THE DEVIL SHE KNOWS

by Bill Loehfelm
Sarah Crichton Books – May 2011
336 pages; $26.00

“Because he’s scared of her. That gives him power over her. And they have a history. He’s the devil she knows. As far as she’s concerned, he’s a permanent fixture in her life. He can reach her anytime, anywhere…She doesn’t believe anyone can protect her. You. Me. Anyone.” -Det. Nat Waters

Twenty-nine year old Maureen Coughlin is a tough, young, woman living on Staten Island. Working long hours at The Narrows, a dive bar in a tough part of town, hustling tables to make ends meet. One night, after a particularly rough shift, Maureen awakes in a back room in the early dawn hours. While making her way out of the bar, she stumbles on a gay tryst involving a coworker and a powerful political hopeful named Frank Sebastian.

The next day, when arriving to work, Maureen learns that her coworker is dead – apparently the victim of suicide. Immediately recalling what she had witnessed, Maureen believes her coworker was murdered to keep quiet. This suspicion is only intensified when Maureen returns home to find her apartment has been broken into, and a clear message left for her. Turning to a friend for help, Maureen is introduced to Detective Nat Waters. A gruff homicide detective, on the cusp of burnout, Waters has a long history that becomes a central theme to the story.

An exciting compliment to the tense and gripping story is the transformation that Maureen takes. From scared naïve victim, to, mad as hell, do something about it powerhouse.

The Devil She Knows is filled with seedy characters and suspenseful action – making it a serious page turner. Loehfelm keeps the pace quick, with action and suspense that doesn’t quit. Crime fiction fans looking for memorable characters and an action packed read will surely find it in The Devil She Knows.

For more information on The Devil She Knows, please visit the publisher’s website by clicking HERE.