This is a mini-review of my latest read, Devil’s Way by Robert Bryndza.
First of all, I’d like to thank Raven Street Publishing, Robert Bryndza, and Netgalley for my advanced reader’s copy. If you want to get your own copy it’s available for pre-order on Amazon, and the paperback released on January 12, 2023.
Trigger warnings: addiction, mental illness.
Plot
This is the fourth book in the Kate Marshall series by the author.
In this book, Kate Marshall and her partner Tristan investigate the disappearance of a three-year-old boy that happened eleven years ago.
Private investigator Kate Marshall is rushed to the hospital after being pulled up by a current in the sea. While recuperating Kate befriends Jean, an elderly lady from the same ward. Jean confides in Kate that her three-year-old grandson disappeared from the campsite in Dartmoor eleven years ago.
Eager to help, Kate agrees to take on the case because Jean is still filled with grief after all this time. As soon as she starts digging a bit into the case, she discovers that Jean’s dark past could have potentially put Charlie in jeopardy. Did he wander off and get trapped by the river’s riptide by Devil’s Way, close to their campsite? Or even worse, was he abducted?
The investigation leads them to other discoveries, such as the murder of the social worker who was assigned to their case. What really happened to the little boy? And what about Anna, the social worker? Is her murder related to Charlie’s disappearance?
The author wraps up the book nicely at the end, but unfortunately, I can’t say more without spoiling it.
My Thoughts
This is my first Kate Marshall book, and I must say that I enjoyed it very much. After getting acquainted with the Erika Foster series I became a loyal fan of Robert Bryundza’s writing. This new series – to me!- is just as addictive.
If you’re not familiar with the author’s multi-layered storytelling style, you should definitely pick up his books. They can be read as stand-alone, but to get involved in the background stories, I strongly suggest you read them in order.
In The Devil’s Way, Kate and her partner are starting to fall into a routine that is still relatively new to them.
Although I have no background into Kate’s previous state, mental or physical, in this book she’s vulnerable and shaken up by her accident. Therefore her partner Tristan, although younger and less experienced than her, picks up the slack while she’s recuperating. They make a great team, based on mutual respect and admiration.
The setting offers the readers an atmospheric vibe, something that I’m used to in Nordic noir books. I must say, I enjoyed the description of the location and the danger it poses. As I was reading, I couldn’t help but feel worried about a little kid getting lost in the bogs, especially in the dark.
The characters in this book are flawed and human, each dealing with their own issues. He doesn’t sugarcoat their present states of mind and allows their train of thought to follow their natural paths.
Concluding Words
I hope you enjoyed my review of Devil’s Way by Robert Bryndza.
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. I gave it four out of five stars and would recommend it to fans of chilling thrillers. If you love to follow the main character’s personal journeys throughout a series, then definitely read this book.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go and pick up the first three books in this series!
Again, if you haven’t read any books by Robert Bryndza, I really don’t know what you’re waiting for!
Once again, thank you to Raven Street Publishing, Netgalley, and Robert Bryndza for the chance to read and review an advanced copy of this book!
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