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The Devil's Trill
She devoted her life to studying demons. She never knew one of them was studying her.
As a child, Kayla’s sister tried to scare her by showing her a horror movie about demons. Instead, it grew into a fascination, and then a career. Kayla now travels around the globe studying demonology and possession beliefs from every culture imaginable. Though enriching, her career has convinced her beyond a shadow of a doubt that demons aren’t real. Until she meets Elisa Watkins.
Elisa’s possession is like nothing Kayla has ever seen before…and she’s seen everything. Kayla tries to believe that Elisa is simply faking for attention, a bid for her fifteen minutes of fame, but Kayla’s convictions start to waver the more time she spends in Elisa’s presence. Elisa knows things about Kayla’s past that she couldn’t possibly be able to know. And then there’s that haunting violin song…
Shaken to her core, Kayla is desperate to find answers. But this demon, if he is real, might not be the deadliest threat that Kayla is facing...
As a child, Kayla’s sister tried to scare her by showing her a horror movie about demons. Instead, it grew into a fascination, and then a career. Kayla now travels around the globe studying demonology and possession beliefs from every culture imaginable. Though enriching, her career has convinced her beyond a shadow of a doubt that demons aren’t real. Until she meets Elisa Watkins.
Elisa’s possession is like nothing Kayla has ever seen before…and she’s seen everything. Kayla tries to believe that Elisa is simply faking for attention, a bid for her fifteen minutes of fame, but Kayla’s convictions start to waver the more time she spends in Elisa’s presence. Elisa knows things about Kayla’s past that she couldn’t possibly be able to know. And then there’s that haunting violin song…
Shaken to her core, Kayla is desperate to find answers. But this demon, if he is real, might not be the deadliest threat that Kayla is facing...
- GenresParanormal
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2022
14 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 11, 2022
Intriguing from start to finish, “The Devil’s Trill” will keep any reader on the edge of their seat.
Read full review in the 2022 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 Summer issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 29, 2022
The Devil’s Trill by N.B. Saltsman is an exciting and complex paranormal/romance/women’s lit/thriller novel and the first in a series of four books. Kayla is a young over-achiever working on the obscure topic of demonology in world cultures from her tiny entry-level office at Harvard University.
As a professional academic conducting scientific studies of demonology in world cultures, Kayla has a respectable job in academia and a cult following that loves to hear her talk about demon possessions. She has observed alleged cases of demon possession and exorcisms worldwide and has never believed they were real. The most she could accept was that the victim thought they were possessed, so the exorcisms made them feel better.
However, after being called by name to an alleged possession in a hospital, Kayla’s belief system begins to get strained by what she sees and hears. After more indisputable proof of paranormal existence presents itself, Kayla finds things spinning out of her control.
Full of surprises, twists, turns, unpredictable characters, and more conflicting deadly agendas than an Agatha Christie novel, The Devil’s Trill is a page-turning experience that will get the wheels in your head turning trying to figure out who is what, where, and what their agenda really is.
While skating on the very edge of death, Kayla has to find answers, fend off attackers, help her friends and family, and keep her job at Harvard all the time getting thrown off balance by surprise after surprise.
The Devil’s Trill is an excellent start to a series that promises to be fun and engaging for readers for volumes to come.
As a professional academic conducting scientific studies of demonology in world cultures, Kayla has a respectable job in academia and a cult following that loves to hear her talk about demon possessions. She has observed alleged cases of demon possession and exorcisms worldwide and has never believed they were real. The most she could accept was that the victim thought they were possessed, so the exorcisms made them feel better.
However, after being called by name to an alleged possession in a hospital, Kayla’s belief system begins to get strained by what she sees and hears. After more indisputable proof of paranormal existence presents itself, Kayla finds things spinning out of her control.
Full of surprises, twists, turns, unpredictable characters, and more conflicting deadly agendas than an Agatha Christie novel, The Devil’s Trill is a page-turning experience that will get the wheels in your head turning trying to figure out who is what, where, and what their agenda really is.
While skating on the very edge of death, Kayla has to find answers, fend off attackers, help her friends and family, and keep her job at Harvard all the time getting thrown off balance by surprise after surprise.
The Devil’s Trill is an excellent start to a series that promises to be fun and engaging for readers for volumes to come.
April 3, 2022
This was a wonderful read! Suspenseful and exciting. It had everything i like in a book. Really well done, highly recommend!
April 4, 2022
Well written!
This is an interesting and well written story. I love the character growth and the storyline. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
This is an interesting and well written story. I love the character growth and the storyline. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
June 10, 2022
Loved the story. This is not your typical demon possession yarn and an amazing first novel. Throw away all your preconceived ideas on exorcisms, Doctor Kayla Winslow is an unbeliever who studies demon lore and records exorcisms. When she is invited to interview and videotape the victim, a teenage girl, Elisa, plus witness the ceremony, she immediately says yes...then finds out the demon specifically asked for her to be present.
This is just the beginning of an amazing rollercoaster ride through the Vatican, Paris and back to the Boston area. A unique blend of the paranormal and plain human nastiness...I'm hooked, and I'm betting you will be too.
I have no idea how the author will wrap all this up. Guess, I'll have to purchase the next book in the series and find out.
This is just the beginning of an amazing rollercoaster ride through the Vatican, Paris and back to the Boston area. A unique blend of the paranormal and plain human nastiness...I'm hooked, and I'm betting you will be too.
I have no idea how the author will wrap all this up. Guess, I'll have to purchase the next book in the series and find out.
June 25, 2023
This book has been on my TBR for over a year. I can't believe I waited so long to read this. This book was great! I enjoyed every minute of it. The main character, Kayla, is a demonologist at Harvard University. She is invited to witness a local exorcism and that is where things start to go wrong for her when she meets an actual demon. There is also a really inappropriate colleague and a detective who is a possible love interest. This book was fast moving and I couldn't put it down.
August 28, 2022
This book is unlike any I've read so far! It isn't often you come across a read where the devil himself seeks you out in a non-malicious way!
Pros: I loved this for many reasons. I adored seeing demonology in a different light, learning about some violin history, as well as enjoyed the MC, Kayla.
Kayla's personality isn't a stereotype, therefore making it easy to love her. She's not afraid to go headfirst into some very serious topics most people would be crossing themselves and tossing salt over their shoulders for. Let's not forget Lucifer himself - I absolutely loved the light he was painted in alongside his explanations for supernatural occurrences and the afterlife.
All the characters are well written and though it's not the happiest story ever, it's still necessary to get the main point across: the devil wants to know Kayla and will do what it takes.
Cons: I can't think of any, but since this is my usual format, I guess I'd say if you're not an open-minded person, you're not going to like this. You need to be willing to see things from different perspectives.
Conclusion: this was an ARC read and one of my favorites to date! I loved the original plot line and Kayla's personality that just made it easy to understand why everyone else acted as they did around her. I adored the plot line and cannot wait for the next book!
Pros: I loved this for many reasons. I adored seeing demonology in a different light, learning about some violin history, as well as enjoyed the MC, Kayla.
Kayla's personality isn't a stereotype, therefore making it easy to love her. She's not afraid to go headfirst into some very serious topics most people would be crossing themselves and tossing salt over their shoulders for. Let's not forget Lucifer himself - I absolutely loved the light he was painted in alongside his explanations for supernatural occurrences and the afterlife.
All the characters are well written and though it's not the happiest story ever, it's still necessary to get the main point across: the devil wants to know Kayla and will do what it takes.
Cons: I can't think of any, but since this is my usual format, I guess I'd say if you're not an open-minded person, you're not going to like this. You need to be willing to see things from different perspectives.
Conclusion: this was an ARC read and one of my favorites to date! I loved the original plot line and Kayla's personality that just made it easy to understand why everyone else acted as they did around her. I adored the plot line and cannot wait for the next book!
October 24, 2022
Devilishly delightful read
Surprising take on an old story. This is a little Interview With a Vampire and DaVinci Code with a great sprinkling of the Devil and Daniel Webster. This is the beginning of the Devil’s Trill trilogy and begins a little slowly. The author is attempting to get her footing. The main character development is okay. As a character Kayla is tolerable and incredibly bright. There are moments when I did not enjoy the character or the decisions being made by her. She is incredibly intelligent and works at a prestigious university but does not know how to stand up for herself when talking to men? Her clumsiness and bumping into things when in action was distracting. By no means did I expect her to be a ninja but she went to sleep with a sharp knife and then cracked her head on a banister in her own home out of fear or rushing? Okay, Kayla, finds herself in a pickle at an exorcism. The story is interesting and holds the story together despite the clumsiness of Kayla. Despite all that and her possession of a Maine Coon cat that doesn’t offer any affection the story of being called and having an audience with a devil is intriguing. Really enjoyed the devil and the demonology scattered throughout the story. Definitely a different take on devils and demons. Recommend this to those who enjoy a bit of history and intelligence as they are pulled into a devilish story.
Surprising take on an old story. This is a little Interview With a Vampire and DaVinci Code with a great sprinkling of the Devil and Daniel Webster. This is the beginning of the Devil’s Trill trilogy and begins a little slowly. The author is attempting to get her footing. The main character development is okay. As a character Kayla is tolerable and incredibly bright. There are moments when I did not enjoy the character or the decisions being made by her. She is incredibly intelligent and works at a prestigious university but does not know how to stand up for herself when talking to men? Her clumsiness and bumping into things when in action was distracting. By no means did I expect her to be a ninja but she went to sleep with a sharp knife and then cracked her head on a banister in her own home out of fear or rushing? Okay, Kayla, finds herself in a pickle at an exorcism. The story is interesting and holds the story together despite the clumsiness of Kayla. Despite all that and her possession of a Maine Coon cat that doesn’t offer any affection the story of being called and having an audience with a devil is intriguing. Really enjoyed the devil and the demonology scattered throughout the story. Definitely a different take on devils and demons. Recommend this to those who enjoy a bit of history and intelligence as they are pulled into a devilish story.
September 9, 2022
Oh. My. Gosh. I loved this book. I loved everything about it. And now I learn there is another one?!?! Sign. Me. Up. I was hooked from the very first line of the book, and it never stopped reeling me in. “None of this would have happened if it weren’t for my b*tch of a sister.” What a way to open. Tell me more! I constantly needed to know what would happen next.
Kayla is a demonologist, and an anthropologist. She knows 8 languages and is in favor with a Cardinal who gives the okay for her to attend exorcisms. She’s studied at the Vatican, and her job at Harvard flies her everywhere for her job and research. She’s written two books, and she’s known as Dr. Exorcist. Only it’s not what you think. She writes about how the exorcisms aren’t real, but how the patient and family believes it is real and how is relates back to their culture. So what happens when at the next exorcism the demon does impossible things and says things no one else knows? What do you do when a devil wants to get to know you, find out what makes you tick?
Kayla is a demonologist, and an anthropologist. She knows 8 languages and is in favor with a Cardinal who gives the okay for her to attend exorcisms. She’s studied at the Vatican, and her job at Harvard flies her everywhere for her job and research. She’s written two books, and she’s known as Dr. Exorcist. Only it’s not what you think. She writes about how the exorcisms aren’t real, but how the patient and family believes it is real and how is relates back to their culture. So what happens when at the next exorcism the demon does impossible things and says things no one else knows? What do you do when a devil wants to get to know you, find out what makes you tick?
October 26, 2022
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
I truly wouldnt of read this one if it wasnt for me winning Book 2 in a Giveaway on LibraryThing last month!!
This was my first time reading a book by this author and since this book is based off of the movie The Exorcism i wasnt sure if i'd like it or not but surprisingly i enjoyed it very much.
The Characters were very interesting to read about. Kayla was my favorite character. I didnt care for Ashley, Ellie, Father and Elisa's parents much because of how mean and nasty they were to Kayla the Certified Doctor in Demonology.
The Setting was OK but wish it had been described better cause i was hoping to learn more about where the Book was Set in.
Overall a Good Thriller based on the movie, The Exorcism!! Can't wait to read Book 2 very soon!!
Review:
I truly wouldnt of read this one if it wasnt for me winning Book 2 in a Giveaway on LibraryThing last month!!
This was my first time reading a book by this author and since this book is based off of the movie The Exorcism i wasnt sure if i'd like it or not but surprisingly i enjoyed it very much.
The Characters were very interesting to read about. Kayla was my favorite character. I didnt care for Ashley, Ellie, Father and Elisa's parents much because of how mean and nasty they were to Kayla the Certified Doctor in Demonology.
The Setting was OK but wish it had been described better cause i was hoping to learn more about where the Book was Set in.
Overall a Good Thriller based on the movie, The Exorcism!! Can't wait to read Book 2 very soon!!
April 30, 2022
I received a free kindle copy of this book via Booksprout.
I was immediately hooked on this book as soon as I started reading. I started out thinking this book would only be about exorcisms, but it has so much more. It was filled with possessions, psychiatry, religion, family issues, music, love, and more. There was even a bit of history, travel, and food thrown in. I really liked the character of Kayla and wanted to learn more about her relationships throughout the book. I was sad when it ended, because I really want to see what happens in her future...
I highly recommend this book for readers of any genre.
I was immediately hooked on this book as soon as I started reading. I started out thinking this book would only be about exorcisms, but it has so much more. It was filled with possessions, psychiatry, religion, family issues, music, love, and more. There was even a bit of history, travel, and food thrown in. I really liked the character of Kayla and wanted to learn more about her relationships throughout the book. I was sad when it ended, because I really want to see what happens in her future...
I highly recommend this book for readers of any genre.
November 21, 2022
Lucifer meets Kinsey Milhone.
Not epic fantasy as advertised. The level of detail and research is more like a detective novel. The old car and cat were nice touches, like Kinsey Milhone. The setup reminded me of “The Demonologist,” where a young girl is held hostage to prove to the masses that the Devil exists. Once the devil shows, the tone changes to the Invisible Life of Adie Larue or the series Lucifer. Oddly, he's not the one she has to worry about.
From context clues, the main character was born in 1991, but references like VHS and Dictaphone may date the piece. The first-person POV led to a lot of fragments and run-on sentences at the start, but a PhD shouldn’t be as prone to those.
The reading grade level of 8.5 is a little high, but it has rich word choice.
The author can PM me for a list of typos and edits.
Not epic fantasy as advertised. The level of detail and research is more like a detective novel. The old car and cat were nice touches, like Kinsey Milhone. The setup reminded me of “The Demonologist,” where a young girl is held hostage to prove to the masses that the Devil exists. Once the devil shows, the tone changes to the Invisible Life of Adie Larue or the series Lucifer. Oddly, he's not the one she has to worry about.
From context clues, the main character was born in 1991, but references like VHS and Dictaphone may date the piece. The first-person POV led to a lot of fragments and run-on sentences at the start, but a PhD shouldn’t be as prone to those.
The reading grade level of 8.5 is a little high, but it has rich word choice.
The author can PM me for a list of typos and edits.
March 26, 2022
Looking forward to book two!
April 14, 2022
great read
I am not much of a reviewer but I really liked this book. The writing provoked my imagination and my beliefs. Looking forward to more
I am not much of a reviewer but I really liked this book. The writing provoked my imagination and my beliefs. Looking forward to more
October 10, 2022
Good Read, Well-Written
Engaging story, good characters. A refreshing read after so much boring garbage on Kindle. I would read more of this.
Engaging story, good characters. A refreshing read after so much boring garbage on Kindle. I would read more of this.
March 15, 2022
so well written, a joy to read.
I loved these characters and the refreshing depiction of Lou. This is the type of book you buy and put on your top shelf.
I loved these characters and the refreshing depiction of Lou. This is the type of book you buy and put on your top shelf.
March 15, 2022
I was excited when I saw The Devil's Trill. I hadn't read supernatural books featuring demons or devils, and this was a great place to start! Kayla is a relatable character and her story is very different than what you'd typically read in fantasy, urban or paranormal genres. There are a lot of suspenseful moments, and it feels like a lot of research probably went into it. I really enjoyed the Lucifer character, and have to say I was kind of crushing on him!
A little tip if you don't know classical music (which I don't), the song in the book is real and you can listen to it online. Although, I have to say, I got a bit spooked and only listened to part of it. I didn't find the book itself to be scary, just the song. There are no cliffhangers, but I know Kayla has a ton of stories left to tell, so I'm looking forward to the second book in the series. Overall a really great read!
A little tip if you don't know classical music (which I don't), the song in the book is real and you can listen to it online. Although, I have to say, I got a bit spooked and only listened to part of it. I didn't find the book itself to be scary, just the song. There are no cliffhangers, but I know Kayla has a ton of stories left to tell, so I'm looking forward to the second book in the series. Overall a really great read!
May 5, 2022
When you’re six years old, you aren’t supposed to be watching scary movies, especially The Exorcist, but Kayla did and, instead of getting scared’ began with questions which would frame the rest of her life. Persuading parents to fund her 2 PhDs (from Harvard no less!); she is renowned in her chosen field of demonology.
Too well known, perhaps, as she garners attention from the being she least wants it from – Lucifer himself. “Lou” possesses a young girl just to draw Kayla in. Several circumstances bring their attention to the real perpetrator and know it’s up to them to bring him to justice. Question: Kayla’s justice or Lucifer’s?
An odd book, I think. I would give it a 3. The characters were well-written for the most part. I kinda felt the whole book dragged in too many places
The title is self explanatory about a third of the way in.
Too well known, perhaps, as she garners attention from the being she least wants it from – Lucifer himself. “Lou” possesses a young girl just to draw Kayla in. Several circumstances bring their attention to the real perpetrator and know it’s up to them to bring him to justice. Question: Kayla’s justice or Lucifer’s?
An odd book, I think. I would give it a 3. The characters were well-written for the most part. I kinda felt the whole book dragged in too many places
The title is self explanatory about a third of the way in.
May 29, 2022
I am surprised how quickly I began to enjoy this book. It doesn't always happen with a new to me author let alone when I receive a book win from Library Thing. I was pleasantly surprised.
I like that the main character, Kayla, has made her life's work of study of demonology. She doesn't believe, but the study fascinates her. She is allowed to watch exorcisms and interview possessed people.
The story flows quite smoothly, the characters and premise are introduced to the reader in an engaging way.
I look forward to reading the next book when it comes out. Kayla and Lucifer have an interesting relationship of studying each other and I am curious to see where it goes.
I can recommend this book and author.
I like that the main character, Kayla, has made her life's work of study of demonology. She doesn't believe, but the study fascinates her. She is allowed to watch exorcisms and interview possessed people.
The story flows quite smoothly, the characters and premise are introduced to the reader in an engaging way.
I look forward to reading the next book when it comes out. Kayla and Lucifer have an interesting relationship of studying each other and I am curious to see where it goes.
I can recommend this book and author.
February 11, 2022
This novel was unique and unlike anything else I've read before. It appealed to everyone's natural fascination with subjects like possession and demonology and presented it in a really interesting way. It's clear the author is very knowledgeable and has done their research. There was enough action and suspense to keep me turning the pages and eager to see what happened next. I would highly recommend this book and encourage anyone looking for something new to read to pick it up!
April 9, 2022
The Devil's Trill by N.B. Saltsman had me captivated from the beginning. I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down.
The characters were well developed and the story moved at a great pace. The perfect mix of paranormal, suspense and action with a tad bit of romance. Kayla and Lou will keep you on your toes!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were well developed and the story moved at a great pace. The perfect mix of paranormal, suspense and action with a tad bit of romance. Kayla and Lou will keep you on your toes!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2022
I could not put this book down! Every time I thought I knew what would happen next, I was proved wrong. If you’re looking for a book that keeps you on your toes, keeps you flipping to the next page and keeps you intellectually stimulated, then this is the book for you. It’s a great balance of mystery, romance and fantasy.
February 7, 2022
The book really touched me that I fastly ordered for its link to read, you will really love this book if you go through it
May 2, 2022
Great story
I love the twists and turns the author throughout this adventurous tale. I'm interested in reading other works of the writer
I love the twists and turns the author throughout this adventurous tale. I'm interested in reading other works of the writer
August 1, 2022
This storyline is nothing new, feels like it was taken from a movie. Could have been better, the characters lacked and didn't finish reading. Too much evilness
August 20, 2022
Brief Synopsis: Kayla is considered an expert within the Exorcism research field. When an exorcism is taking place close by, she can’t turn down overseeing it for research purposes. Now the demons are asking for her by name, and Kayla is desperate to find out why.
Thoughts: This was a quick-paced read with a writing style that’s easy to follow. The characters felt realistic and their relationships felt authentic. At first I thought the plot was going one direction then it did a complete 180, BUT it all tied together well. I enjoyed how everything played out. And thought this was a unique and great book. I can’t wait for book 2 in this series.
Thoughts: This was a quick-paced read with a writing style that’s easy to follow. The characters felt realistic and their relationships felt authentic. At first I thought the plot was going one direction then it did a complete 180, BUT it all tied together well. I enjoyed how everything played out. And thought this was a unique and great book. I can’t wait for book 2 in this series.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews