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Devour
Master Chef Michael Rogan owns a world-renowned restaurant, is married to his college sweetheart, and has a daughter beginning college. His life is as picturesque as their mountaintop retreat overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
That is until Frederick Dalton, an old Army buddy turned Warden at San Quentin, drifts in from the past with an odd request. He will release Michael’s estranged father—serving time on Death Row for the murder of his wife 30 years ago—in exchange for one small favor. Michael declines.
Michael’s life is once again disrupted when his estranged brother Scott arrives unexpectedly looking for a job. Michael reluctantly agrees and things soon head sideways.
Scott is found dead in the restaurant’s freezer, with a knife in his chest. Police want to believe Michael’s alibi, but the facts say otherwise.
Charged with murder, and facing his father’s same nightmarish confinement, Michael must face his worst nightmare and choose how far he will go to regain his freedom.
LEARN MORE: DAVIDTEMPLEBOOKS.COM
That is until Frederick Dalton, an old Army buddy turned Warden at San Quentin, drifts in from the past with an odd request. He will release Michael’s estranged father—serving time on Death Row for the murder of his wife 30 years ago—in exchange for one small favor. Michael declines.
Michael’s life is once again disrupted when his estranged brother Scott arrives unexpectedly looking for a job. Michael reluctantly agrees and things soon head sideways.
Scott is found dead in the restaurant’s freezer, with a knife in his chest. Police want to believe Michael’s alibi, but the facts say otherwise.
Charged with murder, and facing his father’s same nightmarish confinement, Michael must face his worst nightmare and choose how far he will go to regain his freedom.
LEARN MORE: DAVIDTEMPLEBOOKS.COM
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2020
5 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 6, 2020
Master Chef Michael Rogan has everything he always wanted.. except he wants more. He's got a great wife and a daughter getting ready for college. But his family is not as happy as he is ... he's never home, always working. They'd rather have more of him and less of the 'things'.
Michael's father is serving time on Death Row for murdering Michael's mother. Coincidentally, the warden at the prison is an old Army buddy of Michael's. There's a chance the warden can get his father out of prison, but he wants something in exchange. Michael says NO!
If that's not enough to ruin Michael's day, his estranged brother, Scott, shows up looking for work. And then Scott is found dead in the restaurant’s freezer, with Michael's prized Chef's knife in his chest. Police want to believe Michael when he claims he was out of town, but facts say otherwise.
Where was Michael? Why did he lie? Is it like father -- like son? Is someone setting him up?
This was a slow starter for me. It was fine in that the backstory was much needed. It took forever (it seems) to get to the guts of the story. Once reached, it moved at a much brisker pace. I didn't much care for the characters. The prison warden, especially, was a sadist when it came to his prisoners and staff. Michael's relationship with his daughter feels a little off. Michael's wife was always coming and going for job .. she didn't seem too invested in her family. I did like Michael ... he has issues, but he's come a long, long way from the horrible childhood he had.
Many thanks to the author / 82 MERCER Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological/crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 8, 2020
Two distinctly different worlds - a wealthy family and a prisoner at San Quentin. What could they have in Common?
An entertaining story of connections. Although nothing as it seems...
Suspenseful and keeps you guessing to the very end!
RECOMMEND!
Many Thanks to 85 Mercer Publishing & NetGalley for a great read!
An entertaining story of connections. Although nothing as it seems...
Suspenseful and keeps you guessing to the very end!
RECOMMEND!
Many Thanks to 85 Mercer Publishing & NetGalley for a great read!
November 12, 2020
With eighty (80) chapters, Devour is one long book. It took a minute for me to get into. However, once it started rolling for me, the story kept me engaged. I had to finish it to find out WTH?! In Devour, David Temple creates believable characters and one that is particularly scary. He makes you feel that there are really people out there like this guy. Michael's relationships with his daughter, wife, and yes, mistress are relatable and believable. They are authentic. You like Michael, and you want him to succeed in all that he does, but you know his world is about to come crashing down around him because of a particularly sick psychopath entering his life. The suspense in this story is palpable, and everything Fredrick, the antagonist, does can mess with your head big time. With plenty of twists, one big WTF moment, much drama, especially on the relationship side, endearing scenes, and lots of suspense, Devour is worth the read. Just make sure you are not looking for a quickie.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2020
A play on words that will make you smile and shiver down to your bones in revulsion; consume at your own peril, don't say I didn't warn you!
This entire book can be wrapped up within one word: "Devour". Some of the play on words and meanings, as they relate to this book's title, you'll see coming and others you won't; they're all a clever twist based upon the foundation as laid out by this one word alone.
"Devour" isn't for the faint of heart, but it's not as dark or sinister as it could've been; and, for this, I'm thankful! Many slicing and dicing details have been omitted and left for the reader's imagination to fill in the blanks.
The book is large and long but clips along at a good pace. Despite the heaviness of the material, you'll also sense that it's quite light. It could deal one crushing blow after another but is told in a manner that alleviates burdens before you've had time to fully digest. It's well-paced, and balanced, just like a good book (or fine dining experience) should be.
Where length becomes an issue is more in regards to edits. There are quite a few missing words or words that are transposed. Despite this, the story-line is solid; even the errors cannot detract.
Side Dish: "Devour" reminds me of the television show "Hannibal". Not surprising as the author shares this is where he hopes to take this book next: A screen near you! From book to screen-play, I wish this author nothing but success.
Dessert: Be sure to read this book through until you find the bonus at the end: A play-list you've got to see to believe! Another play on words by the author that revolves around this book's title. It'll make you groan, laugh, and sing-along.
*I received an advance review copy, via Reedsy Discovery, in exchange for my honest review.
This entire book can be wrapped up within one word: "Devour". Some of the play on words and meanings, as they relate to this book's title, you'll see coming and others you won't; they're all a clever twist based upon the foundation as laid out by this one word alone.
"Devour" isn't for the faint of heart, but it's not as dark or sinister as it could've been; and, for this, I'm thankful! Many slicing and dicing details have been omitted and left for the reader's imagination to fill in the blanks.
The book is large and long but clips along at a good pace. Despite the heaviness of the material, you'll also sense that it's quite light. It could deal one crushing blow after another but is told in a manner that alleviates burdens before you've had time to fully digest. It's well-paced, and balanced, just like a good book (or fine dining experience) should be.
Where length becomes an issue is more in regards to edits. There are quite a few missing words or words that are transposed. Despite this, the story-line is solid; even the errors cannot detract.
Side Dish: "Devour" reminds me of the television show "Hannibal". Not surprising as the author shares this is where he hopes to take this book next: A screen near you! From book to screen-play, I wish this author nothing but success.
Dessert: Be sure to read this book through until you find the bonus at the end: A play-list you've got to see to believe! Another play on words by the author that revolves around this book's title. It'll make you groan, laugh, and sing-along.
*I received an advance review copy, via Reedsy Discovery, in exchange for my honest review.
November 29, 2020
Michael is a family man raising his daughter.
There were some issues with the Kindle formatting because some sentences would often be repeated into the next page and some sections were skipped over entirely, making it hard to follow the story and read.
From what I could gather, the writing was pretty good overall. In a way, there were 2 stories in 1—one concerning Michael and his family, and the other concerning the prisons. The sequence was a bit odd as you don’t really see the connection right away. Very descriptive on scenery and landmarks. The plot is ambiguous, often leaving the reader wondering without any concrete answers. Story had a lot of lengthy preludes with no definitive direction. I kept on reading in the hopes that it would eventually become clear.
The story had potential to be something thrilling and exciting, but it just landed on sheer mediocrity and vagueness. Rather than wanting to devour, this book just left me hungry still.
There were some issues with the Kindle formatting because some sentences would often be repeated into the next page and some sections were skipped over entirely, making it hard to follow the story and read.
From what I could gather, the writing was pretty good overall. In a way, there were 2 stories in 1—one concerning Michael and his family, and the other concerning the prisons. The sequence was a bit odd as you don’t really see the connection right away. Very descriptive on scenery and landmarks. The plot is ambiguous, often leaving the reader wondering without any concrete answers. Story had a lot of lengthy preludes with no definitive direction. I kept on reading in the hopes that it would eventually become clear.
The story had potential to be something thrilling and exciting, but it just landed on sheer mediocrity and vagueness. Rather than wanting to devour, this book just left me hungry still.
January 14, 2021
I did not love this book. There were things that bothered me, a lot. "Imagining the worse" was a phrase used several times. Jasmine was incorrectly spelled once in the book as Jazmine. I know these are little things, but it matters, to me anyway. I saw one of the "twists" coming two miles away. The characters weren't developed well, in my opinion. It seemed like there were three or four story lines that were converging very sloppily. And the ending felt rushed. And finally, it didn't seem like the villain had a very good reason to go after the family, when, I felt like, it was implied that there was a reason. I will say, it was good enough for me to finish in just a couple of days, but when it was all over, I was very disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2020
EBook Review: DEVOUR by David Temple
(D) evoid
(E) ssence
(V) irtual
(O) utlandish
(U) rges
(R) avaged
DEVOUR reversed, is to slowly anticipate.
To wonder, when strike will come.
Then suddenly, to wake up forgotten.
As if, now behind closed doors.
One accused, then sent to jail.
Another lost, amongst pills and mischief.
Set aside, the past and prosper.
So thought, until all brought together.
What's happening, who'll put pieces together?
Or maybe, better to leave alone?
Follow along, whoa watch your step.
Who is, coming up behind you?
Take time, to think it through.
The party, is about to begin!
(D) evoid
(E) ssence
(V) irtual
(O) utlandish
(U) rges
(R) avaged
DEVOUR reversed, is to slowly anticipate.
To wonder, when strike will come.
Then suddenly, to wake up forgotten.
As if, now behind closed doors.
One accused, then sent to jail.
Another lost, amongst pills and mischief.
Set aside, the past and prosper.
So thought, until all brought together.
What's happening, who'll put pieces together?
Or maybe, better to leave alone?
Follow along, whoa watch your step.
Who is, coming up behind you?
Take time, to think it through.
The party, is about to begin!
October 5, 2020
This is a totally different story from those we usually find under thriller/mystery, it´s dark, has a frantic pace, lots of deceit, crime, lies and at the same time talks about love, friendship, respect, diversity. It also shows how opposing worlds may find common points and from there respect and trust can be built upon. It´s an interesting reading with a plot full of twists and unexpected turns. Entertaining!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2020
A suspenseful mystery and entertaining read. A chef enjoys an enviable life until he finds himself charged with murder. A riveting tale of how far one man will go to regain his life and prove his innocence. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this book, a solid entertaining read
January 25, 2021
Devour punches you in the gut from the beginning and doesn't let up. Some chapters will leave thoughts replaying in your memory over and over days after reading. David's writing makes you feel like you're there, with the characters, in the moment, tapping into all of your senses. Buy it!
January 31, 2021
Think I may have just found a new favorite author to add to my list! This book is crazy amazing! Fast paced on the edge of your seat read! An absolute page turner!
January 15, 2022
One of the creepiest books I've read but I just couldn't put it down. It is a psychological thriller at it’s best. If you can stand extra creepy then this one is defiantly for you!
December 29, 2020
This was my first read from David Temple, but it will not be the last. Devour is a psychological thriller at it’s best. It is gruesome and will keep you coming back for more. It moves at an almost frantic pace, but the story does not suffer because of it. Deceit. Lies. Love. Friendship. Respect and diversity. All of these elements are there and more. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you in engaged, and you will find yourself rooting for the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews