Devil of the Pines

American Horrors, Book 2

De: James Kaine

Narrado por: Tom Jordan

DISCOVER THE DISTURBING SECRET THAT HAS HAUNTED THE PINE BARRENS FOR CENTURIES.

1735. Leeds Point, New Jersey. A weary woman discovers she is pregnant with her thirteenth child. In a moment of despondence, she curses the unborn that it may be a devil. On the night the infant enters the world, no one in the room is left alive to recount the tale.

2005. Thirteen-year-old Patrick Shourds and his friend encounter a terrifying creature in the Pine Barrens. When only Patrick emerges from the woods alive, the residents of the small town blame and shun him. A pariah in his community, Patrick is ultimately driven away, vowing to never look back.

2025. Patrick reluctantly returns to Leeds Point after the death of his mother. Seeking to lay the ghosts of his past to rest, he soon discovers they refuse to go quietly. When a string of grisly events rock the small town, old suspicions resurface, and the residents again point their fingers at the prodigal son.

Patrick will learn that he can't run from the past. He'll have to confront his demons. The monster in the woods and the darkness that dwells within.

IN THESE WOODS, LEGENDS BECOME NIGHTMARES.

James Kaine, author of The Dead Children's Playground, brings you the next chilling tale in his American Horrors series where you'll learn that fear always finds its way home.

©2025 James Kaine (P)2025 James Kaine

An absolute master class in horror

I just finished Devil of the Pines by James Kaine.

Normally, I wait a day or two and let my thoughts settle before posting a review, but I have to get this off my chest.

This book is a masterpiece.

Flat out. Full stop.

From the first chapter to the last, through every twist and turn, every gut wrenching death… I was hooked.

If you haven’t read this yet you need to drop everything and start it.

Also, if you get the audio, you get to listen to the amazing Tom Jordan read to you.

Scary Good

Believe the hype!! I don't know how he does it, but James Kaine consistently writes bangers. This is the fourth book I've read by him, and they have all been excellent.

There are 3 timelines in this one. I thought I would have liked the 2005-2009 timeline the best, since I was also an emo kid growing up in NJ at that time, BUT I was surprised by how much I was sucked in by the 1700s timeline. As soon as I saw those gray pages coming up in the book, I was like "OOOOHHHH YEAHHHHH not going to bed yet!" That one was guaranteed to deliver something creepy every time we jumped back to it. All 3 timelines were great, though, and I loved how they all connected.

Despite growing up in NJ, I actually didn't know much about the Jersey Devil. Obviously I've heard of it, but outside of that one episode of What We Do in the Shadows, I've never really seen it in any sort of media. It was fun to learn the lore behind this famous cryptid.

I was lucky enough to get the physical copy and the audiobook. I recommend both! The physical book is nice and heavy, has a great cover, and fun little pine tree designs throughout. The audiobook was narrated by the great Tom Jordan. The deep, whispery tone of his voice felt like someone was telling a scary story around a campfire. It totally sucked me into the story. I was hanging on every word. No matter which format you choose, you are sure to love this story.

suspenseful retelling of thr Jersey Devil!

I really enjoyed Devil Of The Pines! I did not know the Jersey Devil legend going into this book, so I had no formed ideas on what this would be about. Im not sure any other version will live up to my expectations. I do sometimes have a hard time staying engaged during multiple timelines, but I felt invested in all 3 with this one! I think the author spent enough time formulating them all so thoroughly while making each gripping and suspenseful that it kept me pulled into the storyline of all 3. Imo, the character Megan stole the show, and even though she wasn't the main character, she was my favorite! There were some Megan quotes that had me cackling. I found the ending satisfying. I would definitely recommend this book. I listened to it on audio, and the audio narration is fantastic!!

New Jersey Devil

Loved the audio book. Narrator was excellent. The book was written very well. I loved every second of it. I highly recommend this book

I really enjoyed the story

I like his take on the New Jersey Devil. looking forward more from America Horror series.

Must read

The story was amazing and the characters were written so well. The story kept me on my feet the whole time

Engaging

The plot was highly engaging and was only added to by the narrator. between both the narrator and the plot itself, a close connection to the characters was made for me. the way the book was set up made it easy to follow the multiple storylines. This was my first experience with this author and narrator and look forward to exploring their other works in the future.

Bangarang

I was enthralled earlier this year when I had read The Dead Children’s Playground by this author, James Kaine. Though, that story is fantastic, this one flys circles around it.

Every character was written wonderfully. The time line jumps made complete sense and were not confusing in the least. I’ve read quite a few books that had different time lines in them and frequently had to go back and listen to make sure I was following along. Definitely not in this case. I appreciate that. A lot.

The way Patricks (main character) highschool life was described, the gossip, bullying and cliques was incredibly spot on. It made me empathize with him and feeling furiously protective of an unreal character. So I just told my teenager that if any one messes with them - I’ll mess them up more. Ugh. Teenagers suck so bad. (Well, most) His relationship with the emo girl Megan whose father is the sheriff of the town is nothing short of adorable and realistic. It’s awesome to keep having bad ass female characters in books. The aunt was INFURIATING- and I could just picture her sneering fake face. So thanks for that. Honestly though- that is talent. Being able to bring out all these emotions, with just one character, never mind the rest. Brilliant dude this James Kaine fella is.

I loved the music references and even learned about KPop and that Bangarang isnt just a Lost Boys saying. Rufi-ooooooo! The imagery was beautiful described and easily brought me to the Pine Barrens in my head. Even the spooky Hollows. It both made me want to go camping and never leave my city life again.

The narration was wonderful as well. Tom Jordan knocks it out of the park, per usual. I’ll have to pick up a physical copy asap as this book easily is a top read of the year for me. Fan-effin-tastic job Mr. Kaine.

Kaine delivers another masterpiece

This is quite a study in dysfunction. Be it for the town, a broken man or a cursed family. Lord help you if you are part of all 3. Kaine delivers yet again with his masterful story telling, engaging plot and relatable characters. You don't want to miss this one. I feel like I say that for every one of his books.

obsessed

Devil of the Pines by James Kaine

First off, I want to thanks James for allowing to me review the audiobook, also for not absolutely shattering heart this time. It still hurts but I didn't cry with this one 🤣

The legend of the New Jersey Devil was always just a rumor, until one day as two boys were playing by the remains of the house where the legend began. What was innocent child's play ended in the death of one of the boys. No one believed Patrick, the surviving child, as he described the creature that stole his friend. Rumors spread, accusations made that Patrick was guilty. As the years went by death and destruction followed Patrick. That is until he packed up and left, never to return again.
Upon the news of his mother's passing, Patrick went back to the one place he swore he would never step foot in again. His past once again as come back to haunt him, only this time, he is going to find out the truth. Of his past, his family, and the Jersey Devil.

Tom Jordan’s narration was phenomenal (as always). You can feel the tension, fear, and dread in every scene. His ability to bring a story to life never ceases to amaze me, and Devil of the Pines is no exception.