BEFORE THE DEVIL FELL by Neil Olsen: Review

I had a great experience with my recent review for an author I have never read before. The excitement was buiding before I even cracked the book with the interesting cover and some of the past reviews.

I’m not typically one that picks up books about creepy crawley things in the night. I do like to sleep at night. But I’m so glad that I checked out this exciting story. Here are my thoughts.

BEFORE THE DEVIL FELL by Neil Olsen
Publisher: Hanover Square Press; Original edition
(October 8, 2019)
ISBN-13: 978-1335217554

ABOUT
Will Connor returns to his hometown, a village north of Boston, to care for his injured mother. He’s kept his distance from the town since high school, but once home he finds himself reexamining a horrific incident that took place during one of his mother’s “spirit circles.” His mother had embraced the hippie generation’s fascination with New Age and the arcane, but the unexpected death of a close friend put an end to the meetings of the modern-day coven.

Or did it?

As Will looks deeper into his family’s history he discovers that her practices weren’t so much a passing fad but the latest link in a long tradition of New England witchcraft, which still seems to hold a strange power over the town. Will hopes that unearthing the facts about the death will put his questions to rest, but there are those willing to resort to violence to keep those secrets buried.

BEFORE THE DEVIL FELL by Neil Olsen Review

This book was not what I was expecting at all. But I absolutely love reading stories that are so different than what the synopsis tries to tell us.

The author did a marvelous job weaving a story with so many little threads and hints of what was happening nd a foreshadowing of what was to come. I truly did not figure out anything until the ending. I was just absorbed in the storytelling.

The story is completely unique. I’m obviously not a expert in the writings of authors that tie witchcraft into their story. But I love the psychological build up and the bits and pieces that drop along the way that build into those suspenseful thrills we love.

The conclusion was unexpected but also very fitting. Those secrets eventually come out and get you!

There was several areas in this book that are definitely creepy. A lot of my updates I posted as I was reading it use that word specifically. But it’s also somewhat of a nod to the history of the eastern states. Stories that get passed from generation to generation fuel this novel.

Unique, engrossing, dark, and definitely a bit ominous! Loved this story!

5 Stars!

Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.