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Erich Hasse #1
Evil Trust
Artfully intertwining a terrifying mystery and edge-of-your-seat suspense with a gritty Cold War setting, Evil Trust is a thrilling supernatural horror novel by bestselling author Marc Layton that won’t disappoint.
Professor Erich Hasse is no stranger to the supernatural. After he tracks an evil presence to a decrepit printing building in war-torn East Germany, his investigation quickly turns south. The Stasi arrive with a firm warning: drop the investigation, or else.
Brittany Delschaft is terrified she’s losing her mind. She’s plagued by ominous dreams, supernatural happenings, and a ghostly presence in the shadows of her home. When Brittany’s family appeal to Hasse, he agrees to help – and he quickly makes a shocking discovery about Brittany.
Convinced that the young girl could be the key to facing whatever is concealed within the printing building, Erich and Brittany are quickly embroiled in a dangerous hunt for the truth.
The Stasi are guarding something far too carefully – but when Erich discovers the terrifying reality, he’ll wish he hadn’t...
Professor Erich Hasse is no stranger to the supernatural. After he tracks an evil presence to a decrepit printing building in war-torn East Germany, his investigation quickly turns south. The Stasi arrive with a firm warning: drop the investigation, or else.
Brittany Delschaft is terrified she’s losing her mind. She’s plagued by ominous dreams, supernatural happenings, and a ghostly presence in the shadows of her home. When Brittany’s family appeal to Hasse, he agrees to help – and he quickly makes a shocking discovery about Brittany.
Convinced that the young girl could be the key to facing whatever is concealed within the printing building, Erich and Brittany are quickly embroiled in a dangerous hunt for the truth.
The Stasi are guarding something far too carefully – but when Erich discovers the terrifying reality, he’ll wish he hadn’t...
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2022
19 people are currently reading
1071 people want to read
About the author
Marc Layton
35 books143 followersMarc Layton is the internationally bestselling horror author of The Haunting Of Bridge Manor, The Evergreen Motel and The Evil Inside. The only child of American expats, he grew up on a farm in northern Germany, went to boarding school in a remote part of Scandinavia and then returned to his familial roots for University in New Hampshire where he then settled. As an avid traveler, a voracious reader and a professional antiques dealer, Layton is never at a loss for inspiration and ever since he can remember he’s been consumed by the things that go bump in the night. Layton lives and works out of a cottage near the water in Portsmouth, NH and spends his free time hiking with his wife and trusty Australian Shepard Lily.
Visit https://linktr.ee/MarcLayton to learn more or find Marc Layton on social @authormarclayton
Visit https://linktr.ee/MarcLayton to learn more or find Marc Layton on social @authormarclayton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 29, 2022
And that’s it, Mr. Layton does it again, again I had to finish reading this book during the day because I got spooked of reading it at night, it was when things around Brittany got really “alive” hahah.
This book actually was something that I was wishing it come true before a full novel size book, and with a know character, Erich Hasse is a character that fans of Mr. Layton books already got to know in his “The evil inside” (that I highly recommend), and in there Hasse was an old professor, but in here, oh well he is much younger but still the same brave man at heart.
It was such a dive into his life, I found it really interesting because we had snippets of how life was on Germany on that time, before the walls fell, but going back to professor Hasse, the best way to describe him is that, he is like a Jedi master (you’ll need to read to understand what I mean hahah) also he can feel evil but he doesn’t have power alone to fight it, so a part of the coin is missing and that’s where Britanny comes along, she is a very special young lady that feels that she is different from other teens of her age, and she can see and hear what no one else can, and that makes of her special and also if not helped she can be in a lot of trouble, but that I will make our story move along and I sure can’t wait to read what comes next.
Oh by the way, In the book Britanny mentions a music she likes to help her calm down, and it is real ^___^ you can find it on youtube, yeah I had to google it hahah ( Karat: Der Blaue Planet), I highly recommend this book, you’ll live the story and drink the words, I just cant wait for what comes next.
I got a free ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
This book actually was something that I was wishing it come true before a full novel size book, and with a know character, Erich Hasse is a character that fans of Mr. Layton books already got to know in his “The evil inside” (that I highly recommend), and in there Hasse was an old professor, but in here, oh well he is much younger but still the same brave man at heart.
It was such a dive into his life, I found it really interesting because we had snippets of how life was on Germany on that time, before the walls fell, but going back to professor Hasse, the best way to describe him is that, he is like a Jedi master (you’ll need to read to understand what I mean hahah) also he can feel evil but he doesn’t have power alone to fight it, so a part of the coin is missing and that’s where Britanny comes along, she is a very special young lady that feels that she is different from other teens of her age, and she can see and hear what no one else can, and that makes of her special and also if not helped she can be in a lot of trouble, but that I will make our story move along and I sure can’t wait to read what comes next.
Oh by the way, In the book Britanny mentions a music she likes to help her calm down, and it is real ^___^ you can find it on youtube, yeah I had to google it hahah ( Karat: Der Blaue Planet), I highly recommend this book, you’ll live the story and drink the words, I just cant wait for what comes next.
I got a free ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
October 31, 2022
An entertaining read with plenty of heart in your mouth moments. Chilling in places and the start of a series. Can't wait to read more.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
September 22, 2022
Can evil take over and control your mind? Britney is perplexed by the strange and disturbing events in her life. Only Erich Hasse can help her but he has to contend with a malevolent entity. This book describes the terrifying experiences of Brittany and Erich which sent shivers up my spine.
October 21, 2022
Kind of a miss....
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Upon reading the synopsis, I was excited to have received a copy of this book because it sounded like a great book for spooky season. While the book definitely has some promising aspects, it fell short for me personally in a few ways.
The book gets entirely bogged down in some places by seemingly senseless descriptions of German politics and descriptions of socialist and communist parties. To be honest, it felt as though the story could have existed without these descriptions and they added nothing to the story as far as I could tell. There would also be random Russians show up and you would be forced to sit and read about interactions between the Germans and Russians, which again didn’t do much to obtain the overall goal of the story. I think that I would have potentially enjoyed this book more had it not been for all these early heavy descriptions of politics diluting the story.
The storyline with Brittany held so much promise to be a great poltergeist tale, but again fell short in the end. No spoilers, but it goes in a different direction that was honestly so disappointing and boring after building up to a great haunting story. Not to say it wasn’t okay, it just wasn’t a direction I personally thought enhanced the story.
Thank you to goodreads and the publisher for my copy of Evil Trust.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. Upon reading the synopsis, I was excited to have received a copy of this book because it sounded like a great book for spooky season. While the book definitely has some promising aspects, it fell short for me personally in a few ways.
The book gets entirely bogged down in some places by seemingly senseless descriptions of German politics and descriptions of socialist and communist parties. To be honest, it felt as though the story could have existed without these descriptions and they added nothing to the story as far as I could tell. There would also be random Russians show up and you would be forced to sit and read about interactions between the Germans and Russians, which again didn’t do much to obtain the overall goal of the story. I think that I would have potentially enjoyed this book more had it not been for all these early heavy descriptions of politics diluting the story.
The storyline with Brittany held so much promise to be a great poltergeist tale, but again fell short in the end. No spoilers, but it goes in a different direction that was honestly so disappointing and boring after building up to a great haunting story. Not to say it wasn’t okay, it just wasn’t a direction I personally thought enhanced the story.
Thank you to goodreads and the publisher for my copy of Evil Trust.
October 12, 2022
Evil Trust by Marc Layton.
An Erich Hasse Novel Book 1.
Professor Erich Hasse is no stranger to the supernatural. After he tracks an evil presence to a decrepit printing building in war-torn East Germany, his investigation quickly turns south. The Stasi arrive with a firm warning: drop the investigation, or else.Brittany Delschaft is terrified she’s losing her mind. She’s plagued by ominous dreams, supernatural happenings, and a ghostly presence in the shadows of her home. When Brittany’s family appeal to Hasse, he agrees to help – and he quickly makes a shocking discovery about Brittany.
Convinced that the young girl could be the key to facing whatever is concealed within the printing building, Erich and Brittany are quickly embroiled in a dangerous hunt for the truth. The Stasi are guarding something far too carefully – but when Erich discovers the terrifying reality, he’ll wish he hadn’t...
Really enjoyable read. What a story. Loved it. Hope to read more from this author. 4*.
An Erich Hasse Novel Book 1.
Professor Erich Hasse is no stranger to the supernatural. After he tracks an evil presence to a decrepit printing building in war-torn East Germany, his investigation quickly turns south. The Stasi arrive with a firm warning: drop the investigation, or else.Brittany Delschaft is terrified she’s losing her mind. She’s plagued by ominous dreams, supernatural happenings, and a ghostly presence in the shadows of her home. When Brittany’s family appeal to Hasse, he agrees to help – and he quickly makes a shocking discovery about Brittany.
Convinced that the young girl could be the key to facing whatever is concealed within the printing building, Erich and Brittany are quickly embroiled in a dangerous hunt for the truth. The Stasi are guarding something far too carefully – but when Erich discovers the terrifying reality, he’ll wish he hadn’t...
Really enjoyable read. What a story. Loved it. Hope to read more from this author. 4*.
October 2, 2022
Readers who devoured Marc Layton's THE EVIL INSIDE Series well remember Professor Erich Hasse, member of a secret society coping with otherworldly and Supernatural entities and events. Now a new series showcases Herr Hasse. Set in Cold War-era East Germany, in the historic city of Leipzig, Professor of Germanic Folklore Erich Haase serendipitously encounters an odd and potentially malevolent entity inhabiting a defunct printing shop, an entity possibly transported from the Soviet Union, a very territorial entity. Herr Hasse also encounters an adolescent girl with extraordinary psychic energies, which will be needed to combat this willful entity, before the printing presses are reconstituted and Psychic propaganda released to infect the general populace.
November 18, 2022
A unique fantasy with horror elements. Brittany and Professor Hesse live in a post WW2 Socialist East Germany, where folklore has been sent to the forbidden sections of the libraries, and all must live and work for the good of the country and The Party.
When unexplained events happen around Brittany's home, she fears being sent to an institution for the insane. Professor Hesse is alerted to strange incidences around the city which he investigates, and when he crosses paths with Brittany, he realizes her potential, especially when it comes to his hidden agenda.
This book is the first of a series which I am very interested in reading!
When unexplained events happen around Brittany's home, she fears being sent to an institution for the insane. Professor Hesse is alerted to strange incidences around the city which he investigates, and when he crosses paths with Brittany, he realizes her potential, especially when it comes to his hidden agenda.
This book is the first of a series which I am very interested in reading!
September 22, 2022
Spine-tingling entertainment not for the faint of heart. Pulse-pounding, heart-racing...all because of the evil within the pages. Recommended
September 20, 2022
This was a spine chilling and scary read. I loved it
January 13, 2023
Professor Hasse lives in East Berlin during theCold War time. He has another job beside teaching. He has found in an old building an evil that is very powerful. He gets in touch with two people from a group that works with the paranormal. suspicious.” He decides to invite a librarian for dinner at his place to appear more normal. That evening after dinner, he hypnotizes her into thinking they are having a wonderful time together and orders her to wait on his couch until he returns. Hee goes baa k to thee building that holds thee evil and discover a book in it that I thee “evil.” When he returns to his place, he tells thee librarian that she sshould go to bed. She goes to hiss bedroom to sleep. He goes to sleep next to her. Brittany is afraid that she is crazy. She hears voices and finds the missing items that her parents have suggested that she stolen. She says no and goes to her bedroom. When opening her dresser drawer for a handkerchief, she finds the items are there. She can’t believe it! Fearful of what her parents will think, she doesn’t tell them. When things start moving on their own, she is terrified. She is hearing voices. Is she going crazy?
In this compelling novel, it’s a paranormal horror mystery. The author has written an excellent cast of characters that gives the reader the feelings that one knows them. I loved how Professor Hasse and Britttany work together to learn how to control her poltergeist abilities. I loved the suspenseful novel. It’s great!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
In this compelling novel, it’s a paranormal horror mystery. The author has written an excellent cast of characters that gives the reader the feelings that one knows them. I loved how Professor Hasse and Britttany work together to learn how to control her poltergeist abilities. I loved the suspenseful novel. It’s great!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
October 2, 2022
Layton wrote a novel. Fantastic. I was ready to receive his horror in large amounts instead of waiting to piece them all together. Evil Trust was worth the wait. At first, I wondered, where is he going with this tale? I know better than to give up on one of his stories. A bit of history is involved. An era I lacked knowledge in, so I absorbed it like a sponge. Did that background increase the amount of terror? You better believe it. I was so wrapped up in his characters that I found myself moving my lips as I read. I had to force my eyes to stay on each sentence and not drift lower on the page. Oh, how I wanted to look ahead. There is so much magic in this story. The suspense was killer. I love paranormal and he didn't let me down. I didn't look to see what genre he claimed this to be, but I bet it was a tough call. If you have read Marc Layton before, this one will not disappoint. And if you have never read one of his stories, this novel is going to rock your world. It is a must-read.
September 30, 2022
Mark Layton writes suspenseful, mystery/thriller/supernatural horror type stories... and he is good at it. This book. above the others of his that I have read really gave me a serious case of the creeps in parts. Hair on my arms standing up amongst the goosebumps type of creeps. That doesn't happen often for me anymore. It was a bit unnerving to be honest. Did I stop reading? Oh hell no. I was totally into the story. Professor Hasse becomes aware of an ancient evil sitting like a fat spider waiting to devour whomever comes close. He knows it needs to be taken care of but also knows that he is limited in his ability to do so on his own. Through a sequence of events, a young woman comes to his attention. Can she be his ally in defeating the entity? He believes so. Erich Hasse and Brittany Delschaft are an interesting duo, and I do so look forward to more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
March 26, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐/4
Scary: 😱😱/5
INTRIGUE: 🧠🧠🧠/5
It is hard to put into words how I feel about this book. It started in East Germany under multiple different forms of police/government and was hard to tell what time frame we were in. It said post war but didn't really clarify the time frame other than the car in the book was a 1979.
With the circumstances of times obviously being different due to the police/government, there was a hierarchy of who gets certain privileges such a coffee, or different foods. Which almost made me feel like it was during world war 2 with rations and such, but I couldn't have been if he had a 1979 car. So it was confusing to say the least.
What started as paranormal activities soon we shown to be something else entirely. Something that must be harnessed and learned to control. Which isn't what the expection was from the synopsis. It started off strong and for me fell down the further I got into the book after the "poltergeist" activity.
Scary: 😱😱/5
INTRIGUE: 🧠🧠🧠/5
It is hard to put into words how I feel about this book. It started in East Germany under multiple different forms of police/government and was hard to tell what time frame we were in. It said post war but didn't really clarify the time frame other than the car in the book was a 1979.
With the circumstances of times obviously being different due to the police/government, there was a hierarchy of who gets certain privileges such a coffee, or different foods. Which almost made me feel like it was during world war 2 with rations and such, but I couldn't have been if he had a 1979 car. So it was confusing to say the least.
What started as paranormal activities soon we shown to be something else entirely. Something that must be harnessed and learned to control. Which isn't what the expection was from the synopsis. It started off strong and for me fell down the further I got into the book after the "poltergeist" activity.
July 22, 2023
This series is written after “The Evil Inside,” but timewise happens decades beforehand. So far, the only links between the two series are Hasse, Brittany, and the fact that there are the perceived “good” and “evil” sides at work. Other than that, the events in this book have been very specific to this novel, so I don’t think it matters if you decide to read “The Evil Inside” or “Evil Trust” first. I did have to keep reminding myself that Hasse is not an old man in this book, though, after reading “The Evil Inside” first. I’m also beginning to see why Brittany and Hasse’s alliance ends up the way it does in the future. My biggest question: is the mysterious evil entity in this series going to be linked to the Watzmann from “The Evil Inside,” or is this an entirely different force they are up against? I do recommend having a translator handy. Context clues help you get by without needing one, but I personally like to decipher everything in case it contains a clue to what is unraveling.
September 29, 2022
A fast paced edge of your seat horror novel. Professor Hasse is battling an unknown evil presence in the cellar of a printing shop. Brittany is a teenager suddenly experiencing nightmares and unexplained activity in her home. Brittany's father was told to ask for help from Hasse. When Hasse meets Brittany, he finds not everything is as it seems. Then the two work together to eliminate the current evil in town. Will they succeed? The identity of the "thing" that recruited and is using the evil is never disclosed. This definitely reads as the first book in a series. I would have liked a little more back story on Hasse and how/why he has the knowledge to fight evil. Good story and characters. A different kind of horror story with a taste of life after the Cold War.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2022
An enjoyable dip into the supernatural in the company of an old 'friend' Erich Hasse during the period of the DDR bringing back memories of my trips to see family behind the Iron Curtain. The paranoia all floods back as the author explores the theme of eternal conflict in a totalitarian state. The fear of a terrified youth plunged into a bewildering threatening alternative world comes over well and the author manages to keep the reader engrossed wondering what developments are in the next page. I liked the unique involvement of the Stasi, KGB and an independent thinker in a loose alliance to defeat evil while trying to pretend to be loyal to the system.
If you're confused and wonder that I'm talking about then please read the first novel in what I hope will be a set.
If you're confused and wonder that I'm talking about then please read the first novel in what I hope will be a set.
October 6, 2022
If you've read the Evil Inside series, or even if you haven't this is a great prequel to those books. I loved learning a little more about Erich Hasse and I see a TON of opportunity in the life of Erich books. This gives a very nice warm up to some of what Erick is about for the Evil Inside. I can say that having read the Evil Inside series then this did not ruin the books regardless of the order you read them in. If you haven't given Layton a try - do it with this book. Very real supernatural feel to it and writing style gives a good feeling of "being there'.
October 9, 2022
I enjoyed reading this suspenseful story. This is an author that I have read every one of his books and they keep getting better and better. This is the first book in this new series and what a great start it is. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the start. They are creative and truly brought the story to life. I enjoyed how the twists and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what was lurking next. This is a great story which I highly recommend.
October 4, 2022
Brilliant, deep, scary fabulous, you get really involved with the characters there is also characters that I would enjoy slapping right across the gub (mouth) they are so up themselves they need "A GOOD BLOODY SCARE" but that's what I mean about how involved you get and for that reason I would like to thank the author Marc Layton for allowing me the pleasure of being part of his ARC Team and receiving his book free for an honest review. DONE ✔️ 👍
October 4, 2022
Wow at first I was like oh as it didn’t pull me in as of it starting about older Germany but not Long after I read a couple More pages then bam I was sucked in didn’t take long to be engrossed in the book that I didn’t want to put it down love Hasse such an interesting character that he is and loved the storyline, can’t wait for the next book dying to find out what’s going to happen now after this ending! Great read !! Highly recommend
October 9, 2022
This is how The Evil Inside began. Sort of. 'She' waits for opportunities to remake the world. 'She' is timeless and has patience. The reader can tell this is the continuation of a much longer, older story. Hasse just happens to be the current fighter for good.
These characters are awesome and it's enjoyable to get to know Hasse a bit more. The world building and magic are very cool.
I recommend reading this, even if you haven't read the first one.
These characters are awesome and it's enjoyable to get to know Hasse a bit more. The world building and magic are very cool.
I recommend reading this, even if you haven't read the first one.
October 11, 2022
Disclosure: I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was excellent. Set in East Germany full of Stasi and KGB influence, this book had a fantastic feel of danger. A paranormal researcher and a girl with psychokinetic powers are quite the pair under these circumstances. I loved the use of a djinn. While some areas dragged and/or felt repetitive, I liked this book so much I pre-ordered the sequel. I want to learn all about this female nemesis!
This book was excellent. Set in East Germany full of Stasi and KGB influence, this book had a fantastic feel of danger. A paranormal researcher and a girl with psychokinetic powers are quite the pair under these circumstances. I loved the use of a djinn. While some areas dragged and/or felt repetitive, I liked this book so much I pre-ordered the sequel. I want to learn all about this female nemesis!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2022
It would be amazing if the world has ‘secret organizations’ that kept the world in balance. I enjoy novels that propose this idea. This book is no different yet a very different view. I have questions about the unseen entity that wants the world to be under her control. I want to know if Brittany will gain the courage to join the ‘good’ side or will she be persuaded to join the side of the entity. This world Hasse lives in is quite precarious and I have to know more…..on to the next book!
October 3, 2022
OMG!!! What an amazing read this was.
Wonderful well written plot and story line.
Amazing well fleshed out characters that I have enjoyed reading about.
I'm never disappointed with this author.
Highly recommend reading.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of the book and this is my honest voluntary review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line.
Amazing well fleshed out characters that I have enjoyed reading about.
I'm never disappointed with this author.
Highly recommend reading.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of the book and this is my honest voluntary review.
October 4, 2022
I couldn’t put this down! This is such an enthralling and intense book. The idea that there are such evil forces out there is more than a little terrifying. There are also people who put themselves in the way of these evil forces. I like stories about them. I highly recommend this book if you like being terrified. I loved it!
October 23, 2022
2.5 meh stars rounded up for the interesting setting (East Germany) and inclusion of Proto Indo European words, but knocked down significantly for forgettable and pedestrian writing. There was way too much telling and not nearly enough showing.
Also, as someone who has LOTS of family in the former DDR, the name Brittany? Way too westernized for the Cold War setting.
Also, as someone who has LOTS of family in the former DDR, the name Brittany? Way too westernized for the Cold War setting.
October 24, 2022
Brittany a teen is having terrifying experiences... from ghosts to horrific dreams. The family turns to Professor who works supernatural unexplained occurrences. The book is full of scare and will definitely put you on the edge of your seat. I did enjoy this read.
I was gifted this book as an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I was gifted this book as an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 4, 2022
This book is freaking fantastic!!!!!!!!!!
It was definitely one of those books that I kept saying….just one more chapter….
It did a great job painting a paranormal picture that spooked my bones to the core.
I HOPE this is the first book in a series, there is so much potential for this story to continue!
Really really enjoyed it.
It was definitely one of those books that I kept saying….just one more chapter….
It did a great job painting a paranormal picture that spooked my bones to the core.
I HOPE this is the first book in a series, there is so much potential for this story to continue!
Really really enjoyed it.
October 3, 2022
I received this as an ARC for my honest review. While I have enjoyed the other books this author has written, I found this one hard to get into. The characters were good but parts I didn't quite get. I wish my review could have been more favorable.
October 4, 2022
Evil Trust (An Erich Hasse Novel Book 1) By Marc Layton. Phenomenal story, I would say every book I read of Marc Layton are so addictive filled with the mystery and horror. I just loved this story and recommend it..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews