The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is the latest novel by Janice Hallett, released in 2023.
Janice Hallett is the bestselling author of thrillers such as The Appeal and The Twyford Code.
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. It was also a Sunday Times bestseller and a Financial Times book of the year.
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Plot
True-crime author Amanda Bailey is attempting to write a book about a twenty year old mysterious case, known as the Alperton Angels.
The Alperton Angels were a cult who brainwashed a teenage girl and convinced her that her newborn baby was the anti-Christ. Three members of this cult were found dead, whilst a fourth body was found in a nearby flat. It was believed that the girl came to her senses, called the police and The Angels committed suicide rather than stand trial. Meanwhile mother and baby disappeared into the care system.
Amanda Bailey is writing the book nearly two decades later. The mysterious Alperton baby will now be 18 and can finally be interviewed. Amanda is determined to find the baby before anyone else, hoping that the exclusive scoop will revive her struggling career.
However Amanda is forced to join forces with rival writer Oliver Menzies who is also looking for the baby. As Amanda and Oliver delve further into the case, they realise everything they thought they knew was wrong.
The story of the Alperton Angels is far from over.
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels Book Review
Janice Hallett has become synonymous with a epistolary style of writing. As with her previous novels, the story is told via emails, articles, audio transcriptions and letters. It’s such an unconventional storytelling method but it really works.
It’s incredible how the characters can come alive when their stories are told through a mixed-media format but the author manages it expertly.
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. The format of the book definitely 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.
Has Janice Hallett written any other novels?
Janice Hallett has also written:
- The Appeal
- The Christmas Appeal
- The Twyford Code
- The Examiner
What to read next
If you enjoyed The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, I’d definitely suggest reading more Janice Hallett, such as The Appeal and The Twyford Code. You may also enjoy The Girls by Lisa Jewell and The Girls Who Disappeared by Claire Douglas.
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I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.