The Devil You Know

Hayley Chill Thriller #4

by Chris Hauty

A Supreme Court justice is murdered and a conspiracy with potentially cataclysmic effects is uncovered in this adrenaline-charged entry in the nationally bestselling “propulsive, page-turning, compelling” (C.J. Box, #1 New York Times bestselling author) Hayley Chill series.

When a justice of the Supreme Court is killed by the police officer assigned to protect him, the country is shocked. Hayley Chill’s superiors suspect the assassination is part of a major conspiracy.

In Maui, where one member of the Supreme Court owns a vacation home, a busload of children is taken hostage with the justice’s death as ransom. Together with a deputy US marshal, Hayley embarks on the monumental task of rescuing the children while also protecting the justice. “With plot twists that keep you guessing, and a heroine who makes you stand up and cheer, The Devil You Know is a knockout” (Don Bentley, New York Times bestselling author).

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Audiobook, Political Thriller, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Suspense

336 pages, Hardcover

First published May 23, 2023

Reviews

[Terence M [on a brief semi-hiatus] · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.0-Stars - "It was (barely) OK"
The Devil You Know - Hayley Chill #4, by Chris Hauty
Audiobook: 10:09 Hours Narrator: Lisa Flanagan

Author Chris Hauty's kick-arse heroine, Hayley Chill, is a former military MMA champion, a crack shot with long and short guns, and she has an eidetic memory. Add a fierce sense of patriotism and these qualities could be moulded into a credible action story, and to some extent this happens, but "#4, The Devil You Know" is a disappointment.

Starting with a too-long introduction to a group of bad actors from some Mexican drug cartel, the story wandered hither and yon, while plots and story arcs seemed to come and go, then changed again at the author’s whim. Hauty’s indulgence of giving glimpses into the future lives of some characters appeared again in this book, and they were no more relevant than they were in previous books.

The kidnapping of a group of school children, subsequently held as hostages to force a 'good guy' to murder his 'protectee', a SCOTUS judge, was farcical, as were the (last minute?) plans to murder the children and “harvest their organs” for sale in Mexico. A totally distasteful and improbable side-plot emerged, contributing to my overall weariness with this audiobook.

Chill’s battles with alcohol and the over-long descriptions of how she did or didn’t deal with them, became tiresome. Remarkable recoveries and returns to sobriety, followed by serious relapses into alcoholic blackouts, then more recoveries which resulted in some super-heroine activities, were improbable at the very least. I have no wish to diminish the problems of alcoholics and alcoholism (I have been exposed to it in real-time), but Chill’s experiences and her interactions with a 'friendly ghost', were not credible.

The narration by Lisa Flanagan was quite good without being excellent. To be fair to Flanagan, I became impatient with the chopping and changing of the story fairly early in the piece and this probably distracted me from paying closer attention to her reading.

[Jeremy Peers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Hauty has written a stellar addition to his Hayley Chill series. Chill is not doing well after the last 6 months. She has suffered loss after loss after loss. Depressed and lonely, drinking soon becomes a problem along with blacking out. When a Supreme Court judge is murdered by a member of his protection detail, Hayley's boss orders Hayley to look after the youngest Justice in history, who happens to be vacationing in Hawaii. While en route, a school bus full of kids is taken hostage in Maui. Believing the two events are connected, Hayley sets out to rescue the children while also protecting her principle.

Chris Hauty is a hell of a writer. He is able to change the course of a story, or our perceptions, with a sentence. His books have a screenplay quality to them. By that I mean the story is tight with no fluff. He's also very deliberate with his characters. Every one of them serve a purpose. They are well-thought-out and aren't throwaways. When the character leaves the story (alive, that is) Hauty will give a quick synopsis of how their life turned out. I love it and I wish more authors would do it.

What makes Hayley such a wonderful character are her flaws. Showing Hayley as a strong, intelligent woman yet with struggles like everyone else with things like depression, self-doubt, and addiction humanizes her. It also helps to destigmatize mental health and people struggling with addiction. Plus, she's an ass-kicker.

Ingenious and timely, The Devil You Know should be on everyone's radar.

My sincere thanks to Chris Hauty, Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Devil You Know!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Hauty is back with another thriller that keeps the reader on their toes, as things take a dire turn in America. A legal mind is gunned down, perhaps a deeply-rooted conspiracy to turn the tides on American policy. Hayley Chill finds herself in the middle of the action, as she seeks to make sense of what’s happening, while protecting another legal mind from being gunned down as well. Hauty does well to pace the story and keep the reader in the middle of the action.

America is shocked and Washington is abuzz when one of the justices of the US Supreme Court is murdered by the police officer tasked with protecting him. While no one is quite sure what’s going on, those within the Deep State are sure that it’s a planned assassination that has ties to a larger conspiracy. Hayley Chill tries to steer clear of the fray, but she cannot help wondering the same thing. The country has taken a significant turn over the last few years and Hayley has been in the middle of it, witnessing just how cut throat US politics can be.

There is more danger lurking around the corner. In Maui, a Mexican cartel has a plan that is sure to bring notice to their efforts. After kidnapping a bus load of children, they promise to beginning killing them unless a certain Supreme Court justice, who has a home on the island, is killed. Enter Hayley Chill, who is always willing to stay one step ahead of the action. She’s sent to Hawaii in order to help solve the situation, which could get bloody at any moment. Working alongside a seasoned US marshal, Hayley will have to help protect the justice and save the children before it’s too late. It is sure to be a bloody mess and no one is quite ready for the fallout. Racing against the clock and a collection of men who prefer to see bodies strewn all over, Hayley will have to take action and make some significant decisions. A wonderful addition to the series, showing just how well-versed Chris Hauty can be!

While I was not fully enthralled when first I tried this Chris Hauty series, I allowed patience to envelop me and I soon found myself quite intrigued. The idea of the Deep State, while being panned as scandalous by former President Trump, has some interesting aspects that Hauty brings out for all to see. The foundation of the novel is strong and provides a stellar pathway for the reader to enjoy. Filled with strong characters, including the protagonist, things get to the heart of the matter. Hayley Chill has a unique sense about her, someone who has grown on me for the last few novels. The plot is both alluring and ever-evolving, which has me hoping that there will be more to the series. Things are never boring or slow paced, which helps to make things just as exciting as any political thriller I have read. Chris Hauty knows his stuff and has kept things on point with great developments. One can only wonder where he will take readers next.

Kudos, Mr. Hauty, for a sensational addition to your series, which adds questions rather than concrete answers.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Daryl J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised (and delighted) to receive an ARC of THE DEVIL YOU KNOW by Chris Hauty. Once again, Hauty weaves a great thriller with his latest installment of the Haley Chill series. The title should be “Thriller in Paradise” since it’s set in Maui, and— of course, it is a thriller. Chill is chasing her demons, licking her wounds, and trying to heal from a past full of tragedy. All the while involved in protecting a Supreme Court Justice AND working to solve a separate, but related, crime. Hauty is a great storyteller, and he does not disappoint. Haley Chill, is a complex— but relatable— heroine, with intellect and compassion. Fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat reading, with great characters and twists. A must read for Haley Chill fans!!

[Bill Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was incredibly lucky to receive an ARC from one of the most talented writers in the game right now. THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is our 4th trip around the block with Hayley Chill and it's a very different ride than previous adventures.

A Supreme Court Justice has been murdered by a man sworn to protect him. As the country reels from the news, the Deeper State suspects that he won't be the last Justice in the crosshairs.

In Maui, a bus load of children are taken hostage. The only ransom for their safe return is another death on the Supreme Court.

When there's a suspected conspiracy operating at a high level, the only person to call is Hayley Chill.

Unfortunately, Chill is not her normal razor sharp self. Dulled by tragedy and loss, Chill has to overcome addiction to unravel the conspiracy and save some lives in the process. What unfolds is a much different Hayley Chill thriller than we expected, but no less gripping. The author continues to evolve as his character finds deeper meaning and redemption.

With the 4th successful novel in a row, Hayley Chill has become a powerhouse.

[John Currens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Hauty has done it again. The twists and turns in The Devil You Know is on par with the previous Hayley Chill series. In many books, there are characters that are essential to the plot or scene but not in the overall story line. Chris has a unique way of "closing the loop" on those characters. He provides a glimpse into what the future holds for characters you will not meet again. The Devil You Know is a fast paced novel that will take you on a wild ride. You will see Ms. Chill at her most vulnerable state and wonder if this is the last book in the series. The action does not stop and a lot of humor is included. This is a must read for 2023 as The Devil You Know launches May 23, 2023. Preorder yours today!

[Justina Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. Though, I lean more towards psychological thrillers and horror books, I did enjoy this. I love how Chris Hauty tells the detailed story of each character and how he ties everything together. Personally I did struggle a bit with the usage of all the different street names and locations in Maui. Initially I slowed down and tried to sound them out but eventually I just started to kind of skip over them. He definitely did a good job of keeping you wondering how it would all come together. I would recommend this book / series to anyone who loves a good crime novel.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, the 4th book in author Chris Hauty's Hayley Chill thriller series, finds the titular Hayley Chill at a crossroads.

After the shattering discoveries about her past that were uncovered in the previous books in the series, Chill has pulled back from her status as an operator for Publius, the deeper state organization dedicated to keeping the world from going straight down the tubes.

Worse yet, Hayley has chosen to numb herself after a tragedy in her personal life by crawling inside a bottle.

But Publius can't wait for her to pull herself together. When a sitting Supreme Court justice is assassinated by one of the cops on their protection detail, a sinister plot is set into motion and Hayley is needed to join the protection of one of the other "Supremes".

But this is easier said than done. The US Marshall Service has taken over the protection details for each judge and they are less than enthusiastic about Hayley joining the "team". And Hayley is really in no condition to be there. Dealing with a series of traumas and haunted by the memory of her former colleague, she is quite simply a mess.

But as Hauty unfurls the plot of THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, Chill will have to pull herself together because she faces a dedicated cartel hit team that is not only ruthless in their tactics but they don't fail either.

As the conspiracy races towards their goal of taking down yet another member of the Supreme Court, Hayley will have to face down her own demons while confronting betrayals on all sides, compromised partners and the unrelenting pressure from her superiors. Any semblance of failure and everything she's been working to protect will go straight to hell...or worse.

What makes THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is, like the other books in the series, how Chris Hauty creates memorable characters. Not just the few constant series characters like Hayley and her boss Andrew Wilde but even the one-off characters are imbued with such a fully realized sense of being that you get drawn into their story, even with the villains. Helpfully, Hauty's tendency to reveal these characters future lives past the limits of each particular story further deepens the interest readers will have in these people.

There's plenty of twists and explosive action set pieces to keep thriller fans on the edge of their seats but what really captured me this time around was how Hayley had to go through a deep fall to find herself rising up to the challenge thrown in her way. I love the twists and turns of the plot and I am always a fan of a story with bullets flying and bodies piling up, but being along for the ride with Hayley's fall from grace and redemption arc made THE DEVIL YOU KNOW a fully immersive and captivating read that serves to further whet the appetite for more Hayley Chill adventures.

[William de_Rham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chris Hauty’s “The Devil You Know,” is the fourth “thriller” in his series starring steely-eyed, tough-as-nails Hailey Chill, operative for “Publius,” a secret conspiracy of the rich and powerful dedicated to “preserving and protecting the Constitution.”

Someone is murdering Supreme Court justices to change the make-up of the Court. The first murder was committed by the justice’s bodyguard, a Supreme Court Police detective whose family was abducted and used as ransom to compel the murder.

Now, in Hawaii, a group of some 15-20 children has been abducted and someone is threatening the head of Justice Amita Fischer’s protective detail that unless he immediately assassinates Fischer (honeymooning at her mountain-top estate on Maui), all the children will die. It’s up to Hailey to prevent Fisher’s death and save the children. Except Hailey is severely compromised. Having suffered a miscarriage and the deaths of a number of friends and family members, she has developed a serious, performance-debilitating problem with alcohol.

Will she be able to surmount that difficulty and save both Justice Fischer and the children even though it seems she'd have to be in two places at once? And just who is responsible for these murders and what's their motive? Those are the questions meant to keep us reading.

All in all, I found it a far-fetched tale comprised of likable but not very deep “good guys,” hate-able and even less deep villains, settings as varied as Washington, D.C., Maui, and Mexico, and mostly decent but sometimes melodramatic writing. I thought some of the characters’ choices to be not very logical and thus not credible. I didn’t like that major portions of the novel are devoted to a group of drug cartel assassins; or that part of the plot involves a plan to harvest the organs of children for profit; or that a pretty major “reveal” occurs less than halfway through.

But readers seeking a fast, easy read and willing to suspend their disbelief and overlook various logical inconsistencies may want to give this a try.

[Scott Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads preview book contest win got this to me well before publishing date. My first Chill encounter, so I have nothing to compare it to, so I am judging it as a stand alone.

There is so much more potential here than is realized. In fact, there are two glaring writing/editing holes that demand attention. First, in chapter 19, Chill somehow has divined who the assassin is with no "pieces put together" or "dowels connected" or any logical means. She just suddenly knows what's going on and what to do.

Later, the not-very-surprising reveal of an insider role is uncovered and again Chill magically knows the person is dead with no body or evidence to back up the belief. Bad sequencing.

My third unrelated annoyance is with the preoccupation with the terrorists. I don't care about a back story for every one of them. A couple would suffice. And to give every one of them a clever(?) nickname so the author can use a first nane, last name, or nickname makes it impossible to track who is who and the (mostly) all blend together anyway.

Conceptually interesting but in my view poorly executed.

[SteVen Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review – The Devil You Know – Chris Hauty
Author Chris Hauty’s fourth Hayley Chill novel, “The Devil You Know” is splendidly written and entertainingly told. Hauty delivers yet another suspenseful and exciting tale that kept me anxiously reading until wee hours of the morning! The ‘twist and turns’ were prevalent; the plot and storyline was creative and imaginative and the characters – especially main character Hayley Chill are all well developed. When a Supreme Court judge is murdered by a member of his protection detail, Chill is ordered to look after another Justice who happens to be vacationing in Maui, Hawaii. Also, a school bus full of kids in Maui is taken hostage, subsequently connecting the two events, and causing a serious conundrum for Hayley Chill. Consequently, she is charged with rescuing the children while also protecting the Supreme Court Justice. Intense, suspenseful, and full of intrigue, The Devil You Know was another stellar Hayley Chill thriller by Chris Hauty! I enjoyed it as expected and hope the series continues as it has become one of my favorites. A great read!

[Mark Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Hauty never fails to surprise. In the latest Hayley Chill thriller, the action and drama are nonstop and the surprises are mind blowing. Chris Hauty’s writing pulls you in and makes you feel an attachment to the story and characters like few others can accomplish. The Hayley Chill series is definitely one of my most anticipated reads every year now and I highly recommend reading all of the books if you haven’t had the pleasure yet.

[Don Gorman · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2 1/2). This was a hard decision. This book is totally two and a half stars but our controller does not allow us half stars. There is massive darkness here, good action, but almost inexcusable happy ending crap and lots of sappiness as well. If you can get through it this is reasonable fun, a couple of good twists and turns, and a protagonist who is fairly invisible for most of the book. Medium stuff.

[Laura Hundley · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Chris Hauty is an amazingly talented author who pulls out everything to ensure this book is a number one best seller. Hayley Chill our protagonist must race against time after the death of a Supreme Justice’s death by the police officer assigned to protect him. Just as that is being handled someone is holding a buss load of children for ransom in Maui. A Supreme Court member owns a home there and his life is the subject of the ransom. The characters are extremely well developed and very likable. Hayley shows her kick butt persona while charged with rescuing the children and saving the SJ member. I could not put this novel down. The others I have read knocked my socks off but this one knocked my boots off.


5 out of 5 stars


Thank you to NetGalley as well as the author/ publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Mohit Singla · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Devil You Know is a gripping political thriller and a good one-time read, with Chris Hauty delivering another action-packed entry in the Hayley Chill series. I particularly enjoyed Hayley’s character and her struggle to claw herself out of the personal and professional turmoil she finds herself in, making her resilience a standout aspect of the book. The plot moves at a breakneck pace, keeping the suspense high, but I found it somewhat improbable that, on such a small island, there was no large-scale search operation by the police, FBI, or US Marshals to track down the missing children. Despite this, the book remains an entertaining read, blending fast-paced action with timely political themes.

[Karen ReadsALot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for another Goodreads giveaway. Thoroughly engaging conspiracy. Kidnapping, shoot-outs, drug cartels, assassinations. Wow! Great movie for sure.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book in the Hayley Chill series "The Devil You Know" is full of action, intrigue, and plot twists galore. With this stated, the best thing about this book (and series) is the main characters flaws. I have read so many books in this genre and the norm is having a protagonist that is superhuman in their abilities. Hayley Chill is like us. She has problems and has to fight like hell to overcome them. Once she gets her life in order, she is able to help those that need it in the most awesome ways possible. Fun read and I will say it again, this character needs to be adapted into television. Preorder today for a June 6th release. I thank the publishers and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Devil You Know" by Chris Hauty is a riveting political thriller that delves deep into the corridors of power, blending suspense, intrigue, and political machinations. The story unfolds in Washington D.C., where the unexpected death of the President's Chief of Staff triggers a chain of events that unravels a sinister conspiracy.

Hauty's writing is sharp and his narrative grips the reader from the first page. The plot is intricately woven, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the suspense at a constant high. The author's insider knowledge of the political landscape adds authenticity to the story, creating a chilling sense of realism.

The characters in "The Devil You Know" are well-developed, each with their own motives and secrets. The protagonist, Hayley Chill, is a compelling and strong-willed character who navigates the dangerous world of politics with determination and intelligence. As the layers of the conspiracy are peeled back, readers are kept guessing about who can be trusted, adding an extra layer of tension to the narrative.

One of the strengths of Hauty's writing is his ability to capture the complexities of power dynamics in Washington. The novel explores themes of corruption, loyalty, and the lengths some are willing to go to preserve their interests. The pacing is relentless, making it a page-turner that is hard to put down.

"The Devil You Know" is not only a gripping thriller but also a thought-provoking commentary on the darker side of politics. It offers a rollercoaster ride of suspense, making it a must-read for fans of political thrillers and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story with unexpected twists. Chris Hauty has crafted a compelling and timely novel that keeps readers hooked until the very end.

[Ekta · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a Supreme Court justice is murdered and a second one threatened, a covert operative is sent to protect the justice who is still alive. As the operative deals with her own challenges, however, she’ll be pushed to her limits both physically and emotionally, all while trying to prove to herself that she still has what it takes to serve her country. Author Chris Hauty brings back fearless agent Hayley Chill in the fourth book in the series with a plot that is streamlined and delivers on every single front in The Devil You Know.

Hayley Chill always thought, with good reason, that she was unstoppable. After all, she was the first operative handpicked by Publius, the deeper state organization that holds the true power and is always working to set America’s course back to fairness and justice. She’s former military and a highly-trained, highly-skilled kickboxer. She’s done everything her country has asked of her, including stopping plots with deep roots in white supremacy and saving presidents.

But even the best hit a limit. After three personal tragedies in quick succession, Hayley is done with Publius and everyone in it. She just wants to spend the rest of her days in an alcohol-induced buzz where she coasts as the world goes by. She’s already lost too much to the deeper state organization. Now she figures she should spend a little time losing herself and see how that feels.

In Washington D.C., a Supreme Court justice welcomes one of his bodyguards into his home on Christmas Eve only to be murdered by him. The bodyguard then kills himself, shocking the world and the intelligence community. Why would the bodyguard, a loyal man by all counts, kill the justice? Was the bodyguard coerced? Disgruntled?

Even as the top minds in law enforcement scramble to get answers, chatter comes through that another justice is in danger. Justice Anita Fisher has a home in Maui and is planning to marry her long-time journalist boyfriend at the house. Publius knows there’s only one person who can protect Justice Fisher; they’ll just have to crawl into a bottle to fish her out first.

With the greatest of reluctance, Hayley goes to Hawaii and lands on the day that 18 schoolchildren are kidnapped right off their bus. One of the U.S. marshals on the case gets a text from a cryptic number. It says that if the families want to see their children again, then Justice Fisher needs to be killed too.

Hayley finds herself fielding two cases at once: get the kids home and keep Justice Fisher safe. The pull of alcohol is strong, though, even here, thousands of miles away from her life. As the need to drink battles her faint-but-returning sense of duty, Hayley realizes she’ll have to dig deeper than she ever has before. That’s the only place she’ll find the answers to her own problems, the rescue and protection missions, and herself again.

Author Chris Hauty’s screenwriting skills are on full display in this latest Hayley Chill book. For the first time since the start of the series, readers will see Hayley succumbing to her weaknesses. The change in character, albeit somewhat temporary, is still a surprise and a welcome one. Showing a protagonist who is unstoppable time and time again can give a character a one-dimensional feel after a point. Hauty’s careful detailing in previous books leads the way to Hayley’s unraveling here, making her more relatable and human.

Even as she starts to fall apart, however, she’s still Hayley Chill. She’s still able to run faster and harder than most others, and even though she’s personally knocked off balance her sense of right and wrong aren’t. This latest book gives readers the opportunity to get to know Hayley better with the comfort that eventually she’ll come back around and save the day, not because she’s fond of showing off heroics but because it’s the right thing to do.

The novel feels much more streamlined than previous books, keeping the action contained (mostly) to the Hawaiian island. In his trademark style, Hauty gives readers little glimpses into the lives of all of the most important secondary characters along the way. For other writers, this might result in boring back story or information dumps. Hauty has made it his signature move with the Hayley Chill books, and it works every time.

Those eagerly awaiting Hayley’s next adventures will find the wait worth it. Those new to the series should get all of the novels, including this one, and start reading right away.

[Jeneane Vanderhoof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Hauty’s new release from Atria Books has so much going on that you can’t put the book down until the end. The Devil You Know brings Hayley Chill back into the fold of the federal government, in fact, she is asked to guard a Supreme Court Justice after one is killed by his very own bodyguard. Befuddled as to why this happened, bringing Haley in ensures those in the upper echelon of the government that nothing will happen.

Haley Chill however, is having her own issue at the moment and when you have to nudge a person into work by bribing them, as they do Haley- telling her that her the only way her nephew will stay out of the foster care system and regain his guardian, who will be released from charges they have against him, Haley is left with no choice but to take the assignment. With a bottle of whatever hard liquor she can get her hands on, along with the delusional visions of her dead partner, she heads to her assignments home in Maui, where the Supreme Court Justice is to be married.

As Haley arrives on the island she finds that a second crime has occurred. At the time it is thought to be unrelated- a busload of children have been kidnapped and are being held hostage. Strange, though, that nothing has been heard from the kidnappers- no ransom or demands made.

When the bodies of the wife and children of the guard who killed the Supreme Court Justice are found, it begins to look like they were kidnapped and used to pressure the guard to kill the Justice he was supposed to protect. However, has this information come together too late to save Justice Anita Fisher- who is finally starting her life, married for the first time, after spending all the years before working hard to get to the position she finds herself in, having spent no time having a personal life.

The Devil You Know is appropriately titled because, of all the characters Chris Hauty creates in the novel, every enemy's true nature is shrouded and the person who they want to hurt, closer than they think. They may even be considered a friend. Because no one is safe from anyone they know in this book, as those who guard important persons, some who have become close like friends and family, think or act, killing- under the pretense that it is okay to hurt one person to save many. There has always been a debate on that topic- do we sacrifice one life to save multiple ones? In The Devil You Know, Chris Hauty brings the debate to life- though readers like me hope that Haley Chill can think of something, anything, to keep Supreme Court Justice Anita Fisher alive, along with the children who have been kidnapped. But, with all her demons, can Haley chase them away long enough to get the task done?

She will have to do all that while getting sober, after Chill creates a debacle during Fisher’s wedding- have to dry out and face life as it really is, all the demons she chases away with alcohol (on a constant, daily, basis)- to stop a conspiracy that ends up being much like the one John Grisham gives readers in The Pelican Brief, a book and author I worshiped as a young adult. However unlike Grisham, this is no legal thriller but one of mystery, action and adventure where someone, or many, may end up dead. That is, if Haley Chill can’t pull it all together. The strong woman she is, I have no doubt readers will be rooting, as I am, for her to prevail.
However the people she is up against have no qualms about killing anyone- even children. Because even when they get what they want, as they did with the first Supreme Court Justice who was killed to save the guard’s wife and children- even though he completed the task and then killed himself, his wife and children were also found dead though a promise had been made that this would not happen. So, really, there is no point in listening to any of the desires when it comes to what the kidnappers ask one of the guards to do- in the end they want everyone dead.

As a reader I had no idea how Haley Chill would solve this debacle and couldn't put the book down until I found out how she would do it- this agent- a tough, smart and dangerous woman who puts everything on the line to solve crimes and save lives! My first time reading Haley Chill and I can't wait to see what she does next.....

Happy Reading!

[Thrillers R Us · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost twenty years after its formation, the rock group SCORPIONS released 'Love at First Sting', their ninth studio album, in March 1984. Sitting at Track Two, Rock You like a Hurricane seems interestingly the only slickly produced song and probably the group's most globally recognized diddy. Resolute as a Cat 5 Hurricane, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW brings back Hayley Chill for a fourth time, proving that she is not a one hit album. Superwoman, unstoppable, relentless, the almighty defender of the US Constitution and hero to readers everywhere, Hayley Chill is not a joiner, but requests the pleasure of your company.

2,500 nautical miles from CONUS, Hayley's back and re-evaluating her deeds with Publius, the deeper Deep State. Recently through a trifecta of family tragedies, she's also got a new boyfriend, Jack Daniels. She's on an escalator down and speeding up. In desperate need of purpose, a mission, Hayley operates deep in the shadows of THE SIXTH SENSE and knows she's gotta quit the rotgut and get ready for a Luau. Hinting at one of the main themes, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW underscores that we are all our own best judges and we all know what we must do to balance the scales. Flashing about her baby blues with hopeless abandon, young, fit, and blonde Hayley Chill has virtually no other connection to Frank Sinatra. No dancing, no singing, no acting. Just a drive to protect the US Constitution and a penchant to kick ass. To mere mortals, Hayley works for that which cannot be named, and she's a wild card, doing work that is 'no registradas en libros'. On top of that, she does thusly in a business of stubborn hard-asses, and heading pell mell into the maw of madness. She's a locomotive of determination and the only way is forward.

Taking THE DEVIL YOU KNOW into a fresh new direction, the recent hubbub about SCOTUS is plumbed for great effect, even taking one of the Associate Justices off the board to sharpen the edge of suspense. After the dreary plains of Tejas in Book 3, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW relocates to the green and lush Aloha State and delivers on suspense, action, betrayal, and flash forwards. Reading like a fast paced movie, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW expertly weaves references of THE GODFATHER PART III, THELMA & LOUISE, BOUND BY HONOR, and SHORT CIRCUIT into the narrative, and even includes a burgeoning DOOGIE HOWSER, M.D. Also featuring cool verbiage like enucleation, flammagenitus, and an interesting and gruesome reimagining of 'side-hustle', THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is an exhilarating exercise in deception; readers know what to expect from the Hayley Chill character and adventures, but book four does a complete 180. Offering something old, something new, a few things borrowed, and plenty cool, Hayley Chill is riveting and an electrifying joy--THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is truly No Ka 'Oi.

[C. C. Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only critique I have for this book is my own fault. It was a little bit of a confusing start, and I can only assume it’s because I read this as a standalone. But with that being said, it only took the first thirty or so pages before it really picked up, and I’m VERY glad I stuck with it. (I will absolutely be going back to read the series in order, and possibly give this one a re-read as well.)

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is written with such attention to detail. The second this book speeds up, there is no slowing down! I pulled an all-nighter and read this nonstop, cover to cover. It’s a book that requires you to pay attention! There are a lot of characters, but they all serve a purpose. You follow firsthand the terrifying battles Hayley Chill, Terry Shaw, and Bodhi Wilson are all facing separately, and can’t help rooting for them for vastly different reasons. Character development and connections were beautifully executed.

Honestly, it’s the first time in a long time that I haven’t been able to figure out the ending. I extend major props to CHRIS HAUTY for his superb twists, edge-of-your-seat thrills, and expertly crafted writing style. I look forward to reading more about Hayley Chill and what other dilemmas she finds herself in. Both in the past books I have yet to read, and hopefully in future endeavors.

This was horrifying in the best ways. I will absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys an excitingly gripping, and slightly gory thriller. (Blood is most definitely spilled.) I am very fortunate to have received an ACR copy through the Goodreads Giveaways. Thank you to EMILY BESTLER BOOKS | ATRIA BOOKS and CHRIS HAUTY for the early opportunity to read this incredible novel.

[Kevin B Chill · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Devil You Know" by Chris Hauty takes the already captivating character of Hayley Chill to new depths, exploring the fine line between heroism and being a superhero. In the first three books of the series, Hayley was on the path to achieving superhero status, surpassing her adversaries with her intelligence, strength, and prowess. However, in "Storm Rising," an unexpected twist reveals an even greater enemy looming over Hayley: loss.

In "The Enemy You Know," we witness Hayley Chill engaged in a battle against her most formidable opponent yet: herself. Her once-impressive strengths have become weakened, and she finds herself frequently lagging behind. Yet, despite these setbacks, Hayley, the "blond gringa," ultimately triumphs over the devil within her.

Some readers speculate that Chris Hauty introduces supernatural elements into the story. However, I believe that the unfolding events are a result of Hayley's own cognitive processes at work, a new way for her to navigate and overcome challenges. This book delves deeper into Hayley Chill's character development, serving to define her further throughout the series. It showcases the immense strength required to combat the inner demons that reside within each of us.

"The Devil You Know" is a thought-provoking and introspective addition to the series, highlighting the internal struggles faced by Hayley Chill. It sheds light on the complexities of the human psyche and explores the resilience needed to confront and conquer the devil within. Chris Hauty's masterful storytelling keeps readers engaged while delving into the depths of Hayley's character, making for a gripping and satisfying read.

[Rachael Hodson (still skiing) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't worry Chris, I still have a crush on Haley Chill and I still want more but this one just didn't do it for me. Chris, if you are reading this, please know I feel bad about this review but I am rooting for number 5 to get back on track to all the glory I know you have within you. Also, if those in charge would allow us to add half stars, I would up this to 2.5.

While I appreciate some of the background stories, this one went a little too far. I got mentally lost, especially at the beginning, as I listened to a lot of back history on Mexican cartel members that I really didn't care much about. My mind kept wandering off but I knew if I followed the Haley story, that I would get the jist of things. I did.

I honestly just didn't love this story as much as the ones before. This one just felt WAY TOO over the top and if it isn't then I don't want to know. The Devil You Know delves into some pretty dark and gruesome issues, mainly the children being harvested for body parts. UGH! There are some sick people in this world. Lots of humans following the Devil in this one for sure.

In an nutshell, alcoholic Haley (don't worry she deals) gets called in to protect a chief justice from being killed. The collateral damage being a group of 18 kids and a bus driver kidnapped by the Mexican Cartel ON HAWAII. She must protect the judge, figure out where the kids are, decide who is compromised and of course, save the day.

I listened to this one on audio and the narrator did a good job as always.

[Darren Bourn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised (and delighted) to receive an ARC of THE DEVIL YOU KNOW by Chris Hauty and the fine folks at Net Galley. As this was my first book by Hauty, I was pleasantly surprised.

In this novel, Hauty weaves an excellent thriller with his latest installment of the Haley Chill series (as most authors tend to have a character that they turn into a series). The title should be “Thriller in Paradise” since it’s set in Maui, and it is a thriller.

Chill is chasing and battling her inner demons, licking her wounds, and trying to heal from a past full of tragedy. All the while involved in protecting a Supreme Court Justice AND working to solve a separate - but a related crime. Hauty is a great storyteller, and he does not disappoint. Haley Chill is a complex— but relatable— heroine, with intellect and compassion. Fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat reading, with great characters and twists. A must-read for Haley Chill fans!!

As I mentioned earlier, the sign of many good adventure authors is that they establish a strong character that plays a central part in their books.

That said, I think that this book is definitely worthy of a solid four stars out of five and would be a solid read by fans of intelligence community thrillers.

As with all my literary reviews, this is just my five cents worth.

[Mike Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayley Chill is back in another excellent thriller from Chris Hauty. The book starts with Hayley battling her own personal demons. After a US Supreme Court Justice is murdered by his own protective detail, Hayley is tasked by her former deep state organization to fly to Maui and protect another Justice. Before she arrives a bus load of schoolchildren are kidnapped. Feeling this kidnapping is somehow related to the justice she is protecting, Hayley sets off to rescue the school children and stop an assassination before it can happen.

A very well written novel, but I have come to suspect nothing less from Mr. Hauty. As always, Mr. Hauty includes a little blurt about each character when they exit the narrative. I truly think this bit is one of the things that makes the Hayley Chill series so intriguing. I also enjoyed the expanded story time leant to one of the kidnappers. It brought in another point of view in the story. As with the series as a whole, this book was a fast read, and very hard to put down. There is a nice little plot twist/reveal at the end of the book that I didn’t see coming.

This book and series are near the top of the thriller genre. Mr. Hauty does a great job engaging you and keeping you wanting to read just one more chapter. Thank you to @Netgalley @EmilyBestler @ChrisHauty and @AtriaMysteryBus for a free advanced copy for an honest review.

[Mike Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayley Chill is back in another excellent thriller from Chris Hauty. The book starts with Hayley battling her own personal demons. After a US Supreme Court Justice is murdered by his own protective detail, Hayley is tasked by her former deep state organization to fly to Maui and protect another Justice. Before she arrives a bus load of schoolchildren are kidnapped. Feeling this kidnapping is somehow related to the justice she is protecting, Hayley sets off to rescue the school children and stop an assassination before it can happen.

A very well written novel, but I have come to suspect nothing less from Mr. Hauty. As always, Mr. Hauty includes a little blurt about each character when they exit the narrative. I truly think this bit is one of the things that makes the Hayley Chill series so intriguing. I also enjoyed the expanded story time leant to one of the kidnappers. It brought in another point of view in the story. As with the series as a whole, this book was a fast read, and very hard to put down. There is a nice little plot twist/reveal at the end of the book that I didn’t see coming.

This book and series are near the top of the thriller genre. Mr. Hauty does a great job engaging you and keeping you wanting to read just one more chapter. Thank you to @Netgalley @EmilyBestler @ChrisHauty and @AtriaMysteryBus for a free advanced copy for an honest review.

[David]

Hayley Chill, extraordinary agent of the Deeper State, has been put through the wringer, and has suffered both physically and emotionally, leading her to resign and look to start anew.

An associate justice of the Supreme Court is murdered by the agent assigned as his protection, who then took his own life. Is this a one off incident, or is there a nefarious plot being executed? The Deeper State has intel suggesting that there will be another justice killed in an effort to change the leanings of the highest court, and after making a deal that Hayley literally could not refuse, Hayley is sent to Hawaii where she is embedded as part of the protection detail.

Chris Hauty is a wonderful writer. His characters have depth and soul, and are extremely compelling. His plots are engaging and take readers on a wild ride. One of the hallmarks of his books thus far are shocking twists that leave readers gobsmacked! The Devil You know delivers everything readers have grown to love and expect, and then some, from a Hauty novel! May can't get here soon enough so the world can finally read The Devil You Know!

Thank you Emily Bestler, Atria, and NetGalley for allowing me the privilege of reading an advance copy in exchange for my thoughts and views on the book.

[KK · Rating 3 out of 5]

This entry in the series doesn’t develop Chill’s character all that much, but it is a respectable spy novel and an enjoyable read.

Plot synopsis: A pharmaceutical company is concerned about an upcoming case regarding their company going before the Supreme Court, so they hire cartel assassins to kill two justices that they believe will give unfavorable votes in the case. The cartel kidnaps a school bus full of children to try to blackmail a U.S. marshal until killing one of the justices. Haley Chill stops the killing, saves the school kids, and gets the pharmaceutical boss that was at the helm of the scheme. Haley ends this book sober and having worked to get out of the throes of her alcohol addiction. She is still hallucinating that she is seeing April Wu (her dead Publius partner). We learn nothing more about Publius or her handler, Andrew Wilde, other than her handler is very fond of her like a surrogate parent. We also learn at the beginning of the book that Haley’s sister died of an overdose and her young nephew as her brother-in-law is a junkie and in jail.

[Elaine Esan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads Giveaways and Chris Hauty for this book. I was hooked from the first sentence to the unexpected ending. It was a totally engrossing book, filled with twists and interconnecting subplots. The characters were vibrant and related able ,even the bad guys. Mr. Hauty captured the beautify of Maui and the wonderful spirit of the Hawaiian people. I could absolutely envision Haley driving on the road to Hana and the lush tropics.
I have never read any of the Chris Hauty’s books, but I am going to definitely going to read them. This book was great, but I think that I if had read the previous books in the series it might have helped me understand Haley's motivation and substance abuse. The Devil you Know is one book that I will recommend to my book group and friends.