Devils in Exile

A Novel

By: Chuck Hogan

Narrated by: Jim Frangione

From the author Jeffery Deaver calls “smart, speedy, and stylish,” this Boston-based thriller was the basis for the film The Town and features an Iraq war veteran who gets involved with dangerous, big-time drug dealers.

Neal Maven returns to Boston from his tour in Iraq only to discover that the country he vowed to protect has little use for him now. The men and women who remained Stateside are years ahead of him both personally and professionally, which embitters him and pushes him toward his breaking point.

And then he meets Brad Royce. Royce is everything Maven wants to be: a fellow vet, charismatic, and confident, principled, wealthy, and with a beautiful woman on his arm. Not just any beautiful woman, but Danielle Vetti—the most stunning girl from Maven’s high school. Literally, the girl of his dreams.

Royce offers Maven a much-needed job, and Maven soon finds himself a part of Royce’s team of “sugar bandits,” a group of fellow veterans who use their military skills to intercept major drug deals, taking the dirty money while destroying the product—a get-rich scheme with a clear moral imperative. Though exceedingly dangerous and certainly illegal, the efforts of these modern-day Robin Hoods provide Maven with the adrenaline charge he’s craved since his decommission. Besides, Maven can’t resist the chance to be in Danielle’s orbit once again.

Suddenly, Maven’s life is better than he ever thought possible: a soldier in a civilian’s world, he is once again able to do something he excels at and rediscovers the camaraderie he’s sorely lacked since his return. He can get into any club, eat at any restaurant, be with any woman he wants—except, of course, his dream girl. It’s almost too good to be true. In fact, it is too good to be true when Maven learns that nothing is as it seems, but he’s in too deep and can see no way out…

Love the story and narrator!

Fantastic job all around. One of my favorites. The author and narrator are a match made in heaven

Great book; couldn’t stop put it down

Great book. I could not stop listening I finished it two days. I loved this book.

Relentless

An honest thrill ride about character. No punches pulled. The story was bereft of any plot holes or huge leaps

Good book, but feels rushed.

Would you listen to Devils in Exile again? Why?

I started to listen for a second time, but then I realized it wasn't so heavily detailed that I'd enjoy it again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Devils in Exile?

I related to the main character very well, it was easy for me to imagine the situations and emotions the author described, minus the criminal activity...

Have you listened to any of Jim Frangione’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First listen for me, but he did a great job.

Any additional comments?

This book intrigued me. If it were to be made into a movie like 'Prince of Thieves', I'd definitely see it. However, the screenplay adaptation would have potential to be better. Parts of the book needed more detail. Some of the relationships between the characters needed better development. The beginning, character development, main parts of the plot, and the ending were well built, but the buildup was light, the suspense-driven juicy stuff wasn't juicy enough. That's the stuff that makes you crave the end just to see what happens.

Thrilling and Fantastic

I found this book on a whim and thought I'd try it out. I am so glad I did. The story was so compelling and exciting. The only thing that could have helped the story any more is if it was told from first person of the main character. Other than that, I'd recommend it! They should definitely make a movie out of it!