Before the Devil Knows

Gus Wheeler FBI Thriller #3

by R. John Dingle

Sometimes it’s not the devil you know…

When the disfigured body of a missing teenager is found in an unmarked grave in northern Maine, FBI agent Gus Wheeler and his partner arrive to investigate. They discover a second grave, but these remains are so badly burned, identification proves difficult. Yet the two bodies have something strange in a large lead cross laid upon each chest.

The locals are uncooperative, and the rural law enforcement is two steps behind. Enlisting help from a theology and biblical studies expert, they discover the murders are lifted straight from ancient scripture and the burials consistent with an archaic religious practice. Connecting the victims to a specific church adhering to a strict doctrine of the Old Testament creates more confusion than clarity.

As the investigation widens, the agents face threats and suspicion. Then someone inside the church begins leaving them clues, but are they friend or foe? With time running out, Gus must determine if their secret guide is leading them toward the answers or deeper into an underworld of twisted dogma and ancient rituals.

362 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 29, 2026

About the author

R. John Dingle lives and writes from a restored 200 year-old house, on a small island in Mid-Coast Maine. The often-haunting themes of the rocky coast, as well as a lifetime of experiences in and around New England’s small towns, farms, and cities, provide excellent inspiration for the tones and moods reflected in Dingle’s mysteries and psychological thrillers. He is the author of the critically acclaimed and multi-award nominated Gus Wheeler FBI Thriller series, which includes Karma Never Sleeps, Wings of Madness, and Before the Devil Knows.

Reviews

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gus and Vanessa are back at it again. I love the dynamic of their partnership and I love reading about their cases. They always seem to find themselves in danger but it’s all part of the job. This book had its hooks in me from the very beginning. It was like watching a movie on screen and I couldn’t look away. It was action-packed and fast-paced. I felt like I was trying to solve the case right along with them. Just when you think you know how things are going to end, there’s a twist that throws you for a loop. I loved every second of it and can’t wait to devour the next book!

[Lesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well John has done it again!!!! This is a phenomenal book! The writing was very well done and very captivating! I was hooked the whole way through! Gus and Vanessa are absolutely my favorite power duo! Such a great friendship between them. I can’t wait for more.

[Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★

“Hell is empty and all the devils are here.”

Two teenage bodies are found in unmarked graves in rural Maine. Each victim has a lead cross, tying them to each other and to a local church that’s giving seriously cultish vibes. Its leader is known for that classic fire-and-brimstone mentality. The locals won’t cooperate with law enforcement, not even the victims’ families. This is the kind of place where people handle their business and shut out outsiders. As Gus and Vanessa start digging, the town closes ranks fast and makes it very clear they’re not welcome. Just when it feels like a dead end, a member of the church starts dropping clues that could finally bring some justice.

John absolutely understood the assignment (IYKYK)!

Vanessa and Gus still pass the vibe check, and honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of them. There’s so much love and respect between them, mixed with the kind of sibling-level chaos that makes their dynamic feel real and keeps things from getting too heavy. And trust me, this book gets dark!

“Gus wondered how the universe worked how it could line up all the tiny details and steps throughout someone's entire life to bring them to this spot, to this end. If it was divine intervention, he thought, there was nothing divine about it.”

John mentioned he’s had this idea for a while, and I need to know how his brain works because these stories are so tightly woven, clever, and just ridiculously well planned. Once again, I was completely blindsided by the twists he threw at us. At this point, I should expect it, but nope, he still gets me every time. The ending was satisfying, with just enough of a hook to leave me wanting more. I am fully choosing to see it as a setup for book four, especially after that new three-book deal was announced!!

If you love dark, twisty stories packed with shocks and turns you won’t see coming, and FBI agents who are nothing like what TV has trained you to expect, you need to check out the Gus Wheeler universe. If you’ve been here from the start, clear your July schedule because you’re not going to want to miss this one. And if you’re the type who jumps into a series midway, you can read this as a standalone, but you’ll get so much more out of Gus and Vanessa if you know their history.

And finally, thank you to John for the gifted copy. Between the announcement, getting the ARC, and hearing about the new book deal, I’ve basically been in a constant state of happy dancing. All opinions are my own.

[Julie Maleski (juliereads_alot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse and the author for inviting me to be a part of this book tour, and to Tule Publishing and The Pulse for the gifted e-ARC...this is my honest review.

