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The Devil You Know
' A moving, gripping and at times disturbing thriller with the rich scene setting we have come to expect from Alex Breck. A real page turner, it keeps you guessing the outcome till the very end .' R.E. McClure
No amount of money can disguise the fact that wealthy twenty-eight year old Lachlan Maclean is physically and morally repugnant to all who know him.
A broken human being and a killer, only a sick mind such as his could think up the experiment that he calls The Project. His aim is to excavate the deep depravity of the human condition, to create a grisly televised record of the true blackness at the centre of our bestial heart. The ultimate reality show.
Instead Lachie unearths a treasure trove of spontaneous and unaffected joy and light. For the first time in his wretched existence he feels the power and the beauty of genuine love and perhaps even a chance at redemption.
But the beast had been lurking in the shadows after all, a brooding evil borne of one of mankind’s blackest nights.
Now in a dark race against time and tormented by the forces of good and evil, Lachie is possibly the only man on earth who can save his precious new family.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID ABOUT THIS
' I liked the fact that the main character was different to anything I've read before and that the bad guys were truly horrible.
The author obviously believes in writing strong characters for women and so this was a huge plus for me as was the idyllic island location .' Amazon Customer
' I was genuinely surprised by the plot twist at the end . Amazon Customer
Catch up with Alex Breck's RIDGE WALKER
He Who Pays The Piper - ' Fast paced action .'
The Piper's Lament - ' This book doesn't disappoint !'
And watch out for the 3rd Ridge Walker adventure The Piper's Promise coming soon!
No amount of money can disguise the fact that wealthy twenty-eight year old Lachlan Maclean is physically and morally repugnant to all who know him.
A broken human being and a killer, only a sick mind such as his could think up the experiment that he calls The Project. His aim is to excavate the deep depravity of the human condition, to create a grisly televised record of the true blackness at the centre of our bestial heart. The ultimate reality show.
Instead Lachie unearths a treasure trove of spontaneous and unaffected joy and light. For the first time in his wretched existence he feels the power and the beauty of genuine love and perhaps even a chance at redemption.
But the beast had been lurking in the shadows after all, a brooding evil borne of one of mankind’s blackest nights.
Now in a dark race against time and tormented by the forces of good and evil, Lachie is possibly the only man on earth who can save his precious new family.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID ABOUT THIS
' I liked the fact that the main character was different to anything I've read before and that the bad guys were truly horrible.
The author obviously believes in writing strong characters for women and so this was a huge plus for me as was the idyllic island location .' Amazon Customer
' I was genuinely surprised by the plot twist at the end . Amazon Customer
Catch up with Alex Breck's RIDGE WALKER
He Who Pays The Piper - ' Fast paced action .'
The Piper's Lament - ' This book doesn't disappoint !'
And watch out for the 3rd Ridge Walker adventure The Piper's Promise coming soon!
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2017
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Alex Breck
14 books9 followersAlex Breck was born in Scotland in 1962. He studied at Aberdeen University. The many paths he has trodden since then include driving an ice-cream truck in Kansas, banking in San Francisco and teaching English (badly) in Madrid.
He's been a director of both a health club and a meat factory but would stress there was no obvious connection between the two.
He lives quietly on the beautiful West Coast of Scotland where he likes to ride his bike up and down hills much to the consternation of his family. The name Alex Breck is a pen name using an old family name and that of a historical ruffian who might be found in the fine novel Kidnapped.
He's been a director of both a health club and a meat factory but would stress there was no obvious connection between the two.
He lives quietly on the beautiful West Coast of Scotland where he likes to ride his bike up and down hills much to the consternation of his family. The name Alex Breck is a pen name using an old family name and that of a historical ruffian who might be found in the fine novel Kidnapped.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 1, 2018
Not for the faint of heart. Alex Breck is my new favorite author. I was reeled in with The Piper's Promise, and The Devil You Know did not disappoint. The main protagonist is a messed up individual who, despite his many and serious flaws, is not altogether unsympathetic. The detective is also deeply flawed. I LOVE reading about flawed characters because, after all, that's real life.
Pay attention, because the plot becomes quite involved.
A couple of my favorite quotes, which really give you an idea of psyche of the the main character:
“He told his neighbours he was studying for an I.T. Masters but neglected to mention his specialism was in the field of chronic masturbation.”
“One of the peculiar repercussions of his many disastrous experiences with the rest of the human race meant despite not wanting to be like anyone else on the planet, he categorically did not want to be himself.”
Pay attention, because the plot becomes quite involved.
A couple of my favorite quotes, which really give you an idea of psyche of the the main character:
“He told his neighbours he was studying for an I.T. Masters but neglected to mention his specialism was in the field of chronic masturbation.”
“One of the peculiar repercussions of his many disastrous experiences with the rest of the human race meant despite not wanting to be like anyone else on the planet, he categorically did not want to be himself.”
October 28, 2017
Not for the faint hearted!
What do you do when you are convinced that all the world - and fate itself - is against you? The answer is simple for Lachlan Maclean: Concoct a plan to wreak a horrible revenge on all the world! Set in the ultra-realistic modern-day Glasgow, Lachie sets out to fufill his plan, with every detail in place. As he encounters more horrors of the world's darkness at each step, he becomes increasingly convinced of the need to prove his point - the world is a relentless, awful place. When his plans go ahead flawlessly, Lachie should be on top of the world. And yet - there is one enormous thing he has underestimated - the possibilities of his own human nature.
Deeply absorbing, dark and gritty, this story is simultaneously a thriller, a brilliant portrait of Glasgow life, and a philosophical treaty on natural justice and human nature.
Anyone looking for a deeper, darker thriller will surely enjoy this.
What do you do when you are convinced that all the world - and fate itself - is against you? The answer is simple for Lachlan Maclean: Concoct a plan to wreak a horrible revenge on all the world! Set in the ultra-realistic modern-day Glasgow, Lachie sets out to fufill his plan, with every detail in place. As he encounters more horrors of the world's darkness at each step, he becomes increasingly convinced of the need to prove his point - the world is a relentless, awful place. When his plans go ahead flawlessly, Lachie should be on top of the world. And yet - there is one enormous thing he has underestimated - the possibilities of his own human nature.
Deeply absorbing, dark and gritty, this story is simultaneously a thriller, a brilliant portrait of Glasgow life, and a philosophical treaty on natural justice and human nature.
Anyone looking for a deeper, darker thriller will surely enjoy this.
October 28, 2017
Not for the faint hearted!
What do you do when you are convinced that all the world - and fate itself - is against you? The answer is simple for Lachlan Maclean: Concoct a plan to wreak a horrible revenge on all the world! Set in the ultra-realistic modern-day Glasgow, Lachie sets out to fufill his plan, with every detail in place. As he encounters more horrors of the world's darkness at each step, he becomes increasingly convinced of the need to prove his point - the world is a relentless, awful place. When his plans go ahead flawlessly, Lachie should be on top of the world. And yet - there is one enormous thing he has underestimated - the possibilities of his own human nature.
Deeply absorbing, dark and gritty, this story is simultaneously a thriller, a brilliant portrait of Glasgow life, and a philosophical treaty on natural justice and human nature.
Anyone looking for a deeper, darker thriller will surely enjoy this.
What do you do when you are convinced that all the world - and fate itself - is against you? The answer is simple for Lachlan Maclean: Concoct a plan to wreak a horrible revenge on all the world! Set in the ultra-realistic modern-day Glasgow, Lachie sets out to fufill his plan, with every detail in place. As he encounters more horrors of the world's darkness at each step, he becomes increasingly convinced of the need to prove his point - the world is a relentless, awful place. When his plans go ahead flawlessly, Lachie should be on top of the world. And yet - there is one enormous thing he has underestimated - the possibilities of his own human nature.
Deeply absorbing, dark and gritty, this story is simultaneously a thriller, a brilliant portrait of Glasgow life, and a philosophical treaty on natural justice and human nature.
Anyone looking for a deeper, darker thriller will surely enjoy this.
July 22, 2024
A Twisted Tale of Redemption
Alex Breck's (The Devil You Know) introduces us to Lachlan Maclean, a wealthy and morally bankrupt 28-year-old with a penchant for violence.
Lachlan's disturbing "Project" aims to expose humanity's darkest nature through a gruesome reality show, but unexpectedly reveals moments of genuine joy and love.
As Lachlan experiences true connection for the first time, he finds himself on a path to possible redemption.
However, a sinister force threatens his newfound happiness, forcing Lachlan to confront his own demons in a race against time.
This gripping thriller challenges readers to contemplate the power of redemption and the thin line between good and evil.
Breck's writing and unconventional protagonist make for a compelling, if sometimes unsettling, read that's not for the faint of heart.
Alex Breck's (The Devil You Know) introduces us to Lachlan Maclean, a wealthy and morally bankrupt 28-year-old with a penchant for violence.
Lachlan's disturbing "Project" aims to expose humanity's darkest nature through a gruesome reality show, but unexpectedly reveals moments of genuine joy and love.
As Lachlan experiences true connection for the first time, he finds himself on a path to possible redemption.
However, a sinister force threatens his newfound happiness, forcing Lachlan to confront his own demons in a race against time.
This gripping thriller challenges readers to contemplate the power of redemption and the thin line between good and evil.
Breck's writing and unconventional protagonist make for a compelling, if sometimes unsettling, read that's not for the faint of heart.
April 12, 2017
THE STORY: Lachlan Maclean is physically and morally repugnant to all who know him.
A broken human being and a killer, only a sick mind such as his could think up the experiment that he calls The Project. His aim is to excavate the deep depravity of the human condition, to create a grisly televised record of the true blackness at the centre of our bestial heart. The ultimate reality show.
Instead Lachie unearths a treasure trove of spontaneous and unaffected joy and light. For the first time in his wretched existence he feels the power and the beauty of genuine love and perhaps even a chance at redemption.But the beast had been lurking in the shadows after all, a brooding evil borne of one of mankind’s blackest nights.
Now in a dark race against time and tormented by the forces of good and evil, Lachie is possibly the only man on earth who can save his precious new family.
POSITIVES: Intriguing start that Captivates your attention
The language used in conversation makes it more realistic
Fantastic and quite unique storyline
Modern and better type version of Lord of the flies
Excellent descriptions
Page turner
Great ending
Leaves you wanting more
NEGATIVES: None but handful of spelling mistakes that thought I should point out, didn't affect story
KEY WORDS: Detective. crime, murder, island, corruption, evil turned protector, survival, vigilante, island, twists, suspense, thriller.
RATING: 5/5
RECOMMEND TO FANS OF: Lord of the flies, suspense, unique stories. Highly recommend to pretty much anyone and everyone who loves a good read!!
A broken human being and a killer, only a sick mind such as his could think up the experiment that he calls The Project. His aim is to excavate the deep depravity of the human condition, to create a grisly televised record of the true blackness at the centre of our bestial heart. The ultimate reality show.
Instead Lachie unearths a treasure trove of spontaneous and unaffected joy and light. For the first time in his wretched existence he feels the power and the beauty of genuine love and perhaps even a chance at redemption.But the beast had been lurking in the shadows after all, a brooding evil borne of one of mankind’s blackest nights.
Now in a dark race against time and tormented by the forces of good and evil, Lachie is possibly the only man on earth who can save his precious new family.
POSITIVES: Intriguing start that Captivates your attention
The language used in conversation makes it more realistic
Fantastic and quite unique storyline
Modern and better type version of Lord of the flies
Excellent descriptions
Page turner
Great ending
Leaves you wanting more
NEGATIVES: None but handful of spelling mistakes that thought I should point out, didn't affect story
KEY WORDS: Detective. crime, murder, island, corruption, evil turned protector, survival, vigilante, island, twists, suspense, thriller.
RATING: 5/5
RECOMMEND TO FANS OF: Lord of the flies, suspense, unique stories. Highly recommend to pretty much anyone and everyone who loves a good read!!
April 12, 2017
THE STORY: Lachlan Maclean is physically and morally repugnant to all who know him.
A broken human being and a killer, only a sick mind such as his could think up the experiment that he calls The Project. His aim is to excavate the deep depravity of the human condition, to create a grisly televised record of the true blackness at the centre of our bestial heart. The ultimate reality show.
Instead Lachie unearths a treasure trove of spontaneous and unaffected joy and light. For the first time in his wretched existence he feels the power and the beauty of genuine love and perhaps even a chance at redemption.But the beast had been lurking in the shadows after all, a brooding evil borne of one of mankind’s blackest nights.
Now in a dark race against time and tormented by the forces of good and evil, Lachie is possibly the only man on earth who can save his precious new family.
POSITIVES: Intriguing start that Captivates your attention
The language used in conversation makes it more realistic
Fantastic and quite unique storyline
Modern and better type version of Lord of the flies
Excellent descriptions
Page turner
Great ending
Leaves you wanting more
NEGATIVES: None but handful of spelling mistakes that thought I should point out, didn't affect story
KEY WORDS: Detective. crime, murder, island, corruption, evil turned protector, survival, vigilante, island, twists, suspense, thriller.
RATING: 5/5
RECOMMEND TO FANS OF: Lord of the flies, suspense, unique stories. Highly recommend to pretty much anyone and everyone who loves a good read!!
A broken human being and a killer, only a sick mind such as his could think up the experiment that he calls The Project. His aim is to excavate the deep depravity of the human condition, to create a grisly televised record of the true blackness at the centre of our bestial heart. The ultimate reality show.
Instead Lachie unearths a treasure trove of spontaneous and unaffected joy and light. For the first time in his wretched existence he feels the power and the beauty of genuine love and perhaps even a chance at redemption.But the beast had been lurking in the shadows after all, a brooding evil borne of one of mankind’s blackest nights.
Now in a dark race against time and tormented by the forces of good and evil, Lachie is possibly the only man on earth who can save his precious new family.
POSITIVES: Intriguing start that Captivates your attention
The language used in conversation makes it more realistic
Fantastic and quite unique storyline
Modern and better type version of Lord of the flies
Excellent descriptions
Page turner
Great ending
Leaves you wanting more
NEGATIVES: None but handful of spelling mistakes that thought I should point out, didn't affect story
KEY WORDS: Detective. crime, murder, island, corruption, evil turned protector, survival, vigilante, island, twists, suspense, thriller.
RATING: 5/5
RECOMMEND TO FANS OF: Lord of the flies, suspense, unique stories. Highly recommend to pretty much anyone and everyone who loves a good read!!
May 2, 2017
The Devil You Know isn't the kind of book I would normally read but I was pleasantly surprised. Lachlan Maclean is an evil character who is socially dysfunctional and doesn't fit the stereotype of a 'normal' human being. He is wealthy, ex-army and he is also an albino with a pretty disturbing outlook on life. He creates The Project. His aim is to take people to a remote island and film their activities. He is convinced that given the location and the fact that they will have to use all their resources they will turn into vicious killers who will do anything to survive. I like dark characters and Lachlan was spot-on. The author is a skilled writer and holds your attention well. I couldn't wait to find out what happens to the inhabitants of the island. There are a lot more threads to the main story that are skilfully woven into the plot. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for something a little bit different.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews