The cult that brainwashed a girl and she later contacted the police about the Alperton Angels. Amanda, a true crime writer, is writing a book years later about what really happened and finds out the truth is much stranger than reported. Interesting mystery worth reading.

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4.5 stars!

When I finished this, I just thought to myself ‘what did I just read…” but in the best way!! This was a WILD ride and I loved it all. The mixed media was an awesome way of telling this story. I remember a similar writing style from when I read this author’s The Appeal (which I also enjoyed!)

There were a few slow parts but they’re necessary for the story as it all comes together.

I would highly recommend this one!

Oh man I really enjoyed this. Hallett's book The Appeal was such a good one, and this one dug even deeper into to that style conceit, using text messages, emails, conversation recordings, and more to tell a twisty story that really had me unable to put this one down. It's a totally different take on a cult story than anything I've read before as well.

I really don't have any complaints here - this was just a great read done uniquely and well.

My thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC to review.

Amanda Bailey is hoping to revive her career as a true crime author, and what better way to do so than to cover the Alperton Angels case from 18 years earlier? After all, a lot of questions remain about the cult responsible for brainwashing a teenage girl into believing her baby was the anti-Christ, the most important question being where said baby is now.

Unfortunately for Amanda, her longtime nemesis Oliver Menzies is also covering the case for his own book, and they are going to have to collaborate. As they do their research, they realize the story is a lot more complicated than they originally thought and the deeper they dig the darker the consequences. Both find themselves consumed by their own demons as they do their research.

Like Hallett’s other works, this is an epistolary novel. Through the various emails, text, and documentation the reader is given pieces to the puzzle of the Alperton Angels case while also learning a lot about Amanda’s ruthless nature. She is willing to do whatever it takes to uncover the story, as well as get her own personal revenge on Oliver.

As a fan of Hallett’s work The Appeal (and the novella follow-up The Christmas Appeal), I was excited to read her latest. While I enjoyed it and found the plot interesting, I found The Appeal more fun to read. I think this is because The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is mostly told from Amanda’s point of view, and she is not the most likable of characters. Her need for revenge and to be the best often overshadows the mystery itself. Thankfully Ellie, Amanda’s assistant responsible for transcribing her notes, adds a bit of personality to Amanda’s ultra-serious persona, which is reminiscent of the subtle humor found in The Appeal.

Overall, while this was not my favorite of Hallett’s, this is a compelling mystery for fans of both the author and the epistolary style.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels.

I wasn't a fan of The Twyford Code so I began reading this cautiously, not sure if I would like or dislike it.

First, I'm not a fan of narratives that are written as text messages, articles, emails, chats, etc. It's not easy to organize or format and it does make for a fast read but you don't get character development, you don't know who the main characters are and what their motives are.

But, I got quickly drawn into the mystery of the Alperton angels as Amanda's investigation deepened.

The clues were there, it was confusing (in a good way) and kept me guessing.

The mystery was good, explanations made sense and the mystery resolved. Or is it?

I liked Amanda; she was dogged, determined, and tough as nails, not to mention smart and self aware. I also liked how she got back at Oliver. I do love some vengeance in the books I read.

But the purpose of the story, I think, is how fragile and vulnerable people are, that anyone can be a victim, young or old, no matter your race and gender, whether it be the butt of a practical joke gone horribly wrong or caught in the spell of a charismatic predator.

I really enjoyed this more than I expected, which is great. It's so hard to find good books to read nowadays.

In 2003, there was a cult known as the Alperton Angels. Led by a man known as Gabriel, the group believed themselves to be angels with the task of killing a baby, which they believed to be the antichrist. They end up failing their mission, and most of the group kills themselves.

Now 20 years later, journalist Amanda is working on a book where she needs to put a new spin on an old murder mystery but soon finds herself over her head and learning more than she bargained for

Janice Hallett is one of my favorite authors. I loved The Appeal and The Twyford Code even more. I love how her books present evidence for you in the form of emails and text messages for you to uncover a story. I felt like I had a hard time keeping up with everything being thrown at me at times, but Hallett typically does a good job at answering all (in this case most) of the readers questions. Overall, I did like this story about cults, charismatic readers, justice, and secrets.

Janice Hallett has done it again! This book was incredible and I couldn’t put it down.

This mixed media mystery is so twisty and turny and kept you guessing. I loved the premise of a case of evidence and it delivered. Hallett has a way of maintaining a cadence that keeps you intrigued but is never rushed. If you liked the Appeal, you’ll love this! What a tremendous third novel.

Another interesting story told through emails and text messages. There are lots of characters, views on what happened, and twists and turns that will keep you guessing.
Amanda Bailey is writing a true crime book and is looking to gather insight on the events that happened. The story is told through her interactions with those involved during the case. A look at how people remember and see things differently, and how certain stories never leave you.
It did take a bit to get into and seemed a little drawn out at times but was able to hold my attention and keep me intrigued enough.

I love all of Hallett's books and how all the pieces of information come together. It is amazing the story that can be told through text messages, emails, and transcribed meetings.
Such a good book!

Really enjoyed this book and the previous book from Janice Hallett I have read. The style its written in makes you feel like a part of the mystery and makes it such a fast read. There were plenty of twists and turns and a lot I was surprised by. Would definitely recommend 4 stars. I want to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun, twisty mystery that was difficult to put down. I loved the multimedia format of this one, and I look forward to going back to the author's backlist.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-copy.

Amanda Bailey, a crime writer is determined to find the Alperton baby. Trouble is that the baby along with two teenagers who survived a horrific mass suicide are nowhere to be found. Social services must’ve changed their names or hidden them so far away that no one who is still alive seems to be able to help Amanda. 18 years have gone by, and Amanda is only hitting dead ends. To make matters worse her publisher wants her to work with Oliver Menzies, another writer, who Amanda has a history with, and it’s also writing a book about the same story.
Amanda and Oliver, along with Ellie (a transcriber) work together to try and find a baby. Soon though the facts don’t seem to make sense, and Amanda starts to fear for her life. What really happens all those years ago and will we ever find out what happened to the baby? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
It’s a clever way of telling the story. If you read any of the authors previous books, you know it will be told through emails, texts, interviews, and messages. I did not expect how it ended. There was quite a bit more going on than I guessed. I didn’t like it as much as The Appeal, but it was still an enjoyable read.

Janice Hallet is forever an auto buy author for me. Like The Appeal, the use of mixed media to weave a story that makes you feel like you are in the book experiencing the mystery. The puzzle solving and complexity or this book was brilliant. My attention was captured from page 1.

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is a gripping tale that delves into the sinister depths of a true crime mystery. This novel, written by Janice Hallett, masterfully weaves a narrative around a notorious cult and the eerie disappearance of a mother and her child. The story revolves around Amanda Bailey, a true crime author seeking to revive her career with the Alperton Angels case. The premise is not only intriguing but also highly relevant in today's world of true crime fascination.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary true crime investigation. The author keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Amanda Bailey and her rival, Oliver Menzies, are compelled to collaborate, thrust into a labyrinth of dark secrets and unexpected twists. The complexities of their partnership add an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative.

The novel's strength lies in its ability to paint a vivid picture of the enigmatic Alperton Angels and their chilling manipulation of a vulnerable teenager. The author's portrayal of the cult's disturbing beliefs and actions is both thought-provoking and spine-tingling. Additionally, the character development of Amanda and Oliver is well-executed, making them relatable and engaging.

The gradual revelation of the Angels' secrets keeps the reader captivated, and the book masterfully blurs the line between truth and fiction. As Amanda and Oliver venture deeper into their investigation, they risk becoming entangled in the very story they seek to uncover, adding an element of danger and suspense that holds the reader's attention until the very end.

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and fans of thrilling mysteries. It offers a haunting glimpse into the darker facets of human nature and the consequences of obsession. The narrative is compelling, the characters are well-drawn, and the plot is intricately layered. This book is a compelling journey into the heart of a chilling mystery that will keep readers turning pages late into the night.

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett follows true crime author Amanda Bailey who is looking to revive her career by writing a book on the the Alperton Angels case. The Alperton Angels were a cult that 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. As Amanda and her rival 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. Everyone knows the story of the Alperton Angels,

I loved Janice Hallett's first novel, The Appeal, and thankfully I loved this book also. I really enjoy how Hallett is able to write epistolary novels that really make you question the characters intentions and motives. I recommend this for mystery readers!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amanda Bailey, former aspiring journalist now with a career in true crime, has a golden opportunity to write about the Alperton Angels. The bizarre cult ended in several deaths, a leader in prison, and two teenagers and their infant vanished into the care system. Unfortunately, Amanda's old nemesis, Oliver Menzies, turns out to be hunting the same story. An modern epistolary thriller, The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels unfolds in emails, WhatsApp messages, transcribed recordings, and excerpts from novels and scripts. This is a (mostly) fast-paced, twisty, and surprising novel that kept me guessing till the end.

The author, Janice Hallett, notes in her acknowledgements that the book was partially inspired by the story of Michelle McNamara, whose lifelong search for the man she dubbed the Golden State Killer ended with her premature death at the age of 46. Having read and loved I'll Be Gone in the Dark, written mostly by McNamara based on her extensive and meticulous research and completed by others after her death, I do see the parallels with Amanda's dogged pursuit of the truth at whatever cost. I also enjoyed the way the motives and actions of true crime enthusiasts, both the characters in the book and the readers themselves, are an integral part of the narrative.

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

3.75 🌟 I liked this book. Just like her other books I love that you receive the information through texts, emails, interviews and other interesting ways. It kept me on the edge of my seat with twists and turns and I wasn’t ever truly sure who had done it!

Janice Hallett has done it again. If you enjoyed The Appeal, you will very likely enjoy The Alperton Angels. In this new novel, all of your favorite mixed media formats (texts, WhatsApp, e-mail, etc.) come together to tell the story of the mysterious disappearance that occurred eighteen years ago of a baby who narrowly missed being the victim of a small but deadly cult. This is a twisty tale with lots of layers. I did feel like things started to bog down in the middle and get a bit repetitive, but once you reach the end of the book, everything in the story comes together– and the payoff is completely worth it! If you like creative storytelling, mysteries, and exploring the human experience, this is must-read for you.

Impossible to put down! I spent my entire work day sneaking pages and chapters until I’d read the whole thing!
Mystery and true crime lovers this book is a must read.

Janice Hallett has done it again - in an even more detailed, layered and grand way, than her previous two novels I adored. When it’s so nuanced, the reader has a tough time with noting all the characters, the red herrings, switches and mind tricks played on her by a writer who must have post its throughout her house and all up and down her arms. Written in her now familiar way, of texts, WhatsApp messages, notes, transcriptions and some narration this is a truly complex mystery with revenge and coverups at its heart. From the beginning I was amazed, I laughed, then immediately tensed, I had a brain freeze, then a brain explosion and barely slept. Thank you!