📱 Before The Devil Knows📱
Author: R. John Dingle
Pub Date: July 29, 2026
Publisher: Tule Publishing

MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wowwwww. Before The Devil Knows, the third book in the Gus Wheeler FBI Thriller series from R. John Dingle, has secured its spot as my favorite book in this series -- so far. This unputdownable thriller is fast-paced and action-packed, with unrelenting suspense and shocking twists that had me reading as quickly as I could.

In this book, FBI Agents Gus & Vanessa are assigned to a new case when the disfigured body of a missing teenager is found in an unmarked grave in a remote and isolated town in northern Maine. As they investigate, they are up against townspeople who want nothing to do with out-of-town law enforcement because they take care of problems themselves, and facing religious zealots who believe it's their duty to punish those who don't follow the church's teachings. Gus & Vanessa aren't just investigating the case though, they're pulled right into it as the townspeople attempt to be sure they know just how unwelcome they are.

This dark thriller had such creepy vibes, with that foreboding sense of being watched at all times and the feeling that you can't trust anybody. This town had eyes everywhere and the tension that created was almost palpable.

R. John Dingle, I don't know how you do it, but this series just gets better and better with each book! Learning that Dingle signed a new 3-book deal for even more Gus Wheeler books to come had me doing a happy dance yesterday. If you're not reading this series yet, you're seriously missing out. Could you read this book as a standalone? You could, though I don't know why you'd want to miss out on the first two books!

This series is perfect for thriller fans who love action-packed suspense, police or FBI procedurals, creepy investigations into killers, and quirky main characters who are both badass & endearing. This book comes out at the end of July and you simply must read it. (And there's still plenty of time to read the first two books in the series before this one is released!)

#BeforeTheDevilKnows #RJohnDingle #thrillerbookloversthepulse #TulePublishing #booktour #gifted #fivestarreads #mustreads #thrillerlovers #thrillerreads #thrillerseries #bookreviews #bookrecs #bookrecommendations

[Supriya K · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

"I was terrified to keep reading…but even more terrified to stop"

#beforethedevilknows (Gus Wheeler FBI Thriller Book 3) by @r.johndingle
@tulepublishing
PubDate: July 29, 2026

Sometimes it’s not the devil you know..

When the disfigured body of a missing teenager is found in an unmarked grave in northern Maine,FBI agent Gus Wheeler and his partner Vanessa begin an investigation that quickly turns disturbing. A second body, burned beyond recognition, reveals a chilling pattern. As they dig deeper, they uncover connections to ancient scripture and a secretive church following strict Old Testament beliefs. With uncooperative locals and a mysterious insider leaving clues, Gus and Vanessa must uncover the truth before more lives are lost.

Mythoughts:

As a fan of this author, I was so excited for book three and it exceeded everything. This one hits differently. Dark, twisted, and wildly addictive. I kept thinking should I keep reading? and then read one more chapter and another.

The story is addictive from the start. It pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let go. The murders are brutal, but what really made it scary is the belief behind these brutal murders, there’s something far more sinister and twisted. As the investigation digs deeper, it becomes more dangerous than anyone expects. It’s the kind of book that scared me at times but I couldn’t stop reading.

The people I trusted most shocked me. I was rooting for the reporter… and then what a twist. I was speechless.

Vanessa’s fight in the car i literally stopped breathing. One of the best scenes in the book. And Gus and Ralph Pure fire 🔥

The ending was nail-biting, tense, and impossible to put down. I was racing through the pages. And that last burning scene? I felt strangely relieved and satisfied.

I also loved Pam, TJ, Carl, and Ralph, and I’m especially excited to learn more about the Crimson Ledger because that cliffhanger left me desperate for book four.

After finishing, one word is stuck in my head "heretic" and honestly, it scares me now.

If you love dark ,intense, twisty thrillers with brilliant investigation, suspense, danger, and shocking reveals, I highly recommend this one.

[Kaleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This is feelin’ a lot less Norman Rockwell and a lot more Stephen King.”

Synopsis✨
When the disfigured body of a missing teenager is found in an unmarked grave in northern Maine, FBI agent Gus Wheeler and his partner arrive to investigate. They also discover a second grave. The two bodies have something strange in common: a large lead cross laid upon each chest.

The locals are uncooperative, and the rural law enforcement is two steps behind. Enlisting help from a theology and biblical studies expert, they discover the murders are lifted straight from ancient scripture and the burials consistent with an archaic religious practice. Connecting the victims to a specific church adhering to a strict doctrine of the Old Testament creates more confusion than clarity.

As the investigation widens, the agents face threats and suspicion. Then someone inside the church begins leaving them clues, but are they friend or foe?

Thoughts✨
Gus and Vanessa are back and to say I was on the edge of my seat is an understatement! Once I started reading it was hard to stop. I love this series but I think this one has to be my favourite so far!

This investigation was compelling and the religious elements cast a haunting atmosphere over the story. It was chilling in the best way. As usual the there were twists and turns I didn’t see coming and so much action and suspense packed into the end of the book!

I can’t begin to say how much I love Gus and Vanessa’s partnership and friendship. As the books go on you get to know them better and their protective sibling dynamic is so endearing. The fun and sarcastic banter between Gus and V is the perfect balance of light heartedness in the dark story.

The way this book ended seemed like it could be setting up for more thrilling adventures for Gus! I’m anxious to read more.

As always thank you to @ for providing a digital arc of this book. I can’t wait to see what’s next! All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the body of a missing teenager is found in a remote corner of Northern Maine, FBI agent Gus Wheeler and his partner are called in to investigate. The case quickly escalates with the discovery of a second grave, it's remains burned beyond recognition. But both victims share a chilling detail... the heavy lead cross placed on their chest. As the agents dig deeper they uncover a disturbing pattern. The murders mirror punishments drawn from Old Testament scripture and are tied to long forgotten religious practices. Their search for answers leads them to a secretive local church whose strict doctrine raises more questions than it answers. Met with silence and suspicion from the community, Gus and his partner V struggle to make progress. Until someone begins leaving them cryptic clues. Unsure whether they found an ally or a manipulator, they must piece together the truth before more lives are claimed.

A missing teen. Unmarked graves. Lead crosses pressed onto the chest of the victims. And then the realization that these murders might not be random. What hooked me instantly was the atmosphere! That cold, isolated Maine setting feels like it's hiding something and the more Gus digs the more unsettling everything becomes. The tension builds in this quiet and creeping way, like you're constantly one step behind. The religious element is done so well! It's not over the top, it's controlled, eerie and rooted in just enough reality to make it feel believable. And that mystery insider? Every clue had me second guessing. Friend? Foe? Both? I was hooked! If you love dark FBI investigations, religious horror vibes and morally complex and thought provoking reads this one and the rest of the Gus Wheeler series needs to be on your TBR!

Thank you so much to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, John Dingle and Tule Publishing for letting me read an early copy of this one! Can't wait to see what comes next for Gus!

[Dive Into A Good Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gus Wheeler is back and I was on the edge of my seat once again. If you have not read this series, you really need to! I love the relationship between Gus and his partner Vanessa. It is fun, chaotic, and they have so much respect for one another. If one finds themselves in a sticky situation the other is pulling them out. Before the Devil Knows made chills run down my spine. The atmosphere is tense and time is running out. The setting of Northern Maine where the towns are small, I am talking 150 people at the most. They take care of themselves and each other. If something needs to be dealt with, they take it into their own hands instead of calling the cops. You know something major is going on if the FBI is called in.

The mutilated body of a teenage boy is discovered buried next to a cemetery. A lead cross is found on his chest. As Gus and Vanessa try to interview his parents and others in the community, they either do not answer the door or say it is Gods Will. When another body is uncovered. This one killed in a different way, still linking it to ancient biblical beliefs. Gus and V are left digging in with just the few people they trust. Following leads to a local church and its leaders. Trying to uncover who is behind these horrific murders.

The twists in this book had me flying through the pages. I was stunned by who and why. The situations that Gus and V found themselves in made me hold my breath while they saved each other from certain death. I love Vanessa's sarcasm and whit which helps break up the tense atmosphere. I cannot wait to see what Dingle comes up with next! Thank you to R. John Dingle and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for my gifted copy.

[Rebekah Gleadhill-Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed each of the Gus Wheeler stories; Karma Never Sleeps and Wings Of Madness; but hands down, THIS is my favourite - I loved it and 10000% recommend anyone who enjoys crime thriller / police procedural / small towns / main character duos to pick these books up!

Small town religion was an absolute winner for this story - I loved that this was based around religion as I feel it always adds an extra layer of murkiness and makes it that much more ominous, especially as John also writes small towns so brilliantly.

So much about this story is so good:
The first chapter and introduction to the story was awesome.
The short snappy chapters and the way most ended on a cliff hanger.
The very obvious research that has gone into this book.
Gus and Vanessa’s partnership.
The investigation.
It’s so clever and I did not guess the twists - I was shocked and how they were revealed was so good.
Well just basically all of it haha

Those last 80 pages where things started falling into place and the action ramped up were SO intense and urgent oh I felt sick - and that to be continued?! Holy mother of god.

Also as a little added detail I love spotting the title of the previous book in each.

Thank you so so much to the author for continually reaching out to me to read and review your books before release, I really appreciate it and I already cannot wait for the next one!

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was one of the things that was so special about their relationship. He’d give his life for hers and she for his. That was just what they did. That was their superpower.

The book has been masterfully woven. This is an intense, terrifying, and suspenseful read. It will grip you from page one and won’t let you go until the end. There were missing people and gruesome details about the cases. The opening scene itself was frightening. Slowly and gradually, author introduced us to the characters and then the mystery unravelled slowly in infinite layers. FBI officers investigation led them to ancient religious practices. The investigation intensified as they went deep into the mystery of those missing people and the strange turn of events brings their lives in danger. This book constantly kept me on the edge of my seat. Expect intrigue, suspense, investigation, gruesome details, threats, and suspicion. But there is a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming.

What is going to happen with the characters who are investigating? kept me going. The setting is dark. If you are looking for an intense thriller with dark elements, mystery, intrigue and suspense, this is something you should read.

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely hooked on these Gus Wheeler thrillers!!!
Before the Devil Knows is book 3 in the Gus Wheeler series and takes you through the chilling investigation Gus is on as bodies of teenagers are turning up in northern Maine. The bodies tell a story of brutal, torturous deaths that seem to be linked to a specific church in town. Someone within the church is trying to help them solve the cases by leaving specific bible verses for them to decode as their clues to what is happening, while putting their own life at series risk of being caught.
The story is sharp and will have you biting your nails in suspense! Gus and Vanessa have such a great partnership. They work really well together and have such a an amazing respect for the other.
John is an amazing author and did a fantastic job with this story. The story plays out like a crime thriller movie as you read and I absolutely love when a story can do that, so seamlessly as you read. The vibes in this one is very ominous and eerie, making the story feel that much more thrilling.
This is a definite must read!!! I can't wait for more in this series.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC @r.johndingle

This is the third book in the Gus Wheeler FBI Thriller series. I think this is my favorite book out of the three. It was extremely suspenseful the entire way through. Chapter one started off with a bang. I immediately knew the book would be amazing. I loved the mysterious chapters that weren’t from Gus. It added a fun layer to the story. Gus and Vanessa always make me laugh in these books. Their partnership is fun during serious situations. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was going on. There was a big twist to the story. I loved how this story ended!
Bodies start appearing in unmarked graves. Gus and Vanessa hit the road to try and find out what’s going on. It’s a small town and everyone keeps to themselves. The town is also very religious and has a cult style following. No one wants to talk to the FBI. While Gus is trying to investigate the murders, more people keep dying. Gus and Vanessa are both being targeted as well. They need to dig deeper into the church and their leaders.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Devil Knows
By: R. John Dingle
Pub date: July 29, 2026
Your: Thriller Book Lovers THE PULSE

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


This is the third book in the Gus Wheeler series. Dingle has created a dynamic character in FBI Agent Gus Wheeler. Vanessa is back as well. Their banter and relationship is one I enjoy immensely.

Maine is the setting and when a teenager is found in an unmarked grave that’s hard enough, but when a second grave is found there is a connection. A unique cross is found on them.

The towns folk are not talking. They enlist in someone whose background is in theology and biblical studies to help them find out the significance of the unique cross.

This title grabbed me and the religious aspect, dynamic characters and action-packed story proves to be another hit for Dingle. I hope he continues this series.

The PULSE loves these characters and author. Thank you for allowing us to get early copies of this series. I have read the series so far and enjoy the characters and the authors writing.

[Jade Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you, this one did not disappoint. The third book in the Gus Wheeler FBI Thriller series & 1am just obsessed with these characters.
Gus and Vanessa just have this unspoken bond, the 'I'd quite literally do absolutely anything for you' and I am here for it. Having been fully invested in the journey from the beginning, the character development is second to none and I feel like I know them personally. I've loved seeming them grow together over the pages.
The twists and turns in this are phenomenal, as usual, and you just won't see them coming. And when you think you have finally got it figured out, trust me, you don't. I am already ridiculously excited for the next novel in this series (I'm super optimistic there will be one) and urge you that if you haven't jumped in this series yet, now is the perfect time to read Karma Never Sleeps and Wings of Madness before the release of this beauty.
A well deserved five stars and a pleasure as always Mr Dingle.

[Kim Dahlberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before The Devil Knows is another example of the flexibility Dingle shows as an author. From the rural small town vibe in book 1 Karma Never Sleeps to the gritty underground tunnels of Pawtucket Falls in Wings Of Madness (book 2), he now takes us into a world of religious vigilantes seeking a first testament sense of justice in a modern day world. Every chapter takes you deeper into the twisted minds of cult-like religious leaders and their followers. And what dark things they will do to support their tilted world.

As in all of Dingles books, I feel like I’m in the book, feeling the creepy cobwebbed basements, seeing the glinting knife being pulled out, smelling the smoke filling the room.
Seamlessly pairing those dark intense moments into the bright world of jazz music and the witty banter of Gus and Vanessa that lightens the mood and makes you laugh.

Looking forward to more reads from this exceptional rising author!!!

[Emma_bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of the Gus Wheeler series so far and I'm so invested in it! I love Gus and Vanessa, she makes me laugh at times with her dialogues and how she interacts with Gus.

This one is full of surprises, a religious link to a grave, a town full of hermits that keep to themselves and "deal with issues themselves" making it hard for Gus and Vanessa to uncover who is in the unmarked grave, why the lead cross and why it's on the sideline of the cemetery and not in it.

I really like how quick I get into these books, I've been there from the start and you get a feel for the characters. They become friends and you care about them.

I wouldn't say you need to read jn order as they aren't connected but you'd know more about Vanessa and Gus's from previous cases. All of them are well worth a read, I feel I've binged it again!

[Clare McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Thank you so much to the author for the Advanced Readers Copy)

The third installment of the Gus Wheeler FBI thriller did not disappoint!

When the disfigured body of a teenager is found in an unmarked grave with a lead cross upon their body, FBI agents Gus and Vanessa arrive to investigate, As more bodies are discovered with the same cross, the agents enlist help from a religious studies expert.

The locals are uncooperative and it seems their investigation isnt going to be a straight forward one.
That is until someone starts leaving clues and appears to be helping the agents from behind the scenes but who and why?

Friend or Foe?

So many twists and turns in this book, I did not expect that ending and look for to the next instalment already! I said it after the first book and I say it again - R. John Dingle is an author to watch!

[Cindy(groundedinreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so damn good! Gus and Vanessa, are teaming up once again to solve mysterious crimes linked to suspicious religious practices in Maine. As Gus and Vanessa learn about the teenaged victims, they discover a web of secrets with hints of cult vibes. This is a tough investigation as everyone is tight-lipped when questioned about the teens. The storyline is intense-just the way I like it! This truly played out like a movie in my mind while I was reading it. I really enjoy how Gus and Vanessa feed off of each other and along with the unsettling setting, it actually felt like I was right there with them. I highly recommend this book and series!

[Vonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhhhhh that ending!!!!!!!

I seriously loved this one!! It was such a page turner for me and I flew through it! Gus and Vanessa are so dang good together. I loved the way they roast each other, but what I really loved was how observant they both were. The way they picked up on little details and stayed so locked in while trying to piece everything together made this even more fun to read. They work so well as a team and I was fully invested in them the whole time! I cannot wait for the next one!!

Thank you, John, for sending me this copy!

[youcan_callmej · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to author @r.johndingle for an advanced readers copy of the 3rd book in Gus Wheelers thriller

Another incredible mystery! As I am reading, I keep thinking these books would make amazing TV series!
This kept me on my toes, and the ending… 😲🙊

I am really loving the dynamic between Gus and V. I would love to learn more about Gus’ relationship with Mel.

I would definitely suggest to read the second book before you read this one!

Can’t wait to follow Gus and V on more detective work!

[Maria Pfarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: 4.5

This is the third book in the Gus Wheeler FBI Thriller series! While the first two can stand alone, this one ties into both, so I’d start from the beginning.

I felt like I was part of the FBI team trying to solve these murders and I was wrong about everything right up to the ending. I genuinely couldn’t put it down. If you love a crime thriller that keeps you on your toes and delivers a surprise finish, this is it.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read all three books before their release. I already can’t wait for book 4! Releases July 26, 2026. Grab your copy!

[Lorraine Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before The Devil Knows is another fantastic installment in the Gus Wheeler series, John's writing is consistently addictive and again, this story is masterfully crafted. His writing carries an edge to it, a refined rawness that I rarely find when reading and it's why I recommend this series to EVERYONE.

Firstly, it was great to be back with Gus and Vanessa, a duo whose relationship is built off of love, trust and respect. It always refreshing that they run without the drama, they're just solid.

BTDK's is DARK, easily the darkest one yet and carries a very interesting storyline; a series of religious killings. It's sinister and twisted, but all too believable. However, I did not expect this rollercoaster to be QUITE so wild, I thought I knew where it was going, I was convinced, but that twist blew me away! The way in which John manipulates you into believing a certain narrative is top notch. 🤌🏻 I just had to go back and reread certain parts because it was so clever.

And THAT ENDING, it makes me super stoked for what's to come (the ledger 🤯)! Just read it, please.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book & series to you all, you will not be disappointed! 💚

[Booze Boobs Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot stop shouting from the rooftops how amazing this series is!! Gus and Vanessa have to be some of my all time favorite characters and I get so sucked in to every single one of their cases. This one had me hooked from the very beginning. A Cult Like church punishing sinners in the middle of nowhere...bonkers!! Trust me when I say this series is one that will always live rent free in your head.

[Michael Be Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this third installment of the Gus Wheeler FBI series, Agent Wheeler and his partner travel to northern Maine to investigate after a missing teenager's disfigured body is found in a hidden grave. They soon find a second grave with badly burned remains, and both victims have a large lead cross placed on their chests. The agents bring in a religious expert who concludes that the killings are based on ancient scriptures and old religious rituals. The clues lead them to a strict local church, where an unknown person from the inside starts leaving secret messages about the killings.

Well this is R. John Dingle at his absolute best!! I read the first two Gus Wheeler books, Karma Never Sleeps and Wings of Madness. I enjoyed both of those books quite a bit, but this one is an easy 5 star for me! I think part of the reason I was so invested is because I am feeling really connected to the characters who are carrying across the series, but more than that I find religious horror absolutely fascinating. This book was a perfect blend of crime thriller, which is not always my favorite genre and modern day religious horror elements that balance each other perfectly. This was a well paced book with plenty of surprises. I had the chance to read the eARC that I received from the author, but if this sounds good to you, I recommend reading his first two books before this one comes out at the end of July. I have a feeling a 4th book may be on the way too!!

[Vanessa Bacorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! This is a gripping tale about murders in a remote town. He weaves religion and terror into a dark but gripping novel with a twist I never saw coming. At this point I am invested in the adventures of Gus and Vanessa and this book is no different, the last pages leave you wishing there was more. Overall a highly enjoyable read, that keeps you hooked on every page!

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the Devil Knows is John Dingle’s best book yet (and the first two were good too). It is well paced, the characters are interesting and it is almost impossible to put down once you start reading it. Looking forward to the next installment of this increasingly compelling series with Gus (great character name btw) and Vanessa.

[Elina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous thriller. The twists and turns are unrelenting. Reminds me of some of the greats like Lisa Gardner with the D.D. Warren series. Excellent as standalones. A true read-in-a-weekend type book. Super fun and entertaining. Loved the eerie rural setting.

[Sowmya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gus Wheeler and his partner Vanessa are back, cracking cases as usual!
This one focused heavily on a particular sect of Christian doctrine with fanatics vs heretics being the central theme.
I found some parts slightly repetitive but there’s quite a bit of action and I enjoyed the concept and the final reveal!
If you’re someone who’d like to see more GenZ representation and internet lingo, you’ll totes love this book, no cap.

Thank you to the author for trusting me with the eARC :)

[Krysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one had me staying up late to finish it and it was so good! I loved all the twists and turns and THAT ENDING!!! Can't wait to read more by this author!!

[Amber (TheAmbersBookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the start, I was absolutely hooked!!! R John Dingle you did it again!!! I just could NOT put this one down and I’m even more in love with Gus and Vanessa!!! It was dark and twisty, everything I love in a thriller!!! If you haven’t read this one, I suggest you add this series to your TBR!!!