by Keith Rommel

Based on the Port St. Lucie Legend

What drives someone to kill? Is it something within them, or an outside force that influences them?

One of Florida's most overlooked serial killers (Gerard John Schaefer) wrought havoc along the Treasure Coast and Hutchinson Island in the 1970s. His reign of terror consisted of unspeakable acts of torture, rape, and murder by an ancient oak tree. He hanged people there, buried their bodies, and came back often to pillage what remained. It is believed that Schaefer's evil seeped into the tree and surrounding area, leaving a blemish on the otherwise beautiful nature walk in Oak Hammock Park in Port Saint Lucie. When night descends around the tree, the atmosphere changes completely; hundreds of stories are offered up about personal experiences of a true-life haunting.

Continuing with the legend that is pulled into the modern day, Satanists commune by the tree in honor of their fallen idol. Terrible things happen around the tree, which seems to have a certain allure to it . . . making people commit unimaginable acts.

This sick and grizzly legend is so deep, so convoluted and wicked, you won't believe what you read. Whatever you do, don't visit the Devil Tree after dusk. You will never be the same. This is not just a blurb for the back of a book, but a warning from many people--including uniformed officers who have come forth to share their experiences at the tree. I have seen both confusion and truth in their eyes.

This is a must-read series for all Floridians and those intrigued by legends, the supernatural, and the occult. 

What others are saying:

"The Devil Tree blankets you in dread from the start and then proceeds to smother you." - Jason Brant, Best Selling author of The Hunger series.

"Rommel has taken what was already a spooky legend and amped up the scares. Crackling dialogue, terrifying secrets, a Satanic aura and a mystery that should be left alone. The Devil Tree will give you shivers!" - Hunter Shea, author of Tortures of the Damned and The Montauk Monster.

"The Devil Tree is a ton of bloody fun. It’s a gripping and terrifying tale with a razor-sharp supernatural edge. Keith Rommel delivers a fast-paced, chilling horror story that pulls no punches. Beware the woods."  -- Jack Campisi, Co-Host of the Monster Men horror video podcast.

Page Count: 202
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Publish Date: October 24, 2015
Imprint: Hellbender Books
Genre: Horror

FICTION / Thrillers / Supernatural
FICTION / Thrillers / Crime
FICTION / Occult & Supernatural