What do you think?
Rate this book
Chasing Demons
Not yet published
Expected 19 Jan 27320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 19, 2027
About the author
Will Shindler
16 books154 followersWill Shindler has been a Broadcast Journalist for the BBC for over twenty-five years, spending a decade working in television drama as a scriptwriter on Born and Bred, The Bill and Doctors.
You can currently find him every weekday on the radio reading the news headlines, whilst writing crime novels in the afternoon. Will has previously worked as a television presenter for HTV, a sports reporter for BBC Radio Five Live, and one of the stadium presenters at the London Olympics.
His debut novel, The Burning Men, will be published by Hodder.
You can currently find him every weekday on the radio reading the news headlines, whilst writing crime novels in the afternoon. Will has previously worked as a television presenter for HTV, a sports reporter for BBC Radio Five Live, and one of the stadium presenters at the London Olympics.
His debut novel, The Burning Men, will be published by Hodder.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chasing Demons • Will Shindler
One phrase: trauma, murder, and demons resurfacing 🖤🔪
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader’s copy of Chasing Demons by Will Shindler.
This book will be published January 19, 2027.
Chasing Demons follows Joel Sampson, a man who survived a massacre at the Scarsdale Centre for Adolescent Mental Health twenty three years ago. The trauma of that day never truly left him, especially because the survivors do not fully remember what happened.
Joel eventually builds a steady life as a schoolteacher and father, but everything changes when his former therapist is found murdered in the same gruesome way as the original victims.
And suddenly, Joel is pulled right back into the past.
This had me hooked from the beginning. The whole vibe is tense, unsettling, and full of that constant feeling that something is very wrong. It reads like a crime thriller with horror elements, and I loved how the mystery kept shifting just enough that I never fully knew what to believe.
Joel was my favorite part. His memories are fractured, his past is unreliable, and the more bodies pile up, the more suspicion turns toward him. I kept questioning where he fit into everything. Was he helping? Was he making things worse? Could he even trust himself?
That uncertainty made the story so much more gripping.
This is not a clean, tidy mystery. It messes with your head. It is as much about people unraveling as it is about the external threat, and that worked so well for me.
I also appreciated the way the story explored trauma without letting the message get lost. Instead of distracting from the plot, it added weight and made everything feel more impactful.
Don’t let your trauma be your darkness.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🔪 gruesome murders
🖤 horror thriller
🧠 fractured memories
👀 unreliable past
🏫 former mental health institute
💀 massacre survivor
🕵️ amateur investigation
🌑 supernatural undertones
😱 no one can be trusted
🩸 bodies piling up
💭 psychological suspense
🔥 trauma and survival
📚 Read this if you like:
Crime thrillers with horror elements, psychological suspense, unreliable memories, past trauma resurfacing, supernatural tension, murder investigations, and books that keep you questioning what is real until the very end.
This was tense, fast paced, gripping, and such a strong introduction to Will Shindler for me.
#ChasingDemons #WillShindler #HorrorThriller #MysteryThriller #BookReview @StMartin'sPress
One phrase: trauma, murder, and demons resurfacing 🖤🔪
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for the advanced reader’s copy of Chasing Demons by Will Shindler.
This book will be published January 19, 2027.
Chasing Demons follows Joel Sampson, a man who survived a massacre at the Scarsdale Centre for Adolescent Mental Health twenty three years ago. The trauma of that day never truly left him, especially because the survivors do not fully remember what happened.
Joel eventually builds a steady life as a schoolteacher and father, but everything changes when his former therapist is found murdered in the same gruesome way as the original victims.
And suddenly, Joel is pulled right back into the past.
This had me hooked from the beginning. The whole vibe is tense, unsettling, and full of that constant feeling that something is very wrong. It reads like a crime thriller with horror elements, and I loved how the mystery kept shifting just enough that I never fully knew what to believe.
Joel was my favorite part. His memories are fractured, his past is unreliable, and the more bodies pile up, the more suspicion turns toward him. I kept questioning where he fit into everything. Was he helping? Was he making things worse? Could he even trust himself?
That uncertainty made the story so much more gripping.
This is not a clean, tidy mystery. It messes with your head. It is as much about people unraveling as it is about the external threat, and that worked so well for me.
I also appreciated the way the story explored trauma without letting the message get lost. Instead of distracting from the plot, it added weight and made everything feel more impactful.
Don’t let your trauma be your darkness.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
🔪 gruesome murders
🖤 horror thriller
🧠 fractured memories
👀 unreliable past
🏫 former mental health institute
💀 massacre survivor
🕵️ amateur investigation
🌑 supernatural undertones
😱 no one can be trusted
🩸 bodies piling up
💭 psychological suspense
🔥 trauma and survival
📚 Read this if you like:
Crime thrillers with horror elements, psychological suspense, unreliable memories, past trauma resurfacing, supernatural tension, murder investigations, and books that keep you questioning what is real until the very end.
This was tense, fast paced, gripping, and such a strong introduction to Will Shindler for me.
#ChasingDemons #WillShindler #HorrorThriller #MysteryThriller #BookReview @StMartin'sPress
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I will NEVER turn down a horror book that’s set in a mental health facility or about a mental health facility. I love how writers can capture that creepy, sinister feel I have unconsciously placed on this setting in my mind, so when you throw in the mix a series of gruesome murders that force one to confront the demons of the past, I’m in.
Joel Sampson was sent away to receive treatment at a young person’s mental health institute after the tragic death of his father, but what was supposed to provide him with structured care for his mental health, Joel ended up witnessing a horrific massacre.
With the odds stacked against him, Joel came out on top and became a loving father and a caring school teacher. A great character. I found it easy to connect with his character and just want the best for him, but it wouldn’t be a true horror story without chaos. So, when Joel’s former therapist is discovered murdered in the same disgusting way as the original massacre’s victim, limbs ripped from the body, Joel is pulled back to his hometown to confront his demons.
This story was giving Stranger Things, and I was super into it. More and more bodies start piling up, and Joel is at the forefront of the massacres nearly every time, so it’s hard not to be suspicious, right? Not only is everyone around him becoming a bit suspicious, he is suspicious of himself. What? Of course, the people around him know he isn’t capable of such disturbing crimes, tearing off limbs from a body. I don’t think so. Obviously, he launched his own investigation, and I was along for the ride. I was absolutely hooked. I loved the characters (the good and bad); I loved the plot. It had the perfect amount of horror, enough to make the reader squeamish.
As much as I would love to recommend this book to everyone, especially if you like horror or you are a fan of Stranger Things, I will say there’s a wee bit of animal cruelty, so be aware of that if you are an animal lover. I recommend adding to your TBR!
Publication Date: January 19, 2027
Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley, for the Advanced Reader’s Copy!
Joel Sampson was sent away to receive treatment at a young person’s mental health institute after the tragic death of his father, but what was supposed to provide him with structured care for his mental health, Joel ended up witnessing a horrific massacre.
With the odds stacked against him, Joel came out on top and became a loving father and a caring school teacher. A great character. I found it easy to connect with his character and just want the best for him, but it wouldn’t be a true horror story without chaos. So, when Joel’s former therapist is discovered murdered in the same disgusting way as the original massacre’s victim, limbs ripped from the body, Joel is pulled back to his hometown to confront his demons.
This story was giving Stranger Things, and I was super into it. More and more bodies start piling up, and Joel is at the forefront of the massacres nearly every time, so it’s hard not to be suspicious, right? Not only is everyone around him becoming a bit suspicious, he is suspicious of himself. What? Of course, the people around him know he isn’t capable of such disturbing crimes, tearing off limbs from a body. I don’t think so. Obviously, he launched his own investigation, and I was along for the ride. I was absolutely hooked. I loved the characters (the good and bad); I loved the plot. It had the perfect amount of horror, enough to make the reader squeamish.
As much as I would love to recommend this book to everyone, especially if you like horror or you are a fan of Stranger Things, I will say there’s a wee bit of animal cruelty, so be aware of that if you are an animal lover. I recommend adding to your TBR!
Publication Date: January 19, 2027
Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley, for the Advanced Reader’s Copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fun, fast-paced, and gripping thriller that pulls you into a dark, twisty mystery from the very first chapter. An engaging journey that manages to balance high stakes and investigative tension with an entertaining and readable flow. It is the exact kind of page-turner that keeps you hooked late into the night, moving at a relentless clip while unpacking a complex web of secrets.
The true core of the novel, however, lies in its psychological depth. Beneath the fast-moving plot is an insightful exploration of the horror of trauma and how it can manifests when left buried and unaddressed. It doesn't shy away from the darker corners of human psychology, showing how past pain can distort reality and drive actions in terrifying ways. This focus on the lingering scars of the characters gives the entire mystery a grounded, sobering weight that elevates it beyond a standard detective story.
The narrative successfully balances these heavy psychological themes with a sense of momentum that never drags. The investigative puzzle is layered, providing an interesting and enjoyable ride for thriller fans who love peeling back the layers of a dark case. It is a satisfying read that matches the grit of a crime drama with the sharp, eerie tension of a psychological horror.
🍵 Final Verdict
An interesting, fun, and enjoyable read that perfectly captures the lingering ghosts of personal history. It is a fantastic pick for anyone looking for a swift, dark, and addicting mystery that explores the profound impact of hidden trauma without ever losing its gripping, high-velocity pacing.
The true core of the novel, however, lies in its psychological depth. Beneath the fast-moving plot is an insightful exploration of the horror of trauma and how it can manifests when left buried and unaddressed. It doesn't shy away from the darker corners of human psychology, showing how past pain can distort reality and drive actions in terrifying ways. This focus on the lingering scars of the characters gives the entire mystery a grounded, sobering weight that elevates it beyond a standard detective story.
The narrative successfully balances these heavy psychological themes with a sense of momentum that never drags. The investigative puzzle is layered, providing an interesting and enjoyable ride for thriller fans who love peeling back the layers of a dark case. It is a satisfying read that matches the grit of a crime drama with the sharp, eerie tension of a psychological horror.
🍵 Final Verdict
An interesting, fun, and enjoyable read that perfectly captures the lingering ghosts of personal history. It is a fantastic pick for anyone looking for a swift, dark, and addicting mystery that explores the profound impact of hidden trauma without ever losing its gripping, high-velocity pacing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chasing Demons~ Will Shindler
One Sentence: What is going on in this town?
I have been in the biggest reading slump for quite a few months now, and I think this book finally pulled me out of it just because of how brilliant Will Shindler is at making a book come to life in your mind.
Chasing Demons follows Joel, a newly divorced father struggling to remember his troublesome past. As people from his hometown slowly start to get brutally murdered, Joel realizes they all have connections to the massacre he witnessed when 23 people were murdered at his institution. More and more victims appear, with similar connections leading back to Joel. Could Joel be the unreliable narrator we all fear, or could it be darker than we think?
This one takes off a bit slow, but it's necessary to build up the suspense and also start the story without giving too much away for the big ending twist; but with that being said, trust me when I say, when this one picks up, it REALLY picks up. It kept me second-guessing from the beginning and constantly hoping that Joel wasn't guilty.
The characters' backstories in this one were super intriguing; I liked a lot of the background characters and the underlying supernatural elements. I honestly think Will Shindler could be the next Stephen King of horror
Tropes
👻 Horror
👻 Unreliable memories
👻 Forgotten past
👻 Who can you trust
You should read this if you love horror or, oddly enough, if you're a fan of Stranger Things or Stephen King's "The Institute," as they all have a very similar spooky/supernatural feel!
One Sentence: What is going on in this town?
I have been in the biggest reading slump for quite a few months now, and I think this book finally pulled me out of it just because of how brilliant Will Shindler is at making a book come to life in your mind.
Chasing Demons follows Joel, a newly divorced father struggling to remember his troublesome past. As people from his hometown slowly start to get brutally murdered, Joel realizes they all have connections to the massacre he witnessed when 23 people were murdered at his institution. More and more victims appear, with similar connections leading back to Joel. Could Joel be the unreliable narrator we all fear, or could it be darker than we think?
This one takes off a bit slow, but it's necessary to build up the suspense and also start the story without giving too much away for the big ending twist; but with that being said, trust me when I say, when this one picks up, it REALLY picks up. It kept me second-guessing from the beginning and constantly hoping that Joel wasn't guilty.
The characters' backstories in this one were super intriguing; I liked a lot of the background characters and the underlying supernatural elements. I honestly think Will Shindler could be the next Stephen King of horror
Tropes
👻 Horror
👻 Unreliable memories
👻 Forgotten past
👻 Who can you trust
You should read this if you love horror or, oddly enough, if you're a fan of Stranger Things or Stephen King's "The Institute," as they all have a very similar spooky/supernatural feel!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chasing Demons was a dark, unsettling thriller that kept me guessing, even if it didn’t completely hit the mark for me.
The story follows Joel, a survivor of a horrific massacre from his adolescence whose carefully rebuilt life is shaken when people connected to his past begin turning up dead. As he’s forced to confront memories he’s spent years trying to bury, the line between trauma, reality, and something much more sinister starts to blur.
I really enjoyed the psychological side of this one. The idea of our past experiences becoming the “demons” we carry with us gave the story more depth than I was expecting, and Joel’s fractured memories made it easy to question what was actually happening. There’s a constant feeling that something isn’t quite right, and I loved that uneasy atmosphere.
The mystery and supernatural elements worked well together for the most part, and there were definitely moments where I wanted to keep reading just to see where everything was going. That said, I did find the pacing a little uneven in places, and some of the twists and character perspectives were easier to predict or follow than others. I also think the story could have leaned a little harder into the horror because there were moments where I wanted it to be genuinely scarier.
Overall, though, this was an entertaining and creepy read with an interesting premise and some thought-provoking themes surrounding trauma, guilt, and the things we try to bury. Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy psychological thrillers with a supernatural edge.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
This one got inside my head.
Chasing Demons is a dark, unsettling mix of psychological thriller, murder mystery, and supernatural horror. Joel’s traumatic past is at the center of everything, and as the bodies begin piling up, the line between what is real, what is remembered, and what might be something much darker becomes increasingly difficult to see.
I really enjoyed how much this book made me question Joel and his memories. Just when I thought I had figured out what was happening, the story would pull me in another direction. There is a constant feeling that something is seriously wrong, and I loved that uneasy atmosphere.
The trauma element also worked really well for me. These aren't just supernatural “demons”—the story digs into the things people bury, the memories that haunt us, and what happens when the past refuses to stay buried.
Dark, creepy, twisty, and definitely a book that kept me turning pages because I needed to know what was really going on.
If you enjoy psychological horror, unreliable memories, gruesome murders, supernatural undertones, and characters carrying some seriously heavy baggage, definitely put this one on your radar.
A solid 4-star read for me. 🖤👹🔪
#NetGalley #ARC #ChasingDemons #WillShindler #Horror #PsychologicalThriller #HorrorThriller
This one got inside my head.
Chasing Demons is a dark, unsettling mix of psychological thriller, murder mystery, and supernatural horror. Joel’s traumatic past is at the center of everything, and as the bodies begin piling up, the line between what is real, what is remembered, and what might be something much darker becomes increasingly difficult to see.
I really enjoyed how much this book made me question Joel and his memories. Just when I thought I had figured out what was happening, the story would pull me in another direction. There is a constant feeling that something is seriously wrong, and I loved that uneasy atmosphere.
The trauma element also worked really well for me. These aren't just supernatural “demons”—the story digs into the things people bury, the memories that haunt us, and what happens when the past refuses to stay buried.
Dark, creepy, twisty, and definitely a book that kept me turning pages because I needed to know what was really going on.
If you enjoy psychological horror, unreliable memories, gruesome murders, supernatural undertones, and characters carrying some seriously heavy baggage, definitely put this one on your radar.
A solid 4-star read for me. 🖤👹🔪
#NetGalley #ARC #ChasingDemons #WillShindler #Horror #PsychologicalThriller #HorrorThriller
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of Chasing Demons by Will Shindler. This will be published on January 19, 2027.
Twenty-three years prior, a massacre happens at the Scarsdale Centre for Adolescent Mental Heath (SCAM). The survivors of the massacre don’t quite remember what happened that day. To this day, Joel Sampson, one of the survivors, is still dealing with the trauma of those events. Then, his former therapist is found murdered under the same circumstance of the original massacre.
A superbly written book that had me gripped from the start. The story is written like a crime thriller with elements of horror. The characters are well developed as the plot progresses and most of them are likeable. You come to understand why some characters act like they do based on their own past experiences.
In many novels where there is a message being told, that message can get lost which detracts from the story. With this book, the message does not get lost. It enhances the story letting it take hold and having a thorough impact on a great story.
This was a fast paced read that continually progresses, with characters you can relate to and a strong message to carry you through the end.
Don’t let your trauma be your darkness.
Twenty-three years prior, a massacre happens at the Scarsdale Centre for Adolescent Mental Heath (SCAM). The survivors of the massacre don’t quite remember what happened that day. To this day, Joel Sampson, one of the survivors, is still dealing with the trauma of those events. Then, his former therapist is found murdered under the same circumstance of the original massacre.
A superbly written book that had me gripped from the start. The story is written like a crime thriller with elements of horror. The characters are well developed as the plot progresses and most of them are likeable. You come to understand why some characters act like they do based on their own past experiences.
In many novels where there is a message being told, that message can get lost which detracts from the story. With this book, the message does not get lost. It enhances the story letting it take hold and having a thorough impact on a great story.
This was a fast paced read that continually progresses, with characters you can relate to and a strong message to carry you through the end.
Don’t let your trauma be your darkness.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Chasing Demons by Will Shindler. All opinions are my own.
Honestly, it took me a minute to get into the story. It was a gradual pull into Joel's world of demons, but once I was there, I was all in.
As the story unfolds, we learn about Joel's troubled teenage years and how that trauma has followed him into adulthood. When the mysterious death of a counselor from his past forces him to confront old wounds, he returns home in search of answers—and hoping for a chance to heal.
I enjoyed the way the characters were written. They felt authentic and relatable, each with their own distinct personalities, struggles, attitudes, and quirks. They didn't feel like characters on a page; they felt like real people.
What stayed with me most was the way the novel explored trauma. The demons became more than just a supernatural element—they represented the pain we carry, the parts of ourselves we try to bury, and the lasting impact those experiences can have on our lives. That added an emotional depth I wasn't expecting.
Overall, I'd recommend Chasing Demons to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural.
Honestly, it took me a minute to get into the story. It was a gradual pull into Joel's world of demons, but once I was there, I was all in.
As the story unfolds, we learn about Joel's troubled teenage years and how that trauma has followed him into adulthood. When the mysterious death of a counselor from his past forces him to confront old wounds, he returns home in search of answers—and hoping for a chance to heal.
I enjoyed the way the characters were written. They felt authentic and relatable, each with their own distinct personalities, struggles, attitudes, and quirks. They didn't feel like characters on a page; they felt like real people.
What stayed with me most was the way the novel explored trauma. The demons became more than just a supernatural element—they represented the pain we carry, the parts of ourselves we try to bury, and the lasting impact those experiences can have on our lives. That added an emotional depth I wasn't expecting.
Overall, I'd recommend Chasing Demons to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Joel witnessed a massacre in a mental health facility at a young age. He grows up haunted by this, and then as an adult people start dying in an eerily similar way. Joel is suddenly under suspicion, and even he wonders what he may be capable of.
***
This book was wild.
***
Having three sentences followed by *** didn't help either. It just made it more confusing.
***
I'm imagining this was supposed to express some sort of stream of consciousness style. However, it seemed like the author typed out the entire novel and then went through and added *** after every three or four sentences. It was confusing, distracting, and I couldn't get over it. I couldn't get into the story because of the format, which was disappointing because this seemed like an interesting read. I will say that I went into this expecting murder/suspense thriller novel, but this was a bit more paranormal. I'm not a huge fan of paranormal horror novels, they're just not my style so I don't think I was the intended audience for this book.
Thank you Minotaur Books for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
***
This book was wild.
***
Having three sentences followed by *** didn't help either. It just made it more confusing.
***
I'm imagining this was supposed to express some sort of stream of consciousness style. However, it seemed like the author typed out the entire novel and then went through and added *** after every three or four sentences. It was confusing, distracting, and I couldn't get over it. I couldn't get into the story because of the format, which was disappointing because this seemed like an interesting read. I will say that I went into this expecting murder/suspense thriller novel, but this was a bit more paranormal. I'm not a huge fan of paranormal horror novels, they're just not my style so I don't think I was the intended audience for this book.
Thank you Minotaur Books for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really liked Chasing Demons. Will Shindler is a new author for me. The whole vibe is tense from the very beginning! You are left guessing from the start. The mystery about what’s actually happening kept me hooked the whole time (Can't share too much), and I liked how it wasn’t obvious.
Joel was probably my favorite part of the whole thing. I kept trying to figure out where he fit in and whether he was helping or making things worse, and honestly, that uncertainty made him more interesting. There’s this constant undercurrent that no one can be trusted, and I loved that.
This is one of those books where it's better to go in not knowing anything so I don't want to give much away. It’s not a clean, tidy mystery. It psychologically messes with your mind. It’s as much about people unraveling as it is about whatever the external threat is. That worked for me most of the time, even when I didn't know what I believed anymore!
I'm going to read The Burning Men next! Can't wait. Thanks NetGalley for this pre-publication read! I loved it.
Joel was probably my favorite part of the whole thing. I kept trying to figure out where he fit in and whether he was helping or making things worse, and honestly, that uncertainty made him more interesting. There’s this constant undercurrent that no one can be trusted, and I loved that.
This is one of those books where it's better to go in not knowing anything so I don't want to give much away. It’s not a clean, tidy mystery. It psychologically messes with your mind. It’s as much about people unraveling as it is about whatever the external threat is. That worked for me most of the time, even when I didn't know what I believed anymore!
I'm going to read The Burning Men next! Can't wait. Thanks NetGalley for this pre-publication read! I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Will Shindler, St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Chasing Demons by Will Shindler is a gripping horror-thriller that pulled me in from the very first pages and refused to let go. The blend of psychological suspense, chilling supernatural elements, and an emotionally driven mystery created an atmosphere that was tense, eerie, and impossible to put down.
Joel is a compelling protagonist, and watching him confront the shadows of his past while trying to uncover the truth kept me turning pages late into the night. The story does an excellent job of balancing mystery, horror, and emotional depth without sacrificing the pacing. Every chapter left me wanting "just one more."
Will Shindler delivers a haunting, suspenseful read that will appeal to fans of psychological horror and dark thrillers. If you enjoy stories filled with unsettling twists, unreliable memories, and an ever-present sense of dread, this is one to add to your TBR.
Chasing Demons by Will Shindler is a gripping horror-thriller that pulled me in from the very first pages and refused to let go. The blend of psychological suspense, chilling supernatural elements, and an emotionally driven mystery created an atmosphere that was tense, eerie, and impossible to put down.
Joel is a compelling protagonist, and watching him confront the shadows of his past while trying to uncover the truth kept me turning pages late into the night. The story does an excellent job of balancing mystery, horror, and emotional depth without sacrificing the pacing. Every chapter left me wanting "just one more."
Will Shindler delivers a haunting, suspenseful read that will appeal to fans of psychological horror and dark thrillers. If you enjoy stories filled with unsettling twists, unreliable memories, and an ever-present sense of dread, this is one to add to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Received as an ARC through Netgalley to read and review, this is an honest review.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the pre - approval and to Steve Erickson ( St. Martin's Press senior marketing manager, whom sent an email in regards if I'd like to read this book. )
Author Will Shindler has penned a very eloquently beautifully dark within Chasing Demons. Joel Sampson has endured so much chaos and pain far more than a person should have. From out of these haunting ashes, Joel became a teacher that knows how to connect to teens in a way that makes Joel memorable at his job. But all these good things cannot protect Joel from history repeating itself and he himself is looked as suspect of the latest set of grisly murders. To discover the truth, means standing deep within shadows Joel thought had been finally locked away... and facing the monsters head on and accepting the harsh answers that come from the towering darkness.
An emotional, personal labyrinth to take on as a reader.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the pre - approval and to Steve Erickson ( St. Martin's Press senior marketing manager, whom sent an email in regards if I'd like to read this book. )
Author Will Shindler has penned a very eloquently beautifully dark within Chasing Demons. Joel Sampson has endured so much chaos and pain far more than a person should have. From out of these haunting ashes, Joel became a teacher that knows how to connect to teens in a way that makes Joel memorable at his job. But all these good things cannot protect Joel from history repeating itself and he himself is looked as suspect of the latest set of grisly murders. To discover the truth, means standing deep within shadows Joel thought had been finally locked away... and facing the monsters head on and accepting the harsh answers that come from the towering darkness.
An emotional, personal labyrinth to take on as a reader.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books and Will Shindler for the opportunity to read and review Chasing Demons. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Chasing Demons is a combination of horror and thriller with a hint of mystery. It follows the MMC, Joel who has to confront his past demons head-on . This book immediately grabbed my attention with the prologue. It starts with Joel undergoing treatment at the Young Person’s Mental Health Institute where he witnessed a massacre which continues to haunt him into his adulthood where those around him start to suddenly die. He really has to dig into what happened in his childhood and understand his trauma. The content can be dark, so just be aware of that.
This book is a page-turner that moves at a fast pace. I enjoyed the multi-POV which really shaped the story and helped me understand what was going on. I read this book in one day, so hopefully that tells you how good it was.
I give this book 4 stars. It was great.
Chasing Demons is a combination of horror and thriller with a hint of mystery. It follows the MMC, Joel who has to confront his past demons head-on . This book immediately grabbed my attention with the prologue. It starts with Joel undergoing treatment at the Young Person’s Mental Health Institute where he witnessed a massacre which continues to haunt him into his adulthood where those around him start to suddenly die. He really has to dig into what happened in his childhood and understand his trauma. The content can be dark, so just be aware of that.
This book is a page-turner that moves at a fast pace. I enjoyed the multi-POV which really shaped the story and helped me understand what was going on. I read this book in one day, so hopefully that tells you how good it was.
I give this book 4 stars. It was great.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of Chasing Demons by Will Schindler for my honest review.
Chasing Demons by Will Schindler was overall a good book. I'd give it a 3.5 star rating. I enjoyed the story, the premise of us all having demons and how they manifest in our lives, and the characters were likeable. The parts that I had a problem with were: it seemed really long, the cuts in the chapters were sometimes confusing to follow which character is featured in that section, and the ending was predictable.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I enjoyed it and I would recommend it to others. I really liked the mental health aspect of the book and really digging deep into yourself sometimes brings out trauma (demons) that you hid away in your subconscious. I think that is an important topic that men (and everyone) need to start paying attention to more.
After reading this book, I am interested in the other books by Will Schindler and will eventually get around to reading one or more.
Chasing Demons by Will Schindler was overall a good book. I'd give it a 3.5 star rating. I enjoyed the story, the premise of us all having demons and how they manifest in our lives, and the characters were likeable. The parts that I had a problem with were: it seemed really long, the cuts in the chapters were sometimes confusing to follow which character is featured in that section, and the ending was predictable.
Would I recommend this book? Yes, I enjoyed it and I would recommend it to others. I really liked the mental health aspect of the book and really digging deep into yourself sometimes brings out trauma (demons) that you hid away in your subconscious. I think that is an important topic that men (and everyone) need to start paying attention to more.
After reading this book, I am interested in the other books by Will Schindler and will eventually get around to reading one or more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Huge thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for the chance to read and review Chasing Demons by Will Shindler!
This was my first novel by Will Shindler and I was pleasantly surprised.
Chasing Demons is a fast moving thriller/horror that pulls you down to the depths where the hidden parts of ourselves hide and you realize we are our own greatest demons.
Joel survived a massacre when he was just a teen. Although the suspect was caught and died in prison, 23 years later people are starting to die in the same manner. Joel returns to his hometown to face his past and hopes to recover surpassed memories from the night he survived, but he may not like everything he remembers.
There are lots of twists and turns and while some parts were just blatantly predictable, this is a great popcorn novel.
If you like Dean Koontz you will really enjoy this novel.
This was my first novel by Will Shindler and I was pleasantly surprised.
Chasing Demons is a fast moving thriller/horror that pulls you down to the depths where the hidden parts of ourselves hide and you realize we are our own greatest demons.
Joel survived a massacre when he was just a teen. Although the suspect was caught and died in prison, 23 years later people are starting to die in the same manner. Joel returns to his hometown to face his past and hopes to recover surpassed memories from the night he survived, but he may not like everything he remembers.
There are lots of twists and turns and while some parts were just blatantly predictable, this is a great popcorn novel.
If you like Dean Koontz you will really enjoy this novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books! I was given the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of Chasing Demons by Will Shindler, which is scheduled for publication on January 19, 2027.
This is a FAST read! In part because of the author's choice to break the chapters in small chunks - ideal for absorbing quickly and reading in quick bursts. (Nice for bus/train commuters like me!)
This is a FAST read! In part because of the author's choice to break the chapters in small chunks - ideal for absorbing quickly and reading in quick bursts. (Nice for bus/train commuters like me!)
August 13, 2026
Thanks again to Will Shindler and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC! This is the second book from this author that I’ve had the opportunity to review.
As a horror fan, I’m always looking for unique and original stories and Chasing Demons certainly delivered that. I found the plot to be a bit predictable as someone who enjoys a mystery and knows the formulas for that genre, but it was still enjoyable and had moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. My only wish is that the horror aspects had been leaned into a bit more; as a mystery and mental health metaphor it worked perfectly but just as a personal preference I’d love a bit more panic outside of the final climax. Overall a solid read for its target audience.
As a horror fan, I’m always looking for unique and original stories and Chasing Demons certainly delivered that. I found the plot to be a bit predictable as someone who enjoys a mystery and knows the formulas for that genre, but it was still enjoyable and had moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. My only wish is that the horror aspects had been leaned into a bit more; as a mystery and mental health metaphor it worked perfectly but just as a personal preference I’d love a bit more panic outside of the final climax. Overall a solid read for its target audience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A recommended read if you are a fan of crime thrillers. Added bonus if you are looking for trauma, murder AND supernatural undertones.
I think my favorite part of the read was trying to piece everything together ESPECIALLY with the fact that the memories of what happened were unreliable.
It definitely took me some time to get into. I believe it was partially writing style reasons but the use of page breaks super often made me feel like I was reading bullet points and kept pulling me out of the story. Other than that there were a few tense and grammar issues but because this isn't coming out until January I'm assuming that will be fixed beforehand.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martins, Minotaur Books and Will Shindler for reaching out with an advanced copy of this book.
I think my favorite part of the read was trying to piece everything together ESPECIALLY with the fact that the memories of what happened were unreliable.
It definitely took me some time to get into. I believe it was partially writing style reasons but the use of page breaks super often made me feel like I was reading bullet points and kept pulling me out of the story. Other than that there were a few tense and grammar issues but because this isn't coming out until January I'm assuming that will be fixed beforehand.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martins, Minotaur Books and Will Shindler for reaching out with an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for the ARC.
This is a story about a man named Joel going back to face all the trauma of his past. This book does start out pretty slow. For a while I did feel like Chasing Demons forgot it was even supposed to be horror. But when the story finally started to pick up, it held my interest until the end. The story was unique and surprising. I thought I knew where the book was going, but I turned out to be completely wrong. I will say most of the characters are pretty forgettable, including Joel. Parts of the story are cheesy, and it definitely could have been scarier, but I still greatly enjoyed my time with Chasing Demons.
This is a story about a man named Joel going back to face all the trauma of his past. This book does start out pretty slow. For a while I did feel like Chasing Demons forgot it was even supposed to be horror. But when the story finally started to pick up, it held my interest until the end. The story was unique and surprising. I thought I knew where the book was going, but I turned out to be completely wrong. I will say most of the characters are pretty forgettable, including Joel. Parts of the story are cheesy, and it definitely could have been scarier, but I still greatly enjoyed my time with Chasing Demons.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Chasing Demons was an intense, fast-paced thriller that took me on a wild ride from beginning to end. Will Shindler weaves together trauma, murder, and long-buried secrets in a way that kept me turning the pages and wondering what would happen next. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story kept surprising me.
With plenty of suspense and an engaging storyline, this was an entertaining read that thriller fans are sure to enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.
All reviews reflect my personal opinions.
With plenty of suspense and an engaging storyline, this was an entertaining read that thriller fans are sure to enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.
All reviews reflect my personal opinions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review Copy
CHASING DEMONS by Will Shindler was an unexpected read for me. I expected more of a 'asylum' type story and found a much slower paced novel than I hoped for. That's not a bad thing - just different.
I did have to try not to laugh at the name given to the program. SCAM. Really? Was the place a scam? The meaning of the name comes from Scarsborough Adolescent Mental Health. And the demons of course are your own internal demons.
This is coming out winter of '27. Something to look forward to Check it out!
CHASING DEMONS by Will Shindler was an unexpected read for me. I expected more of a 'asylum' type story and found a much slower paced novel than I hoped for. That's not a bad thing - just different.
I did have to try not to laugh at the name given to the program. SCAM. Really? Was the place a scam? The meaning of the name comes from Scarsborough Adolescent Mental Health. And the demons of course are your own internal demons.
This is coming out winter of '27. Something to look forward to Check it out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF @ 18%
The writing wasn't doing it for me. There was a massacre in the prologue and a murder in the first few chapters but I was bored. The story telling leaned towards cheesy. Joel received a call from an old therapist that was basically "someone or someTHING is chasing me," dun, dun, DUNNNNNN. Later his new therapist tells him maybe he needs to go to the site of his trauma to work it out. OK that's gonna be GREAT for his mental health. Not for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The writing wasn't doing it for me. There was a massacre in the prologue and a murder in the first few chapters but I was bored. The story telling leaned towards cheesy. Joel received a call from an old therapist that was basically "someone or someTHING is chasing me," dun, dun, DUNNNNNN. Later his new therapist tells him maybe he needs to go to the site of his trauma to work it out. OK that's gonna be GREAT for his mental health. Not for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I like the overall concept, but feel it took some unnecessary complicating turns. I appreciate the overall underlying message and feel this should be discussed more. It was very heavy handed though, in a way that diminished the meaning in some way. It started off strong but could not keep up that level of mystery/horror/excitement. I do hope this sparks more books about similar topics in fiction, to open this to more readers.
I like the overall concept, but feel it took some unnecessary complicating turns. I appreciate the overall underlying message and feel this should be discussed more. It was very heavy handed though, in a way that diminished the meaning in some way. It started off strong but could not keep up that level of mystery/horror/excitement. I do hope this sparks more books about similar topics in fiction, to open this to more readers.
July 20, 2026
Overall, entertaining and an interesting premise. If you’ve ever felt like everybody has demons then this will probably appeal to you. Some of the chapter cuts were confusing and sometimes those cuts made it hard to figure out whose perspective you were in, as this is definitely a multi POV book. The characters were in depth and all of them had multitudes of issues they were working through. I liked that it was halfway supernatural halfway just humans being terrible. The ending wasn’t really surprising but it was definitely hard for me to get to the end of this book. This will be out in January of 2027
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher for offering me the chance to read a pre-release version of "Chasing Demons." I really enjoyed the author's first horror novel, so I was excited to dive in even though I don't usually read horror during the summertime.
Once again, the author presented a fast-paced story with relatable characters and chilling moments. I actually guessed what was going on about halfway through, which is rare for me, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of what I thought was a well-executed ending.
Once again, the author presented a fast-paced story with relatable characters and chilling moments. I actually guessed what was going on about halfway through, which is rare for me, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of what I thought was a well-executed ending.
August 14, 2026
Thank you so much Will Shindler, NetGalley and St.Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for providing me with an earc of Chasing Demons!
Chasing Demons is a captivating read with many twists and turns throughout! We have elements of dark themes through this novel; that made me constantly check over my shoulder. This book was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. Chasing Demons demonstrates immense psychological depths with fast paced rhythm.
I would definitely recommend this book to any horror/mystery/ psychological thriller lover!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
How do you handle surviving a massacre?
Joel has my heart through this entire book. His memories come and go.
Is Joel part of all of the bodies that are showing up?
So much in this that will make you think and rethink everything you are reading.
The trauma from the massacre is handle delicately but firmly.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Joel has my heart through this entire book. His memories come and go.
Is Joel part of all of the bodies that are showing up?
So much in this that will make you think and rethink everything you are reading.
The trauma from the massacre is handle delicately but firmly.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*thank you netgalley for the ARC so i was able to read and give my honest review*
Chasing Demons is a tense horror thriller about a massacre survivor named Joel Sampson who is pulled back to his hometown by a gruesome copycat murder The story shifts away from traditional police procedurals into dark psychological territory that is fast paced with an unsettling atmosphere. It exploration trauma and guilt that will deeply satisfy both crime fiction and horror fans 3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Chasing Demons is a tense horror thriller about a massacre survivor named Joel Sampson who is pulled back to his hometown by a gruesome copycat murder The story shifts away from traditional police procedurals into dark psychological territory that is fast paced with an unsettling atmosphere. It exploration trauma and guilt that will deeply satisfy both crime fiction and horror fans 3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story was wild. I honestly thought it would be a much darker asylum feel, but it wasn’t. I did think it was funny though that the facility was named “SCAM”. I loved the twists and thorns though, the blood and gore. The dissociation of the MMC throughout. I thought overall this was pretty gnarly and I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A really interesting and enjoyable read that does a great job exploring how the past can continue to haunt us. It’s a dark, addictive mystery that pulls you in quickly and keeps the tension high while digging into themes of hidden trauma and the things people carry with them. A great choice if you’re looking for something atmospheric, fast-paced, and hard to put down. 3,75 rounded up to 4 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews