The Devils You Know

by Ben Sanders

Ben Sanders, author of American Blood, strikes again in a mile-a-minute white-knuckle ride through the heart of darkness in sunny California.'It's easy to see what the fuss is about. Sanders' prose is sharper than a switchblade . . . It's like Raymond Chandler, Lee Child and Elmore Leonard rolled into one.' - Sydney Morning Herald on American BloodVincent needs a change. He's spent the last fifteen years in covert operations for the US government, but after a botched and fatal mission, he decides he's done with pulling triggers. He lucks into a dream job in Santa Barbara as head of security for supermarket mogul Eugene nothing more than driving the boss to and from golf, with ample downtime for surfing, or sitting by the pool contemplating life-and how to live it with a zero body count.There he meets and is intrigued by Lamar's daughter, the journalist Erin Jones, who's on tour in California to promote her book about the benefits of war. Vincent's seen his share of conflict and is sure he can change her mind - and he'd really like to make his case over drinks. But there's a if Lamar's business is confined to supermarkets, why does he need a panic room full of assault rifles, and a .357 revolver in his car? It doesn't take long for Vincent to find out that Lamar owes a debt to bad people - and that's only the start of it. He's ensnared in a criminal enterprise, which soon brings costs in lives as well as money.Erin wants answers, and needs Vincent's help to get them. But how much does she already know? Is his growing attraction to her a liability? And can he keep her safe from the brutal killers who are after her father? It seems that Santa Barbara is a sunny town full of dark talent, and Vincent will have to revert to dark talents of his own if he's going to survive . . .

Genres: Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Audiobook, Mystery

Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2021

About the author

BEN SANDERS was born in 1989. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vincent was new head of security for the millionaire supermarket mogul Eugene Lamar. His job was a breeze, even giving him time for his surfing. But when he was driving Lamar, his job was serious, as he was about to find out. Vincent had experienced extreme violence on his missions for the US government, now his goal was no more guns, no more death. But his vow would be short-lived. Learning the hard way that his new boss owed big money to men who would stop at nothing to retrieve it meant Vincent’s no gun rule was broken almost before it was made.

At the beautiful home in Santa Barbara, which belonged to Lamar, his daughter Erin Jones was currently residing, and when Vincent arrived back, to a barrage of bullets and bodies lying in pools of blood, his concern immediately shifted to Erin. Could he save her? Or would they both be killed?

With the police and a US Marshall, their aim was to find the gang who had perpetrated the violence. But worse was to happen; more people would die; the stakes would rise, and the danger would accelerate. Sunny Santa Barbara had a darkness that the average person never viewed – would the criminal enterprise be beaten?

The Devils You Know by New Zealand author Ben Sanders was an excellent read! From the first page until the last it kept me captivated, with plenty of twists, fast paced action and intense confrontations. I’ve only read one other by this author, "American Blood", and I wasn’t overly impressed, so when I received this one from the publishers, I was a little dubious. But I’ve definitely had my mind changed, with The Devils You Know just what I enjoy in this type of book. Highly recommended.

With thanks to Allen & Unwin AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The Devils You Know by Ben Sanders takes you on an explosive violent rampage with an organised crime enterprise, a story of survival.

Our protagonist is ex Navy seal Vincent, he’s served in Iraq, survived a fatal mission and now he’s in his forties and looking for a change, a job where he doesn’t need to carry a gun. He’s alarmingly handy with his fists and is known to bust up a few noses along the way.

Vincent thinks he’s found his dream job in Santa Barbara, high pay and low stress as a driver and head of property security for supermarket mogul Eugene Lamar. Surfs in the morning, casual clothes consisting of shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops, how dreamy can that be! When he’s introduced to a panic room on the property and a gun safe bearing illegal weaponry he realises there’s more in play.

Eugene’s daughter Erin is an author who has written a book about the aspects of the Iraq war and its benefits and she’s staying at the property for the moment. Vincent finds himself growing immensely attracted to her.

Suddenly Vincent finds himself caught up in a situation that could cost him his life. Erin needs his help, can he keep her safe from the brutal murderers who are out for her father’s blood?

Ben Saunders has delivered a heart racing read. I enjoyed the charming character of Vincent.

Thank you to publishers Allen & Unwin for the opportunity to win a copy of the book.

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devils You Know is my first read by best-selling author Ben Sanders and I can easily see why he has such a huge following. He writes with prose that are sharp and biting. His characters are wonderfully drawn with a protagonist that is rugged and heroic combating antagonists that are dark and ruthless. The perfect mix for a compelling crime mystery.

Vincent applies for a position as body guard to supermarket mogul Eugene Lamar. He is expecting an easy ride, a bit of a holiday, a ride around the golf course and then some time for a surf. However, he soon learns there is more to Lamar than meets the eye. Lamar owes somebody some big money and they are out to make him pay.
As the stakes rise so does the body count and Vincent teams up with Lamar's daughter, Erin Jones, to find out who is behind the extortion.

I really enjoyed the character of Vincent. He was calm and cool, battle scarred but still competitive.  he wouldn't carry a gun but didn't baulk at busting a few noses.
The multiple points of view narration and short chapters kept the story moving along at a steady pace and held my interest throughout. 

Sanders shows through Vincent and Erin you can be on opposite side of a political agenda and still have level headed conversations  about it without getting heated and offensive or offended.

The subtle romance thread was well executed and the element of mystery had me guessing and second guessing until it came to a well wrapped up and satisfactory conclusion.
*I received a copy from the publisher

[Kylie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read some great reviews for this book, for me it fell quite flat. The characters to me were quite two dimensional and the plot went nowhere in particular. I got three quarters through the book and started to get bored.
Perhaps not my to my taste, I am sure that there will be others who love it.
The story is of Vincent an ex-Navy seal who is now employed as a private security guard. His new job sees him rightfully mistrusting his new employer. Things go pear shaped and Vincent who has sworn off guns finds himself needing to pick one up again.
The action is up and down, it was OK but I personally cannot recommend it.
Thank you Allen & Unwin for the copy of the book that I won.

[John Paxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good prose and descriptions. The plot meandered for a while and realism slipped more than once but overall entertaining.

[Jack Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before any comparisons are made to the 2018 series Bodyguard, it's worth noting that the 1992 film The Bodyguard has a similar premise. And that movie was actually written in the seventies, as a role for Steve McQueen. This basic story structure - bodyguard initially dislikes principal, reluctantly falls for her, and also kills a bunch of bad guys - can probably be found on cave paintings. But I doubt it's ever been executed as well as it is in The Devils You Know.

Vincent is a former Navy Seal who served in Iraq - now he's in California, a flip-flop wearing bodyguard for a supermarket tycoon, with no interest in ever touching a gun again. He expects to spend most of his time surfing, and the rest of it writing a screenplay. (When in LA, right?) But the tycoon's daughter, Erin, is a headline-grabbing conservative pundit, and soon she needs protecting from a hit squad. Vincent finds himself needing his old skills, breaking his new codes, and reluctantly becoming the man he used to be.

The story is ultra-modern on a superficial level. The characters use smartphones, and chat about 9/11, Antifa and "the intellectual dark web". But under the hood, a vintage motor is roaring. An ex-military tough guy who just wants the quiet life, a classy dame who needs protecting, a hitman who likes to muse about the human condition before he pulls the trigger, the smell of cordite after every gunfight - this book wouldn't be out of place on bestseller lists any time in the last eight decades. But that's not to say that the plot doesn't throw some terrific curveballs.

The Devils You Know is written with the flair of James Elroy or Elmore Leonard - or perhaps Quentin Tarantino. Every sentence is scrubbed to a mirror sheen. (I just opened to a random page: "All day, she'd managed to keep it to one side—emotional periphery—but now it was right here, and she felt this strange temptation just to give up, sink into the feeling that everything was terrible, irreparable. And in her head the undamaged world—a counter-world—was playing out, and they had gone to dinner like she'd said in her note to him, and the real world seemed built on such surreal and morbid chance it was absurd she was even here.")

It would be unfair to describe The Devils You Know as "style over substance." The style IS the substance. Sanders knows the perfect word for everything, which makes even the non-fight scenes a joy to read. Those non-fight scenes are rare, though. From the bone-crunching punch-up on page 14 to the bloody shootout in the remote house, action fans will have a blast. Just to give some idea of how this book rolls, almost everyone introduced in chapter 1 is dead by the end of chapter 11.

The linguistic flair helps the reader overlook the parts that don't withstand much scrutiny. Vincent, for example, ultimately seduces Erin by heckling her from the crowd during a TV appearance. That doesn't make sense on either a plot or character level, but it's very cool, and cool is Sanders' main concern. (Which isn't to say there aren't hidden depths here. Vincent's political disagreements with Erin are unexpectedly nuanced, though they may start to feel repetitive for some readers.) The narrator of the audiobook, Chris Coucouvinas, also deserves a shout-out. He makes the most of the already gleaming dialogue, with a mixture of laid-back, macho and vulnerable voices that the reader can't help but lean into.

If you like the hard-boiled genre, Sanders might be the best living writer of it - you'll love The Devils You Know. As with The Stakes and American Blood before it, I couldn't put it down, and didn't want it to end.

Jack Heath is the author of Hideout.

[RG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Organised crime, action, corruption, this has it all. A great read. Sanders is definitely in the running to take over Lee Childs throne ( earlier novels). He writes great tough guy thrillers in the vein of reacher. Definitely read this if you want some fun

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're new to Ben Sanders work then you've got some catching up to do. Starting out with the Sean Deveraux books - THE FALLEN (2010) and BY ANY MEANS (2011) - Sanders announced himself as a purveyor of hard-boiled, American based, whatever it takes crime fiction, part hard-man, part lone-wolf, part sad guy against the world; always crash or crash through. From there he created the Marshall Grade series - AMERICAN BLOOD (2015) and MARSHALL'S LAW (2017) - both of which used the same sort of style, with a character that fitted into the hard-boiled, gun obsessed, blood soaked American lone wolf stylings (as I put it at the time) like a clenched fist in a black, leather glove. In 2019 he came out with THE STAKES which ramped everything up a notch, adding scammer to the hard-man character, incorporated a female sidekick, a hitman and enough twists and turns to engage the most jaded of thriller readers (this one I particularly enjoyed).

Now in 2021, Sanders' latest release is THE DEVILS YOU KNOW, this time with a central character who is himself a jaded, surfer ex-covert ops agent, who has sworn off violence and guns. So you'd think a job as head of security for a millionaire supermarket mogul would be a bit of a breeze. Not so, as it's not long into his new luxury living and a spot of surfing lifestyle, that Eugene Lamar is shot dead, along with most of the occupants of the Santa Barbara mansion, with Vincent barely getting himself and Lamar's daughter Erin out alive.

Fast-forward to a supermarket owner who owed a lot of money to a lot of very pissed off people, a daughter who may or may not know more than she's letting on, a US Marshall who's hard to fathom sometimes, and it looks like Vincent is all that's standing between daughter Erin, some very determined people, and the need to take up a gun despite his squeamishness.

It's easy sometimes, in the world of noir, hard-man based thrillers, to think it's all been done before. And whilst there are many elements here that have most definitely been done before, Sanders has developed a way of creating hard-men characters who are engaging, a bit fragile, and very real. There's even a touch of possible romance in this one that kind of works. Of course there's plenty of action as you'd hope in this sort of thriller, and there's a truly amazing level of violence of the kind of expect from an American gangster style story. There's a lot of rushing about, and thumbing of noses at the bad guys, all delivered in a prose style that's razor sharp, with a dry sense of humour given free rein.

Part of my more lukewarm response to the earlier novels by this author was because their predictability was, well, a bit too predictable. Competently delivered and very readable but perhaps not as new or surprising as you'd hope. On the other hand, these last couple of outings - THE STAKES and now THE DEVILS YOU KNOW - have warmed the response markedly. Both of these have taken the predictable elements, slapped them onto the page, and then twisted them around some truly good characters, some seriously impressive action, and some clever plotting to come up with something that's readable, engaging and quite exciting.

https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...

[Jack Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly 1.5/5 not even a 2.

I have given this book so many opportunities to get better. I got 3/4 of the way through before I found myself skimming pages to find interesting stuff snd at that point you may as well just give up.

The plot wasn’t that interesting, ex military guy ends up protecting some character you don’t care about for reasons you care even less about. The characters were just void of anything interesting about them.

I couldn’t recommend this to anyone, which is annoying because I have really enjoyed his other books.

If you can get it for $2 it’s worth it. I paid $11 as I have enjoyed the other he has written. That was too much.

[John Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE DEVILS YOU KNOW
by Ben Sanders

The Devils You Know by Ben Sanders introduces hired help Vincent who is, in some ways, archetypical of the genre in that he’s clean cut, ex-military and seeking work as a carer/bodyguard. A career as a trained killing machine in service of his country has left him with a distaste of firearms. His asking price - to be placed between Eugene Lamar and any who might wish him harm - is $3500 a week, but he has to settle for a grand less.

Lamar has made a huge fortune from supermarkets and grocery lines but, as Vincent suspects, his new employer’s wealth has accumulated from something more than that. Despite his avowed dislike of weapons, Vincent is shown a secure room at Lamar’s home that contains a small armoury. Then, too, there is the three-five-seven magnum in the glovebox of the car in which he chauffeurs his boss.

It’s difficult to tell a great deal of the story without spoilers, however in the early pages we meet three people who have a bearing on the book’s direction. First the psychotic little Cuban, Andre, “...there was a depth to his eyes that convinced Vincent … he’d have no qualms about turning the street into a free-fire zone.” Then there’s Erin, Lamar’s daughter, who is on a round of speaking engagements discussing her book justifying the Iraq War. And Vincent’s backstop, his old friend Beauden Ash.

One superficially interesting development is the discourse between Vincent and the inevitably pretty Andre over their country’s rights and roles in foreign wars, one discussing it from a political viewpoint, the other combat involvement. Despite their differences, they join forces as an investigative team as the story progresses.

There are drugs involved, a missing shipment, huge monetary value, those who want some of the profits without due input, disagreements, a fair degree of violence and, of course, the fact that Vincent, despite an avowed hatred of guns, is more than adept in their use. It’s as well he is.

It’s not a story that will give anyone nightmares, despite its rough, tough premise, and is a little slow to start. Once under way, however, it swings along at a fair clip and does pretty much what it sets out to do, establish a new protector of all that is right. Or otherwise…

Great fare for those addicted to American lone heroes setting the world to rights, even though written by a Kiwi.

[Jez Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

It would be tempting to put this down as just another action detective book, but it's not.
A retired veteran, now working security, spend time helping a client track down killers. There highlight worthy descriptions of every day items and clever dialogue throughout. I didn't find any section of it dragged and kept me entertained right the way through.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I struggle to find a book I really get pulled in by and want to keep reading but this was it. I loved this book so much and wish it kept going on!

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like a boys' own adventure. Lots of guns, killings and twist and turns. A holiday read.

[Claudine Tinellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Ben Sander's book I have read and it won't be the last. Wow! This novel was action-packed, filled with sharp and witty dialogue along with interesting, complex characters showing human nature at its best and worst. A likeable yet flawed character in Vincent. He's an ex-Navy Seal who served in Iraq and is haunted by the violence sanctioned by war - determined not to engage in any if he can help it. But then along comes an opportunity to work as head of security for supermarket mogul Eugene Lamar and despite Vincent's best intentions, he becomes embroiled in a bloody, life-threatening battle that will test his resolve.

I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this on a whim as Ben Sanders was a new author to me and I’m so glad I did! Vincent wants nothing to do with guns since his military service as a Navy SEAL in the Middle East left him with bad memories and regrets, so a cushy security job at a Santa Barbara mansion seems ideal until the masked gunmen arrive. I loved the Californian setting and Vincent’s competent, slightly cynical stoicism - it reminded me so much of Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe. There was plenty of sleuthing and action, anyone who likes Reacher or Marlowe would enjoy this. Audio narrator Chris Coucouvinis hit all the notes perfectly and I’d definitely listen to other books by this author or narrator.

[Vahida Berberovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vincent has spent fifteen years as a soldier in various operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now he’s ready for the easy life of a security man for a rich guy in Santa Barbara. Who has a good-looking, if somewhat controversial, daughter.

Except it’s not that a cushy job. His rich, a bit shady, employer is murdered in a brutal bloodbath, and Vincent has to use all the skills that helped him survive in war situations to save himself and the daughter. And find answers as to why brutal killers are after them.

If you like Jack Reacher, then Vincent is your type!

[Gwendo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual type of book. I wanted to read it as it was written by a New Zealand writer. I enjoyed the laid back style. Even though it was a heavy topic It didn't drag me into a dark place. I loved the characters. Ben Sanders has a more contemporary writing style as in I can sense the generational shift in his writing. If I compared him to Lee Child as was mentioned on the cover I would say he is more connected to the current zeitgeist.

[Al Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope that Sanders gives Vincent another run. Plenty of action. Really bad guys. Of course good triumphs over evil in the end, as it should. No skimming required.
A touch of Jack Reacher maybe, but certainly not a rip off.
Nice twist on the last page.

[Simon Armitage · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Great to see a kiwi author succeeding in the genre. An ex covert operative ends up acting as a body guard for a wealthy client. Things to not go well. The twists in the plot keep you guessing and has its lighthearted moments. Worth the read if looking for pure escapist distraction.

[Deyara · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

It was okay but not really my cup-of-tea, and characters felt unexpectedly flat - they had big backstories, but just didnt really like any of them, which made it hard to stay engaged. Does feel very American so if you like that you may well enjoy this.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book of this. Not in the least enjoyable as the narrator spoke in a short burst followed by a pause, short burst, pause of about 4 words each time. Gave up and read the physical book. Story was spoilt for me because of this.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pacifying

[Susan Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast-paced complex murder mystery - interesting and descriptive character and plot

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good without being great.

[Sreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read half then thought it wasn’t worth the effort, nothing being gained from poor characters,setting and common sort of US crime story.

[Wayne Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing earth shattering but just a decent action thriller that would make a watchable Netflix film

[Garth · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exciting romp.

[Alex Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read - very enjoyable hard-boiled PI/bodyguard-type thriller set in California - perfect relaxation reading.

[Matt Collard]

DNF at 54%

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed others by this author more. Lots of action and nasty characters and the prerequisite attractive lady in distress - can see it being a typical US movie.