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Tales of the Crypto-Hunter #2
Devil Hunters
Deep in the woods, mankind is the endangered species. Derek Jenner, the Crypto-Hunter, is back! Something is terrorizing the inhabitants of the Garden State, leaving a trail of missing persons and mutilated bodies in its wake. All signs point to the Jersey Devil, a creature long considered a hoax even in the cryptozoological community. Desperate for answers, the authorities summon Derek and his team to investigate.
Now, the hunters are about to become the hunted because what lurks in the forest is more horrifying than they could ever imagine – a nightmare of man’s own making that’s about to set its sights in their direction.
Sadly for them, a corrupt government official will do everything in his power to cover up the terrible secret that lies at the heart of the Pine Barrens ... even if it means sacrificing Derek’s team to a fate worse than death.
Now, the hunters are about to become the hunted because what lurks in the forest is more horrifying than they could ever imagine – a nightmare of man’s own making that’s about to set its sights in their direction.
Sadly for them, a corrupt government official will do everything in his power to cover up the terrible secret that lies at the heart of the Pine Barrens ... even if it means sacrificing Derek’s team to a fate worse than death.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2018
202 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Rick Gualtieri
88 books765 followersRick Gualtieri loves to write adventure, mayhem, and snarky dialogue. His bestselling Tome of Bill series combines all of this into a world of supernatural danger with hard-hitting action and plenty of sharp-tongued geeky humor.
Rick lives alone in a dark, evil place called New Jersey with only his wife, three kids, and countless pets to both keep him company and constantly plot against him. When he's not busy monkey-clicking out words, he can typically be found jealously guarding his collection of vintage Transformers from all who would seek to defile them.
Defilers beware!
Email: rickg.author@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/RickGualtieriAuthor
Rick lives alone in a dark, evil place called New Jersey with only his wife, three kids, and countless pets to both keep him company and constantly plot against him. When he's not busy monkey-clicking out words, he can typically be found jealously guarding his collection of vintage Transformers from all who would seek to defile them.
Defilers beware!
Email: rickg.author@gmail.com
Facebook: facebook.com/RickGualtieriAuthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 30, 2020
This book was a little slow in the beginning as the author included a back drop story of the Jersey Devil myth. There is not a lot of action in the first half of the book, but it picks up right after the half way point.
Derek Jenner a/k/a the Crypto Hunter and crew have entered a place called the Pine Barrens to take on what they think is the Jersey Devil that is causing havoc for the residents of the area. The crew find a lot more than the myth as they traverse through the woods when they come across a deformed in-bred family that roams the Barrens. They not only have to deal with a possible Jersey Devil sighting, the deformed family, but they have to deal with government agents that are stomping around out in the woods.
Where the first book, Bigfoot Hunters, was on the wild side with gore and guts flying in every chapter, this book was on the mild side with the last half of the book swimming in blood and gore.
It was still a good book and I enjoyed reading the adventures of the Crypto Hunter with crew taking on the Pine Barren dangers. There will be a third book coming out in this series, so I will be looking forward to reading that when it releases. Giving this four stars for keeping me entertained.
Derek Jenner a/k/a the Crypto Hunter and crew have entered a place called the Pine Barrens to take on what they think is the Jersey Devil that is causing havoc for the residents of the area. The crew find a lot more than the myth as they traverse through the woods when they come across a deformed in-bred family that roams the Barrens. They not only have to deal with a possible Jersey Devil sighting, the deformed family, but they have to deal with government agents that are stomping around out in the woods.
Where the first book, Bigfoot Hunters, was on the wild side with gore and guts flying in every chapter, this book was on the mild side with the last half of the book swimming in blood and gore.
It was still a good book and I enjoyed reading the adventures of the Crypto Hunter with crew taking on the Pine Barren dangers. There will be a third book coming out in this series, so I will be looking forward to reading that when it releases. Giving this four stars for keeping me entertained.
May 7, 2025
Yaaaa I'd rather face a bunch of rabid Sasquatches than this anytime.
July 12, 2025
2.5 stars. It was ok, first book was better. It’s the killing of original team members only to easily replace them…..annoying. knock off X-Files.
August 28, 2025
I definitely liked the first one more, but once again I enjoyed this quite a bit! Lots of action, and while not filled with the kind of monsters I expected it was still great.
November 4, 2020
Lots going on in this series
Each book has certainly kept my interest, especially with the constant change between the many different scenarios. Fast paced and hard to put down once all the action started. Looking forward to the next book.
Each book has certainly kept my interest, especially with the constant change between the many different scenarios. Fast paced and hard to put down once all the action started. Looking forward to the next book.
May 16, 2018
This is another home run!! This is one of those books that makes it hard to put down and get anything else done! It’s suspenseful and snarky. Plus I don’t remember the last time a book made me want to reach in and death Vader choke the bad guy! Do yourself a favor and give this gem a whirl.
***I received an advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review***
***I received an advanced copy of this in exchange for an honest review***
June 6, 2018
Couldn’t put it down .
This book was awesome. I really just couldn’t stop reading it.
Although the grotesque but well described bad guys were pretty hard to stomach the story line was great. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a real life possibility in their scary stories. Hey I’m from Arkansas so you might see how I could think it’s possible LOL.
This book was awesome. I really just couldn’t stop reading it.
Although the grotesque but well described bad guys were pretty hard to stomach the story line was great. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a real life possibility in their scary stories. Hey I’m from Arkansas so you might see how I could think it’s possible LOL.
May 20, 2018
Finally!
Been waiting so long and wasn't disappointed, although I hope the wait for the next isn't as long. Just as good as the first but alas I'm only allowed 5 stars. Great job. Can't wait to read about your friendly neighborhood Kraken.
Been waiting so long and wasn't disappointed, although I hope the wait for the next isn't as long. Just as good as the first but alas I'm only allowed 5 stars. Great job. Can't wait to read about your friendly neighborhood Kraken.
July 31, 2018
Great Book!
I enjoyed this book. It kept me interested and wanting to know "what happens next?". The characters were believable and their interactions with each other were "real". I hope there is more coming regarding the "Crypto-Hunters".
I enjoyed this book. It kept me interested and wanting to know "what happens next?". The characters were believable and their interactions with each other were "real". I hope there is more coming regarding the "Crypto-Hunters".
October 13, 2019
Why?
More death. I'm happy that some of the main characters survived, but we still lost one of the good guys and a new character that I was hoping would become a permanent fixture. Still out with the old and in with the new as I wait for the next book.
More death. I'm happy that some of the main characters survived, but we still lost one of the good guys and a new character that I was hoping would become a permanent fixture. Still out with the old and in with the new as I wait for the next book.
May 15, 2018
Bloody marvellous. Again
What can i say that hasn't been said before. Wowza. He's a truely wonderful writer. Great characters and great plots.
What can i say that hasn't been said before. Wowza. He's a truely wonderful writer. Great characters and great plots.
January 2, 2021
Really good follow-up to Monster Hunters, but shame it took 6 years to get here.
June 27, 2018
Great book
Another great book by Rick. Love his books. This one is full of suspense and great characters. Pick up the first book, first, you won't be dissapointed.
Another great book by Rick. Love his books. This one is full of suspense and great characters. Pick up the first book, first, you won't be dissapointed.
July 6, 2018
Author keeps getting better
I think besides his Bill the Vampire series, this is my favorite story by Rick. Looking forward to reading more by him.
I think besides his Bill the Vampire series, this is my favorite story by Rick. Looking forward to reading more by him.
September 24, 2019
Holy shit this was a good solid horror read. If you like Jack Ketchum, I'd recommend this series.
October 21, 2018
Watch out for the woods
I really enjoyed reading about a strong minded young woman who can think on her feet and also the relationship between the characters
I really enjoyed reading about a strong minded young woman who can think on her feet and also the relationship between the characters
September 14, 2019
So good! I couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for the next one!
April 22, 2020
Good book
It was good. Could not put it down. Can not wait to read the next one. Keep them coming.
Great read.
It was good. Could not put it down. Can not wait to read the next one. Keep them coming.
Great read.
November 16, 2022
It's Wrong Turn except even more rape-y and they're all pretending to be the Jersey Devil. Not really my style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2023
We hunt monsters. Technically, everything we do is unnecessarily risky.
OK, just to confirm: there are a few (literally) folks that are still alive after Book 1 when this one cranks up. Gualtieri has never been afraid to 'displace' a character, either temporarily or permanently, so that is a legitimate concern for those of us diving into this new trilogy for the first time! But I really liked this "new" team configuation, with young Danni being a key part of setting this particular multi-layered mystery up. She also provides some much needed perspective to those from the previous crew that are still kicking and proves throughout that she can do more than just hold her own! Still, whenever things get quiet - too quiet - you know the beasties are gonna be doing their thing, too!
There was actually something out there, some abomination of nature these woods had vomited up.
Again, this chapter starts off with a rousing prologue, albeit one that isn't exactly tied into the main story-line (he said innocently and totally no-spoil-y). From there we rush (+/-) back to the glorious wasteland that is New Jersey to deal with only one of the coolest cryptids known to man, namely, the Jersey Devil! Having already devoured other stories featuring this most tantalizing demon (seriously, you guys have got to make a detour to read Hunter Shea's take on same, it will blow your freakin' socks off!), I was more than ecstatic to learn that I had gleaned absolutely nothing about this particular adventure from either the cover nor the title. So it was definitely a pleasant (???) surprise! Yep, I do tend to zone out on occasion but at least I can confirm this approach just rocked (and this is coming from someone who used to work for an unnamed company that had their very own toxic Superfund Site in the great Garden State, something I assume is still being managed despite unsaid company no longer even existing! Ah, the dream is gone but the poison lives on!).
Why don’t cryptids ever haunt anywhere nice?
Speaking of unpleasantries, I would feel a tad remiss if I didn't at least point out briefly that anyone still reading this review needs to be aware of some pretty significant trigger potential in this book. I mean, some parts are just wretched and, if not for the fact that they are perfectly aligned with the story, could even be called revolting and any series of synonyms you'd like to add to that. But yeah, this is about the scariest thing I've ever read by Gualtieri and will definitely go on (in?) my list with other notables including the aforementioned Shea as well as Scott Sigler (his first "Infected" book both scared and scarred me!). This isn't a pretty, happy bedtime story and though I won't say the overall book didn't have some humor in it, but it sure as hell got a bit lost under some of the nastier bits.
This was the first creature she’d seen that she could honestly describe as wrong.
Don't get me wrong: this is an awesome story and literally one of the best action-adventure stories I've read, full stop. When an author manages to elicit the range of emotions I felt from the beginning to the end of this story - and even freshly on the heels of just finishing Book 1 (at least this time the dog doesn't die!) which was certainly not a tea party in the backyard! - well, all I can say is try to avoid eating anything overly gooey for a few days! The author definitely manages to balance precariously along the razor's edge in this one but, um, gosh darn golly, he sure as hell makes it work! A few more Xanax might be needed in the coming days at night but hey, we're all friends here, right?
Her moment of hope evaporated in an instant and all she felt was fear – a primal, paralyzing terror as this mockery of a man leered at her.
All kidding aside, I would equate a lot of what happened here with the classic "True Detective" with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, which was without fear of contradiction one of the best things I've ever seen on the small screen. Shocking as hell, yes, but absotively un-fucking-forgettable! And Danni? I want your babies (no, not to keep my clan alive, just because!). Damn, this one was good! And yes, I'm out of breath and just wondering if I'm even ABLE to start Book 3 tonight! We'll see. Y'all watch yer six now, ya hear?
Large, powerful, and possessing skin more suited to a dinosaur, the Jersey Devil was apparently quite human when it came to a kick in the balls.
OK, just to confirm: there are a few (literally) folks that are still alive after Book 1 when this one cranks up. Gualtieri has never been afraid to 'displace' a character, either temporarily or permanently, so that is a legitimate concern for those of us diving into this new trilogy for the first time! But I really liked this "new" team configuation, with young Danni being a key part of setting this particular multi-layered mystery up. She also provides some much needed perspective to those from the previous crew that are still kicking and proves throughout that she can do more than just hold her own! Still, whenever things get quiet - too quiet - you know the beasties are gonna be doing their thing, too!
There was actually something out there, some abomination of nature these woods had vomited up.
Again, this chapter starts off with a rousing prologue, albeit one that isn't exactly tied into the main story-line (he said innocently and totally no-spoil-y). From there we rush (+/-) back to the glorious wasteland that is New Jersey to deal with only one of the coolest cryptids known to man, namely, the Jersey Devil! Having already devoured other stories featuring this most tantalizing demon (seriously, you guys have got to make a detour to read Hunter Shea's take on same, it will blow your freakin' socks off!), I was more than ecstatic to learn that I had gleaned absolutely nothing about this particular adventure from either the cover nor the title. So it was definitely a pleasant (???) surprise! Yep, I do tend to zone out on occasion but at least I can confirm this approach just rocked (and this is coming from someone who used to work for an unnamed company that had their very own toxic Superfund Site in the great Garden State, something I assume is still being managed despite unsaid company no longer even existing! Ah, the dream is gone but the poison lives on!).
Why don’t cryptids ever haunt anywhere nice?
Speaking of unpleasantries, I would feel a tad remiss if I didn't at least point out briefly that anyone still reading this review needs to be aware of some pretty significant trigger potential in this book. I mean, some parts are just wretched and, if not for the fact that they are perfectly aligned with the story, could even be called revolting and any series of synonyms you'd like to add to that. But yeah, this is about the scariest thing I've ever read by Gualtieri and will definitely go on (in?) my list with other notables including the aforementioned Shea as well as Scott Sigler (his first "Infected" book both scared and scarred me!). This isn't a pretty, happy bedtime story and though I won't say the overall book didn't have some humor in it, but it sure as hell got a bit lost under some of the nastier bits.
This was the first creature she’d seen that she could honestly describe as wrong.
Don't get me wrong: this is an awesome story and literally one of the best action-adventure stories I've read, full stop. When an author manages to elicit the range of emotions I felt from the beginning to the end of this story - and even freshly on the heels of just finishing Book 1 (at least this time the dog doesn't die!) which was certainly not a tea party in the backyard! - well, all I can say is try to avoid eating anything overly gooey for a few days! The author definitely manages to balance precariously along the razor's edge in this one but, um, gosh darn golly, he sure as hell makes it work! A few more Xanax might be needed in the coming days at night but hey, we're all friends here, right?
Her moment of hope evaporated in an instant and all she felt was fear – a primal, paralyzing terror as this mockery of a man leered at her.
All kidding aside, I would equate a lot of what happened here with the classic "True Detective" with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, which was without fear of contradiction one of the best things I've ever seen on the small screen. Shocking as hell, yes, but absotively un-fucking-forgettable! And Danni? I want your babies (no, not to keep my clan alive, just because!). Damn, this one was good! And yes, I'm out of breath and just wondering if I'm even ABLE to start Book 3 tonight! We'll see. Y'all watch yer six now, ya hear?
Large, powerful, and possessing skin more suited to a dinosaur, the Jersey Devil was apparently quite human when it came to a kick in the balls.
April 27, 2024
If you live in New Jersey, you have heard countless tales of the enigmatic creature known as the Jersey Devil. Gualtieri’s second installment in his excellent Cryptid Hunters series gives a disturbing but thoroughly satisfying explanation for the legend. Throw in a lot of high-powered political interference with the investigation and you have a satisfying tale. This one reads like a combination of Deliverance and They Want Your Women. There were many times when I feared that Gualtieri was going to take the easy way out and make this book a cringe fest. But he never gave into the temptation and he kept the action credible and enjoyable from beginning to end.
Frankly, the Jersey Devil storyline is very creepy and as the monster appears it just gets more and more disturbing—right down to the fascination with the name, Sarah, which will make sense to you when you start reading it. Wherein the first book was very much on the blood and guts side of the equation with a lot of excellent tension building, I feel that this one, despite copious amounts of action, falls better into the horror genre. It’s just flat out creepy from beginning to end—which makes it all the more enjoyable.
Frankly, the Jersey Devil storyline is very creepy and as the monster appears it just gets more and more disturbing—right down to the fascination with the name, Sarah, which will make sense to you when you start reading it. Wherein the first book was very much on the blood and guts side of the equation with a lot of excellent tension building, I feel that this one, despite copious amounts of action, falls better into the horror genre. It’s just flat out creepy from beginning to end—which makes it all the more enjoyable.
October 28, 2023
As with Bigfoot Hunters, I discovered Devil Hunters by accident on Amazon while looking for something else. I saw it was a series of three books so far, all in the monster hunter vein. I glanced at the reading sample and noticed third-person past-tense writing. That sold me.
In this one, don’t expect many survivors from the team. The way it went on, someone dies and makes room for a new recruit. In this case, the number wasn’t even but that just meant not to get too invested in any of the characters. The writing was top notch with only an occasional slip into head-hopping. The narrative was a bit literate with some characterization, and to me, the book could’ve been fifty pages shorter as with the first one. However, I still enjoyed it and found the quality top notch. Highly recommended.
In this one, don’t expect many survivors from the team. The way it went on, someone dies and makes room for a new recruit. In this case, the number wasn’t even but that just meant not to get too invested in any of the characters. The writing was top notch with only an occasional slip into head-hopping. The narrative was a bit literate with some characterization, and to me, the book could’ve been fifty pages shorter as with the first one. However, I still enjoyed it and found the quality top notch. Highly recommended.
September 19, 2024
Pretty good, but a bit long
This one was quite a bit better than the previous one. I was surprised that the author killed off another member of the team and a secondary character. At this rate the whole team will be gone in two more books. I guessed the true nature of the Jersey Devil pretty quick, which was fine. The political scandal seems over the top, but you know it's definitely happened before. Jenner seems to have the curse of immortality as the book goes on, can't die but keeps getting injured. Danni becomes a wanna be Rambo for the last third of the book, which kind of fits, but it goes on wayyy too long. I really enjoyed the epilogue. Nice and dark and horrible. As if I needed another reason to avoid Jersey, this book definitely made the decision for me
This one was quite a bit better than the previous one. I was surprised that the author killed off another member of the team and a secondary character. At this rate the whole team will be gone in two more books. I guessed the true nature of the Jersey Devil pretty quick, which was fine. The political scandal seems over the top, but you know it's definitely happened before. Jenner seems to have the curse of immortality as the book goes on, can't die but keeps getting injured. Danni becomes a wanna be Rambo for the last third of the book, which kind of fits, but it goes on wayyy too long. I really enjoyed the epilogue. Nice and dark and horrible. As if I needed another reason to avoid Jersey, this book definitely made the decision for me
April 5, 2022
I am not sure I will read the next book. I was so disappointed that they keep killing off the crypto hunters and replacing them with females that have absolutely NO experience. I don't care if they send them to "training" - all the male members had prior military and combat training. Irritated me to hell that these "experts" were killed in stupid mistakes while these females snuck around killing the creatures in the dark. So the team no longer can boast that it has "experts" because, obviously, they are careless and easily killed. It puts a stain on military training and military personnel. Ugh.
December 5, 2024
I didn’t like Dani being on the ‘team” from the start. Other than being a ‘pin-up’ girl, I saw no real reason to have her involved. I even skipped through the early chapters to avoid her. Then the author made it clear. That he wrote her into this story for the express purpose of having her stripped naked and sexually assaulted, of that I have no doubt. And it didn’t take him long did it? That is the part that I find most degenerate and lowlife’d, that he brought her character over from the first book just so that he could do this to her. Whatever else he writes about her after this point doesn’t make amends for it.
May 26, 2023
Another fun, action based creature feature from Rick Gualtieri. Although I think I liked the first in the series a little bit more than this I think it is primarily due to the nature of the creatures being highlighted. Inbred, toxic mutations but still humans are the focus of this one and I prefer my monsters to be of the non human variety. That aside, the action was fast paced and the story-line was fantastical but uncomfortably believable at the same time. A fun summer read!
August 20, 2024
Kind of like hills had eyes
From the beginning I mostly called this book. Though I was hoping it wouldn’t end up as intense as hills have eyes. The action and characters were better. Heck even the story was better. Felt bad about some characters dying. Kept me interested. Danni went all predator at the end. She took advantage of her opportunity.
From the beginning I mostly called this book. Though I was hoping it wouldn’t end up as intense as hills have eyes. The action and characters were better. Heck even the story was better. Felt bad about some characters dying. Kept me interested. Danni went all predator at the end. She took advantage of her opportunity.
September 19, 2024
Truly Brutal Horror!!
I found the story to be very brutal, with just enough restraint by the author to keep me engrossed. Definitely not "happily ever after" but I still couldn't put it down! Had enough foreshadowing to keep my attention as well.
Would make an awesome horror movie!
I found the story to be very brutal, with just enough restraint by the author to keep me engrossed. Definitely not "happily ever after" but I still couldn't put it down! Had enough foreshadowing to keep my attention as well.
Would make an awesome horror movie!
February 8, 2021
A worthy sequel
A worth sequel to bigfoot hunters. It is a fast, fun read with lots of action. A bit more of an X Files vibe than it's predecessor. Really looking forward to the next one!
A worth sequel to bigfoot hunters. It is a fast, fun read with lots of action. A bit more of an X Files vibe than it's predecessor. Really looking forward to the next one!
February 22, 2023
Devils in the Woods
Another solid entry in the Crypto Hunter series, full of action, thrills, X-Files style intrigue and cover-ups, and good characters overall. Audiobook was wonderfully acted and read by Stephen Dexter, felt like he was narrating an old time cryptozoology show.
Another solid entry in the Crypto Hunter series, full of action, thrills, X-Files style intrigue and cover-ups, and good characters overall. Audiobook was wonderfully acted and read by Stephen Dexter, felt like he was narrating an old time cryptozoology show.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews