The Demonologist

The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren - The True Accounts of the Paranormal Investigators Featured in the film 'The Conjuring'

By: Gerald Brittle

Narrated by: Todd Haberkorn

Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

If you think ghosts are only responsible for hauntings, think again. The Demonologist reveals the grave religious process behind supernatural events and how it can happen to you. Used as a text in seminaries and classrooms, this is one book you can't put down. For over five decades, Ed and Loraine Warren have been considered America's foremost experts on demonology and exorcism. With over 3,000 investigations to their credit, they reveal what actually breaks the peace in haunted houses. The book was expertly written by Gerald Daniel Brittle, a nonfiction writer with advanced degrees in literature and psychology, specializing in mystical theology. Don't miss the Warrens in the new blockbuster movie The Conjuring.

©1980 Gerald Brittle, Ed Warren, Lorraine Warren (P)2013 Graymalkin Media, LLC

Scary fun.

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

Yes. If the person in question was into the paranormal this is a good choice. the best part is that these are supposed to be true stories. Some of them are even better than what fiction writers davelop anyway.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The story about Annabelle the doll.

Which character – as performed by Todd Haberkorn – was your favorite?

It was not really a charachter driven book so this really doesn't apply. I will say that the narrarrator did a good job.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Just say no to ouija boards!

Any additional comments?

This is a good listen. You may have to suspend disbelief depending on what your views are on the subject of the paranormal. Also, some of the Warrens ideas are a bit left field, but they aren't overbearing about their beliefs so I had no problem. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. I read it originally 20 years ago or so, although the title may have been a little different . The good news is that it still holds up.

Contradicts itself at every turn

I'm sure if you're blindly into demons or The Conjuring franchise then this book will likely appeal to you but it's not a terribly interesting book and is highly repetitive. For starters, it's like four stories with two hours in between each filled with Ed spouting things about demons like he's talking about a common species of animal of which humanity knows every intricacy. I mean no disrespect, but Ed comes across as though he thinks, assuming that demons do exist, that he is smarter than they are. It's the same kind of nonsense you hear on Bigfoot hunter shows, when one of the pack of searchers inevitably reminds the rest of his posse of some wholly unsubstantiated, presumed fact like "everyone knows Bigfoots love peanut butter." That's what the majority of this book is, nonsense stated confidently enough to attempt to pass as facts. Not to mention, every single coincidence or fateful decision is credited to the work of demons. At best it's acute paranoia, at worst it's intentional misleading. Either way, it's a bit much.

He also frequently contradicts himself. For example, in a span of two pages Ed, in reference to the Annabelle doll, claims "demons don't possess things, they (demons) are simply moving the doll to make you think they've possessed the doll" yet as soon as they take Annabelle off the hands of its original owners and take it back to their home it starts trying to harm people wholesale. So they throw it behind glass and charge people $12.50 to come see it. I guess they don't possess things unless you hand them over to Ed and Lorraine and there's a dime to be made.

If you're really into Ed and Lorraine Warren then you may enjoy the book. I however was on the fence about them when I bought this book and now I am firmly convinced they were nothing but a pair of charlatans.

Don't waste your time

This is not a novel, it's a transcript of a lecture and a couple interviews. its extremely boring. Ed and Lorraine are suspected to be hoaxers and listening to this makes me believe that to be true. I won't spoil anything for anyone who wants to listen to this book but pay close attention to what they say and describe what they do.
One small example, they tell a family to leave them in their house alone, so the family leaves, when they come back the house is a mess with furniture and pictures knocked over, knocked down and broken. They then tell the family the demon did it. Seriously! Why would anyone believe that nonsense.

WARNING!: THIS IS BASED ON REAL CASES,TERRIFYING!

What did you love best about The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren?

educational,compelling,and awe inspiring scary.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

that it is based on real, true cases

Have you listened to any of Todd Haberkorn’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no, first time listen to anything by Todd

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

oh yes, warning to all, this is not even close to a "light listen". this is serious stuff, I mean the events that take place in this book will leave you beyond uneasy. if you scare easy or you are not in a good place right now, DO NOT GET THIS AUDIO BOOK! I know you have heard this before, macho b.s. but I don't scare easy. this stuff will get to you.
ok, I have done my duty. this is my only review. it is because I truly felt it was important to give folks a warning. don't get me wrong its a great listen, I gave it the 5 star treatment. just wanted to throw that in, incase someone misunderstood my point.

Any additional comments?

Ed and Lorraine Warren are to be appreciated and respected. Who could do this stuff with their life and do it so selfless. being more aware than just about anyone at the risk. thank God for his special troopers.

Creepy, and makes you wonder!

I am a skeptic... but this book was creepy and a fun listen, even if I don't know if I can agree with most of it. I would have liked a little bit of more factual content. For example, at one point Ed Warren is quoted as saying that "satanists are the largest growing group on college campuses"... really?

The book style takes the form of a long interview type of story, interspersed with stories of cases of haunting and demon possession. The stories make good "scary stories" even if you don't believe it all, it is still a good listen.

A Summary of Professional Experience

If you could sum up The Demonologist in three words, what would they be?

Spiritually frightening, Rich with detail

What did you like best about this story?

I read this book to hear about what the Warren's have faced throughout their career. I was not disappointed. I appreciate their opinions and insights about the patterns they have observed in the cases in which they have been involved.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The demonic is not unpredictable and is not unmeasurable.

Any additional comments?

This book clearly chooses the most extreme cases that illustrate what the Warren's have dealt with in their long career of helping families confront the paranormal and the demonic in the paranormal world. If you have never experienced anything paranormal or have never read any book at all about non-fiction paranormal this may not be the best first book with which to begin. If you are an experienced non-fiction paranormal reader and/or have faced down your own paranormal events then this is a truly interesting and insightful read. A wealth of disturbing and unsettling situations are discussed in this book from the Warren's unique and personal point of view. If you are tolerant of others' views and listen to be informed and to understand then this book is an essential addition to your paranormal library.

Disappointing

Any additional comments?

I was excited to listen to this after all the reviews about how scary it was. It wasn't scary at all to me. From this book it seems like demons are more like mischievous scamps than anything terrifying. If you think "demons" turning on the radio real loud and moving the limbs of a rag-doll to a different position when everyone leaves the house is scary, well then this book is for you!

True but hard to touch, Scary absolutely

Would you consider the audio edition of The Demonologist to be better than the print version?

I saw 'The Conjuring' and wanted to know more. I am just that way, factual, investigative and seeking evidence. I also love a good story, and this one didn't fail. Part 'Campfire Scary' part 'Holy Crap, I will never look at an Ouija Borad again' scary. I ended up listening to this along my commute, not quite wanting to listen to this at night.

But in the end, I didn't finish it. Oh it was interesting for sure, but 'Demon Cars along icy roads racing into us' said to me 'Not a Ghost or 'Non Human Spirit' but immagination gone a bit to far.

But still, case studies don't lie, history is there, something is there.

I grappled with the 'Physcial' Part of Energy being able to focus, why can a spirit pull a girl by her hair but you can't touch or see what is doing this. But facts are facts and again, something is doing something out there. Just as I can't see infrared, i am sure that it does exist.

The book was definately more detailed than the movie 'The Conjuring' and mystery surrounds all their case studies. Why they keep a room with so much evil objects is beyond me.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't finish this book out of boredom. I almost never, ever quit a book before the end. I guess as a super postive guy, the very thought of all that Evil, especially at night was just to much to keep putting into my brain.

Dont' take this book lightly. After so much of this book, it makes sense. Why do normal people snap and go on murdering rampage, are so evil to rape, but later not realize why they 'Snaped' Is it the Army of the Fallen Angels that lined up with Satan, eternally corrupting those who seek their dark powers, are full of hate etc.

I just wish there was a companion book 'Angel's among us' that show how great some people truly are, from Mother Teresa, Ghandi, suvirors of the Boston Marathon, such as Lance Benson, who ran the race with no legs. Surely Angels inhabit us just as easily as Demons.

So in the end, super scary because it is real, so real you don't want to pull out a Oujia Board and say 'Talk to me, is there anyone there'

I dare you, after reading this book, I double dog dare you!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ed and Lorraine both. I truly belive they can tap into these forces of the spirit world.

What does Todd Haberkorn bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It was good audio reading, it kept me listening, engaged.

If you could give The Demonologist a new subtitle, what would it be?

The Devil or God, choose a side, else it be choosen for you. I kid but this point rang true. Be Positive and good things come (I know, I am and they do) but be negative, run to this negative energy and what do you expect will happen.

Any additional comments?

One of the most fascinating books I couldn't finish..or didn't dare to finish. Read it, you will sew what I mean when you read this book.

Blah

I love the paranormal. Big Art Bell fan. This book was not working for me

Terrifying, Dramatic, and Informative!

Where does The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I saw the movie The Conjuring last week and wanted to know more about Ed & Lorraine Warren, who are the leads in the film. I didn't know quite what to expect from the book. Turns out it scared me more than the movie! These cases are true. This isn't a work of fiction. The narrator was really good and did so many interesting voices. I really liked Ed's voice, he is very down to earth, even though he has seen so much... I would put this audiobook easily in my top 3 of all time.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

It wasn't too religious at all, and the stories are true! You can tell there was a lot of research behind it. Very well written. And very dramatic. Leave the lights on for sure!

Which scene was your favorite?

Some scenes involving the exorcisms were very intense. Those were my favorite. The demonic voices the narrator did were amazing/terrifying.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I would have listened it in one sitting, but I had to go to work. When I got back home, I got to listen to the rest of it!

Great for Bedtime

What did you like most about The Demonologist?

Some good scary stories for bedtime. Not overly convinced its all true but well worth a listen

Unbelievable

I listened to this for about 3 hours. What I didn't like most about this book was the sheer arrogance that comes across. When asked a question about anything supernatural his answer would never be "I don't know" for example, there will always be a detailed explanation which further leads me to believe he plays on peoples confidence in him. I did not expect this book to give me some proof of other-worlds, it does claim to though, Ed Warren states that he could easily prove these phenonema in a conference yet he doesn't. Why not prove it on tv?

I did think that this book may at least serve as a spooky ghost story but it takes itself too seriously, I feel like I am spending too much time listening to him trying to convince that what he is saying isn't made up.

I am not saying that everything he says is made up I just felt it was.

For fans of the Warrens

I've tried listening to this several times but it feels like it's been playing for hours without getting beyond the introduction. I made the mistake of assuming it was about the demonology but it's a blow by blow about the authors. It may have gone into detail of what they enjoyed most for breakfast as children but it's so hard to stay interested and get into this book, I can't remember.

I'm possibly being unfair as plenty others enjoyed it but over an hour in and all I've learned is that the authors give lectures about themselves, have written a book about themselves and appear to be fascinated with themselves.
My mistake for assuming the book was about the demonology. I'd never heard of the Warrens so didn't assume it would be a 'life of megastars' fan club book.

Good listen but...

Enjoyed the book but lets be honest we know its a load of old tosh. Seems to me to be 2 Christians trying to show us the power of prayer.

Chills down the spine

Wonderful book. Sent chills down my spine on the long drives home from work. Didn't want to look into the rear view mirror most of the time!

Loved it!

I was compelled to read this book almost in one sitting. I have heard of Ed and Lorraine Warren and know that they attracted supporters and also sceptics over their 'powers.'

My viewpoint was 'sit on the fence' until I listened to this book. It's layout, as a chat between friends reminiscing, or relating advice
to those who have experienced ghost attacks makes it easy to listen to.

I fully believe that the Warren's have witnessed the paranormal events that they claim to have seen. This book must be quite old as Ed Warren passed away some time ago but in his time, he helped many people.

A good listen. An insight as to how the Church views hauntings, Demons and Exorcism. I found myself wanting to hear more!

Some ridiculousness.

Blimey this book was tough going. some bits seemed so silly in my opinion. But I'm not religious so not so open to all this. if you are this is probably good.

Fake

This book is a complete made up load of nonsense.
How anyone could ever believe this story is beyond me….

Loved it

Absolutely loved it. Will definitely start listing to more of Todd Haberkorm as his voice really help when telling the story.

Very interesting

if your fan or Ed & Lorraine's work then you will no doubt love the book. It's a very quick look into the work they have done/doing. If you watched the films they it's great link into the facts behind them plus more cases not covered. It would have been better if they had more details at times.

My criticism is regarding the narrator. i just found it a real struggle listening as the delivery was monotonous.