Thanj you to netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This book was incredible. What a ride.

I was so shocked and stunned like dozens of times as the cases was explained and the real truths were uncovered literally until the last page.

The mixed media method of including texts, interview transcripts, and emails, was just great! Loved it. 5/5 Highly recommend.

“𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧, 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫.”

Janice Hallett has done it again! She returns with another modern-day epistolary novel that simmers with tension.

Using the premise of a safety deposit box filled with copies of emails, text messages, audio transcripts, news reports and notes from research into a true-crime exposé on the Alperton Angels, the reader is invited alongside ‘narrator’ and true crime writer Amanda to solve what happened that deadly night. Hallett has such a skill to tell a story through unconventional means, and yet develops characters so well. Amanda is heartless and manipulative to get what she needs, yet also yearns for justice and truth. Amanda’s transcriber, Ellie, is a breath of humourous fresh air with her aside comments and remarks, and Oliver, Amanda’s frenemy, is both intriguing and dark. I love how inaccessible the case is; every avenue Amanda tries seems to have roadblocks - blocked accounts on social media, suspicious deaths of key witnesses, blocked information because of Holly and Jonah being minors at the time, which helped me get absorbed into the story and desperate to find out answers! The story becomes, much like for Amanda, Oliver and Ellie, an obsession, turning pages as Hallett drops shock after shock and ties together all the different pieces perfectly.

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is a story of manipulation, mind-control, belief, vulnerability, and betrayal. It is fun and dark tale that has sharp turns on the path to uncovering the truth. Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

Love the author's unique and creative talent of telling the story (including apps, texts, emails). Really flips novel writing on its head with not only the unique format but the many twists and turns within this mystery (within a mystery!) If you like Andy Horowitz, you will love this.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Hallett's novels keep getting more inventive and more fun. Filled with all kinds of people, most of whom seem to be outright nefarious or downright surprising- but none are truly stereotypes. I thought this mystery was a notch above the one in the Appeal, with as many twists and turns as one could hope for. Keep bringing on these semi-epistolary novels and I will keep on reading them! Four and a half addictive stars.

This was such a fun, fast-paced mystery. The opening really works well in getting you intrigued with the story. I thought at first I might not get along with the style of the writing being interviews, emails, and text messages, but I think this was really well done and made the plot move quickly. I also think the transcriber and her comments helped lead the reader through the story, point out inconsistencies, and helped with character development. It worked really well, and you could tell the author put a lot of work into formatting the story just right.

I also really liked how Hallett showcased the 'how' behind cults, the manipulation it takes, and how people no matter who they are and how smart they are can be drawn into something like this. It really is a fascinating psychology. The ending though, I wish was a bit more climactic. The tension could have been built up more, if there may have been more text messages or something to help build that scene. Instead it felt like an afterward, and kind of lessened the impact. That's the only thing that I can nit pick about this, because otherwise I really enjoyed this mystery and hope to pick up Hallett's other work. I have The Appeal on my bookshelf and am even more excited to get to it!

Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Another unconventional format mystery from Janice Hallett, told exclusively in the form of text messages, emails, and interview transcripts. The conceit of this one is that true crime author Amanda is writing a book on an infamous case from 18 years before - that of the Alperton Angels, where famously several cult members killed themselves in a ritual suicide while two teenagers who had been living with them escaped with the baby that the cult had told them was the antichrist - or so the story goes. Now, Amanda is conducting research for a new book while her rival Oliver is working on a competing book - and they are digging up a lot of mysteries along the way.

This book was seriously wild - started out very confusing but ended up with an ending that was both completely unpredictable while still making perfect sense - to the point I finished and almost wanted to re-read immediately now that I knew all the revelations from the book! I seriously could not put it down and just tore through it!

Janice Hallett has quickly become one of my favorite mystery writers. I was drawn in initially by the book covers and her use of mixed media, but I keep reading for the well-plotted mysteries. The Appeal and The Twyford Code were great, but The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels was incredible. Hallet gets better with every book.

Alperton Angels grabbed me from page one. I instantly wanted to find out what was going on. I found the characters interesting, unlikeable, and unreliable, which I love in a mystery. The mystery was intriguing and got more interesting as it went along. The ending was satisfying.

I will note that Hallett's books are slow and subtle. They require patience. What I like most about Hallett's writing, beyond the use of mixed media (which she excels at), is how tightly plotted her mysteries are. No matter how hard I concentrate, I never figure it all out, which I love. I love how subtle the twists are and how everything comes together. I have actual a-ha moments. Her books are for lovers of puzzles and codes, and I eat them up.

I highly recommend Hallett's books via audio. However, I usually read along with the audio for the first 15 to 20% of the book to get situated with the story and the characters. The mixed media can be confusing at first when I don't see it with my eyes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was such an interesting read to me from the way it was written literally like how it looked to the shift in perspectives. I don't know if I have ever read a book like it before. The style is mostly conversations that have been transcribed or through text messages as well as a tv script. I was thinking it would be a solid 4 stars until the end which I did not agree with. It happened a little too suddenly- I actually had to re-read the conversation to make sure I hadn't missed something.

Amanda Bailey, true crime author extraordinarie, is on a new assignment. She is going to crack the case of the Alperton Angels. You know the case of the cult back in the early 2000s that involved true archangels on Earth kidnapping a baby that was the AntiChrist. There are a lot of gray areas involving this case. Where is the baby now? Why won't the Archangel that called himself Gabriel speak to anyone in jail? Where are the two teens that were roped into this scheme in the first place? What really happened that night?

Her old colleague, who unbeknownst to him semi ruined her life, is also working this case. They are now working the case together and writing novels from different angels. They get to meet a lot of fun characters throughout the book and help jog their memory on what happened during this whole ordeal, and the more they uncover the more questions they have. Like where did the baby come from in the first place? How were these kids recruited to the angels? Why was there a case of another teenage Holly hanging out with Gabriel from the 90s? Which one of the authors will find out the truth first?

I liked how the story came together, and despite it being written unlike anything I have read I enjoyed the plot. But the end was just too off script for me. At the end of the day, this was a case that was shrouded in mystery and misdirection. I didn't see how it would unravel until it did.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

NetGalley ARC

I judged this book by its cover and expected a cozy mystery. Boy was I wrong! Amanda Bailey is writing a true crime book about the Alperton Angels, a case which included a cult, mas murder and a missing baby who may be the anti-Christ. Because of the notoriety of this case, Amanda, a seasoned writer, has to work with her old colleague and novice Oliver Menzies.

As Amanda digs into the case, she and Oliver diverge on their book concepts, Amanda focusing on the actual police case, and Oliver is on the Anti Christ angle. The Amanda goes, the more danger she is in.

The story is told via WhatsApp conversations, news stories, notes and book excerpts. While the pace was slow in the middle, the end packs a punch.

Janice Hallett’s ingenious new thriller, THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF THE ALPERTON ANGELS, could be the beginning of a new form of storytelling. Using only correspondence, WhatsApp messages, interviews, research, emails, and news clippings, Hallett’s narrative never falters. She invites the reader to be an amateur detective. Hallett begins with a hair-raising choice. A safety deposit box contains all the documents and research about the case, and we are told that we must read all the contents and then decide to…

EITHER:

REPLACE THE DOCUMENTS AND THE BOX, THEN THROW THE KEY WHERE IT WILL NEVER BE FOUND…

OR

TAKE EVERYTHING TO THE POLICE

Who can refuse? We first join journalist Amanda Bailey in an email exchange with her agent. Amanda is tired of writing about crime and wants to write a novel. Her agent, however, dangles the idea of writing about the Alperton Angels cult from a different angle for a new series of crime books. The Alperton Angel cult once believed a baby born to one of its members would grow up to destroy humankind. They planned to sacrifice the baby, but their plans were thwarted, the baby was rescued, and the cult committed mass suicide.

How about finding the Alperton Angel’s baby who is now eighteen? What happened to the child over the years? Does it know its history? Amanda is hooked. Wouldn’t readers love to read about that?

Unfortunately, Oliver Menzies, an old associate of Amanda’s, plans to write a book from the same angle. Amanda is furious. The only solution their agents can see is for the two of them to join forces. Amanda can’t stand Oliver. He’s a practical joker, uncooperative, and not good at his job. Amanda can dish it out almost as good as she gets, making the competition fierce. Ellie, Amanda’s good friend, confidante, and transcriber of audio interviews, keeps her sane and writes her thoughts on the transcribed pages.

One of the people Amanda and Oliver most desire to talk with is Gabriel, the leader of the cult who survived the mass suicide and is in prison for the death of an Asian man. Gabriel’s voice—ask anyone—mesmerizes. Even Oliver, who nabs the interview with Gabriel, falls under his spell.

The story misdirects and takes sharp twists as the investigation leads to retired detectives and social workers, screenwriters and producers of documentaries on the cult, social media amateur detectives, online murder clubs, true crime fanatics, authors of books about the cult, a monastery, and the site of the suicides in Alperton NW London.

Amanda and Oliver soon find that much of the old case findings doesn’t add up. The closer they get to finding the “baby,” the more dangerous it becomes. People they contact who have information die in house fires that destroy their files or in accidents. Who is this grown-up baby? What really happened with the cult? Why was the Asian man killed? What aren’t people telling them? Why are their contacts dying? Amanda’s friend Ellie fears for her safety and rightly so.

THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF THE ALPERTON ANGELS went right to the top of my favorite books of all time. Every character felt real and substantive, even with its form of storytelling. Amanda and Oliver viciously compete, and you know they have a “history.” Ellie acts as the voice of reason for the impulsive, driven Amanda. Even though the book has a long list of characters, many of them minor, all of them feel necessary to the telling of the story and to the plot, an amazing feat of writing.

The book could be called a murder mystery, a procedural, a suspenseful puzzle, a cult thriller, and a cold-case crime story, but it falls squarely in the noir category with its two detective journalists, its dark underpinnings about today’s culture, and an ending that stabs you in the gut.

Thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Janice Hallett for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

This book! Ugh - so good! One of my favourite types of books to read are epistolary. Hallett takes this style to the next level. There is something so incredibly fascinating about an author who is able to tell a story and develop characters only through the use of emails, texts, newspapers etc.

Thank you to NetGalley & Atria Books for a copy of this book!

Janice Hallett does it again! While I thought it started a little slow, I got sucked right into this book! Written in the same unique style as Janice's other books, The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is told through a series of emails, texts, news articles, and book chapter excerpts. This makes it such a quick and fun read.

While it can be a little confusing, we're learning the facts at the same time as our main character, Amanda. You see her get mislead and confused about the information, same as you may be. There's lies, there's fiction, there's conspiracies all leading to the actual truth about the Alperton Angels.

I've read all of Janice's other books and I would rank this #2 (The Appeal, Alperton Angels, The Christmas Appeal, Twyford Code), but have had a lot of fun reading them all. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Read. This. Book!

I couldn’t put this book down and it kept me up too late at night. Crime writer Amanda is investigating the case of the Alperton Angels, a cult from the early 2000’s who committed suicide after they failed to kill an infant they believed was the Antichrist.

Epistolary novels are a favorite of mine and this was one of the best ones I’ve read! Through texts, emails, excerpts from book/screenplays, news article and WhatsApp messages, the mixed media really brought this story together.

The characters are really well developed and Ellie, the assistant was one of my favorites and definitely one of the smartest! The plot is twisty and complex, which I love, but be warned- you need to pay attention. Too often I found myself going back in the book to refresh my memory around plot points given in a certain interview or conversation as I tried to guess where this story was headed. I thought the ending was great and really brought everything back full circle.

This is one not to be missed and I am so glad I was able to read this with some great friends as we played amateur slueths🙂

THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF THE ALPERTON ANGELS is a fictional true-crime investigation with an ending I am still reeling over. With her unique style, Hallett compiles various formats of our character's research to carefully construct a multilayered mystery.

There was something about this story. It is downright addictive. When I wasn’t reading the book, I was thinking about it. Personally, I believe it is the blend of exploration into the Alperton Angels cult, the relationships Amanda has, and the realness Amanda Bailey’s character brings to it all. I wasn’t sure how it would all come together, but it did. The mystery of what happened is revealed one fact at a time. Reading Amanda’s emails, interviews, and messages, allows the reader to feel as if you are right there. What she learns, we learn. And yet, there is also the distinctively personal side of our true crime writer seeping into the narrative. All bringing it to an entertaining and surprising ending.

THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF THE ALPERTON ANGELS takes the best of what we all love about true crime, the investigation, and still manages to showcase intriguing, flawed, and honest characters throughout. With this book, Hallett has converted me into a fan.

Reader’s Note: I will be honest. I have tried and failed to read one of this author’s books before. I don’t know if it was the timing or if I wasn’t ready to read a book with this type of formatting, but I didn’t finish. And yet, when I got this book in the mail, something told me to keep going. And boy am I glad I did. I loved it so much that I am going to go back and try to read Hallett’s other books.

I loved the format of this book, it was really fun to read and to see the differences in people's perceptions of the same events. The story and subject matter were interesting, although confusing at points near the end. I would highly recommend this.

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is a very well written and cleverly constructed standalone mystery by Janice Hallett. Released 23rd Jan 2023 by Simon & Schuster on their Atria imprint, it's 432 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in 3rd quarter 2024 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

The author is well known for her multimedia style of writing. Readers are given the key to a fictive safe deposit box full of letters and other materials and tasked with solving a decades old true crime case of a religious cult suicide alongside the investigative journalist protagonist. A rival journalist is on the same trail, trying to locate a baby who is now 18 years old and interviewed, if successfully found.

The format of the mystery is very challenging, and readers might struggle for immersion. This one is also -very- character heavy with a large cast, and there are some difficulties with keeping them all straight. That being said, once the book achieves liftoff, it's an engaging and surprisingly cleverly constructed puzzle.

Three and a half stars. This would be a good candidate for a mystery book club read/discussion, public library acquisition, and home use. It's a very oddly formatted book, but readable and engaging after a while (the first third is something of a slog).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Janice Hallet writes mysteries that have multiple viewpoints, multiple plotlines, and deserve multiple stars!
In this, we read the WhatsApp messages, emails, and recording transcriptions of two vying true crime authors, each seeking to break open the aftermath of a cult murder from 18 years ago. The truth is labyrinthine, with each author reaching out to connect new information, old memories and track down the lone survivor who is not in prison.

What is truth?
What is conspiracy?
What is loyalty?

These questions and more come up time and time again, peeling back layers of info to make you wonder what is the just thing to do. Superb!

At first, I didn't know what to think of this book. It's about a true crime author and her research. The whole book is written in a format of text messages and transcribed interviews. Takes a little while to get used to, but it didn't stop me from enjoying this book! The lengths that people go to for revenge, and how it leads to their own downfall. Highly recommend!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.

I really enjoyed The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett. This is the second book I've read from this author and this was even better than the first. I really loved the mixed media epistolary style and found the story itself very engaging. This would have been a five star read for me except that I found the ending a bit rushed.

Highly recommend it! Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced read!