*Huge thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the digital copy of this one!*

A sequel.

Are you fans of sequels?

Or do you prefer a one and done and leave them be approach?

I’m 50/50 honestly. Some times I read a book and I’m like ‘Well, that was perfect and we need nothing else there!’ Other times it’s a ‘Holy WOW! What an ending! But there’s so much more that needs to be answered!’

And I get it. Hell, I hear it every day from people asking about a few of my books if there will be a sequel (specifically a novel of mine that rhymes with Mastodon).

LaFaro is no stranger to sequels. His Slattery Falls series is phenomenal and he managed to deliver a phenomenal opener and two even stronger follow ups, which is tough. Often times we get a dip.

So, with this one, I was curious, as book one, ‘Noose,’ was very well done.

LaFaro is a gifted storyteller, as though Ronald Kelly sprinkled him with the good writing dust that Kelly possesses and added in a dash of Brian Keene. I can’t speak about LaFaro’s writing process, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he outlines two or three books in a series prior to even writing book one, just to have the characters have short, medium and long arcs and the storylines can weave throughout.

That’s how it feels.

I was excited to dive into this one and see what Rory and Alice were up to, but also worried over what darkness might befall them.

What I liked: Let’s make this easy. Book two is better than book one.

Hands down. And book one is amazing and a belter and (insert adjectives of praise here, readers!).

The book follows the events of the first – and beware as there might be inadvertent spoilers here – and the sequel opens with a literal BANG.

A knock on the door. Rory and Alice are living on the outskirts of town, recovering physically and mentally from the incident with Noose and the witch. The door is answered. A new sheriff has arrived, and she means business, though cordially. But then she’s killed and the action kicks off.

The opening would’ve made for a phenomenal short story if it’d ended there, but it doesn’t. Because a gun fight happens, we know the Sheriff’s dead, and then the next day, the Sheriff returns with a posse, wanting to arrest Rory and Alice over her attempted murder. What?! Right?!

From that moment it’s a cat and mouse game of what’s going on and who is the Sheriff actually.

Rory and Alice head to the hills, get aid from an unexpected source, and as news comes to light and details are revealed, we find out some history and some truths.

LaFaro does a wonderful job of slowly delivering the emotional beats within the story, giving us a few shocking moments at very key points. Nothing demonstrates this more than Rory and Alice’s connection, their sign language communication and how – even after a very brutal truth is revealed – they know they are all each other has.

The ending of this particular book is very profound. I wasn’t expecting the unique look at death, the afterlife and the potential trickle effects of resurrection. It fit the thematic element of the Rory/Alice storyline very, very well, but also tied in the loss at the start of book one with the hope that appears out of nowhere at the end of book two.

What I didn’t like: Honestly, a very tiny, tiny gripe of mine has become the usage of real-life authors/friends of the author within books and that kept cropping up with some of the names. I get it, it’s kind of like how a lot of folks name drop friends books within their own book – having a character read X book by X author – but for me it throws me out of the fictional world for the briefest of moments. And I say that knowing full well that I was a character within Alan Baxter’s ‘The Roo.’ And I also understand the WHY of doing it. It’s just my own personal reading issue.

Why you should buy this: Horror western books are always a blast, but even better – adding a paranormal/supernatural element and LaFaro has hit a home run with combining the two – and even more amazing is that book two is that much more fun that book one (and book one was fantastic!)

If you’re a fan of LaFaro’s this is a no brainer to grab, and if you loved book one, also a no brainer. But if you’re looking for a novel written with the 80’s character sensibilities, the 90’s emotional impact trope and the 2020’s pacing style, look no further. LaFaro has once again managed to create characters you instantly fall for and root for and scenarios that have you white-knuckling the pages!

Poor Rory Daggett just can’t seem to catch a break. Just when things look like they’ve settled down with his quest for revenge satisfied, another mess of problems is knocking at his door.

Brennan LaFaro clearly loves Rory and Alice, but as is the nature of these books, has them facing even more otherworldly challenges in a tale that’s both action-Western and mystery. The stakes are higher than ever before, and when it’s a race against time with every resource at hand being kicked away, what are our heroes supposed to do to save not only the town, but also the world beyond?

I love that there’s only one perspective in these books, almost as if Rory’s telling the tale like an old Western movie voiceover. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages to figure just what the heck is going on, and the rules of physics are soon thrown to the four winds as the legacy of Noose doesn’t want to die…

Buzzard’s Edge is loosely drawn, allowing for greater scope in future books (I hope), but it reminds me of a Wild West ‘Twin Peaks’. Nobody’s quite what they appear on the surface and there’s an undercurrent of the supernatural that just seems reasonable after a while. Rory’s seen enough to know that he needs to keep pushing at the boundaries of reality in order to succeed, while still holding on to his humanity and his friends. It’s utterly gripping, and like its predecessor, had me gulping it down in one sitting.

I would read more Westerns if they were like this. Of course, this is a splatterpunk book with ultra violence.
But it's the characters who elevate this little horror story. I accidentally read them out of order and read this, then the first one (Noose), then came back to this one again with a more informed perspective. I love Alice and Rory, and their story is even better when you know how they came to be a found family. I was invested in them and I'm excited that there are more stories in this world. There are odd, unexplainable things, courage, and lots of action.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

With blood and heart in equal measure, this story gave me almost everything I was missing from the first entry in the series. Call it a hefty novella or a short novel, either way, this story uses "Noose" as a starting point to do better world-building, some more character development, and much better pacing. The violence and gore don’t stop, there are still a bunch of well-written, exciting action set pieces, but the story has a little more room to breathe. Some of the violence is visceral but it never feels gratuitous or edgelord-y, it is just stark and unapologetic. There is a much better sense of place in this story, again not straying very far at all from the typical “old west frontier town” archetype but rounding out the experience of being in the place. It is hard to set a western in anywhere new, per se, and LaFaro doesn’t try, enjoying the expectations of the genre, but takes the time to build out the way the town feels as well as some nice details about the peripheral locations included in the story, and that goes a long way to making this feel more grounded. The supernatural elements are great, as last time, just existing on the edges, infiltrating and motivating the story, adding color to the world-building, but not hijacking the story to steal focus from the characters. We already know our main characters’ backstories, more or less, going into this story, and while we don’t have too much time for contemplation we do get to see them a little more fully formed here. We spend more time with them, and they definitely get some more meat added to the bones sketched out in the first novella.

The story and character arcs are somewhat expected, nothing is wildly shocking considering the genre. This story isn’t going to redefine your understanding of a horror-infused western. But it doesn’t feel hackneyed, it feels comfortable. It is an enjoyable addition to a well-worn genre, not reinventing the wheel but adding enough of its own spin to keep you turning the pages. The central relationship is really endearing, even if, again, somewhat expected. It does provide an emotional throughline, though, which is fulfilling and adds a little weight to the bloodshed. The pacing is what I especially appreciated here. Everything is still tight, there isn’t any wallowing or lingering, but there is enough space to get a good feeling of the world. LaFaro manages to balance out action and exposition well, with enough skirmishes and peril scattered throughout to always keep you entertained and wanting to start the next chapter right away.

(Rounded up from 3.5)

I want to thank the author, the publisher Brigids Gate Press, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I needed to visit Buzzard's Edge again! The Demon of Devil's Cavern is a direct sequel to Noose. This book is action packed and has even more darker elements. What a great adventure! The plot kept me hooked, and the events towards the end had me holding my breath. I really enjoyed how he expanded on his characters' developments, especially with Alice. It's wonderful how inclusive this book is. We meet Alice, a child, in the first book. We learn that she can't talk. The sequel goes into why she isn't able to. Even though she can't speak, she communicates through sign language and expressions. She is spunky, loving, and fearless! Rory Daggett loves her like a daughter and accepts her the way she is. I also enjoyed the lagginape at the end. That was really nice surprise. I highly recommend this awesome book!

The Demon of Devil's Cavern is a thrilling adventure that blends mystery and supernatural elements seamlessly. The suspense builds masterfully as the characters navigate the dark and treacherous caverns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The richly developed setting adds an eerie atmosphere that enhances the sense of danger. Overall, this gripping tale is perfect for fans of thrilling mysteries and spine-tingling adventures!

**Review of *The Demon of Devil's Cavern***

*The Demon of Devil's Cavern* is a gripping tale that plunges readers deep into the dark underbelly of the small town of Buzzard's Edge. Set six months after the death of the notorious Noose Holcomb, the town's uneasy tranquility is shattered as sinister forces emerge, weaving a narrative filled with tension, betrayal, and moral dilemmas.

At the heart of the story are Rory Daggett and his mute adopted daughter, Alice, who find themselves wrongfully accused and hunted by dark forces. Their plight serves as the emotional core of the novel, showcasing a father’s fierce determination to protect his child amidst chaos. The bond between Rory and Alice is beautifully depicted, adding layers of depth to their harrowing journey. Their characterization is nuanced, making readers root for them as they navigate the treacherous landscape of a town rife with hatred and suspicion.

The atmosphere is thick with foreboding, as the author expertly crafts a setting that feels both familiar and haunting. The descriptions of Buzzard's Edge resonate with a palpable tension, creating an immersive experience that keeps readers on edge. The new sheriff, along with a notorious killer for hire, introduces a formidable threat, and the stakes escalate with each chapter, leaving readers breathless as they turn the pages.

The themes of justice, survival, and redemption are intricately woven into the narrative. As Rory grapples with the choice between fleeing to safety or confronting the malevolent forces at play, the story raises profound questions about loyalty and sacrifice. The moral ambiguity of the characters adds complexity, making it difficult to predict their fates.

The pacing is expertly handled, with a perfect balance of action and introspection. The plot twists are unexpected yet satisfyingly organic, propelling the story towards a thrilling climax that is both chilling and thought-provoking. The blend of gunpowder and the macabre creates a unique flavor that sets this novel apart from typical westerns, infusing it with horror elements that heighten the tension.

In conclusion, *The Demon of Devil's Cavern* is a masterfully crafted tale that combines elements of horror, western, and thriller genres. With its richly drawn characters, atmospheric setting, and gripping plot, it offers a haunting exploration of humanity in the face of darkness. Fans of suspenseful storytelling and moral complexity will find themselves captivated by Rory and Alice’s harrowing journey, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their saga. Prepare for a chilling ride through a nightmarish landscape where every shadow hides a secret, and the past refuses to stay buried.

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While this entry was not as successful as the first, there was still an appealing story and a fun entry in the series, though I'm hesitant to read any future entries jn rhe series.

4.5 stars rounded to 5 for NetGalley.

I had to read this after reading Noose a couple of years ago - it was great revisiting the characters and seeing if Rory was the same old loner.

I loved Alice in the first book and I'm delighted she's more present in this one, learning more about her history and personality. Plus watching the relationship between her and Rory develop was so touching.

The mix of horror, supernatural, and western works so well under Brennan's pen. The imagery within a certain "mist" was haunting - I was completely transported there. I also had my suspicions about that new sheriff, but nothing prepared me for what was to come!

I felt I had the same issue with this one, in that I was thrown straight into the story without much preamble, so I was struggling to get my bearings.

Overall, very entertaining, I always wish they were longer, and I'm looking forward to the next Buzzard's Edge tale.

I can't get enough of Rory Daggett and Buzzard's Edge. From the opening chapter we get on a runaway rail car ride of western action colored with horror in all the right corners. An innocuous knock at the door turns into a fight for survival as our protagonists find themselves framed for a crime they didn't commit. From that point we are in safe hands as Brennan LaFaro controls the reins. There's not much I haven't said already in my review of NOOSE (the first in this series) that does not apply here. Strong prose that never feels like the author is trying to show off, characters to love and hate, and a brutal rendition of the Wild West that does not give a fuck about life and death. I love these books, and I can't wait to grab WHERE THE DAYBREAK ENDS when it drops in December.

Thank you to the author and netgalley for the opportunity to read this.

What a fun story! The characters are immensely likeable, and the story is action-packed.

I could've read this in one sitting in adult type stuff hadn't got in the way, and this is one of those books where EVERYTHING points towards you wanting to do so.