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Chasing Demons
Not yet published
Expected 19 Jan 27A haunting horror-thriller novel in which a series of gruesome murders forces a man to face the demons of his past if he has any hope of saving his future.
Twenty‑three years ago, while undergoing treatment at a Young Persons’ Mental Health Institute, Joel Sampson witnessed—and survived—a massacre. The trauma reshaped him, yet he eventually built a steady life as a schoolteacher and devoted father. But when his former therapist is discovered murdered in the same grotesque manner as the original massacre’s victims, Joel is pulled back to his hometown of Tayborough to confront his demons.
As more bodies start piling up, suspicions turn toward Joel himself. His own long‑buried memories remain fractured and unreliable, and even he starts to fear what he might be capable of. Desperate for answers, he launches his own investigation into the events and surrounding deaths.
The deeper he digs, the more he becomes convinced that something supernatural is connecting the past to the present. Even worse comes the realization that someone may be deliberately manipulating the dark forces that have shadowed his life. As suspicions grow, Joel must come face to face with his own demons if he’s to save himself and everyone he cares for.
Twenty‑three years ago, while undergoing treatment at a Young Persons’ Mental Health Institute, Joel Sampson witnessed—and survived—a massacre. The trauma reshaped him, yet he eventually built a steady life as a schoolteacher and devoted father. But when his former therapist is discovered murdered in the same grotesque manner as the original massacre’s victims, Joel is pulled back to his hometown of Tayborough to confront his demons.
As more bodies start piling up, suspicions turn toward Joel himself. His own long‑buried memories remain fractured and unreliable, and even he starts to fear what he might be capable of. Desperate for answers, he launches his own investigation into the events and surrounding deaths.
The deeper he digs, the more he becomes convinced that something supernatural is connecting the past to the present. Even worse comes the realization that someone may be deliberately manipulating the dark forces that have shadowed his life. As suspicions grow, Joel must come face to face with his own demons if he’s to save himself and everyone he cares for.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 19, 2027
About the author
Will Shindler
16 books155 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dark, intense, nightmare-fueling. This is perfect for fans of mystery and horror alike as well as those that may just want a good spooky read for the season.
Read this one with the lights on!
*ARC provided by the publishers in exchange for an honest review.*
Read this one with the lights on!
*ARC provided by the publishers in exchange for an honest review.*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free copy of, Chasing Demons, by Will Shindler, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Joel Sampson saw things most people have not, and thats a good thing. Not usually a fan of horror book, but this was an intriguing read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book for free, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
The memory of that figure standing in the doorway came back to him and he shivered, remembering what had unfolded next.
Chasing Demons was a gruesome story that started to get lost in it's scifi, supernatural, horror, and emotional drama weaving. The story starts off with a fifteen year old Joel, who's currently in a centre for adolescent mental health. He's trying to deal with the death of his father, which he can't fully remember, and just walking out of a session with the psychiatrist that churned him up emotionally. In the commons room, a kid that likes to bully Joel and a huge six foot five kid are also getting riled up. As tensions rise, Joel suddenly finds himself out in the hallway sitting up after having blacking out and seeing the carnage of something that ransacked, ripping apart bodies, and murdering the occupants of the room, with only him, the bully, a nurse, and the six foot five kid surviving. The story then jumps twenty-three years to an adult Joel who's a teacher, amicably divorced with an eight year old daughter, and just learning that the psychiatrist who treated him in that centre, has been ripped apart murdered, just like the bodies in that commons room. This time however, the six foot five kid that was blamed for the murders, killed himself in prison years ago, so the question of who or what is to blame is coming back unanswered.
“It’ll follow you if you let it. Stay out of the shadows and you’ll be okay, ’cause it hides in the shadows.”
This had some gruesome horror moments, with all the body ripping apart, and some animal cruelty, so reader beware. There were multiple point-of-views, Joel, the bully, police detective, and various other secondary characters getting pulled into the horror to give a pretty rounded out scope of the story. Joel obviously dominates the povs, as the murders that keep happening in his hometown that he goes back to, on the advice of his new therapist to deal with the death of his father, seem to stem from connections to him. A lot of the hows and whys is kept to the shadows until the later half of the book and I thought it all got a little a messy with the scifi mad scientist aspects and the overall messaging of deal with your personal demons or they're are going to deal with you.
“I told him that— he’ll never, ever outrun it.”
I enjoyed the interpersonal relationships touched on for some emotional bulking up but some secondary characters felt at turns a little intrusive and underutilized. The police detectives helped to add keeping track of facts but I think the reader could have handled it on their own and while a main villain and accompaniment were the conductors of the horror, their revealed purpose never fully felt developed. If you like gruesome horror with messaging this would scratch that itch, even if I thought all the genre weaving got a little messy.
The memory of that figure standing in the doorway came back to him and he shivered, remembering what had unfolded next.
Chasing Demons was a gruesome story that started to get lost in it's scifi, supernatural, horror, and emotional drama weaving. The story starts off with a fifteen year old Joel, who's currently in a centre for adolescent mental health. He's trying to deal with the death of his father, which he can't fully remember, and just walking out of a session with the psychiatrist that churned him up emotionally. In the commons room, a kid that likes to bully Joel and a huge six foot five kid are also getting riled up. As tensions rise, Joel suddenly finds himself out in the hallway sitting up after having blacking out and seeing the carnage of something that ransacked, ripping apart bodies, and murdering the occupants of the room, with only him, the bully, a nurse, and the six foot five kid surviving. The story then jumps twenty-three years to an adult Joel who's a teacher, amicably divorced with an eight year old daughter, and just learning that the psychiatrist who treated him in that centre, has been ripped apart murdered, just like the bodies in that commons room. This time however, the six foot five kid that was blamed for the murders, killed himself in prison years ago, so the question of who or what is to blame is coming back unanswered.
“It’ll follow you if you let it. Stay out of the shadows and you’ll be okay, ’cause it hides in the shadows.”
This had some gruesome horror moments, with all the body ripping apart, and some animal cruelty, so reader beware. There were multiple point-of-views, Joel, the bully, police detective, and various other secondary characters getting pulled into the horror to give a pretty rounded out scope of the story. Joel obviously dominates the povs, as the murders that keep happening in his hometown that he goes back to, on the advice of his new therapist to deal with the death of his father, seem to stem from connections to him. A lot of the hows and whys is kept to the shadows until the later half of the book and I thought it all got a little a messy with the scifi mad scientist aspects and the overall messaging of deal with your personal demons or they're are going to deal with you.
“I told him that— he’ll never, ever outrun it.”
I enjoyed the interpersonal relationships touched on for some emotional bulking up but some secondary characters felt at turns a little intrusive and underutilized. The police detectives helped to add keeping track of facts but I think the reader could have handled it on their own and while a main villain and accompaniment were the conductors of the horror, their revealed purpose never fully felt developed. If you like gruesome horror with messaging this would scratch that itch, even if I thought all the genre weaving got a little messy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
From Will Shindler, Chasing Demons follows one man’s attempts to confront his past.
Joel Sampson has not had an easy life. The death of his father led to his admittance to a mental health facility where Joel was present for a mass murder. The murders were never fully explained and the circumstances surrounding the event have always been fuzzy in Joel’s mind. Several years later, Joel receives a strange phone call from his old therapist shortly before the therapist’s grizzly murder. Under advisement of his current therapist, Joel returns home to try and make peace with his past.
Joel is not the only one reliving the mass murder. Bodie Flynn, another patient, remembers events differently and he blames Joel for what happened. Detective Inspector Nicky Okoro and Detective Constable Sania Caser are assigned to the murder of Joel’s old therapist, but things keep getting worse the longer Joel is in town. There are old friends and new threats as Joel searches for his own answers to his past.
Shindler does a great job of making his fictious town of Tayborough feel small and intimate. Joel revisits many sites and establishments of the town which makes the reader feel present. There are so many named characters that it’s as if you get to know every resident, including the cats. And they’re all named for good reason as they have a part to play.
With this full cast of characters, Shindler breaks the chapters up into scenes or locations. This allows characters to walk into and out of the scene, potentially interacting with others. There are transitions between the characters, too, so a chapter might move between a few rather than just one. This unique approach moved away from the standard of assigning a major character their own chapter. I enjoyed this writing style and found it to be a more subtle way to move between characters.
With multiple antagonists for Joel to face, there is never a dull moment. Some are looking for accountability for the mass murder. Some are looking to repeat the events that took place at the mental health facility. This rolls into the secondary plot of the book and ties in mysterious deaths and missing cats. While the details about Joel’s past held my attention, I was hooked thanks to this secondary plot. The way this group goes about trying to reproduce what happened twenty three years ago is truly fit for a horror novel.
Chasing Demons is a well-paced novel spurred by dynamic character interactions. With multiple engaging characters and intimate scene building, Will Shindler places readers directly into the story.
Joel Sampson has not had an easy life. The death of his father led to his admittance to a mental health facility where Joel was present for a mass murder. The murders were never fully explained and the circumstances surrounding the event have always been fuzzy in Joel’s mind. Several years later, Joel receives a strange phone call from his old therapist shortly before the therapist’s grizzly murder. Under advisement of his current therapist, Joel returns home to try and make peace with his past.
Joel is not the only one reliving the mass murder. Bodie Flynn, another patient, remembers events differently and he blames Joel for what happened. Detective Inspector Nicky Okoro and Detective Constable Sania Caser are assigned to the murder of Joel’s old therapist, but things keep getting worse the longer Joel is in town. There are old friends and new threats as Joel searches for his own answers to his past.
Shindler does a great job of making his fictious town of Tayborough feel small and intimate. Joel revisits many sites and establishments of the town which makes the reader feel present. There are so many named characters that it’s as if you get to know every resident, including the cats. And they’re all named for good reason as they have a part to play.
With this full cast of characters, Shindler breaks the chapters up into scenes or locations. This allows characters to walk into and out of the scene, potentially interacting with others. There are transitions between the characters, too, so a chapter might move between a few rather than just one. This unique approach moved away from the standard of assigning a major character their own chapter. I enjoyed this writing style and found it to be a more subtle way to move between characters.
With multiple antagonists for Joel to face, there is never a dull moment. Some are looking for accountability for the mass murder. Some are looking to repeat the events that took place at the mental health facility. This rolls into the secondary plot of the book and ties in mysterious deaths and missing cats. While the details about Joel’s past held my attention, I was hooked thanks to this secondary plot. The way this group goes about trying to reproduce what happened twenty three years ago is truly fit for a horror novel.
Chasing Demons is a well-paced novel spurred by dynamic character interactions. With multiple engaging characters and intimate scene building, Will Shindler places readers directly into the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this one! The action starts pretty much right away and the momentum keeps going all the way through. There is never a dull moment! This was such a cool combination of horror, thriller and police procedural. I'm not sure I've ever read anything quite like it. The characters were well-written, mostly likable and Joel especially was so relatable. The murders were gory, the pace was fast and I loved the supernatural elements. The way this book explored trauma was really interesting, but I think it's best to go in blind so that's all I'll say about that! Overall, I thought Chasing Demons was a great book. It was brutal, dark, fast paced, well-written and I would definitely recommend it. I have already picked up two more books by the author and I can't wait to get started!
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Chasing Demons by Will Shindler
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Horror
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: January 19, 2027
I really enjoyed this story! The premise of Joel being one of the few survivors of an unexplainable massacre when he was a teenager sucked me in immediately.
The multiple POVs kept me completely hooked and built the suspense so well throughout the story! I really appreciate how the book touches on trauma and turns it into a physical manifestation. It was also wonderful to see a strong focus on men's mental health, which gets so little representation in books.
Overall, it is a suspenseful, meaningful read that handles its themes so well!
Thank you so much to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy!
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Horror
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: January 19, 2027
I really enjoyed this story! The premise of Joel being one of the few survivors of an unexplainable massacre when he was a teenager sucked me in immediately.
The multiple POVs kept me completely hooked and built the suspense so well throughout the story! I really appreciate how the book touches on trauma and turns it into a physical manifestation. It was also wonderful to see a strong focus on men's mental health, which gets so little representation in books.
Overall, it is a suspenseful, meaningful read that handles its themes so well!
Thank you so much to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, for providing the copy of Chasing Demons by Will Shindler.
I loved how the action started right away, no slow burn here! Then the ‘present’ timeline started, and that was slower paced, but I loved the characters, even the bad ones. If you like gory horror with a paranormal element, you will adore this book! It was exactly up my alley though I did enjoy it. 3 stars
I loved how the action started right away, no slow burn here! Then the ‘present’ timeline started, and that was slower paced, but I loved the characters, even the bad ones. If you like gory horror with a paranormal element, you will adore this book! It was exactly up my alley though I did enjoy it. 3 stars
Want to Read
October 11, 2026A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This gave me the chills!!! What a great creepy read!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one was just okay for me. The premise was interesting, and I liked the idea of past trauma resurfacing alongside a new string of gruesome murders, but the execution didn't quite work for me.
My biggest issue was the organization of the book. The constant use of *** between short paragraphs made the story feel more like a collection of scattered thoughts rather than a structured, flowing narrative. It was distracting and made it difficult for me to really get immersed in the story.
Overall, it wasn't a bad read, but the writing style and formatting really took away from what could have been a much more engaging horror-thriller.
My biggest issue was the organization of the book. The constant use of *** between short paragraphs made the story feel more like a collection of scattered thoughts rather than a structured, flowing narrative. It was distracting and made it difficult for me to really get immersed in the story.
Overall, it wasn't a bad read, but the writing style and formatting really took away from what could have been a much more engaging horror-thriller.
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
This was a dark and unsettling read that pulled me into a mystery filled with disturbing secrets, brutal murders, and questions about the past. The story centers on Joel, a man who has spent years trying to build a normal life after surviving a horrific event during his teenage years. When someone connected to that traumatic period is found murdered, he is forced to revisit memories he would rather leave behind. As the body count rises, the search for answers becomes increasingly dangerous, and Joel begins to wonder whether he truly understands his own history.
The atmosphere was easily one of my favorite parts of this story. There is a constant sense of dread hanging over the characters, and the uncertainty surrounding Joel's memories makes it difficult to know what to believe. The multiple perspectives add interesting layers to the mystery, even though switching between so many characters occasionally made the story a little confusing. I also liked how the narrative examined the lasting impact of trauma and the ways unresolved pain can shape a person's life long after the original events have passed.
The gruesome crimes and supernatural elements gave the plot a unique edge that kept me curious about what would happen next. I enjoyed how the investigation gradually uncovered disturbing connections between the present-day murders and the tragedy from years earlier. While some twists were easier to anticipate than others, there were still plenty of unsettling moments to maintain my interest. The pacing slowed down in a few places, and I would have loved a little more intensity from the horror side, but the combination of psychological suspense and mystery worked well overall.
All in all, this was an entertaining and creepy thriller with a compelling central mystery and some genuinely disturbing ideas. Beneath the violence and suspense, there is a thoughtful exploration of guilt, fear, and the emotional scars people carry with them. Although certain aspects could have been developed more strongly, I found the story engaging and appreciated its unusual blend of crime fiction and supernatural horror. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy twisted mysteries, unreliable memories, dark atmospheres, and stories that keep them questioning what is really happening until the end.
The atmosphere was easily one of my favorite parts of this story. There is a constant sense of dread hanging over the characters, and the uncertainty surrounding Joel's memories makes it difficult to know what to believe. The multiple perspectives add interesting layers to the mystery, even though switching between so many characters occasionally made the story a little confusing. I also liked how the narrative examined the lasting impact of trauma and the ways unresolved pain can shape a person's life long after the original events have passed.
The gruesome crimes and supernatural elements gave the plot a unique edge that kept me curious about what would happen next. I enjoyed how the investigation gradually uncovered disturbing connections between the present-day murders and the tragedy from years earlier. While some twists were easier to anticipate than others, there were still plenty of unsettling moments to maintain my interest. The pacing slowed down in a few places, and I would have loved a little more intensity from the horror side, but the combination of psychological suspense and mystery worked well overall.
All in all, this was an entertaining and creepy thriller with a compelling central mystery and some genuinely disturbing ideas. Beneath the violence and suspense, there is a thoughtful exploration of guilt, fear, and the emotional scars people carry with them. Although certain aspects could have been developed more strongly, I found the story engaging and appreciated its unusual blend of crime fiction and supernatural horror. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy twisted mysteries, unreliable memories, dark atmospheres, and stories that keep them questioning what is really happening until the end.
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
I really enjoyed Chasing Demons by Will Shindler. I’d give it 4 stars. This was definitely a darker read, with a good mix of thriller, horror, mystery, and supernatural elements.
The story follows Joel Sampson, who survived a terrible massacre when he was younger. Years later, he has built a completely different life for himself as a teacher and father, but he gets pulled back into his past when his former therapist is murdered in a way that brings back memories of what happened years ago. From there, things just keep getting more unsettling.
I really liked how the book played with Joel’s memories. There were times when I wasn’t sure what was real, what Joel remembered correctly, or who could actually be trusted. That kept me guessing and made the mystery more interesting. I also liked the way the “demons” in the story could be looked at both literally and as the trauma and things people carry with them from their past.
The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts. It had a creepy, uneasy feeling throughout, and there were definitely moments where I wanted to keep reading just to find out what was really going on. I also liked that the story wasn’t just about the murders—it had a lot to do with Joel dealing with his past and trying to understand what happened to him.
There were a few parts that took me a little while to get into, and some of the changes in perspective were occasionally confusing. But once I got into the story, I was definitely invested. There were enough twists and questions to keep me turning the pages.
Overall, Chasing Demons was a dark and creepy read that kept me guessing. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with horror, unreliable memories, murder mysteries, and a supernatural twist, I think this is worth picking up.
The story follows Joel Sampson, who survived a terrible massacre when he was younger. Years later, he has built a completely different life for himself as a teacher and father, but he gets pulled back into his past when his former therapist is murdered in a way that brings back memories of what happened years ago. From there, things just keep getting more unsettling.
I really liked how the book played with Joel’s memories. There were times when I wasn’t sure what was real, what Joel remembered correctly, or who could actually be trusted. That kept me guessing and made the mystery more interesting. I also liked the way the “demons” in the story could be looked at both literally and as the trauma and things people carry with them from their past.
The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts. It had a creepy, uneasy feeling throughout, and there were definitely moments where I wanted to keep reading just to find out what was really going on. I also liked that the story wasn’t just about the murders—it had a lot to do with Joel dealing with his past and trying to understand what happened to him.
There were a few parts that took me a little while to get into, and some of the changes in perspective were occasionally confusing. But once I got into the story, I was definitely invested. There were enough twists and questions to keep me turning the pages.
Overall, Chasing Demons was a dark and creepy read that kept me guessing. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with horror, unreliable memories, murder mysteries, and a supernatural twist, I think this is worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dark, atmospheric thriller that blends gruesome murders, buried childhood trauma, fragmented memories, and supernatural horror into a chilling mystery about confronting the demons of the past. What starts as a murder mystery takes a sharp turn into the supernatural, with psychological thriller elements woven throughout, particularly the themes of unreliable memories and the lasting impact of traumatic experiences.
The twists and suspense work well, and the connections between a past massacre and the present-day murders create an engaging mystery that gives you plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages as new details come to light. While some of the twists may be predictable for seasoned thriller readers who recognize familiar genre conventions, I don't think that takes away too much from the overall enjoyment of the story.
My biggest issue was that I wanted the horror elements to go a little further. With the supernatural playing such a big part in the story, I kept waiting for more genuinely creepy or frightening moments, but they never really came. The atmosphere and premise had the potential to deliver something much scarier, so I was left wishing the book had leaned a little harder into its horror side.
Overall, Chasing Demons was an enjoyable, atmospheric thriller with an intriguing mystery, plenty of twists, and a fun mix of psychological suspense and supernatural horror. While a few of the revelations were somewhat predictable, and I would have liked the horror elements to go a little further, the story kept me engaged and wanting to know how everything would play out. Was it perfect? No. But was it a fun, fast-paced read that kept me turning the pages? Absolutely! And sometimes, that's exactly what I'm looking for in a thriller.
The twists and suspense work well, and the connections between a past massacre and the present-day murders create an engaging mystery that gives you plenty of reasons to keep turning the pages as new details come to light. While some of the twists may be predictable for seasoned thriller readers who recognize familiar genre conventions, I don't think that takes away too much from the overall enjoyment of the story.
My biggest issue was that I wanted the horror elements to go a little further. With the supernatural playing such a big part in the story, I kept waiting for more genuinely creepy or frightening moments, but they never really came. The atmosphere and premise had the potential to deliver something much scarier, so I was left wishing the book had leaned a little harder into its horror side.
Overall, Chasing Demons was an enjoyable, atmospheric thriller with an intriguing mystery, plenty of twists, and a fun mix of psychological suspense and supernatural horror. While a few of the revelations were somewhat predictable, and I would have liked the horror elements to go a little further, the story kept me engaged and wanting to know how everything would play out. Was it perfect? No. But was it a fun, fast-paced read that kept me turning the pages? Absolutely! And sometimes, that's exactly what I'm looking for in a thriller.
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.
October 11, 2026
I recieved my ebook copy from Netgalley.
I think Will Shindler did a great job showing how past experiences can continue to affect someone years later, even when they think they’ve moved on. I appreciated the underlying message that everyone has their own demons, and sometimes the ones we’re fighting within ourselves are the hardest to face.
I enjoyed the mental health aspect, especially the focus on a man’s mental health and how untreated trauma can manifest into something so much bigger. I think this is a topic that deserves more attention and love stories that are including it especially from a male author.
Joel was an interesting character, and I liked learning more about his past and trying to piece together what actually happened all those years ago. Between the murders, unreliable memories, and supernatural elements, there was plenty to keep me interested.
I will say, I had already figured out the ending before everything was revealed, so the big twist wasn’t necessarily a surprise for me. However, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
This wasn’t just another murder mystery or horror story. Overall, a really good combination of psychological thriller, horror, and mystery. Dark, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. Definitely worth the read!
I think Will Shindler did a great job showing how past experiences can continue to affect someone years later, even when they think they’ve moved on. I appreciated the underlying message that everyone has their own demons, and sometimes the ones we’re fighting within ourselves are the hardest to face.
I enjoyed the mental health aspect, especially the focus on a man’s mental health and how untreated trauma can manifest into something so much bigger. I think this is a topic that deserves more attention and love stories that are including it especially from a male author.
Joel was an interesting character, and I liked learning more about his past and trying to piece together what actually happened all those years ago. Between the murders, unreliable memories, and supernatural elements, there was plenty to keep me interested.
I will say, I had already figured out the ending before everything was revealed, so the big twist wasn’t necessarily a surprise for me. However, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.
This wasn’t just another murder mystery or horror story. Overall, a really good combination of psychological thriller, horror, and mystery. Dark, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. Definitely worth the read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!
As someone who loves thriller and murder mysteries, I don't usually reach for books with demons or supernatural elements. That said, Chasing Demons by Will Schindler pleasantly surprised me.
The writing was fantastic, and the story kept me engaged from beginning to end. I was constantly questioning what was really happening, and the author does a great job of keeping you guessing with plenty of unexpected twists.
The story follows a man with a traumatic past who spends time in an institution as a young adolescent. After rebuilding his life, becoming a teacher, and starting a family, he's unexpectedly pulled back to his hometown. As a series of dark, gruesome murders begins, he finds himself connected to the horrifying events in ways he never expected.
The plot twists kept the story moving, and I was never quite sure where it was heading next. Even though the supernatural theme isn't my usual genre, the strong writing and compelling mystery made this a worthwhile read. If you enjoy dark thrillers with a supernatural edge, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
As someone who loves thriller and murder mysteries, I don't usually reach for books with demons or supernatural elements. That said, Chasing Demons by Will Schindler pleasantly surprised me.
The writing was fantastic, and the story kept me engaged from beginning to end. I was constantly questioning what was really happening, and the author does a great job of keeping you guessing with plenty of unexpected twists.
The story follows a man with a traumatic past who spends time in an institution as a young adolescent. After rebuilding his life, becoming a teacher, and starting a family, he's unexpectedly pulled back to his hometown. As a series of dark, gruesome murders begins, he finds himself connected to the horrifying events in ways he never expected.
The plot twists kept the story moving, and I was never quite sure where it was heading next. Even though the supernatural theme isn't my usual genre, the strong writing and compelling mystery made this a worthwhile read. If you enjoy dark thrillers with a supernatural edge, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
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
Joel is a survivor of a massacre that happened when he was younger, but his memories of what actually happened are fragmented. When his former therapist is murdered in a way that brings the past rushing back, Joel starts digging for answers while more deaths begin piling up. And because even Joel can't completely trust his own memories, neither can we.
That was one of my favourite parts of the book...constantly questioning what was real, what Joel remembered correctly, and whether there was something he wasn't telling us. Intentionally or otherwise.
The horror becomes more apparent as Joel gets closer to the truth. There’s also a strong focus on trauma and the way something that happened decades ago can still have a hold over someone.
I thought the story kept a really good pace and gave me enough twists and questions to keep me engaged. It was a fast-paced, creepy mystery/horror, some genuinely unsettling moments and a protagonist I wasn't always sure I could trust.
Thank you so much to @minotaur_books, Will Shindler & NetGalley for the #gifted earc. All opinions are my own.
That was one of my favourite parts of the book...constantly questioning what was real, what Joel remembered correctly, and whether there was something he wasn't telling us. Intentionally or otherwise.
The horror becomes more apparent as Joel gets closer to the truth. There’s also a strong focus on trauma and the way something that happened decades ago can still have a hold over someone.
I thought the story kept a really good pace and gave me enough twists and questions to keep me engaged. It was a fast-paced, creepy mystery/horror, some genuinely unsettling moments and a protagonist I wasn't always sure I could trust.
Thank you so much to @minotaur_books, Will Shindler & NetGalley for the #gifted earc. All opinions are my own.
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.
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