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The Devil's Gospel
Biology Professor Kevin Ballard finds his quiet life rocked by a series of vicious mysterious events.
First, his mother is slain in his childhood home. Then his girlfriend (and research assistant) is kidnapped from their cabin and he finds that the plant he's studying is apparently being used in strange local rituals.
To top it all off, the police think Kevin is somehow involved. Who wants to wreck his life and why?
First, his mother is slain in his childhood home. Then his girlfriend (and research assistant) is kidnapped from their cabin and he finds that the plant he's studying is apparently being used in strange local rituals.
To top it all off, the police think Kevin is somehow involved. Who wants to wreck his life and why?
- GenresHorror
226 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2019
1 person is currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
A.S. Coomer
21 books68 followersA.S. Coomer is a writer, musician, artist, and friend of cats. Books include Memorabilia, Birth of a Monster, The Fetishists, Songs for Leaving, Shining the Light, Flirting with Disaster & Other Poems, Misdeeds, The Flock Unseen, The Devil's Gospel, & several others. www.ascoomer.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 14, 2020
While the pacing of this rural chiller was a bit choppy for me, the predator was a 5 star hulking menace. Time to get right with JJ.
March 13, 2019
I beta read this one. And am giving that 5 stars. I will read the final, published version soon and make a proper review.
February 28, 2023
Definitely a 3.5. A.S. has the ability to take complex subject matter and in a minimalist style, tell a well rounded story. Kevin Ballard is a Biology professor who finds himself in the middle of a nightmare he didn't knowingly create. The action and devastation begin right from the start, and soon Kevin's stance on evolution, mainly published in a recent book, is at the heart of heinous crimes against him and his loved ones.
Set in a small rural town, the religious fanaticism doesn't take long to come forth in the guise of JJ Conn, the local preacher prodigy. A menacing figure who believes he is God's chosen.
What made this story interesting is that there is a mixture of religion and naturalism. In only 215 pages, quite a bit happens, and although I enjoyed it, the lack of some character development and atmosphere left me a bit dry. The main reason for this is there are some very emotional sequences that I just felt happened, and then we moved on without enough character reflection. I could argue that the police presence in the story was not as accurate as a case like Kevin's would be if it actually happened.
A well written story that I wanted to pack more emotional punch is still worth a read.
Set in a small rural town, the religious fanaticism doesn't take long to come forth in the guise of JJ Conn, the local preacher prodigy. A menacing figure who believes he is God's chosen.
What made this story interesting is that there is a mixture of religion and naturalism. In only 215 pages, quite a bit happens, and although I enjoyed it, the lack of some character development and atmosphere left me a bit dry. The main reason for this is there are some very emotional sequences that I just felt happened, and then we moved on without enough character reflection. I could argue that the police presence in the story was not as accurate as a case like Kevin's would be if it actually happened.
A well written story that I wanted to pack more emotional punch is still worth a read.
October 15, 2020
When Kevin a botanist and his girlfriend Kate get a grant to study the white haired golden rod plants that only girl in Kentucky they rent a cabin in the Daniel Boone national park and sit out on hikes to find the elusive plant. Kevin takes off for a weekend to visit his mother and the first sign of trouble little does Kevin know is when he finds the cashier at the gas station dead behind the counter, But that won’t be the only dead body he finds that night and not even the last day will be more before Kevin‘s nightmare ends. Now Ifound this couple to me seemed very smug, They made fun ofof Christians, the locals and anyone else that caught their radar. Having said that let me say by the end you feel sorry and heartbroken for both of them. When I receive this audio arc copy, I downloaded it to my Dropbox and press play to make sure it was on my phone. I didn’t stop listening until the ending credits. It was that good. Sean Drager did the audio for this book and he had so many voices to do and did an excellent job. I really love books narrated by him.Just to let you know of triggers there is blood and gore and as I said they make fun of Christians… A lot.
November 22, 2020
This book gave a whole new meaning to the phrase "pay for your sins."
Kevin is a successful biology professor. Problem is, his parents, who were strictly religious, frowned on his chosen profession. Kevin doesn't let it affect him much, until news comes of his mother's brutal slaying. When Kevin goes back home, his girlfriend is kidnapped, and he fears the people who slayed his mother are responsible. When he finds his mother's journal, things start to come together, and he doesn't like the story that it all tells.
Although this was a rather short listen, it was an interesting take on horror that took religion and obsession to new and terrifying depths. I really wasn't sure what to expect with this story, but I love the psychological aspects behind the not knowing. The characters in this story were well-fleshed out and felt real. Especially the people in the church. The whole icy tone of the town really added to the worldbuilding and the suspense.
Narration was a perfect match to the story.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Kevin is a successful biology professor. Problem is, his parents, who were strictly religious, frowned on his chosen profession. Kevin doesn't let it affect him much, until news comes of his mother's brutal slaying. When Kevin goes back home, his girlfriend is kidnapped, and he fears the people who slayed his mother are responsible. When he finds his mother's journal, things start to come together, and he doesn't like the story that it all tells.
Although this was a rather short listen, it was an interesting take on horror that took religion and obsession to new and terrifying depths. I really wasn't sure what to expect with this story, but I love the psychological aspects behind the not knowing. The characters in this story were well-fleshed out and felt real. Especially the people in the church. The whole icy tone of the town really added to the worldbuilding and the suspense.
Narration was a perfect match to the story.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
March 31, 2024
Creepy page turner!
I’m not usually a reader of horror, but this book is a great example of what’s good about the genre. It’s creepy and infused with a vivid sense of place. The rural setting really adds to the suspense of the story. A great read!
I’m not usually a reader of horror, but this book is a great example of what’s good about the genre. It’s creepy and infused with a vivid sense of place. The rural setting really adds to the suspense of the story. A great read!
January 28, 2021
This book was more of a thriller than horror and was extremely heavy on religion. Dr. Kevin Ballard is a scientist who teaches and writes about evolution. His parents were very religious and feared for his soul. When Dr. Ballard and his assistant, Kate, go to the mountains of Kentucky to study an endangered plant, they are drawn into the depraved mind of a religious zealot.
The pair first stumble upon the desecrated body of a young woman, then an old man is killed after talking to them about the plant. When Kevin goes to visit his mother, he finds that she has been murdered. Is someone stalking Kevin or has God decided to reign his judgment on Kevin because of his unbelief?
Parts of this book were tension filled and creepy, but the pacing and storyline were hard to follow at times. The book relied heavily on Scripture and the villain was genuinely horrific. However, I would have enjoyed the book more if it had been easier to follow and if the characters had been a little more developed. Also, the ending was so abrupt and unresolved after all of the mayhem that I was a little disappointed.
The narrator, Sean Duregger, actually saved this book for me. If it hadn't been for his wonderful pacing, voices and performance, I don't know that I would have finished it. I was given the chance to listen to this audiobook by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
The pair first stumble upon the desecrated body of a young woman, then an old man is killed after talking to them about the plant. When Kevin goes to visit his mother, he finds that she has been murdered. Is someone stalking Kevin or has God decided to reign his judgment on Kevin because of his unbelief?
Parts of this book were tension filled and creepy, but the pacing and storyline were hard to follow at times. The book relied heavily on Scripture and the villain was genuinely horrific. However, I would have enjoyed the book more if it had been easier to follow and if the characters had been a little more developed. Also, the ending was so abrupt and unresolved after all of the mayhem that I was a little disappointed.
The narrator, Sean Duregger, actually saved this book for me. If it hadn't been for his wonderful pacing, voices and performance, I don't know that I would have finished it. I was given the chance to listen to this audiobook by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
January 9, 2021
audible:Wow!Just Wow! Excellent story.Characters were likable.Well written.A man leaves his girlfriend to go visit his mother.What he endures is the worst trip ever. Sean Dureggar was a terrific narrator.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
November 11, 2020
A scientist son with extremely religious parents must pay for his sins
Excellent narration from Sean his voices and quality are always top notch
If you’re a fan of dark mysteries definitely check this one out
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
Excellent narration from Sean his voices and quality are always top notch
If you’re a fan of dark mysteries definitely check this one out
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
December 10, 2019
My Old Kentucky Home
A nicely woven tale of horror and suspense. This is easily Mr. Coomer's best story yet. It had me guessing till the end and I wasn't disappointed.
A nicely woven tale of horror and suspense. This is easily Mr. Coomer's best story yet. It had me guessing till the end and I wasn't disappointed.
February 11, 2021
Not a bad story. There are a lot of Bible verses and deep discussions on Christianity and Salvation. Then there’s the psycho killer.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews