Book Description
A killer, silent for ten years. Now he’s back.
Ten years ago, three teens were murdered at a summer party in sleepy little Meadowstown. One of their friends was convicted of the murders and has been in a mental hospital ever since.
But now items are turning up which could have only been taken from the victims on that fateful night. Is it possible there was more than one killer? Or has the wrong person been convicted?
Det Sergeant Jack Brody of the Major Crimes Investigation Unit is sent to investigate. And comes up against apathetic local police who are determined to resist his every move.
Brody isn’t easily deterred. He pushes hard and becomes convinced the murderer is still out there, is stirring back to life, preparing to choose another victim. Brody summons the rest of his team, and they race to find the killer before he or she can strike again.
But this little town has some very dark secrets, and as Brody begins to uncover the horrifying truth, he realises that no-one here is safe, that even he and his team may be in terrible danger…
The Devil’s House – the first in the gripping crime series featuring DS Jack Brody.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Devil's House' by J.M O'rourke.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours, NetGalley, Inkubator Books and J.M O'rourke.
Publication date 30th October 2022.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the first book in the 'Detective Jack Brody' series.
I was originally drawn to this book by its absolutely fantastic, eye-catching and unique cover and its intriguing synopsis. I was also intrigued by the title 'The Devil's House'. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Inkubator. I have yet to read a book published by Inkubator Books that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 39 chapters and an epilogue . The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Ireland 🇮🇪
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist being Detective Sergeant Jack Brody. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that really set the scene and kept me on the edge of my seat. The cover and synopsis suited the storyline perfectly.
This is the first book in the 'Detective Jack Brody' series and what an absolutely fantastic start to what promises to be a gripping series. It started off really fast with a really gripping and gritty first couple of chapters then the pace slowed but then it picked up again and took you on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, tension and crime and kept me on the edge of my seat. The storyline was definitely unique and once I got stuck in I couldn't stop turning the pages. It is packed with murder, corruption, lies, tension, suspense and ticks every box you could ask for in a gripping crime thriller. I love the fact that it is set in Ireland and the author really sets the scene for the reader making it feel like you are with Jack throughout. I was absolutely gobsmacked by the actions of certain characters and had to bite my tounge on several occasions to stop me screaming at the book. I love the fact that the ending is tied up perfectly so there are no loose ends left, one of my pet hates in books. The detailed police procedures were intriguing as it shows the difference between policies in the UK and I also enjoyed the big city, little village differences. I also enjoyed that you don't find out what happened on the night of the Murders straight away and it keeps you guessing throughout. The killer was somebody who you would never have suspected which is always good when reading any police/crime thriller.
It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but also any characters that may make repeat appearances during the series too. Thankfully this wasn't a problem in this book.
It wasn't just the storyline I was completely invested in but also the characters. I really liked Brody and thought that he worked excellently with his team and made a great leader. It would have been nice to see him stay in Meadowstown or to see Kinsella join his team but you don't always get what you want in life so why should a book be any different? All of the characters were strong and believable. Sadly the corruption in the force is also extremely believable. I couldn't stand Ian Patton who was a vile and corrupt Inspector and I'm glad to see that justice was done. The majority of the police force at Meadowsfield were corrupt and lazy but Patton was one of the worse and how he treated Kimsella was disgusting. I loved seeing how Kinsella grew in strength and what she did to Patton was perfect Payback. I would love to visit MeadowsTown again in this series to see how she gets on. The way Patton,
Superintendent Michael Foley and Chief Superintendent Niland constantly used 'blowback repellent' (absolutely loved this term) and passed the buck constantly was pathetic. My heart went out to Harry Macken and Edward D'Arcy. The way Harry was scared of a certain person and what happened to him even after he tried to help was heartbreaking. What happened to Edward D'Arcy is also heartbreaking but I won't say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers so you'll just have to pick up a copy and see for yourselves!!
An absolutely fantastic start to what promises to be an addictive series and I'm looking forward to reading the next book which will hopefully be soon!! Congratulations J.M O'rourke on a fantastic page turner and here's to your next success 🥂!!
Overall an absolutely page turning and explosive start to what promises to be an addictive series.
Genres covered in this book include Psychological Thriller, Irish Crime , Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Police Thriller, Police Procedural, Hard-boiled Mysteries, Psychological Fiction and Noir Crime amongst others.
280 pages
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £9.99 in paperback via Amazon at time of review which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
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Author Bio
I live on the west coast of Ireland, a beautiful location, but one best appreciated by leaving and travelling, then coming back and seeing things anew. Which is what I did. I spent much of my life in the UK, Europe and America. I’ve worked at a variety of occupations. I don’t know whether to be proud or embarrassed of the fact that I’ve had over 40 jobs in my life, everything from barman to soldier (in the Irish army), potato picker to construction worker and stone mason, newspaper reporter to station foreman with London Underground, and many more in between. I left home at sixteen without completing my formal education. However, I returned as a mature student and hold a BA in history and sociology from the National University of Ireland at Maynooth, and an M.Phil from Trinity College, Dublin. Since 2006 I’ve been a civilian employee of the Irish police, An Garda SÃochána, a role that offers me a unique insight into police investigative and forensic techniques.
I have been writing all my life. Under my real name, Michael Scanlon, I’ve had three books published by Bookouture. As J.M. O’Rourke, I am taking a new departure. Just as a song writer might change the tempo of a song, so too can a writer change the tempo of his writing. I believe writing should be an endless exploration of different forms.
I also like to play the guitar and drums (although I’m not very good at either), hill walking and drinking coffee in my local Costa.
I hope you enjoy the Jack Brody series, and if you do, I would be grateful if you would leave a favourable review. Reviews are like wings, they give books lift, allowing them to (hopefully) soar.
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