A true crime mystery told through emails, texts, transcribed audio recordings, and letters. The format of Hallett’s book was a fascinating way to dive into a decades-old murder/cult case. And equally hilarious… as our protagonist Amanda Bailey is often caught copying and pasting email templates or reacting to potential leads in lazy, human ways. We learn about characters only through written correspondence but those moments cut to the heart of how we operate in these technological times. This story-telling device kept me hooked and it was a fast read. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I like how this book is constructed, gathering all the notes on the investigation on the Alperton angels. You feel like you’re part of the investigation, as you learn what happened as the true crime writer learns about what happened. I feel like the book has enough surprising twists and turns to keep you wanting to read all the way to the end.

With a plot darker than I was expecting, and main characters that were very hard to like, I was sorely tempted to abandon this book for brighter pastures, but by the time I finished this book I was so happy I didn't.

I am a sucker for an epistolary novel and the use of this technique really added to the book - the story and plot grew so organically it was difficult at times not to stop and google the characters to see where it would go and find out more about them and the fiction crimes.

Hallet accomplished what I think is very difficult - having a dislikable main character (whole cast of characters really), but still keeping the reader invested. So often I read books with unlikable main characters that seem written unlikable just to be different. But here there is a very good reason each character is written and developed as they are.

This is a book that sparks so many conversations. I truly appreciated the underlying theme of how exploitative the true crime genre can be. It felt like a real look at the motivations and the results from people looking into horrific crimes just to further their career.

This book feels like watching a spider's web slowly come together around you and then it traps you in the center. Beautifully done and I can't wait to read more by Hallet in the future.

Amanda Bailey is a true crime writer that has decided to cover The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels.

Back in the early 2000's a cult came together and it's leader Gabriel, claiming to be an archangel, convinces two teenagers that their baby is actually the antichrist. They have to protect the baby until the stars align correctly and at that time the baby will be sacrificed and humanity saved.

The only problem is that Holly, the young mother, grows doubtful of Gabriel, and at the very last minute decides she'll save the baby. Unfortunately three *archangels* are killed and mutilated in the process and Gabriel is convicted and receives a lifetime sentence.

That baby is now 18 years old and Amanda makes it her mission to find the baby to hear their side of the story. She isn't alone on the case, though. Her nemesis, Oliver, from early in her writing career, is also covering the story and looking for the baby. The two have been told to work together and what they discover is astounding.

I find it nearly impossible to put into words an intelligent description that will do this book justice. If you've read Hallett before you'll understand what I mean. The entire story is told in a mix-media format from WhatsApp messages, texts messages, news paper clippings, emails, etc. There are a lot of moving pieces and many players to keep track of. Hallett's books require patience and be prepared for some confusion as well. I don't care how smart you think you are Hallett will always be several steps ahead of you. Her storytelling is not only something to be admired, but savored. I got a total kick out of her book, The Appeal, but I liked this one even more. Here's the thing, I dislike cult stories, but this view from the outside in was right up my street, apparently, and the shocking reveals made all the super sleuthing worth it. After that brain workout (ouch!) I think my next selection will be a much more mindless affair. 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for my complimentary copy.

Fascinating and compelling. You can’t stop reading.
Many thanks to Atria and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I recently read The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett and was hooked from start to finish. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery. The story is set in a small town in England, where a vicar goes missing and the investigation that follows reveals a web of secrets and lies between three women.

The characters are so well-written that it’s hard not to become invested in their lives. Each person has their own unique personality, flaws, and backstory, making them relatable and believable. The writing style is engaging, and the author slowly reveals clues and information, keeping you guessing until the end.

The book explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, leaving you wondering about the human psyche. The plot twists are expertly handled, leaving room for speculation without feeling forced.
I highly recommend The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels. It’s a gripping and intelligent mystery novel with exceptional storytelling, complex characters, and a masterfully crafted plot. It’s a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final revelation.

Many thanks to Netgalley and publisher for providing me with advance copy ♥️

I LOVE Janice Hallett books. They are so fun and the mystery is ALWAYS dimensional. The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels does not fall short. It was a fun take on a mystery from a reporter/author and of course is not what is seems. The mixed media format makes the story fun to follow, fun to play along, and one of those you must keep reading to find the answers books. If you like mysteries at all, I will recommend Janice Hallett every time.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this novel. This is out in the U.S. January 23rd.

I liked the story of this one (cult! True crime! Cover up!) but the creative format written in a series of various correspondence and interview transcripts begins to feel a bit like catching up on email after PTO. This is my third by the same author in the same format, so may be less bothersome if it’s your first. Thanks @netgalley for the advanced copy!

I really like Janice Hallett but this was so boring to me. I DNF'ed it for now but since I do enjoy her writing it's not out of the question for me to try it again down the road. I'm not into cults and crime so it's possible that this just wasn't for me and there's nothing wrong with it. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Janice Hallett.

I loved The Appeal by Janice Hallett and was excited to read her new novel, The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angles. I was not disappointed! This book is amazing. I'm in love with Hallett's style of writing, using only texts, emails, news reports, even a movie script, to move the story along. It worked amazingly well in her previous book and even better in this one. So many twists and turns! It was an excitingly thrilling read and I can't wait for her next book!!

I love this. I was recommended it by another reader and I was not disappointed. It was so nice to read an intriguing book with fleshed out characters.

"A whip-smart and "fast-paced mystery" (The Daily Telegraph, London) from the internationally bestselling author of The Twyford Code and The Appeal about a true crime journalist who revives a long-buried case about a cult - and finds herself too close to the story.

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."

Though fiction this is two of my favorite things, true crime and cults.

This was my first Janice Hallett book and I will now be reading everything Janice has ever written. This is one of the most unique, enthralling thriller/mysteries I've ever read. What I found most interesting was the way that Hallett wrote in mixed media form with things like emails and articles and letters helping her move the story along. I loved every minute of this book

I'm a huge fan of Janice Hallett and the format she uses for her books. Instead of narration or dialogue, her stories are told through a series of primary documents. In "The mysterious case of the Alperton Angels," the story is told through emails, text exchanges, transcripts of conversations, and excerpts from books and plays. That sounds confusing but it isn't and the story flows in an order that makes sense. Amanda and Oliver are reporters and authors who are both pursuing the story of the Alperton Angels, a cult that ended when several members died by their own hands and the leader went to prison. The three surviving members of the cult were a teenaged couple with a baby. It is 18 years later and the race is on to find the grown up baby who survived the cult. Amanda and Oliver need to work together and share research to uncover the truth behind what really happened 18 years ago. Unfortunately, everyone who gets close to the truth, dies.

My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance copy. My opinion is my own.

This new Janice Hallett novel tells a riveting and complex story of murder, deceit, con artists, double-dealing, and more. It's filled with twists and turns but hints dropped along the way made it possible for me to unravel much of - but all of - the mysterious case. The story is told through a series of emails, transcriptions of conversations, and other devices. I usually like novels of this form, but in the case of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, it detracts rather than enhances the book. Its strength is in developing the plot; its weakness is in relative lack of character development. Despite that, readers who have read Hallett's previous books as well as readers who seek complex mysteries, especially those with a small component of the supernatural, are the target audience for this novel. Recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallet!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book!

I’ve read another of Hallett’s books, The Appeal, before this and the format is the same. It’s full of transcripts of interviews, emails, and texts from the investigators of the case and it’s very easy to read and get hooked in. You see how the investigators get deeper and deeper into the conspiracies and stories and how it becomes a part of them. Is finding out the whole truth worth it in the end or is it too detriment to their livelihoods? Definitely read to find out!

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is presented as a series of "primary documents" and interviews regarding an old case of a weird cult who committed suicide after failing to kill a baby that they believed was the Antichrist. Said baby is now turning 18, making it a perfect time for true crime author Amanda Bailey to revisit the case. There are many twists and turns along the way, but even when I was barely keeping things straight, I was just having so much fun reading and trying to figure things out. I have no idea how Janice Hallett's brain works, but I'm so impressed. A great read for anyone who loves mysteries and true crime.

Thank you to @simonschuster, @AtriaBooks, and @netgalley for this copy of "The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels".

✅ cults
✅ true crime writer investigating old case
✅ unexplainable mysteries
✅ people croaking who get associated with the case

I liked the format of documents, text messages, emails, and book pages used in the investigation, but it was a little confusing in the beginning.

About halfway through, the story really started to soar (note the 'angels' pun there? 😀) and it was riveting.

While I am not always a murder mystery fan, I do enjoy Janice Hallett’s books. I liked the Appeal and The Christmas Appeal, I didn’t love The Twyford Code but I really liked The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels.
I would go so far as to say that it is my favourite book so far of hers.
The characters are likable, annoying and funny which I liked, some parts made me laugh out loud!
I like the injection of humour as we are running around trying to figure out what is actually happening and wondering if Amanda or Oliver will come to any sane conclusion.
The book gets quite convoluted in places but I do think the ending was satisfactory which is really all we need in a good mystery!