Softly Calls the Devil had me hooked from the first chapter. I loved the remote West Coast setting — it made the story feel both isolated and tense, which added a real atmospheric layer to the crime investigation. Chris Blake’s background as a former police officer shines through in the procedural details, making the investigation feel authentic without slowing the pacing.

Matt Buchanan is a strong, relatable protagonist, and I appreciated watching him navigate personal demons while untangling a complex web of secrets in a small, tightly-knit community. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and the way the past trauma from decades ago tied into the present case added depth to the story.

A few moments felt a little predictable, but overall the suspense and character development more than made up for it. If you enjoy rural noir, procedural insight, and a gripping crime story set in a vivid location, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley, Chris Blake, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.