Customer Reviews

The Devil Inside

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Devil Inside by Ali Vali is an unusual, unpredictable, and thought-provoking love story that will have the reader questioning the definition of right and wrong long after she finishes the book.

While on the surface the story is about Cain Casey, a reputed crime boss and her attempts to elude the FBI, Vali gives us so much more as the book evolves. She tosses challenging questions at the reader as the plot progresses, drawing out the suspense of this intricate and intense tale. We want to know why her lover of eight years, Emma Verde, leaves her and their son and then after no word in four years comes back. We are puzzled by why the FBI is hunting Cain with a vengeance, and what part Emma's parents have in the pursuit. First time novelist Vali, as an experienced author may do, does not leave the reader hanging for too long, but spins a complex plot of love, conspiracy, and loss. As the book ends, we see hope for a new future for the Casey family.

The Devil Inside is rich in character portrayal. Vali has cultivated a believable Cain Casey who is full of contradictions. While she may be ruthless and unforgiving on the surface, the reader finds a loyal, caring, and deeply hurt woman underneath who will go to any length to protect her family, including Emma. The depth of Cain's unpredictability draws the reader in. We are fascinated by Cain's vulnerability, and we can't help but like this charming and genuine woman despite her seemly corrupt activities. It becomes easy to root for Cain as the story unfolds and we learn who the bad guys really are.

As the story proceeds, Vali uncovers Emma's and Cain's past, and we slowly learn the truth behind their break-up. The author fills in the gaps easily while advancing the plot smoothly. We are given enough clues to keep us guessing as to what comes next, but the ending leaves us wanting more of the Casey family. Vali has purposely left the story unresolved and has done so without frustrating the reader. Far from leaving the reader up in the air, we are totally wrapped up in the future of this enigmatic family. From a first time author, this is a quite a coup.

Most romance authors neatly tie up all of the pieces as the story moves forward. We know that the girl will get the girl in the end. The Devil Inside's strength is that it is unlike most romance novels. Nothing about the story and its characters is conventional. We do not know what the future holds for Emma and Cain, but Vali tempts us with every word so we want to find out. I am very much looking forward to the sequel The Devil Unleashed.

This book rocked my world. It was very well written and was jam packed from beginning to end. The flashbacks were not overdone which is really great considering part of this story HAS to take place in the past to understand what is going on in the present. This is definately not a traditional love story. Neither character is a hero type (however if I could find a woman who treated me like Cain treated Emma TRUST ME...I wouldnt leave..lol). The girl is already gone from the first page and the big question is whether or not they can reconcile in the end. This however is not even the main thrust of the book. The romance comes secondary to the real story of Cains life as the head of a crime family and the push by numerous people to pull her down. I disagree with the reviewer above me in the comment about the "girl getting the girl in the end" because it really leaves things open for the next book which is a HUGE hook and attraction for an ongoing series. I can not wait for the second in the series. As a first book this is solid and really really really worth a shot. Ali Vali is definately one to watch and support.

I am compelled to commend this writer after just finishing this book. Wonderful, unusual story. Not your typical fluff love story, but much more. Extremely well written and thought out. I can't wait for the sequel to the story of the Casey crime family.

What an excellent read!
Granted, I lived in New Orleans, I love it, and I am somehow excited by the rough and toughness depicted by the main character - all in all, a solid mystery and one that is worth the read and the time. If you like the edginess factor of some lesbian mystery and hot heroines with a very different twist, this is the new series for you.
I'm waiting, Ali Vali, for the next installment. You have a unique talent and have created an extremely believable and seductive woman in Cain. It's a real good time!

Like all of the other reviewers here, I absolutely loved this book. It is a must read that grabs your attention from the very beginning and holds on tight to it until you finish. Which won't take you too long as you will find yourself unable to put this book down. The only drawback that I see is in waiting for the next book in the series. I truly recommend buying both books together so you don't have any down time in between. Kudos to Vali for her vibrant writing.

Cain is the head of one of New Orleans' mob families. She took over the job when her father was killed. Emma is her partner and the mother of her son. When Emma walks away from Cain and her son, both are devastated. When Emma returns four years later, all have to deal with the consequences of Emma's betrayal.

It is rare for an author to produce such an accomplished book on her first try. But Vali has given the reader a rare gift - finely drawn characters, and an unusual story line. And she is able to maintain the tension throughout. Flashbacks are used to further the story - although in one case late in the book, the flashback broke the tension, but it was quickly regained. The fact that this is a well written book is a bonus.

If you want to read a page-turner thriller, this is it. If you want to read a very good romance this is it. But beware. If you need to be up and about early, do not start this book. Without a doubt you will be reading it well after you should have turned off your light.

This reader has enjoyed many stories the talented Ali Vali has posted online and was anxious to read her first published book. I am most definitely NOT disappointed! Vali leaves the reader hanging at the end of each chapter - heck, at the end of each sentence - thus making it difficult to make the pleasure last. It's impossible to put the book down once you start reading.

The story starts somewhere in the middle and uses a series of flashbacks to tell the tale. This strategy can often be distracting, but Vali integrates it into the story with skill and artistry.

Derby Cain Casey is the head of a crime family in New Orleans which deals in tax-free alcohol and cigarettes. The only surviving child of her parents' union, Cain takes her responsibilities seriously; especially the responsibility of raising her son, Hayden, to someday take her place. Her world is turned upside down when her former wife - Emma Verde Casey - comes back to regain a relationship with Hayden.

Flash back to a happier time when they were a family... At a family party, one of Cain's cousins attempts to rape Emma. Cain discovers the misadventure and plans to exact the appropriate revenge. Emma begs Cain to spare him the ultimate punishment, and the family head listens to her heart - thus only beating the man within inches of his life instead of ending his life. Not knowing what actually happened Emma finds a bloody Cain and leaves her wife and young son without looking back. The cousin strikes back by later raping and killing Cain's mentally challenged sister. As a result, Cain can't forgive herself for going with her heart instead of her head.

Come back to the present... Hayden is resistant to allow Emma back into his life, but Cain encourages him to give his other mother a chance. Little does he know Emma has been working with the FBI to expose Cain and bring down the family business and take custody of her son. Cain realizes this plot and leads the FBI down a perilous path. As the story unfolds, Emma is torn between helping the FBI and reuniting with the love of her life. It's not until Cain is shot as the result of a local crime war that the women start to truly heal... Of course, Emma has a surprise for Cain as well.

This reader was hanging on every word of the book and finished it in one night. The story of Emma and Cain is far from over, but the sequel isn't due to be released until December 2006. I think I'm going to burst before then!

`Devil Inside' is an absolute must read. Highly recommended.

I truly enjoyed this book. It was funny, suspenseful and unbelievably hard to put down. I'm looking forward to the sequel in the Casey Family series. The words just flowed to the point where I could visualize it playing out before me. An exceptional read full of intriguing characters. This is a must read book if you want to be entertained with good characters and excellent writing.

This book is such a wonderful read and extremely difficult to put down. The text flows smoothly and the author certainly knows how to build suspense and keep you on edge wondering where it is all leading. It is certainly not the typical lesbian romance with one roll in the hay after another. It rises far above that and marks Ali Vali as an author to watch.
It will be very difficult to wait on the sequel. To be sure, I loved reading it!

Kudos to Ms. Vali! Her characterization and style of writing is superb. I felt very connected to Mama Bear Cain, and although I could never imagine leaving my child, I felt equally strong about Emma and her choices. It takes real talent for a writer to make this reader tear up and feel like I have a stake in the characters' decisions. Truly a joy to read, I've already recommended this book to every person looking for a page turner. Did I mention I work in a bookstore?? :)