The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels - Janice Hallett

I was thrilled to see 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 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, listening to just one more chapter.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I become so much more immersed in a tale when I listen. That was definitely the case with The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels. The book employs not just one reader, but five - Annie Aldington, Nneka Okoye, Gareth Armstrong, Sid Sagar, Kristin Atherton. I adore full cast narrating - it makes for rich storytelling. The voice for Amanda matched the mental picture I'd made for her. Same for Oliver - the voice matched the character. There are many supporting characters and a different voice for each and every one. Each of the readers spoked clearly and were easy to understand. The emotions and actions of the plot were easily captured and well presents. Good pacing as well. A wonderful presentation of a fantastic book! 

Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels.