Professor Matt Hunter is an atheist ex-minister and expert on religion, brought in by the police to advise on cases where there is a supernatural overtone. When they receive a report of strange whispers behind a blood-soaked door, they are baffled to discover a man, who will only speak in whispers under his breath, with the name Baal-barith tattooed on his chest. They have no choice but to call in Matt Hunter. Matt knows that Baal-barith is an ancient Canaanite demon and was known as the spirit of 'blasphemy and murder'. But as more 'demons' appear around the city, the police and Matt must work quickly to find out what is behind this extraordinary situation.
During a communion service, the teenage son of a vicar attacks his father with an axe. The horrified congregation watch the son escape and rumours arise that the boy was involved in devil worship. Professor Matt Hunter is brought in to advise, yet he quickly suspects the church attack may have a far more complex cause. Meanwhile, a ten-year-old boy called Ever grows up in a small Christian cult. The group believe they are the only true humans left and they're working on a ritual that will bring peace and paradise to the world. Soon, the worlds of Matt and Ever will collide in one awful, terrifying night. . .
Fifteen years ago, 29 Barley Street, South London, became notorious as the scene of alleged poltergeist activity which led to the death of young Holly Wasson. The shadow cast by this episode is still felt in the town and amongst the gang of friends who were caught up in the tragic event.
When one of the group dies in horrific and strange circumstances, Matt Hunter, former minister and now professor of sociology, is called in to investigate.
The second installment in Peter Laws’ macabre crime fiction series, featuring ex-vicar and professor, Matt Hunter.
“Packed with disturbing themes that will linger in your mind.” DARK MATTERS, on Purged.
Peter Laws is an ordained Baptist minister with a taste for the macabre. Unleashed is the follow-up to his debut Purged, which has received rave reviews.
Matt Hunter lost his faith a long time ago. Formerly a minister, now a professor of sociology, he's writing a book that debunks the Christian faith while assisting the police with religiously motivated crimes. On holiday with his family in Oxfordshire, Matt finds himself on edge in a seemingly idyllic village, but when a local girl goes missing, he's caught up in an investigation that brings memories to the surface he would prefer to stay buried deep... He must draw on his theological knowledge to catch the killer.
