Mystery• Thriller

Review: Before the Devil Knows by R. John Dingle

July 29, 2026

Synopsis:

Sometimes it’s not the devil you know…

When the disfigured body of a missing teenager is found in an unmarked grave in northern Maine, FBI agent Gus Wheeler and his partner arrive to investigate. They discover a second grave, but these remains are so badly burned, identification proves difficult. Yet the two bodies have something strange in a large lead cross laid upon each chest.

The locals are uncooperative, and the rural law enforcement is two steps behind. Enlisting help from a theology and biblical studies expert, they discover the murders are lifted straight from ancient scripture and the burials consistent with an archaic religious practice. Connecting the victims to a specific church adhering to a strict doctrine of the Old Testament creates more confusion than clarity.

As the investigation widens, the agents face threats and suspicion. Then someone inside the church begins leaving them clues, but are they friend or foe? With time running out, Gus must determine if their secret guide is leading them toward the answers or deeper into an underworld of twisted dogma and ancient rituals.

Review:

When you have a dead body found by strangers in an unmarked grave and one of my favourite duos sent to the middle of nowhere, I already knew this would be a very entertaining read. 🙂
The lack of enjoyment Vanessa showed at being away from her usual city-life comforts and how much she was looking forward to this… not, was pure gold. The smaller a village gets, the more dark secrets it usually has. Everyone was so welcoming… not, and it became clear very quickly that when more bodies showed up, things took an even darker turn.
And when you add religion to the mix, the type that feels a bit much, almost cult-like, it can only end up becoming a story filled with dark and very disturbing things. And I was here for that. 🙂 That twist at the end and the cliffhanger had me sitting on my couch, internally jumping up and down.

One of my favourite quotes 🙂 That the type of approach I absolutely adore.
“It’s time to start breaking shit.”

I’m very happy that my enjoyment of the series has continued, and I’m looking forward to the next one.

🌙 Recension: Before the Devil Knows (Gus Wheeler FBI Thriller #3) by R. John Dingle
📚 Genre: Mystery Thriller
📅 Release Date: July 29, 2026
📖 Publisher: ‎Tule Publishing
📗 available in various formats
📱 Read as: Kindle
💸 I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
📆 Pages: 362
⭐️ 4.5/5