Cry for the Devil

by Piper Sweeney

Have you ever wondered about that one guy who's unlucky enough to witness a murder? That's what happens to William Quiñones Brown when he decides to be brave and check on a cute, drunk girl who might be walking alone at night. Fortunately for the goth girlfriend that shut-ins like William dream about, her boyfriend (darn!) was there to save her from an unknown attacker. It looks like he killed the attacker in defense, but William starts to doubt their intentions when the killer covers up the crime and kidnaps him instead of calling the police like a normal person. His captors are Arete Konstantinou, social media influencer and idiot heiress to a conglomerate company, and Elijah Walker, a man who paradoxically shrouds himself in mystery while talking like he's hooked up to a lie detector. As time passes, William becomes increasingly obsessed with his captors, tangling himself in their lives at the detriment of his own identity.

570 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2019

About the author

I'm a picky reader, and an even pickier writer. I know I'll never write the perfect book, but if I can make people love my fictional characters half as much as I do, then it's close enough. Still mourning #GardenGate2k19.

Reviews

[Laura E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goth.

I really recommend this book to anyone who enjoys some twisted humor and anyone who has eyes. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the second one and the rest of the series. The plot always kept me on my toes, you’ll become obsessed with the characters in the first chapter of the book. Piper Sweeney did an excellent job writing and creating the story. Definitely one of my new favorite books. 🌵

[Pam Almon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. William as a character is our lovably awkward idiot who really didn't deserve this nonsense. He's a fantastic window into the lives of our Goth Goddess Arete and the hunka-hunk-of-Daddy-Issues, The Man, The Myth, The Legend-Cactus Guy Elijah Walker. The pace is slow but deliberate - Piper already seems like they have a good handle on the necessary writing skills to make bestselling novel and I cannot wait to read the sequels!

[Evelyn A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally recommend it.
Before reading this I didn't even know that I liked this genre so much!
The story is so very good, but I wouldn't have enjoyed half of it if it wasn't for the amazing writing, which for context, is truly something else. I really felt like I was in the scene, not strictly in the head of the protagonist.
The illustrations are really well done, too.
It's rare to see an author who is so multi-talented.

I can't wait for the sequel, hopefully it will come out soon.

[Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations were AMAZING (Kindle Version)! I loved the humor in the book. However, I felt like William was left underdeveloped. He was by far the most likable character, and I'm glad he was in the book, but it was like you were told who he was in the first chapter and that was it. There really wasn't any real developement in his character. Was this intentional? Was it to showcase how William got utterly consumed into the Elijah/Arete/family drama? Sometimes, it read like he was totally disconnected from the story. Maybe I'm just dumb, and am missing something. Anyway, Elijah was done INCREDIBLY well but I felt like Arete could have used a tiny bit of work. What was she like pre-Elijah besides having a ton of friends? Despite being a tad soap opera-y at times (which is understandable considering the plot), the story was a good read. I did feel like it needed polishing up, it felt like a first draft. I did really enjoy it though!

[Zeke. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so I finished this book a while ago but now I've finally figured out my thoughts about this book, I don't care what anyone says I love this book. it was so easy get back into reading with this book and really has the type of humor I love. you can really tell this youtuber wrote this book, every chapter I was shocked or surprised or had to stop to laugh.

I know people might not think the characters are likeable but I love that about this book, like everyone is just a piece of poop in some way. And the mystery kept me reading until the end I think its worth reading if you really like dark humor and wacky mystery's. I know this author is going to improve even more with their next book and I'm so excited for that.

[Magnus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping use of plot and words, despite being described as rushed and unfinished by the author, they have made a gorgeously written piece of writing that I enjoyed and savoured every page of. I felt a strong connection to the characters.

What is concerning is that my friend compared herself to William, and me and my partner to Elijah and Arete. I cannot explain to either of them why I find this striking.

[maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book, definitely not for everyone but right up my alley, got me screeching and giggling like a child, i do have to say tho, father crow ill murder u for the cliffhanger at the end I NEED BOOK 2 NOW!!!!1!1!!!!!!

[Anon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Literally one of my favorites but it was put out too early and I'm so excited for the rerelease and I love these characters 🩷🩷

[francis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5