Name of the Devil: A Jessica Blackwood Novel
Written by Andrew Mayne
Narrated by Jennifer O'Donnell and Fred Berman
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
In this electrifying sequel to the crowd-pleasing thriller Angel Killer, magician-turned-FBI-agent Jessica Blackwood must channel her past to catch a killer consumed by a desire for revenge.
When a church combusts in rural Appalachia, the bizarre trail of carnage suggests diabolical forces are at work. Charged with explaining the inexplicable, the FBI's Dr. Ailes and Agent Knoll once again turn to the ace up their sleeve: Agent Jessica Blackwood, a former prodigy from a family dynasty of illusionists. After playing a pivotal role in the capture of the Warlock, a seemingly supernatural serial killer, Jessica can no longer ignore the world, and the skills, she left behind. Her talent and experience endow her with a knack for knowing when things are not always as they appear to be, and she soon realizes this explosion is just the first of many crimes.
As the death toll mounts, Jessica discovers the victims share a troubling secret with far-reaching implications that stretch from the hills of West Virginia to cartel-corrupted Mexico to the hallowed halls of the Vatican. Everyone involved in what happened on that horrible night so long ago has tried to bury it—except for one person, who believes that the past can be hidden, but never forgiven. Can Jessica draw on her unique understanding of the power and potential of deception to thwart a murderer determined to avenge the past?
Andrew Mayne
Andrew Mayne started his first illusion tour while he was a teenager and was soon headlining in resorts and casinos around the world. He’s worked behind the scenes creatively for David Copperfield, Penn & Teller, and David Blaine. With the support of talk show host and amateur magician Johnny Carson, Andrew started a program to use magic to teach critical thinking skills in public schools for the James Randi Educational Foundation. Andrew’s “Wizard School” segments, teaching magic and science to children, aired nationwide on public television. He also starred in the reality show Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne.
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Titles in the series (3)
Angel Killer: A Jessica Blackwood Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Name of the Devil: A Jessica Blackwood Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Black Fall: A Jessica Blackwood Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
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Reviews for Name of the Devil
59 ratings8 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5God Andrew is really a master in writing magical mysteries.
even though I managed to figure out most of the key points I still loved this book.... i really loved the mythical elements, how the story unfolded and how amazingly jessica's mind worked...
also that ending was a bit of a cruel tease ^^
gonna start the next book as soon as I get my hand on it ^^ - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Another great plot with lots of action! I enjoyed this book that was smartly written. I would have given 5 stars but I was dissatisfied with two things. One, that Jessica did not directly take down the bad guy and two, I would prefer that Jessica and Damien be romantically involved and work together to solve these crimes instead of whatever it is they are.
Yes the mysterious Damien is back to save Jessica's life and feed her important information about a case that should be classified. Once again, how does he know? We know about their history but who is he?
We finally meet Jessica's family and boy are they 'different.' I actually like Grandfather and I agree with him that they are wolves and not lambs.
Luved the ending and wondering if Andrew will add a little romance in the next book. It doesn't look like he entertains the idea of writing romance but I am hopeful. Looking forward to starting the next book. - Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Fun idea gone wrong. The author has to construct ridiculous plots that his interesting protagonist can't solve without the "help" of incredible coincidence and a super anti-hero.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5An excellent continuation of this different and intriguing series. Jessica Blackwood is not your ordinary buttoned down, wing-tipped FBI agent. She is the scion of a long standing family of magicians and illusionists which give her a unique perspective on certain crimes. Not well received by her colleagues; she struggles to hide her insights in plain sight. But she is as adept at penetrating illusions as she is at creating them.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This is the second Jessica Blackwood novel. The first is Angel Killer. These books can be read as stand alone novels. Although, I am just warning you now that after you read this book, if you have not read the first one you will want to pick up a copy. I like the twist that author, Andrew Mayne has given this series and the main protagonist, Jessica. From being a magician to a cop may seem like a stretch but after reading book one and now book two, I don't see it as much of a stretch. In fact, Jessica's skills as a magician really do come in handy. For example, she accepts the weird and sometimes supernatural. Yet, probably the best asset that I like about Jessica is her level head. She can assess a situation quickly and pick up things that others around her may not always notice or are two to three steps behind her. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Magician turned FBI agent Jessica Blackwood returns in this sequel to “Angel Killer.” This time out, she’s involved in the investigation into the combustion of an Appalachian church. Is it, as some suggest, the work of a demon? Or are there human forces at work? Jessica’s background and training in illusion helps her recognize things that are not exactly what they appear to be, and, as the body count begins to rise, she discovers that, like ripples in a pond, this is only the sinister beginning of a twisted plot that may be targeting the pope himself.Despite being the second in a series, “Name of the Devil” can be read as a stand-alone. Readers will appreciate the flashbacks intertwined with the present-day story as they provide insight into Jessica’s childhood and fill in much of her early backstory. This fast-paced, action-packed thriller will keep readers on the edge of their seats as each chapter unfolds yet another plot twist. Recommended.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5FBI Agent Jessica Blackwood returns in Andrew Mayne's new novel - Name of the Devil.Blackwood is a unique character - she's a magician turned cop. Mayne's own background as a magician and a family in law enforcement add much to his books.A new nemesis awaits Jessica this time out. A massacre in a small town church seems to point to spontaneous human combustion, exorcism, madness - and the devil. The residents in town are frightened and local enforcement baffled, so the Bureau is called in. And so is Jessica - to consult. For she sees with a different set of eyes and a different logic. I really enjoy the trickery, the sleight of hand, if you will, that Mayne uses in his plots. I like the behind the scenes, alternate explanations and illusions that Jessica exposes.Jessica is a likable character. This time around, we get to know a bit more of her background with flashbacks from her childhood. Her magician grandfather is someone who fascinates me - there's much more to the man than simple magic tricks. Another recurring character is Damien, the extremely dangerous, seemingly all seeing man who seems to have his eye on Jessica - watching for her safety and providing her clues in an oblique fashion.Mayne's plot is intricate, involved and far-reaching in Name of the Devil. Some of it is a wee bit over the top and asks the reader to suspend disbelief. And you should - it fuels an already action-filled read. Mayne has conjured up another great cat and mouse game with a unique protagonist - perfect for summer escapist reading. I loved the ending and will be watching for number three.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I was a little hesitant about this when I heard "magician-turned-FBI-agent" but I'm glad I took a chance. The lead character reminds me of a female Jack Reacher, tough and resourceful, not the least bit fluffy. Great action and diverse cast of characters. Thoroughly enjoyable read.