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 ❤️

We’re back with another mystery that’s told entirely through interview transcripts, chat messages, emails, scrips and book extracts! Something about this format just tickles my brain and really had me engaged with the narrative as well as adding some extra fun, I think, because you have to engage in a little bit of detective work yourself to read between the lines!

I never thought I’d say that I have an auto-buy author for crime/thriller/mystery books but here we are. Seriously, I’m so picky about this genre of novel, but ever since The Appeal was our BOTM and I read it…I pick up every single one of Hallett’s books and I’m yet to be disappointed.

While each book has a unique narrative and unique ways to convey the mystery, each one has quite a different vibe to it so they’re all unique in their own right!

With The Alperton Angels, nothing seems to be that out of the ordinary other than the cult they’re investigating, but there’s an increasing sense of something just being…off. Especially considering the uncanny coincidences mentioned and it wasn’t long before I was theorising and I have to say: Hallett got me again.

I binge read this in like 3 days, although unlike the previous book I didn’t spend a hot minute genuinely thinking something supernatural was going on! As a firm sceptic, I could see the manipulations from certain individuals but I felt like it just added to watching Oliver’s spiral.

My theory kept changing and evolving as I was reading and like I said, I feel like I engage more with the way these books are narrated because it seems like a more tangible, solvable puzzle than your average mystery novel! Once the pieces start to slide into place, though? I was screeching as it all came together because I didn’t really see it coming! Plus the injustice didn’t sit right with me, but sometimes things are a little grey!

Oliver’s journey from sceptic to believer was actually quite intriguing and it was honestly quite easy to see just how that kind of thing happens. How you get lured in and manipulated and such, and the conditions that contribute to it. However, I did have my suspicions towards the end about whether or not he was as enraptured as he seemed, but it just added to the suspense!

Generally though, I actually considered him a bit of a nasty piece of work. Especially once it was revealed what he’d done, and I was firmly on Amanda’s side! Even if she did go too far to solve it at the risk of her own personal safety! I feel like she and Oliver are another grey area really because neither of them were angels (no pun intended), you can see how fake Amanda could be through her correspondence but there were also glimmers of a good person.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that, even if I did choose a side, Hallett writes characters that are very real and easy to relate to because they make mistakes and aren’t perfect just like everyone else!

In any case, this was another brilliantly twisty mystery that’s hard to put down and I can’t wait to see what comes next! Hallett provides something unique and different each time, with an unusual narrative style that hooks me in!

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels

Open the safe deposit box. Inside you will find research material for a true crime book. You must read the documents, then make a decision. Will you destroy them? Or will you take them to the police?

I was so nervous going into this book as I adored The Appeal but hated The Twyford Code so I didn't know what to expect but i think I loved this even more than The Appeal it was so brilliantly put together and I just couldn't put it down. Janice Hallett format is taking Mystery stories to a whole new level. Also the research that must have gone into this book deserves 5 stars on its own ! Highly recommend picking this book up immediately! 🥰

Thank you to Netgalley, Viper Books and Janice Hallett for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest Review

Well written, addictive and unpredictable. This is a book I have really enjoyed and devoured. i definitely want to read more from this author. Full Review to follow.

this is my favourite book by the author so far!

i was absolutely encapsulated by the book, and it’s been a long time since i stayed up later than expected because i couldn’t put the book down. especially towards the end where the case unravels, i could feel my heart beating!

the concept of two journalists investigating a cold case about a cult, the death of 4 of its members, and the survival of a baby born into it captured my curiosity instantly.

i don’t want to say too much incase i accidentally spoil anything (or give you a clue), but i would highly recommend this one!

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is a dark, twisty mystery and I loved how the puzzle pieces slowly slotted into place. The author provided a steady drip of information and just as I thought I’d figured out what was going on, another twist was thrown at me.

It’s dark and creepy in places, but also really witty and humorous in others. I wasn’t expecting to be so drawn in but I loved how the tension gradually built. The plot was well paced and I felt like I raced through the book.

I loved the format and the whole story felt so authentic. I almost believed there was a real life case of the Alperton Angels. I think the format of the book really added to the authenticity.

It’s safe to say I loved this book. It was clever, ambitious and so incredibly gripping. I now can’t wait to read Janice Hallett’s previous novels.

My full review can be found at:

https://mmbbookblog.com/the-mysterious-case-of-the-alperton-angels-review-janice-hallett/

This is the first book I have read by this author but definitely won’t be the last. Janice Hallett is now an auto it author. I couldn’t read this book quick enough and looked forward to picking it back up.

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

Hands down the most ambitious and innovative mystery novel I've read in the last few years. I missed the author's previous two books, but after finishing this one I immediately added them to my TBR.

I'm simply flabbergasted by how the author pulled this off. A complex plot, with well-developed characters, completely told through mixed-media? It seems like an impossible task, so hats off to Janice Hallett for making it work.

Amanda Bailey is a true crime novelist who gets approached to write an updated book on the almost 20-year-old case of the Alperton Angels, which involved ritualistic murders and a cult led by a man claiming to be the Archangel Gabriel. There was also a baby somehow involved in all of it. Amanda's tasked with finding the baby, now presumably an adult, but the more she pulls on whichever thread she can find, the more convoluted the entire case becomes. On top of that, a former colleague of Amanda is trying to steal her scoop by looking for the Alperton baby too. They reluctantly agree to work together, but their history might only complicate things even further.

This story grabbed me tight and didn't let go for almost two days until I had finished it. If I could have gone without food and sleep, it wouldn't have taken me quite that long to finish it. Holy hell, this book is one giant wild ride. Because the story is told through the medium of interview transcripts, emails, text messages, newspaper articles, etc. etc. it never really felt like I was reading a particularly long book. I flew through the book and reached the conclusion before I fully realised it. And I was left speechless. Once I had regained speech, the only word I could utter was "wow". What a phenomenal story. It actually stopped feeling like fiction at a certain point, and I was convinced I could go online and look up the details of the case.

Please, Janice Hallett, keep writing books like this. I desperately need them.

Incredible! I love the format of this authors books, it’s a different and interesting way to tell a story - especially a mystery. Very gripping, complex and an absolute must read.