I’d never heard of Janice Hallett until her debut 2021 novel The Appeal, and I’m immensely grateful she’s proving so prolific because her books are each incredibly inventive, engrossing, and well written. This was no exception. Hallett expertly structures a plot about Amanda, a writer working on a book about a decades old case about a cult that believed it was necessary to kill the baby of one of its members. Amanda investigates the night most of the cult members died under strange circumstances with contradictory witness statements and attempts to find out what happened to the baby who survived that night. Hallett once again incorporates elements such as phone calls, emails, texts, and recordings which reveals information in interesting and more subtle ways than traditional narration and dialogue alone, and it brings the components of the investigation- interviews, documents, meetings, etc.- to life fir the reader. The plot was complex and fascinating, and I only hope Hallett’s fourth book is published as quickly as the rest, because I can’t read her novels quickly enough and always want more.

I was reminded strongly of Matt Wesolowski’s Six Stories series in terms of the structure of this book, as the story is told via an archive of text messages, emails, transcribed interviews and phone calls, letters and press cuttings.

The frame of the story sees two journalists reluctantly teaming up (or competing) to investigate a cold case in which four grown men died in mysterious circumstances and two teens survived with a baby that no-one can now trace.

And nothing is as it seems.

The twisty plot hints at supernatural possibilities among the many possibilities explored for what might have happened. It is all super complex and very, very cleverly constructed. I couldn’t stop reading and trying desperately to put together the information to work out what the real solution was, and I am not ashamed to admit that I did not get there before the reveal – in fact, I would never have worked it out!

This was an unusual mystery novel and felt like a really fresh approach to the mystery genre, so I will definitely be reading more from Janice Hallett in future.

A bit of a slow burner this one. Takes a bit of time to get going and there are a lot of names and relationships to keep tabs on, especially as the pace revs up and the plot starts to twist and turn.

The ending is rather foreshadowed but no less impactful. The multiple narrative sources can become annoying but are essential to the plot.

Not quite as ingenious or riveting as her debut novel but an entertaining and satisfying read nonetheless.

This book emphasizes the issues with the form in which Hallett chooses to write. Due to the fact that most of the events of the novel are relayed through WhatsApp messages from the protagonist to her friends, everything is reported meaning that big, climactic scenes are missed. There is also little characterization. However, something the novel does well is misdirection which can create a compelling mystery.

Um hey, hello Janice. What on EARTH gave you permission to write a book this good?!

If you’ve read a Janice Hallett book before (if not, why not?!) then you’re probably familiar with the classic style in which she writes. It’s like a collection of evidence in a multi-media format, and you’re left to play detective. It’s just utter brilliance.

I loved that this book was fast paced, and instantly had me hooked. The twists in it left me freaking out, they where so unexpected and dramatic in a way that ensures you’d let out an audible gasp.

So clever, and a must read!

The Alperton Angels is another cracking case from Janice Hallett, the author of The Appeal, which turned out to be quite the phenomenon in the attraction it garnered. I first saw Janice Hallett talk about The Twyford Code and The Alperton Angels at Bloody Scotland in Stirling in 2022 with Joanne Harris. It captured my attention, little did I know I’d have the opportunity to review it.

Cults are always intriguing when it comes to books and tv. I’ve long been intrigued and horrified by them ever since a certain episode in Byker Grove, a tv series in the 1990’s for teens. So, this book piqued my interest. The book did not disappoint!

The mystery is thought-provoking in the questions it poses in what would you do in certain situations. It in turn also creates a sinister atmosphere.
There are 2 true crime writers trying to uncover and solve a few murders, a missing baby and what of the cult that is darker than anyone can imagine?

There’s a real depth and intensity with the story being told through articles, emails, transcripts and texts. The book is sufficiently dark and twisty that it keeps you gripped and guessing the truth until the end.

Thanks to Viper for the opportunity to review and for the book in exchange of an honest review.

Loved this. This reminded me so much of the first book with all the different ways the book is written out in; emails, texts, etc. It really makes for a fun read. And the mystery, gosh, I don't even think I guessed what was happening until the author revealed the truth.

Janice Hallett has done it again. I loved this almost as much as I loved The Appeal and I really loved The Appeal. The only complaint I have is that it got a little confusing at roughly the 70% mark but that might have been me being a bit tired. The writing is superb and conversations seem natural and realistic. The mystery itself is well done and the way it unfolds is brilliant but extremely complicated and intricate. It is all very well explained in the end but it did have me worried for a while that I had missed something. Janice Hallett has a way of unfolding a story that really works well and you just have to have faith in her genius.

A very well put together book with an interesting premise. I enjoyed reading the story and how is unfolded. There were many twists and I could not put it down . I was constantly eager to read just one more chapter. Crappy at time with a great cast of characters. One I would definitely recommend.

Having read Hallett's previous two novels, I was very excited to read this one, not only for the story but also for the unusual format of the novel.

This was another really great read. The twists and turns really kept me on edge and I did enjoy the variety of emails and transcripts that were used to tell the story.

With a murder mystery, I am always happy to see a nice tidy ending.

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc.

The story of the cult of the Alperton Angels is legend and now 20 years later, true crime journalist Amanda Bailey is writing a book about the case. The baby at the centre of the case will soon be turning 18 and Amanda thinks it would be a unique angle to get the baby’s take on the matter -if they can be traced, as they disappeared into the care system. But Amanda’s long-time rival Oliver Menzies is also writing a book about the Angels and he might be gunning for the same, lucrative take. Feeling that it might be best to collaborate on this, Amanda and Oliver start to realise that the real truth of the case might never have actually come to light. I loved Janice Hallett’s first novel The Appeal but didn’t really enjoy her follow-up The Twyford Code. I’m delighted that she’s back on form with her latest release, which is an intriguing twisty novel about a fascinating case that I was convinced could have been true. In fact, I did Google the Alperton Angels only to find that it’s not a real case at all -Hallett made that part up too! There is a real addictive, tense relationship between Amanda and Oliver that I couldn’t get enough of. Overall, the book celebrates the search for truth and justice and despite the tragic ending, I think it does that perfectly.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Great cover on this one.

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett is a gripping and intelligent fictional true-crime novel that maintains a thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere from start to finish.

Written entirely in interviews, emails, and WhatsApp messages, which may seem unusual to some readers, but it works exceptionally well in this story. The plot unfolds as Amanda Bailey, a true-crime author, and her rival Oliver Menzies try to locate the Alperton baby who has turned eighteen and can finally be interviewed.

The plot is well-paced and engaging, with intriguing characters, and plenty of twists that keep readers invested throughout. The author has done an excellent job of building suspense while revealing shocking truths about the Angels that are darker and stranger than anyone could imagine.

Overall, The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is an intelligent and engaging read. It's an exceptional work of writing, that I highly recommend to those who enjoy crime novels.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

True crime author Amanda Bailey is hoping to have the find of her career when she is writing a book about the Alperton Angels. This true crime of the cult who brainwashed people came tumbling down. A missing infant is lost in the system. Amanda needs to find out what truly happened! Social media messages with newspaper articles and transcripts are used to tell the story and can leave you a bit lost with the many characters and retelling of the story. Keeping with it to the end is worth while.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I love how Janice Hallett writes.
The set out is so cleverly done and because it is not all the information you just want to keep reading more to find out.
Its amazing how the twists just keep coming and then all at once like a firework everything is just there!
This plot was incredibly smart i did not expect the ending i really thought it was going a different way.
I have since reread this book as i loved it so much and to see if i missed anything the first time (which i did)

I love the writing style of this author, looking through emails and messages makes for easy reading. I was intrigued by the mystery in the story as throughout the plot things just didn’t add up. Thankfully it was all tied together very nicely in the end. A great murder mystery written in the perfect fashion to get you out of a reading slump with it’s short, snappy entries.

The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels

True crime author Amanda Bailey is writing a book on the Alperton Angels, a cult who brainwashed a couple of teenagers into thinking their baby was the antichrist who had to be destroyed, but luckily the girl came to her senses just in time. The Alperton baby has now turned eighteen and can finally be interviewed; but she has to find them first.

I really enjoyed The Appeal by this author so was looking forward to this one but was slightly disappointed.

Although a very clever and original book I found it a bit over complicated and the format of emails and transcripts hard to follow, but think much of that was down to reading it digitally so may have felt differently if I’d read a physical copy.

Looking at all the 5 star reviews for this book I’m obviously in the minority so would urge you to give it a try, but ideally treat yourself to an actual copy.

Oh I loved this book so much! It's one woman's investigation into a mysterious cult and it's full of newspaper clippings and transcripts of witness testimony etc as you're along with her trying to piece together what happened and trying to find a baby who survived and is now about to turn 18. Alongside this there is someone else planning a book on the same subject so there is a race against each other to get the story and attempts to work together at times too - with neither one really trusting the other. I loved this book - it was great trying to piece it all together and working out which bits of information were most trustworthy and logical. It's impossible to work it all out, which I loved as it's not often a book keeps me guessing all the way to the end. This book is brilliant and I highly recommend it!

I really love that Janice Hallett finds a way to involve her readers in her books. I love her unique style of her books and looking forward to whatever she does next. Little bit good Omens meets crime - I loved the unravelling of the side stories alongside the main 'case' and enjoyed Amanda's not taking no for an answer.

Incredible twisty mystery that keeps you hooked until the very end! Hallett’s writing is pure genius, I have no idea how she does it.

Well well well @janice.hallett has done it again! 😱 massive thank you to @netgalley for the advanced copy ❤️

As a true crime nerd I just knew this book would be perfect for me. Two true crime writers trying to get to the bottom of four murders, and a missing baby, with the undertone of an angelic cult? What more could you ask for!

The format of newspaper articles, emails, transcripts of conversations and text messages add a real depth to the story. At times you feel you are almost intruding on private conversations, but can’t help but read on.

Janice is excellent at revealing tiny bits of the story as you read, so you feel like you are solving certain aspects, but finding more questions at the same time. This book in particular raises the questions of morality; who is in the right, and who is in the wrong?

The main characters of Oscar and Amanda were likeable, although I did find they could be quite rude at times. They certainly fit the stereotype of a journalist, willing to do anything to get the story, no matter how morally wrong it may be. I found myself instructing with Amanda’s assistant Ellie, as in my own work I have been the assistant helping to analyse documents and type up notes. I did however find it slightly annoying how she would keep adding her own opinions to the transcripts…. Just a personal preference but I wouldn’t dare do that in work! 😂😂

As with The Twyford Code the ending truly is the masterpiece. There is a moment where the origin of a certain document is revealed, which is mind blowing 🤯 and the tragic events at the very end came completely out of no where, it was truly shocking 😱

I liked the message that the book conveyed of how your actions can have long lasting effects on people. It is expertly woven in how one small action can have huge consequences. What I liked the most is that it didn’t feel like it was being forced down your throat that you shouldn’t hold grudges and should think before you act. Instead it was left to the reader to decide how far is too far.

I would urge everyone to go and read this book, it’s truly fantastic ❤️