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Angel of the Underground

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When three children in a Catholic group home are brutally murdered, the survivors are hurried into separate foster homes across Long Island. Robin Hills, a fifteen-year-old who has spent the past several years under religious care, is thrust into a new, dysfunctional family with no spiritual beliefs. No longer protected by the religion and the nun she had come to love, Robin is completely alone and enveloped in fear.

As the murders continue and Robin fears she may become the next victim, her faith increasingly falters. However, she finds solace in a budding friendship with Dennis, a boy her age living in her new foster home. Dennis’s kindness, his acceptance of Robin, and his bravery in the face of evil--born of his passion for horror movies--combine to reassure her that she'll survive the killings.

Armed with this new friendship and fueled by a rage she finally discovers within herself, Robin finds the courage and self-reliance to confront the darkest aspects of human depravity.

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2017

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384 people want to read

About the author

David Andreas

1 book9 followers
When his eyes fell upon Fangoria #82 during the spring of 1989, David Andreas became addicted to all things horror. The highlight of his life (so far) is having interned there during the Summer of 1999. While amassing several thousand reviews for his own website, splattercritic.com, David received a Master of Fine Arts degree from LIU Southampton. Since 2007, he’s been teaching English at several colleges, most notably St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, NY. Angel of the Underground is his debut novel, and the flagship publication of ODDITIES KJB, an imprint of Kaylie Jones Books for fans of character-driven horror and speculative stories.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel (TheShadesofOrange).
2,897 reviews4,842 followers
November 13, 2021
4.0 Stars
This was an interesting horror novella that offered a thoughtful, well written criticism of institutional religion. I really enjoyed the inclusion of horror movies as a major aspect of the story. The ending was a little underwhelming, but overall a really compelling story.
Profile Image for Michelle .
1,076 reviews1,884 followers
October 16, 2017
When children of a Catholic group home become targeted by a serial killer the remaining are sent to temporary foster care. For Robin that means an incredibly dysfunctional family. A groping father, a cold mother that takes an instant dislike to her, and also a Satan worshiping brother. However, Dennis, the other brother takes and immediate interest in her and they become bonded in an instant friendship where he vows to always protect her. Together they try to stop the murderer.

This is a short but well written novella. For me, the part I enjoyed the most, was the character of Robin. She was written with intelligence. She was written with strength. So often teenage girls get placed in the "mean girl" category where they are all extreme bitches, vapid, and nearly soulless. Robin is a breath of fresh air.

Also, I really dug the ending and did not see the who of whodunnit. Well done.

Thank you to Edelweiss for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Irene Well Worth A Read.
1,052 reviews114 followers
October 9, 2017
Murders in the group home have forced out the last few children for "safe keeping" to separate foster homes. Robin is sent to live with a creepy family where the mom seems to hate her, the obese and repulsive father is a groper, and one brother apparently worships the devil and is an all around scumbag. Robin is alone and miserable except for the only member of this odd family who seems normal, a boy named Dennis who she grows to trust and confide in. As the murders continue and the police seem to have no leads it may be up to Robin to unravel the mystery and put an end to the killings, if she can survive! This was a quick and creepy read, that held my attention and had me rooting for Robin to find a happy home. I would recommend it to young adult horror fans.

I received an advance copy for review.

Profile Image for William Bitner Jr..
601 reviews34 followers
January 10, 2019
Angel of the Underground
By David Andreas

Genre - Fiction
Sub-genre - Psychological Thriller/Suspense/Religion/Horror
Pages - 160
Publication Info - Kaylie Jones Books (December 8, 2017)
Reviewed by - William C. Bitner, Jr. (https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpres...)
Rating - 📙📙📙📙📙

I think after reading Angel of the Underground by David Andreas, you would be surprised to know that this is his debut novel. It surely doesn’t read that way. It’s a tight well formed piece of literature with very detailed story and very character heavy. Sometimes you come across a book that feels like it’s reading itself, or at least takes very little effort on the readers part to imagine what’s going on. This is one such book. A very entertaining, yet easy read. Some reviewers have said that they were reminded of Stephen King whilst reading this book, I must agree with that comparison somewhat. It remains to be seen if Mr. Andreas continues with the same style in his next endeavor, but if he does you may one day be comparing other writers to his work. I look forward to what may be next from this talented word-smith and wholeheartedly recommend this book.

Synopsis (from back cover): When three children in a Catholic group home are brutally murdered, the survivors are hurried into separate foster homes across Long Island. Robin Hills, a fifteen-year-old who has spent the past several years under religious care, is thrust into a new, dysfunctional family with no spiritual beliefs. No longer protected by the religion and the nun she had come to love, Robin is completely alone and enveloped in fear.

As the murders continue and Robin fears she may become the next victim, her faith increasingly falters. However, she finds solace in a budding friendship with Dennis, a boy her age living in her new foster home. Dennis’s kindness, his acceptance of Robin, and his bravery in the face of evil―born of his passion for horror movies―combine to reassure her that she'll survive the killings.

Armed with this new friendship and fueled by a rage she finally discovers within herself, Robin finds the courage and self-reliance to confront the darkest aspects of human depravity.

About the Author: When his eyes fell upon Fangoria #82 during the spring of 1989, David Andreas became addicted to all things horror. The highlight of his life (so far) is having interned there during the summer of 1999. While amassing several thousand reviews for his own website, splattercritic.com, David received a Master of Fine Arts degree from LIU Southampton. Since 2007, he's been teaching English at several colleges, most notably St. Joseph's College in Patchogue, NY.
Profile Image for Kevin.
472 reviews14 followers
January 27, 2018
David Andreas's debut novella, ANGEL OF THE UNDERGROUND, will remind many horror fans of Stephen King's first published novel, CARRIE. Although there are no supernatural elements like telekinesis in this new tale, there is a formidable and beleaguered teenage heroine in danger and a spectacularly gruesome bloodbath finale.

After three orphaned children are murdered in a New York Catholic group home, the remaining three children are sent off to separate foster homes for safety. Fifteen-year-old Robin Hills is sent to a Long Island residence owned by a lecherous obese man named Barry and his sullen wife, Lori. Also in the home are Barry's elderly father, invalid mother and two foster teen boys. Sullen and antagonistic Nathan is openly hostile toward Robin, but she befriends Dustin, who finds solace in watching horror movies ("They're therapeutic," he says. "They kill people so I don't have to."). When the sadistic murders continue, Robin realizes that there is no safe place, and she will have to rely on her wits to survive.

Andreas's tight and tense horror tale is a spellbinding and clever debut. He also has more on his mind than merely a straightforward thriller. His smart, sympathetic and engaging teen heroine grapples with the Catholic faith that has sustained her for so many years but now seems to have abandoned her. Proving good things come in small packages (the novel is just 165 pages), Angel of the Underground is a tight and thoughtful thriller, and a stellar introduction to a fresh new voice.

David Andreas's debut horror novella is a well-written thriller with a smart and sympathetic teen heroine being pursued by an unknown killer.
Profile Image for Anastasiya.
1 review
December 5, 2017
It is a thrilling and exciting story of Robin and what goes on in her life and life of those around her. Even if you are not a horror book fan it is a perfect story of life turning and twisting all the wrong ways. A fragile yet a courageous girl with a big heart - main protagonist Robin - melts your heart with her purity and her brave soul! It is definitely a must read asap. I found that it is perfect for trips and flights, although I did finish it in my bed at 2am because I couldnt put it down and just had to know what happens next! The story sucks you in to the point where you dont go to sleep but finish the book! Great piece of work! Definitely a 10 out of 10!
1 review
April 2, 2018
As you must know, the foster care system is a broken one. While small children may find some happiness in their temporary surroundings, young adults have a harder time fitting in and being accepted. Many times they are just the means to a monthly, government-issued check.

Now take a young adult girl, remove her from her safe surroundings in a church run group home due to the heinous murder of three of her peers, and place her in a foster home. This is Robin. She has only herself and her spirituality to rely on and must try to fit into a household of flawed, damaged people. Thankfully she is befriended by Dennis, who helps make her feel accepted in her new home and through his love of all things horror, gives her the strength she needs to combat the evil in her own life.

How will Robin persevere? Can she, with the help of Dennis, conquer her demons? Read this fast paced, thrilling account of the anguish in Robin’s life and discover for yourself who the killer is and why they have such vengeance in their heart.
Profile Image for Jonathan.
1 review
December 27, 2017
After three kids are killed in a Catholic orphanage, fifteen-year-old Robin is moved into the house of a dysfunctional family that no longer believes in God. She has nobody around she's familiar with, and would probably collapse under the pressure of the murders if not for Dennis, a lonely teenager in the house who helps her through the crimes.

Though this is by and large a horror story, the core focuses on the relationship between Robin and Dennis, two teens who never had friends outside each other. Dennis helps her cope not only with the continuing murders, but with his adoptive family, which includes a creepy father who can't keep his hands off her, a mother who wants nothing to do with her, and a brother who's afraid she'll get him killed and therefore treats her like garbage. The parts between Robin and Dennis are my favorites in the book, since they each deserve the compassion they give one another.

As far as mysteries go, this one kept me reading. It's just over 160 pages, so it won't take long to get through. The writing is clear, the pace is fast, and the story makes you want to know what happens in the end. Highly recommended for fans of horror and young adult romance, though I can understand how this book might make some people uncomfortable (the violence and a particular adult situation are very detailed). If it were a movie this would get a hard-R rating, but closes on a highly emotional note.

Profile Image for Mike D.
22 reviews6 followers
January 25, 2018

Angel of the Underground by David Andreas is a fun romp through a derelict doll factory. This, his debut novel, certainly speaks to the type of writer he aspires to be. It is character heavy with just the right amount of suspense and gore to make it a horror purists dream. It is laden with dread and just gory enough to remind you of the 80's slasher films. This book at just over 100 pages reads like a short story in the best ways. It is easy to read and get lost in for several hours. It is perfect for a vacation from reality without being trite or overly complicated. It is simplicity at its best.
Profile Image for rik hattori.
56 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2018
4.5 stars. I'm usually not in support of a romantic plot in a non-romance novel, but David Andreas does a great job incorporating real life romance into his story. The murders seem to be the main focus of the story at first, but as we see Robin's struggle to trust religion and learn about herself, her relationship with Dennis seems to come to the forefront. I found it very comforting as the terror of the murders ensued.

With that said, the details of the murders and violence were definitely gory and kept me on my toes. They say Mary Higgins Clark is the queen of suspense but her "suspense" is nothing compared to David Andreas'. Really a well-written novel.
1 review
November 19, 2018
Within reading the first chapter, I was hooked immediately. Andreas gets right to the point of the story from page one, and makes you want to keep turning the pages. The story line, based on Long Island, is extremely well written, and had me guessing at who the killer could be throughout the entire book. Sentences are easy to understand, and the book is not a long read at all. Hope to see him come out with new books soon.
3 reviews
December 28, 2017
It was a fast pace easy read. Congratulations David on your first novel. Look forward to the next one. I thought this book was even enjoyable for the non-horror reader as it was a suspenseful murder mystery also.
1 review
November 14, 2018
I was excited upon the release of David Andreas's novel, Angel of the Underground. Being intrigued by horror and thriller novels, this novel was one I enjoyed. I found the read quick and easy given its length of 165 pages and enjoyed the fluidity of this novel. 10 out of 10 would recommend to a friend, colleague or coworker.
1 review
December 4, 2018
Tense and eerie, the book gives the reader a chilling take on the intertwinement of religion, family and murder.
Profile Image for David Burnham.
Author 4 books6 followers
June 15, 2018
Congratulations to David Andreas on his first novel. I'm already looking forward to the second! I thought this book was a very enjoyable read. It carried all you need for a good horror/mystery story. Good characters, suspense and easy to read. Well done.
1 review
November 16, 2018
This book is great especially if you are in the horror mood. It involves mystery and love as well that makes it an all-around great read!
1 review
December 10, 2018
This book was amazing! Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. As a horror fan, this was an exciting book to read! I hope the author makes a sequel!
Profile Image for Jim.
3,116 reviews77 followers
April 18, 2021
I almost feel guilty giving this only 2 stars, but frankly I didn't love it. The writing was fine but several of the characters seemed too ham fisted (if that is understandable). I mean the story is ok, but it just didn't appeal to me in the end. Surely Dennis would have picked up on something. Barry could have been more subtle in his depravity and actions. I think Andreas may become a good author but this wasn't a winner in my estimation.
1 review
December 8, 2018
While I am not a fan of horror or reading books in general, I enjoyed reading this one. It was a good length book, not too short not too long and moved very quickly. It kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next and overall kept my interest throughout. Good work!!!
1 review
December 10, 2018
This is a great book if you are interested in horror stories. This book is such a page turner and each character is very well thought out! What a great book!
16 reviews9 followers
June 21, 2025
Sinister. Soulful. Unshakable.

Angel of the Underground is one of those horror stories that doesn't just creep under your skin, it claws its way in and lingers long after the last page.

Robin, a teenage girl tossed between tragedy and foster homes, is a protagonist you won’t forget. Her pain, confusion, and bravery are raw and deeply human. And the horrors she faces aren’t just from a killer out there somewhere, they come from the trauma of religious abandonment, isolation, and loss of identity.

David Andreas builds fear like a slow-burning candle in a pitch, black chapel. The atmosphere is thick with dread, but what makes this book shine is how it balances psychological horror with character depth. Dennis, the horror, loving boy she connects with, is a breath of hope, and together they create a quiet resistance to evil that you can’t help but root for.

This isn’t just a horror story. It’s a heartbreaker wrapped in shadows, and I loved every dark, spine, tingling minute.

👏 A must-read for fans of Stephen King’s early works and anyone who loves character-driven horror that hits you where it hurts. Bravo, David.
26 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2025
Thanks for an entertaining read David Andreas!

My only complaint about this book was that I wish it would have been a little longer! I didn't have a clue what was going on until the very end when the culprit was revealed, which isn't something I can say about many of the books I read. I really liked the main character and she was developed enough by the author for me to really relate to her and sympathize with her. I liked how, in the end, God did come through for her (albeit not without some very close calls and a lot of loses and pain). It was left open to interpretation whether "her God" did come through for her but i feel like He did. Lots of action at the end and several twists i didn't expect. Great story, and quite gruesome actually. I wish father Vincent would have gotten punished more but such is the way of the world and it was more realistic the way he wrote the ending. Very bizarre story when I think about it which I liked because I read this genre as an escape from mundane life and this book certainly was an enjoyable read and an effective temporary escape every time I picked it up. Thanks to the author!
Profile Image for Nicholas Rudy.
1 review1 follower
June 4, 2020
Before I review I just want to be honest. I am a former student of the author David Andreas and he was one of my favorite professors.

I am not typically one for things in the horror/thriller genre regardless of artistic medium. However I set out to read this to support a favorite professor in an endeavor that means a lot to him.

I did enjoy reading it a lot. Using his knowledge from having watched thousands (I'm not exaggerating) of horror movies. He crafted a narrative where one is pulled into this sense of security because most of the bad stuff happens outside the main characters experiences. So by the time everything comes to a head you aren't really that focused on the idea of something bad happening.

Since the book is written from the perspective of the inner monolgue of the main character, I found it refreshing that the stylistic choice wasn't overly perfect and refined. I sometimes when reading books on the first person feel this disconnect between the narrative and the character because the speech reflects character traits such as age but the narrative/inner monolgue is much more polished and cleaned up. So these stylistic choices really made me feel like I was this passive observer over the shoulder of the main character.

Overall it is a very good piece of storytelling and something I am glad I read. And I would recommend that others read it.
Profile Image for Nick Spacek.
300 reviews8 followers
June 19, 2018
great story, interesting characters, and way, way too short. it's a novel's worth of story in a novella's page count, and every moves so quickly, it feels like i'm missing reams of pages. not that there are missing scenes or anything like that: the more time we got to spend with these characters, and the more pages spent developing everything, as opposed to the abridged edition we have here, the better off angel of the underground would be.

tl;dr: every scene is one of action, which moves the story quickly, but the occasional scene of normalcy would calm things down and make them more realistic.
Profile Image for tori.
218 reviews18 followers
November 24, 2021
Interesting narration - I didn't really think about it during my reading, but I've seen some reviews on how Robin reminds people of Carrie White, which is fun to think about.
I'm a sucker for romance/horror and I very much appreciate the religious inputs.
I feel like this had the potential to be great, if it had been longer. There are so many interesting aspects to it, I wanted to read more on the case, more on Robin's backstory and, most of all, more on the characters. It had the potential to be great, but unfortunately it was just ok.
Also what was that ending? The dialogue made me go "oh, no" so many times.
Profile Image for Γιώργος Λιαδής.
Author 1 book10 followers
August 23, 2022
Ψεύτικοι χαρακτήρες, πλοκή χωρίς βάθος, αηδιαστικά θέματα... Μοιάζει με αυτές τις ταινίες τρόμου τύπου "ο σχιζοφρενής δολοφόνος με το πριόνι".
Το σταμάτησα στο 50% ενώ διάβαζα για μια ροχάλα που είχε κολλήσει στην τηλεόραση και δεν έπεφτε κάτω. Γιατί να το κάνω αυτό στον εαυτό μου;
Profile Image for bookwyrm.
141 reviews
July 10, 2024
I can't even pretend that a good portion of my enjoyment of this book doesn't come from me equating Dennis to an alternate version of my husband after he mentioned the OG Dawn of the Dead. Otherwise this just ticked a lot of boxes for a quick, easy horror.
Profile Image for Shelby Koning.
214 reviews28 followers
May 21, 2023
3.5ish, hooked me from page one, but felt rushed toward the end which dimmed my enjoyment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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