Ramsey Clark, Forensic Consultant for Raiker Forensics, was formerly with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations (TBI). She is assigned to Buffalo Springs, Tennessee, to investigate the discovery of the body of a young woman found at the edge of Ashton's Pond in the swamp. Ramsey learns of the legend of the red mist that follows a violent murder. And accompanying the red mist is a grouping of spiritual orbs of light. Now, two more deaths have occurred. Sheriff Mark Rollins is assisting Ramsey and introduces her to his cousin, Devlin Strkyer, a scientist and parapsychologist. Dev is anxious to debunk or confirm the legend of the mist.

As Ramsey's investigation unfolds, she and Dev form a bond of sexual activity. Ramsey's past, which consists of being hunted down and gang raped as a teenager haunts her. Fighting any alliance with anyone because of her past, Ramsey is losing her resolve to keep her distance from Dev. Discovering turmeric in the victim's stomach leads the investigation to a religious cult going back to the 1800s. The "sinners" are violently punished and tortured. Upon death, the body is deposited in the pond. As Ramsey and Dev near the truth of the cult, Ramsey is confronted with the same demise as the previous 11 victims. Escaping her intended murderer with Dev's help, both are shocked at the discovery of the members involved in the rituals and the 11 victims recovered from the swamp.

WAKING EVIL is interspersed with suspense and paranormal activity. The legend, as it unfolds, is interesting and the story full of surprises along the way. Graphic descriptions of the torture of the victims are very realistic. The background and history of the very sick minds involving the religious sector will leave you with unsettling feelings. The characters are very well-defined and interesting. I enjoyed Kylie Brant's story plot and her style of writing.