The Devil, the Witch and the Whore

The Deal #1

by Amy Cross

“Leave the forest alone. Whatever's out there, just let it be. Don't make it angry.”

When a horrific discovery is made at the edge of town, Sheriff James Kopperud realizes the answers he seeks might be waiting beyond in the vast forest. But everybody in the town of Deal knows that there's something out there in the forest, something that should never be disturbed. A deal was made long ago, a deal that was supposed to keep the town safe. And if he insists on investigating the murder of a local girl, James is going to have to break that deal and head out into the wilderness.

Meanwhile, James has no idea that his estranged daughter Ramsey has returned to town. Ramsey is running from something, and she thinks she can find safety in the vast tunnel system that runs beneath the forest. Before long, however, Ramsey finds herself coming face to face with creatures that hide in the shadows. One of these creatures is known as the devil, and another is known as the witch. They're both waiting for the whore to arrive, but for very different reasons. And soon Ramsey is offered a terrible deal, one that could save or destroy the entire town, and maybe even the world.

The Devil, the Witch and the Whore is the first book in a trilogy about a town and its demons, and about the consequences of making a deal with the devil. Contains scenes of horror and violence.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Fiction, Witches, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Supernatural

453 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2016

About the author

Amy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 Star

The Devil, the Witch, and the Whore by Amy Cross sounded interesting and up my alley and being a free Kindle Unlimited book I thought I have nothing to lose. Unfortunately, I was wrong! I had plenty of things to lose. My time. My patience. My attention. I could not make it through this book that simply came across as a been there done that poorly written mess. I skipped large portions hoping to find some redemption to no avail. Oh well, I really couldn't make it through this one.

[Jordon Greene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Good Read, Definitely Graphic

This was my first Amy Cross read and I really enjoyed it. It wasn't all that scary but the nasty and graphic depictions in the story made my skin crawl and that's a good thing. I'll definitely pick up another Amy Cross book soon.

[Paulette · Rating 2 out of 5]

The lack of proper editing made this book hard to read at times. It is not that the mistakes were once in a while but at least every page or two. I didn't want to give it a "1 star" because the story hooked me. I would have given it more except for the editing issue. It looks like all she did was run it through spellcheck. This author has written a lot of books so I think she could afford an editor or at least have a friend read it before publishing it. I will not be reading any more of her novels, too much of an aggravation.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m so disappointed because I really wanted to read this book. It sounds excellent! Unfortunately, it is the exact opposite. After reading some fellow readers’ reviews on here I decided I would read the free sample on Kindle before buying the book. Thank goodness I did just that. I read three whole pages before I decided I just could not take it anymore. The editing errors are absolutely despicable! There is no excuse for that many issues! How did this book get published?! Also, this author has clearly never heard the phrase “show, don’t tell” in reference to writing. The story is too “wordy”, if that makes sense. She says too much and says things the reader can conclude on their own with no problem. I’m sorry to offend you if you happened to love this book, but honestly I don’t see how anyone could love it. I’m mad because I was excited for a really great read and I was left with unbearable disappointment.

[Gina Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is told from the perspective of each of the characters and weaves a good but gory story that started many ears ago. This is not a book for those with a weak stomach. It has elements of human horror as well as supernatural mystery that is promised to be played out in future books. The charters are well developed and the authors does a great job in describing the scenes that bring shivers up your spine. I am looking forward to reading the other two books.

[A.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this novel six stars, I would. This book is such a conglomeration of terror, it boggles my mind. There's no hope in the novel's plot twists, except one with a price. Parts of the book are introduced that seem to mean nothing, until the pieces of the puzzle come together in a grand design. Horror lovers, do not miss this one!

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the editing issues which weren’t enough to distract me form the story, I found this book to be a real page turner. It flowed well and it had a really good storyline I was hooked from the beginning. I enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next book on the series.

[Tina Arnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really

This book starts and ends on an ok story. Thinking it would turn out better than it I thought. I have it 4 stars

[Bookishgamer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not for me. Started off really well, I was getting 80’s summer slasher vibes but it sadly just ended up being too far fetched.

[Brittney Haag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good book! Very graphic. So if you don't like blood and gore do not read this book. Would give it 5 stars but there were a lot of typos, the editors should have done a better job. Otherwise everyone should read this book. Soo good.

[Megan Spiegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grammar v. Plot

Some grammatical errors and a little kitschy at times. But overall really, really good story. Thank you! Pros definitely outweigh the cons in my opinion.

[Jennifer Walker · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNFd this after 3 chapters. Honestly, I’m shocked I even made it that far. The way these characters speak is insufferable to read.
Here’s an example:
““This place is so different,” Ramsey says with a smile as she and I take our seats. “Did they, like, redecorate or something?” “Yeah, barely,” I reply, before taking a sip of soda. “I mean, some kid was abducted from here a few years ago and no-one ever saw him again so I guess they tried to, like, freshen things up. The bus terminal was already known as this gross place full of junkies on heroin, and most people knew to keep away, but then a little kid named Tommy Hague was abducted and murdered, so the bus company finally got around to cleaning the place up. It's, like, totally gross.” My voice trails off, and after a moment I shudder. “That's so messed-up,” she mutters. “No kidding!” “But how do they know he was murdered?” “Of course he was murdered,” I point out. “Like, why else would you abduct a little kid? He was probably, like, chopped up after the killer had done loads of depraved stuff to him. It's totally sick. He was only, like, five years old.”

I just couldn’t do it.

[Kate Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read Amy Cross before and enjoyed her work. I did not enjoy this novel. The narrative jumps around from perspective to perspective and the timeline constantly shifts between past events and current days. For me, it just didn't work, I honestly struggled to even finish the novel as it's congested with numerous typo errors and towards the end I had a difficult time imagining how a character would be able to run constantly through the last 10% of the book with an ankle injury. The story took awhile to get moving, I really only found myself even mildly interested well passed the middle of the novel. I won't be reading the remainder of this series.

[W · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read, something quite different. The story was unique and enthralling. The characters could have been written in a better way, maybe more detail and depth. This has a lot of potential. Although i had to skip the spelling and grammar errors every now and again, I overlooked that. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book as an e-book download for £1
I loved the story, it kept me gripped throughout, although it did go a little weird at one point but i battled on through and it all made sense in the end.
Admittedly there are many spelling errors and misuse of words, overlooking this i enjoyed the book.

[Julie Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Title

A great title for a great book. I have enjoyed every book I've read by Amy Cross but I think this was one of my absolute favorites. It kept my attention from beginning to end. I can't wait for the second book to come out.

[Greg D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. I guess the author fixed all of the grammatical errors, because I only encountered a few.

Amy Cross delivers a captivating tale that deftly intertwines elements of mystery and the supernatural. From the very first page, readers are plunged into a world where secrets lurk in the shadows and every character is shrouded in layers of complexity.

Cross's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this novel as she effortlessly transports readers to the intriguing setting of a small town steeped in folklore and superstition. Through her vivid prose, she paints a vivid picture of the landscape, immersing readers in a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations.

At the heart of the story are its unforgettable characters. As the layers of their personalities are peeled away, readers will find themselves both empathizing with and questioning the motives of these fascinating individuals.

What truly sets "The Devil, The Witch, and The Whore" apart is its masterful blend of genres. Cross effortlessly combines elements of mystery and suspense with a touch of the supernatural, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. As the plot twists and turns, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems, and the truth may be far more sinister than anyone could have imagined.

In addition to its gripping plot and well-drawn characters, the novel also explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of one's actions. Through the struggles and triumphs of its protagonists, readers are reminded of the power of hope and the resilience of the human spirit.

Overall, "The Devil, The Witch, and The Whore" is a spellbinding read that will captivate fans of mystery and the supernatural alike. Amy Cross has crafted a truly unforgettable tale that will linger in the minds of readers long after they turn the final page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an immersive and thought-provoking literary experience.

[Majanka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had The Devil, the Witch and the Whore on my Kindle for quite a while before I finally decided to read it. I kept on pushing it back because there was always another book that piqued my interest more. The blurb just didn’t do it for me. Plus, the book is quite long – 453 pages – so it’s not something you can use for a quick reading fix.

When I started reading, I was mildly intrigued but never more than that. I tend to read every day while jogging on my treadmill, but if I enjoy a book a lot, I often squeeze in some more reading time. Not so with this one. I looked forward to reading a bit every day while jogging, but the book wasn’t enticing enough that I wanted to finish it asap. The pacing was a bit uneven too. Some parts went rather fast – like the gory scene in the beginning of the book – while other parts, especially the parts in the tunnels, seemed to drag on. Plus, with the perspectives jumping from one character to another, and even from one timeline to another, it just seems like the story is all over the place.

For me, this was just an ‘okay’ read, and I started the sequel but I’m having trouble finishing it. Given that I usually breeze through this author’s books, that’s saying something. This just isn’t my cup of tea, I guess. But if you like horror, don’t mind time-jumps and multiple character POVs, give it a shot. Note that the story is rather gory, though, so if you have a weak stomach, you may want to stay away from this one.

[Allie Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this great little book for 99p and I have to say that I'd have spent much more on it given the chance. The build-up is great, the characterisation is very good and the horror mixes elements of Silent-Hill-esque body horror with the thrill of a quick-paced crime novel.

The book is very easy to read. Once you've picked it up, you'll devour each chapter quickly. I'm not usually a fan of first-person stories, but this one uses the POV well and the narrative moves smoothly between timelines.

The actual horror of the story itself is a lot of fun. It plays on a lot of well-worn body- and psychological-horror tropes in a way that feels fresh and spine-tinglingly creepy. I had the feeling throughout that this book would make a great survival horror game.

My only complaint is that, to me, the main character was a little frustrating. She was exactly the kind of character you find yourself shouting at in a horror movie, a little too eager to seek out the creatures in the dark, even after all the warnings. Still, her characterisation is believable and she can be forgiven for being a little cocky when it makes for such a fun, bloody tale

[Simon Langley-Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first novel of The Deal Trilogy. The town of Deal lies close to a vast unexplored forest and a complex series of caves, tunnels and caverns. Legend has it that the Devil himself lives in the tunnels and from time to time arises in the forest. Sheriff James Kopperud has a murder to investigate and his instincts tell him that answers lie in the forest. However, the local wisdom is that the forest should be left alone. Something bad lurks there and should never be disturbed. What James doesn't know is that his estranged daughter has become lost in the tunnels, where she discovers that supernatural creatures dwell in the darkness.
The best horror fiction finds the right balance between suspense, shock and gore. This book didn't get it right, with too much emphasis on the gore and shocks that were either not surprising enough or too hackneyed to be effective. However, having said that the plot was decent enough and the pages kept turning. The characters were initially irritating (and I wanted to murder them myself) but once I settled in I enjoyed it enough to want to see what happens next.

[Mary Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
There was A LOT packed in to this book. It made it hard to follow at first with so many story angles and time jumps. Also, just a lot of words in general. I understand that she was setting the main story, but there were a lot of different point of views.
I wanted to rate this higher but there were a few things that held me back. The spelling errors didn’t bother me as much but I found it odd there were so many in one book. The inner dialogue from the 18 year old perspective sounded a little too forced. I read that the second book gives you a little more history of the main plot so maybe I’ll give that a try, as it leaves you with some questions.
The story itself was intriguing but it just slightly missed the mark for me to be an amazing read. There is quite a bit of gore and some points where the author does a decent job at speeding up your heart rate. I’d recommend if you have some time to spare and enjoy a different twist on horror. I was getting Cabin in the Woods vibes with some 80s slasher films on top.

[Lara Giesbers · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance, this story has serial killer written all over it: the girl limping out of the woods followed by a madman with an axe. However, as you get into the story, you find so much more. Amy Cross weaves legend, warning, monsters, madness, and of course, killers with axes into a truly twisted tale that leaves you guessing after every chapter.

The eeriness of the warning to leave the forest to itself and other creepy elements keep you on the edge wondering what will happen next. Just when you think you know how the story may turn out, you're thrown a curveball. The narrative choice is one of the most unique ways of presenting a story I have read yet. It's an interesting way to keep the story fresh from multiple viewpoints. Amy weaves small town legend with creepy monsters in the dark and an old man in the woods...how do they all fit together? The only way to find out is by reading it!

[Chris James]

"The Devil, the Witch and the Whore," by Amy Cross TOTALLY freaked me out. For weeks after reading it, I always made sure to turn the lights on before I went down the hall. There was no way I wanted to be outdoors in the dark - and I still have a small but unnerving reaction to buckets!

Cross knows how to distribute the suspense, too. Just before she lets the reader plummet down the cliff, she brings the tension down 150% -- and just when things seem to be bearable, wham, you're not just back falling over the edge of the cliff, you're almost at the bottom when she sliding down! I also love how she wove the terrifying beginning back into the later parts of the story, really driving her message home. Were they to make this book into a movie, I'd be too terrified to watch it - and if I did work up the courage to watch, I'd be too terrified to look away. The surprising thing about this book is that I can't wait to read the second in the series!

[Sophie Constable · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I think I picked up for free a few years ago on my Kindle and honestly I didn't really have any expectations going into this book. However, I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. This book really draws you in slowly and I loved the paranormal horror aspects. There are also some very violent scenes so that is something to bear in mind before picking this book up though there is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book which was much appreciated. I also thought the build up to the climax was done very well thought there were a few pacing issues at the beginning of the book that could have done with a little more editing. I also really liked the ending and how there is clear potential for a sequel while also leaving this book as a complete story. I really liked this book and would read more of this author's work in the future!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with giving this an appropriate rating, therefore, I give it a 2.5. The book started out strong, but eventually became a watered down paranormal, horror, thriller, with characters that lost their believability for me. The lack of a better back story to the characters of the Devil, the Witch, and the Whore was frustrating and took away from the purpose of the characters actions.

The book felt rushed at times and many types of inconsistencies took away from the enjoyment of the book. The poor editing, grammar, and typos were a problem and distraction for me as well.

I had high hopes for this book, but was let down. I do not believe I am really all that moved to read #2, or #3 in this trilogy.

[Kallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep, Dark & Beautiful.

The town of Deal is the Sheriff's domain and the vast forest and its maze of tunnels belong to the Devil. Cross creates a complex supernatural world that blends seamlessly into reality. The supernatural elements are not far fetched and are consistent throughout. The reader goes along with the characters as they learn that the story of the Devil, the Witch and the Whore may actually be more than an old folktale.

Multiple POVs create a rich and detailed story line. We get to see all sides of the story through different characters across different time periods, thus plunging the read even deeper into the mysteries of Deal. The twists (yes, that's plural) are intelligent and very well hidden from the reader.

I would've loved to give this one a five star review but there are some pretty obvious spelling and other errors in the book. Of course, this is very common among self-published authors. But the story more than made up for this in my opinion.

[Amy Wissing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm having a but of a hard time writing a review for this book. I really enjoyed it-it was very creepy and I didn't want to put it down because I HAD to know what was going to happen next. But it was a bit infuriating at times, only because the characters acted like real people, which is a compliment to the author. The ending was disappointing only in that I wanted the characters to act less like real people and more like heroes. I am curious if others who have read this feel the same way. And what the second book will bring.

One critique is that it was poorly edited, with numerous mistakes such as missing words. Could definitely use a re-edit.

[Sterling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a pretty solid horror novel with some really gruesome set pieces. That prologue was pretty iconic and flat out terrifying. The book was actuality really good and original with great interwoven stories that created a gripping tale. The forest had a life of its own and the characters were believable enough that I was invested in their fates. One major issue I have is all the grammar errors that were so frequent it distracted me from the pacing. Also, this could've been about 100 pages shorter. It definitely didn't need to be as long as it is. With a more concise length and a proper proof read, this could've been 5 stars for sure. But I will read on and see what happens.

[Polly Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not great

Poorly edited and poorly written but the premise is somewhat sound. Poor character development and a bit vague on a few fronts. The story idea was enough to interest me and I admit I continued to read in the beginning merely out of a sense of getting my moneys worth. I hate to buy a book and then not read it. And I felt I had to give it a chance. If you find yourself bored and a lack of reading material handy by all means read this. I just think you'll be left unsatisfied.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really good read.

Can’t wait to see where Ramsey’s doubt will take her.
First time reading Amy Cross and I’m looking forward to a go at another book.
This was a bit graphic and truthfully messed with my head a couple of times whenever I drove pass a wooded patch. There were some minor spellcheck errors and some other small discrepancies on ages of the girls but I am not one to fuss about the small details; the book kept my interest and I had no difficulty with keeping a consistent picture in my mind of the characters and the place. The story was great.