The Devil's Serum

Detective Byone Novels, Book 2

By: Ricardo Fleshman

Narrated by: Nicholas Patrella

Length: 4 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

In the sequel to the blockbuster The Dying Dance, Private Detective Moses Byone returns to help the FBI uncover the mystery of who is experimenting on the mentally ill men of New Orleans. Mose must search his memory and his own dark past. Will he discover the truth before he becomes a victim to the strange, enigmatic doctor?

©2014 Ricardo M. Fleshman (P)2016 Ricardo M. Fleshman

New Orleans Ambiance

Any additional comments?

I love any book written that takes place in New Orleans. Then again, I love wandering around New Orleans Square at Disneyland, so take that remark at face value.

I'm not going to tell you my favorite moments, because it would mean nothing to you and it would spoil things. I don't like to give away too much about a mystery because you know that there is going to be a twist and unexpected turns, so suffice it to say, expect a fun ride with twists and turns. If you're like me, you prefer to know maybe ten words about a book, then go into it and be as surprised as possible, knowing full well that if you don't like it, audible.com has a generous return policy.

This is my first time listening to this narrator, but it won't be my last since I became an instant fan of Nicholas Patrella. And a few times, when the action got intense, I slowed down the speed of the playback to ensure that I didn't miss anything. I just love that about the audible app - even changing from 1.0 to .95 in speed makes a big difference to me in playback.

If you are looking for a good mystery, seeped in the local culture of New Orleans, then this is a great audio book to curl up with, either on a beach in Cancun, or on a rainy day with a mug of hot coco in Maine. But either way, I don't think you'll be disappointed. It's a fun, intelligent read.

Another Interesting Read

Would you try another book from Ricardo Fleshman and/or Nicholas Patrella?

Yes, I would love to read another book by Ricard Fleshman -especially the first book of the series. It would help to understand the main characters much better.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Sort of; the author wrote a great book, and there was plenty of investigation aspects of the story. And I love the fact that someone actually wrote a book -albeit fiction- about mental health combined with the investigation aspect of the book.

Yet, I don't think that the book kept me totally on edge. And I'm not sure why.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

The performance? While I connected with Nicholas Patrella's voice, I don't quite like the way he kept the pace of the reading... it's just a bit... rushed, I think.

Otherwise, I like the way Nicholas read the book.

Could you see The Devil's Serum being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yeah, I could see this book being made into a movie, but not exactly a TV series. There are so many criminal shows out there that this book inspired tv series would just blend into the other shows... but that's just me.

I'm not sure who I'd pick to play the characters. I just don't.

Any additional comments?

Thanks to audioboom and audible for a great chance to read the book!
I was able to read the book for free thanks to audioboom and audible.
And since I am allowed to give an honest opinion... I can enjoy the book one way or another.

GREAT 2nd INSTALLMENT, GRIPPING NON STOP ACTION!

I enjoyed the second installment as much as the first one, and looking forward to #3! Super fast-moving, which I love, and packed with creepy psycho goodness. Beware the psycho doctor experimenting with "the devil's serum"! It'll grab you, bite down, and not let go! I'd definitely recommend it! Great story, great narration!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

New Orleans detective series

What did you like best about The Devil's Serum? What did you like least?

I like the New Orleans setting. The characters could be fleshed out a bit. I didn't feel this was a stand alone book. And I haven't read others in the series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Detective Byone, the main character.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

He started by almost speed reading in the early parts. I'm a fast reader and talker, but this was distracting to me. That settled into a more comfortable pace. There were a few odd pronunciations. Accents were strange... just off.

Could you see The Devil's Serum being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Possibly. Peter Falk, except he passed away.

Any additional comments?

I might try other works in this series and even other readings by Nicholas Patrella. But, ... I was disapponted here.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com

I appreciate the opportunity.

Good sequel to the series starter

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Devil's Serum?

Finding out that the baddie was not who I expected. Byone has gotten better and I enjoyed this book more than the first. This is a solid entry into the series. I like the setting of New Orleans back in the day and good characters from the first book come back in this installment in surprising ways. I felt this book was an overall good book and I really enjoyed it. This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review

I still like the concept

What made the experience of listening to The Devil's Serum the most enjoyable?

Revisiting New Orleans in my mind. It's been so many years since I've been there but it still holds such a special place in my heart.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

the "voodoo" stuff - I don't mean to make light of it - I'm just far enough removed from it to not be scared anymore but I still respect it. I also liked the FBI twist until it just petered out and left me wondering why it was in there to begin with.

What three words best describe Nicholas Patrella’s performance?

does not fit. I just crave a deeper voice for Mose. The other 'voices' were okay, even good. Maniacal - bugged me. It's a word that a reader of a thriller should know how to pronounce. It could have been better, and could have been much worse. Had he been reading aloud at a local library I would have been impressed.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Voodoo detective saves the world. In comic book graphics it might work.

Any additional comments?

I actually enjoyed this book more than the first and still love the story concept. Whereas the first was too meandering and long, this was too abbreviated. I do look forward to more and hope the 3rd one is the charm."This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com."

The Devil's Serum: Detective Byone Novels, Book 2

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."


I said in my review of the first book in this series, I wouln't continue. I am glad to say I went ahead and tried this one. I liked this book much better.

The narration was well done. The characters were excellently portrayed. The narrator showed enthusiasm for the readers enjoyment.This is a HUGE improvement over the

first book.A few words were mispronounced but could overlook them because of the entertainment value.

pretty good

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I started this series with this book, book 2. That being said, it took me a little bit to get into the story, but I was able to and enjoyed it. I liked setting and characters a lot and thought the story was pretty engaging. The narration was pretty good as well. All in all, I'd probably suggest starting with book 1 to get more of a back story on Detective Byone, but it was still good.

Another dive into New Orlean Dark Side

Fleshman brings us the second installment of The Voodoo Detective Byone Like Death and Dying the first of the series the pace is fast. But having been introduced to Flesman’s style I could stay onboard longer. An evil doctor a voodoo priestess and the gentry of New Orleans all become part of the tale. Byone working with the memorable characters that Fleshman introduced and adding a few more, takes us on the dark underbelly created by the doctor in his search for the perfect assassin. Byone finds that he too could be the perfect subject and is caught in the other worldly fight.
A great read but start with the first of the series,
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher

The Devil's Serum

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Entertaining & well-written book about a troubled PI

What other book might you compare The Devil's Serum to and why?

Older Raymond Chandler-type books

Any additional comments?

I love reading mysteries set in New Orleans, noir-type gumshoes & voodoo, so this series of books involving Moses Byone are a great choice for me. This book isn't quite as good as the first, but still entertaining.

The author delves into the world of the New Orleans nightlife, drag queens & voodoo all while drawing you into the world of a PI with a past. Add in an insane asylum, a creepy & deranges Doctor & you have a great read!

I look forward to continuing to travel into the world of Moses Byone in the rest of this series