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Beyond Evil
There's no way back...
The picturesque city of York is rocked when the hellraiser and lottery winner Billy Privett is found murdered in a town centre hotel - his corpse brutally dissected, as if someone had performed a post mortem whilst he was still alive. Chillingly, the walls of the room bear words daubed in Billy's blood, including "Free" and "The Process is Coming Down."
Billy's infamous reputation had been sealed a year previously - when a local university student had been found dead in mysterious circumstances at one of his debauched parties - and his death is little lamented, apart from by his lawyer, the young and ambitious Amelia Diaz, who remains convinced of his innocence.
But who could have killed Billy in such a way? Unbeknownst to the police, a terrifying new cult is on the rise, one that may hold the key to Billy's death; The Church of the Free Mind. The cult is presided over by the charismatic and terrifying Charlie Watson, who holds absolute power over the church members. But when Amelia is drawn too close to the group whilst investigating Billy's death, it seems that these fervently religious cult members would do anything to protect their leader - even murder...
The picturesque city of York is rocked when the hellraiser and lottery winner Billy Privett is found murdered in a town centre hotel - his corpse brutally dissected, as if someone had performed a post mortem whilst he was still alive. Chillingly, the walls of the room bear words daubed in Billy's blood, including "Free" and "The Process is Coming Down."
Billy's infamous reputation had been sealed a year previously - when a local university student had been found dead in mysterious circumstances at one of his debauched parties - and his death is little lamented, apart from by his lawyer, the young and ambitious Amelia Diaz, who remains convinced of his innocence.
But who could have killed Billy in such a way? Unbeknownst to the police, a terrifying new cult is on the rise, one that may hold the key to Billy's death; The Church of the Free Mind. The cult is presided over by the charismatic and terrifying Charlie Watson, who holds absolute power over the church members. But when Amelia is drawn too close to the group whilst investigating Billy's death, it seems that these fervently religious cult members would do anything to protect their leader - even murder...
432 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
56 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Neil White
36 books152 followersNeil White (b. 1965) is a British freelance criminal lawyer and a full-time crime writer.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 19, 2018
D. I. Sheldon Brown’s personal and professional lives have nosedived in the year since he was unable to solve the murder of a young woman, Alice Keynon, found dead at the bottom of the swimming pool of lottery winner and big spender, Billy Privett. When a small firm of defence lawyers becomes embroiled in Billy’s life, the bodies start mounting up. Charlie, one of the law firm’s partners, is recently single and becoming as emotionally crumpled and frayed as the suit he wears to court. When Charlie begins to realize that Alice’s murder might be linked to the recent murders, he teams up with Alice’s father, Ted, and works in parallel with Sheldon Brown to solve the cases. Added to this mix is an increasingly anarchic cult headed by a leader with a hidden agenda. In Beyond Evil, Neil White has Sheldon and Charlie battle demons both private and public in order to uncover the truth.
August 8, 2015
It is a few years since I read a novel by Neil White, so when I was asked to read any for part of a blog promotion I jumped at the chance to read this stand alone.
Set in a rundown Lancashire former industrial town, which I'm convinced I've worked in we have a detective haunted by a cold case, a disillusioned lawyer and a member of a local cult. When the original suspect is found murdered Sheldon, the detective is hoping to find the answers to both the crimes and prove himself as a competent police officer.
Charlie, the lawyer is increasingly suspicious of everybody, his business partner, a young girl who is training with them and two strangers who have suddenly started hanging around.
John is the newest recruit into the local cult. All members of the cult are creepily dedicated to their cause and part of the novel focuses on John having to prove his commitment.
It was quite gruesome at times, but there was also focus on coping with loss. The way that Alice's family dealt with their loss was very convincing and at times moving. I did have a good idea which way the novel was going but there were parts of it I hadn't worked out.
I always enjoy reading a novel that has local setting and Beyond Evil doesn't disappoint. Very true to life in the way the town and its inhabitants are portrayed. Now I just need to decide which of two series I want to read first.
Set in a rundown Lancashire former industrial town, which I'm convinced I've worked in we have a detective haunted by a cold case, a disillusioned lawyer and a member of a local cult. When the original suspect is found murdered Sheldon, the detective is hoping to find the answers to both the crimes and prove himself as a competent police officer.
Charlie, the lawyer is increasingly suspicious of everybody, his business partner, a young girl who is training with them and two strangers who have suddenly started hanging around.
John is the newest recruit into the local cult. All members of the cult are creepily dedicated to their cause and part of the novel focuses on John having to prove his commitment.
It was quite gruesome at times, but there was also focus on coping with loss. The way that Alice's family dealt with their loss was very convincing and at times moving. I did have a good idea which way the novel was going but there were parts of it I hadn't worked out.
I always enjoy reading a novel that has local setting and Beyond Evil doesn't disappoint. Very true to life in the way the town and its inhabitants are portrayed. Now I just need to decide which of two series I want to read first.
May 5, 2020
The plot was a slow burner, but Ne White got the temperature just right, simmering away under the surface to bring an indescribable ending that I just didn't expect. The twists and plots got me confused as to who you could & couldn't trust and found, especially in the second half of the book misdirection which sent me looking at the wrong people.
May 15, 2021
It was a good novel worth reading. The story has a dark background and totally different from other novels of this author. As the reader proceeds further, he/she is dragged into a different world and heart beat rises in pace with the story.
Synopsis: Alice Kenyon is found brutally murdered by inspector Sheldon Brown. His main suspect is a wonanizer and lottery winner Billy Pervert. A year later, Billy is also found Dead by Sheldon Brown. Charlie Barker is a Lawyer. Few days later, Amelia Diaz (Lawyer, business partner of Charlie Barker) is also found dead in the same brutal way. Sheldon Brown's obsession to find the killer disturbs his personal life. A the story proceeds, it discloses about an anarchist group who are developing their own world and taking revenge on the society. There are a number of twists and turns, elements creating thrilling atmosphere. But too much violence and cruelty (like a girl raped, a girl murdered openy in a ground by a group done as execution ritual) is described in the story which disturbs the mind. It will grab the reader till the end.
In my point of view, it is good to read as a novel only. Due to too much violence, it won't appear nice at all if adapted into a feature film.
Synopsis: Alice Kenyon is found brutally murdered by inspector Sheldon Brown. His main suspect is a wonanizer and lottery winner Billy Pervert. A year later, Billy is also found Dead by Sheldon Brown. Charlie Barker is a Lawyer. Few days later, Amelia Diaz (Lawyer, business partner of Charlie Barker) is also found dead in the same brutal way. Sheldon Brown's obsession to find the killer disturbs his personal life. A the story proceeds, it discloses about an anarchist group who are developing their own world and taking revenge on the society. There are a number of twists and turns, elements creating thrilling atmosphere. But too much violence and cruelty (like a girl raped, a girl murdered openy in a ground by a group done as execution ritual) is described in the story which disturbs the mind. It will grab the reader till the end.
In my point of view, it is good to read as a novel only. Due to too much violence, it won't appear nice at all if adapted into a feature film.
December 16, 2015
Loved this one !! I have only one more of Neil White's books to read now on my Kindle so hoping more soon follow. This one isn't part of his regular series but a stand-alone story. It was very fast-paced and gripping and I finished it in the early hours as I just had to know what happened.
This one features a cop and a lawyer and both are extremely burnt out and struggling in their personal lives. Throw in a couple of murders and a group of kids that hang around in a little cult and you have a terrific story.
At the end of the book the author gives wannabe writers some useful tips. However, he describes the planning that went into one of his books-Last Rites-and that was the one I've enjoyed the least of any of his books !!
I didn't find ONE mistake throughout too nor formatting error. That alone is priceless and worth 5 stars these days !!
This one features a cop and a lawyer and both are extremely burnt out and struggling in their personal lives. Throw in a couple of murders and a group of kids that hang around in a little cult and you have a terrific story.
At the end of the book the author gives wannabe writers some useful tips. However, he describes the planning that went into one of his books-Last Rites-and that was the one I've enjoyed the least of any of his books !!
I didn't find ONE mistake throughout too nor formatting error. That alone is priceless and worth 5 stars these days !!
November 23, 2022
Tipična kriminalka, brez neke dodane vrednosti, vendar z dobrim dogajanjem.
Tri junake imamo: očeta, ki mu umorijo hčer. Odvetnika, ki mu poklic pomeni bolj kot ne breme in je tudi večidel zapit (tipično v kriminalkah). Policijskega inšpektorja, ki ne reši umora hčerke prvega junaka, ko pa se zgodi nov umor, začasno dobi ta primer, saj je povezan s prvim. Vmes spremljamo še nekakšno sekto, ki se vgnezdi na osamljeni kmetiji, in od tu dalje se stvari zapletejo. Tudi tisti srhljivi prizori, ko se naenkrat zgodi mnogo, predvsem grozljivega, so v zgodbi prisotni.
Precej dramatična kriminalka torej, tekoča in zanimiva, do konca.
Tri junake imamo: očeta, ki mu umorijo hčer. Odvetnika, ki mu poklic pomeni bolj kot ne breme in je tudi večidel zapit (tipično v kriminalkah). Policijskega inšpektorja, ki ne reši umora hčerke prvega junaka, ko pa se zgodi nov umor, začasno dobi ta primer, saj je povezan s prvim. Vmes spremljamo še nekakšno sekto, ki se vgnezdi na osamljeni kmetiji, in od tu dalje se stvari zapletejo. Tudi tisti srhljivi prizori, ko se naenkrat zgodi mnogo, predvsem grozljivega, so v zgodbi prisotni.
Precej dramatična kriminalka torej, tekoča in zanimiva, do konca.
October 2, 2020
Three characters alternate the narrative of this book until it starts to converge about 65% of the way through - an obsessive detective inspector whose personal life is collapsing, an alcoholic defence lawyer and a man with anarchist views newly arrived in a commune. The murders of an uncouth lottery winner and his lawyer impact on the first two characters and the involvement of the commune starts to become clear. The structure inevitably means the build up of the story lacks pace - I preferred the final third of the book. just about 3 stars.
June 3, 2023
DI Sheldon Brown is haunted by the tragic death of Alice Kenyon. The main suspect, Billy Privett, a lottery winner whose pool Alice was found in has never been convicted for Alice's murder. But when Billy's body is found with his face cut off, DI Brown realises that he has been chasing the wrong person. When a second victim is found, also with their face cut off, it is a race against time to find out who would commit such heinous acts of violence and, more importantly, why.
Beyond Evil is a slow burner. I had to persevere with the plot for the best part of half the novel before things really started to get interesting. Yes there are two murders, horrifically graphic in nature (as you would expect from such a novel), but the rest is quite narrative. The final third, however, is full of tension and suspense, particularly with the unpredictability of the cult. There are elements that are common to a crime novel, for example the race against time, but the description of the final fire was far too drawn out for my liking.
There was some depth to the characters. DI Brown's obsession leads to him being suspended as he grapples with finally solving the Alice Kenyon case, and I thoroughly enjoyed the rogue lawyer Charlie, who I firmly believe was the hero of the story and certainly portrays lawyers in a positive light! His determination to solve this case (despite the fact that he has been framed and the hostage is his long-lost daughter), drives the plot forward to its conclusion.
Whilst not the most exciting crime thriller I have ever read, I found this an entertaining read and would definitely consider another Neil White novel.
Beyond Evil is a slow burner. I had to persevere with the plot for the best part of half the novel before things really started to get interesting. Yes there are two murders, horrifically graphic in nature (as you would expect from such a novel), but the rest is quite narrative. The final third, however, is full of tension and suspense, particularly with the unpredictability of the cult. There are elements that are common to a crime novel, for example the race against time, but the description of the final fire was far too drawn out for my liking.
There was some depth to the characters. DI Brown's obsession leads to him being suspended as he grapples with finally solving the Alice Kenyon case, and I thoroughly enjoyed the rogue lawyer Charlie, who I firmly believe was the hero of the story and certainly portrays lawyers in a positive light! His determination to solve this case (despite the fact that he has been framed and the hostage is his long-lost daughter), drives the plot forward to its conclusion.
Whilst not the most exciting crime thriller I have ever read, I found this an entertaining read and would definitely consider another Neil White novel.
November 5, 2025
4.5 stars
A slow burner but a really good book!!
The book offers three different POV’s that come together as the story unfolds. I really enjoy this style of writing, as I’m able to piece together the story.
The level of violence is something to be wary of, as there are multiple mentions of abuse and the violent rape of women.
I enjoyed the character developments within this book. Charlie ended up being my favourite - he became the ‘hero’ when I thought he’d given up on life really!
I think this story really highlights the lengths that people will go to for their own selfish needs and wants. Henry and Arni deserved everything and more that they got - I hope Henry received the worst treatment possible in prison. Vile men.
Gemma was disgusting. Yes she’d been manipulated by Henry, but your conscious should still allow empathy in when watching and listening to other women being raped by your ‘leader’. I also hope she rot in prison.
Dixon is kind of tricky. Yes she did what she did to protect her daughter, but I’m sorry if my daughter was potentially involved in the death of another woman (and the rape of so many others - because everyone knew what went on at the parties once Henry joined) I’d speak up straight away.
Overall, this was a good book and delved into so many interesting concepts and characters. I enjoyed the fact that this is a stand alone book too!
A slow burner but a really good book!!
The book offers three different POV’s that come together as the story unfolds. I really enjoy this style of writing, as I’m able to piece together the story.
The level of violence is something to be wary of, as there are multiple mentions of abuse and the violent rape of women.
I enjoyed the character developments within this book. Charlie ended up being my favourite - he became the ‘hero’ when I thought he’d given up on life really!
I think this story really highlights the lengths that people will go to for their own selfish needs and wants. Henry and Arni deserved everything and more that they got - I hope Henry received the worst treatment possible in prison. Vile men.
Gemma was disgusting. Yes she’d been manipulated by Henry, but your conscious should still allow empathy in when watching and listening to other women being raped by your ‘leader’. I also hope she rot in prison.
Dixon is kind of tricky. Yes she did what she did to protect her daughter, but I’m sorry if my daughter was potentially involved in the death of another woman (and the rape of so many others - because everyone knew what went on at the parties once Henry joined) I’d speak up straight away.
Overall, this was a good book and delved into so many interesting concepts and characters. I enjoyed the fact that this is a stand alone book too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2018
Quite an interesting read.
Sheldon Brown is a DInin a small town near Manchester. He is obsessed with an unsolved murder of a young woman, Alice. Sheldon’s prime suspect in that case, Billie Privett, turns up brutally murdered.
Charlie Barker is a criminal lawyer who seems to be going through the motions. He is perpetually drunk and his business is being held together through the sheer tenacity of his partner, Amelia.
There is a group of “drop outs” lead by a nasty character, Henry, that are hanging around Charlie’s office.
The interconnection between these seemingly random groups of people, police, lawyer, and drop outs, forms the basis for this story.
None of the characters are particularly loveable or even likeable. There are some gruesome goings on and the plot seems all over the place. Then, connections are made and the storyline moves along rapidly.
3.5 stars
Sheldon Brown is a DInin a small town near Manchester. He is obsessed with an unsolved murder of a young woman, Alice. Sheldon’s prime suspect in that case, Billie Privett, turns up brutally murdered.
Charlie Barker is a criminal lawyer who seems to be going through the motions. He is perpetually drunk and his business is being held together through the sheer tenacity of his partner, Amelia.
There is a group of “drop outs” lead by a nasty character, Henry, that are hanging around Charlie’s office.
The interconnection between these seemingly random groups of people, police, lawyer, and drop outs, forms the basis for this story.
None of the characters are particularly loveable or even likeable. There are some gruesome goings on and the plot seems all over the place. Then, connections are made and the storyline moves along rapidly.
3.5 stars
May 13, 2021
This book, i have had for awhile & something always stopped me from picking it up. My tbr is so big i get my kids to choose my next story. My daughter chose this. I would of given this book 5 stars, but i couldn't get into the book until halfway. You were caught up with the blurb halfway and thats when it got good. I felt the ending was very very rushed, but it ended it well. I would tell people to go & read, but it is not one that i was say read this asap.
November 3, 2024
I loved this book. The characters were great and when I reached the ending, I was so sad I felt like it wasn't enough. I needed to know what happened to them after.
the book was mysterious, and we even got the killers point of view. The description of the dead bodies was so gory, yet it was so good!
I liked getting the perspectives of certain characters which mentioned above was one of the things I loved about the book.
the book was mysterious, and we even got the killers point of view. The description of the dead bodies was so gory, yet it was so good!
I liked getting the perspectives of certain characters which mentioned above was one of the things I loved about the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2019
Exciting
I enjoyed this book. So many twists and turns in it and the storyline was good. You had to keep track on your characters at first but once you got that the whole book flowed from page to page with so much happening. an excellent read with great characters. Inspired recommend and look forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed this book. So many twists and turns in it and the storyline was good. You had to keep track on your characters at first but once you got that the whole book flowed from page to page with so much happening. an excellent read with great characters. Inspired recommend and look forward to reading more from this author.
January 4, 2020
Bought this book in 2016. I tried to finish this book over five times ever since but I just can't. I can't get invested in the characters, nor the story. Maybe it's just a personal thing. If you like it, good for you but this book just doesn't vibe with me. final verdict: not Irene-approved.
December 12, 2024
3.5 rounded up.
Overall this was an okay book but slightly confusing at times. There were three different storylines occuring at once that didn't really tie together until the very end even though there were opportunities to do so. Good ending though and I definitely didn't guess the killer!
Overall this was an okay book but slightly confusing at times. There were three different storylines occuring at once that didn't really tie together until the very end even though there were opportunities to do so. Good ending though and I definitely didn't guess the killer!
August 12, 2017
Enjoyed, bit of a slow start but then couldn't put it down
April 5, 2019
I could not breathe towards the end of this book, totally amazing
April 19, 2020
This book was ok. It took me a while to tell apart the two main men as there was no distinguishing features of either. Parts of the book, nothing really happened but it ended well.
August 27, 2022
This is an easy and entertaining read, but it does have a few gory paragraphs and descriptions
June 22, 2020
I enjoyed this book though for me it jumped around too much.A very introcate story line but I could not put it down. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a meaty thriller.
May 6, 2013
I haven't read any of Neil White's other books so I didn't really know what to expect. The cover of the paperback edition I read is very lurid - more so than the book is (though there were sections where I was uncomfortable with the level of explicit violence).
I read Beyond Evil quite quickly which is generally a good sign of enjoyment and found it engaging while I was reading it, largely through an eagerness to know what happened next. The attraction of the book for me was almost entirely in the plot and very little in the characters. I didn't find any of them particularly engaging and wouldn't be interested in reading any more about them.
A couple of weeks after reading the book I can't remember very much about it, so it's not a masterwork that will linger long in the mind it would seem. I quite enjoyed it while I was reading it though so that has to count for something.
I read Beyond Evil quite quickly which is generally a good sign of enjoyment and found it engaging while I was reading it, largely through an eagerness to know what happened next. The attraction of the book for me was almost entirely in the plot and very little in the characters. I didn't find any of them particularly engaging and wouldn't be interested in reading any more about them.
A couple of weeks after reading the book I can't remember very much about it, so it's not a masterwork that will linger long in the mind it would seem. I quite enjoyed it while I was reading it though so that has to count for something.
January 24, 2013
Another brilliant story from the pen of Neil White, this, his first stand alone novel is both intriguing and thrilling. With the well drawn characters I have come to expect from one of his novels, and a clever unpredictable storyline, I barely put it down until I came to the end. Take a terrifically evil villain, a couple of rather ineptly brilliant heroes and some absolutely marvellous peripheral characters, mix them up and there you have it. A book to enjoy and savour. Well done sir, more please.
September 13, 2013
I think this book was good. Some things were easy to figure out who was doing it but there were still a lot of mysteries and a lot of tense moments. I like the cult aspect and This made it alot more interesting as all the main characters came together. All in all good book. Gripping writing and I just wanted to keep reading and unfold the truth.
November 1, 2015
I should state from the off that many years ago I used to work with Neil as a criminal defence solicitor. I did enjoy this book (the first of his I have read) and whilst some parts of the story were pushing the edge of plausibility, I did like the realistic characters and the interaction between them. I will read more.
December 2, 2012
Thought the mix of characters in the book was excellent. The pace was fast and liked how the main characters got to the solution to the murders. If you like murder mysteries and thrillers then this book is a must.
September 29, 2013
I have enjoyed all of Neil White's novels so far and this one was no exception. The action was gripping and fast paced. Only a couple of criticisms. I did work out a number of the conclusions way before the end and some of the graphic violence left me a little uncomfortable.
July 11, 2013
Very poor stuff. Unpleasant characters (both the lawyer and the cop), without being interesting; tedious procedural business; the incredible, rather silly commune, or sect, or whatever.
Shame, really, as the murder we start with is excellently original. Downhill all the way from there, though.
Shame, really, as the murder we start with is excellently original. Downhill all the way from there, though.
September 2, 2012
A bit grim, but a good read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews