The Devil's Colony

The Fatal Folklore Trilogy #3

by Bill Schweigart

Ben McKelvie had a good job, a nice house, a beautiful fiance . . . until a bloodthirsty shape-shifter took everything away. Ever since, he's been chasing supernatural phenomena all across the country, aided by dedicated zoologist Lindsay Clark and wealthy cryptozoologist Richard Severance. Now they face their deadliest challenge yet. In the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a man named Henry Drexler operates a private compound called Välkommen, which is Swedish for "welcome." Indeed, Drexler welcomes all visitors-so long as they're racists, neo-Nazis, or otherwise in cahoots with the alt-right. But Drexler is no mere Hitler wannabe. Once he was Severance's mentor, and his research may well have summoned a monster to the Pine Barrens. To find out the truth, Ben and Lindsay must enter the camp incognito. There, under the watchful eyes of Drexler's bodyguards and sociopathic son, they will learn that the most dangerous beasts lurk in the human heart.

Genres: Horror, Mystery, Audiobook, Supernatural, Thriller

Audio CD

First published July 11, 2017

About the author

Bill Schweigart is the author of THE GUILTY ONE (3/21/23) and "Women and Children First," a story co-written with James Patterson in THREE DAYS TO LIVE (2/14/23). He is also the author of The Fatal Folklore Trilogy, which includes THE BEAST OF BARCROFT, NORTHWOODS, and THE DEVIL'S COLONY. He is a former Coast Guard officer who drew from his experiences at sea to write the nautical thriller, SLIPPING THE CABLE and the romantic comedy, RUNNING LIGHT. Bill currently lives in Arlington, VA with his wife and daughter, who along with their monstrous Newfoundland and four cats, provide him with all the adventure he can handle.

Reviews

[Magdalena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say that The Devil's Colony is just not as good as the two previous books. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised about how lackluster this book is. It's like all the energy was put on the two first books and nothing was spared for this book. Characters that I previously cared for did I find uninteresting and quite frankly very flat. I wanted to learn more about Severance when I read the previous books, but in this book did he feel like such an uncharismatic person and his love story felt really, really off. And, Ben and Lindsay, I didn't care a bit about them, and I was really worried about them in the previous book Northwoods. Even when they got in trouble didn't I feel a thing for them.

The story, well, compared to The Beast of Barcroft and Northwoods was the story in this book just way too dull and actionless. Ben and Lindsay's undercover mission was just not that interesting to read about, and the things that happened in the woods around the camp didn't for a moment race my pulse. I loved the horror of Northwoods, but there was no horror in this book. Just a lot of boring talk and even when everything started to go wrong did I find myself not engaged in the story.

The Devil's Colony is a book that didn't work for me. The Beast of Barcroft and Northwoods are great books, but the conclusion of this trilogy was unfortunately not a strong ending.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!

[Frank Errington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Copy

I love stories set in the Pine Barrens of South Jersey. I have a special affinity for stories of the Jersey Devil. However, this particular tale deals with a different kind of devil.

Välkommen.

Lance Whelan and his friend Danny learned about this place...

"...on the white power message boards, the conspiracy sites, the doomsday blogs."

It was a haven for like-minded individuals and the young men were intrigued by one word more than any other...family.

The Devil's Colony is book three in the Fatal Folklore Trilogy. First, in The Beast of Barcroft, it was what looked like a series of unconnected animal attacks in a suburb of Arlington, Va. A year later, in Northwoods, a strange creature in the waters of Lake Superior. Now, something that ties them all together is happening in The Devil's Colony.

All the usual suspects are back for the conclusion to the trilogy. Lindsay Clark and Ben McKelvie, their leader and world-renowned cryptozoologist Richard Severance. The banter between Severance and his pilot, Erica Cheung, was always fun to read. Then there's the marksman and muscle of the operation, Davis Holland, and Richard's longtime friend Alex Standingcloud.

On the other side of the fence is Richard's one-time friend and now adversary Henry Drexler and his followers.

A white supremacy conclave, monsters, a dollop of H.P. Lovecraft. What more could you ask for? Mounting suspense with just the right amount of humor. It did take more than fifty-percent of the book to get to the weird, but once we got there it was intense. In the conclusion to this trilogy, no one is safe. There were several moments when I just had to sit back and say, "I can't believe that just happened."

With multiple twists and turns and a wild conclusion that requires a total suspension of your disbelief, The Devil's Colony is certainly entertaining.

Although The Devil's Colony could be read as a standalone novel, it really works best if you've read the other books first.

Recommended.

Published by Hydra, and imprint of Random House LLC, The Devil's Colony, is currently available in e-book format only.

From the author's bio - Bill Schweigart is a former Coast Guard officer who drew from his experiences at sea to write the taut nautical thriller, Slipping the Cable. He's spent the last five years working on the Fatal Folklore Trilogy. Bill currently lives in Arlington, VA with his wife and daughter, who along with their monstrous Newfoundland and mischievous kitten, provide him with all the adventure he can handle.

[Kenneth McKinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a trilogy pertaining to cryptid monsters, I find it fitting that the final book in the series centers around the most horrible monster of all - man. The evil that man has inflicted on each other is astounding to think about. Hatred and bigotry come front and center in Schweigart's The Devil's Colony. Ben and Lindsay are once again called on by billionaire cryptozoologist, Richard Severance. This time, it's to infiltrate the compound of neo-nazi Henry Drexler. Henry is the son of a former Nazi SS officer and scientist who was assigned by Hitler to find proof of the dominance and superiority of the Aryan race throughout history. Now Henry is using his family's fortune and remote camp location in the Pine Barrens Woods of New Jersey to welcome all neo-Nazis and white supremacists who want to join him in continuing his father's dream. But what else has Henry unearthed in his research of his father's past?

The Devil's Colony is different than the previous two entries in the trilogy. The first two, The Beast of Barcroft and Northwoods centers around the cryptid monsters that are unleashed and causing havoc. In The Devil's Colony, the story focuses mainly on the horror's of man and the cryptid monster is a side dish to come in during the last act. According to some reviews I've read, this difference may have tripped up a reader or two. However, it didn't spoil the story for me. I enjoyed Schweigart's tale and thought it hit many of the right notes. Perhaps, the cryptid portion of the story could've been sprinkled a little more throughout so that it didn't seem like two different stories trying to be mashed together. All in all, I enjoyed the trilogy and look forward to more from Bill.


4 Nazi SS Swords out of 5


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[Icy_Space_Cobwebs Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of THE DEVIL'S COLONY
by Bill Schweigart

This stunning horror/mystery/paranormal thriller is the third in the trilogy that begins with BEAST OF BARCROFT and continues in NORTHWOODS. I loved all three of these books, which elucidate in-depth characters realistically while exploring preternatural creatures and events. THE DEVIL'S CANYON is quite currently apropos, and is set in a white supremacist enclave in, of all places, the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. The site's owner and supposed driving force is Henry Drexler, Princeton anthropology professor emeritus, former professor and colleague of Richard Severance, billionaire cryptozoologist, and Alex Standingcloud, Native American warrior and cryptid hunter.

Drexler's compound is called “Valkommen,” Swedish for “Welcome.” The open invitation is quite exclusive though, although Drexler insists that this is coincidental. The story is non-stop action and excitement, satisfying to thriller fans as well as horror aficionados and even has some Lovecraftian frissons.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good, but I liked the first two books in the series better.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back at the tail end of 2015, I read The Beast of Barcroft by Bill Schweigart. It’s a great folklore/monster mash-up with some fun characters and entertaining plot. In 2016 Northwoods, the sequel, appeared and the monstrous mayhem continued. Once again, I was impressed with the author and his ability to create a self-contained story that also managed to expand the universe he had already created. In The Devil’s Colony, Bill Schweigart has upped the ante once again. What’s worse than facing off against hordes of brutal, bloodthirsty monsters? How about facing off against hordes of brutal, bloodthirsty monsters and some nasty small minded, bigoted Nazis.

One of the things I like most about this book and its predecessors, are the characters. As the stakes of each plot have continued to grow, Bill Schweigart has done an admirable job of letting his characters evolve along with them. It’s not just Ben McKelvie and Lindsay Clark who have been changed by the extraordinary situations they have found themselves in. Their colleagues Richard, Alex and Davis have also all been changed. The evolution of each character continues in The Devil’s Colony. The harrowing experiences of the past have left marks both physical and mental on each of them. Discovering that the creatures of folklore are real has been a shock to them. The team’s latest investigation may just be that one step too far. The truth is finally set to be revealed, and I’ve got to admit, I was not expecting things to turn out the way they did. I like it when an author throws me a curve like that.

I’ve been thinking about the best way to describe The Devil’s Colony, and the most appropriate comparison I can come up with is this; think of a book that is made up of the following component parts – The X Files (the monster specific episodes not the alien ones), Supernatural (the monster specific episodes not the angelic ones) and The Night Stalker (realistically pretty much all of it). Mix them all together and you’re pretty much there.

I’m always a little sad when a series of books I’ve enjoyed comes to an end. The Devil’s Colony is a fitting end to a trilogy that has been hugely entertaining. If you haven’t experienced The Beast of Barcroft, Northwoods and The Devil’s Colony I suggest you give them a try. Nothing better than a bit of monster mayhem with characters that feel genuine and well crafted.

[Jane Shambler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in an on going trilogy. I kind of missed that fact when I downloaded the book. I just saw Monsters and heroes. Hey I was hooked.

I felt like I arrived late. I assume the first two books are needed to be read first. Purely because of the references to past characters. Also to past adventures. Not reading The first two made me question what I was reading because at times I got the good and the bad guys confused and there were quite a few "huh" moments.

But what I read has made me want to read the first two. So thats a good thing right.

Enjoy but read the first two first.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I downloaded this from Netgalley, I had only quickly read the description. But that was enough to hook me in. (Monsters? Evil skinheads? A motley crew of heros? Yes, please). Somehow though, I had missed the fact that this was part of a trilogy.

You know how it sucks to be the person who arrives late as the party is starting to wind down? Yeah, that's what it was like for me reading this book. I dug the premise and the action scenes, but there were so many references to past adventures and characters (redmouths, the Jersey Devil) that it was hard for me to get connected to the story. I'm sure there are some wonderful uber character arcs happening across this trilogy, but coming in late to the game, I only saw that final bit and it wasn't as satisfying. (Or as scary. I bet if I knew about redmouths beforehand, I'd be all, "Oh NOOOO" when they showed up in this story. Instead, I just thought, "Huh? What the deal with these guys? Are they monsters or something?")

Basically, it's not you, it's me "The Devil's Colony." Next time I will read more carefully.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jay Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The monster series ends with a bang! The crew assembles as Severence's former partner and mentor, Drexler, draws him to an enclave in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a Nazi and neo-Nazi gathering hosted by Drexler, son of one of Hitler's SS leaders. As the story unfolds, the origin of the Barwick Beast and the Minnesota Redmouths becomes clear, and fresh monsters are encountered. The characters continue to be real and deep. The suspense grows as both human and supernatural monsters menace Ben and Lindsey who have entered the camp undercover. All blows up at the end as Drexler uses the blood of his son to conjure the ultimate demon. The real evil lies in the humans. The writing is clear and follows a chronological timeline. Violence is well-described but not too graphic. Definitely read the Beast of Barwick and Northwoods first to fully appreciate this excellent final chapter

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as strong and fast paced as the last two in this trilogy, but not bad. Very weird twist at the end that took away from the story for me. That the Jinn fell in love with Severance was just silly and unnecessary except as a vehicle for the plot to move forward and the heros to be saved at the last minute. Other than that the Cuthulu/old gods being called by Drexler was actually well done. I also didn't see the twist that Drexler's son was actually his half brother coming...so cool blood sacrifice choice surprise there. All in all I did enjoy this trilogy and hope to see more books by Bill Schweigart soon.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy Bill Schweigart's books and especially looked forward to this series. I always love reading books about cryptozoological creatures and really liked this series (and hoped for more). This last book was interesting but didn't quite draw me in as much as the first two books in the trilogy did. I am hoping that the author will one day do another trilogy with Ben, Lindsay, Alex.

[☺Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil's Colony by Bill Schweigart is the dramatic and horrific conclusion to his Fatal Folklore trilogy. One flaw, imho, is the premise that the mighty Jinn was "in love" with smarmy, entitled Richard Severance. Did not really believe it - I thought the Jinn was fulfilling Ben's final wish, which would have made a lot more sense . . .
P. S. I knew from early on that the "something" in the woods was a golem.
And there were two of them! Hence, Breaux was more than likely not going to get away with his ill-gotten Nazi gold! 😮👍
P. P. S. This entire trilogy would be awesome as horror movies/television series!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil's Colony
By:Bill Schweigart

What's it's about:
The greatest monster is man. From the author of The Beast of Barcroft and Northwoods comes a chilling descent into the depths of horror and human depravity.

Ben McKelvie had a good job, a nice house, a beautiful fiancée . . . until a bloodthirsty shapeshifter took everything away. Ever since, he’s been chasing supernatural phenomena all across the country, aided by dedicated zoologist Lindsay Clark and wealthy cryptozoologist Richard Severance.

Now they face their deadliest challenge yet. In the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a man named Henry Drexler operates a private compound called Välkommen, which is Swedish for “welcome.” Indeed, Drexler welcomes all visitors—so long as they’re racists, neo-Nazis, or otherwise in cahoots with the alt-right. But Drexler is no mere Hitler wannabe. Once he was Severance’s mentor, and his research may well have summoned a monster to the Pine Barrens.

To find out the truth, Ben and Lindsay must enter the camp incognito. There, under the watchful eyes of Drexler’s bodyguards and sociopathic son, they will learn that the most dangerous beasts lurk in the human heart

My thoughts
4.5
This is the last book the the the-fatal-folklore-trilogy , book one is : The Beast of Barcroft and book 2 : Northwoods .While both of them was five stars this one is a 4.5 one for me ,loved seen the characters I grew to love in the first 2 books but this was just felt a little off, like it answered some questions but it also felt like it didn't fit in with the other 2 quite so will. It was a good ending to a really good series and I well still be picking up the books but the other 2 will always be my favorite ones.With that said I would love to think NetGalley for giving me a chance at reading the last book in a series I love.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars but I'll round up.

Bigger, better (maybe?) and even more gruesome (definitely), the third and final book in Bill Schweigarts Fatal Folklore Trilogy is a brilliant conclusion to what has become one of my favourite horror series. I'm really going to miss Ben and Lindsay but I honestly don't know how Schweigart could possibly top that.

Note: as this is the third book in the series this review contains spoilers for the previous stories.

You would think by now that people would know better than to venture into the woods at night particularly when there are rumors of something lurking. However that is just how this story begins. It's an echo back to the first two books where yet again there is a monster just waiting for someone to come close enough.

After this chilling and slightly gruesome beginning the story slows right back down as we catch up with our group of monster hunters. Ben and Lindsay are trying (and largely failing) to settle back into a semi normal life after the events of the previous book while wealthy cryptozoologist Richard Severence may have found love. Severence discovers however that his old mentor Henry Drexler has appeared in the Jersey Pine Barrons, in a private compound that welcomes all, providing they are Neo Nazi, racist militants.

When Severence begins to suspect that there may be something in the woods around the complex he suspects that Drexler may have used his research to summon a monster. Ben and Lindsay are sent in undercover to try and figure out what's really happening.

I absolutely adore the partnership between Ben and Lindsay so having them go undercover as a couple was definitely the highlight of the story for me. It's not necessarily the most exciting part of the story, and there's very little in the way of horror if that's what you're looking for (although there are some sudden and violent deaths) but honestly I could quite happily read 300 pages of Lindsay and Ben bantering in the pub (can we get that book please Mr Schweigart?).

I did however really enjoy their undercover investigation. There's something fascinating about cults (which is essentially what it is) and leader Henry Drexler is a wonderfully complex character. Outwardly friendly and approachable and extremely charismatic there's something very dodgy about him. There are also a number of different factions within the camp which make it difficult to know what to think.

The build up in tension is very gradual but the climax of the story is incredible in its scale. I won't say too much but if the first book was a neighbourhood, the second a town I think you can guess what comes next. With it being the third and final book too you know that there is no character who is safe and I spent most of my time worrying they'd meet their end. One thing you do know for certain is that you can expect the unexpected and the author definitely has some surprises up his sleeve.

The end of the book is absolutely action packed but for me it was actually the earlier parts of the story that worked better. What I love in a horror story is not the gruesome murders, the violence and the blood and gore but the creep factor and it's the first part that's by far the creepiest. Once the monster comes out of the dark it's always a lot less scary.

What always works best for me in this series is the characters. Ben is the every man character. He doesn't have any real skills, he puts his foot in his mouth and offends just about everyone he meets but there's something very likeable about him. Lindsay is a zoologist, so is definitely more qualified than Ben but is developing a bit of an attitude as a result of her experiences. They complement each other wonderfully and while Ben would probably like the relationship to go in a romantic direction they've become almost like family. The whole team in fact are becoming almost like family and I love the way they bicker and argue but always have each others backs.

I am sad this series has ended as I loved the characters so much but it's probably right that it finished the way it did. It was the perfect send off.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. As always all views are my own.

[Vera mallard · Rating 4 out of 5]

STORY-LINE THE DEVIL'S COLONY BY BILL SCHWEIGART:

In The Devil's Colony, Bill Schweigart, once again brings together his team of monster hunters. In the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Ben, Lindsay, Erica, Alex, Richard, and Davis face the ultimate evil. Once more they are all facing monsters and death.

Henry Drexler, Richard's old partner owns a compound, Välkommen, in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Although the name means "welcome", Välkommen's anything but welcoming once you get inside. Drexler takes in everyone, as long as, they are racists, white power neo Nazis'. Realizing Drexler probably summoned the past monsters they battled, Richard must send in Lindsay and Ben incognito to find as much information as they can. Between the black uniformed guards, neo Nazis crazies, and Drexler's sociopath son, they will find information does not come easy. But when found, it's terrible and frightening, as monsters resident in the Pine Barren.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:

Once again Schweigart takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of adventure filled with monstrous humans and other-world monsters which should not exist. The first part of the book shows the inhuman side of humanity in all his prejudices and cruelties. Drexler, his Nazis roots, and the scum he has by his side, capture the attention of the reader as Schweigart led Lauren and Ben though their mission in the encampment. As the action heats up, we find Lauren and Ben in the middle of a boiling caldron of evil.

I found this book paced a little slower than the first two books. Yet with twists and turns, plots and subplots, Schweigart held my attention. Schweigart answers questions which we ask ourselves in the first two books and brings to a successful concludes the who, what, when, and how mystery of the monsters. I found The Devil's Colony a solid mystery horror book with a well-developed story-line and believable characters.

In the acknowledgments, Schweigart states: "The Devil's Colony is their last ride". I hated to say goodbye to all the characters I came to know so well; I had cheered them on through 3 books, watched them suffer and survive, and watched each one grow and mature throughout the books. Am I sad to see them go; yes, but I am sure Schweigart has something just as good in store for us. Although a standalone book, I would suggest reading the entire series, as it will increase your enjoyment and understanding of the story-line and characters.
THE DEVIL'S COLONY RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:

Additionally, I received this book from Netgalley.com and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest mystery horror book review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. In addition, the ARC did not affect my voluntary book revie

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read the description for Bill Schweigart's THE DEVIL'S COLONY I was instantly intrigued. Monsters, skinheads, "a chilling decent into horror and human depravity". Sign me up! The only problem was that I didn't realize this was book three in a trilogy - I found this out halfway through the book, too.

Ben McKelvie had a good job, a nice house, a beautiful fiancée, until a bloodthirsty shapeshifter took it all away. Ever since, he’s been chasing supernatural beings and monsters all across the country. By his side are Lindsay Clark (zoologist) and Richard Severance (cryptozoologist). They're about to face their hardest challenge!

In the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Henry Drexler operates a private compound called Välkommen (Swedish for welcome). Drexler welcomes all visitors—as long as they’re racists or neo-Nazis. Drexler used to be Serverance's mentor, and his research could have potentially summoned a monster to the Pine Barrens. To find out the truth, Ben and Lindsay must enter the camp incognito. While there, they learn that the most evil monsters lurk inside the human heart.

So, while the premise was good I was completely lost in some points in the novel. Since I'm on book three of a trilogy - and it's not the type of detective series where they could be standalones - I was missing a lot of references and character development. So that definitely ruined the flow of the book and there were probably some events that lost some significance because I wasn't clued in. The horror element was there and the compound was really interesting to go through and see how Ben and Lindsay tried to blend in.

The writing was great and the horror was there. I'd highly recommend reading the first two in the trilogy if this one sounds appealing to you! I wish this was better marked to make it clear it was book three.

I give this 3.5/5 stars!

Big thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Devil's Colony is the third installment of Schweigart's monster hunting trilogy. There are a lot of references to events from the first two books, so it's recommended that readers interested in this book go back and read the first two books. This one takes place in a neo-Nazi settlement located in the Pine Barrens. I think the thing I liked the most about this book was that it featured not just your typical supernatural monsters, but also the very real monsters we encounter in our lives as humans or have read about in history books. Schweigart has a gift for presenting readers with not your every day kind of supernatural monsters as well. Readers continue to learn more about the characters from the first two books, who continue to be likable characters. I did appreciate that the author did come to a resolution at the end of this trilogy. While there are opportunities to go back and write about other past monster hunting adventures that weren't the focus of these books, I feel like everything was wrapped up pretty nicely in the end of this one with all the characters. Unfortunately, I felt like this resolution was a little rushed. Throughout the book, the writing was a little slow except for the last fifteen percent or, when the author essentially threw everything at you in a gory, supernatural, monster slaying tidal wave. Overall, not a bad series if you like big, bad monster hunters.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The team gathered by Richard Severance is called into action. They are protectors not quacks as they have been called by tv reporters. Richard has had a meeting with his old mentor Henry Drexler. Drexler's father was a Nazi SS colornel charged with finding out the truth of folktales, fairy tales and myths to find occult weapons for the German Reich. He was stranded in Pine Barrens, New Jersey when the war ended. Henry and Richard ended their meeting as enemies not as the friends they once were. Henry says monsters are "in the light, not shadows." Richard says the monsters are there in the shadows. Henry has made a sanctuary for neo-nazis, skinheads, etc. It is called Valkommen. It is isolated and self-sufficient People are flowing into the compound. Richard's team decides to send Ben and Lindsey to the compound undercover to learn what Henry is planning. Will they be able to find out or will they be discovered as spies?

This suspenseful novel kept me on the edge of my seat while reading. There is more than just a horror story in that you see the horror in human hearts while also discovering that monsters do exist that aren't human. There are surprises and a few twists and turns that I didn't expect. Sadly, this is the final book of the trilogy written by the author. I hope he changes his mind and writes more about this team of protectors.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, and I've enjoyed them all. Here, wealthy Richard Severance arranges a meeting with a former colleague named Henry Drexler. Richard called this man friend once upon a time and the two scoured the earth for Richard's beloved cryptids. Now it seems lines have been drawn and Richard and Drexler are no longer on the same side. It seems Drexler has embraced his father's Nazi ties and politics and may also be responsible for the cryptid run-ins that nearly cost Richard and his friends their lives in the previous two novels. Not one to really get his hands dirty, Richard calls upon his "team" of cryptid hunters to look into what is going on in Drexler's private compound in the heart of New Jersey's Pine Barrens. Ben McKelvie and Lindsay Clark, who have become loyal friends, are sent in undercover to see what is going on in this neo-Nazi haven of hate and violence while others on the team provide strategic backup and support. What they uncover is repulsive and terrifying and just may be the end of them all. Bill Schweigart continues to impress me with his cryptid adventures. I love these characters, their personality, their repartee, and the edge of your seat madness they get involved in. Another excellent read and I'm hoping it won't be the last. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. This on is a keeper!

[OutlawPoet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven’t read the other two books? Stop now and read those first!

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

So, as I write this review, I’m a little bummed. See, reading the author’s notes in the end of the book, it’s clear that this series is at an end. Oh, he clearly said it was a trilogy, but so many trilogies become…um…an infinite playlist of plots?

I’ll respect the author’s wish to leave this particular at an end. (With a little quiet plea saying, maybe just one more?)

In The Devil’s Colony, Bill Schweigart ties things up masterfully. The book manages to be epic, funny, and heartbreaking all at once. And even though I truly felt like each of the other books stood on its own, after reading this, I finally know the whole story – and what a story it is! Suddenly, so many of the things in the other books are seen in a completely new light – and it’s pretty awesome.

So, while I do really (really, I do…sorta, kinda) respect the author’s need to leave it here (just one more pretty please?), I can’t wait to see what new world and new characters he brings us in his next book.

I know this...whatever he writes next, I want to read it.

*ARC Provided via Net Galley

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The devil's colony by Bill Schwegart.
The Fatal Folklore Trilogy Book 3.
Ben McKelvie had a good job, a nice house, a beautiful fiancée . . . until a bloodthirsty shapeshifter took everything away. Ever since, he’s been chasing supernatural phenomena all across the country, aided by dedicated zoologist Lindsay Clark and wealthy cryptozoologist Richard Severance.Now they face their deadliest challenge yet. In the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a man named Henry Drexler operates a private compound called Välkommen, which is Swedish for “welcome.” Indeed, Drexler welcomes all visitors—so long as they’re racists, neo-Nazis, or otherwise in cahoots with the alt-right. But Drexler is no mere Hitler wannabe. Once he was Severance’s mentor, and his research may well have summoned a monster to the Pine Barrens.
 To find out the truth, Ben and Lindsay must enter the camp incognito. There, under the watchful eyes of Drexler’s bodyguards and sociopathic son, they will learn that the most dangerous beasts lurk in the human heart.
A really enjoyable read. Great story and characters. I do hope there is more to come. 4*.

[Mark Smith-briggs · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bill Schweigart’s final book in his supernatural thriller series starts with a lot of promise but is ultimately let down by uninteresting story and bland characters.
In it, a trio of supernatural hunters investigate a private neo-Nazi style compound in the New Jersey Pine Barrens who may have summoned a deadly monster to the camp.
After an pulse-racing introduction to the camp in the prologue, the story stumbles with a slow, stagnating plot and with a wash of characters that sound and talk the same. Once they finally make it to the camp the mystery is an interesting one but there’s little depth to connect you to the main characters which always makes it a tough sell.
Fans of the series to date may enjoy this one - and I usually like Hydra's output - but it’s a hard pass for me.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd actually give this book between 3.5 to 4 stars. It was a fun read, but I didn't know going into it that it was the second (or possibly 3rd) novel in a series of recurring characters. So, there was a lot I didn't understand, inside jokes, and references to things that occurred in the first book that weren't fully rehashed in this book. I still enjoyed the read and will probably go back and read the first one so I'll understand this one better. The characters were likeable, there was a pretty decent scare factor and some truly imaginative things that go bump in the night, along with your garden variety modern day hate filled racists. All in all, a fun, not overly complex read, but definitely read the series in order.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bill Schweigart for the opportunity to read the third cryptid, suspense, horror, magic and miracle based novel.

The Devil's Colony will stand alone, but I recommend going back to The Beast of Barcroft and "Northwoods" to get acquainted with the quirky, unique and talented characters.

Monsters come in all shapes and sizes; the worst it seems come disguised as a human-being.

[Carol Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply love this series! I totally enjoyed the first two books, and this one is not an exception. I can't even say the author's last name, much less spell it, but Bill S. has become a favorite author of mine. Thankfully the book titles stick in my head easily.

The 3rd book in this series, evil in some of it's worst forms is involved. I have to say, wow, woah and whew! This book is a roller coaster and this series is one of my favorites. Sigh, the end of the series already? I hope the author writes more spins offs or something for us next.

My copy came from Net Galley, with my profound thanks! My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.

[Philip Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not believe in monsters, even though I think I have known a couple in my lifetime. But I am talking about golems, djinns or other such mental fabrications. However, every time I read a Bill Schweigart novel I find myself glued to it. It is easy to release any preconceived notions when the writing is that good and as such it is easy for me to recommend this book for readers who like bump in the night, guts and gore fantasy, knowing that as soon as I have finished the book I will return to my world of disbelief.

[Emma Ounsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a brilliant book, which I later found out had two instalments previously, which I am definitely going to read.
It worked well as a standalone however and read like an episode of Supernatural or something, with the story flowing at a fast pace.
The characters were great and I really cared what happened to them, the supernatural element kept my interest and was original and descriptive throughout.
Highly recommend this author and will read more.

[Polly Krize · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another highly enjoyable thriller from this excellent author. In this 3rd installment in his Beast of Barcroft series, you will find his evolving characters roaming the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, searching for supernatural monsters. Recommended to perhaps read the 1st 2 installments first.

[Patricia Moren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was as good as The Beast of Bancroft and Northwoods. Great ideas and descriptions that make this a book you just can't put down. The team reassembles and perform unbelievable feats against unimaginable, odds once again. This was great fun but with a dark side and a conclusion which was really memorable.

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the last book in this series. What a story! Has to be read to the end. I won't give anything away. No spoilers here but I am glad it turned out differently than how I thought it was going to go. An interesting group of characters in this series.