Michael Bailot Cult of John gives you a deep look behind the scenes. It provides a unfiltered look into João de Deus showing his transition to miracle worker to sexual assault. He hid behind his religious healing and the followers were his prey.

Bailot’s writing shows the dark side of a fascinating leader. João de Deus manipulates his follower’s faith and trust for his own devilish gains. He one by one uses his spiritual authority to abuse his followers.

I have read a lot of true crime stories but this one left me thinking if I could be so naive to let myself be manipulated in this manner.

Thank you NetGallery and Ilumina for providing me an ARC.

This is a disturbing and tragic account, exposing decades of systemic abuse and cover-up. The book is especially interesting because it goes beyond the individual to explore the social and political context which supported the acceptance of such practices. I think the inclusion of the analysis of the history of slavery and how this influenced religious beliefs and practices was incredibly insightful and added a great deal to the book.

This book creeped me out.

I just do not understand the people who are caught in this damaging cycle, but it sure made a fascinating read. A perfect reason for not always believing celebrities who come out and swear that a person or a thing is special - the influence these celebrities has is very, very scary too.

Very well written, I felt that I was right in the middle of this story and was somewhat dfepressed, thiking of what so many women went through, like hundreds and hundreds of women.

Very well written and the story flows really well.