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Lambs to the Slaughter
A cold case turns blood-hot when the butchered remains of a mobster are discovered in a gory crime scene resembling the murder of a veteran detective. Chase Hauger, a homicide detective diagnosed with terminal cancer, suspects the Enigma Killer—a serial killer known for using elaborate traps to ‘teach’ and torture his victims—has returned after years of dormancy. Chase sets out to bring the Enigma Killer to justice and avenge his slain friend, but he quickly finds himself caught in a web of lies and a storm of bloodshed.
Can he catch the killer before death catches up to him?
Jon Athan, the author of The Groomer , and Matthew E. Berry bring you a violent, suspenseful horror novel filled with twists and turns.
This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
Can he catch the killer before death catches up to him?
Jon Athan, the author of The Groomer , and Matthew E. Berry bring you a violent, suspenseful horror novel filled with twists and turns.
This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
- GenresHorror
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2021
52 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 22, 2026
Wicked good! Review is coming.
Read
February 3, 20263.5 stars
November 22, 2022
Story 5/5
Narration 4/5
Narration 4/5
October 18, 2021
Wow this book is way different than anything I've read by Jon Athan. This book is a fucking awesome detective\crime novel. This was a slow burner with a brutal and intense last 2 chapters. This is Athans 51st novel and his first collaboration but I dug it. I really have enjoyed reading Jon Athan's work but what I have really enjoyed is watching his writing and his exploration of subjects grow, mature, and get better each time. Awesome read not as "extreme" as his other books but definitely a solid intense well rounded read.
March 17, 2025
Why is this novel not talked about more? Hidden gem of the year so far!
If you’re familiar with Jon Athan’s work, Lambs To The Slaughter has quite a different feel. It’s also cowritten with Matthew Berry who I never heard of prior to reading this, but hats off to him because the two of these guys together delivered one hell of a story!
Think of corruption in law enforcement, meets criminal masterminds, meets Saw. Such a well thought out and developed story. The main protagonist and main villain couldn’t have been written any better. Never a dull moment and such a great flow.
Don’t sleep on Lambs To The Slaughter!!!
If you’re familiar with Jon Athan’s work, Lambs To The Slaughter has quite a different feel. It’s also cowritten with Matthew Berry who I never heard of prior to reading this, but hats off to him because the two of these guys together delivered one hell of a story!
Think of corruption in law enforcement, meets criminal masterminds, meets Saw. Such a well thought out and developed story. The main protagonist and main villain couldn’t have been written any better. Never a dull moment and such a great flow.
Don’t sleep on Lambs To The Slaughter!!!
October 8, 2021
John Kramer's traps meets H.H.Holmes' murder castle. What more could you want?
November 24, 2021
This book had my butt captivated from page 1. From the very first page you can tell something sinister is happening. Then it gets dark really fast. I loved it. Very fast paced and not just gorey for the sake of being gorey. There is a reason. A story here. I loved the characters. I loved the plot. Very Saw vs H.H. Holmes here.
December 19, 2021
Captivating
This was another brilliant read. And made even more special that it was written by Jon Athan and Matthew Berry. I love Jon Athens reads, they always are full of action and gruesome scenes, and this was no exception. The characters are embroiled in hunt for a psychopath. The main character being Chase, whom is in turmoil with his own problems. As a well respected detective he goes through so much agony and turmoil to find the psycho, whom had the sickest of minds. There is loads of blood and brutal deaths! All described in such amazing detail it's like you are watching it all happen. On top of all that, the storyline grabs you and draws you in, making you unaware of everything else around you. Lots of twists to keep you entertained have you on your toes. A really captivating, gruesome read. I'd definitely recommend.
This was another brilliant read. And made even more special that it was written by Jon Athan and Matthew Berry. I love Jon Athens reads, they always are full of action and gruesome scenes, and this was no exception. The characters are embroiled in hunt for a psychopath. The main character being Chase, whom is in turmoil with his own problems. As a well respected detective he goes through so much agony and turmoil to find the psycho, whom had the sickest of minds. There is loads of blood and brutal deaths! All described in such amazing detail it's like you are watching it all happen. On top of all that, the storyline grabs you and draws you in, making you unaware of everything else around you. Lots of twists to keep you entertained have you on your toes. A really captivating, gruesome read. I'd definitely recommend.
October 18, 2021
Plenty of suspense
Well written. I’ve read most of his books. This is one of the better ones. Great twists, nobody wins in the end. Well, you do for reading it.
Well written. I’ve read most of his books. This is one of the better ones. Great twists, nobody wins in the end. Well, you do for reading it.
October 15, 2021
Excellent!
Loved it what a ride! Defiantly a page turner
Excellent storyline, well thought out with excellent characters and twists and turns and a dramatic ending.
Loved it what a ride! Defiantly a page turner
Excellent storyline, well thought out with excellent characters and twists and turns and a dramatic ending.
April 28, 2025
OMG!!! Freaking Exquisite!
I finished this in one setting.
I loved each of these characters and watching them realize the secrets. Bruh!
I read a review on this book basically saying it's a regular Jon athan book and while Jon Athan does have a certain style it doesn't mean each book is the same. I am so happy that I took the leap and got this title and you absolutely should as well!
I finished this in one setting.
I loved each of these characters and watching them realize the secrets. Bruh!
I read a review on this book basically saying it's a regular Jon athan book and while Jon Athan does have a certain style it doesn't mean each book is the same. I am so happy that I took the leap and got this title and you absolutely should as well!
December 28, 2023
The disclaimer isn't kidding.. This is definitely one of the most sick and twisted thing I ever read, or even heard about. 12 pages in and it's already had some gruesome stuff that will make your stomach turn. Definitely don't read if you can't handle not just gore, but literally the worst of the worst people could do, including cannabilism of an infant.
Aside from the complete twistedness, the story is there. It makes you want to keep reading and see how everything will come to an end. Some of the scenes in the book also reminded me of Saw. So if you enjoy those movies you should enjoy this.
Aside from the complete twistedness, the story is there. It makes you want to keep reading and see how everything will come to an end. Some of the scenes in the book also reminded me of Saw. So if you enjoy those movies you should enjoy this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2021
A nice twist on the dark horror genre
I found this collaboration to be very enjoyable!👍 I was very surprised to learn that it was Matthew's 1st time out here as a writer, well done dude!!! And to Jon, as always my love & I still yell "Scoot"😘 hope to see more work from both of you.
I found this collaboration to be very enjoyable!👍 I was very surprised to learn that it was Matthew's 1st time out here as a writer, well done dude!!! And to Jon, as always my love & I still yell "Scoot"😘 hope to see more work from both of you.
August 23, 2022
My Fifth book I’ve read by Athan and I’ve enjoyed each one so far
Night Of The Prowler is my favorite as of right now but I like seeing how twisted this guys mind can become, very excited for Sept. 8th 👹
Night Of The Prowler is my favorite as of right now but I like seeing how twisted this guys mind can become, very excited for Sept. 8th 👹
October 19, 2025
this book had such an interesting premise, i couldn't wait to read it. I found the openness of the antagonist from the beginning to be an interesting choice too. I did find as the ending came upon me, the book started to drag a bit. but I still enjoyed the read.
November 7, 2021
Lambs to the slaughter
I chose 5 stars because the plot ,characters and writing deserved it . Collaboration between Matthew and Jon worked wonderfully!
I chose 5 stars because the plot ,characters and writing deserved it . Collaboration between Matthew and Jon worked wonderfully!
January 31, 2022
Loved it
I really enjoyed the author's thought process when describing the many traps. You won't be disappointed. Definitely enjoyable to read!
I really enjoyed the author's thought process when describing the many traps. You won't be disappointed. Definitely enjoyable to read!
April 14, 2022
Gory, twisted, sick, disgusting, putrid & vile - And, I mean that in a completely complimentary way!
June 30, 2022
highly recommended!
surprisingly wit, scaring detailed but quick and easy to read at the same time.
I appreciated the detailed descriptions, not to mention how much of anatomy I have learned! ;)
surprisingly wit, scaring detailed but quick and easy to read at the same time.
I appreciated the detailed descriptions, not to mention how much of anatomy I have learned! ;)
February 23, 2024
Saw Meets The Collection
Incredibly well done. If you are a fan of either of the 2 franchises in the review name, you’ll enjoy this novel
Incredibly well done. If you are a fan of either of the 2 franchises in the review name, you’ll enjoy this novel
January 13, 2025
My favourite book i read recently, serial killer moment with a dash of saw vibes !!! I love killing games
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews