The Devil Wore Black

Tyler and Mills #3

by Mark L. Fowler

November 2003. When a priest is found crucified, following the desecration of local churches, hysterical media coverage focuses on terrorism, and a satanic cult operating out in the wilds of North Staffordshire. Panic grips the city. DCI Tyler and DS Mills are under pressure as the toxic atmosphere deepens. One line of enquiry, involving historic allegations against the murdered priest, is close to home for Tyler and threatens to tip him over the edge. But Mills has a hunch that could lead the investigation in a different direction, until a serious complaint is made against him. The investigation appears to have stalled, when a second ritual murder is discovered. The pressure to find the killer mounts, and as winter closes in the detectives find themselves pushed to the limits. The Devil Wore Black is the third book in the acclaimed Tyler and Mills series. It can also be read as a standalone crime novel.

306 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2020

About the author

Mark writes in a number of genres, including detective crime fiction, psychological thrillers, and Gothic fantasy.

He is the author of the popular Tyler & Mills detective crime series set in Staffordshire in the noughties. RED IS THE COLOUR was shortlisted for the 2018 Arnold Bennett Prize and begins with the grim discovery of a schoolboy who disappeared thirty years earlier. BLUE MURDER involves a missing singer and a murdered guitarist, elevating an obscure band to sudden fame and fortune. THE DEVIL WORE BLACK unveils the mystery of a crucified priest. THE SMELL OF COPPER, finds Tyler out on a limb as the detectives uncover police corruption. SCARLET RIBBONS investigates the brutal murder of a sex worker. The latest book in the series, BLOOD ORANGE, concerns the death of a local greengrocer. All the books can be read as standalone crime novels.

Other detective mysteries include THE BATHROOM MURDERS. A series of women are found hacked to death while taking a shower. This is the first in a new series set in Manchester, featuring female detective Charlie Reed and her sidekick Paul Rigsby.

TWIST has the eponymous private investigator returning, against his better judgement, to the city of nightmares to look into the strange case of a dead philosophy student.

THE MAN UPSTAIRS introduces hard boiled Frank Miller, discovering he’s a fictional detective and that his author is plotting to kill him. This is the first in a series of crime fantasy novels, and the second book in the series has now been published: THE POISONED EYE OF A LOVING GOD,

Mark also writes psychological thrillers. SILVER finds journalist and crime writer Nick Slater obsessed with an unpublished manuscript that a best-selling author was working on when she was murdered, and which her family refuse to publish.

SEXTET explores the twisted rivalry between twin sisters, the weird games they played as children, and the rising murder rate in a small English town.

COFFIN MAKER is a Gothic tale. Death is sent two apprentices amid warnings from an out-of-favour priest that the devil has arrived on Earth.

PAINTED FIRE finds a writer travelling to America’s West Coast in a desperate bid to find a cure for a baffling illness afflicting his wife. An anonymous benefactor has offered to help, but at what price?

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

DCI Tyler and DS Mills are called in to investigate a horrifying murder. A well-known priest has been found crucified.

This brings back some horrible memories for Tyler when they learn this priest had been accused of improper conduct at a previous church where he served. But the general consensus is that this was the result of terrorism...maybe a satanic cult.

Panic ensues as a second ritual murder is discovered.

Dealing with wide-spread panic, Tyler and Mills are under a lot of pressure who find who the responsible party is ..... and why.

Although third in a series, this one is easily read as a stand alone. As always, I highly recommend starting at the very beginning to see how these particular characters grow and mature. The characters are skillfully drawn, the plot is easy to follow, and holds some interesting twists.

Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction/mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Devil Wore Black is the third instalment in the Tyler and Mills series but reads perfectly well as a stand-alone. Things start out rather gruesome in this one when an unsuspecting jogger stumbles across the body of a priest nailed to a cross. The year is 2003. It hasn’t been that long since terrorism invaded the western world and so the media focuses on the terrorist angle but detectives aren’t convinced. There is after all a satanic cult operating in this area that could have something to do with this murder. Or was the priest hiding a dark secret? Plenty of angles for the detectives to investigate but for DCI Tyler, things may start to hit a little too close to home.

Several lines of enquiries then and all of them seemed perfectly plausible to me. But just when I thought I was getting close to figuring things out, another body is found in similar circumstances to the priest and it completely threw me off. I didn’t have a clue as to who was behind these murders or why.

Central to the story are allegations of abuse. Not only do these surround the dead priest in a “did he or did he not” kind of way, but abuse is also a big part of DCI Tyler’s background. Tyler is a difficult character to get to know, always playing things close to the vest, a tough nut to crack. But this investigation allows the reader to get a glimpse behind the facade. Do his experiences cloud his judgment though?

Different as they may be, as a team Tyler and Mills work quite well. Mills is a very different kind of person and often provides some of the comic relief with a witty remark or action, the latter mostly happening when biscuits are in his immediate surroundings. Despite their differences, they get along well. The banter between them covers up a multitude of feelings but also offers some hope that maybe some day there will be a friendship between the two of them.

I can’t deny I struggled a little bit with The Devil Wore Black at the start of the book and for some reason, I kept mixing Tyler and Mills up. That could quite possibly be down to me though as my concentration levels are shot to pieces (as I’m sure applies to many of us) and the pace was a bit too much on the slow side for me. But once the investigation really kicked off, I couldn’t stop until I knew what was going on. For the faint-hearted among you, while the murders sound brutal, none of it plays out on the page. But what I particularly liked is that the investigation isn’t nicely wrapped up in a bow. Maybe that’s something for Tyler and Mills to sink their teeth into in the future.

The Devil Wore Black is a well-plotted and intriguing police procedural with plenty of suspects and complex issues that will undoubtedly please fans of this series.

[Susan Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first introduction to DCI Jim Tyler and DS Danny Mills and I am now looking forward to reading the previous 2 books in the series. This is book 3 in the series but it is perfectly fine to read as a standalone and it is a thrilling read.
A very well written book, great characters and an intriguing plot involving the murder of a priest, the occult and its members. It is a gripping read from start to finish. So many possible suspects I just couldn't put the book down. Interspersed with banter and humour between the two detectives which included a laugh out loud moment it is a superb read. A 5 star read which I highly recommend.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in the series of the Tyler and Mill duo however the book does read well as a standalone. It opens not just with a murder but a crucifixion of a local priest. This then leads the duo to an organisation with Satanic overtones and subsequently to more deaths by crucifixion. One of those who is under suspicion has been abused as a child and this impacts heavily on Tyler, who is fighting his own demons.
Very good and different story dealing with some complex issues in a very compassionate way at times. Trying to figure out who did what took a bit longer to work out though which is always the sign of a good read for me. I certainly will be catching up on the first two books in the series.
I received this book as a ARC to review for my book club.

[Susan Hampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Tyler and Mills series although it would read fine as a stand-alone. The story, set in 2003, gets on the way with the gruesome discovery of a local priest found nailed naked to a wooden cross. Plenty of leads are soon accumulated from terrorist themes to a local occult and a shady past where he had been accused of interfering with a child. Tyler and Miles were going to have their work cut out for them.
Tyler and mills make a great pairing as dry humour just bounces between them, giving the book some lighter moments. Tyler usually keeps himself very much a closed book but in this story, it feels very personal as he battles the demons from his own past when he suffered abuse as a child. The yin and yang of the pair give the story and case balance. Mills is always the lighter of the two and I did find myself giggling away at him as he battles to control his weight and daily temptations of a cuppa tea and a supply of biscuits.
The case soon expands as more victims pop up all obvious victims of the same killer. There are plenty of trails to follow and suspects to get through as the muddy waters begin to come clear. I must say that I hadn’t worked this one out. It is quite a wow in a really good way.
Looking forward to the next instalment and uncovering more about Tyler.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Tyler and Mills series, and is a story which has personal challenges and connections for Tyler as it brings. back memories of his troubled childhood and a period of this life he would rather forget. When a priest is found murdered in the most horrific of circumstances, the pair must find out who had the motive and the opportunity to commit murder. With historic and unproven allegations of abuse thrown into the investigation, the reasons could be all too obvious. But when a woman is murdered in a very similar fashion, the motive suddenly becomes very murky indeed.

At first glance this seems like a very straight forward case but in reading through the book is is clear that it is anything but. Whilst the author has used the abuse allegations as the centre of the story, there is also an ongoing cycle of vandalism and abuse targeting religious institutions across the city of Stoke so the reasons for murder are far from obvious. I really enjoyed the way that the author slowly built the tension in the novel with conflicting opinions on the Priest's innocence or guilt and about his character. Add in a cult who have very ideas about God, and a family in mourning for whom there is an intense animosity towards the dead Priest and you have a whole host of suspects to choose from.

Mills and Tyler are great characters and I really enjoy reading about them. The banter between them often covers up the underlying tension and anxiety that exists, especially in Tyler who is very affected by this case. Despite an overwhelming reliance on biscuits to see him through the day, Mills also has a great relationship with his wife that helps to see him through the tough days. Both men have great intuition, but Tyler's is slightly off key due to his personal prejudices and experience. Mills is focused on one suspect, but is it also a case of a personal crusade?

There is a lot of tension bubbling through this story, and a lot of conflict which really drives the story. The violence is kept off the page and while the murders are quite gruesome, it never plays out in public. I got a real sense of the city, and Mills' love for his precious Stoke always makes me smile. The camaraderie between the characters is a real plus, and it makes a change to see a senior officer who really roots for and supports his team when this is all too often another source of conflict for everyone. Whilst the story doesn't necessarily give a completely clean conclusion, we do find out whodunnit and why, albeit that justice may take longer to be fully served.

If you've enjoyed the first two book in the series, then this will be a welcome return to the world of Tyler and Mills.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I thought that this book was excellent!

This is the latest book in Tyler & Mills and it is a fabulous addition to the series!

I really enjoyed the plot and I thought that it was a well-developed read and it was great to be able to catch up with Tyler, Mills and the team too! The characters in the book were well developed and their interaction and ability to work together was great – I really enjoyed it and I loved being able to find out more about Tyler’s backstory and troubled childhood too.

The pace for the book was great and although it took me a little longer than normal to get in to the story as soon as it kicked in I was off and flying through the pages.

This is the third book in the series, it read perfectly fine to me as a stand-alone too

It is 4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon - I really enjoyed it and it is definitely one I will be recommending!

[Joanna Larum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in the Tyler and Mills series and I enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed the other two novels. I find both detectives to be believable and likeable which makes a big difference when I want to commit to a series of novels. I was a little wary of the supernatural side to the story at first but I needn't to have worried about being scared to death by it. It seemed a very natural part of the story and didn't have me hiding my head under the bedclothes!
The story gallops along at a great pace, keeping me gripped right to the end. I love a book which has me turning the pages at a rate of knots, especially when it all comes together so well at the end. Mark is a great story-teller and has the happy knack of keeping his readers enthralled all the way through. I have read quite a few of his books now and I have never been disappointed or bored with the stories.
If you like police procedurals which echo with validity, then these are the books for you. This is a five star story if I ever read one!

[Carol Peace · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a young woman is out running and sees something that shouldn't be there she has a closer look and finds someone crucified on a cross. If this wasn't horrific enough the fact that it is a local priest makes it all the more gruesome, who would do something like this? DS Mills and DCI Tyler are on the case but as more people are found dead it looks like someone is targeting the clergy. This touches on Tylers background and his childhood very slightly and it makes for a great read, there are 'several lines of enquiry' and this adds to the suspense. I really enjoyed this book and even though it is the third in a series it reads well as a stand alone and didn't detract from the fast moving story line. I am looking forward to reading more about these detectives.

[Kamini Mehta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Tyler and Mills mystery. This is well written and full of suspicious characters. What else would you expect in a small town with a crucified priest?

[Joanna Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been lucky enough to read the first two books and see the characters develop, this could be read however as a stand alone. It was a story or intrigue, suspense and kept me interested and guessing until the end. I never fail to be impressed by this authors book and I was not disappointed this time.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Tyler & Mills book I have read but I am certainly going to read the earlier books in this series as I enjoyed this one immensely.

The plot seamlessly joins together the current murder investigation with the horror of Tyler’s troubled childhood and moves along at a nice steady pace, with additional sub-plots and interesting characters that kept me engrossed throughout.
Although this is the third book in the series, it reads perfectly as a stand alone book. 4.5*

Thank you to TBC Reviewer Request Group for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[A.A. Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in the hugely enjoyable Tyler & Mills series, this story sees Jim Tyler seeking therapy as his investigation into a priest's death uncovers horrors buried in his own childhood. As twist is heaped upon twist, the contrast between Tyler's solitary existence and his sidekick's happy home life is all too stark - but sshhh - is there a hint of romance on the way for the lucky Jim?

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really well plotted police procedural. I enjoyed the main characters although sometimes mixed them up. The elements of satanism made for a bit of a different flavour to the story and the fact that it was based in familiar area to me made it all the more enjoyable. A 4* read for me

[Greta Halliday · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent well thought out police procedural. Loved the characters, some you love and some you hate. I especially liked the setting of the book, taking me back to places that I am very familiar with. 4* from me. Thanks to Tbc for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

DCI Tyler and DS Mills are called to investigate a grim set of murders in North Staffordshire, one in particular resonates with DCI Tyler who is struggling with his own demons. A gripping read, my first in the Tyler and Mills series - I will definitely be reading the others.

[Beccy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers request- Thank you
This is the third book in the Tyler and Mills series but genuinely works well as a standalone. I loved the characters and the way that they interacted with each other throughout the novel. Mark has given Tyler and Mills real features that spring to life from the page. I love a good murder mystery but nothing prepared me for this book – a murdered priest who has been known for previous bad behaviours. Who knew? Who killed him?
A deliciously dark read-thank you

[Chris Tunnicliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A priest is found murdered amid a flurry of church desecrations.There are theories aplenty to keep Tyler and Mills on their toes. Lots of false leads, more murder and brings up feelings from Tylers past which means he has to keep questioning himself about his objectivity. A great police procedural story I'm looking forward to more.

[John Thys · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read

This is the third book with Tyler and Mills as the main characters and sadly at the moment the last one .All I'll say about the storyline is it starts off with a dog Walker finding a priest crucified on a cross and more murders to follow as with the other two books I really enjoyed it and I'm hoping the author will decide to write some more around the same duo as I'm sure there is plenty of scope to do so it's a very talented author that can write a good book with no boring bits without resorting too being to explicit with sex and gore and this is such an author excellent work I hope to read many more

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the Tyler and Mills series and I think they’re getting better, possibly as we get deeper into the characters and working relationship of the two. There’s a fair deal of humour in there too. A priest is found murdered, crucified in the woods near his church. A link to a Satanist group seems to be the answer but things don’t prove to be so simple. Mills is fighting his waistline and Tyler facing down his ghosts so there’s lots to the two main characters. The detectives have their work cut out in this one and it’s a very good story, complex and enjoyable.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written book with a great plot. Enjoyed it alot.

[Michele Northwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to win this book in a competition. It is the third book in a series but, in my opinion, it isn’t necessary to have read the two previous books to enjoy this one. The plot revolves around DCI Tyler and DS Mills who have to investigate a series of killings. When a priest is found crucified, rumour abounds as to the culprits and reason behind the killing. Is it related in some way to terrorism or the workings of a satanic cult?

I liked the way that both men are fighting their own inner battles. Whereas Mills’ situation is quite comical. (He is fighting food cravings and seems to be constantly bombarded by delicious, sweet offerings whenever he has to make a home visit.) In comparison, Tyler’s demons are much darker and deeper set. For him, this particular case really hits home. It reminds him of his traumatic childhood in the care of adults who abused their situation of authority.

Not wanting to give away any spoilers, I will just say that there are several twists and turns to the story that throw the reader off the scent. This is a complex story; well written, and well worth a read!

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Fowler and his fictional detectives are once again on top form in this, book 3, in the excellent Tyler and Mills series.

The rapport and camaraderie between DCI Tyler and DS Mills at times had me choking with laughter but this also helped relieve the tension of yet another fraught case. When a priest is found nailed to a cross having been murdered, the detectives are forced to battle with not only the urgency to stop further crimes by bringing the murderer(s) to justice, but also the media who initially are set on it being the result of terrorism and a satanic cult.

When the media tide turns to the potential of it being a vendetta against the individual priest who had an unproven criminal case brought against him, the pressure grows and then intensifies when a further murder is found – as does the black humour of the two detectives.

This is page turning crime fiction as it’s very best. But of course it is, Mark Fowler is directing the proceedings.

[Susan Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third outing for Mills and Tyler and out of the ones I’ve read so far (I have read them out of order), this is my least favourite. The book itself is good but the story line in my opinion was not as gripping as the previous ones.

I did guess the killer and motive in this one where usually in Mark’s books I’m not able to.

This book begins with the brutal murder of a local parish priest who has had a chequered history. There are links to a local cult who have some links to satanic worship. More priests begin to get attacked and churches get vandalised.

As more bodies turn up that are linked to the cult, Tyler and Mills start looking into how these cases are all linked.

A good read which did keep me turning the pages.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil wore black by Mark L. Fowler.
Di Jim Tyler and Ds Danny Mills are back. This time a murder at a church. Father Peterson has been jailed onto a wooden cross. Naked. Why and by who? Another murder a Jane Hopkins. And another Evie Ryles and Faye Winkelman. Are they related. Can they find the killer?
A brilliant read. Some Good characters.i had no idea on who it was. Very twisted. 5*.

Merged review:

The Devil wore black by Mark L. Fowler.
Di Jim Tyler and Ds Danny Mills are back. This time a murder at a church. Father Peterson has been jailed onto a wooden cross. Naked. Why and by who? Another murder a Jane Hopkins. And another Evie Ryles and Faye Winkelman. Are they related. Can they find the killer?
A brilliant read. Some Good characters.i had no idea on who it was. Very twisted. 5*.