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Detective Alyssa Wyatt #4
The Devil’s Playground
From behind her came a noise, and she whirled around. Two pairs of cold, murderous eyes stared back at her from beneath hooded cloaks. She stood cemented in place, even as her brain screamed at her to run…
It’s their usual Thursday girls’ night in, and best friends Skye, Elena, and London are enjoying hanging out at Skye’s house in New Mexico, eating junk food, drinking wine, and playing with Skye’s little children, Carter and Abigail.
Until the intruders arrive.
Hearing the horrific screams from Elena and Skye, London hides the children, tiptoes out to see what has happened… and disappears.
After Carter raises the alarm, Detective Alyssa Wyatt is called in to investigate a bloodbath that appears to have no motive, no evidence, and worse still – no sign of London.
As Alyssa and her team dig deeper, the truth is always out of their reach… but what is clear is that they need to find London, and fast.
And as they uncover a link between the murders and a sinister local cult, can Alyssa find the young woman who has vanished without a trace – before London joins the list of victims?
Meet Detective Alyssa Wyatt. Mom, Wife… and a serial killer’s worst nightmare.
It’s their usual Thursday girls’ night in, and best friends Skye, Elena, and London are enjoying hanging out at Skye’s house in New Mexico, eating junk food, drinking wine, and playing with Skye’s little children, Carter and Abigail.
Until the intruders arrive.
Hearing the horrific screams from Elena and Skye, London hides the children, tiptoes out to see what has happened… and disappears.
After Carter raises the alarm, Detective Alyssa Wyatt is called in to investigate a bloodbath that appears to have no motive, no evidence, and worse still – no sign of London.
As Alyssa and her team dig deeper, the truth is always out of their reach… but what is clear is that they need to find London, and fast.
And as they uncover a link between the murders and a sinister local cult, can Alyssa find the young woman who has vanished without a trace – before London joins the list of victims?
Meet Detective Alyssa Wyatt. Mom, Wife… and a serial killer’s worst nightmare.
333 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2022
228 people are currently reading
4476 people want to read
About the author
Charly Cox
6 books1,051 followersCharly Cox is the bestselling author of the Detective Alyssa Wyatt series and holds a Bachelor's Degree in English and Secondary Education. Born in the South, raised in the Midwest, Charly now resides in the Southwest in the Land of Enchantment, Green Chile capital of the world, with her husband. When not writing or planning sinister evils with her antagonists, she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time on or near the water, and visiting her son in Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 300 reviews
December 5, 2025
Once again, Alyssa Wyatt and her team are in a frantic race against the clock.
This time they are on a quest to identify and stop the vile sadist(s) who tortured and murdered a mother relaxing at home. And all while her two young children and friend lay hidden, listening in terror...
From start to finish, The Devil's Playground is pure psychological horror.
This time they are on a quest to identify and stop the vile sadist(s) who tortured and murdered a mother relaxing at home. And all while her two young children and friend lay hidden, listening in terror...
From start to finish, The Devil's Playground is pure psychological horror.
February 27, 2022
My thanks to Hera books, Charly Cox and Netgalley. Not going to lie. I started out mostly not liking this book. The writing was a bit simplistic at the beginning. Also, after the crimes were committed, everyone was crossing themselves, and all that goes with it. Guh! Not a fan of religious types. But, I stuck with it. Mostly because it wasn't too obnoxious! I ended up really liking this book. Thing is, that it was kind of heartbreaking. Forget about the satanic worship. Just the fact that London lost her besties. Her saving those kid's, and being captured. Damn. Also, I liked these cops. This isn't certain, but I just might read more from this author in this series.
March 20, 2022
4+ stars
I enjoyed an earlier book by Charly Cox so was thrilled to receive this one and it did not disappoint. In fact it kept me glued to my seat, unable to stop reading as it was a very suspenseful story.
Three friends - Skye Fleming, Elena Garcia and London Brecken gather for their regular Thursday girly movie night. Skye’s young children, Carter aged 6 and Abigail aged 3, have been put to bed but they beg London to read them a story, something she is happy to do. During this interlude there is a knock on the door and then the sounds of a violent struggle and terrified screaming coming from Skye’s room. The children are petrified but London gently urges them into the wardrobe where they huddle together trying not to hear the awful sounds.
When it is finally quiet, London ventures out of the room to find her phone to call for help but the killers are back! She is stabbed and abducted. A neighbour has has called the police and the traumatised children are finally discovered still hiding in the wardrobe.
London however is not yet dead. The killers have terrible plans for her. She is tied up and left in the dank basement of a crumbling old church which has recently been given over to satanic rituals. Eeeeek! These killers are stone cold, ruthless and relentless. I had a guess for one of them but I am pleased to say I was wrong.
This book is book 4 in the Detective Alyssa Watts series. I haven’t read books 1 and 2 but I am seriously considering doing that as the stories are so good. The star of this story was young Carter. At 6 years old he was so brave and protective of his little sister he stole my heart. Alyssa’s partner, Detective Cord Roberts gains the little boy’s trust which helps them progress the case. The police are desperately hoping to find London alive but it is looking less and less likely.
The cracking pace never let up until the end which was kind of sad. If you’re looking for suspense (without the romance) this is a great series to read. The police team are professional and relatable with no gimmicks. I will eagerly await the next book in the series. Many thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
I enjoyed an earlier book by Charly Cox so was thrilled to receive this one and it did not disappoint. In fact it kept me glued to my seat, unable to stop reading as it was a very suspenseful story.
Three friends - Skye Fleming, Elena Garcia and London Brecken gather for their regular Thursday girly movie night. Skye’s young children, Carter aged 6 and Abigail aged 3, have been put to bed but they beg London to read them a story, something she is happy to do. During this interlude there is a knock on the door and then the sounds of a violent struggle and terrified screaming coming from Skye’s room. The children are petrified but London gently urges them into the wardrobe where they huddle together trying not to hear the awful sounds.
When it is finally quiet, London ventures out of the room to find her phone to call for help but the killers are back! She is stabbed and abducted. A neighbour has has called the police and the traumatised children are finally discovered still hiding in the wardrobe.
London however is not yet dead. The killers have terrible plans for her. She is tied up and left in the dank basement of a crumbling old church which has recently been given over to satanic rituals. Eeeeek! These killers are stone cold, ruthless and relentless. I had a guess for one of them but I am pleased to say I was wrong.
This book is book 4 in the Detective Alyssa Watts series. I haven’t read books 1 and 2 but I am seriously considering doing that as the stories are so good. The star of this story was young Carter. At 6 years old he was so brave and protective of his little sister he stole my heart. Alyssa’s partner, Detective Cord Roberts gains the little boy’s trust which helps them progress the case. The police are desperately hoping to find London alive but it is looking less and less likely.
The cracking pace never let up until the end which was kind of sad. If you’re looking for suspense (without the romance) this is a great series to read. The police team are professional and relatable with no gimmicks. I will eagerly await the next book in the series. Many thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
April 14, 2022
The fourth of the Alyssa Wyatt series, The Devil’s Playground by Charly Cox is a twisted macabre murder mystery. Three friends enjoying a weekly get together are preyed upon by evil, and a bloody murder scene baffles the police. Then two children are discovered hiding in a wardrobe and things just don’t add up. As Alyssa and the team investigate, a missing third young woman and satanic ritual possibilities are discovered. This is a dark tale of the occult and the police’s effort to solve a gripping murder mystery. A most enjoyable police procedural if you like hard edge crime, with realistic characters and chilling narrative that makes for a four-star rating. With thanks to Hera Books and the author, for an advanced copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
May 17, 2025
Well… even though there’s still some trademark snark and people (both good guys and bad) being assholes for no discernible reason, this book really turned down the “dick dial”. It was far less predictable than the last installment, it tied up loose ends and even had a happy ending. This is the most I’ve enjoyed Detective Wyatt since the first book in the series. Huzzah! 🎉
May 1, 2024
Charly Cox you are an incredible author who is the absolute queen of endings! I really hope you are writing the sixth book because I’m not sure I can handle this series ending!
April 30, 2025
⚠️ 📢 🚨 TRIGGER WARNING: murder, torture, physical assault, adult-knapping, cult, devil worshipping.
This series has been so awesome!! I LOVE Detective Alyssa Wyatt!! Her being partners with Cord is so good. They make the best team. This book held my attention from start to finish and just kept me glued to all that was happening. The story regards a cult and devil worshipping, which always disturbs me but is also fascinating. I despise cults with a passion, but in thriller/mystery books, they always add a layer of entertainment that just draws me in. Entertaining but very angering. This book was super great, and I can't wait to read the next one in this series. HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you enjoy thrillers and can handle the triggers.
This series has been so awesome!! I LOVE Detective Alyssa Wyatt!! Her being partners with Cord is so good. They make the best team. This book held my attention from start to finish and just kept me glued to all that was happening. The story regards a cult and devil worshipping, which always disturbs me but is also fascinating. I despise cults with a passion, but in thriller/mystery books, they always add a layer of entertainment that just draws me in. Entertaining but very angering. This book was super great, and I can't wait to read the next one in this series. HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you enjoy thrillers and can handle the triggers.
June 27, 2022
Thursday Night girl’s night at the home of single mom Skylar turns deadly and soon Detective Alyssa Wyatt and her partner, Detective Cord Roberts, are called to the scene. They find two dead bodies, three wine glasses and hiding in the closet, six-year-old Carter and his three-year-old sister Abigail.
From the first chapter, Cox pulled me into the story, sharing with us moments of the attack before detectives arrive on the scene. Throughout the story, we get perspectives from London, the kidnapped victim.
I like and respect Alyssa Wyatt. Her gut instincts and observations make her the voice of justice for the victims she encounters. She gets personal with her cases and is a voice for the victims. She and her partner Cord make a great team.
The author wove a chilling tale, laying out red herrings, and clues that lead our detectives to discover they are dealing with more than just a murder. The children pulled at my heartstrings, especially Carter.
The voice of London will send chills down your spine as you root for her. I held my breath. While most of the violence perpetrated by her captors was off page, the author painted a clear picture and you could feel her fear, panic and struggle.
Kate Zane narrates, and I am delighted I listened. Zane captured Detective Wyatt and Cord perfectly. Her voices for London and the children rang true, as did the villains. Her performance enhanced my enjoyment of the case.
Fans of crime cases, murder mysteries and procedurals will want to check out The Devil’s Playground and the rest of the series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
From the first chapter, Cox pulled me into the story, sharing with us moments of the attack before detectives arrive on the scene. Throughout the story, we get perspectives from London, the kidnapped victim.
I like and respect Alyssa Wyatt. Her gut instincts and observations make her the voice of justice for the victims she encounters. She gets personal with her cases and is a voice for the victims. She and her partner Cord make a great team.
The author wove a chilling tale, laying out red herrings, and clues that lead our detectives to discover they are dealing with more than just a murder. The children pulled at my heartstrings, especially Carter.
The voice of London will send chills down your spine as you root for her. I held my breath. While most of the violence perpetrated by her captors was off page, the author painted a clear picture and you could feel her fear, panic and struggle.
Kate Zane narrates, and I am delighted I listened. Zane captured Detective Wyatt and Cord perfectly. Her voices for London and the children rang true, as did the villains. Her performance enhanced my enjoyment of the case.
Fans of crime cases, murder mysteries and procedurals will want to check out The Devil’s Playground and the rest of the series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 17, 2023
THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND
Charly Cox
Ms. Cox has some issues that she might want to consider getting some assistance with. This was a pretty freaky opening to a book. I thought the plot was well done, the pace was great, and the characters were relatively believable, BUT I did grow tired of the "evil and maniacal laugh" description and thought it was overplayed.
This is the first book in the series I have read and I did enjoy Detective Wyatt and her partner, Cord. The first chapter was very engaging and I was rooting for London and the children to be able to get away and stay safe. I was less enamored with London's perspectives of being kidnapped, no matter what one writes, I am not sure that you can capture the terror that races through that person's mind.
I thought the wolf dog was a bit cheesy but I have an LGD (livestock guardian dog) that gets freaked out when my goats go into labor and will not leave them.. he alarms and walks me in like an impatient daddy would. So I guess I can believe that another dog would respond in a similar way.
I just got a second book by the author and can't wait to see if it is as good as this one. I liked it and think if you like police chases of serial killers, then you probably will as well.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Charly Cox
Ms. Cox has some issues that she might want to consider getting some assistance with. This was a pretty freaky opening to a book. I thought the plot was well done, the pace was great, and the characters were relatively believable, BUT I did grow tired of the "evil and maniacal laugh" description and thought it was overplayed.
This is the first book in the series I have read and I did enjoy Detective Wyatt and her partner, Cord. The first chapter was very engaging and I was rooting for London and the children to be able to get away and stay safe. I was less enamored with London's perspectives of being kidnapped, no matter what one writes, I am not sure that you can capture the terror that races through that person's mind.
I thought the wolf dog was a bit cheesy but I have an LGD (livestock guardian dog) that gets freaked out when my goats go into labor and will not leave them.. he alarms and walks me in like an impatient daddy would. So I guess I can believe that another dog would respond in a similar way.
I just got a second book by the author and can't wait to see if it is as good as this one. I liked it and think if you like police chases of serial killers, then you probably will as well.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
April 14, 2022
Holy SMOKES!
What a ride.
From the first page my heart was pounding. Pounding. I could not look away. This book was so good. This series is a favorite of mine.
This author has a fantastic way of pulling you in from the very start. Fast paced thrill ride!
And I literally teared up at the end. So dang awesome. I love how the characters are growing. I especially love the detective and her partner’s family dynamics. Not only do you love the chase of finding the killer. You become invested in the characters as well.
What a ride.
From the first page my heart was pounding. Pounding. I could not look away. This book was so good. This series is a favorite of mine.
This author has a fantastic way of pulling you in from the very start. Fast paced thrill ride!
And I literally teared up at the end. So dang awesome. I love how the characters are growing. I especially love the detective and her partner’s family dynamics. Not only do you love the chase of finding the killer. You become invested in the characters as well.
July 19, 2024
This series is singlehandedly helping me get out of my reading rut. Books 2 & 4 are the darkest, but best ones so far. Alyssa Wyatt for life >>> 🕵🏼♀️
March 4, 2024
Fantastic from start to finish wow 🤩
July 9, 2022
This is the fourth in the Detective Alyssa Wyatt series and can be read as a standalone. I would still recommend you read the other three books in the series just because they are great books too!
Alyssa and her team arrive at the scene of a brutal double murder. That's bad enough, but they find two children hiding in a wardrobe who could have overheard the attack. Things get even worse when they find another woman, London, has been taken. It's a race against time to find London and keep the children safe.
Wow, The Devil's Playground didn't just pull on my old heartstring but gave them a good old yank! I found myself teary eyed occasionally throughout the novel.
Alyssa and her partner Trent are brilliant characters. Their dedication and steadfast way they investigate makes you wish all real life police officers were like them.
A special mention goes to Carter, one of the children who was found in the wardrobe. He was absolutely adorable and should get the big brother award for looking after his three-year-old sister throughout everything and he's only six!
Satanism is one of the themes of the book, so of course religion, .i.e. Christianity, makes an appearance. I'm not usually a fan of this, but it wasn't overly done and shoved in my face like other novels I've read.
Another thing I loved about this book was the fact I had no idea who the culprits were until they were revealed. I completely missed any clues!
A little warning though, this series tackles a lot of dark subjects, but I believe this is the darkest to date, so if you like your police procedurals on the cosy side, these books might not be for you.
The Devil's Playground is a hard-hitting police procedural that had me engrossed from beginning to end.
Alyssa and her team arrive at the scene of a brutal double murder. That's bad enough, but they find two children hiding in a wardrobe who could have overheard the attack. Things get even worse when they find another woman, London, has been taken. It's a race against time to find London and keep the children safe.
Wow, The Devil's Playground didn't just pull on my old heartstring but gave them a good old yank! I found myself teary eyed occasionally throughout the novel.
Alyssa and her partner Trent are brilliant characters. Their dedication and steadfast way they investigate makes you wish all real life police officers were like them.
A special mention goes to Carter, one of the children who was found in the wardrobe. He was absolutely adorable and should get the big brother award for looking after his three-year-old sister throughout everything and he's only six!
Satanism is one of the themes of the book, so of course religion, .i.e. Christianity, makes an appearance. I'm not usually a fan of this, but it wasn't overly done and shoved in my face like other novels I've read.
Another thing I loved about this book was the fact I had no idea who the culprits were until they were revealed. I completely missed any clues!
A little warning though, this series tackles a lot of dark subjects, but I believe this is the darkest to date, so if you like your police procedurals on the cosy side, these books might not be for you.
The Devil's Playground is a hard-hitting police procedural that had me engrossed from beginning to end.
February 22, 2022
They're back!!! Detective Alyssa Watt and her partner, Cord Roberts, are one of my favorite pair of criminal investigators. I absolutely love this series and was super excited to be allowed access to this ARC!! This book was extremely intense, twisted and quite disturbing! I LOVED IT!!!
I was seriously terrified at times but could not stop reading. It's a fast read and definite page turner. Charly Cox, once again, excellently delivers a tale filled with what one could only describe as your worst nightmares come to life. I found myself teary-eyed, cringing or picking my chin off of the floor quite a few times. The relationship and connection between Alyssa and Cord is so well developed that I feel like I know them personally. And adding their family lives into the mix makes them even more lovable and interesting.
The Devil's Playground is book #4 and can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend starting with book one, All His Pretty Girls. You will not be disappointed!
Huge thank you to Hera Books, NetGalley and the author for granting me free access to this ARC!
I was seriously terrified at times but could not stop reading. It's a fast read and definite page turner. Charly Cox, once again, excellently delivers a tale filled with what one could only describe as your worst nightmares come to life. I found myself teary-eyed, cringing or picking my chin off of the floor quite a few times. The relationship and connection between Alyssa and Cord is so well developed that I feel like I know them personally. And adding their family lives into the mix makes them even more lovable and interesting.
The Devil's Playground is book #4 and can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend starting with book one, All His Pretty Girls. You will not be disappointed!
Huge thank you to Hera Books, NetGalley and the author for granting me free access to this ARC!
July 8, 2023
The writing is very much in need of a skilled editor. It's the literary equivalent of a toddler wobbling around in their mom's high heels. Really immature writing that is trying to sound grown-up.
"They didn't worry about what [his] family would think because they didn't care."
"That cop had ruined everything, except for one thing."
"But [they] had other plans that made the next few seconds move forward at an ultra-slow speed, while also occurring far too quickly for her mind to process all at once."
Also... the entire occult storyline was hilarious. You're telling me a couple pentagrams and a "666" are more "spine-chilling" than murder / kidnapping to these seasoned detectives?
Don't even get me started on the number of times Alyssa's heart melted repeatedly in the same sequence of events.
"They didn't worry about what [his] family would think because they didn't care."
"That cop had ruined everything, except for one thing."
"But [they] had other plans that made the next few seconds move forward at an ultra-slow speed, while also occurring far too quickly for her mind to process all at once."
Also... the entire occult storyline was hilarious. You're telling me a couple pentagrams and a "666" are more "spine-chilling" than murder / kidnapping to these seasoned detectives?
Don't even get me started on the number of times Alyssa's heart melted repeatedly in the same sequence of events.
February 20, 2022
I was absolutely thrilled to get this ARC from Netgalley as the Alyssa Wyatt series is one of my favourites.
What I love about these books is all of the twists and turns, this one came with a twist that I just did not see coming and it was one of those moments that I had to read two or three times! Aside from the twists and turns though, Charly Cox just writes the best characters. I had tears in my eyes so many times in this book, Cord really came into his own as a character I thought, he had such a good storyline with the kids and I even fell in love with the wolf dog! Four books in and I’m still dying to read the next one, hopefully not too long to wait!
What I love about these books is all of the twists and turns, this one came with a twist that I just did not see coming and it was one of those moments that I had to read two or three times! Aside from the twists and turns though, Charly Cox just writes the best characters. I had tears in my eyes so many times in this book, Cord really came into his own as a character I thought, he had such a good storyline with the kids and I even fell in love with the wolf dog! Four books in and I’m still dying to read the next one, hopefully not too long to wait!
July 4, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
September 21, 2024
Fav Alyssa Wyatt yet - ily Cord
April 21, 2022
This is the fourth book to feature Detective Alyssa Wyatt and her crack team and OMG WHAT A READ!!!!!
Bone chilling, visceral and bloody terrifying. It starts off as a home invasion which goes horribly wrong and ends in murder and abduction. Be warned not for the squeamish. In my opinion the best in the series so far. This very talented author is well on the way to being known as the Mistress of the Dark. Loved it!!!!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Bone chilling, visceral and bloody terrifying. It starts off as a home invasion which goes horribly wrong and ends in murder and abduction. Be warned not for the squeamish. In my opinion the best in the series so far. This very talented author is well on the way to being known as the Mistress of the Dark. Loved it!!!!!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
December 4, 2022
This is the longest it’s taken me to read one of Cox’s books. It didn’t grip me at all… given the title is ‘The Devils Playground’ I expected more death, more torture, more occult sacrifices… but no, there was no real drama after the first chapter. The ending was also a typical ‘everything’s turns out great in America!!!’ which didn’t excite me one bit.
Her first few books were great, really dark and thrilling, but they’ve turned too mushy and soft.
I am invested in Cox’s characters however.
Will I read her next book soon to be released? Most likely. Will that disappoint me too?? Probably.
Her first few books were great, really dark and thrilling, but they’ve turned too mushy and soft.
I am invested in Cox’s characters however.
Will I read her next book soon to be released? Most likely. Will that disappoint me too?? Probably.
February 13, 2024
It's satanic panic time and it's embarrassing that it's so earnest. THEY WEAR CLOAKS!
It sounds like an 80's pastor describing a D&D player. EVIL!!!
Didn't wanna finish this book but I did...do I hate myself
It sounds like an 80's pastor describing a D&D player. EVIL!!!
Didn't wanna finish this book but I did...do I hate myself
March 6, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me access to this before publication. While The Devil's Playground takes on an unpleasant subject, we are spared the worst of the details and this makes it slightly easier to read.
Our story begins with London reading a story to her friend's two young children when she hears noises she wasn't expecting to. Concerned by this unexpected occurrence, she hides with the children in the closet and we are in for a tense wait as we try to work out what this might mean.
The evening results in the ritual killing of two young women, the abduction of London and the children safe but traumatised by their experience. Detective Alyssa Wyatt is called in and, as with the previous books in the series, she approaches her task with grim determination to ensure she gets the result she wants.
The remainder of the book then splits our focus. We are given details from the perspective of Detective Wyatt as she investigates. We see the torment London is subjected to as she is tortured. We also see inside the minds of the two responsible for these brutal killings. What we don't see until late on is how the little details combine, and exactly how the various details piece together.
Without giving too much away, this is a solid instalment in the series. We continue to see the main characters develop, and we also get an insight into their work.
Our story begins with London reading a story to her friend's two young children when she hears noises she wasn't expecting to. Concerned by this unexpected occurrence, she hides with the children in the closet and we are in for a tense wait as we try to work out what this might mean.
The evening results in the ritual killing of two young women, the abduction of London and the children safe but traumatised by their experience. Detective Alyssa Wyatt is called in and, as with the previous books in the series, she approaches her task with grim determination to ensure she gets the result she wants.
The remainder of the book then splits our focus. We are given details from the perspective of Detective Wyatt as she investigates. We see the torment London is subjected to as she is tortured. We also see inside the minds of the two responsible for these brutal killings. What we don't see until late on is how the little details combine, and exactly how the various details piece together.
Without giving too much away, this is a solid instalment in the series. We continue to see the main characters develop, and we also get an insight into their work.
July 30, 2023
Charly Cox is a fantastic writer, so I am not surprised she killed it with this one!! She does not waste any time diving into this one! I have read almost all of her books and this is definitely one of my favorites she has written! She jumps right into action from the very first chapter, hooking you in immediately! This is book 4 of the detective Alyssa Wyatt series, and although you do not have to read each one to know what is going on (they each have their own case), you can read them as stand alone books or as a series. However, I definitely recommend reading each of them. You really get to know her and her team and your love for them and the work that they do grows with each story! I love our men and women in blue. They sacrifice so much to keep us safe and do what is needed to catch the bad guys! *check trigger warnings prior to reading though*
May 16, 2022
Wow. Charly Cox continues to impress and amaze me.
Perhaps I'm getting to know Alyssa, Cord, Hal, Joe, Tony, Ruby and all the gang. Perhaps the story line and the subject manner was especially intense. Or perhaps, The Devil’s Playground was her best book yet.
To say I loved the other books in the Alyssa Wyatt Series would be putting it mildly. I enjoy the chemistry between the detectives. I enjoy watching Alyssa as she navigates the battle between her hard exterior and her soft interior. I enjoy Cox’s gift of plot, her page-turning prose, and her multi-dimensional characters. But this story took me in places I never wanted to go, and I loved every minute of it.
The Devil’s Playground opens as a ruthless cult viciously murders two women, kidnaps another, and leaves behind two terrified children. As soon as I met Carter and Abigail, I was hooked. The way brave little Carter looks after his frightened younger sister is inspiring and shattering all at once.
I was also invested in London, the cult’s kidnap victim, who is at the mercy of two psychopaths we only know as Draven and Mara. Ms. Cox doesn’t go easy on us in this one. Prepare to be swept away with Cord and Alyssa as they hunt for the murderers and rush to save London. Prepare for mind blowing twists. And prepare to experience many emotions in one read.
Charly Cox deftly strikes a balance between the courage of the children, the determination of Alyssa’s team, and a degree of haunting evil we haven’t seen before.
There’s even a courageous wolfdog that I can’t get out of my head.
Be forewarned, Charly Cox is at the top of her game in this one.
Perhaps I'm getting to know Alyssa, Cord, Hal, Joe, Tony, Ruby and all the gang. Perhaps the story line and the subject manner was especially intense. Or perhaps, The Devil’s Playground was her best book yet.
To say I loved the other books in the Alyssa Wyatt Series would be putting it mildly. I enjoy the chemistry between the detectives. I enjoy watching Alyssa as she navigates the battle between her hard exterior and her soft interior. I enjoy Cox’s gift of plot, her page-turning prose, and her multi-dimensional characters. But this story took me in places I never wanted to go, and I loved every minute of it.
The Devil’s Playground opens as a ruthless cult viciously murders two women, kidnaps another, and leaves behind two terrified children. As soon as I met Carter and Abigail, I was hooked. The way brave little Carter looks after his frightened younger sister is inspiring and shattering all at once.
I was also invested in London, the cult’s kidnap victim, who is at the mercy of two psychopaths we only know as Draven and Mara. Ms. Cox doesn’t go easy on us in this one. Prepare to be swept away with Cord and Alyssa as they hunt for the murderers and rush to save London. Prepare for mind blowing twists. And prepare to experience many emotions in one read.
Charly Cox deftly strikes a balance between the courage of the children, the determination of Alyssa’s team, and a degree of haunting evil we haven’t seen before.
There’s even a courageous wolfdog that I can’t get out of my head.
Be forewarned, Charly Cox is at the top of her game in this one.
April 11, 2022
I came across this author originally on Netgalley, where I got accepted to read her 2nd book. I obviously went off to buy her first book, and i instantly became addicted to this series.
Now although this book is book 4 in the series, this could easily be read as a standalone too as it doesn't delve into the past books too much at all.
Charly's books are very fast paced, and they reel you in from the start.
This one was centred around Satanic worshipping, and it was quite brutal in places but I loved it and would highly recommend it.
I would actually put it out there that Is my favourite series of books I have ever read.
Now although this book is book 4 in the series, this could easily be read as a standalone too as it doesn't delve into the past books too much at all.
Charly's books are very fast paced, and they reel you in from the start.
This one was centred around Satanic worshipping, and it was quite brutal in places but I loved it and would highly recommend it.
I would actually put it out there that Is my favourite series of books I have ever read.
August 13, 2024
Let's get this straight, this book scared the living hell out of me. It's like all my fears that i shoved away to appear as brave as possible just came crashing back to me. There were points when I felt like I was having a panic attack thinking there's someone creepily watching. It did give me nightmares and not the ones you can recover quickly from either. Call me superstitious but I don't think I can ignore all the things I learned new about satanic rituals from this book and not throw a blind eye to it whenever I come across that in future.
I have to give credit to the author for delivering surprises like this consistently and maintaining the quality of the series.
I have to give credit to the author for delivering surprises like this consistently and maintaining the quality of the series.
September 25, 2025
4.75⭐️
The Devil’s Playground starts out with a girls night being wholly interrupted by brutal intruders and a kidnapping where two small children hiding witness half of it. UGH. these stories are always hard but it’s even worse when children are involved!
this case involves satanic cult and a twist that will make you want to throw up (seriously didn’t even see that coming) yet somehow Miss Cox manages to give it a wholesome ending.
the subject matter is definitely not for the faint of heart but the writing is so good every time and i get so emotional! could not love Alyssa Wyatt and her team more tbh
The Devil’s Playground starts out with a girls night being wholly interrupted by brutal intruders and a kidnapping where two small children hiding witness half of it. UGH. these stories are always hard but it’s even worse when children are involved!
this case involves satanic cult and a twist that will make you want to throw up (seriously didn’t even see that coming) yet somehow Miss Cox manages to give it a wholesome ending.
the subject matter is definitely not for the faint of heart but the writing is so good every time and i get so emotional! could not love Alyssa Wyatt and her team more tbh
February 23, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Hera Books for the copy of this book, I loved the previous books so I was excited to get a copy of this one. This is the fourth book in the Allysa Wyatt series. The relationships have changed and grown over the course of the series, so if you haven’t read the other books, I encourage you to.
The horrific things that happen in this book are counteracted by how much Allysa cares about the victims and the beauty of the relationships between Allysa and her team and her family. The characters are so good in this book- even the ‘supporting’ characters are well-drawn.
The story was intriguing and held my interest, first to make sure the victims were ok, and then to see how the criminals were caught. Believe me, you will want the criminals caught, and to find out why they did what they did!
If you are looking for a new, well-written series, this is for you! If you are already reading hte series, this is for you!
The horrific things that happen in this book are counteracted by how much Allysa cares about the victims and the beauty of the relationships between Allysa and her team and her family. The characters are so good in this book- even the ‘supporting’ characters are well-drawn.
The story was intriguing and held my interest, first to make sure the victims were ok, and then to see how the criminals were caught. Believe me, you will want the criminals caught, and to find out why they did what they did!
If you are looking for a new, well-written series, this is for you! If you are already reading hte series, this is for you!
August 10, 2024
I'm so impressed by this author but setting that aside for a minute, I am even more impressed by the narrator Kate Zane. She's so good at voices. This book had every age group from the really young to really old and she nailed all those voices.
Now that aside, again, a winner from this author. The only reason I am reducing a star is because every other family which gave us red herrings was really open about their dirty laundry. Except the perp's. Especially when they really had good reason to. Seems implausible.
Now that aside, again, a winner from this author. The only reason I am reducing a star is because every other family which gave us red herrings was really open about their dirty laundry. Except the perp's. Especially when they really had good reason to. Seems implausible.
March 13, 2024
I really liked the detectives in this book & would love to read the other books with them. HOWEVER this book had a lot of scary crap in it. I skipped lots of pages at a time when it was the victims perspective.
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