Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) by Joseph Lewis

A 2025 Maxy Award Finalist!
A Literary Titan Gold Book Award Winner!
“On one side, unconditional familial love supported by the camaraderie of law enforcement. On the other? Guns, drugs, and hatred. Black Ye’ii stages an epic battle between good and evil.” –Cam Torrens, award-winning author of the Tyler Zahn thriller series

The police fabricated a story about the night four members of MS-13 died in a tiny home on a quiet city street almost two years previous. George Tokay and his friends were not supposed to share the secret about what really happened that night. No one was to know the truth. But someone talked, and now MS-13, ruthless and wanting revenge, is back in town, and people are dying.

Can Detectives Graff, O’Connor, and Eiselmann find the killers and put a stop to the killing before anyone else dies?

“On one side, unconditional familial love supported by the camaraderie of law enforcement. On the other? Guns, drugs, and hatred. Black Yé’ii stages an epic battle between good and evil.” Cam Torrens, award-winning author of the Tyler Zahn thriller series

“Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) is a gripping crime thriller that kept me turning pages even when I needed to get up and do something else. Lewis created an intricate plot, complex characters, protagonists I could root for, and an enjoyable, high-octane read. This is the second novel I’ve read by Lewis. Going back to find more. He has me hooked.” Karen E. Osborne, award-winning author of True Grace and Justice for Emerson

“Weaving family and friendship with gangs and murder, Lewis has a flair for packing high-octane action into his world of high school boys, brothers, and small-town Wisconsin. With a personal vendetta and more lives on the line, the suspense jumps from the page as a fabricated truth takes center stage. Never one to shy away from action, death, and despair, this latest read brings with it new, yet familiar pulse pounding villains as author Joseph Lewis stuns once again, in this his tenth book.” Jill Rey, Reviewer: For The Love Of The Page Blog

“Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) is a psychological thriller based in a small town in Wisconsin, featuring a group of young men recovering from traumatic events a year ago. Unfortunately, the past is coming back to haunt them, and hunt them down. This thriller features complex characters and relationships that evolve throughout the story, leading to a stunning conclusion. Lewis delivers in this story of police trying to protect the innocents from the evil that is hunting them.”
Gary Gerlacher, MD, MBA, author of Last Patient of the Night, Faulty Bloodline and Sin City Treachery

Sublime line: “A dark secret from the past resurfaces, unleashing a wave of violence as a ruthless gang seeks revenge in this fast-paced thriller.”

“The author masterfully weaves together a complex plot filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. Characters are well-developed and believable. Tension builds steadily throughout the book, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the detectives race against time to prevent further bloodshed. Black Yé’ii explores both the darker side of human nature and the positive theme of family and friendship. The author’s vivid descriptions of the brutal nature of gang violence create a truly immersive reading experience. If you’re a fan of crime thrillers with a twist, this novel is a must-read. It’s a captivating story that will keep you guessing until the very end.” Sublime Book Reviews

“A Complex Thriller That Strikes at the Heart, Black Yéʼii is a compelling thriller with family, honor, and the battle between good and evil as central themes. Young Diné (Navajo) man, George Tokay, helps police investigate a cover-up involving cops and the notoriously vicious gang, MS13, now hell bent on revengeful torture and murder.” International Writers Inspiring Change Review

“Black Yéʼii explores secrecy, revenge, and justice, and offers brilliant psychological intrigue that elevates the story beyond a typical thriller. It delves deep into the personal drama and interplay of the secret itself. This makes Black Yéʼii an unmissable read for fans of accomplished thriller writing everywhere.” K.C. Finn, Reviewer for Readers’ Favorite

“Black Yéʼii (The Evil One) by Joseph Lewis had me hooked from the start. The story was jam-packed with action, and there was never a dull moment. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next and was guessing until the end. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as fast as I could.” Alma Boucher, Reviewer for Readers’ Favorite

“Beginning with a horrific murder, the story of how evil permeates through the gang world is unrelenting until the final shocking moments. Always in the shadow of stalking death, brothers learn that they are stronger together, and the ties that bind will be the grace that saves them all. From the start, the reader is sucked into a world where even the bad guys can’t outrun the Evil One waiting for them. For fans of police thrillers and intrigue, Black Yéʼii will keep readers on the edge of their seats, wondering who will be the next victim, and who will find safety in family and friendship.” Lisa Febre, award-winning author of Round the Twist and Welcome to the Bright

“The Black Yéʼii, besides having one of the most intriguing titles I’ve seen, is also a crime thriller full of intrigue and a memorable cast of good guys and bad guys. A slew of officers from the police department and the Sheriff’s office collaborate to solve a rash of murders in time to stop further murders. One of the best parts of this book for me was the authentic dialogue, especially the banter amongst the cops. Also integral to the story is a family with five adopted, previously traumatized teenaged boys. The relationships between the brothers, and between the boys and some of the detectives, is warm and caring, adding a layer of comfort to this hard-nosed murder mystery.” S. M. Stevens, reviewer and award-winning author of Beautiful & Terrible Things.

“Gang revenge in a small Wisconsin town – a prescription for tense action sequences – elevated by the nuances of a psychological thriller. The novel features two kinds of family – the supportive kind that rests on unconditional love, and the toxic kind that binds gangs, which is a stark contrast and befits a battle between good and evil. The author’s writing is clean and quick, and the characters are beautifully drawn. A wonderful read.” Brian Kaufman, reviewer and award-winning author of A Persistent Echo.

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