Diabolical

By: Jana DeLeon

Narrated by: Julie McKay

Length: 8 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

From New York Times best-selling author Jana DeLeon, the third book in the Shaye Archer thriller series.

Nine years ago, the police found Shaye Archer wandering in the French Quarter, beaten and abused and with no memory of the previous 15 years, not even her name. Now, at 24, Shaye is a licensed private investigator, determined to get answers for her clients when the police can't help. But her last case uncovered more than anyone anticipated, and pieces of Shaye's missing past have surfaced with unexpected consequences.

She's starting to remember.

Will Shaye unlock the secrets buried deep in her mind? And more importantly, can she handle the truth if she does?

©2016 Jana DeLeon (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Archer family secrets and revelations...

Book three in this series has some revelations for Shaye Archer. The book begins in 1938 with a satanic ritual, it then picks up where the last book left off. I would recommend these books be read/listened to in order. Each ends with a cliff hanger and the next picks up from that point.
So, the last ended with a suspect dead and written records showing where he had been trafficking kids for over 20 years. The files are coded but the police are able to decode some of the earlier paperwork that have simpler coding and find information pertaining to the sale of Shaye and the payment to her mother (who recently died from a drug overdose). They also find information showing that the man who purchased Shaye recently purchased another young girl.
This book is a journey for Shaye to discover and confront her demons and hopefully rescue another young girl from the same fate.
Another thriller that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Julie McKay does an outstanding job narrating. I think she gets better with each book!
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14 of 14 people found this review helpful

Well, that ending was a huge surprise!

The novels in the Shaye Archer series should be read in order. I've made comments in my reviews of the prior 2 novels in the series that it is not typical Jana DeLeon stuff; it is much better. Excellent reviews have already been written by Audible listeners Shelley and Yvonne so I'm going to make mine short. The story and the narration are both outstanding. If you like suspense mysteries the Shaye Archer series is highly recommended.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Great Story, Narration is okay.

Another great story in this series. We finally get to find out what happened to Shaye but I think there may be more to the story..... Just thinking that.

I am enjoying these stories very much, they are fast paced, Shaye is smart and a good PI so far she hasn't had any TSTL moments. LOL I like Jackson the detective, a little romance seems to be brewing here, but it is a very small part of the stories and not taking over the cases Shaye is working on. There are some surprises in this book. And we get more Hustle! Love that kid.

As for the narration, again with I am about to cry or panic voice reading is constant. UGH stop it! at certain times it is required but all the reading like that is not necessary. I do keep listening and it is annoying, but its a good thing the stories are good and fast paced.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The past always haunts the future

Shaye remembers and even she is surprised! Jana DeLeon did an excellent job writing the backstory of Shaye’s torturer. It began and ended with the New Orleans voodoo and the sins of the father.

Deuteronomy 24:16
“Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. Each one shall be put to death for his own sin.

The theme of child abuse is still central to the story. The suspense is powerful because another child has been taken. All our characters are on emotional overload empathizing with Shaye and scared for the current victim.

Shaye’s psychological trauma was mirrored in the struggles of the characters of each story. In Malevolent, Shaye to relate to Emma Frederick’s feeling of being stalked. In Sinister, she knew how Jinx felt being captured, tortured, and alone. In Diabolical, her story is being duplicated by the current child abduction. Jana takes our feelings up and down as she gives Shaye a clue and then leads her to a dead end.

The killer appears omnipotent empowered by the One and True God. He seems to be everywhere. Is there only one perpetrator left from Clancy’s ring of deviants? Jackson has a new assignment. He has the opportunity to follow the leads in Clancy’s journals. All the characters play a role in following leads. Hustle works the streets. Corrine works the missing kids angle and Clara was able to find information from the hospital database.

In the final scene Shaye screams, NO, when she discovers the involvement of someone. I also screamed no. I was surprised that I had identified and discarded their involvement.
Jana DeLeon had things so twisted, there was no way I could have unraveled all that happened. I applauded Jana for the originality of the story and the method the first three books interact. My disappointment was the religion of the One True God are not discussed.

What is the meaning in the pentagram on Shaye’s back? The position of the alter is mentioned as being incorrect but we are not told why. The kids were taken to obtain power from the One True God, but what kind or power and why. Why were all three plantation boys abused? Who was the third plantation owner's son?

Because I still had questions relevant to the story I deducted a star.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Jana Keeps on Giving

So far I have really enjoyed the Shaye Archer series, as I have all the other many Jana DeLeon series books. This book was exciting and enjoyable (though a bit dark and creepy at times). Thankfully Jana keeps it from getting too dark and morose, but just enough to shake you a little and keep you a bit on edge. I do like that she does try to lighten the dark mood here and there, which is what draws me to her different style of writing and books. I did enjoy this book and can barely stand the delay in listening to the next one long enough to write this review. Mini Spoiler- I am just a bit saddened by some of the ending, and wish it didn’t go down that way (almost docked a star for it but finally couldn’t do it). Those who read the book will know what that means. Read the books in order please, or you will miss a lot of important character building and background facts.

Frank Rizzoli!?

I'm not anywhere near done with the book, but I just needed to fan girl a little bit. Did anyone else catch the Rizzoli and Isles illusion or was that just me?

Great story - narrator needs coaching

first - I love Julie's voice. But everything is "dire". Everything - every voice, every person talking, every time. OK - not when she reads the chapter names.

second - I am really enjoying the story. Jana has several story lines I like. This one seems to have the most depth. Sadly - I just can't keep listening to everything being 'dire" -- just can't do it. I travel so much - and don't have the moments to actually read or I would just buy the books instead.

third - if Julie could modulate differently, I think the story would take on so much more depth and interest. As I said - I like her voice, not shrill, not harsh, a nice tone --- Not every moment of every life - no matter how messy that life is can manage to be dire --- if so, that is a different story all together.

So - if the narration doesn't bother you --- it's an awesome series!! Jana has done a very good job in research and detail

great book! amazing narration!

The Shaye Archer series gets better with every book. The characters are well developed and the plot is engaging. The narration is well done. A great book for listening in the car.

Love this series!

Diabolical was such a great listen! I've become addicted to the series. Great characters with PI Shaye Archer and Police Detective Jackson Lamont, tense, dramatic investigations, entwined with revelations of Shaye's past--from the 15 years she can't remember.

Between her own need to learn what happened to her for all those years, and the likable characters whose cases she takes on, the books hook you, keep you connected and wanting more.

Another girl has gone missing, taken by the same man who kidnapped Shaye so many years ago, recovering her memory is essential if they are to save a life.

It's tightly written with twisting, shocking clues. All you could want in a thriller.

This is a solid stand alone, but you might enjoy starting with Malevolent to get to know Shaye and cast. Can't wait to start the fourth in the series.

You can read my full review at Mystery Suspense Reviews.

Loved!!

Totally loved this series!! Kept me inthralled the whole 3 books. Great job, Jana Deleon!