21, 2023
Jessica Blackwood's family are magicians and she was one too ... until she put the show business life aside and joined the FBI. She proved herself in Angel Killer when she helped capture the Warlock and now she is back. She has a unique perspective when it comes to the power of deception.
Her skillset is needed here when a church explodes killing the congregation and the source appears to be a person spontaneously combusting. Then a small time minister, who is live on televsion, begins speaking oddly before committing suicide. There are whispers of demonic possession. Jessica though finds a connection between the two events ... and a plot to assassinate an important person.
Not everyone is enamoured with Jessica. Not in the FBI and not in the other agencies she has to deal with. In the FBI she is not the agent in charge with regards to the church explosion and the lead agent is not a fan. When it comes to her belief there is an assassination plot she has to work with the Secret Service and prove herself as well as the plot. Neither is easy.
Fortunately Jessica is smart and tenacious. And she does have some people on her side and who believe her. And she will need them when she crosses the path of a Mexican drug cartel because suddenly she finds she herself is in the crosshairs.
This was an entertaining story and I like Jessica. Not very believable but this is fiction. Enjoy the ride. If the opportunity comes along I will read the next novel in the series, Black Fall
Her skillset is needed here when a church explodes killing the congregation and the source appears to be a person spontaneously combusting. Then a small time minister, who is live on televsion, begins speaking oddly before committing suicide. There are whispers of demonic possession. Jessica though finds a connection between the two events ... and a plot to assassinate an important person.
Not everyone is enamoured with Jessica. Not in the FBI and not in the other agencies she has to deal with. In the FBI she is not the agent in charge with regards to the church explosion and the lead agent is not a fan. When it comes to her belief there is an assassination plot she has to work with the Secret Service and prove herself as well as the plot. Neither is easy.
Fortunately Jessica is smart and tenacious. And she does have some people on her side and who believe her. And she will need them when she crosses the path of a Mexican drug cartel because suddenly she finds she herself is in the crosshairs.
This was an entertaining story and I like Jessica. Not very believable but this is fiction. Enjoy the ride. If the opportunity comes along I will read the next novel in the series, Black Fall
May 14, 2023
This book was exciting, fast paced, and complex. I have enjoyed everything I have read by this author. He comes up with some unique ideas and some great characters. The complexity and intensity of his stories make for a great read. Jessica, the main character, had such an unusual background being raised by a family of magicians which she uses to see problems in a different way. She is great at her job but a lot of her co-workers are not really fans. She puts herself out on a limb a lot with the people in charge at the FBI but she gets results and she definitely has a moral code. I won’t wait so long to read the last in this trilogy.
October 4, 2019
I went straight into this from book 1. Strangely, although I remember book 1 (Angel Killer) quite well I don't remember this one much at all. I gave it 3.5 stars at the time as I didn't think it was quite as good as the first books. I will certainly be reading book 3 though and, after catching up with outstanding reviews, I'm hoping future reviews will be more coherent and detailed. This is just for the record but hey, it was a good read.
December 18, 2020
God Andrew is really a master in writing magical mysteries.
even though I managed to figure out most of the key points I still loved this book.... i really loved the mythical elements, how the story unfolded and how amazingly jessica's mind worked...
also that ending was a bit of a cruel tease ^^
gonna start the next book as soon as I get my hand on it ^^
even though I managed to figure out most of the key points I still loved this book.... i really loved the mythical elements, how the story unfolded and how amazingly jessica's mind worked...
also that ending was a bit of a cruel tease ^^
gonna start the next book as soon as I get my hand on it ^^
January 25, 2025
I really enjoyed the first book in the series but the plot on this jumped the shark. It started good but quickly turned absurd. I couldn’t even finish it
June 9, 2024
Hodnocení: 4,5/5 ✩
Způsob, jakým Andrew Mayne píše a hlavně, jak buduje příběh, jsem si zamilovala. A tak není divu, že mě žádná z jeho knih nesmí minout. Vždy patří k těm netrpělivě očekávaným.
I když série Jessica Blackwood není mou nejoblíbenější, i tak si její čtení užívám. I kdyby jen pro její originalitu. Jak už tomu v případě thrillerů mnohdy bývá, jde chvílemi realističnost celého příběhu a vyšetřování stranou. To je však plně nahrazeno nemalým množstvím zvratů, akcí a napětím, na jejichž nedostatek si čtenář rozhodně nemůže stěžovat. Tak jako díl předchozí, i tato kniha mě během pár stránek vtáhla do děje a už nepustila. Příběh byl spletitý, plynule ubíhal, jednotlivé části do sebe zapadaly a postupně se skládaly v ucelený obraz, který nepůsobil nijak všedně.
Jak se dalo předpokládat, autor opět svým uměním nezklamal a já se postupně stávám jedním z jeho skalních fanoušků. Už teď se těším na další jeho knihy a to nejen, z této série.
Způsob, jakým Andrew Mayne píše a hlavně, jak buduje příběh, jsem si zamilovala. A tak není divu, že mě žádná z jeho knih nesmí minout. Vždy patří k těm netrpělivě očekávaným.
I když série Jessica Blackwood není mou nejoblíbenější, i tak si její čtení užívám. I kdyby jen pro její originalitu. Jak už tomu v případě thrillerů mnohdy bývá, jde chvílemi realističnost celého příběhu a vyšetřování stranou. To je však plně nahrazeno nemalým množstvím zvratů, akcí a napětím, na jejichž nedostatek si čtenář rozhodně nemůže stěžovat. Tak jako díl předchozí, i tato kniha mě během pár stránek vtáhla do děje a už nepustila. Příběh byl spletitý, plynule ubíhal, jednotlivé části do sebe zapadaly a postupně se skládaly v ucelený obraz, který nepůsobil nijak všedně.
Jak se dalo předpokládat, autor opět svým uměním nezklamal a já se postupně stávám jedním z jeho skalních fanoušků. Už teď se těším na další jeho knihy a to nejen, z této série.
April 19, 2018
Wow, Jessica Blackwood can do it all - except cooking and housekeeping of course. Apparently she is indestructible, not immune to injury (although she heals faster than a cat). Humble to a fault she singlehandedly outshines every other agent in the FBI, which is sooo embarrassing for her. At this rate, this twenty-something super dynamo will be running the bureau by book five. (I need a rolling-on-the-floor emoji right now.)
Aside from the fun I'm having here, still enjoy the book series and am in the middle of book three as I write this. Good magic information sprinkled throughout the book. Appreciate the history of Jessica's youth and her relationships with family. Can do without so many cliché superior upper-management people that talk down to her and treat her as a young, inexperienced, know-it-all FBI agent; oh wait, that's what she is--so what the heck.
Aside from the fun I'm having here, still enjoy the book series and am in the middle of book three as I write this. Good magic information sprinkled throughout the book. Appreciate the history of Jessica's youth and her relationships with family. Can do without so many cliché superior upper-management people that talk down to her and treat her as a young, inexperienced, know-it-all FBI agent; oh wait, that's what she is--so what the heck.
September 25, 2016
This is the second book in the series--something I didn't realize when I first picked up the novel--but it reads as a stand-alone, and I had no trouble following along. The book has an interesting premise with plenty of intrigue and great FBI detail. Very original to have a protagonist with a magician background and kudos to the author for being one of the few male thriller writers I've read who doesn't describe every woman by the sum of her body parts or her level of attractiveness. Jessica is definitely a strong female lead and one I'd like to read more about. The ending fell apart a bit for me. But all in all an original and enjoyable read.
December 31, 2021
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This book was kind of hard to get through; it was just really similar to the first book and not as good when the first book wasn’t great either. The first %25 felt like I was in book 1 purgatory. The whole thing was really just not great and the ending was sudden and really poorly done. A disappointing book followed by an even more disappointing ending. I gave this series a chance, but don’t think I’ll be continuing.
This book was kind of hard to get through; it was just really similar to the first book and not as good when the first book wasn’t great either. The first %25 felt like I was in book 1 purgatory. The whole thing was really just not great and the ending was sudden and really poorly done. A disappointing book followed by an even more disappointing ending. I gave this series a chance, but don’t think I’ll be continuing.
January 18, 2020
VERDICT: 3+ stars.
REVIEW: Good protagonist. Not quite enough magic this time. Damian remains too all-knowing/capable. Still, recommended.
Consider: The Devil's Footprints
REVIEW: Good protagonist. Not quite enough magic this time. Damian remains too all-knowing/capable. Still, recommended.
Consider: The Devil's Footprints
July 17, 2022
Meh.
Went in blind and from the beginning of the story I thought this was going to be some kind of paranormal/horror novel. It's not.
I like the concept and idea of having a FBI agent with a background in illusions and stage magic but I didn't care for the execution. I found the story dragging and unbelievable.
*Read as a standalone.*
Went in blind and from the beginning of the story I thought this was going to be some kind of paranormal/horror novel. It's not.
I like the concept and idea of having a FBI agent with a background in illusions and stage magic but I didn't care for the execution. I found the story dragging and unbelievable.
*Read as a standalone.*
June 19, 2020
This book 2 of series of three books (and one short story in ebook format) is disguised as a supernatural thriller where it is in fact a thriller without any supernatural bits. Jessica Blackwod comes from a family of illusionists and her strong suit is that with her knowledge is she is able to look at matter with an unique view, she has already convinced the FBI of her talents once.
The story starts with an explosion of a church and a cannibal Sherif and a preacher killing himself in public. These are cases that would baffle the general policeman and the suggestions of FBI agent Blackwood do raise some eyebrows.
She does look at different motives and solutions even travels to Mexico where she gets attacked by an Mexican Cartel. It is after Mexico she finds some clues, with some assistance of her friend Damian (still very wanted by the FBI) and this leads her to the leader of the Catholic Church whose existence is now under threat of a vengeful mastermind who uses the power and capital of a drugs cartel.
I do remember the first book in this series as being a pleasure to read, however this installment was quite different it lost me several times and it felt somewhat less cohesive and you were to take some real jumps in believable storytelling for me, or this book does not do well while
commuting everyday to and from work.
Still the whole setup was quite alright, I am not sure I will read the third one though.
The story starts with an explosion of a church and a cannibal Sherif and a preacher killing himself in public. These are cases that would baffle the general policeman and the suggestions of FBI agent Blackwood do raise some eyebrows.
She does look at different motives and solutions even travels to Mexico where she gets attacked by an Mexican Cartel. It is after Mexico she finds some clues, with some assistance of her friend Damian (still very wanted by the FBI) and this leads her to the leader of the Catholic Church whose existence is now under threat of a vengeful mastermind who uses the power and capital of a drugs cartel.
I do remember the first book in this series as being a pleasure to read, however this installment was quite different it lost me several times and it felt somewhat less cohesive and you were to take some real jumps in believable storytelling for me, or this book does not do well while
commuting everyday to and from work.
Still the whole setup was quite alright, I am not sure I will read the third one though.
October 9, 2022
Solid 4 stars.
The second novel in the Jessica Blackwood series by Andrew Mayne. Jessica Blackwood comes from a family of magicians and was once a rising star in the magic entertainment business until she decided to leave the show business behind in pursuit of doing something worthwhile with her life. Becoming a police officer was a step to entering the FBI where she is reluctantly used for "out of the box" thinking about mysteries.
In this novel a series of events point to the supernatural when a church explodes and all the remaining evidence seems to indicate a body spontaneously combusting as the explosive source. When a small time minister is live on camera and begins speaking oddly before committing suicide, demonic possession is whispered. Jessica is an unwanted observer by the lead FBI agent on the church case. When Jessica ties the two cases together and discovers the nature of the connection, she comes to suspect a surprising additional original participant in the event connecting all the deaths. Needless to say, the suspicion of the other participant is not received well by others in the FBI. Jessica is persistent if nothing else.
Andrew Mayne weaves an interesting and well-crafted story to it conclusion without dwelling too heavily on "magical" components of the story. Very entertaining.
The second novel in the Jessica Blackwood series by Andrew Mayne. Jessica Blackwood comes from a family of magicians and was once a rising star in the magic entertainment business until she decided to leave the show business behind in pursuit of doing something worthwhile with her life. Becoming a police officer was a step to entering the FBI where she is reluctantly used for "out of the box" thinking about mysteries.
In this novel a series of events point to the supernatural when a church explodes and all the remaining evidence seems to indicate a body spontaneously combusting as the explosive source. When a small time minister is live on camera and begins speaking oddly before committing suicide, demonic possession is whispered. Jessica is an unwanted observer by the lead FBI agent on the church case. When Jessica ties the two cases together and discovers the nature of the connection, she comes to suspect a surprising additional original participant in the event connecting all the deaths. Needless to say, the suspicion of the other participant is not received well by others in the FBI. Jessica is persistent if nothing else.
Andrew Mayne weaves an interesting and well-crafted story to it conclusion without dwelling too heavily on "magical" components of the story. Very entertaining.
July 9, 2015
First Sentence: “You know what you have to do,” said the distant voice at the other end of the phone.
A church in rural Hawkton explodes, killing five people, although the bodies can’t initially be found. Lead investigator, Vonda Mitchum, would like to close the case quickly. Agent Jessica Blackwood, raised in a family of master illusionists and once one herself, has a skill for looking beyond the obvious. The further she looks, the larger becomes the scope of the case and the more dangerous; not just to her, but to a major figure on the world stage.
Reviewing this book is a decided conundrum. There are so many really positive elements to it, yet quite a number of negative ones as well. Where to begin?
There is nothing better than a book you pick up thinking you’ll only read a few pages and, before you know it, you’re 10 pages into the story. There is no question this book begins with a bang; literally. The opening is dramatic and startling with excellent descriptions… “A mansion that would have looked like a haunted house on a studio back lot if Grandfather hadn’t made sure to keep it well-coated in paint… With its pointed spires and steepled roof, the mansion was more medieval Disney than tony Beverly Hills.
The character of Agent Jessica Blackwood is a particularly intriguing one. Her past enables her to observe things others may not. The people in her personal life are unusual, interesting, and often dangerous. She is a character about whom you want to know more.
The plot contains a fascinating combination of science, technology and mysticism. Each is interesting and educational. The story is fragmented in places—both in terms of skips in the plot and due the layout of the text, the latter being the fault of the editor/publisher, rather than the author. It does, however, make it a bit challenging to follow, at times. The other issue is that there is a lot of reference to the previous book and its villain. Although it doesn’t impede the enjoyment of this case, it both makes one curious, yet you feel you know so much about the previous book, it takes away the impetuous to go back and read it for oneself. That said, it is rather similar to an itch which must, sooner or later, be scratched.
Mayne’s observations are fascinating and thought-provoking. The dialogue is very well done and can, at times, make one smile…”We’re going to offer him the same level of protection irregardless,” replies Ratner. I bite my tongue at the ‘irregardless,’…Carver points out. “And Dennis, it’s ‘regardless,’ not ‘irregardless.”
“Name of the Devil” is very cleverly plotted with excellent twists and “wow” moments. There are some weaknesses, but nothing a stronger editor couldn’t resolve. Even so, one wants to read the next book by this author.
NAME OF THE DEVIL (Susp-Agent Jessica Blackwood-US/Mexico-Contemp) – G+
Mayne, Andrew – 2nd in series
Bourbon Street Books – July 2015
A church in rural Hawkton explodes, killing five people, although the bodies can’t initially be found. Lead investigator, Vonda Mitchum, would like to close the case quickly. Agent Jessica Blackwood, raised in a family of master illusionists and once one herself, has a skill for looking beyond the obvious. The further she looks, the larger becomes the scope of the case and the more dangerous; not just to her, but to a major figure on the world stage.
Reviewing this book is a decided conundrum. There are so many really positive elements to it, yet quite a number of negative ones as well. Where to begin?
There is nothing better than a book you pick up thinking you’ll only read a few pages and, before you know it, you’re 10 pages into the story. There is no question this book begins with a bang; literally. The opening is dramatic and startling with excellent descriptions… “A mansion that would have looked like a haunted house on a studio back lot if Grandfather hadn’t made sure to keep it well-coated in paint… With its pointed spires and steepled roof, the mansion was more medieval Disney than tony Beverly Hills.
The character of Agent Jessica Blackwood is a particularly intriguing one. Her past enables her to observe things others may not. The people in her personal life are unusual, interesting, and often dangerous. She is a character about whom you want to know more.
The plot contains a fascinating combination of science, technology and mysticism. Each is interesting and educational. The story is fragmented in places—both in terms of skips in the plot and due the layout of the text, the latter being the fault of the editor/publisher, rather than the author. It does, however, make it a bit challenging to follow, at times. The other issue is that there is a lot of reference to the previous book and its villain. Although it doesn’t impede the enjoyment of this case, it both makes one curious, yet you feel you know so much about the previous book, it takes away the impetuous to go back and read it for oneself. That said, it is rather similar to an itch which must, sooner or later, be scratched.
Mayne’s observations are fascinating and thought-provoking. The dialogue is very well done and can, at times, make one smile…”We’re going to offer him the same level of protection irregardless,” replies Ratner. I bite my tongue at the ‘irregardless,’…Carver points out. “And Dennis, it’s ‘regardless,’ not ‘irregardless.”
“Name of the Devil” is very cleverly plotted with excellent twists and “wow” moments. There are some weaknesses, but nothing a stronger editor couldn’t resolve. Even so, one wants to read the next book by this author.
NAME OF THE DEVIL (Susp-Agent Jessica Blackwood-US/Mexico-Contemp) – G+
Mayne, Andrew – 2nd in series
Bourbon Street Books – July 2015
November 21, 2018
The major problem with this disappointing follow up is that it bulges with MacGuffins. Problems arise and are just resolved arbitrarily and with little sensible explanation.
Jessica's holed up in an impossible position, surrounded by an army trying to kill her. How will she get out of it? Ah yes, the mysterious, all powerful boyfriend will just show up and chop off their heads.
A reverend blows his brains out on live TV, and leaves behind a tape that suggests something awful happened in his past. What awful thing? How can we recreate an entire scene from audio? Oh, it's cool, the FBI have a clever machine that can detect the tiny sound of a child's ribcage being crushed, and where the people in the room are standing whilst watching it.
But who is the boy? There is no information. Oh, yes there is, here comes the mystical boyfriend again with some cryptic numbers on a mirror, leading to a library and a name. That is then cross referenced against a special secret super database curated by a rich tech geek - friend of the mysterious ex boyfriend! - who runs some algorithm to get the answer...
And on and on. How does clever Jessica solve it? Well, she doesn't. The boyfriend does. Seems he knew what was going on all along. Which kinda makes me wish I could read his story, since he's got all the answers.
Maybe he could tell me how the first crime was committed, what happened to the murderous cop, how was he controlled? How did Grandfather do his bullet trick, and how did it help them prepare to save the pope? How did it save the pope? Did it even save the pope?! (Clearly the pope is saved but no one seemed to actually care about it at the time.)
Reading thrillers and crime writing is a little like experiencing a magic trick and then having the secret revealed. There's a puzzle, and you enjoy watching the detective work backwards to piece it all together. The lure of this series is to see even more magical and impossible murders solved by a magic expert and thereby get some insight into the mind of a magician.
However, there was nothing to learn here and no clever twists to marvel at. Shame.
Jessica's holed up in an impossible position, surrounded by an army trying to kill her. How will she get out of it? Ah yes, the mysterious, all powerful boyfriend will just show up and chop off their heads.
A reverend blows his brains out on live TV, and leaves behind a tape that suggests something awful happened in his past. What awful thing? How can we recreate an entire scene from audio? Oh, it's cool, the FBI have a clever machine that can detect the tiny sound of a child's ribcage being crushed, and where the people in the room are standing whilst watching it.
But who is the boy? There is no information. Oh, yes there is, here comes the mystical boyfriend again with some cryptic numbers on a mirror, leading to a library and a name. That is then cross referenced against a special secret super database curated by a rich tech geek - friend of the mysterious ex boyfriend! - who runs some algorithm to get the answer...
And on and on. How does clever Jessica solve it? Well, she doesn't. The boyfriend does. Seems he knew what was going on all along. Which kinda makes me wish I could read his story, since he's got all the answers.
Maybe he could tell me how the first crime was committed, what happened to the murderous cop, how was he controlled? How did Grandfather do his bullet trick, and how did it help them prepare to save the pope? How did it save the pope? Did it even save the pope?! (Clearly the pope is saved but no one seemed to actually care about it at the time.)
Reading thrillers and crime writing is a little like experiencing a magic trick and then having the secret revealed. There's a puzzle, and you enjoy watching the detective work backwards to piece it all together. The lure of this series is to see even more magical and impossible murders solved by a magic expert and thereby get some insight into the mind of a magician.
However, there was nothing to learn here and no clever twists to marvel at. Shame.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2016
This is the second Jessica Blackwood novel. The first is Angel Killer. These books can be read as stand alone novels. Although, I am just warning you now that after you read this book, if you have not read the first one you will want to pick up a copy. I like the twist that author, Andrew Mayne has given this series and the main protagonist, Jessica. From being a magician to a cop may seem like a stretch but after reading book one and now book two, I don't see it as much of a stretch. In fact, Jessica's skills as a magician really do come in handy. For example, she accepts the weird and sometimes supernatural. Yet, probably the best asset that I like about Jessica is her level head. She can assess a situation quickly and pick up things that others around her may not always notice or are two to three steps behind her. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
July 3, 2023
3.5
I got the sense that something had shifted a little bit between the first book and this one.
Jessica Blackwood as a character appeared more polished. A bit more "finished" as a character build than in the first book. Some rough edges had been sanded off and the setup, too, felt more coherent, and thought out, than in the first book.
Maybe more editing was done to this book? Because it felt more professional in how it was written and constructed. Some of the "fun factor" from the first book was somehow dulled down, but I got a more intense thriller instead, so that was a fair trade-off.
Jessica's relationship with her boyfriend/stalker/protector is one thing I can't decide if I like or not. I both like him and find him annoying.
He's watching over her like a super-stalker - then he's gone without a trace for a while - then he pops up and saves her life - then he's gone again, before pulling off some illegal shit that technically is on the wrong side of the law, but morally very, very just - and so on and so forth ...
Uhm. Yeah. He's pretty handy to have around, but he's not always around so it's very, very weird , to say the least.
All the connections within this case are mind-blowingly all over the place in range. That's fun!
Crazy conspiracy theories that turn out to be right while debunking supernatural mumbo jumbo? What's not to like!
Most enjoyable.
I got the sense that something had shifted a little bit between the first book and this one.
Jessica Blackwood as a character appeared more polished. A bit more "finished" as a character build than in the first book. Some rough edges had been sanded off and the setup, too, felt more coherent, and thought out, than in the first book.
Maybe more editing was done to this book? Because it felt more professional in how it was written and constructed. Some of the "fun factor" from the first book was somehow dulled down, but I got a more intense thriller instead, so that was a fair trade-off.
Jessica's relationship with her boyfriend/stalker/protector is one thing I can't decide if I like or not. I both like him and find him annoying.
He's watching over her like a super-stalker - then he's gone without a trace for a while - then he pops up and saves her life - then he's gone again, before pulling off some illegal shit that technically is on the wrong side of the law, but morally very, very just - and so on and so forth ...
Uhm. Yeah. He's pretty handy to have around, but he's not always around so it's very, very weird , to say the least.
All the connections within this case are mind-blowingly all over the place in range. That's fun!
Crazy conspiracy theories that turn out to be right while debunking supernatural mumbo jumbo? What's not to like!
Most enjoyable.
April 16, 2017
Second in the series, and more surefooted than the first, but just as enjoyable.
November 22, 2017
3-3.5 stars
I wasn’t quite as taken with this second book. Parts of the plot just seemed too much - too out there. And yet, the kernel is not only sound, but inventive and terrific. I’m just not certain about the execution… Second-book syndrome?
Jessica seems to be too much of a lone-wolf. How is she the Only One who can see past the obvious? She’s got a team working with her and that she works with, and yet, she still ends up solo, fighting for her life.
Ailes isn’t in this book as much. I can’t decide if that’s good or bad.
We learn the event that made Jessica literally walk away from magic and her family in one fell swoop. But the narrative of her first real fear takes pages and chapters to unravel. The payoff is good, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the time it took to get there.
The Author is obviously very cynical about religion and faith, which makes a certain amount of sense given that he’s a magician. Some of Jessica’s experiences seem to come straight from his memory banks, such as those where Jessica and her family are accused of sorcery and black magic by some who call themselves “devout”. I’d never given that much thought before. I grew up in a faith-based family, but I’ve faced evil and “witchcraft” in my life; I’d never confuse magic as entertainment for that. But it’s interesting to me how many people probably haven’t; and so many have had negative experiences with religion and those in religious authority. There’s such a hunger for all things supernatural. And as the Author points out subtly, demons and supernatural beings are commonly woven into games, books, movies, and other mediums.
Which makes the subject of possession and demons in this book all the more fascinating. But the mystery and the supernatural aspect gets lost - and practically obliterated - in the mire of opinion, FBI politics, and action. At a certain point, I forgot why the “name of the devil” was important to the story. The pieces of the story were so scattered and disconnected at that point… so much action had already taken place, that reconnecting back to the original event was difficult. Even Jessica’s conviction that a particular High Level Religious Figure was the next target didn’t necessarily bring it all together for me. Probably because having that person present at the past event just seemed… presumptuous. Then again, I don’t know anything about that person’s history or predilections, so it’s entirely plausible. It just felt… off to me.
Is it a good story? Absolutely! But it takes so long to get where we’re going, and there are so many pieces that don’t necessarily fit until late in the story. Jessica literally fights her way through the book, and I felt a bit exhausted on her behalf. While I admire her sense of justice, I found her just a tad unlikable in this book. She came off as somewhat smug and superior. It felt as if she bullied her way through people, procedure, and common sense, because She Alone was capable of figuring it all out and stopping it.
Gotta say that as scary as he is, Damien is awesome! His methods might be suspect, but not his results. I both applauded and cringed at the very end lines…
Hey, I’m hooked on this series. Perhaps it’s the “getting to know you” part of this book that felt so awkward. Jessica is a lone-wolf; she constantly acknowledges and bemoans it. Yet, she manages to bring in her grandfather as a completely appropriate consultant. I just hope that the Author reins back her tendency to push forward alone when she could regroup as part of a team. Otherwise, Jessica and her FBI career is going to burn-out fast.
I wasn’t quite as taken with this second book. Parts of the plot just seemed too much - too out there. And yet, the kernel is not only sound, but inventive and terrific. I’m just not certain about the execution… Second-book syndrome?
Jessica seems to be too much of a lone-wolf. How is she the Only One who can see past the obvious? She’s got a team working with her and that she works with, and yet, she still ends up solo, fighting for her life.
Ailes isn’t in this book as much. I can’t decide if that’s good or bad.
We learn the event that made Jessica literally walk away from magic and her family in one fell swoop. But the narrative of her first real fear takes pages and chapters to unravel. The payoff is good, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the time it took to get there.
The Author is obviously very cynical about religion and faith, which makes a certain amount of sense given that he’s a magician. Some of Jessica’s experiences seem to come straight from his memory banks, such as those where Jessica and her family are accused of sorcery and black magic by some who call themselves “devout”. I’d never given that much thought before. I grew up in a faith-based family, but I’ve faced evil and “witchcraft” in my life; I’d never confuse magic as entertainment for that. But it’s interesting to me how many people probably haven’t; and so many have had negative experiences with religion and those in religious authority. There’s such a hunger for all things supernatural. And as the Author points out subtly, demons and supernatural beings are commonly woven into games, books, movies, and other mediums.
Which makes the subject of possession and demons in this book all the more fascinating. But the mystery and the supernatural aspect gets lost - and practically obliterated - in the mire of opinion, FBI politics, and action. At a certain point, I forgot why the “name of the devil” was important to the story. The pieces of the story were so scattered and disconnected at that point… so much action had already taken place, that reconnecting back to the original event was difficult. Even Jessica’s conviction that a particular High Level Religious Figure was the next target didn’t necessarily bring it all together for me. Probably because having that person present at the past event just seemed… presumptuous. Then again, I don’t know anything about that person’s history or predilections, so it’s entirely plausible. It just felt… off to me.
Is it a good story? Absolutely! But it takes so long to get where we’re going, and there are so many pieces that don’t necessarily fit until late in the story. Jessica literally fights her way through the book, and I felt a bit exhausted on her behalf. While I admire her sense of justice, I found her just a tad unlikable in this book. She came off as somewhat smug and superior. It felt as if she bullied her way through people, procedure, and common sense, because She Alone was capable of figuring it all out and stopping it.
Gotta say that as scary as he is, Damien is awesome! His methods might be suspect, but not his results. I both applauded and cringed at the very end lines…
Hey, I’m hooked on this series. Perhaps it’s the “getting to know you” part of this book that felt so awkward. Jessica is a lone-wolf; she constantly acknowledges and bemoans it. Yet, she manages to bring in her grandfather as a completely appropriate consultant. I just hope that the Author reins back her tendency to push forward alone when she could regroup as part of a team. Otherwise, Jessica and her FBI career is going to burn-out fast.
May 5, 2020
4 deadly illusions out of 5
”Which frightens you more? That each of us harbors in our soul the potential for evil, to do such wicked things as murder others? Or that real evil, the kind you came here to find, comes from outside and that we’re safe as long as we remember we’re fallible and don’t invite it in?”
So I made a mistake and got this book without realizing it was the second in the series. Luckily, this only makes me want to read more of Andrew Mayne’s works to understand the small references to past cases made throughout The Name of the Devil. I didn’t feel like too much was given away for me to not enjoy the first book— which, by the way, I ordered (along with Mayne’s entire other series) when I was only 100 pages into this one. This was a winner right from the start.
Jessica Blackwood is the whoop-ass, take-no-shit, actually-doing-her-f***ing-job cop protagonist I’ve been waiting for my whole life. Her focus is not derailed by oversexualized secondary characters. She has an actually interesting background that doesn’t feel spun together by DarkDisturbingCopPastGenerator.com. Holy crap I need to buy that domain.
I’m a sucker for culty religious crime and this did not disappoint. I feel like there was a balance of logic and belief, and a whole heck of a lot of disturbing human behaviour. There is a full circle aspect that didn’t feel overdone, nor like Blackwood was grappling at ridiculous straws. What I enjoyed most was the portrayal of the antagonists. The grey zone character building Riley Sager’s Final Girls failed miserably at was totally successful here.
If Angel Killer is as good as this, Andrew Mayne may become an insta-purchase author for me.
”Which frightens you more? That each of us harbors in our soul the potential for evil, to do such wicked things as murder others? Or that real evil, the kind you came here to find, comes from outside and that we’re safe as long as we remember we’re fallible and don’t invite it in?”
So I made a mistake and got this book without realizing it was the second in the series. Luckily, this only makes me want to read more of Andrew Mayne’s works to understand the small references to past cases made throughout The Name of the Devil. I didn’t feel like too much was given away for me to not enjoy the first book— which, by the way, I ordered (along with Mayne’s entire other series) when I was only 100 pages into this one. This was a winner right from the start.
Jessica Blackwood is the whoop-ass, take-no-shit, actually-doing-her-f***ing-job cop protagonist I’ve been waiting for my whole life. Her focus is not derailed by oversexualized secondary characters. She has an actually interesting background that doesn’t feel spun together by DarkDisturbingCopPastGenerator.com. Holy crap I need to buy that domain.
