Before the Devil Knows You're Here is a creepy gothic story full of Faustian bargains, American folklore, and questions about how far one will go to save their family. Unfortunately, I have very mixed feelings about this book.

We follow Catalina, a young impoverished girl trying to get her brother back from the Sap Man, a dark reimagining of Johnny Appleseed. Along the way she is joined by young lumberjack Paul and meets all sorts of horrors as she hunts the man destroying what is left of her family. In the end, she'll have to sacrifice to get what she wants, but is she willing to pay the price?

Told in dual POV between the Sap Man and Catalina, we watch as she careens through trying circumstances and learns more about her family's past even as she repeats it.

Overall I enjoyed the story that Krause has made. The twist on American folklore is captivating for someone who grew up with the stories of Paul Bunyan and Johnny Appleseed. However, at times it feels like the author is forcing the prose to be more complex than it needs to be, taking away from my enjoyment of the story. I personally enjoyed John's POV more than Catalina's; I had a hard time connecting with her as a character, and she often did and said things that frustrated me. There are also bits that feel incredibly rushed: the monsters they meet, the romance, the solutions to problems, and so on.

This book had a hard time keeping my attention in the first 40%, but the last 60% was quite enjoyable. I loved the other world that Krause created and would have loved to see more of it. My favorite parts of this book are the demonic characters that are created (and criminally underexplored) and the banker himself. He is a fascinating devil character, and when he was around, I enjoyed the events of the story even more.

There were other, more technical things that really took me out of the story. Typos always do that, the downside of editing professionally is that I can't just read for fun. But more than that were historical or ecological impossibilities. A person is hanged, not hung; hedgehogs are not native to America and would not be wandering the forests, would someone from a very impoverished family in the 18th/19th century be familiar with darjeeling tea? Very small things, but they irk me so much.

What I wanted to see more of: the relationship between Catalina and her brother are the driving force of this story, but that didn't have enough heft for me. The creatures are brought up and done away with so quickly, we don't really get to enjoy them. The romance could have stayed a good friendship for all the emotional load it carried for me (it's very insta-love, and I do not enjoy that at all).

I think this book would be good for a middling teen audience, 14-17. It has some heavier themes and potentially upsetting scenes, but I think anyone much older might be frustrated by this book.

CW: parent death (on page), gore, animal death, injury detail, suicide (off page)

Folk horror is a genre that can walk the line between thrilling and bland, for me, Krause has written something that falls squarely in the middle, making it engaging but somewhat forgettable.

Before the Devil Knows You're Here strength lies is it's lush and evocative world building. For readers who rank atmosphere over plot, this could be a brilliant autumnal choice! If you are someone who gravitates towards depth of character and intricate plots, I suspect this selection might fall a bit short.

I look forward to fowling this author and see what she does next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me an ARC of this book.

It was truly the perfect to read during autumn. I have never heard of John Appleseed so K really enjoyed reading about him and learning about that story.

Sadly I couldnt really connect to the characters and the plot felt a bit lacking to me. The characters individually were alright. I just don’t understand how Paul and Catalina fell in love because to me it was too sudden.

The plot felt lacking until the last 20% of the book. I liked the ending and the plot twists surprised me. (probably because i didnt know about the story)

Something that I liked was the dark, eerie setti no and the way the author described the surroundings and the forest.

Hello again dear reader or listener, ‘tis officially Spooky Season so ofc the eerie reads have commenced. She says as if she hasn’t been on a horror, thriller, and gothic kick the last few months, but that is beside the point.

As always, firstly a thank you to the Peachtree team for granting my NetGalley request for an eARC of this book, my thoughts remain honest.

So, here’s the thing, sometimes, I am an idiot. And sometimes, that coincides with me seeing a cool cover, reading the intriguing blurb and yet somehow entirely missing the fact that this was in fact not an adult, but a YA novel. I figured it out eventually, but the original expectation did throw me in for a bit of a loop for the first half of this book. Not that it changes much to be fair but still.

It seems that I am making a habit of beginning my October reads with a surrealist folk horror book and I can’t say I overly mind. This is a subgenre that tends to either be a hit or miss with me though, and in this case, I am a little sad to say it was mostly a loss. If I am brutally frank here, this was one of those cases where I could neither find something “big” to put me off entirely, but neither something exceptional to praise. I am aware it may sound harsh but yeah, I wanted to keep reading but I did fall asleep doing so every single time I picked this book up. Eventually I decided to read the final hour of it I had left right after I drank a huge cup of coffee to manage. Maybe I wasn’t in the right mood for it yet, who knows.

However! As I always like to say, what didn’t work for me may work for others so let’s try and break down the positives in here.

Krause brought a multicultural point of view into the American folk stories that have informed and entertained generations, giving a more sinister twist to the Johnny Appleseed tale while sprinkling in some Paul Bunyan and Mexican American folk monsters. However, the detail I appreciated the most was the Faustian element. And nobody was shocked. As you may know, dear reader, I love me some Faustian deals, sometimes I think I am worse than Ben Barnes in that regard. The best way I can think to summarize this book would be to say that Krause writes up an atmospheric homage to a mixed cultural background and the memory of a person dear to her, depicting a different, darker, and more folk gothic side to early 19th century americana. Bringing to life that solid and vivid mix of folk tales and myth that were also paired with the Christian overtones informing the 1800s American short story. Think Washington Irving’s The Devil and Tom Walker but add more monsters and a gutsy young woman willing to do anything for her family.

Krause’s writing is evocative and blunt in the stark ways she depicts grief, horrors, or unexplainable events. Plot wise however I can say that, one final reveal aside, which was pretty solidly unfolded, I found myself caring more about the John plot line that is shown in parallel to Catalina’s search for her brother. I am a huge fan of misunderstood monsters and, when you pair that with a devil deal gone awry, it has the potential for something awesome. I can say that for the most part, the author delivered there. It was probably the most emotionally involving part of the book to me, seeing his tragedy slowly transpiring and the unavoidable descent toward his dark fate. His helplessness and good intentions gone to hell (pun intended) were probably the best written part of this novel. The character of the Banker along that plotline, was probably my favorite throughout, even in his quality of rarely on page but shady and archetypical villainous figure. There truly were some short instances of him having the most depth out of the whole character cast in my opinion, oddly enough.

When it came to Catalina’s story however, I simply couldn’t connect. I understood her but I never really felt for her if that makes sense. We get to be in her head and see all her emotions but they just never felt like they sunk in. Her connection with her family and then later with Paul were told but not shown in any way that might get me more invested . With Paul especially, I just think the author fumbled that one. We have these two characters allying through necessity, spending all of three uneasy days together, not really getting along and mostly just becoming acquaintances through shared struggle, and then out of the blue we have a love declaration, the depths of which you expect at the end of a slow burn romance spanning months if not years. Don’t get me wrong, it was really cute, and Paul is a cinnamon roll, but aside from the romantic subplot coming across as entirely shoehorned to fit a genre requirement, Paul felt more like an accessory to Catalina, than a character in his own right.

There was a lot of potential for it all but ultimately it fell flat and could’ve benefitted from being less rushed. Catalina goes through unimaginable horrors be we barely get any chance to see how it affects her in the long run or have the time to actually feel for her struggle in the final chapters. I was so removed from what was happening by then that even her final triumphant plot twist was just something I was simply expecting to happen rather than hoping/rooting for.

So that’s about it, dear reader. Unfortunately for me, I was left a bit indifferent overall, aside from the few things I mentioned but, if you’re into the above-mentioned folk tales, enjoy vibes leaning towards the folk horror side, and need something to pass the time but not something that’ll have you so utterly hooked you can’t put the book down, then this would be a good book for you. I could argue this novel works well as an entry level for a teen looking to dip their toe into folk horror and see what their gore tolerance is perhaps. Especially if they’re looking for a more multicultural perspective on it all.
Pretty sure the strongest effect this book had on me was making me crave a ridiculous amount of apples.

Until next time,
Eleni A.E.

What a deliciously dark and delightful story! I was originally drawn to the gorgeous cover of this book, and was further compelled by the sheer brilliance within its pages. Before The Devil Knows You’re Here is an American folklore gothic horror, with glorious Faustian ideals and a slow, slow burn romance. This itself was all so promising, only to discover its also retellings of both Johnny Appleseed and Paul Bunyan. These intricate and specific details combine with dark folklore to create a beautifully told story that I have not been able to stop thinking about.

The small cast of characters make this story intimate and full of depth, as each character plays such an important role in this tale. Our FMC Catalina is an American-Mexican poet who is loyally devoted to her family, and this story mainly centres around her. We also get two POVs, in alternating timelines, and when these two storyline’s combine, it’s exquisite and delicious and eerie and enchanting and I literally gasped a few times towards the end. There were surprises and twists, a beautiful romance, and a generational curse that is the basis of this entire story. The Faustian ideals come into play in this aspect, and the deals with the devil and how that was depicted was just SO original and exciting.

I don’t want to say too much about the plot, for spoiler reasons, but this is a perfect book to read for spooky season. The originality and depth of the characters as well as the plot were so well-developed and rich in storytelling. I felt completely immersed in a world that felt as lush as it was dangerous.

Give me anything by Autumn Krause, and I'll read it because this book cinched it for me! If you were looking for a folk horror retelling of Johnny Appleseed's story, featuring a young Catalina who must hunt the Man of Sap after he kidnaps her little brother to the Underworld, this is it. Each chapter alternates between Johnny Appleseed's POV in his descent to darkness and Catalina's search and rescue, even featuring Paul Bunyan. The apple metaphors are completely on point, grim, deep and crunchy. The book has beautiful prose and excellent characterisation! Definitely a haunting, lyrical read perfect for Halloween season!

Before the Devil Knows You're Here by Autumn Krause was a very intriguing and beautifully written story.
This dark gothic fantasy was a phenomenal journey.
This was richly written, full of descriptions that drag you into the story, and characters that you can't help but root for.
I thought it was a quick read and had me captivated throughout.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Holiday House & Peachtree Teen for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.

Did I stay up late to finish this book even though I was exhausted because I was hooked. Also I think I have a crush on Paul Bunyan now and if a man every told me he’d build me a library I’d die a happy girl. Will be buying this book that’s for sure 5 ⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. The following opinions are my own.

This was my most highly anticipated read for this year. And it knocked it out of the park. I was so grateful to receive an arc. I squealed when it was approved. It has everything you'd want in a fall read.

The synopsis is what really drew me into the story. With this book releasing in October, I was in the mood to try a gothic fairytale fantasy in a historical setting. A story based on Johnny Appleseed folklore was definitely new to me. I think this did have some good writing but the story as a whole with the main characters Paul and Catalina felt lost to me. The story had more description of the worlds then it did with character depth. Catalina sees the Man of Sap grab her last living relative her brother, Jose Luis in which she must find him to the underworld. She meets Paul who has dealt with the Man of Sap before. Then on their journey they go. I think I was just a bit confused.

For being YA there could've been more tension in the romance. I will say I'm excited for Autumn's next book, "Grave Flowers" - A Hamlet meets Boleyn family inspired fantasy so I will for sure be checking that out!

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I was really drawn into this because it takes place in Wisconsin where I live!

The story reminded me of a dark retelling of Johnny Appleseed with the planting of apples everywhere but the apples kill everyone, and I liked how it was based around uncovering family secrets that no one knew.

We get changing POVS - John's 1st person recalling his life story and Catalina's 3rd person limited when the Man of Sap appears and her adventures on finding him. John's story was quite heartbreaking and although I guessed why Catalina's family was involved early on, I still enjoyed the reveal at the end.

I thought the pacing was well done and kept me intrigued to keep reading (I read this in two days). I loved how there were additional fairytale-like creatures and ghosts were woven into the story to help Catalina and Paul find her brother who was captured by the Man of Sap. And let's talk about Paul!! The forced proximity romance that bloomed was great and didn't feel forced - it felt like a natural part of the story. They were meant to find each other!

Catalina is smart, funny, and determined in this story and I hope she gets the full HEA she deserves in life!

🍂"Your obsession is fitting you for Hell. The Devil knows you're here and he wants your soul."🍂

🍎Apples ,Faustian deals with the Devil and American folklore are the three key words to describe this gothic tale perfect for the beginning of autumn.

🍎The story presents teo timelines: the one told by Catalina,our protagonist, and the one told by John who tells us his story and how he came to make a pact with the Devil. Throughout the book we will have the clear division between past and present until both protagonists meet thus answering all the questions left open.

🍎Catalina is reserved,loyal , brave and determined. Life has given her nothing but suffering thus leading her to abandon the poetry that she loves and forced her to became cold and make her keep anybody to arm length for prevent to suffer again. From the beginning to end Catalina only takes one blow after another from which she rises again and again stronger than before, growing each time and learning to lower her walls.
My other weakness is Paul: he is a multifaceted character, also with a not unremarkable past and who managed to move me several times!
And finally there is John ( the Man of Sap) about whom I will not tell you much because he is a character all to be discovered... however I loved him!

🍎 And then there is the Faustian interpretation of the Devil as played by the Banker: who better than a man with a bank to fulfill the dreams of a person desperate enough that l is willing to (literally) seal a deal with the Devil? The secret is all in wordplay that is revealed only once the deal is made..and I loved that the words could have such power!

✨In a nutshell, this is gothic fairy tale with vivid descriptions with poetic and lyrical prose like the poems that Catalina's love so much and that at its core possesses adventure,love, a strong sense of family . Plus is us showing that everyone has a dark side and yet, deserves to be loved ✨

4.5 stars

A deliciously twisted, dark folk horror tale about the enduring power of hope! Eerie, atmospheric, gothic with beautiful prose, impeccable pacing, and compelling characters!

You would love this book as much as I did if you like...

- Folklore
- Siblings love
- Dual POV
- Slow-burn romance
- Exploration of Grief

And dark folklore books like...
"The Raven Boys", "House of Salt and Sorrows", "The Hazel Wood", "The Bone Season", "Mexican Gothic" and "The Night Circus"

Mysterious, gothic, and a little bit creepy. Before the Devil Knows You’re Here is a dual timeline story about the Man of Sap who grows trees full of poisonous apples. With a biracial Mexican American as our main protagonist, we follow Catalina whose on a journey to save her brother from the Man of Sap. Accompanied by a man who is also hunting down the Man of Sap, Catalina’s journey through the woods and abandoned towns is both adventurous and unsettling. This story is filled with grief, poetry, and of course, apples. This book is perfect for the fall season.

What this book does really well is atmosphere. It reads like an old legend at times and I really liked that vibe.

This overall fell flat for me though. Specifically the romance. Now, this book isn't particularly long book so things have to move a little on the faster side (which I personally feel does a disservice to an otherwise compelling story). This makes the romance feel very rushed, inorganic and shoehorned in. Aside from that, the interest just kind of generally fell off for me in the last few chapters. I think it could have been better for me if it were longer and went in a different direction.

I would still recommend this book to those that are intrigued by the synopsis. I imagine this may be the perfect book for someone out there.

This book was a gothic folklore dream!
It has such a creepy atmospheric feel that made it all so much more delicious.
The best way i can describe it is a poetic horror that is so beautifully written you forget your hairs are standing up on your neck.
This was a perfect start to my fall tbr!

Thank you to netgalley and Holiday House for
granting me this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers.

Run to the store on publication day and buy this book.

The story is beautifully written and offers two POVs.

We have the heroine, Catalina, who journeys to find the Man of Sap, a monstrous legend of a man who kills his victims with poisoned apples and poisoned apple cider. Catalina is hellbent on revenge for the death of her father and kidnap of her younger brother Jose Luis.

We then have John, AKA the Man of Sap. His POVs are in first person and it's almost like he's talking to the reader, telling us his story of how he came to be and why he does the things he does. Catalina and John are bonded in a way our heroine never thought possible.

Paul joins Catalina in her travels and the pair grow close almost immediately. Usually I hate when people grow close in such a quick amount of time but it seemed to work for this story and I loved watching their fledgling relationship and overcoming the various dangers together.

I'll never look at an apple in the same light again.

This book is full of lush gothic vibes, it’s a must read for this autumn season. I really enjoyed this folklore thriller retelling. It started a bit slow for me but I was still hooked and needed to keep reading.

Unfortunately I read a NetGalley review, prior to finishing the book, that had a HUGE spoiler in it. There was no warning that it was coming so I didn’t have time to scroll past it. I’m really sad that this plot twist was ruined for me cause it was such a good one!!

I still enjoyed the book and I really loved the ending, even though I wasn’t ready for Catalina’s story to be over. The imagery through out this story was beautifully written and kept drawing me further in.

I had a difficult time with this book. I’ve seen it described as “lush” and “gothic”, so that’s what I was really hoping for, but I was let down.

I felt like a lot of what I read didn’t make much sense and I’m not sure if that’s due to the Kindle formatting or the writing itself.

It didn’t grab me right away and I unfortunately did not finish this book, as I continually found myself not really caring about any of the characters. It just didn’t click with me, but I could see someone else really enjoying it.

I was hooked from page one. I mean the fact that this is creepy retelling of Johnny Appleseed. We all knew I was sold with just that tagline.

The MFC Catalina is strong and selfless. Throughout the story, you watch as she grows, eventually letting her walls down that protected her from losing anyone else that she loved. She is cast on a perilous journey through haunted woods chasing after the man of sap who kidnapped her brother. As she follows a bird, she runs into a man named Paul, who is also searching for the man of Sap. While on their journey, he helps Catalina break down her walls. Their banter and chemistry were so easy, and Paul is perfect in every way. But this isn't just a love story. There are wailing women and a banker and birds with teeth. And a hill grog who I wanted more scenes with.The body horror caught me by suprise but added so much to the already creepy atmosphere. I absolutely devoured this dual POV book told from The Man of Sap himself and Catalina. I think it added so much to the story with the past and present timline. I now want to read everything Krause writes. Lastly, the MFC loves books, and as a reader, it's one of my favorite things when books showcase the love of books.

This wasn't a 5 star for me because it felt a little rushed towards the ending. It had great buildup, and the world was fascinating to me. I think I wanted a longer journey portion and some background on the banker. I loved the connection between the characters and can't wait to add a physical copy to my collection.

If you are new to the horror genre or like Gothic feeling atmospheres without the super scary elements, this is for you!