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The Devil Inside #1
The Devil Inside
There's a fine line between love and hate...When Matthew Wilson first saw the woman who was to become his wife, he thought she was an angel sent down from heaven itself.
She transformed his life, bringing happiness beyond imagination.
But now he wants to kill her.
She transformed his life, bringing happiness beyond imagination.
But now he wants to kill her.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2021
139 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Mark David Abbott
30 books86 followersMark David Abbott was born in Cyprus but spent most of his formative years growing up in New Zealand. A love for travel has meant that he has spent much of his life living and working in different countries around the world and currently calls India home.
Mark has worked variously as a barman, a factory hand, supermarket shelf stocker, and a real estate salesman, but now devotes his time to writing and traveling.
Mark is a keen runner and in between runs is slowly building an impressive collection of Gin.
Mark has worked variously as a barman, a factory hand, supermarket shelf stocker, and a real estate salesman, but now devotes his time to writing and traveling.
Mark is a keen runner and in between runs is slowly building an impressive collection of Gin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 16, 2021
A husband and wife, together for years...But it seems the wife is really in control now...Every few days she argues with her husband, blaming him for something she starts! And her words are so cutting, driving into her husband like knives...He always tries his best...Cleaning, cooking, doing everything he can to keep her happy...Yet every several days she notes Something that starts an unforgettable tirade...Today a couch cushion is upside down...Why does he take this from her?!
He starts to wonder...He has friends, is a good person...How can the person he has shared life with degrade him so much...They can be happy, for a few days, but he is Always waiting for that other shoe to drop...On edge, anxious...She will Never let him leave...Maybe there Is something he Can do...He starts researching ...Poisonous plants, divorce, how long a person missing must be gone before being declared dead...Well, What is he thinking of Now...
A great quick story of Not believing you are a loser, of trying to do anything to make your life better...But who gets the last laugh...I received this book from the author, soon to be released in the 'Her Silent Shadow' Anthology, and I offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
He starts to wonder...He has friends, is a good person...How can the person he has shared life with degrade him so much...They can be happy, for a few days, but he is Always waiting for that other shoe to drop...On edge, anxious...She will Never let him leave...Maybe there Is something he Can do...He starts researching ...Poisonous plants, divorce, how long a person missing must be gone before being declared dead...Well, What is he thinking of Now...
A great quick story of Not believing you are a loser, of trying to do anything to make your life better...But who gets the last laugh...I received this book from the author, soon to be released in the 'Her Silent Shadow' Anthology, and I offer you my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
July 4, 2021
A Gripping Psychological Thriller Novella (The Devil Inside Series Book 1)
THE DEVIL INSIDE by Mark David Abbottis my introduction to the author. This short story is a well written psychological thriller and the first installment in the Devil Inside series. An intriguing story as told by one partner in an abusive relationship.
Once upon a time two people met and fell happily in love. But love can change over the years and devolve in many ways. There are always two sides to any issue, but so many times we see or hear one side only. We don't stop to think, "is there a better way to fix the problem?" This is the story a husband making his own plans to leave his once happy marriage. Twist at the end was not expected.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
THE DEVIL INSIDE by Mark David Abbottis my introduction to the author. This short story is a well written psychological thriller and the first installment in the Devil Inside series. An intriguing story as told by one partner in an abusive relationship.
Once upon a time two people met and fell happily in love. But love can change over the years and devolve in many ways. There are always two sides to any issue, but so many times we see or hear one side only. We don't stop to think, "is there a better way to fix the problem?" This is the story a husband making his own plans to leave his once happy marriage. Twist at the end was not expected.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
November 1, 2021
A man reluctantly decides to murder his wife when he realizes that his marriage is failing - 4.5 stars
Written in the voice of the stay-at-home husband, we are transported to a dying relationship of a childless couple that has been married for 15 years. All the signs of failed relationship are clear.
Once the decision is made to murder, the options are carefully evaluated and a course of action is planned and executed.
Some plans don't go as expected. You shouldn't be surprised except for how.
This is a very nice short story. Enjoy.
Written in the voice of the stay-at-home husband, we are transported to a dying relationship of a childless couple that has been married for 15 years. All the signs of failed relationship are clear.
Once the decision is made to murder, the options are carefully evaluated and a course of action is planned and executed.
Some plans don't go as expected. You shouldn't be surprised except for how.
This is a very nice short story. Enjoy.
June 19, 2021
Sometimes dreams turn to madness.
This book will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing up so taut that it feels like someone is actually pulling on them! The characters are full and well described. The descent of this blissful marriage turned into bitter hatred hit such a deep chord with me that I pondered life for a good while afterward. The thought put into this story is masterful! A thriller that really stands out among the best! Brilliant work!
This book will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing up so taut that it feels like someone is actually pulling on them! The characters are full and well described. The descent of this blissful marriage turned into bitter hatred hit such a deep chord with me that I pondered life for a good while afterward. The thought put into this story is masterful! A thriller that really stands out among the best! Brilliant work!
February 17, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 21, 2022
* 3 and 1/2 stars *
This was a quick, easy read. The plot has been done before and the chapters were sometimes overly descriptive about day-to-day motions, which were unnecessary. But the characters and the huge twist at the end saved the book. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so you have to grab the next book to see the climax through.
P.S.: My first completed read for the year.
This was a quick, easy read. The plot has been done before and the chapters were sometimes overly descriptive about day-to-day motions, which were unnecessary. But the characters and the huge twist at the end saved the book. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so you have to grab the next book to see the climax through.
P.S.: My first completed read for the year.
June 5, 2021
This story will keep you reading from start to finish. There are a lot of twists and turns and you are kept on the edge of your seat. The end is such a surprise. Another great story by Mark David Abbott
August 31, 2021
Great story
This is a terrific story. How a couple married for many years constantly argue. He finally decided to kill her and goes through a convoluted process to ensure he gets away with it. Only for it to go wrong.
This is a terrific story. How a couple married for many years constantly argue. He finally decided to kill her and goes through a convoluted process to ensure he gets away with it. Only for it to go wrong.
June 13, 2021
Devil
Didn’t see the way it ended coming however it alludes to the way the story unfolds. The characters were both intelligent and one outsmarted the other
Didn’t see the way it ended coming however it alludes to the way the story unfolds. The characters were both intelligent and one outsmarted the other
June 14, 2021
Great short read
This was a fast and interesting book. The ending will have you asking, what just happened? The writing was fantastic.
This was a fast and interesting book. The ending will have you asking, what just happened? The writing was fantastic.
June 21, 2021
Wicked
Do you know what the person you're married to is capable of doing? Well written with right amount of suspense. I just wish it had been longer!
Do you know what the person you're married to is capable of doing? Well written with right amount of suspense. I just wish it had been longer!
July 1, 2021
Somebody needs to die! But how? Fanciful story of love gone wrong and how to make things right.
July 8, 2021
Perfect
That's the way to write a book . I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were very well done. The ending was perfect!
That's the way to write a book . I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were very well done. The ending was perfect!
November 3, 2021
A quick read which kept me entertained from start to finish. The abused husband finally breaks and hatches a plan to free him from his Jekyll and Hyde wife…… but …….. oh, what a twist!!!!!
November 8, 2021
Intense thriller!
A relationship starting to wane, turns sour with taunts and humiliation. How can it be stopped? Drastic measures might be the only option or is it?
A quick read, had me gripped!
A relationship starting to wane, turns sour with taunts and humiliation. How can it be stopped? Drastic measures might be the only option or is it?
A quick read, had me gripped!
November 25, 2021
the book sucked,,,, no explatations and it didn't make sense although you could see the end coming from the halfway point terrible ending.
September 14, 2022
This was a quick short story to read. The story started off good and it got better the more I read. I will read more books by this author.
April 6, 2025
This was a quick and easy read. When Matthew met Clara, she breezed into his life and took his breath away. Fast-forward nearly 10 years, and he’s now a stay-at-home husband. His actions are regularly criticised, and he lives in constant fear of upsetting her. After exploring his options, he decides that she has to die!
He’s planned everything carefully. What could go wrong?
He’s planned everything carefully. What could go wrong?
September 23, 2024
AMAZING Psychological Thriller!!
Clarissa and Matthew had a very disturbing relationship. She was a perfectionist and demanded that Matthew cater to her every whim. Matthew worked remotely and tended to everything in the house. When Clarissa came home from the car dealership, she would inspect everything, and if one thing was out of place she would become verbally abusive to Matthew. She would treat him horribly and calling him all kinds of names and degrading him until he had had enough. He was either going,to leave her or kill her. Which do you think he opted for? Would he have the courage to finally make a break? This book was so fantastic that I couldn’t put it down. The plot and characters were superb. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Clarissa and Matthew had a very disturbing relationship. She was a perfectionist and demanded that Matthew cater to her every whim. Matthew worked remotely and tended to everything in the house. When Clarissa came home from the car dealership, she would inspect everything, and if one thing was out of place she would become verbally abusive to Matthew. She would treat him horribly and calling him all kinds of names and degrading him until he had had enough. He was either going,to leave her or kill her. Which do you think he opted for? Would he have the courage to finally make a break? This book was so fantastic that I couldn’t put it down. The plot and characters were superb. I can’t wait to read the next book.
June 5, 2021
Love turned to hate. Relationships can break down over time as people change. We can lose patience and little things become so big we can no longer ignore them. Matthew Wilson sees only one way out, he needs to kill his wife.
Not all toxic relationships look the same, not everyone sees things the same way either. The Devil Inside is not one of those high-action hold on tight journeys. That doesn't stop it from digging its hooks in anyway.
Not all toxic relationships look the same, not everyone sees things the same way either. The Devil Inside is not one of those high-action hold on tight journeys. That doesn't stop it from digging its hooks in anyway.
February 14, 2024
I really enjoyed reading The Devil Inside. I just wish it had been longer. Otherwise it was a well thought out idea with research done by the husband. Little did he know.... He should have done more... Thought it through more... Something. But being in that situation I can see how it could happen the way it did.
If you like murder mysteries you will enjoy reading this book.
If you like murder mysteries you will enjoy reading this book.
June 15, 2021
A husband is being abused by his wife that he thought she was perfect when they married. Now he is looking for a way to kill her to make it look natural or an accident. The conclusion to this novel really took me by surprise.
October 8, 2023
Quick little story.
I had hopes it wouldn’t end the way it did. But still good.
I had hopes it wouldn’t end the way it did. But still good.
August 1, 2025
“THE DEVIL INSIDE” - A PRIMER FOR EVERY HENPECKED HUSBAND
What is a poor, henpecked husband to do with a wife whose picture can be found in the Dictionary under ‘Shrew’? Maintain the status quo… Get a divorce… Run away… OR…
In “The Devil Inside” Mark David Abbott steps… no… LEAPS out of character in this fascinating Novella. Matthew & Clara Wilson had been married for over a decade. He ran his own web designing business and she sold cars. Mark did okay with his stay-at-home- Job, but it was Clara who became the real ‘breadwinner’.
For a number of years Matt had turned into the proverbial ‘Hen-Pecked Husband’. For only the slightest reason - at least in Matt’s mind - Clara would go off like an Atomic Bomb hurling verbal abuse on her poor unsuspecting husband. Recently, she’d added physical abuse on top of it.
No matter what Matt said or did, once Clara got hold of one of his ‘numerous, major shortcomings’, she turned into a pit bull insulting, pushing & beating on poor Matt. And this despite the fact that the stay-at-home husband did all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.
After one emotionally charged verbal & violent attack, Matt had enough! This was an untenable situation that he saw only getting worse. What to do…
After Clara had stormed out of the house the next morning, Matt decided enough was enough. But what were his options…
* Clara made more money & paid for most of the
expenses including the mortgage;
* Matt couldn’t afford a messy divorce;
* Matt could run away, but that didn’t ensure he
would be financially able to live in the manner
he’d become use to; and,
* Tirades were getting worse & worse!
The only solution he found acceptable was to permanently ‘eliminating’ Clara! But how to do the nasty deed without getting caught?
Mark David Abbott takes a substantial departure from his ‘John Hayes’ alter ego. Without giving away the solution Matt comes up with, it will be you to read this well-written, highly entertaining Novella. It’s well worth it.
What is a poor, henpecked husband to do with a wife whose picture can be found in the Dictionary under ‘Shrew’? Maintain the status quo… Get a divorce… Run away… OR…
In “The Devil Inside” Mark David Abbott steps… no… LEAPS out of character in this fascinating Novella. Matthew & Clara Wilson had been married for over a decade. He ran his own web designing business and she sold cars. Mark did okay with his stay-at-home- Job, but it was Clara who became the real ‘breadwinner’.
For a number of years Matt had turned into the proverbial ‘Hen-Pecked Husband’. For only the slightest reason - at least in Matt’s mind - Clara would go off like an Atomic Bomb hurling verbal abuse on her poor unsuspecting husband. Recently, she’d added physical abuse on top of it.
No matter what Matt said or did, once Clara got hold of one of his ‘numerous, major shortcomings’, she turned into a pit bull insulting, pushing & beating on poor Matt. And this despite the fact that the stay-at-home husband did all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.
After one emotionally charged verbal & violent attack, Matt had enough! This was an untenable situation that he saw only getting worse. What to do…
After Clara had stormed out of the house the next morning, Matt decided enough was enough. But what were his options…
* Clara made more money & paid for most of the
expenses including the mortgage;
* Matt couldn’t afford a messy divorce;
* Matt could run away, but that didn’t ensure he
would be financially able to live in the manner
he’d become use to; and,
* Tirades were getting worse & worse!
The only solution he found acceptable was to permanently ‘eliminating’ Clara! But how to do the nasty deed without getting caught?
Mark David Abbott takes a substantial departure from his ‘John Hayes’ alter ego. Without giving away the solution Matt comes up with, it will be you to read this well-written, highly entertaining Novella. It’s well worth it.
August 26, 2022
My heart went out to Matthew. We know this does exist but it so seldom comes to the fore, that we tend to forget about it until reminded. Why people change is anyone's guess. Maybe the pressure of being the main breadwinner and responsible for the mortgage got to Clara? Who can really say?
April 14, 2025
Repetitive but simple twist
I enjoyed this short read despite the repetitive parts of the story. The author's writing style was what made it worth sticking to the end. I would be interested in reading the follow up book since this was a cliffhanger novella.
I enjoyed this short read despite the repetitive parts of the story. The author's writing style was what made it worth sticking to the end. I would be interested in reading the follow up book since this was a cliffhanger novella.
October 7, 2025
The devil is in the details.
I enjoyed this book. I read before I go to sleep, and I experienced a couple of late nights cuz I couldn't put the book down. It was a real page turner.
I enjoyed this book. I read before I go to sleep, and I experienced a couple of late nights cuz I couldn't put the book down. It was a real page turner.
May 21, 2025
Quick read thriller! Kinda felt the plot twist coming, but was left on such a cliffhanger, I immediately went to purchase book 2 🫣🤣
July 30, 2025
Oof! For a book that’s only 100 pages the author really knew how to make you hate the female character really quickly. Sheesh she was awful! Off to book 2 to see how this plays out!
November 10, 2025
This is a fast-paced, dark thriller that drags you deep into the mind of a man battling his own demons. Gripping, gritty, and full of moral twists!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews