Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Sons of Brutality

Rate this book
Los Angeles is in the grip of terror as two serial killers are dropping bodies throughout the city. One is killing in the name of justice; the other is killing in the name of obsession.

When the mutilated bodies of two young women are found murdered in the Hollywood Hills, with an inverted cross branded into their chest, Detective Addison Mowbray is convinced that the killer must be driven by a fascination with the occult.

With his lieutenant wary to pursue this line of investigation, only Addison's violent-tempered partner, Jed Perkins, and Lilly Coniglio, a passionate medical examiner from the Coroner's Department, will help the detective follow the leads, wherever they may take them.

While Addison and Jed navigate a murky, disturbing occult landscape in search of answers, another series of bloody murders plague the LAPD as a vigilante continues to leave a trail of victims, with plastic police badges left beside their bodies as a calling card.

Digging deeper into the brutal Hollywood Hills murders, the detectives uncover something even more terrifying than a killer hiding in the shadows as they discover an organization so vile and powerful that it changes their lives forever. Struggling with their own demons, these two flawed detectives find themselves as the only ones standing between this evil organization and a spectacular season of carnage in the City of Angels.

Set against a backdrop of urban bleakness and social inequality, Sons of Brutality combines deeply flawed protagonists with human monsters, integrating strong dialogue, violent action, and gripping suspense.

371 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2021

67 people are currently reading
4137 people want to read

About the author

Daniel Jeudy

4 books32 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
58 (39%)
4 stars
42 (28%)
3 stars
31 (20%)
2 stars
9 (6%)
1 star
8 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Ashley Daviau.
2,264 reviews1,060 followers
November 18, 2021
On paper this one had so much potential and I was incredibly excited for it. Sadly it did not live up to the very high hopes I had for it. I’m a huge fan of any book that has to do with the occult and/or serial killers and this one just sounded so good. The idea practically had me salivating and when it first started to unroll I was pretty damn into it and sitting back to enjoy the ride. And then that’s where it started to get messy and a bunch of little things started to really bother me. I won’t nitpick and go into all of them but there’s 2 main things that really brought this from a yay to nay. First, at one point I got pretty tired of there continuously being new elements thrown in, it felt like every possible thing you could imagine somehow had to be added in and it just got old and quite confusing honestly. Second, after awhile it started to feel like I was reading a Dan Brown novel and I just wasn’t into that vibe. The story had so much potential and I really wanted to love it but the execution just lacked for me. All that being said, I would still be curious to delve into more of this author’s work. The potential is there but this story just didn’t quite work for me.
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,305 reviews162 followers
January 11, 2022
Two attractive, young, blond women…missing body parts….an inverted cross on their breasts…One serial killer is bad enough, but they have two. I am very curious how Daniel Jeudy will bring them together.

Detective Addison Mowbray had believed people were good….until his father was murdered. His grief led him to a career in law enforcement and he has stayed with the LAPD for almost thirty years.

We actually have three plots going: Occult killing, Armenian Mafia, a vigilante.

I must say, as a debut novel…well done, Daniel. I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. Dark, gritty, twisted, perverted, the most depraved, despicable dregs of humanity ungrace the pages. Evil…and I revel in it. I love walking among the dark and damaged…and Daniel supplied that. I had wondered how he would end the story, and though he left it in a good place, there is still more to know. The work is not finished. Bring it on, Daniel.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Sons of Brutality by Daniel Jeudy.

See more at fundinmental
Profile Image for ForTheThrillofBooks.
827 reviews24 followers
October 27, 2021
A satanic snuff club
A ruthless vigilante
An intricate web of deception
Who can you trust?

Ok I loved this book! A crime thriller/horror that felt like it was written just for my sick soul. Sons of Brutality is dark, gritty, graphic and totally unappologetic. Not for the sensitive or easily offended readers, this book takes you on quite the journey through the darkest corners of LA. We have a ruthless serial killer branding his victims and cutting off body parts in the Hollywood Hills. A vigilante who has taken it upon himself to rid the streets of the human filth after loosing his partner. And a high ranking member of the Armenian Mafia who’s a ruthless hit man as well as a total racist sh*t who thinks he’s untouchable. What connects these three stories lines? Detective Mowbray who’s a bit of a cliché, but totally lovable, with his baggage and drinking problem and his young partner Detective Perkins, who’s just learning the ropes. There are a number of other characters which were integral to the overall story, which was perfectly detailed and entertaining. I felt at times like I was watching episodes of The Sopranos, just to give you an idea of what you can expect. Lots of action and not so pleasant details and descriptions made for a really great read and start to a trilogy. The author does not hold back on the gory details or anything else for that matter which I really appreciated. Eagerly awaiting the next book!
Profile Image for Holly.
242 reviews81 followers
March 4, 2022
This book was dark and twisty and had a lot going on. There’s plenty of violence, but when you’re talking about a serial killer and satanic club you know it won’t be for the faint of heart. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and hope there is more to come in this series.
Profile Image for Lainy.
1,980 reviews72 followers
November 8, 2021
Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages -

Publisher - Vivid Publishing

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads/back cover

When Detective Addison Mowbray begins investigating the murders of two young women in the Hollywood Hills, he can't imagine where the case will lead. He suspects the crimes were inspired by an occult fascination, due to some missing body parts and the inverted Christian cross branded on the victims' breasts. But apart from Addison's temperamental partner, Jed, the only other person keen on them pursuing that line of investigation is Lilly Coniglio, a medical examiner from the Coroner's Department. The LAPD is already under immense public pressure due to all the bad press another killer – a vigilante – has brought to their door: it's been over a year since the first organized-crime figure showed up full of holes, with a plastic police badge beside his body.

As Addison and Jed navigate a murky, disturbing occult landscape in search of answers, they uncover something even more terrifying than a killer hiding in the shadows: an organization so vile and powerful that it changes their lives forever. These two troubled detectives are all that stand between this organization and a spectacular season of carnage.

Set against a backdrop of urban bleakness and social inequality, 'Sons of Brutality' combines deeply flawed protagonists with human monsters, integrating strong dialogue, violent action and gripping suspense.



My Review

Detective Addison Mowbray is investigating the brutal murders of two young women in Hollywood Hills, the bodies have been mutilated. As the case progresses, Mowbray feels more and more the murders have more than a little nod to the Occult. Add into that LAPD are already under fire as another serial killer is operating in the area, killing bad guys and leaving plastic badges by the bodies. If that isn't enough for you dear reader we have a third player, Narek, high ranking in the Mafia, ruthless, racist, misogynistic, foul mouthed villain, it is a busy book!

It is a lot crammed into 328 pages, Mowbray has a lot of issues/baggage, issues with the bottle but is a good dude. We follow his investigation, hear from the killer and their views, the vigilante and the Mafia bad guy. Despite multiple storylines I didn't feel too disjointed bouncing from person to person.

This isn't for the faint hearted, there are so many dark, brutal, graphic, horrific elements, some of the characters are really sick, twisted individuals. Narek really brings up the bile, the way he speaks to, thinks about and treats women, the C word is bandied about frequently and that isn't close to being the worst, he is a racist scumbag. I found his parts quite hard going and remember there is an occult/sadist/horror individual, also dark reading but Narek really got under my skin. I think because there is so much hate/bile/abuse in reality it just touched a nerve, I was rooting for someone, anyone to pan his melt in!

I would love to see the vigilante get more *air time* - I got echoes of a bit of Jack Reacher code from him. We always love to see someone bring justice to bad people so yeah I would like the next book to be theirs or heavily featured if there is a book two. I think if there is a series then there has been good foundations laid down. I would like to read more from this author but definitely prepare yourself to step into a very dark, nasty world, 3/5 for me.



453 reviews4 followers
October 17, 2021
Wow! What a terrifying glimpse into the dark fetid underbelly of the human condition.
This is a grab you by the throat and don’t let go story about cults, power, satanism, a city in peril, and the people who are trying to right some of the wrongs…and realising how futile it all is.
The themes are brutal and Jeudy doesn’t shy away from making sure you have vivid pictures of what is going on in the related threads as they come together. All the way through reading this book I had the feeling that everything wasn’t going to be resolved neatly, it was more realistic than that. The cynicism, and at times resigned acceptance, of the LAPD characters jumps off the page - they represent the different stages of what seems like an inevitable hardening towards the lack of good in certain pockets of society.
The writing is fast-paced and gritty with enough of the motivations and back stories of the main characters revealed to make you connect with them but also with parts left a mystery, which makes me hope for sequels.
Profile Image for Daniyal Ghani (Dan).
72 reviews3 followers
February 16, 2022
Satanic stuff, love it.

It's a crime thriller/horror that felt like it was written just for my sick soul. Sons of Brutality is dark, gritty, graphic, and totally unapologetic. Not for the sensitive or easily offended readers, this book takes you on quite the journey through the darkest corners of LA. We have a ruthless serial killer branding his victims and cutting off body parts in the Hollywood Hills.

There are a number of other characters who were integral to the overall story, which was perfectly detailed and entertaining. I felt at times like I was watching episodes of The Sopranos, just to give you an idea of what you can expect. The author does not hold back on the gory details or anything else for that matter which I really appreciated. Eagerly awaiting the next book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kevin Casner.
45 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2021
Thank you to Goodreads for a copy of this book. My wife won it, but I saw it and read it first. The following thoughts are my own and an honest opinion. I read this book in one sitting. It was entertaining and moves at a fast pace. I enjoyed the story and it provided the escape I was looking for. The premise is a little old hat. The ragged cop battling personal demons confronting, and fighting oppressive evil, is a Hollywood staple. Still, as proven by these books and movies continuing to sell, it serves its purpose and, in fact, I will probably read the subsequent books. I want to thank the author for the signed copy of his work. I truly appreciate the gift.
Profile Image for Chanelle Gruca.
277 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book to review.

All over this was an amazing, brutal, gritty novel that I really enjoyed. The characters were well portrayed, and the plot was thought out. It gives you a sense that you're there, following along with the case.

My only issue with this book is the writing style seemed a bit over done in some sections. It was almost TOO descriptive or drawn out because of the wording.
Profile Image for Tam.
2,179 reviews53 followers
August 26, 2021
A gritty, intense, fast-paced, riveting, artful melding of stunning psychological thrills and nail-biting suspense. An edgy mystery full of dark secrets, shocking plot twists and pulse-pounding, palpable tension. A MUST for those who thrive on superbly-written, unputdownable thrillers!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Profile Image for Cathy.
563 reviews9 followers
January 13, 2022
I’d like to thank Goodreads and author, Daniel Jeudy, for this book. I’m so excited to have won a signed first edition! This book was good, but so so disturbing! That is not at all a negative in my opinion because I love this type of book. What scares me is that I have no doubt that the atrocities that are described are happening even as I write this review. People are sick! Demonology, human sacrifices, snuff clubs and more. I found it hard to put this book down. It appears this was book one of a series that I will be sure to read more of.
Profile Image for Sandra Burns.
1,798 reviews41 followers
January 2, 2022
Excellent story

A case of abducted women, turned into much more. Addison, and his partner Jed, are detectives in the police department. They caught the case.
The kidnapper, was a serial killer, and involved with a secret group.
This group, did all kinds of nefarious acts. They also, were very wealthy. They had police, and other higher ups, on their payroll. For protection.
Unfortunately, for the group, they threatened the detectives loved ones. That is a grave mistake.
Profile Image for Linda D. Huether.
5 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2022
Fast paced

Caught my complete attention within just a few pages. Just HAD to keep reading. Wonderful characters on both sides. And an ending that truly brought it altogether.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,272 reviews98 followers
August 19, 2021
First off, there are swearing and some really graphic scenes in this story. The title kinda says it all, having said that, it is a well-written story about how depraved some people are and mentally unstable. The main characters are great and show a personal side to those who try to figure out murders. Not for the faint of heart. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Corinne.
369 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2021
I struggled at times to know whether I should keep reading. The characters did not allow me to feel anything and there were too many cliches. I felt that having two parallel stories was too much. On the plus side, it set up well for a sequel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Joyce Patterson.
25 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2022
A+ Read

Every fiction is born from many truths. This author hits all the correct nuances of a great book that I will surely read again. This author has what it takes to hit the ground running!
8 reviews
October 16, 2021
This story goes places that many will view as depraved. Don't even think about reading it if you are prone to offense or squemish. I love an in your face dark tale that I know isn't going to end well. Like drinking one final shot when I know it will break my brain upon waking up the next morning. This book is reminiscent of that two am shot and then some.
342 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2021
To be honest after reading the introduction to this book, I was expecting a how lot more than the author delivered. I found the main detective characters beyond cliched, and I honestly don't feel that the idea of tracking 2 serial killers worked, as the main focus is on the murders of the girls; although it does set things up well for the next book in the series.

I wanted to love it, but ended up feeling ambivalent

I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review
4 reviews
September 30, 2021
A darkly disturbing thrill ride that left me feeling disturbed. Fast paced and very well written with an interweaving plot. I received an ARC of this book and couldn't put it down.
3 reviews
October 7, 2021
A relentless, spiralling car-crash of a book, this is a dark and twisted story of murder, detection and the blackest of magic set against a tortured modern landscape of urban decay and ennui. The characters are well-crafted – some of them frighteningly so – and the plot unfolds at an urgent and compelling pace. This is the deep, dark end of the pool of Occult Detective fiction and is certainly not for the squeamish or the faint-hearted!
Profile Image for Tom Freeman.
6 reviews
February 4, 2022
This book took me on an amazing thrill ride, VERY dark and well written. Bring on book two!
Profile Image for Pegboard.
1,823 reviews9 followers
December 3, 2021
Sons of a Brutality by Daniel Jeudy will curl your toes and send chills down your back as monsters unfold before your eyes. Detective Addison Mowbray and his partner, Jed, are trying to uncover assumed occult murders when opposition hits on all sides. Can they find this killer who has mastered human sacrifices before this morbid beast strikes again?

Daniel Jeudy is that rare author who draws you into his story. You have that eerie feeling the killer is just waiting to pounce while you stand there helplessly. Sons of a Brutality will hold your attention and take you down paths you are unsure you want to tread. I love this novel, yet, held my breath wishing it would end. I will definitely remember this novel and wonder how far will Addison go for justice?
Profile Image for Shantel Brunton.
Author 8 books57 followers
December 9, 2021
This book is amazing. It’s extremely dark and that’s just how I like them.
The characters are well written and feel incredibly real. I really liked Addison Mowbray and his jaded perspective on crime and criminals alike. There’s something about his nature, how you can tell he’s worn down, he’s pragmatic, but he keeps pushing.
A good hero needs a good villain and the book doesn’t fail to deliver these antagonistic characters.
Edward is as sadistic as they come and really made this story a great read.
Then there’s Narek. Who’s just as dark. I thought it was fascinating to read about the Armenian mafia.
Be warned this book contains a lot of graphic violence, so it might not be your cup of tea. However if you’re looking for dark, raw, and gritty, then this is the book for you.
While reading this, I was mainly squeezing my reading into my limited spare time. Reading a book like this before bed makes it hard to go to sleep.
1.) it’s so interesting I didn’t want to put it down
2.) it really makes you think about the evil in this world
Profile Image for APDARKNESS905.
2 reviews
October 1, 2021
A sensational start, Sons of Brutality is a horror/crime thriller that delivers something that is utterly familiar, yet startlingly original. With well-crafted and believable characters that guide the reader down a labyrinthian narrative, exploring the depths of violence, cruelty and depravity, leaving them hoping they are alone in the dark. There is much to be found here for both connoisseurs of horror and nervous newcomers alike, in a story that is set to spark the vocation of what may well be the latest loud voice of this genre. A triumph I highly recommend, a well deserved five stars from me.
1 review1 follower
December 9, 2021
A terrifying bled of violence, crime and horror. A thrilling police investigation with an in-depth character composition, my only criticism was that more pages could've been given to the vigilante. I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for David McKenzie.
25 reviews
November 25, 2021
Daniel Jeudy has created a cruel world in this crime novel. Everything is harsh - the thoughts of the main characters, the crime scenes, the criminal actions, even the climate and environment seems harsh. This is all in keeping with the type of story this is - brutal. The main character, Detective Addison Mowbray, is beaten, worn and bordering on corrupt, without really crossing over. The parallel crime plots are poles apart. One, the deranged desire of a cult member to raise his girlfriend from the dead. The other, a renegade killer taking out the criminal trash. While there are lots of offensive people and scenes in this book, none were directed at the reader, being contained in the action of the story. This made some of the cruelty easier to handle as a reader. This appears to be book #1 in a series, and there is definitely scope for a series to develop from this premier book. A good read for those who like gritty, gruesome crime reads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.