The Devil You Know

by Terry Tyler

Every serial killer is someone's friend, spouse, lover or child....

Young women are being murdered in the Lincolnshire town of Lyndford, where five people fear someone close to them might be the monster the police are searching for.

One of them is right.

Juliet sees an expert's profile of the average serial killer and realises that her abusive husband, Paul, ticks all the boxes.

Maisie thinks her mum's new boyfriend seems too good to be true. Is she the only person who can see through Gary's friendly, sensitive façade?

Tamsin is besotted with her office crush, Jake. Then love turns to suspicion...

Steve is used to his childhood friend, Dan, being a loud mouthed Lothario with little respect for the truth. But is a new influence in his life leading him down a more sinister path?

Dorothy's beloved son, Orlando, is keeping a secret from her—a chilling discovery forces her to confront her worst fears.

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW is a character-driven psychological drama that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Crime, Psychological Thriller, Mystery Thriller

452 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2016

About the author

I am self-published with thirty books on Amazon. Most recently I've published the first two books in my Revenge series, Served Cold and So Shall Ye Reap. More to come!

Other recent releases include Safe Zone, a dystopian/post-apocalyptic thriller. It follows on from the SFV-1 series (Infected, Darkness and Reset), but is completely stand-alone, so can be read as a story within itself.

I love watching and reading anything to do with history, post apocalypse, dystopian scenarios, anthropology, mountaineering and polar exploration. Big Walking Dead fan.

Favourite writers: Gemma Lawrence, Kate Mary, Blake Crouch, Deborah Swift, Carol Hedges, Douglas Kennedy, John Boyne, Deborah Moggach, Judith Arnopp, Jon Krakauer, Phillipa Gregory, John Privilege, Zeb Haradon, Dylan Morgan, Kate Atkinson, Norah Lofts, Dorothy Parker, Bill Bryson, PJ O'Rourke, Ann Swinfen, Keith Blackmore, Frank Tayell.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil You Know certainly makes for a very different and intriguing psychological thriller.

The story flicks between different characters who all think that someone they know is the one that is going around and killing young women. This was a totally knew one on me. Having it bared out in front of you and trying to guess which one it was, felt quite bizarre yet also thrilling.

The characters who are all suspects certainly have something about them that makes you believe that it could be them. There was no way I could choose for definite who it was as, as soon as I thought I knew, I would read another chapter and my choice would change again.

I have to say it is very cleverly done and very different to anything else I’ve read in this genre. It certainly makes it stand out from the rest.

A definite must read for fans of psychological thrillers/suspense.

My thanks to the author for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

As harrowing as it is, every serial killer that has ever lived has to have been someone’s friend, colleague or family member – or all three.

What if there was a serial killer on the loose near to where you live, and someone you know, whether that be a relative or a friend fits the description, and has been acting out of character lately. Would you suspect them, or would you think of the prospect of someone you know killing another person absurd?

For five friends, colleagues and family members of Lyndford, the reality that someone they know could be murdering innocent women is harrowing. Juliet suspect her husband, Dorothy her son, Steve his friend, Maisie her new stepfather, and Tamsin suspects her office colleague. Only one of them is right, but which one?

Terry Tyler has once again written a superb, engaging, fascinating thriller that had me hooked, and guessing who the killer was right to the end.

The book, although about a serial killer, isn’t about a detective on the case, or the police. It is about ordinary people suspecting that they could know the killer and why.

The book is told from the five different view points, introducing us to the suspects through the eyes of the people who know them. You also get to meet some of the women who have been killed, through a series of flashbacks, leading up to their murders.

The characters and scenarios are all believable, and you could see why each person suspected that they knew the killer, and to be honest, with each person’s story I found myself swapping and choosing who I thought the killer could be, as each sounded plausible.

The book had me rushing through it, as not knowing who the killer was, was killing me (pardon the pun). Terry keeps the tension high, as she keeps us in suspense of who the serial killer really is until the very end.

The book is pure genius, and I loved every minute of it.

Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com

[Liza Perrat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored The Devil You Know, reading it in almost a single sitting, but what I enjoyed most was its refreshing and different approach to the often saturated and clichéd crime thriller genre. Yes, there is a serial killer on the rampage, murdering young women in the Lincolnshire town of Lyndford, but no, the reader is not witness to a long-winded police procedural, which is almost incidental. It is the reader who gathers the clues, pieces together the evidence and finally, tries to guess who the killer is.

Because this story is all about the characters, and it’s wonderful to see such great characterization in a crime story which explores the question: do any of us really know the people in our lives, or what they’re capable of?

Told from the perspective of five different people, we are introduced to the different suspects.

There is Juliet who, upon seeing a profile of the average serial killer, realizes her abusive husband, Paul, ticks all the boxes. We have Maisie, who suspects her mother’s boyfriend, Gary. And Tamsin, whose crush on work colleague, Jake, turns to fear and suspicion. Steve suspects his childhood friend, Dan and, finally, Dorothy learns that her son, Orlando, is keeping a secret from her.

Chapters juggle between the killings, and the lives of each of these well-rounded and sympathetic characters, as their suspicions unfold and escalate. And finally, when the killer is caught, the author carries on each person’s story, and we discover what happens to all of them - outcomes which are not short of their own surprises, before the shocking twist at the end.

The Devil You Know is a compelling and absorbing read that had me hooked right from the beginning, and guessing right to the end. It also made me think about how well I really know my friends, colleagues and family.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a serial killer in Lyndford who goes after young girls with a certain dress style. Someone has seen the killer and a drawing is being shown in all the media in the hope someone can identify him. There are five people who recognize the man in the picture. Who is the killer? Is it Paul, Juliet's abusive husband or is it Steve's childhood best friend Dan, a misogynist with an aggressive attitude? Could it be Tamsin's colleague, the man who broke her heart? Or is it Gary, who's dating Maisie's mother and has recently moved in with them? Orlando's mother Dorothy knows her son is hiding something, could he be the killer?

The Devil You Know is a fantastic book. I loved Terry Tyler's original approach of the subject. There have been several murders already and the killer doesn't stop. Everything is being done to identify the evil person behind them. There are a couple of men who could have done it. They're all acting suspiciously and are lying about something. Each of them in some way fits the police's profile. Every killer is someone's child and might be someone's friend, husband or colleague. How well do you really know the people who are close to you? I loved that Terry Tyler has written a story about this fascinating subject and the result is a terrific creepy book.

The main characters of The Devil You Know all have reasons to believe they know the Lyndford killer and Terry Tyler describes what it's like for them to live with this knowledge. She does that in a gripping and realistic way that kept giving me goose bumps. The story is terrifying because it's about something that can happen to anyone. It's so well written that I believed every word. I was spellbound and loved that Terry Tyler made me go through so many different emotions while reading her book.

Juliet, Maisie, Tamsin, Steve and Dorothy struggle with the fact that they might know the Lyndford killer. I loved how their storylines develop. They're all equally great and Terry Tyler skillfully describes their reasoning and she realistically writes about their fears and doubts. Her vivid imagination and perfect way to translate it into words kept me on the edge of my seat. The Devil You Know is an amazing unique version of a serial killer story. I highly recommend this brilliant thought-provoking book. It's an absolute must-read.

[Zoe Saadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like with the rest of Terry Tyler's novels, I could not put this one down, devouring it in barely a few days, wishing it was longer, or at least had a sequel to offer. Even though I had to admit that the ending was simply perfect, so very satisfying! Still, to part with the characters I grew to like, sympathize with, admire, or laugh at (yep, there was that one chick that made me roll my eyes more often than not) was difficult.
Psychological thrillers are not my thing, and yet, in Tyler's hands it turned into yet another favorite read. Who was that serial killer who kept murdering prostitutes and sometimes just girls who were dressed provocatively enough? It could be anyone, just anyone, a regular bloke, a good well behaved citizen, dweller of this or that neighborhood, someone's husband, brother, friend, maybe even son. Through the eyes of the various suspecting family members, I had been taken on a journey of the discovery, sharing their anguished dilemmas, every new murder or finding fanning theirs - and my! - suspicions.
An abusive husband of Juliet? A reclusive son of Dorothy who suddenly began keeping secrets from her? That fairly violent about-the-town friend of Steve? The over-suspicious classic teen Maisie's new stepfather? The attractive co-worker Jack from Tamsin's office, the one who spurns her but not before making a few mistakes? They are all suspect, all implicated with this or that line of suspected behavior; all unlikely, all possibilities. And as the story progresses and picks tempo, so do ours, readers' and protagonists', dilemmas. Who is the one?
Familiar with this author's writing style, I came to expect everything unexpected, and yes, on this score, I wasn't surprised - indeed, all my guesses were dead wrong, and the avalanche of twists and turns and surprising revelations left me breathless, glued to my Kindle, unable to stop. I wish the author would write more novels in this genre as well as continue in her previous ones. I can never get enough of her books...

[Rosie Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil You Know is a thriller in a fictitious town in Lincolnshire, England. The book opens with the murder of a young woman by an unknown man. The story-line revolves round the possible perpetrator of a mounting series of murders. I like this author's style of writing so I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of this book as she takes her writing and her readers on a bold move with this genre.

After the opening scene, events turn back to a year earlier, 2015. We are introduced to key characters who all discover that those close to them have valid suspicious actions which make them all capable of being the one the police are after. Juliet's husband is a bully and regularly goes out late at night claiming it's for business meetings. Steve's friend Dan, is the spitting image of the e-fit photo of the man the police suspect. Tamsin's liked colleague Jake Fallon for ages and when they finally get together she wants more than a one night stand. But why is Jake giving her the brush off and avoiding her? Maisie's Mum has a new boyfriend, but just how loyal is he? Dorothy's routine loving son Orlando, starts staying out late and not attending club meetings he's always been to.

The plot is character driven, building the layers in delicious anticipation with plenty of red herrings which had me mentally accusing the most obscure characters of the deadly deed, then just when I had convinced myself I'd solved the case a new piece of evidence was dropped into the story-line and off my thoughts went on another tangent. My mind doesn't work methodically like a police detective, and when the body count began to grow I needed to eagerly read on as I pointed my accusing finger at yet another character.

By the end I wanted to have a cuppa and a chat to Dorothy, who seemed a little lonely and I found Juliet very intriguing, which just shows that even with a dark genre, readers can still empathise with really well written characters. The last fifth of the book had some marvellous twists and complimented the different approach to thriller writing that made this a superb read.

[Barb Taub · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read a new Terry Tyler novel, the only thing you can count on is that you can’t count on anything. I can think of very few other authors who change and mix genres so regularly that it’s become their definition. Her latest novel, The Devil You Know, is no exception.

The book opens with a prologue as a young woman named Dora flashes back to the heartbreaking steps leading to her realization that she’s about to be murdered. Chapter One then goes back in time to a year earlier, as the news breaks of a body—the third one in six months—found in the local river Lynden in South Lincolnshire, England. Slowly, local residents realize that one of them, perhaps someone they know, is a murderer, one who will most probably strike again.

At this point in the usual detective series, the search for a serial killer would belong to a damaged detective (probably Swedish, with a drinking problem and a history of failed personal relationships). Or perhaps it would be a beautiful young woman, torn between two love interests as she’s stalked by the killer. Or the detective could even be an old lady (bonus points if she knits), or a quirky heroine with a quirky best friend (probably gay)—but either way, cupcakes and cats would certainly be involved.

Oh, wait—this is a Terry Tyler book. That means that there are only two things you can be sure of: it will be character driven, and those characters will steadfastly refuse to be trapped in genre tropes. She starts with the premise: what if there are several reasonable people who have looked at the evidence—the generic composite drawing, the opportunity, the motive—and realize that it all points to someone in their own life? How long will they resist that knowledge, knowing that delay might mean more deaths?

One thing many detective stories have in common—a staple, in fact, of the police procedural—is the bit where they talk about all the nut cases who call in “tips” after hearing about the crime. But in fact, the reality is that many crimes are solved by those closest to the criminal. Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber, was a brilliant murderer who successfully eluded police until named by his brother David, who later wrote: “It was a feeling of being trapped – trapped in this brother relationship, trapped in this dilemma in which people’s lives were at stake either way. One way, if we did nothing, another bomb might go off and more people might die. The other way, I turned Ted in and he would be executed.”—David Kaczynski for The Guardian

Thus the book’s chapters will each be owned by a specific character. Juliet is a middle-aged housewife whose bullying husband beats and demeans her, even as she tries to hide her shame from her sons and the world. Steve is a shy young man who has always depended on his best friend, Dan, despite his growing concern about Dan’s new friends and their criminal ties. Tamsin is a young professional in love with a colleague who she realizes has taken advantage of her. Dorothy is an older woman, a single mother who has raised her beloved son with humor and grace, but who discovers he’s keeping a big part of his life secret from her. Maisie is the teenager who is so close to real life girls I’ve known (and been) that it’s almost eerie. She’s a mix of self-centered, generous, loving, selfish, wildly imaginative, and naive—convinced that she knows so much about the world, but mystified about the way it really works.

And in between, we get glimpses of the other two main groups of actors: the victims, and the baffled police. But the story doesn’t belong to them; it actually lives inside the heads of each of the amateur detectives. And that’s where Terry Tyler shines. As we share each of their chapters, we see the logic building to each one of their conclusions that the killer is the person so central to their lives. And, in a unique touch, we see the aftermath of that decision for each character.

One of the most difficult things a writer can do is convincingly switch point of view, changing voice and pace and world view for each character. To then show each and every one of these characters—as they change and develop, as they fight the realization of what speaking up might mean, and as they grow toward their own personal moment of truth—is the sign of a master writer. To do it with flawless command and ownership—inviting the reader to try to guess which door hides a killer and which is just a mirror of the character’s own fears—is a unique and incredible feat. And even more, to make all that seem so natural that the reader doesn’t really question each character’s chain of logic or stop to second guess the plot? That is Terry Tyler’s particular brand of genius.



***I received this book from the publisher or author to facilitate an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

When serial killers are finally arrested, people are usually amazed by how normal the culprit seemed to be, but surely their nearest and dearest had suspicions. In fact, some folk must have secretly suspected that they knew the murderer but dared not voice their thoughts.

In Terry Tyler’s book, The Devil You Know, five people start to believe that someone they know well may be the killer because of his deceit, or his inexplicable or unpleasant behaviour. As a reader, I was intrigued and unable to deduce which, or even if any of the five candidates might be the murderer. The novel includes some exceedingly nasty characters and sad, unfortunate victims. It also shows us many aspects of society, such as exploited young women from Eastern Europe, a bullying husband and a pragmatic, helpful teacher.

When the mystery is solved, despite the surprise revelation, it all begins to fall into place. The unexplained actions of several characters are revealed to be the result of their human failings. The part of the book which I most enjoyed, was the final section when the continuing lives of the original five characters, who had expressed their fears, were revealed to us. My particular favourite, was Dorothy, an aging single mother who wondered whether, “The autumn of your life,” has, “the mellow golden glow of early October or the dark gloom of late November.”

As in many of Terry Tyler’s novels, the weaknesses and determination of the characters reflect modern society and drive an exciting plot. An original, psychological thriller.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of crime and psychological thrillers and at the time I got around to reading The Devil You Know I have to admit to being in the mood for something a little different. The Devil You Know had been sitting on my kindle for a while and I completely forgotten what the premise of the book was. I dived into it and was very pleasantly surprised. Tyler has written a compelling psychological thriller that is unique in its perspective. Despite being a thriller, it satisfied my need to read something different and I struggled to put it down.

A serial killer is murdering women in Lincolnshire and, of course, the police are desperate to find the killer to prevent the death toll from rising further. Sounds like your regular crime thriller right? Wrong! Tyler completely changes the perspective and follows the thoughts and lives of five unconnected individuals who each suspect, following the release of a photofit, that the killer may be someone they know.

How would you react if someone you were close to resembled a photofit of a suspected serial killer? Especially if their behaviour is unusual? Would you speak to them about it, look for evidence or go straight to the police? What effect would this have on your relationship? This is what each of the characters face in The Devil You Know and it makes for great reading. It takes you deep into the emotions, thoughts and feelings of each of the characters and their reactions. Tyler has given a wide range of experience within her characters – there is the abused wife, the lonely single mother of an adult child, the colleague with a crush on her work mate, the childhood friend who finds himself disagreeing with his friend’s views and behaviour and the teenage girl whose mother is in a new relationship – and gives each their own voice.

The Devil You Know has quite a complex plot with a lot of different characters and perspectives, however, Tyler pulls this off without ever causing confusion and ensuring that the story flows effortlessly. This is a real testament to her writing skills and shows meticulous plotting.

I adored the psychological aspect of Tyler’s book. I’m always intrigued about what goes on in the mind of a killer and Tyler provides us with an explanation for his actions. She has pretty much considered every aspect; from the family and friends point of view during suspicion, the reason why the killer commits his crimes and the fall-out from the suspicions and the impact on the family members of the killer after prosecution. You are taken on a journey of trying to figure out who the killer is with carefully placed snippets of information from the police. While I had drawn the correct conclusion in respect of one of the suspects, Tyler kept me guessing (incorrectly I might add) and finishes with one hell of a twist.

The Devil You Know is a great read. It is refreshingly different, utterly engrossing and compelling and really well written. It needs to be on your ‘to be read’ list!

A huge thank you to Terry Tyler for the copy in exchange for my review.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the intriguing things about serial killers is that they all have families somewhere, or at least friends, acquaintances or colleagues who know them. And it’s natural to wonder why these people didn’t notice something, and didn’t say anything.
This novel explores that idea in a storyline that keeps you guessing until the very end. Told from the point of view of five different people, all of whom have suspicions about someone they know, or even love, it makes you realise that things aren’t always that simple and that our prejudices, our emotions and even our selfishness can get in the way, and prevent a murderer from being stopped.
This novel is so much more than a whodunit. Character-driven and page-turning, it pulls you along. Believable situations, circumstances and settings add a reality that makes you realise this could happen to anyone, and makes you wonder what you would do in the same position.
Each of the five main characters is skilfully drawn and three—dimensional – the author avoids clichés and stereotypes that would be so easy to fall into. Motives and emotions are easy to understand and to empathise with. There are reasons for everything the characters do. Nothing happens just for the sake of the plot – the characters motivations and influences, their circumstances and actions, drive the narrative along.
Technically excellent, beautifully written, entertaining and enjoyable (if a little unsettling!) to read, Terry Tyler has ticked all the boxes with this one. Definitely recommended.

[Shelley Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Every serial killer is someone’s friend, spouse, lover or child…’

It’s a frightening thought that you could know someone capable of such atrocities as rape and murder.

In Terry Tyler’s latest novel, The Devil You Know, she expertly weaves fives stories/five lives around the brutal murders of a string of young women, leaving the reader feeling as scared, horrified, anxious and betrayed as her characters. Introduced to the five suspects via the point of view of the mother, wife, colleague, friend, and a teenager who are closest to them.

The Devil You Know is storytelling at its absolute best. Captivating, compelling and psychologically thrilling.

The author kept me guessing until the bitter end no matter how much I thought I’d cracked it, only to then be swayed once again.

My favourite part of the book is the final revelation and the way each suspect's life story is wrapped up so beautifully.

I would highly recommend this novel.

[Siân Pycroft (plumreads__s) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 I think.

The Devil You Know is a character driven novel (squeals -yay, my FAVE). The novel is told through 5 different peoples POV, each chapter focuses on a character (with occasionally the killers perspective thrown in), and when you get to the end of the character list, you cycle back and start back through the list again. I really enjoy novels like these (The One by John Marrs comes to mind) because I think it increases the pace and the tension as you get to know each character. I then found myself eager to turn the pages so that I could circle back around to my more favourite characters in the story. The story felt really unique and I thought it was a really great, well thought out idea. The characters each have their own voice, without knowing who's chapter you are in, you are able to distinguish easily just by reading.

Read my full review here https://www.scifiandscary.com/the-dev...

[Cynthia Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Terry Tyler for years and always anticipate her new releases. This novel was no exception. Although Tyler has not written a psychological thriller before, she is in touch with what makes people--the good, the bad, and the strange--tick. There's nobody better at sketching a character in a sentence or two, and because of that, everyone in the large cast of characters is engaging, from the stars of the show to those who appear only briefly, no character is stereotypical. The serial killer plot has complex layers structured differently than most, it's quite original and skillful. There's a twist I did not see coming that had me hanging on every last word. Another page-turning success for this prolific author.

[Jenny Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every serial killer is someone's friend, spouse, lover or child....

Apart from being a thundering good read, this is such a clever book. I love thrillers and detective books and have read hundreds but I don’t think I have ever come across this idea before. We follow five characters, each of which has good reason to believe that somebody they love is the killer. I grew so fond of some of the characters that I was really afraid that one of my favourites was guilty.
I am saying no more about the plot. Just take it from me; it’s inspired.

Ms Tyler’s writing, as always, is wonderful – in perfect, fluent English. Easy to read without being simplistic. Her characters are believable. This book is a keeper.

Well done, Ms Tyler. Please write more in this genre.

[Kurt Rackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I read a full-length novel in one day, but Terry Tyler's "The Devil You Know" has reset the clock.

This is an excellent twist on the serial killer novel. No splattering blood, no dull descriptions of the "hungry eyes" or "moist palms" of the killer, and no cheap thrills either. It's a brilliantly-told human story set in a completely authentic northern English town.

What I loved (5-stars): The plot. This was a creeping lesson in suspense. It's constructed in such a way that any of the five suspects could be the one. The family members, friends and colleagues through whom the story is told are constantly pulled between suspicion, self-doubt and relief in a way that never gets tedious or contrived; their own questions and confusion are what drives the narrative for the reader. It's a cracking job and very well executed.

Setting. The sense of place that Tyler creates is among the very best I've ever read. A completely believable northern English town, with deft and effortless sketches of a culture that absolutely nails the Friday night scene, office politics, sexual tensions and domestic trials of everyday British life. My hat is off to Ms Tyler for setting the bar so high on atmosphere!

What I really liked (4.5 stars): Characterisation. These people are so real, you probably know half of them. Tyler captures small nuances and details that present complete pictures of people you really can believe in. That said, there is an inordinate amount of douchebaggery among the male characters, and an equally liberal amount of emotional weakness among the women. It's entirely in keeping with the "oppressor/victim" narrative,which contributes to the surprising twist at the end.

Writing. Terry Tyler's style is perfect for this kind of story - quick, lean and completely unobtrusive. It paints rather than tells, so you don't even realise you've read it; you just see it. This is what I believe held my attention so effectively.

What was okay (4 stars): The aftermath. While it's a relief to finally find out who the culprit is, the aftermath goes on a bit long for me. It's good to resolve the situation for the people whose suspicions were misplaced, and although that part of the narrative produces some nice twists and unexpected outcomes, it was almost a quarter of the book. Maybe there's an analogy in there for how a male/female reading of the book may differ!

Overall, this is an excellent book. I don't often give five stars for fiction due to my subjective take, and there were definitely things in the story unrelated to serial killing that made me feel quite uncomfortable; the fact that there is only one truly positive character in a cast of about 12-15 makes it quite a negative experience. However, I'm giving it top marks because this is a cool, exciting, gripping suspense novel that stands comparison with the best of the genre, and a good example of how good some indie authors can be.

[Dawn Hosmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil You Know is much different than your typical serial killer novels. The premise is that every serial killer is someone's son, husband, friend, or colleague.

A killer is on the loose - this book tells the story from the perspectives of a wife, a friend, a mother, and a colleague who all have suspicions that their friend, spouse, child, or co-worker could potentially be the killer the police are looking for. I enjoyed the multiple POVs in the story. Sometimes it can be difficult to follow along with multiple POVs but it was so easy with this book because each person's perspective picked up where the previous person's left off.

Terry Tyler did an excellent job of casting suspicion on every single character which left me racing through the second half of the book for all of the answers. There were some twists & turns that blew my mind.

For a more detailed review listen to Unravel The Binding book club podcast, episodes 17 and 18. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys thrillers with relatable characters and compelling storytelling.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Devil You Know is a character driven psychological drama that will have you on the edge of your seat. I could not put this book down. Once I had read the first page - I was hooked. If you love intelligent and insightful crime novels, then this is the book for you.

The Devil You Know is delivered from five different viewpoints: those of a mother, a friend, a daughter, a wife and a colleague. When I first saw the 'list of contents' displaying a series of names, I thought that I would become confused, with regards to the plot and characters within it. But, this was not the case. Each character is clearly defined with their own unique voice, told via the third person - something that is very difficult to achieve with multiple narrators. Each of them have their own suspicions about the identity of the serial killer who is running rampant in Lyndford - But who is right?

This is extremely clever storytelling, with the author showing, and not telling us the individual story lines. As I made my way through the novel, my suspicions kept changing, with no one character standing out as the killer. I honestly thought that it could have been any one of the five. Even to the very end of the book, I still had my doubts as to whom the killer was - it was that good.

What is so very clever about this book is that we are introduced to the five suspects through the eyes of the people who are closest to them. W are presented with a biased viewpoint - it is not subjective. We feel, think and go through all of the emotions that the mother, friend, colleague etc., go through. It is what they believe to be true, it is their suspicions, and this is what we build our evidence upon. So is what they are seeing and building their evidence upon actualy true? That is the clever twist - and I loved it!

So who did I most identify with in the book? Usually one or two characters reach out to me, and I immerse myself in their journey. But with this book, I can honesty say that I identified with all five protagonists. The wife who is living in an abusive relationship - time and time again I found myself screaming at her to get out and yelling, why are you living with a psychopath? Then there was lovable Steve - the best friend. Again, I asked myself why he was a friend to the man who he suspected of being a killer? Then we have the mother, and I suppose it was with her that I had the most empathy with. As a mother, I suppose that you would do anything to protect your child, your son, but what would you do if you suspected them of killing women? Report your suspicions to the police? But the answer is not so very clear cut. Not without any firm evidence and only suspicions to go on. This is the moral question that we are left to ponder. Then we have the teenage daughter - who suspects that her mother's new boyfriend is the killer. I'll be honest and state that I never liked him from he moment I met him on the page. But could he be a killer? Then finally we have Tamsin, the colleague. I felt so sorry for her. She thinks that she knows Jake - but does she? This then begs the question, do we ever truly know anyone, even those closest to us?

This book, although a crime novel at heart, and a gritty and raw one at that, is so much deeper. It is a psychological drama that plays on the mind. We constantly question all of the suspects that are presented to us, never quire knowing who is responsible for he atrocious crimes that take place.

I highly recommend The Devil You Know. It is a gripping and thoroughly enjoyable psychological drama .

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dora had been promised a job in England but her brother knew better. He pleaded with Dora not to trust the man who made the promises but she laughed off his concerns, believing she was in control of the situation and not in any danger. Dora found out to her cost her brother had been right. She paid the ultimate price for her naiveté.

Twelve months earlier and a third body has been discovered in Lyndford raising the possibility of a serial killer at large. The story is driven by the characters, told from several perspectives and very cleverly woven together.

Juliet is an abused wife who believes her husband, Paul, lies to her about his evenings out, and after listening to an expert on the news report describe common personality traits of serial killers, she realises most of them could apply to Paul.

Steve has doubts about Dan, his childhood friend, who seems to have changed, and not for the better, since he’s become thick as thieves with AJ. Steve is suspicious of AJ and believes he brings out Dan’s worst characteristics.

Tamsin, who works for the Lynford Echo, has become fixated with Jake after a one night stand. Unreciprocated feelings lead to retaliation in the form of questionable implications.

Teenager Maisie dislikes and distrusts her mother’s new boyfriend. He’s too ingratiating by far and she doesn’t believes the excuses he comes up with to cover his absences.

Dorothy is a single mother. She and her adult son, Orlando, are very close but Dorothy suspects Orlando is keeping something from her. Her conflicting emotions prompt her to do something that, under normal circumstances, she would never even have dreamt of. But these are not normal circumstances.

Meanwhile more murders are being committed.

I love Terry Tyler’s books, she always manages to add a different slant on a theme, and make me feel for her characters. This story is definitely no exception. A psychological, serial killer drama with the distinctive, complex characterisation and skilful, engaging writing this author excels at. The narrative is dark and the plot very well executed, building up to a dramatic conclusion – which I didn’t guess because by the end I’d laid the blame on every one of the suspects. And then, just when you think it’s all over….

The story incorporates elements of power, jealousy and love, among other things, and shows Terry Tyler’s spot on grasp and understanding of people and situations. The composition of the story works really well, with each segment building the suspense and anticipation. A refreshing and compelling interpretation of a serial killer story.

My review is based on an advance copy from the author/publisher. This does not affect my opinion or the review content.

[Caryl Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will be on my list of best Crime Fiction from 2016. It’s simply outstanding.

Do any of us really know the people in our lives, or what they’re capable of?
I was hooked from the very first chapter of this book and couldn’t stop reading. In fact I had a sleepless night because I couldn’t put it down!

There is a serial killer on the loose. This isn’t a police procedural though and we hear very little about the detectives investigating the case, nor do we need to because the nerve jangling tension of the narrative gradually unfolds just fine, as we read on in this absolutely compelling and absorbing read.
The story is told from the perspective of five different people who suspect that someone close to them might be the killer. The young teenager who suspects her stepfather, an abused wife whose secretive, violent, shady husband fits the description, a woman working for a local newspaper who thinks the photofit image of the suspect matches a colleague who spurned her, a young man who is finding the behaviour of an old friend increasingly distasteful and a devoted mother who discovers that her middle aged live-in son is keeping secrets from her.
Each character has chapters of their own, then it’s onto the next and so on, then back to each character again to anxiously follow their individual stories as their lives carry on and suspicions grow.
I really didn’t guess who the perpetrator was and there is a shocking twist at the end.
What I also liked about the book was that the story of each person carries on after the denouement and the killer is behind bars, so we find out what happens to them all, with some surprising outcomes.

My only grizzle is that I wasn’t too keen on the cover. I’m surprised the author is an Indie (by choice though), although I shouldn’t be, because I’ve read some excellent books by Indie authors and this is one more to add to that tally.

[Georgia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I used to babysit as a teenager I’d scare myself watching Crimewatch by imagining how terrifying it would be to find the doppelganger for one of the photo-fits to be the very person sat on the other end of the sofa to you. The Devil You Know reminded me of those times and it shows the various ways suspicions can evolve.

Young women are being murdered and this story follows different characters as they come to suspect that their nearest and dearest could be the culprit.

I have read several books by this author and this one is full of what she does best. The characterisations are terrific and I thoroughly enjoyed the different relationships. I felt sorry for Juliet but I think my favourites were Steve and Dorothy. I could completely relate to the way he felt about the life he was leading and her thoughts on the life and relationship she had with her son were spot on and her anxiety about what her son might be up to very real. Tamsin was also brilliantly done as the over-invested colleague.

I liked the format of the book as well. It opened with the introductions and laying out of the evidence for the possible guilt of each of the suspects. The back and forth as suspicions grew or were potentially resolved only to rear their heads again at a later date was terrific.

Then there was the resolution on the hunt for the killer followed by the aftermath where all answers were given to the reasons why suspicions were raised in the first place. Finally, there was a delightful twist that in a way you knew was coming if you hadn’t forgotten some of the loose ends that had been left hanging along the way.

Thoroughly enjoyable, I’d recommend this to all who like character driven, well-written and excellently observed relationship storylines with a gritty, and often harsh, but realistic feel to them.

[Brenda Guiton · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader of suspense and psychological thrillers, it’s wonderful to discover a gem of a book that ticks all the right boxes. Terry Tyler’s The Devil You Know did that for me in spades!
The synopsis has been well covered in the many glowing reviews so I won’t go into details about the various characters, but simply express my thoughts on the quality of the writing. In my view, the subject of serial killers is reaching saturation point, their stereotypical portrayal in danger of becoming hackneyed. Terry Tyler avoids falling into this trap with an approach that is altogether different and gives the reader pause for thought. How many times have we wondered if the family of a psychopath had harboured any suspicions about their relative? And, if so, what must it feel like to live with those suspicions gnawing away at you?
The plot structure is clever. Having established that any one of the 5 characters in question could easily be the killer, my conclusions were constantly challenged as the story moved back and forth, causing the weight of suspicion to shift. To write a convincing story of this nature and maintain the suspense throughout is a testament to this author’s skill. It’s not often I read a book like this which has me second-guessing until the very end. I liked Terry Tyler’s style. It’s straight-forward and economical and her characterization is superb. It’s easy to see why she has gained so many loyal followers and I’m delighted to have discovered her books.

[Judith Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Terry Tyler’s novels; the plots, the characters, her style of writing. And so I was really looking forward to reading her latest book. I wasn’t disappointed.
Anyone who has read my reviews of this author’s books will know how much I admire her writing. Just as a reminder I’ve added a couple of links. For her novel, You Wish: http://bit.ly/2eHQhwJ. and then for Best Seller: A Tale Of Three Writers: http://bit.ly/2fWh7Db.
Although THE DEVIL YOU KNOW takes us, as readers, away from her usual cross-genre work into a domestic psychological, it is, as the blurb says, character driven; one of Tyler’s greatest strengths. This alongside her dialogue, both internal and spoken. Not to mention her great descriptions that always give such a sense of place.
Yes, I am a fan of her writing. As a creative writing tutor, as well as an author myself, I read both subjectively and objectively. The latter sometimes spoils my enjoyment of a book, especially if there are also editing and proofreading errors. I’ve yet to be disappointed in any of this author’s novels. If you haven’t already, I suggest you give one of her novels a go. Why not begin by reading THE DEVIL YOU KNOW? You won’t be disappointed and I thoroughly recommend it.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read & absolutely loved all of Terry Tyler's previous books i was excited & intrigued at the prospect of The Devil You Know as it represented a different subject matter to previous books.
The only bad thing that i can say about this book is that it had to end, as ever the author has an amazing talent of creating interesting & in the case of Dorothy endearing characters.
Without wishing to spoil the plot for people who have yet to read all i can say is that this is an
excellent story that will keep the reader guessing & has a clever twist to finish, highly recommended.

[G. Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, gritty, compelling, scary... How well do you know the people in your life?

Loved the fact that it did not glorify the killer either... Much more on the victims, the families, the suspects. Really interesting and told from so many character perspectives. Thought provoking. Tyler's best book yet in my opinion!

[Meggy Chocolate'n'Waffles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you consider yourself paranoid? Do you trust people easily? Do you look for signs everywhere?

As a real fan of psychological thrillers, I admit I sometimes find my mind focusing on the slightest detail, an innocent comment from a friend or a family member can make me create all kind of scenarios, and I have a tendency to be… let’s say extremely careful. There’s nothing wrong with that, is it?

Now imagine you are a regular person. Your favorite past time is not to look for murderers and look under beds to find life’s darkest monsters. You are a wife, a daughter, a mother, a friend, a colleague. You see the same people every day, you share your life with them, you know what they look like, what they love to eat, where they hang out. Life is flowing – nicely or not – but if there is one thing you are not worried about, it’s the people around you.

But what if you were wrong?

Wanting to live in blissful ignorance wasn't a sin, was it? 

The Devil You Know plays with the idea of appearances and how our brain can go from one extreme to the other. Taken separately, details can have no meaning, but our mind is set to create links, to try and find a logic in everything. Sometimes it means linking the dots to a serial killer.

Women have been found dead, the police are looking for answers, details are being revealed to the public for the sake of the investigation. And here it starts. Details.

Now you’re talking to a woman who once made a big scene when she noticed a lipstick stain on a bath towel, so I cannot say I am absolutely sane. My brain had jumped on a theory another woman had been in my apartment, my bathroom, and used MY things, meaning my better half had not been very honest with me (the culprit was my own lipstick, imagine that!). And I think that is why I loved reading every point of view used in this book so much. I took an intense pleasure in investigating and suspecting everyone and everything. This book gave me so much meat to work with!

My favorite must have been the wife, because I love guilty husbands (I am scaring myself saying this!) There is a special bond between two married people. You are supposed to know everything about each other, according to life’s book (even if it is only true on wedding brochures) and it is frightening to believe the person you’re sleeping next to every single night could have blood on his hands.

The mother’s distress was painful, the stepdaughter’s questions hit me hard because I am pretty sure I would have been the same had my mother decided to bring home men. The colleague was the one I had the most trouble with, and you might too, should you read the book. I can’t discuss anything more but colleagues are now on my list of people to keep a wary eye on, along with neighbors and husbands. Every POV was distinguishable and I never felt any sense of repetition, despite the high number of suspects throughout the story. Some narrations felt more developed or compelling than others but the balance between them all kept me hooked all the way.

Each point of view was valid, at least to some extent. I did feel some twists coming as some characters’ behavior was off enough for me to understand there was more going on that met the eye. Not every protagonist is reliable, not every gut feeling is to be trusted, but how do you make the difference? The clever writing keeps you guessing for the first part of the book, creating a thick web of suspicion.

If we could understand our own motives, God wouldn't have invented therapists.

I was not expecting the book to be cut in three parts. I do feel this was a good decision because you can only keep the questions hovering over heads for so long before the bubble explodes and you are faced with the culprit. So, the second part deals with the big revelation. My guess had been wrong! I was a bit shocked because I like to showoff saying I can usually discover the bad guys, but it was a nice surprise as you don’t want your stories to be too predictable. After all, how many times have I complained I had seen it coming?

The final part, a smart move from the author, lets you know what happens next. Once the thrill of the chase, the questions, the fears are gone, what are you supposed to do? Can you resume your life as before? I liked reading about the impact of both the suspicions and the revelation on every character’s life. But don’t think it is too late for surprises. A book is never finished before you read the word END.

Overall, The Devil You Know had me spending nice hours playing detective and weighing on how solid evidence were to keep names on a suspect list while diving deep into our human fears. The story rolled along nicely, helped by a strong writing letting the emotions, and the devil, creep in. I’d recommend it to fans of the genre who want to have creepy and gripping playtime! 

I would like to thank the author, Terry Tyler, for providing me with a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.

The review was originally posted on my site. The rating was rounded up from 3.5 to 4 because of Goodreads's lack of half stars.

[Wendy Unsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The question at the heart of The Devil You Know by Terry Tyler is 'Do we ever really know anyone, even our nearest and dearest? The answer, clearly, is no. We can't ever know for sure what goes on in someone else's mind but also they can never know what goes through ours and so there is a vast capacity for misconception.

The story is split into parts that go beyond viewpoint. We meet The Wife, the Colleague, The Mother etc and at first I thought each was connected to the Lyndford Strangler who is terrorising the local area but no, each person had a separate story to tell and the links back to the crime were sometimes direct, sometimes tenuous. This was the whole point, to keep the reader guessing and to contemplate the real identity of the killer through the eyes of ordinary people who feared him.

It took me a little while to get to know the characters of each part of the story but once I did I wanted to know how each little scenario would play out. This is a really original and clever modus operandi for a crime mystery. We peek into the lives of different groups and I was invested in every one. I loved the way the author played on the worries, fears and the shortcomings of the characters, (some of them quite sinister), making the story multi-layered.

The narrative is straightforward and fluid and the dialogue spot on.

Very enjoyable.

[Bookmuseuk]

I adored The Devil You Know, reading it in almost a single sitting, but what I enjoyed most was its refreshing and different approach to the often saturated and clichéd crime thriller genre. Yes, there is a serial killer on the rampage, murdering young women in the Lincolnshire town of Lyndford, but no, the reader is not witness to a long-winded police procedural, which is almost incidental. It is the reader who gathers the clues, pieces together the evidence and finally, tries to guess who the killer is.

Because this story is all about the characters, and it’s wonderful to see such great characterization in a crime story which explores the question: do any of us really know the people in our lives, or what they’re capable of?

Told from the perspective of five different people, we are introduced to the different suspects.

There is Juliet who, upon seeing a profile of the average serial killer, realizes her abusive husband, Paul, ticks all the boxes. We have Maisie, who suspects her mother’s boyfriend, Gary. And Tamsin, whose crush on work colleague, Jake, turns to fear and suspicion. Steve suspects his childhood friend, Dan and, finally, Dorothy learns that her son, Orlando, is keeping a secret from her.

Chapters juggle between the killings, and the lives of each of these well-rounded and sympathetic characters, as their suspicions unfold and escalate. And finally, when the killer is caught, the author carries on each person’s story, and we discover what happens to all of them - outcomes which are not short of their own surprises, before the shocking twist at the end.

The Devil You Know is a compelling and absorbing read that had me hooked right from the beginning, and guessing right to the end. It also made me think about how well I really know my friends, colleagues and family.

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a serial killer on the loose; the police are baffled. But someone close to him must know who he is. And several people gradually come to believe they have the answer.

I have always enjoyed Terry Tyler's writing; this is definitely the best one of hers I have read. A series of seemingly standalone stories, each centring around a different man and someone close to him who believes he is the killer. The writing is skillful; and the characters well-developed. Each time I read a new chapter, I changed my mind about who the killer really was. A riveting read which kept me guessing to the end. Highly recommended.

[Jill's Book Cafe · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is a book about a serial killer that had me hooked from the beginning and kept me gripped until the unexpected end. It has to be said that the thriller genre is fairly saturated with serial killer books and it seems to me, that to stand out, the books are getting more vicious, more voyeuristic and for me, more unpalatable. This book however takes a refreshingly different approach and concentrates primarily on the people who start to doubt that special someone close to them as they ask that fatal question - what if?

As the books unfolds we meet Juliet, the abused wife who starts to doubt her husband Paul; Steve, who starts to question what his friend Dan is telling him; Tamsin, who becomes suspicious of her colleague after a one night stand; Dorothy who realises her son Orlando is lying to her and finally Maisie who has reservations about her mother's boyfriend Gary. I don't want to say any more about the plot, the thrill and the tension lies in encountering the killer, uncovering the back stories, questioning assumptions and deciding who you think is guilty.

The story is told in alternating chapters between the killings and the unfolding doubts of the parties concerned. While there is a police investigation, it is an almost incidental thread as it is we the reader who is party to garnering the clues and fitting the pieces together.

This book is very cleverly written, it is not easy to keep a handle on so many different threads and story lines while still producing a cohesive and engaging read which doesn't feel jumpy and disjointed. All of the threads fleshed out the characters and gave us differing viewpoints from which to form an opinion - or not, it was rarely clear-cut and ambiguity was the name of the game. It was easy to empathise with the would be accusers and it does make you think about how well you really know your friends, colleagues and family. Every real life serial killer manages to evade initial discovery precisely because those close to them don't suspect a thing.

If you want a character driven thriller/drama that not only offers an original approach but also delivers on pace and tension with a more than satisfying resolution - this is your book.

I received a an ecopy from the author for the purposes of writing this review.

[Michelle Mattingly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Good mix of characters that you will like and ones you will detest. Keeps you guessing until almost the end. It could have been hard to follow, with 5 stories going on, but Tyler did a great job of interesting the reader in each of the plots.