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Chasing the Devil: A Drake Steven's Series
Drake Stevens is a 30-year-old private investigator who has sworn to find the demonic evil that murdered his mother and bring his kind of justice upon them. As he is ready to close in on his mother's killer he is called in, by the Evansville police to help find a serial killer who re-surfaced and continues to remove one of his victim's breasts for a keepsake...
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 20, 2025
A Gritty, Dark, and Relentless Ride into the Underworld of Crime and Revenge
Chasing the Devil kicks off the Drake Stevens series with a raw, unapologetic tone that grabs you from page one. Drake is not your average private investigator—he’s a man haunted by trauma, driven by vengeance, and walking a razor-thin line between justice and obsession.
The blend of supernatural undertones with a brutal serial killer case makes for a gripping narrative. As Drake gets closer to his mother’s killer, the murders he investigates become increasingly disturbing, and Laird doesn’t hold back in the details. It’s graphic at times, but it suits the gritty atmosphere of the story.
While some pacing felt uneven in parts and a few characters could’ve used more depth, the emotional core—Drake’s personal vendetta and unrelenting grit—holds the story together. His interactions with the police and the moral ambiguity of his methods add an interesting tension throughout.
If you like dark detective thrillers with a splash of the supernatural, this one’s worth picking up. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely for fans of crime noir, psychological thrillers, and revenge tales.
3.8/5 – Gritty, intense, and steeped in shadow. A strong start to what could be a very dark series.
Chasing the Devil kicks off the Drake Stevens series with a raw, unapologetic tone that grabs you from page one. Drake is not your average private investigator—he’s a man haunted by trauma, driven by vengeance, and walking a razor-thin line between justice and obsession.
The blend of supernatural undertones with a brutal serial killer case makes for a gripping narrative. As Drake gets closer to his mother’s killer, the murders he investigates become increasingly disturbing, and Laird doesn’t hold back in the details. It’s graphic at times, but it suits the gritty atmosphere of the story.
While some pacing felt uneven in parts and a few characters could’ve used more depth, the emotional core—Drake’s personal vendetta and unrelenting grit—holds the story together. His interactions with the police and the moral ambiguity of his methods add an interesting tension throughout.
If you like dark detective thrillers with a splash of the supernatural, this one’s worth picking up. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely for fans of crime noir, psychological thrillers, and revenge tales.
3.8/5 – Gritty, intense, and steeped in shadow. A strong start to what could be a very dark series.
May 7, 2025
In Chasing the Devil, Gary P. Laird introduces us to Drake Stevens—a brooding, relentless private investigator fueled by personal loss and a thirst for justice. At just 30, Drake is already seasoned by tragedy, having sworn to avenge the demonic evil that took his mother from him. But just as he's on the brink of closing that chapter, he's pulled into another: a chilling serial murder case in Evansville.
Laird's writing pulses with grit and urgency, blending noir-style storytelling with a supernatural edge. The murders are gruesome, the atmosphere is heavy with suspense, and the stakes—both personal and professional—are sky-high. Drake, though hardened, is a compelling protagonist with depth; you feel his grief, his rage, and his fierce determination with every page.
The pacing is swift, the dialogue sharp, and the plot unfolds with cinematic intensity. Fans of urban crime thrillers with a paranormal twist will find this a gripping start to the Drake Stevens series. The mix of personal vengeance and dark investigative work makes it hard to put down.
Laird's writing pulses with grit and urgency, blending noir-style storytelling with a supernatural edge. The murders are gruesome, the atmosphere is heavy with suspense, and the stakes—both personal and professional—are sky-high. Drake, though hardened, is a compelling protagonist with depth; you feel his grief, his rage, and his fierce determination with every page.
The pacing is swift, the dialogue sharp, and the plot unfolds with cinematic intensity. Fans of urban crime thrillers with a paranormal twist will find this a gripping start to the Drake Stevens series. The mix of personal vengeance and dark investigative work makes it hard to put down.
May 17, 2025
Review
'Chasing the Devil' by Gary Laird is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. As a fan of crime fiction, I was hooked from the start. Drake Stevens, the protagonist, is a complex and compelling character, driven by his dark past and quest for justice. The author's writing is taut and gripping, weaving together multiple plot threads with ease.
The pacing is expertly handled, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Laird's vivid descriptions of the dark underbelly of crime added to the tension, making it impossible to put down.
What sets this book apart is its thoughtful characterization. Drake's struggles with his past and his drive for justice make him relatable and human. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, adding depth to the story.
Overall, 'Chasing the Devil' is a gripping and intense thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre. With its well-crafted plot, memorable characters, and suspenseful writing, it's a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling ride.
Thankyou! Happy Reading 📚
'Chasing the Devil' by Gary Laird is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. As a fan of crime fiction, I was hooked from the start. Drake Stevens, the protagonist, is a complex and compelling character, driven by his dark past and quest for justice. The author's writing is taut and gripping, weaving together multiple plot threads with ease.
The pacing is expertly handled, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. Laird's vivid descriptions of the dark underbelly of crime added to the tension, making it impossible to put down.
What sets this book apart is its thoughtful characterization. Drake's struggles with his past and his drive for justice make him relatable and human. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, adding depth to the story.
Overall, 'Chasing the Devil' is a gripping and intense thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre. With its well-crafted plot, memorable characters, and suspenseful writing, it's a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling ride.
Thankyou! Happy Reading 📚
May 21, 2025
Chasing the Devil is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that pulls you into a world of shadows, secrets, and vengeance. Gary P. Laird crafts a truly addictive narrative with Drake Stevens—a private investigator you won’t forget anytime soon. From the moment we learn of his mother’s tragic murder, Stevens’ relentless quest for justice becomes deeply personal, and you can’t help but root for him every step of the way.
The mix of hard-boiled detective work with chilling supernatural undertones gives the story a unique flair. The stakes are high, the villain is terrifying, and the pacing is spot-on. Laird's writing is cinematic—each scene feels like a shot from a gritty crime drama, with just the right dose of emotional intensity.
If you're a fan of detective fiction with a dark twist, this book is a must-read. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to follow more of Drake Stevens’ cases in future installments.
Highly recommended for fans of noir, thrillers, and morally complex heroes.
The mix of hard-boiled detective work with chilling supernatural undertones gives the story a unique flair. The stakes are high, the villain is terrifying, and the pacing is spot-on. Laird's writing is cinematic—each scene feels like a shot from a gritty crime drama, with just the right dose of emotional intensity.
If you're a fan of detective fiction with a dark twist, this book is a must-read. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to follow more of Drake Stevens’ cases in future installments.
Highly recommended for fans of noir, thrillers, and morally complex heroes.
May 21, 2025
Chasing the Devil is a dark, gripping, and brilliantly paced thriller that hooked me from the very first page. Gary P. Laird introduces us to Drake Stevens, a tough yet emotionally scarred private investigator on a deeply personal mission—to hunt down the evil that took his mother’s life. The emotional weight behind his pursuit gives this story real heart, while the action and mystery keep it thrilling throughout.
What really stands out is the atmosphere—Laird creates a gritty world filled with danger, twisted motives, and just the right touch of the supernatural. The serial killer plotline is chilling and well-executed, and the moral complexity of Stevens’ decisions adds real depth to the narrative.
This is more than just a detective novel—it’s a tale of vengeance, justice, and the lengths one man will go to for closure. A fantastic read for anyone who loves crime thrillers with a psychological and emotional edge.
A five-star ride from start to finish. Can't wait for the next book in the Drake Stevens series!
What really stands out is the atmosphere—Laird creates a gritty world filled with danger, twisted motives, and just the right touch of the supernatural. The serial killer plotline is chilling and well-executed, and the moral complexity of Stevens’ decisions adds real depth to the narrative.
This is more than just a detective novel—it’s a tale of vengeance, justice, and the lengths one man will go to for closure. A fantastic read for anyone who loves crime thrillers with a psychological and emotional edge.
A five-star ride from start to finish. Can't wait for the next book in the Drake Stevens series!
May 21, 2025
Gary P. Laird’s Chasing the Devil delivers a gritty and fast-paced detective thriller, blending classic noir elements with a supernatural twist. The novel follows Drake Stevens, a hardened private investigator haunted by his mother’s brutal murder. Driven by vengeance, Stevens teeters between justice and obsession as he dives deeper into the darkness that binds him to both his past and the present terror plaguing Evansville—a serial killer with a macabre ritual.
Laird does a commendable job creating a moody, suspenseful atmosphere, with a protagonist who is both stoic and emotionally raw. The blend of demonic themes with a procedural manhunt adds a unique layer to the genre, though it occasionally treads into melodrama. Still, the story keeps the tension high and the pacing tight, making it a solid page-turner.
While some characters feel underdeveloped and the dialogue leans toward pulp fiction stylings, fans of action-packed detective series with a dash of the supernatural will likely enjoy Drake Stevens' no-nonsense style and relentless pursuit of justice.
Laird does a commendable job creating a moody, suspenseful atmosphere, with a protagonist who is both stoic and emotionally raw. The blend of demonic themes with a procedural manhunt adds a unique layer to the genre, though it occasionally treads into melodrama. Still, the story keeps the tension high and the pacing tight, making it a solid page-turner.
While some characters feel underdeveloped and the dialogue leans toward pulp fiction stylings, fans of action-packed detective series with a dash of the supernatural will likely enjoy Drake Stevens' no-nonsense style and relentless pursuit of justice.
May 11, 2025
Like the book? Yes, but it left me uneasy in the best and worst ways.
Author: Gary P. Laird
Genre: Psychological Crime Thriller
Format:eBook
A dark, twisty ride that starts with grief, flirts with obsession, and crashes into violence. Chasing the Devil gives you a detective story wrapped in emotional layers—but also drenched in brutality. Penny’s loyalty and heartbreak felt raw. Drake was infuriating and magnetic. And the villain? Unsettlingly real.
What worked: Tension, character arcs, and that emotional punch in Penny’s backstory.
What didn’t: The writing is uneven at times, and the violence toward women feels gratuitous in places.
I kept reading. I had to know. But I had thoughts.
If you’re into intense, gritty thrillers with complicated characters—this one’s for you. Just brace yourself.
Author: Gary P. Laird
Genre: Psychological Crime Thriller
Format:eBook
A dark, twisty ride that starts with grief, flirts with obsession, and crashes into violence. Chasing the Devil gives you a detective story wrapped in emotional layers—but also drenched in brutality. Penny’s loyalty and heartbreak felt raw. Drake was infuriating and magnetic. And the villain? Unsettlingly real.
What worked: Tension, character arcs, and that emotional punch in Penny’s backstory.
What didn’t: The writing is uneven at times, and the violence toward women feels gratuitous in places.
I kept reading. I had to know. But I had thoughts.
If you’re into intense, gritty thrillers with complicated characters—this one’s for you. Just brace yourself.
May 8, 2025
Chasing the Devil" by Gary Laird is a suspenseful mystery thriller. Private investigator Drake Stevens is on a personal quest to find his mother's killers. Simultaneously, he's asked to help the police with a resurfaced serial killer who takes disturbing keepsakes from victims. Readers find the book engaging and full of suspense, with dark and dangerous cases. The main character, Drake Stevens, is a determined 30-year-old driven by his past and a strong desire for justice. If you enjoy crime mysteries with a focused protagonist, this book could be a good fit.
May 11, 2025
Chasing the Devil by Gary P. Laird is a dark, fast-paced crime thriller that pulls you in and doesn't let go. Meet Drake Stevens—a haunted PI with a tragic past and a taste for justice. As he hunts a serial killer in Evansville, you're taken on a ride through chilling murders, eerie suspense, and emotional depth. Laird masterfully blends noir vibes with a supernatural twist that keeps the pages turning.
🖤 If you love gritty crime fiction with a paranormal edge and a protagonist you can root for, this one’s for you. A killer start to the Drake Stevens series!
🖤 If you love gritty crime fiction with a paranormal edge and a protagonist you can root for, this one’s for you. A killer start to the Drake Stevens series!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews