From the cover
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?
Everyone knows the story of the Alperton Angels: the cult-like group who were convinced one of their member’s babies was the anti-Christ, and they had a divine mission to kill it – until the baby’s mother, Holly, came to her senses and called the police. The Angels committed suicide rather than go to prison, and Holly – and the baby – disappeared into the care system.
Nearly two decades later, true-crime author Amanda Bailey is writing a book on the Angels. The Alperton baby has turned eighteen and can finally be interviewed – if Amanda can find them, it will be the true-crime scoop of the year, and will save her flagging career. But rival author Oliver Menzies is just as smart, better connected, and is also on the baby’s trail.
As Amanda and Oliver are forced to collaborate, they realise that what everyone thinks they know about the Angels is wrong, and the truth is something much darker and stranger than they’d ever imagined.
This story is far from over – and it won’t have a happy ending.
An easy four stars for me
I took advantage of a rare sunny day yesterday (what a dismal August this is turning out to be) and read this one pretty much from cover to cover! I think this has to be Hallett’s best book yet.
If you’ve read either of Janice Hallett’s other two books (The Appeal and The Twyford Code) you will be aware that her style is somewhat unique. This is no exception. Told through emails, text messages and transcripts, the reader is taken on a journey through true-crime writer Amanda Bailey’s search for the baby at the heart of a horrific crime eighteen years in the past. As she investigates the story of the Alperton Angels, a seemingly cult-like group, she finds that nothing is as it seems, and that investigating too deeply could lead to mortal danger! Amanda is forced to join forces with Oliver Menzies, fellow crime writer and long-time foe in order to hunt down the baby and any other survivors of the Alperton Angels massacre.
The writing is excellent and lack of third person narration does not hinder the storytelling, not does it fail to create a fantastic sense of place throughout the novel. I loved Amanda’s character and her sheer determination to get to the truth. Her relationship with Oliver was complex and tragic – in a way that I did not expect. No spoilers here! Ellie’s comments in the transcripts were hilarious and added a lighthearted edge to the book, as did the texts between Amanda and Oliver at times, when the subject matter had the potential to become engulfing and overwhelming. The crime at the centre of the plot is not for the faint-hearted, and this dark humour gave a much-needed escape that was essential.
I give this book 4 stars. Although everything was really cleverly woven together, I couldn’t fully forgive Amanda for her revenge but ultimately, that all leads to the tragic end. I have to stress, though, that this is an intensely clever book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to fans of crime fiction. Having read the other books, I knew what to expect in terms of the writing style – it does take a little time to get used to, but is totally immersive. I’m looking forward to Janice Hallett’s next book – I understand there is a special Christmas book coming out this year which she launched at Harrogate a few weeks back. Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky enough to receive an invite to the party!
I was lucky to find a paperback version of this book at 66 Book Club when I visited at the weekend and, thanks to their wonderful discount, I only paid £4.50 for it!
Gin and Bookish 
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