The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett
Publication Date: January 23rd 2024 by Atria Books
Pages: 432
Source: Publisher
Rating: ★★★★
My
Thoughts:
Amanda Bailey, a true crime writer, is covering an old case where
members of a cult convinced two teenagers that their unborn child was the anti-Christ
and needed to be sacrificed. Thankfully, the young mother sobers and escapes
the cult with her baby before that happens. Now that baby is turning eighteen,
and Amanda’s bosses think that will stir up interest in their planned new
series covering the old case. Unfortunately for Amanda, she’s paired up with an
old colleague, Oliver, a fellow reporter with whom she has a history with. It's not a good history. I was stunned by that reveal and how it factored in things played out!
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels was a
unique kind of story recounted in text messages, WhatsApp
convos, emails, transcribed interviews, book excerpts, etc. Took a bit to get
into and to sort out the many players. It was a gradual build of intensity,
spooky in parts, and not what I was expecting. Weird, scary stuff! A bit tragic, but boy, what a page turner as
things wrapped up!
4 Stars
Book Description:
Everyone knows the story of the Alperton Angels: the cult who brainwashed a teenage girl into believing her baby was the anti-Christ. When the girl came to her senses and called the police, the Angels committed suicide and mother and baby disappeared.
Now, true crime author Amanda Bailey is looking to revive her career by writing a book on the case. The Alperton baby has turned eighteen; finding them will be the scoop of the year. But rival author Oliver Menzies is just as smart, better connected, and also on the baby’s trail.
As Amanda and Oliver are forced to collaborate, they realize that the truth about the Angels is much darker and stranger than they’d ever imagined, and in pursuit of the story they risk becoming part of it.
Creepy.I wonder what happened to them
ReplyDeleteNice review, Rachel. I haven't read this one yet, but did read her first book and Christmas novella. It is the back story that really creeps me out.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I like it when it's all messages and texts. I'm glad you enjoyed it pretty well after you got going.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
The titles gives off very old school, classic Agatha Christie vibes, but it's obvious from your review that this very much a contemporary novel. The two just don't match in my head. Haha. Glad this one worked for you once you adjusted to the stylized narrative.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting to read :D
ReplyDeleteI usually like epistolary novels like this one when they're done well. Makes for a fun change. :D
ReplyDeleteI like books that mix in other types of media. Keeps it interesting for me. I get a little annoyed with the FWD, FWD, etc with emails though
ReplyDeleteInteresting how the story was laid out. I'll have to check my library.
ReplyDeleteSophia Rose
Oh, the reveal has me curious. Great review. I think I would enjoy this.
ReplyDeleteI do love when they tell a story through all the different methods like this one does. Although this isn't my type of read, I think one of my aunts likes this type, so I'll share your review with her. Great review!
ReplyDelete