Thursday, January 25, 2024

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels - Janice Hallett

I was thrilled when I heard that Janice Hallett had a new book coming out. I think her writing is so very, very clever. Her latest - The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels - is perhaps the best book yet.

The Alperton Angels were a cult 18 years ago. The members truly believed that they were indeed, angels, sent forth to Earth to save the world from the Anti-Christ. They believed that one young woman's baby was the the Anti-Christ. And the young mum? She decides to take the babe and run. Where could they be now?? Okay, that's just the tip of the story. There's so much more to explore!

Hallett reprises the epistolary style of writing that I adore. The book is told through emails, screenplays, podcasts, amateur sleuths groups, book excerpts, phone calls, texts, testimonies, police files and so much more! There's also a transcriber who adds her thoughts about things.

Amanda Bailey is a true crime writer. She's a large personality, dogged in her search, determined to find the now eighteen year old baby. She's got some serious skills. But there's another author, named Oliver Menzies, on the hunt as well. His direction, point of view and skills are quite different than Amanda's. The two clash over who can write what, and hiding what they do find out. And the third detective? It's you, dear listener. There's a myriad of supporting characters in the book. Some are seen once and others play a larger part. But they're all integral to the plot.

The plotting is absolutely brilliant in my opinion. The clues are sometimes right there to see, while other times they're longshots. Hallett throws in more than one twist and turn on the way to the final 'aha'! Hallett's writing is addictive and you'll find yourself up late, reading just one more chapter.

A brilliant book and an easy five stars! See for your self - read an excerpt of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels.

2 comments:

Kay said...

I'm so glad you shared about this new Hallett book. I read her first, THE APPEAL, last year and had some issues. However, I do love, love epistolary books. I'm rereading THE APPEAL right now and looking forward to also reading THE TWYFORD CODE before I read this one. They are not a series, right? Guess I could read the ALPERTON book before TWYFORD. Anyway, perfect that you brought this up. I have been in the mood for stories told in unique ways.

Luanne said...

Nope, not a series Kay. I can't get enough epistolary tales. I hope you enjoy this newest!