The Devil's Only Friend

The Devil's Only Friend follows John Wayne Cleaver, a seventeen-year-old sociopath who works with FBI agents to hunt supernatural murderers called "the Withered." As the fourth book in the John Wayne Cleaver series, it launches a new trilogy while remaining accessible to first-time readers of the series. The story centers on John's struggle to use his dark impulses for good while working within a structured team environment. His deep understanding of murder and death makes him an asset to the FBI's specialized unit, but his sociopathic nature creates constant tension with his colleagues. The novel blends elements of horror, supernatural thriller, and psychological drama as John and his team pursue dangerous entities across the country. New characters Agent Potash and Elijah Sexton join the narrative, expanding the series' world and dynamics. The book explores themes of morality, redemption, and the nature of evil through the perspective of someone who must constantly fight against their darkest instincts. It questions whether one's nature can truly be changed, and if darkness can be channeled for good.

Readers note this fourth book in the series takes a darker tone, with more focus on psychological horror than action. The pacing moves slower than previous installments as it explores trauma and grief. What readers liked: - Complex character development, especially John's internal struggles - Introduction of new team dynamics - Psychological depth and emotional weight - Tie-ins to earlier books in the series What readers disliked: - Slower pace compared to earlier books - Less action and monster hunting - Some found it too dark and depressing - New characters not as compelling as original cast Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (180+ reviews) One reader said, "The emotional toll on John feels real and raw." Another noted, "Missing the urgency of the first three books."

The Hunt by Rachel Bennett A teenage girl uses her tracking abilities to hunt supernatural creatures while uncovering secrets about her own past.

The Killing Woods by Lucy Christopher A teen investigates a series of murders in her town while questioning whether her father, a PTSD-affected veteran, could be responsible.

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab In a city where violent acts breed monsters, two teens from opposing factions work together to uncover a conspiracy threatening both their kinds.

I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells A diagnosed sociopath works in his family's mortuary and uses his understanding of death to track down a supernatural killer in his small town.

The Monster of Elendhaven by Jennifer Giesbrecht A murderer who cannot die stalks a plague-ridden city while forming an alliance with a dark magician bent on revenge.

🔍 The character John Wayne Cleaver was partially inspired by real-life research into adolescent sociopathy and antisocial personality disorders 🎭 Dan Wells originally conceived the series while working at a movie theater, where he had time between showings to develop story ideas 📚 The book's title refers to both the literal demons in the story and the metaphorical demons of the protagonist's psychological struggles 🏆 Dan Wells has won multiple awards for his young adult fiction, including the Whitney Award for Best Novel of the Year 🎬 The first three books in the John Wayne Cleaver series were adapted into a film called "I Am Not A Serial Killer" starring Max Records and Christopher Lloyd, released in 2016