Book Review: Chasing Evil: Shocking Crimes, Supernatural Forces, and an FBI Agent’s Search for Hope and Justice by Robert Hilland, John Edward, Natasha Stoynoff

In the crowded landscape of true crime memoirs, Robert Hilland’s Chasing Evil: Shocking Crimes, Supernatural Forces, and an FBI Agent’s Search for Hope and Justice stands out—not just for its procedural grit, but for its willingness to peer into the metaphysical abyss. Hilland, a veteran FBI agent, offers a narrative that is equal parts investigative thriller and spiritual inquiry, challenging the reader to consider what happens when the “unexplainable” intersects with the “unforgivable.”

The Anatomy of the Narrative

The book follows a non-linear path through Hilland’s most harrowing cases. While many FBI memoirs focus on the “how”—the forensic evidence, the profile, the arrest—Hilland is more interested in the “why” and the “what else.”

• The Procedural: Hilland provides a fascinating, grounded look at the bureaucracy and the boots-on-the-ground reality of federal investigations.
• The Psychological: He captures the heavy toll of “staring into the sun,” documenting the burnout and secondary trauma that comes from hunting predators.
• The Supernatural: This is the book’s most polarizing and provocative element. Hilland recounts instances of intuition, “visitations,” and synchronicities that defy standard investigative logic.

A Quest for Balance

The central tension of Chasing Evil lies in its subtitle: the search for hope and justice. Hilland doesn’t shy away from the horrific details of his cases, but he uses them as a backdrop to explore a broader moral architecture.

He posits that if “true evil” exists as a tangible force—something he becomes convinced of throughout his career—then a counterbalancing “good” must also be at work. This spiritual framework serves as Hilland’s survival mechanism, allowing him to process the depravity he witnessed without losing his humanity.

Critical Reception and Tone

Hilland’s writing style is direct and conversational, possessing the no-nonsense cadence of a seasoned law enforcement officer. However, he balances this with moments of surprising vulnerability.

“Justice is a legal conclusion, but peace is a spiritual one. I realized early on that I could provide the former, but I had to go searching for the latter.”

Strengths:

• Authenticity: Hilland’s voice feels earned. There is no bravado here, only a sober reflection on a difficult career.
• Unique Perspective: By blending true crime with supernatural elements, the book carves out a niche that appeals to both skeptics and believers.
• Pacing: The chapters are tightly constructed, moving between high-stakes action and quiet introspection.

Weaknesses:

• The “Woo-Woo” Factor: Hardline skeptics may find the supernatural anecdotes a distraction from the forensic details.
• Emotional Weight: It is a heavy read. Hilland describes the “shrapnel of evil” in a way that can be deeply unsettling.

Final Verdict

Chasing Evil is more than a collection of “closed cases.” It is a memoir about the resilience of the human spirit. Hilland successfully argues that while we may never fully explain the darkness some individuals carry, the pursuit of justice is a light worth carrying. It is essential reading for those who want their true crime served with a side of deep, philosophical questioning.