Name of the Devil

A Jessica Blackwood Novel

By: Andrew Mayne

Narrated by: Jennifer O'Donnell, Fred Berman

Length: 12 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

In this electrifying sequel to 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?

©2015 Andrew Mayne (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Good story. Narrator needs a Valium

I love the premise of the story and enjoy the series. I always like learning something new or a new twist, which this one has.

The narrator reads the voice of the main character like she is perpetually terrified and about to jump out a window. It takes away from the strength of the female character and it’s just plain annoying. She’s good with the voices. Just tone down the drama please.

A little less compelling

This second book in the series was less compelling than the first. However, we do get additional backstory on Agent Blackwood's life. This case has less "magic" for Agent Blackwood to unravel, and more frustrating bureaucracy for her to deal with.

A smart story with a somewhat weak ending

Andrew Mayne is a really smart guy (I listen to his weekly podcast, Weird Things, and this book is additional proof of his talent.

My only grumble is the end of the story didn't end how I expected it would and seemed like a bit of a letdown.

The readers performance as the lead character is great - I could listen to her read anything!

Review of all 3 Jessica Blackwood Novels

Ok-I enjoyed all 3 of these books. I've read some peoples reviews about the lead character "whining". I don't know what they are talking about as I never heard any. These stories are unique and well paced. The narration was excellent. I'm not a mystery thriller guy as a rule. But I would recommend these to anyone.

Profanity

Did not finish. After a while, the profanity of the main character became too much. Also, the actions of the characters extend from their shared belief in such a toxic, warped, pseudo-Christian theology that after a point the plot was no longer even slightly credible. Between the profanity and crackpot theology, my ability to care what happened next in the book evaporated.

Good story tiresome narration

The story is good but somewhat less interesting than the first book. I can't tell if it was primarily the narration or the character development but Jessica became tiresome-on balance probably narration was most annoying. The somewhat panicky shakey tone used for almost every tense moment or conversation became redundant and tiresome. Further, Jessica at times came across as whiney and naive. Still an interesting story and other character narration was fine. However, not sure I can handle another book if Jessica is going to be narrated/developed similarly.

Exciting Ride, Anticlimactic & Disappointing End

I love this series, and was at the edge of my seat until the last chapter. Ending felt rushed, like the author got tired of writing the book. I'm still invested in the series and I will buy the next book. I just wish this one ended better. Great performance by the narrator!

Excellent

Loved it! Andrew Mayne is one of my favorite podcasters and his story telling chops are superb.

Not my favorite

The overall isn’t bad. I did expect more from the ending, based off the first book in the series though.

Mayne never misses!

I decided to listen to the Jessica blackwood novels because I wanted to continue the Theo Cray ones but I wanted to understand Jessica first..... I am NOT disappointed. I would LOVE to know someone with that kind of mind in person... they ARE out there... there really are people like that!