I’m a sucker for culty religious crime and this did not disappoint. I feel like there was a balance of logic and belief, and a whole heck of a lot of disturbing human behaviour. There is a full circle aspect that didn’t feel overdone, nor like Blackwood was grappling at ridiculous straws. What I enjoyed most was the portrayal of the antagonists. The grey zone character building Riley Sager’s Final Girls failed miserably at was totally successful here.
If Angel Killer is as good as this, Andrew Mayne may become an insta-purchase author for me.
May 14, 2022
A good second effort for Andrew Mayne. Jessica is a great character - super smart agent with endless drive to find the bad guys.
February 20, 2022
I’ve read four books from The Naturalist series featuring Theo Cray, and Angel Killer, the first Jessica Blackwood book, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them. All of them pushed the line of believability, challenging me to suspend my disbelief, but until this one have managed to keep me believing and wanting more. For me, this one strayed a bit too far over the line, both with the continued miraculous interventions of her ex, Damien Night, as deus ex machina, as well as where some of the story went. There were large sections of the story that I very much enjoyed, but there were just too many other parts that dragged it down, that left me saying enough already. All that being said, though, I will continue reading this series, and the one that brings Theo Cray and Jessica Blackwood together, to see if Mayne can dial it back enough to keep me both engaged and believing.
December 8, 2017
I really liked the first book in this series, but the murder and subsequent investigation in this just didn't grab me. I couldn't get into it, and the story just didn't keep my attention.
I still like the character of Jessica, and I would try another book in the series, because I feel like it was the location and specifics of this murder investigation that didn't work for me. A different murder in a different place might hit me quite differently.
I still like the character of Jessica, and I would try another book in the series, because I feel like it was the location and specifics of this murder investigation that didn't work for me. A different murder in a different place might hit me quite differently.
March 26, 2016
Too many gimmicks
Interesting plot but too many gimmicks and hokey
rescues. We are to accept the catch the bullet trick, but it is never explained . Similarly, we are to a accept the prevention of an assassination with no explanation. Too many loose ends. Initially showed promise but ends in disappointment . He needs an editor .
Interesting plot but too many gimmicks and hokey
rescues. We are to accept the catch the bullet trick, but it is never explained . Similarly, we are to a accept the prevention of an assassination with no explanation. Too many loose ends. Initially showed promise but ends in disappointment . He needs an editor .
Read
November 10, 2017A fantastic 2nd instalment from Andrew Mayne with his protagonist Jessica Blackwood. Such twists, turns and outright trickery has you riveted from the 1st page 😊
April 2, 2021
The book keeps your interest, despite an extremely intricate plot.
May 31, 2022
Too far fetched for me...
This dragged for me and the story was not believable. Great writing and characters, I just couldn’t get into the plot.
This dragged for me and the story was not believable. Great writing and characters, I just couldn’t get into the plot.
February 15, 2019
Much like the first book in this series I was drawn in right away and my attention was held throughout its entirety. I like reading things that have a little bit of a speculative element and with the religious aspect of this book being a huge portion of the story I liked that things actually felt like it could have been biblical. While there are aspects I can't talk about because it will spoil things in the first one I can say that I enjoyed that they still tied bits and pieces to the 'Angel Killer' case. I was left unsatisfied with that ending and this shed just a little bit more light on how things may proceed.
The characters stay pretty much the same and while in the first book I found Jessica to be an enjoyable narrator to follow I found myself getting frustrated in this one with how she constantly seemed to know so much more then everyone else. I felt like at every single turn she was the one stumbling upon evidence that was exactly what they needed at that given moment. Nobody else in the FBI seemed to know what was happening or how to solve anything. I'm truly confused in understanding how she had so much pull in other countries. All she had to do was Skype someone in another part of the world and they would just tell her she was beautiful and bow to her every wish.
One thing I am extraordinarily happy with is the ending of this one. I liked the wrap up of the bad guy, but most importantly I love that we get some more of her and Damien. While it might not be the smartest decision to wish they would wind up together I do.
The characters stay pretty much the same and while in the first book I found Jessica to be an enjoyable narrator to follow I found myself getting frustrated in this one with how she constantly seemed to know so much more then everyone else. I felt like at every single turn she was the one stumbling upon evidence that was exactly what they needed at that given moment. Nobody else in the FBI seemed to know what was happening or how to solve anything. I'm truly confused in understanding how she had so much pull in other countries. All she had to do was Skype someone in another part of the world and they would just tell her she was beautiful and bow to her every wish.
One thing I am extraordinarily happy with is the ending of this one. I liked the wrap up of the bad guy, but most importantly I love that we get some more of her and Damien. While it might not be the smartest decision to wish they would wind up together I do.
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