Customer Reviews

The Devil in Connecticut

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book is one of three that I would rate as a "must read" if you want to learn about the demonic, house infestations, and human possession (the other two are "The Demonologist" {also by Brittle} and "Hostage to the Devil" by Malachi Martin). These books forced me to ask a most difficult question- what does God allow the demonic to do, and why does He allow it? The answer for me is that He allows more than I would ever have previously believed. This book is a gripping read, and includes a fascinating description of Ed Warren's attempt to use a binding ritual on the main demon while an exorcism ritual is being performed at another location. The demon is too powerful, and later we find out more details. If you read it, you might never listen to house and neighborhood noises around 3 AM again without some trepidation. Be prepared to view your faith differently, with a greater sense of gratitude. It's a disturbing book with a truly powerful message. One more opinion- this book is far too intense for children and even teenagers (nightmares are extremely likely)- keep it away from them.

After hearing so much about this notorious book, I finally tracked down a rather ragged old copy on e-bay. I was dying of curiosity to see what all the fuss was about regarding this book. Well, did I ever learn! First, I have to say, I was a little apprehensive about even having a copy of the book around since I see by some of these other reviews that people indicate just having it in your house can make weird things happen. But, I was brave and I got it and made it through reading the whole thing. Is it scary? Yes, it is indeed and it is probably the scariest book I've ever read but I was able to make it through it. I kept it at work and read it during break and lunch times - felt a little bit better than reading it at home late at night before bed! The truth is, there's really nothing in it that a very frightening horror movie wouldn't show you and some of it actually borders on the ridiculous - green claws coming up out of the floor, one-eyed ghouls standing eight feet tall, demons riding around on the roof of the family car or sitting out in the backyard in a lawn chair - it was almost silly in places but then, when you remember that this IS a true story - THAT is what really makes it scary! I don't doubt for one moment the authenticity of the case and I believe it did actually happen just the way they describe it. The Warrens are reputable people and I cannot believe they would make this up. The family itself seems so blandly normal that again, when you think this could happen to them - hey, it could happen to anyone. And that to me is what I find especially terrifying. You can't help but wonder all through the story too, what would you do if you found yourself in this type of an ordeal? Who can you get to help you that will believe you? What would other people think? Demonic possession is just not "socially acceptable" - it's not something most people are going to take seriously or want any part of. You become ostracized. Sadly too, this book does not portray the Catholic church in an especially positive light, at least not that diocese where this happened. The fact that the family actually had to go outside the US for help does not say much for the church officials in that area of CT. Perhaps today things are different - after all, this happened over 25 years ago and it seems the whole subject of demonic possession has become more widely known. Also, the fact that the one young man ended up essentially paying for a crime he didn't commit is probably the biggest tragedy of all and likewise, it doesn't portray the whole system of justice in CT in a very favorable way either. What I also think was probably the most horrific part of the story was the very way in which this family ended up being the target of this demon possession. This is a well-kept secret that is not even revealed until almost the very end of the book and when you found out, it is astounding because again, it essentially says, this could happen to practically anyone. If I learned anything from this, it is that you do NOT want to mess around with the occult or anything even remotely demonic. There are truly dark powers at work in this world that we may not be able to see overtly but they are indeed there and they are not to be fooled with. I would even recommend limiting just how much time you spend reading books about this subject of demon possession - it isn't especially positive or healthy. It's okay to learn a little about it and educate yourself about this field but don't dwell on it or become too wrapped up in it. You just never know what you might invite in! Anyway, the book is NOT for those who scare easily or who are overly superstitious and I do recommend saying a few prayers or having a few religious items around when reading it. generally, you should be okay when reading the book but just don't get too wrapped up in it.

I read this book when I was very young and I was afraid to go to sleep at night for many months.

Unfortunately, I lent the book to one of my childhood friends and it was never returned. I have been looking to buy this book for along time now, so I can reread it and share it with my husband who is interested in reading the book that has kept me captivated for so many years.

Anyone who is a non believer in Satan and his many minions should read this book...you will change your mind and believe!

"The Devil In Connecticut" is every bit as frightening as "The Exorcist" and even scarier since it is allegedly true!

I read it when I was doing laundry at the laundromat, and even in that mundane setting, I felt completely freaked out.

I think the Warrens were also involved with Amityville horror, but I might be wrong.

The description of the possession is absolutely terrifying, and when you find out the reason that this family was singled out for this it is even more scary.

I wouldn't describe this book as "scary". I found this book to be terrifying. Had nightmares of devils trying to possess my soul, yeah I was a bit freaked out. An *excellent* book that I couldn't put down, but if i did, I was too shaken to goto bed. If you want to scare yourself crazy, just read this book at night. The other reviews I have read confirms my belief that this is the only book that ever spooked me like nothing else before.

This is not a book for the faint of heart.I read it several years ago and promptly gave it away!I personally am not a Spiritual person of any denomination,but I can tell you that this book will frighten you worse then anything imaginable,mainly because it is based on a true story that involved the Bridgeport Catholic Archdioces and the person that was charged in the murders tried to use Demonic Posession as a Court room Defence in a Litchfield County Court House!I believe it was one of the first times this sort of Defence was offered,but was refused by the presiding Judge due to the fact there was no precedant before it.If you do choose to read it,then be prepared to be frightened just because it shows that there is truly an evil!and a good!in this world,whether you choose to believe it or not!

Paralysis sets in after the first encounter, and does not let up throughout the book. Never have I been so gripped. Thank God that he keeps a tight leash on this evil host of wickedness.

i read this book during lent.i wanted to read the book quickly because the first chapter is scary and keeps getting scarier as the book goes on.i had hoped the book had a happy ending but it did not.i did not sleep well for several months after reading it.i was paralyzed with fear while reading it.i will never play with a ouija board again.

I think I've read just about every book and article out there related to the Warrens and their parapsychology activities. Out of all of them, I have to say this was my favorite; and it was the scariest too. I paid $40+ for this used paperback so that tells you I must be a fan of the Warrens. When I received the beat up paperback in the mail I said to myself I must be crazy paying $40 for this. Well, I read it in one evening and loved it!!! I am not sorry I paid the money at all and would gladly pay more for it! The publishers need to re-release this one!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!

This book was worth the wait, for the longest time I've wanted to read this story. I heard so much about it, and when I was finally about to buy a used copy, I find out that this book is being reprinted. I finally read it and let me tell you, this book was terrifying. I don't get scared easliy, I had to put this book now the first day of reading it. I really felt bad for both David and Arne, it sad to see what they went through. I also saw the special that the Discovery channel had called "Where Demons Dwell" and I have to say I was a bit disappointment with that. At the same time I was kinda happy to see that Arne Johnson was out of prison and how he seems to really cared for David. I know that in an hour they can't tell you want the book states, but still they should have included all the family members involve and they should have mentioned the outcome of the story. I also wish that David himself had been to state his side. The only ones that were included in the documentary were Arne and Debbie. Anyway, back to the book, this book is must read for anyone who is interested in the paranormal or remembers hearing about this case. I have already read this book for the 2nd time and it still frighting.