A chilling horror novel filled with gore, mystery and family secrets, D.E.V.I.L by Jill Lincoln delivers a dark and gripping supernatural tale, writes GEMMA JOHNSON
D.E.V.I.L is described by its author as “a dark, twisted tale of devils, demons and supernatural horror, not for the faint-hearted”. A young girl cannot hold on to the men in her life, as they all keep perishing in gruesome ways, and she believes she is cursed.
Little does she know that the truth lies within her family, and it is more hideous than even she could imagine.
I had the opportunity to meet Jill at the Kindred Spirits Samhain Festival in November last year. Jill was incredibly enthusiastic about her book, and so naturally I had to check it out.
“Beware,” said Jill as she handed over my newly-purchased book. “It’s not for the faint-hearted.”
As a fan of horror, I was keen to delve in as soon as possible.
The book centres around the main character, Lili, and a mysterious encounter she has as a child with a tall, dark, green-eyed man called Luke.
The scene relating to the encounter occurs early in the story, and initially the reader passes it off as insignificant due to the subtle way in which it is written.
However, as the story progresses, the encounter is woven into the fabric of Lili’s life and becomes far more significant than we first thought.
There are many gruesome scenes woven throughout the development of the tale, and they are indeed worthy of any slasher-style horror film.
The descriptions of blood and gore gleaming in the light, oozing and dripping off surfaces, paint a vivid picture for the reader and allow them to become part of the scene.
Descriptions of police officers becoming violently ill at the sight of mangled bodies add to the sensory experience the reader encounters. They are well written.
There are several delightfully macabre twists and turns throughout the story, which serve not only to keep the reader guessing but also to keep them engaged.
Lili’s story spans decades, from before her encounter with the strange man to before she was even conceived.
Death, sorrow and tragedy are woven through the fabric of the family, the full extent of which is unveiled as the story develops. Nothing is as it seems.
D.E.V.I.L is a genuinely good read, and once you start you won’t want to put it down.
Jill has the ability to grab the interest of the reader and maintain it throughout. I read it in one sitting, and I am sure that you will too.
