What do you think?
The Devil's Song
Kate Magda, an up-and-coming prosecutor and the privileged daughter of the politically connected President Judge Tommy Magda, has been given the assignment of a lifetime--lead prosecutor on a string of murders rocking Mission County, Pennsylvania. Kate views the assignment as her chance to not only convict a serial killer, but to make a name for herself--one other than "the judge's daughter." She is determined to show her boss, her family, and the public that she is more than her father's shadow.
As Kate delves into the case, she becomes convinced that she shares a personal link with the killer, who seems to know intimate details about a tragic childhood event Kate suffered--an event she thought she'd left in the past. It's the way the victims are being posed--naked and dumped in open graves. Paranoia sets in, the night terrors return, and Kate has an imminent sense that she's the killer's next victim. Kate no longer feels assigned to the case...she is the case, and solving it is her only chance for survival.
As Kate delves into the case, she becomes convinced that she shares a personal link with the killer, who seems to know intimate details about a tragic childhood event Kate suffered--an event she thought she'd left in the past. It's the way the victims are being posed--naked and dumped in open graves. Paranoia sets in, the night terrors return, and Kate has an imminent sense that she's the killer's next victim. Kate no longer feels assigned to the case...she is the case, and solving it is her only chance for survival.
Audiobook
First published December 8, 2017
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 2, 2018
2.75 stars
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
POVs: Third-person, multiple
Triggers: Yes.
A high-profile murder case that ADA Kate Magda was coveting lands directly in her lap when the initial attorney has a terrible accident. This story details Kate and Detective Sam Hart’s journey to discovering the truth.
This debut novel started off strong, became less interesting in the middle, and then picked back up again at the very end. Kate was gutsy, savvy, and smart, but I wasn’t enamored by her personal or professional lifestyle, nor was I thrilled by any of the other characters. They all became lackluster over time and some of the characters’ actions just didn’t make any sense so I had difficulty buying into the entire story. In sum, this story was OK but it wasn’t the gripping thriller that I was looking for. Hopefully other readers will enjoy this story more.
► Cutest lines spoken by Kate?
“I’ll let you in on a secret. My personal life is a total shit-show. The clothes and shoes are my beard. The heels are my therapy.”
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
POVs: Third-person, multiple
Triggers: Yes.
A high-profile murder case that ADA Kate Magda was coveting lands directly in her lap when the initial attorney has a terrible accident. This story details Kate and Detective Sam Hart’s journey to discovering the truth.
This debut novel started off strong, became less interesting in the middle, and then picked back up again at the very end. Kate was gutsy, savvy, and smart, but I wasn’t enamored by her personal or professional lifestyle, nor was I thrilled by any of the other characters. They all became lackluster over time and some of the characters’ actions just didn’t make any sense so I had difficulty buying into the entire story. In sum, this story was OK but it wasn’t the gripping thriller that I was looking for. Hopefully other readers will enjoy this story more.
► Cutest lines spoken by Kate?
“I’ll let you in on a secret. My personal life is a total shit-show. The clothes and shoes are my beard. The heels are my therapy.”
January 24, 2018
THE DEVIL’S SONG
Lauren Stahl
MY RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️
PUBLISHER Akashic Books
PUBLISHED January 2, 2018
A fabulous debut novel about a female prosecutor who questions everything to find the truth about both the present and the past.
SUMMARY
Someone is killing redheaded women in Mission County, Pennsylvania. Three women have died so far. Prosecutor Kate Magda is assign the lead on this high profile case and she sees it as an opportunity to make a name for herself, and finally get out from under the shadow of her father, a well connected, long standing local judge. The more Kate reads about the case the more convince she is that she has a personal connection to the killer. When Kate, a redhead was only 5, she and her cousin, Tess experienced a traumatic childhood event, the killer seems to know all about the details of that horrific event. Then the case gets even closer. Kate’s intern is murdered and left on the courthouse steps. Fearing she will be the next victim, Kate pull out all the stops to solve the case. It may be the only way she can survive.
REVIEW
THE DEVIL’S SONG is a heart pumping and riveting tale of unrelenting tension. It’s a story about a serial killer investigation; and it’s a story about a real family and the history that haunts them. LAUREN STAHL has written a fascinating debut novel that grabs her readers and doesn’t let go. The writing is fluid, the characters well-developed, and the plot has many interest elements. Kate Magna, is a bluestocking woman, who stands up to trouble, questions everything, and is determined to seek justice. I hope to read more books about her in the future. The title was the only thing about this book that scared me. It was the key reason that I put off reading this book for over six weeks, and then after reading it I failed to see how the title connected to the story. Despite that I would recommend this book to anyone with an inkling for strong women characters and legal thrillers. Can’t wait for the next LAUREN STAHL book.
Thanks to LibraryThing, Akashic Books and Lauren Stahl for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lauren Stahl
MY RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️
PUBLISHER Akashic Books
PUBLISHED January 2, 2018
A fabulous debut novel about a female prosecutor who questions everything to find the truth about both the present and the past.
SUMMARY
Someone is killing redheaded women in Mission County, Pennsylvania. Three women have died so far. Prosecutor Kate Magda is assign the lead on this high profile case and she sees it as an opportunity to make a name for herself, and finally get out from under the shadow of her father, a well connected, long standing local judge. The more Kate reads about the case the more convince she is that she has a personal connection to the killer. When Kate, a redhead was only 5, she and her cousin, Tess experienced a traumatic childhood event, the killer seems to know all about the details of that horrific event. Then the case gets even closer. Kate’s intern is murdered and left on the courthouse steps. Fearing she will be the next victim, Kate pull out all the stops to solve the case. It may be the only way she can survive.
REVIEW
THE DEVIL’S SONG is a heart pumping and riveting tale of unrelenting tension. It’s a story about a serial killer investigation; and it’s a story about a real family and the history that haunts them. LAUREN STAHL has written a fascinating debut novel that grabs her readers and doesn’t let go. The writing is fluid, the characters well-developed, and the plot has many interest elements. Kate Magna, is a bluestocking woman, who stands up to trouble, questions everything, and is determined to seek justice. I hope to read more books about her in the future. The title was the only thing about this book that scared me. It was the key reason that I put off reading this book for over six weeks, and then after reading it I failed to see how the title connected to the story. Despite that I would recommend this book to anyone with an inkling for strong women characters and legal thrillers. Can’t wait for the next LAUREN STAHL book.
Thanks to LibraryThing, Akashic Books and Lauren Stahl for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2017
I read a LOT of thrillers, more than I plan to actually, and legal thrillers are my absolute favorite. Probably because I started reading Patricia Cornwall’s Scarpetta and James Patterson’s Alex Cross stories back in high school! This is why I was so excited when Kaylie Jones Books reached out to me about this book last summer ~ I was totally up for giving it a shot! Especially from a debut author writing from her professional experiences and from an indie publisher ~ sign me up! •
THE DEVIL’S SONG started just a little bit rough for me, but once the action started I was hooked and finished the entire book yesterday! There are connected storylines with a childhood trauma and a current serial killer, and the legal content was expertly woven in. I was kept guessing right up to the reveal, and with the way the book ended, I am so so hoping this is the first in a series! If you like legal thrillers with badass female lawyers, definitely give this one a shot! It was a 4-star read for me, and it releases on January 2, 2018 from Kaylie Jones Books/Akashic Books.
THE DEVIL’S SONG started just a little bit rough for me, but once the action started I was hooked and finished the entire book yesterday! There are connected storylines with a childhood trauma and a current serial killer, and the legal content was expertly woven in. I was kept guessing right up to the reveal, and with the way the book ended, I am so so hoping this is the first in a series! If you like legal thrillers with badass female lawyers, definitely give this one a shot! It was a 4-star read for me, and it releases on January 2, 2018 from Kaylie Jones Books/Akashic Books.
December 12, 2017
”The shadowy figure walks toward her bed. Without yet seeing his face, she knows it’s him. He reaches for her, slowly scraping the blade of his knife across her throat. She shuts her eyes, unable to watch.”
This starts off at a turtles pace. So I kept thinking that this would gain momentum. The story could have gone two ways and I had the highest of high hopes for this. I really must stop getting my hopes so high.
I didn’t feel any connection towards any of the characters. It seemed that too many characters were victims of cheating or they were hooking up with one another. 🙄🙄
There’s a killer on the loose that might be a copycat. Yes, there are so many stories with the same synopsis but this one kills redheads and leaves them in the weirdest of places. My attention was caught immediately.
The backstory was the best part of this book. It was intriguing, disturbing, and downright despicable. I wanted the story to be more of that. Sadly, it wasn’t.
I was waiting for this huge twist that would make me freak out. Maybe even second guess who I let into my life and it just didn’t happen. You can pretty much guess who it is within the first fifty pages or so.
So much could have been done with this story, but she chose the predictability route. Sigh! Disappointing!
This starts off at a turtles pace. So I kept thinking that this would gain momentum. The story could have gone two ways and I had the highest of high hopes for this. I really must stop getting my hopes so high.
I didn’t feel any connection towards any of the characters. It seemed that too many characters were victims of cheating or they were hooking up with one another. 🙄🙄
There’s a killer on the loose that might be a copycat. Yes, there are so many stories with the same synopsis but this one kills redheads and leaves them in the weirdest of places. My attention was caught immediately.
The backstory was the best part of this book. It was intriguing, disturbing, and downright despicable. I wanted the story to be more of that. Sadly, it wasn’t.
I was waiting for this huge twist that would make me freak out. Maybe even second guess who I let into my life and it just didn’t happen. You can pretty much guess who it is within the first fifty pages or so.
So much could have been done with this story, but she chose the predictability route. Sigh! Disappointing!
September 27, 2021
3.5*
This is a good story. You are introduced easy into the scenario.
The characters and the plot are well written.
This is a good story. You are introduced easy into the scenario.
The characters and the plot are well written.
January 19, 2018
Sensational! I am so proud of Lauren and can't wait for the next book!
June 2, 2021
listening to a million audiobooks on scribd right now
June 14, 2021
Not sure if there is going to be a second book, but it was left on a huge cliffhanger
January 2, 2018
Read my full review here: http://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot.c...
A fast read for a very cold New Year’s Day. I rushed through getting all the Christmas stuff put away so I could read in front of the fire. Aah! Peace, quiet, warmth, and a good book. What more could a person want?
The Devil’s Song by Lauren Stahl is a legal thriller with a female assistant district attorney as the protagonist. Kate Magda comes from a legal heritage—her father is the “President Judge” for the county. ( I had to look that up—it means “chief judge” in Pennsylvania.) Kate lives with her cousin Tess in a house supplied by Kate’s father, who was also Tess’s legal guardian as she was growing up. The two cousins shared a horrific event when they were very young, when Tess’s crazy step-father tried to kill them both. They continue to be haunted by the experience, but their lives are in the process of diverging. Kate is not sure what is happening to Tess, who seems to be drinking and drugging to excess.
A serial killer is on the loose, but he/she is only killing redheads, and redhead Kate is assigned to the case. She realizes very early that the killer seems to be sending a message to her, letting her know that she shares a personal link with the killer, and as a result, Kate fears for her life. The chief detective on the case, Sam Hart and Kate have had an on-again, off-again relationship, and he fears for her as well.
There are a couple of twists and turns, and although the book starts slowly, it builds to an implausible, but effective conclusion. There are some clumsy moments, but in all The Devil’s Song is an engrossing read from a first-time author. I liked how Stahl uses her knowledge of the politics of being a district attorney to her advantage to create a subplot that is just as interesting as the main killer plot. The Devil’s Song most likely is the first in a series, and as Stahl concludes this episode, Kate has survived near death at the hands of the killer. In the final pages, we are fed hints of where the future of ADA Kate Magda may lay.
The title, The Devil’s Song, has very little to do with the plot. It comes from a quote by H. H. Holmes, America’s first identifiable serial killer, who said, “I was born with the devil in me.” This idea, is only obliquely alluded to in the novel. Another title might have been more appropriate. I did enjoy a quote in the first couple of pages when introducing Kate. It came from the novel, Defending Jacob, which said that the key to being a successful prosecutor was to “Lure. Trap. Fuck.” I read and reviewed Defending Jacob in 2012 and loved it. Pleased to see Stahl quote that excellent novel.
Kate is a little hard to like. Tess, even less likeable. Actually, there are not very many likeable characters in the book. That may have been the intent of the author, but it made it hard to engage in the book at the beginning. Additionally, Kate is haunted by her past, but the reader is not helped to empathize with her past, horrifying though it was.
One of the things that I did like was that there were more action scenes than courtroom scenes. Sometimes legal thrillers can get stalled in the courtroom. Some authors I have reviewed try to show just how clever they are in the courtroom, and the reader is going, “Ho-hum!” Kudos to Stahl for staying out of the courtroom. I hope that as Stahl continues her series she uses her legal experience to probe more deeply into the political backdrop of her characters. That was part of attraction of The Devil’s Song. The Publisher’s Weekly reviewer liked the book. “Stahl keeps the reader on a roller-coaster ride with unexpected twists and turns to the end.”
A fast read for a very cold New Year’s Day. I rushed through getting all the Christmas stuff put away so I could read in front of the fire. Aah! Peace, quiet, warmth, and a good book. What more could a person want?
The Devil’s Song by Lauren Stahl is a legal thriller with a female assistant district attorney as the protagonist. Kate Magda comes from a legal heritage—her father is the “President Judge” for the county. ( I had to look that up—it means “chief judge” in Pennsylvania.) Kate lives with her cousin Tess in a house supplied by Kate’s father, who was also Tess’s legal guardian as she was growing up. The two cousins shared a horrific event when they were very young, when Tess’s crazy step-father tried to kill them both. They continue to be haunted by the experience, but their lives are in the process of diverging. Kate is not sure what is happening to Tess, who seems to be drinking and drugging to excess.
A serial killer is on the loose, but he/she is only killing redheads, and redhead Kate is assigned to the case. She realizes very early that the killer seems to be sending a message to her, letting her know that she shares a personal link with the killer, and as a result, Kate fears for her life. The chief detective on the case, Sam Hart and Kate have had an on-again, off-again relationship, and he fears for her as well.
There are a couple of twists and turns, and although the book starts slowly, it builds to an implausible, but effective conclusion. There are some clumsy moments, but in all The Devil’s Song is an engrossing read from a first-time author. I liked how Stahl uses her knowledge of the politics of being a district attorney to her advantage to create a subplot that is just as interesting as the main killer plot. The Devil’s Song most likely is the first in a series, and as Stahl concludes this episode, Kate has survived near death at the hands of the killer. In the final pages, we are fed hints of where the future of ADA Kate Magda may lay.
The title, The Devil’s Song, has very little to do with the plot. It comes from a quote by H. H. Holmes, America’s first identifiable serial killer, who said, “I was born with the devil in me.” This idea, is only obliquely alluded to in the novel. Another title might have been more appropriate. I did enjoy a quote in the first couple of pages when introducing Kate. It came from the novel, Defending Jacob, which said that the key to being a successful prosecutor was to “Lure. Trap. Fuck.” I read and reviewed Defending Jacob in 2012 and loved it. Pleased to see Stahl quote that excellent novel.
Kate is a little hard to like. Tess, even less likeable. Actually, there are not very many likeable characters in the book. That may have been the intent of the author, but it made it hard to engage in the book at the beginning. Additionally, Kate is haunted by her past, but the reader is not helped to empathize with her past, horrifying though it was.
One of the things that I did like was that there were more action scenes than courtroom scenes. Sometimes legal thrillers can get stalled in the courtroom. Some authors I have reviewed try to show just how clever they are in the courtroom, and the reader is going, “Ho-hum!” Kudos to Stahl for staying out of the courtroom. I hope that as Stahl continues her series she uses her legal experience to probe more deeply into the political backdrop of her characters. That was part of attraction of The Devil’s Song. The Publisher’s Weekly reviewer liked the book. “Stahl keeps the reader on a roller-coaster ride with unexpected twists and turns to the end.”
January 4, 2018
This is author, Lauren Stahl's debut novel. Ms. Stahl comes swinging out of the gate. I can't wait to read what Ms. Stahl comes out with next.
Instantly, I connected with the characters and the storyline. Kate is a strong woman. I like that she not only could walk the walk but talk the talk as well. Yet, she was not afraid to admit when she needed help or support as well. Which, she had in Sam. Sam is the type of guy that any woman would want in their corner.
Now to the story. A really good one. I really did not find any faults with it. In fact, the connection to the victims and the reveal of the murder was great. A bit of a surprise when it came to the reveal. Here is hoping that I see Kate and Sam again in the future. The Devil's Song sung to me and it was beautiful. A book worth picking up and reading.
Instantly, I connected with the characters and the storyline. Kate is a strong woman. I like that she not only could walk the walk but talk the talk as well. Yet, she was not afraid to admit when she needed help or support as well. Which, she had in Sam. Sam is the type of guy that any woman would want in their corner.
Now to the story. A really good one. I really did not find any faults with it. In fact, the connection to the victims and the reveal of the murder was great. A bit of a surprise when it came to the reveal. Here is hoping that I see Kate and Sam again in the future. The Devil's Song sung to me and it was beautiful. A book worth picking up and reading.
October 27, 2019
I won an ARC of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway and it somehow sat, shoved back and forgotten, on my bookshelf for way too long. I should have read it much sooner-- it was really good! I liked the main characters, the story was engaging and kept me reading late at night, and there is a set up for book 2, which I am anxious to read.
I do have to admit that the author won me over before I even started the book. She dedicated it to her dog, Myra Ellen. How could I not love that?
I do have to admit that the author won me over before I even started the book. She dedicated it to her dog, Myra Ellen. How could I not love that?
December 31, 2018
Interesting. They always say write what you know, and as a former Assistant District Attorney, Stahl seems to know her stuff, but this story was not as polished as I thought it should be. It seemed choppy and did not flow. Also, the way she introduced and / or discarded (through death or otherwise) characters was often awkward.
Still, it looks like this might be the start to a new series, and Stahl did hold my interest enough, that I would like to see where she goes from here.
Still, it looks like this might be the start to a new series, and Stahl did hold my interest enough, that I would like to see where she goes from here.
August 10, 2017
2.5 Stars
Read
November 19, 2018I started. And stopped. As soon as I realised it was a "heroine had a connection to the killer" sub plot I stopped. Too creepy for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2021
3.5⭐
סה"כ ספר מתח סבבה , אבל בשלב הזה שאני כבר רוויה ספרי מתח , הוא לא ממש מיוחד ומחדש 🤷🏻♀️
סה"כ ספר מתח סבבה , אבל בשלב הזה שאני כבר רוויה ספרי מתח , הוא לא ממש מיוחד ומחדש 🤷🏻♀️
January 5, 2026
bro “it’s ok to not be ok” sybau i was not a fan but ig i read it so there’s that…
March 29, 2023
Interesting book! I want someone to make a movie based on this book! I think it can be very cool! The ending is very open-ended (not regarding the main storyline) and seems like there could be a sequel?
December 25, 2017
I love discovering new authors, especially when they write good books! Lauren Stahl’s debut mystery thriller “The Devil’s Song” (which I received as an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review) was a whale of a good ride.
Prosecutor Kate Magda has been assigned lead counsel on what appears to be a serial killer case. As she becomes more deeply involved in the case, though, she begins to suspect that there is a personal connection between the crimes and a horrific childhood trauma that she and her cousin Tess endured decades ago.
Stahl writes Magda’s role with the confidence of someone who has walked in her protagonist’s shoes, and that’s no surprise, as Stahl is an attorney herself. The author ably tosses out legal jargon and procedures without coming across as know-it-all and without bogging down the story with legalese.
Supporting characters are sufficiently developed to be interesting all on their own, although I wish Magda’s father would have been better fleshed out. For the majority of the novel he seems very one-dimensional because he is offstage, so to speak; we get to know him only through the eyes of Magda and Detective Sam Hart, who is assigned to the same case. When Magda’s father finally makes an appearance (albeit by phone), it is clear that he is not at all one-dimensional. I found him very interesting and would have liked to have had more of him in the storyline. Based on how the book ended, though, it’s clear that the next book in the series will involve Magda’s father considerably more.
“The Devil’s Song” was a gripping novel with a solid plot, fast pace, and good character development. Five stars go to this smashing debut. I look forward to reading the next Kate Magda novel!
Prosecutor Kate Magda has been assigned lead counsel on what appears to be a serial killer case. As she becomes more deeply involved in the case, though, she begins to suspect that there is a personal connection between the crimes and a horrific childhood trauma that she and her cousin Tess endured decades ago.
Stahl writes Magda’s role with the confidence of someone who has walked in her protagonist’s shoes, and that’s no surprise, as Stahl is an attorney herself. The author ably tosses out legal jargon and procedures without coming across as know-it-all and without bogging down the story with legalese.
Supporting characters are sufficiently developed to be interesting all on their own, although I wish Magda’s father would have been better fleshed out. For the majority of the novel he seems very one-dimensional because he is offstage, so to speak; we get to know him only through the eyes of Magda and Detective Sam Hart, who is assigned to the same case. When Magda’s father finally makes an appearance (albeit by phone), it is clear that he is not at all one-dimensional. I found him very interesting and would have liked to have had more of him in the storyline. Based on how the book ended, though, it’s clear that the next book in the series will involve Magda’s father considerably more.
“The Devil’s Song” was a gripping novel with a solid plot, fast pace, and good character development. Five stars go to this smashing debut. I look forward to reading the next Kate Magda novel!
January 6, 2018
Great read - keeps you in the edge of your seat!
Read this book in two days! If you like books along the lines of Gone Girl, Girl on a Train or Sharp Objects, you’ll love this one too!! Lauren is a great writer and look forward to her future books!
Read this book in two days! If you like books along the lines of Gone Girl, Girl on a Train or Sharp Objects, you’ll love this one too!! Lauren is a great writer and look forward to her future books!
December 11, 2017
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Book Description:
Up-and-coming Mission County, Pennsylvania, prosecutor Kate Magda has been given the assignment of a lifetime: lead counsel on a string of murders rocking the community. As the privileged daughter of a powerful local judge, Kate views the case as her chance to show her boss, her family, and the public that she is more than just "the judge's daughter."
As Kate delves into the case, she becomes convinced that she shares a personal link with the killer, who seems to know intimate details about a tragic childhood event from Kate's past--an event she’d long been trying to forget. Paranoia sets in, the night terrors return, and Kate has a strong sense that she's the killer's next victim. She no longer feels assigned to the case...she is the case, and solving it is her only chance for survival.
My Review:
This is a debut novel and had a very slow start. The pace did pick up and did became a page-tuner midway through to the end. The characters were interesting and well-drawn. The story does flashback to when Kate and her cousin, Tess, were children and shows that Kate may have a personal link to the serial killer. I thought I knew who the killer was but a last minute twist showed me I was wrong. I loved the short chapters and there were lots of suspenseful cliffhangers that made you want to read on. Everything was tied up nicely in the end but I can see a sequel possibly with some of Kate's father's problems manifesting into a next book. I do look forward to reading more from the author and would recommend this book to those who like mystery/suspense thrillers.
Book Description:
Up-and-coming Mission County, Pennsylvania, prosecutor Kate Magda has been given the assignment of a lifetime: lead counsel on a string of murders rocking the community. As the privileged daughter of a powerful local judge, Kate views the case as her chance to show her boss, her family, and the public that she is more than just "the judge's daughter."
As Kate delves into the case, she becomes convinced that she shares a personal link with the killer, who seems to know intimate details about a tragic childhood event from Kate's past--an event she’d long been trying to forget. Paranoia sets in, the night terrors return, and Kate has a strong sense that she's the killer's next victim. She no longer feels assigned to the case...she is the case, and solving it is her only chance for survival.
My Review:
This is a debut novel and had a very slow start. The pace did pick up and did became a page-tuner midway through to the end. The characters were interesting and well-drawn. The story does flashback to when Kate and her cousin, Tess, were children and shows that Kate may have a personal link to the serial killer. I thought I knew who the killer was but a last minute twist showed me I was wrong. I loved the short chapters and there were lots of suspenseful cliffhangers that made you want to read on. Everything was tied up nicely in the end but I can see a sequel possibly with some of Kate's father's problems manifesting into a next book. I do look forward to reading more from the author and would recommend this book to those who like mystery/suspense thrillers.
December 20, 2017
Thank you librarything for giving me this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a pretty fast read, I finished faster than I was expecting. Lauren Stahl grabbed me from the first page and sucked me in and while I figured out a couple things before the end there was still enough of a twist at the end that I finished the book satisfied. I will definitely look out for the next book, although it does work as a stand alone for anyone not wanting to read this as a series. I am hoping in the next book, Kate is fleshed out a little more as it was really easy not to like her and, in fact, get tired of her antics. Overall, would recommend to anyone looking for a new mystery to read!
This is a pretty fast read, I finished faster than I was expecting. Lauren Stahl grabbed me from the first page and sucked me in and while I figured out a couple things before the end there was still enough of a twist at the end that I finished the book satisfied. I will definitely look out for the next book, although it does work as a stand alone for anyone not wanting to read this as a series. I am hoping in the next book, Kate is fleshed out a little more as it was really easy not to like her and, in fact, get tired of her antics. Overall, would recommend to anyone looking for a new mystery to read!
December 4, 2017
THE DEVIL’S SONG by Lauren Stahl.
From the Press Kit: “Up and coming Mission County, Pennsylvania, prosecutor Kate Magda has been given the assignment of a lifetime: lead counsel on a string of murders rocking the community. As the privileged daughter of a powerful local judge, Kate views the case as a chance to show her boss, her family, and the public that she is more than just ‘the judge’s daughter’.
As Kate delves into the case, she becomes convinced that she shares a personal link with the killer, who seems to know intimate details about a tragic childhood event from Kate’s past.”
The characters are very interesting and are well-detailed. Kate Magda is the main character; Sam Hart is a very resourceful homicide detective; Tess is the unstable cousin; PJ or President Judge Magda is Kate’s father (I was uneasy about him - very suspicious of him and didn’t experience/feel the relationship between Kate and her father the way it was portrayed); Gina; Judy; Ron Wells; Winter-Dawn; Nick.
The plot is very suspenseful with a lot of tension and good pacing..
The chapters are short, clear, and crisp, full of details.
There are several background stories with one becoming very prominent at the end of the book. I am hoping for a sequel.
I really enjoyed reading this title and found it hard to believe that this was Ms. Stahl’s debut novel. It was that good. I would very much recommend this book. And I thank Akashic Books for the opportunity to read and review it.
*****
From the Press Kit: “Up and coming Mission County, Pennsylvania, prosecutor Kate Magda has been given the assignment of a lifetime: lead counsel on a string of murders rocking the community. As the privileged daughter of a powerful local judge, Kate views the case as a chance to show her boss, her family, and the public that she is more than just ‘the judge’s daughter’.
As Kate delves into the case, she becomes convinced that she shares a personal link with the killer, who seems to know intimate details about a tragic childhood event from Kate’s past.”
The characters are very interesting and are well-detailed. Kate Magda is the main character; Sam Hart is a very resourceful homicide detective; Tess is the unstable cousin; PJ or President Judge Magda is Kate’s father (I was uneasy about him - very suspicious of him and didn’t experience/feel the relationship between Kate and her father the way it was portrayed); Gina; Judy; Ron Wells; Winter-Dawn; Nick.
The plot is very suspenseful with a lot of tension and good pacing..
The chapters are short, clear, and crisp, full of details.
There are several background stories with one becoming very prominent at the end of the book. I am hoping for a sequel.
I really enjoyed reading this title and found it hard to believe that this was Ms. Stahl’s debut novel. It was that good. I would very much recommend this book. And I thank Akashic Books for the opportunity to read and review it.
*****
November 28, 2017
Thanks to LibraryThing and Kaylie Jones Books for this ARC.
A fast-paced read. A mystery that had me on edge the whole time. I'm not a great mystery solver and I didn't guess whodunit but maybe other people would but I kind of like that I didn't or else I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I did.
A fast-paced read. A mystery that had me on edge the whole time. I'm not a great mystery solver and I didn't guess whodunit but maybe other people would but I kind of like that I didn't or else I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I did.
December 2, 2017
This was a very good book. It was fast paced and kept you guessing as to who was doing what. It was a good read that held your interest. I liked the way she set up the next book before she finished this one. Now I can't wait for it to come out.
November 2, 2023
3.5⭐️
This book had me going THROUGH IT!!
At first I felt it was a bit slow, but after a chapter or two, the story picked up momentum. I also didn’t think we’d get that small bit of romance that almost every triller book with a female as the mc has but I was wrong. And I must admit I enjoyed the male lead just as much.
At some point in the beginning of the book, I can remember thinking, 'Why is she keeping this important information to herself? What if the killer strikes at her before she cracks the case? How can she expect Sam to figure it out?' It bothered and infuriated me that she didn't confide in anyone, not even her poor intern, who was meant to be her partner, or Tess, who raised suspicions even before Sam caught on. And I was really curious to learn how Tess was tied into all that shit because it really wasn’t looking too good for her.
One trope that often irks me in books is the miscommunication between characters, especially during the climax. And it always starts by one or both parties keeping something from the other all in the name of ‘protecting them’. So Sam's decision to withhold the detail about the dog hair and his impulsive arrest, without any sort of discussion with Kate, left me really angry and overall frustrated. I mean, she's not just a random civilian; she's a prosecutor. THE prosecutor on the case for that matter. Which means that they definitely could have at least had a conversation, even if she disagreed with his theory.
But I’m glad even when she was reeling from all that went down, she still persevered with her investigation. Tess might have been guilty of something, but it certainly wasn't murder. Then there was Nick, and I became increasingly annoyed with Sam, perhaps because I felt betrayed too. So his actions towards that Cox guy and his slow responses to Nick's hints and purposeful questions after all that happened just grated on me.
Then on top of it all was the breakdown of trust between Sam and Kate. Everything was making me sooo angry because I hate when investigators work alone especially when It seemed evident that working the case together would have been more efficient, especially when they knew they were potentially in danger. And then Kate's ill-advised solo trip to the cemetery only added to the frustration. Because why would she go to the cemetery all alone saying the police would take too long? Atleast inform them while you are on your way then!!
Anyway, I think my annoyance reached its peak at the misunderstanding that hung over the story. It felt somewhat forced, although it made sense from both characters' perspectives. At least Kate eventually realized her folly, but Sam's justifications for his faults just left me unsatisfied. I mean it Doesn’t matter if he had evidence. Showing a bit of loyalty to Kate by informing her beforehand would have been the smart move to make!
But I guess books don't always unfold as we wish, and while I was left somewhat frustrated, it had me at the edge of my seat. I’m definitely hoping for a second book because I'm curious to see how Cox and her dad's situation unfolds.
This book had me going THROUGH IT!!
At first I felt it was a bit slow, but after a chapter or two, the story picked up momentum. I also didn’t think we’d get that small bit of romance that almost every triller book with a female as the mc has but I was wrong. And I must admit I enjoyed the male lead just as much.
At some point in the beginning of the book, I can remember thinking, 'Why is she keeping this important information to herself? What if the killer strikes at her before she cracks the case? How can she expect Sam to figure it out?' It bothered and infuriated me that she didn't confide in anyone, not even her poor intern, who was meant to be her partner, or Tess, who raised suspicions even before Sam caught on. And I was really curious to learn how Tess was tied into all that shit because it really wasn’t looking too good for her.
One trope that often irks me in books is the miscommunication between characters, especially during the climax. And it always starts by one or both parties keeping something from the other all in the name of ‘protecting them’. So Sam's decision to withhold the detail about the dog hair and his impulsive arrest, without any sort of discussion with Kate, left me really angry and overall frustrated. I mean, she's not just a random civilian; she's a prosecutor. THE prosecutor on the case for that matter. Which means that they definitely could have at least had a conversation, even if she disagreed with his theory.
But I’m glad even when she was reeling from all that went down, she still persevered with her investigation. Tess might have been guilty of something, but it certainly wasn't murder. Then there was Nick, and I became increasingly annoyed with Sam, perhaps because I felt betrayed too. So his actions towards that Cox guy and his slow responses to Nick's hints and purposeful questions after all that happened just grated on me.
Then on top of it all was the breakdown of trust between Sam and Kate. Everything was making me sooo angry because I hate when investigators work alone especially when It seemed evident that working the case together would have been more efficient, especially when they knew they were potentially in danger. And then Kate's ill-advised solo trip to the cemetery only added to the frustration. Because why would she go to the cemetery all alone saying the police would take too long? Atleast inform them while you are on your way then!!
Anyway, I think my annoyance reached its peak at the misunderstanding that hung over the story. It felt somewhat forced, although it made sense from both characters' perspectives. At least Kate eventually realized her folly, but Sam's justifications for his faults just left me unsatisfied. I mean it Doesn’t matter if he had evidence. Showing a bit of loyalty to Kate by informing her beforehand would have been the smart move to make!
But I guess books don't always unfold as we wish, and while I was left somewhat frustrated, it had me at the edge of my seat. I’m definitely hoping for a second book because I'm curious to see how Cox and her dad's situation unfolds.
March 14, 2018
The Devil's Song from Lauren Stahl is a wonderfully twisty suspense novel. There are plenty of possible explanations for the crimes and at any given moment you will feel certain you know who is responsible. This is one of those novels where you were likely right several times but only partly so with no one quite playing the role you expected.
The ending leaves a nice lead-in for another Kate Magda story but it is not a cliffhanger in the sometimes annoying sense. It is simply some new developments, aside from the killings in this novel, that will, hopefully, be played out in the next volume.
I do have one thing that bothered me even though the small amount that it detracted from the novel was minuscule. That said, it was only so small because it was only brought up once. Had it been used as part of the story any further I would have been disappointed in both the novel and in Stahl. Many mysteries and suspense novels take place, to some degree, in DA offices and around other positions that are elected. If an upcoming election is mentioned, and even when it plays a significant role in the story, most writers have the sense to avoid playing partisan politics and just stick to general terms that can be easily defended from either major party. Terms like "hard [or soft] on crime" when presenting the so-called good or bad character. Neither party has a stronger argument for being hard on crime and both parties also have plenty to be ashamed of when they have been soft on crime. To mention a party affiliation, especially when it is a strong partisan view, begs for readers to then also take a partisan political stand where it is unnecessary for the story. As an example, in Alabama recently, a child predator was hailed as strong on crime mainly for his party affiliation while his opponent was labeled weak on crime even though he had successfully prosecuted a high profile KKK case, which is no small feat in Alabama. Of course, those in the other party consider him weak because he was going after the "wrong" criminals, which is another completely different social issue than simple partisan politics. Basically what I am saying is that unless an author wants to appeal only to people who are strong partisans politically they, like the vast majority of good ones do, avoid mentioning party names when implying good vs bad.
That said, the story itself was wonderful and I would highly recommend this to any reader of suspense crime thrillers. As long as future novels don't turn into partisan political nonsense I see this as the start of a strong series and other standalone books as well.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
The ending leaves a nice lead-in for another Kate Magda story but it is not a cliffhanger in the sometimes annoying sense. It is simply some new developments, aside from the killings in this novel, that will, hopefully, be played out in the next volume.
I do have one thing that bothered me even though the small amount that it detracted from the novel was minuscule. That said, it was only so small because it was only brought up once. Had it been used as part of the story any further I would have been disappointed in both the novel and in Stahl. Many mysteries and suspense novels take place, to some degree, in DA offices and around other positions that are elected. If an upcoming election is mentioned, and even when it plays a significant role in the story, most writers have the sense to avoid playing partisan politics and just stick to general terms that can be easily defended from either major party. Terms like "hard [or soft] on crime" when presenting the so-called good or bad character. Neither party has a stronger argument for being hard on crime and both parties also have plenty to be ashamed of when they have been soft on crime. To mention a party affiliation, especially when it is a strong partisan view, begs for readers to then also take a partisan political stand where it is unnecessary for the story. As an example, in Alabama recently, a child predator was hailed as strong on crime mainly for his party affiliation while his opponent was labeled weak on crime even though he had successfully prosecuted a high profile KKK case, which is no small feat in Alabama. Of course, those in the other party consider him weak because he was going after the "wrong" criminals, which is another completely different social issue than simple partisan politics. Basically what I am saying is that unless an author wants to appeal only to people who are strong partisans politically they, like the vast majority of good ones do, avoid mentioning party names when implying good vs bad.
That said, the story itself was wonderful and I would highly recommend this to any reader of suspense crime thrillers. As long as future novels don't turn into partisan political nonsense I see this as the start of a strong series and other standalone books as well.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
April 3, 2024
Thoughts and questions posed for discussion:
I quite enjoyed the book, but the ending was unsatisfying and there were many loose ends waiting to be neatly tied. Several circumstances as they were explained felt “off.”
1. Kate’s father was very overprotective when it came to Kate (in order to protect her from potential triggers), and yet he specifically assigned her to the case with a clear connection to graves. Why would he do this?
2. Tess acted strangely during her arrest (remember that creepy smile?) and disappeared after the one meeting with Kate. Was she more involved than Gina said? It feels too convenient that she was only framed, especially with the amount of drugs that Kate found in her system.
3. Why did Sam find a locket identical to the ones that Tess and Kate wear, and why wasn’t it addressed again? Did it belong to Tess, or was there a third?
4.How can we so quickly resolve that Judy wasn’t involved if she was the one who bought the hair dye? Did she dye Winter’s hair, or did she not know that Gina would plant the box on Tess?
5. Did Nick really not know about his wife’s creepy photo collection of Kate? Is there more to learn about Gina based on the way that Sam described the photos? Not to mention, Gina is described as small and frail, but we are supposed to believe that she worked alone to move several bodies. Are we sure that she was working alone? Why didn’t her father, Ron, want to meet with her? Her adoptive parents mentioned that Gina suffered from severe mental illness. How will this impact her conviction?
I assumed that we had two plot lines: one related to the case, and the other related to the corruption/ blackmail within the defense attorney department. Is it possible that it is all connected? I have to assume that these were international choices by the author and that she will return with a sequel. Otherwise, I would lower my rating. Is this wishful thinking? What do you think?
I quite enjoyed the book, but the ending was unsatisfying and there were many loose ends waiting to be neatly tied. Several circumstances as they were explained felt “off.”
1. Kate’s father was very overprotective when it came to Kate (in order to protect her from potential triggers), and yet he specifically assigned her to the case with a clear connection to graves. Why would he do this?
2. Tess acted strangely during her arrest (remember that creepy smile?) and disappeared after the one meeting with Kate. Was she more involved than Gina said? It feels too convenient that she was only framed, especially with the amount of drugs that Kate found in her system.
3. Why did Sam find a locket identical to the ones that Tess and Kate wear, and why wasn’t it addressed again? Did it belong to Tess, or was there a third?
4.How can we so quickly resolve that Judy wasn’t involved if she was the one who bought the hair dye? Did she dye Winter’s hair, or did she not know that Gina would plant the box on Tess?
5. Did Nick really not know about his wife’s creepy photo collection of Kate? Is there more to learn about Gina based on the way that Sam described the photos? Not to mention, Gina is described as small and frail, but we are supposed to believe that she worked alone to move several bodies. Are we sure that she was working alone? Why didn’t her father, Ron, want to meet with her? Her adoptive parents mentioned that Gina suffered from severe mental illness. How will this impact her conviction?
I assumed that we had two plot lines: one related to the case, and the other related to the corruption/ blackmail within the defense attorney department. Is it possible that it is all connected? I have to assume that these were international choices by the author and that she will return with a sequel. Otherwise, I would lower my rating. Is this wishful thinking? What do you think?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2018
I snagged a copy of this read from LibraryThing as part of their early reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.
Prosecutor Kate Magda has landed a career defining case at the DAs office. A series of brutal murders have claimed the lives of two young women in Mission County, Pennslyvania and the circumstances surrounding their deaths niggle at Kates senses that this case is more personal than she originally thought. It seems an old childhood traumatic event has been unearthed and each new clue brings her deeper into a past she would much rather forget, but one step closer to catching the killer. Can Kate piece together clues from her past to the current murders before the killer catches up to her?
This was a pretty strong debut novel for Stahl. The story jumps off pretty much right away with Kate diving into the case headlong. She is immediately caught up in the similarities to her own childhood trauma which begins a downward spiral and unwinding of the always polished and put together attorney. I wish there had been a little more of a buildup to Kate realizing the connections to her past, more of a slow and sickening realization versus the immediate recognition. Despite that, it was still an immensely enjoyable read, in fact I finished it in two settings. The plot line was engaging and exciting, all the characters were well defined and concrete. The ending took a different turn than I was expecting, and everything fit nicely into place. It looks like Stahl is setting us up for book two with that ending, which is exciting! I think the characters have great potential to make for a good running series, and Stahl certainly has the writing chops to do it! If you are a fan of thrillers or legal fiction, this is most definitely your next read.
Prosecutor Kate Magda has landed a career defining case at the DAs office. A series of brutal murders have claimed the lives of two young women in Mission County, Pennslyvania and the circumstances surrounding their deaths niggle at Kates senses that this case is more personal than she originally thought. It seems an old childhood traumatic event has been unearthed and each new clue brings her deeper into a past she would much rather forget, but one step closer to catching the killer. Can Kate piece together clues from her past to the current murders before the killer catches up to her?
This was a pretty strong debut novel for Stahl. The story jumps off pretty much right away with Kate diving into the case headlong. She is immediately caught up in the similarities to her own childhood trauma which begins a downward spiral and unwinding of the always polished and put together attorney. I wish there had been a little more of a buildup to Kate realizing the connections to her past, more of a slow and sickening realization versus the immediate recognition. Despite that, it was still an immensely enjoyable read, in fact I finished it in two settings. The plot line was engaging and exciting, all the characters were well defined and concrete. The ending took a different turn than I was expecting, and everything fit nicely into place. It looks like Stahl is setting us up for book two with that ending, which is exciting! I think the characters have great potential to make for a good running series, and Stahl certainly has the writing chops to do it! If you are a fan of thrillers or legal fiction, this is most definitely your next read.
August 12, 2021
Pros: This author is able to plant several leads for the reader to consider - you roll your eyes and think to yourself, oh obviously this person did it. Oh wait, this person did it. Ummm, maybe this person did it? This is a nice little whodunnit it for the thinker who doesn’t want to get too invested. Additionally, the author’s transitions are smooth, and there are never spans of words where the reader is lost trying to figure out whose narrative is being addressed. The book is also not overwritten- no flowery prose, endless pages of needless descriptors, no paragraphs that run on and on just to up the page count.
Cons: The storyline itself is a bit inconsistent- an entire subtext of storyline regarding a race for the DA that the reader would presume was somehow integral to the story…. but isn’t. The very end insinuates that it may have been the lay-down of a plot for a sequel, but I’m not familiar with the author’s overall work, so I cannot report on whether or not that is true. Character development is also flimsy. Characters are assigned moral compasses that don’t reflect their own shortcomings. The story holds proposed villains to standards that proposed heroes needn’t meet or exceed. If the overall “goodness” of the protagonist weren’t so stressed, it probably wouldn’t have bothered me much, but the whole “only losers have consequences” line is, in my opinion, overused and deservedly underappreciated.
Overall, I did enjoy this work. It surprised me how quickly I became invested in the storyline and how much I looked forward to the resolution. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a quick thrilling read.
Cons: The storyline itself is a bit inconsistent- an entire subtext of storyline regarding a race for the DA that the reader would presume was somehow integral to the story…. but isn’t. The very end insinuates that it may have been the lay-down of a plot for a sequel, but I’m not familiar with the author’s overall work, so I cannot report on whether or not that is true. Character development is also flimsy. Characters are assigned moral compasses that don’t reflect their own shortcomings. The story holds proposed villains to standards that proposed heroes needn’t meet or exceed. If the overall “goodness” of the protagonist weren’t so stressed, it probably wouldn’t have bothered me much, but the whole “only losers have consequences” line is, in my opinion, overused and deservedly underappreciated.
Overall, I did enjoy this work. It surprised me how quickly I became invested in the storyline and how much I looked forward to the resolution. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a quick thrilling read.
September 18, 2023
Book summary:
Kate Magda, an up-and-coming prosecutor and the privileged daughter of the politically connected President Judge Tommy Magda, has been given the assignment of a lifetime--lead prosecutor on a string of murders rocking Mission County, Pennsylvania. Kate views the assignment as her chance to convict not only a serial killer but to make a name for herself--one other than "the judge's daughter." She is determined to show her boss, her family, and the public that she is more than her father's shadow.
As Kate delves into the case, she becomes convinced that she shares a personal link with the killer, who seems to know intimate details about a tragic childhood event Kate suffered--an event she thought she'd left in the past. It's the way the victims are being posed--naked and dumped in open graves. Paranoia sets in, the night terrors return, and Kate has an imminent sense that she's the killer's next victim. Kate no longer feels assigned to the case... She is the case, and solving it is her only chance for survival.
MY REVIEW
Lauren Stahl created a great storyline that has believable and mysterious characters , as well as vivid imagery of the settings and scenes each chapter portrays.
This literary masterpiece is filled with intrigue, mystery, drama, and suspense and pulls you I to the lives of the characters so magically it almost feels like you are sitting beside them.
A captivating thriller that had me gasping and on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book.
I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.
The narration brought this story to life with such intensity and passion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌝
Kate Magda, an up-and-coming prosecutor and the privileged daughter of the politically connected President Judge Tommy Magda, has been given the assignment of a lifetime--lead prosecutor on a string of murders rocking Mission County, Pennsylvania. Kate views the assignment as her chance to convict not only a serial killer but to make a name for herself--one other than "the judge's daughter." She is determined to show her boss, her family, and the public that she is more than her father's shadow.
As Kate delves into the case, she becomes convinced that she shares a personal link with the killer, who seems to know intimate details about a tragic childhood event Kate suffered--an event she thought she'd left in the past. It's the way the victims are being posed--naked and dumped in open graves. Paranoia sets in, the night terrors return, and Kate has an imminent sense that she's the killer's next victim. Kate no longer feels assigned to the case... She is the case, and solving it is her only chance for survival.
MY REVIEW
Lauren Stahl created a great storyline that has believable and mysterious characters , as well as vivid imagery of the settings and scenes each chapter portrays.
This literary masterpiece is filled with intrigue, mystery, drama, and suspense and pulls you I to the lives of the characters so magically it almost feels like you are sitting beside them.
A captivating thriller that had me gasping and on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book.
I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.
The narration brought this story to life with such intensity and passion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌝
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews