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Possessed

Peter Laws (Goodreads Author)

4.19 · Rating details · 79 ratings · 33 reviews

When a blood-soaked man is discovered with the word Baal-Berith scored into his flesh, the bewildered police call on expert Professor Matt Hunter to assist. Before long, a gruesome discovery is made and Hunter is drawn into a frenzied murder investigation.

With a fury of media interest in the case, and the emerging link to a documentary on demonic possession, Hunter is unab ...more

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Paperback, 416 pages

Published February 20th 2020 by Allison & Busby

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Average rating 4.19 ·

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· 79 ratings · 33 reviews

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Feb 06, 2020 Liz Barnsley rated it it was amazing

Oh my gosh another heart pounding novel here from Peter Laws featuring Matt Hunter, ex minister now supernatural debunker, whose “stage presence” in these stories is second to none. Both funny and fascinating he gets called in whenever things get, erm, a tiny bit weird.

Well things are most definitely weird in this instalment, as it seems demonic possession is on the rise- with a brutal murder in the mix, plus a claim that the demon did it, with his usual eye roll and tendency towards the more lo ...more

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Feb 12, 2020 Reading Reindeer 2021 On Proxima Centauri rated it it was amazing

Shelves: february_2020_reads, 2020_horror, a1-netgalley, a1-i-own-books, 2020_arc_apocalypse, 2020_a-z_h-a, 2020_around-the-world_terror-trip, 2020_netgalley, armchair-england, 2020_rereads

Matt Hunter #4

British Matt Hunter is a former Baptist minister who lost his faith and now serves as a professor of Sociology of Religion. A very erudite and highly educated individual with deep knowledge of ancient and historical texts, both medieval and arcane, Hunter also exhibits an occasional lowbrow humor which provides comic relief in a very serious novel.

Called in as an "expert" due to the combination of his ministerial background, his erudition, and his current position as Professor, he ...more

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Feb 13, 2020 Kate rated it it was amazing

Shelves: out-in-2020-and-read, favourites-read-in-2020

Absolutely superb - genuinely thrilling, chilling, exciting and intriguing and also written with a great deal of wit and warmth. Matt Hunter is a terrific hero and here he is tested to his limits. What a fantastic story! I've enjoyed all of these books but I think this one could well be my favourite. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights. ...more

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Feb 24, 2020 peggy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: crime-thriller, netgalley, horror

A new author for me and WOW WHAT A READ!!!!!
Gripping, scary, atmospheric and utterly bloody brilliant. This is the fourth book in the Matt Hunter series a priest who plays amateur detective with shall I say things that go bump in the night but SO much more. I have enjoyed this book so much I have purchased the others in this series so I can read them from the start. A MUST READ and so highly recommended.
Thanks to Allison and Busby and Netgalley for the ARC.

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Mar 26, 2020 Gordon Mcghie rated it really liked it

After a run of reading a run of crime novels it was a welcome change of tone to pick up Possessed and let some demonic possession into my reading.

This chilling tale puts Professor Matt Hunter back into the thick of the action as he faces the horror of a brutal murder and then the even more alarming prospect of a reality television show seeking to exorcise demons from a group of individuals who believe they are each possessed.

Matt is initially asked to assist the police after a suspect showing si After a run of reading a run of crime novels it was a welcome change of tone to pick up Possessed and let some demonic possession into my reading.

This chilling tale puts Professor Matt Hunter back into the thick of the action as he faces the horror of a brutal murder and then the even more alarming prospect of a reality television show seeking to exorcise demons from a group of individuals who believe they are each possessed.

Matt is initially asked to assist the police after a suspect showing signs of “possession” is discovered to have carved the name of a demon into his own body. The suspect is identified and it is not long before Matt and the police find a body – brutally mutilated and abandoned in her home.

The suspect appears to have no self control and indicates all his actions are being controlled by a demon – one famed for murdering thousands of humans down the centuries. A local minister and friend of the suspect insists he knew of the possession and had tried to perform an exorcism. Matt maintains demons and possession cannot be real and the murderer must be ill and in need of medical care.

News of the horrific murder soon reaches the media and Matt is brought to the tv studios to provide the balanced viewpoint on discussions around the possibility of demons being real and the effectiveness of exorcism. During the course of the show a “famed” expert tries to conduct an exorcism on air. Matt ends the debacle but the show’s producer sees the potential in giving more airtime to a live exorcism.

Matt is approached again to participate in a documentary which will give him the opportunity to explain why demons cannot be real and exorcisms are not authentic treatments for people who may be in real need of medical intervention. Sadly for Matt the producers have not been honest with him in the nature of the show they planned and a reality tv show which plans to conduct full exorcisms live on air has been arranged.

Against his better judgement Matt agrees to provide scientific balance to the occasion. It should come as no surprise to fans of horror fiction that all does not go as planned.

I love an unpredictable horror tale and Possessed delivers the shocks, the chills and the nasty surprises I had hoped for. The use of a calm voice of reason (Matt) in a scenario of hysteria and drama is particularly effective and Peter Laws brings a devious mystery to the story which will keep readers guessing.

Horror fans should jump at the chance to read the Matt Hunter books – Possessed may just be the best of the series (so far). More like this please! ...more

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Feb 28, 2020 Emma rated it it was amazing

All of my reviews can be found at https://damppebbles.com/

I chose to read and review an eARC copy of Possessed but that has in no way influenced my review.

It was around this time last year that I first discovered how utterly brilliant Laws’ writing is. I picked up a copy of Purged, the first book in the Matt Hunter series, and devoured it in a few short sittings. I have a bit of a thing for crime/horror crossover novels so the books Laws writes really appeal to me. My plan, as bookish plans norm All of my reviews can be found at https://damppebbles.com/

I chose to read and review an eARC copy of Possessed but that has in no way influenced my review.

It was around this time last year that I first discovered how utterly brilliant Laws’ writing is. I picked up a copy of Purged, the first book in the Matt Hunter series, and devoured it in a few short sittings. I have a bit of a thing for crime/horror crossover novels so the books Laws writes really appeal to me. My plan, as bookish plans normally go, was to read books two and three in the series next but what is it they say about best-laid plans….? Well, exactly. I was offered the opportunity to read the brand new fourth book in the series, Possessed, so of course I jumped at the chance. Just call me ‘rebel’! 😉

Matt Hunter is an instantly likeable character who trained as a Baptist Minister but lost his faith and turned his back on the church. Now a professor of sociology and a consultant to the police when things turn a little…’weird’, his life doesn’t contain a dull moment. If Matt’s on the case then things are gonna get interesting! Normally the kind of interesting that sends shivers down the reader’s spine and has you wondering exactly what that strange scratching noise at the window is.

Matt is called to assist with a suspect the police believe to be possessed. Nice, normal, boring Tom has changed beyond recognition, has carved ‘Baal-Berith’ into his abdomen and is showing all the signs of demonic possession. Tom’s peculiar mutterings lead the police straight to his home and his poor wife’s mutilated remains. As the news of a man possessed by a demon committing tortuous murder breaks, Matt is reluctantly drawn into a world where he’s put under a constant spotlight and pushed in front of the TV cameras to provide a balanced, scientific point of view. But this is TV and that’s just no fun at all. Who wants boring old balanced and stuffy scientific? Not when you can showcase a live exorcism! But when you’re playing with forces you can never understand, it’s no surprise when things go horribly, horribly wrong…

Laws’ use of language is fantastic and it makes his novels so easy to read. I was particularly pleased to find the word ‘crud’ used in one section of dialogue which made my heart sing, as I thought I was one of the last few remaining people uttering this wonderful word under my breath (ah crud – we’re all so old and unfashionable that we’ve all pretty much died out!). This is only one small example though of how the author draws the reader in, making you feel a connection to his stories. Another way is by creating one of the most likeable, humorous and utterly brilliant lead characters to grace fiction – Professor Matt Hunter. There is a hilarious section near the beginning of the book where Matt is meeting his new therapist for the first time which had me crying with laughter. The warmth and wit Laws puts into the character of Matt Hunter makes him a joy to read.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. One hundred percent, yes. If you haven’t read the first three books in the series then there’s no need to worry. Possessed works just as well as a standalone but I can guarantee you will want to read Purged, Unleashed and Severed immediately afterwards so you can lose yourself in Hunter’s world once more (I’m off to pick up my copy of Unleashed now!) . It’s a devilishly (!) good read, with lots of thrills and chills to keep those pages turning. A true fictional delight and one that I heartily recommend to all. ...more

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Feb 18, 2020 Angela Watt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020

I'll start by saying that I love the books by Peter Laws, and this one was not an exception. I've read all four in the Matt Hunter series and raced through them.

Each book has been a page-turner, but this one is a real thrill ride. The first chapter starts with what appears to be a pretty typical early morning village scene and then turns into something quite horrific. It reminded me very much of some of the Horror movies I've watched where evil turns up in the most routine and mundane places une I'll start by saying that I love the books by Peter Laws, and this one was not an exception. I've read all four in the Matt Hunter series and raced through them.

Each book has been a page-turner, but this one is a real thrill ride. The first chapter starts with what appears to be a pretty typical early morning village scene and then turns into something quite horrific. It reminded me very much of some of the Horror movies I've watched where evil turns up in the most routine and mundane places unexpectedly. The whole book felt like it could be turned into a film and if it was, it's one I'd watch.

The theme of the book is demonic possession and exorcism, and it also features a so-called expert in this field who flys in from America to help out us poor folk in the UK where demonic possession is a growing and problematic issue. The one voice of reason throughout is Matt Hunter, an ex-member of the church and now a University Lecturer. He brings an interesting and rational perspective around mental health issues to the exorcism party, but of course, no-one wants to listen to him. Possession and exorcism are all far more glamorous. Matt's character also brings a welcome sense of humour - something again that I enjoy in good horror movies. It lightens the mood and shifts our perspectives, so the monsters don't seem quite so scary.

I loved the setting of The Reed, so remote, so isolated and so hard to get away from should things go wrong. It has a real Brutalist concrete urban architecture feel which very much adds to the story.

I think this is the goriest and most horrifying book in the series, but that didn't stop me reading. In my opinion, I still believe book 2 is the creepiest but read them all and make up your own mind. You can read this as a standalone novel if you choose. Peter Laws kindly fills in some of the backgrounds just in case you haven't read the others, but if you have, some things will make a lot more sense.

As someone who enjoys horror writing and the crime genre, I give this five stars and can't wait to find out what Matt Hunter will be up against in the next book.

Many thanks to Rev Peter Laws, Allison & Busby and Netgalley for enabling me to read an early release of this book. ...more

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Aug 05, 2020 Lee Franklin rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 09, 2020 Contrary Reader rated it really liked it

I bloody loved this book- and now have the long wait to book five coming out to wonder how much darker Matt Hunter’s life is going to get.

It has it all, tension- fear- humour and reflection. Just hopefully not shadowy ones with pointed ears

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Apr 28, 2020 Kirsty Noah-whitlock rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Review for 'Possessed ' by Peter Laws

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Allison & Busby publishing.

This is the first book that I have read by this author. It most definitely won't be my last and I've already added all his other books to my wishlists. This is the fourth book in the 'Matt Hunter' series but can easily be read as a standalone which is what I did with no problems at all.

Written in 3 parts with 64 chapters. The chapters are approx 3 to 5 pages long, so ideal if you want to read ' ...more

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Apr 28, 2020 Kirsty Noah-whitlock rated it it was amazing

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Feb 15, 2020 Heather Mashnouk brandon rated it it was amazing

You know how you yell at the fool in the horror movie going to investigate the strange noise?

Yeah, you might find yourself yelling at characters in this book for the same reason. When a catatonic man covered in blood is brought in to a police station, they are baffled by an odd name carved into his stomach. So they call in expert Matt Hunter to help them determine what on earth is going on. What begins as a John Doe case quickly turns into a murder investigation further fueled by the belief that ...more

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Feb 24, 2020 Jane rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, gore, crime, horror, contemporary, paranormal

Demons, whispering from the shadows, names carved into vulnerable flesh. Memories, whispering slithering, tormenting, suggesting. Welcome to Possessed, the forth in Peter Laws’ Matt Hunter series, combining the everyday with the esoteric

Possessed is a great addition to the Matt Hunter stable, eminently readable, gleefully gory, yet holding a deeper resonance that makes you think even after the screaming stops. It switches between the lens of reality, and the distortion of the subconscious. It ta ...more

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Feb 12, 2020 Hannelore Cheney rated it really liked it

Thank you NetGalley and Allison and Busby for the eARC.
Professor Matt Hunter is called in by the local police because they're baffled and hope he can shed some light on the bloodied man who has just killed his wife in a horrific way. He seems to believe he's possessed and Matt is a bit of an expert on the subject of demons, not believing in them but looking for mental health issues instead. The case takes quite a turn, involving the media, a pastor and several others who believe they are also po ...more

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Mar 09, 2020 Billie rated it it was amazing

When a blood-soaked man is discovered with the word Baal-Berith scored into his flesh, the bewildered police call on expert Professor Matt Hunter to assist. Before long, a gruesome discovery is made and Hunter is drawn into a frenzied murder investigation.
With a fury of media interest in the case, and the emerging link to a documentary on demonic possession, Hunter is unable to escape a dark world of exorcism and violence … even when events spiral frighteningly out of control.

This is a brilliant ...more

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Feb 29, 2020 darin chew rated it it was amazing

Professor Matt Hunter is called in by the local police to investigate when an unidentified and blood soaked man is discovered with the name Baal-Berith scored into his flesh.

As an atheist ex-minister and expert on religion, Matt can shed light on the ancient Canaanite demon known as the spirit of blasphemy and murder, but as he's drawn into a frenzied murder investigation when a widely known American exorcist appears on the scene. Matt's scientific rationalism is tested against blind faith in w ...more

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Feb 21, 2020 Stephanie rated it really liked it

Possessed is the fourth book in the Matt Hunter series and the first that I have read. I had no issues about joining this series late apart from a need to know what happened to his mother and to know more about his wife Wren but I will read those earlier books, this was a book I really enjoyed.

Matt was a character that I really liked. Funny, down to earth and the only one involved in the exorcism show who managed to keep a level head. It’s something that I don’t know if I could achieve with the ...more

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May 15, 2020 Sue Blanchard rated it really liked it

Thankyou to NetGalley, Allison and Busby and the author, Peter Laws, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of Possessed in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I was so excited to receive a copy of this book. I have read and enjoyed the other books in the Matt Hunter series, so I knew Possessed was going to be an incredible read. I was not disappointed.
The characters, the narrative and the settings were rich in detail and draws you in. I had to read this book in one sitting as it w ...more

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Mar 11, 2020 Annarella rated it it was amazing

It's the first book I read in this series and won't surely be the last as I found it excellent.
It's scary, gripping, enthralling and it makes you feel scared and curious about what will come next.
I loved the style of writing, the amazing world building and the well thought cast of characters.
it was an excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine. ...more

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Sep 12, 2020 Karen Perkins added it · review of another edition

Darkly Disturbing and Gruesomely gripping

In Possessed, Peter Laws takes his readers by the hand and leads them into a dark labyrinth constructed of an original blend of murder and exorcism, media and demons, religion and psychology. His characters are so real, I tried to take them by the hand and pull them out again!
A thought provoking blend of crime and horror, and an utterly compelling read/listen. I loved it!

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Aug 07, 2020 Mary Lou Rounds rated it really liked it

When I first started this book, I did not think I would like the story or plot, but I kept reading. And, I was wrong about my preview opinion! It is a very interesting view into human understanding of the human mind, and pre-expectations of solutions to problems of the mind by diverse groups. It was well researched, and well written in my opinion. Well worth the read!

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Oct 22, 2020 Louie Jordan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

3.5* but rounding up to 4. Probably one of the better ‘paranormal’ thrillers I’ve read, however it didn’t quite get me in the end. No real ‘twists’ but I thoroughly enjoyed the first part to this book, definitely freaked me out.

Picked it up randomly in a 3 for £5 deal at ‘The Works’ - so it was nice surprise!

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Mar 24, 2020 Phil rated it really liked it

A good, entertaining story. A definite page turner
It is part of a series but can be read quite happily as a standalone as no previous knowledge of the characters is required in order to thoroughly enjoy the book .

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May 07, 2020 LimeCream rated it it was amazing

I LOVED this horror/mystery. Gripped from the first page, I read this at one sitting.

Blinking brilliant book.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Feb 19, 2020 Kathryn Garner rated it did not like it

Not my cup of tea. Too gory,muddled and unrealistic. A murder triangle wrapped up in demon mumbo jumbo.

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Jun 05, 2020 Rachel N rated it it was amazing

*5 stars!!

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Aug 21, 2020 Simona rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: library-loans-2020

Really enjoyed this - will go back and start with Bk 1

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Feb 22, 2021 Kevin Lucia rated it it was amazing

Excellent, just like all the others. Review on CDONLINE coming soon.

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Feb 24, 2021 Kathleen Robson rated it liked it

Overall good. Quite scary at times, too many new characters parachuted in towards the end. Worth a read.

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Jan 18, 2021 Genevieve Paquette rated it really liked it

Best one yet. Cracking story, great mystery with a satisfying conclusion, and a few interesting twists. I'm not sure how long a series based on debunking religion based mysteries can last, but I'm definitely up for more.
I'm interested to see if this was the end if the bunny demon arc or not. Is there really something supernatural out there? Is that the endgame? Or will we discover that it's all down to apophenia, or like, a brain tumor, or toxic mold spores? I'm hedging my bets. ...more

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