The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels

Author: Janice Hallett
Genre: Crime Fiction, Thriller
416 pages
Publisher: Viper, 2023

Synopsis
Everyone knows the story of the Alperton Angels: the cult who 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.

Now, true crime author Amanda Bailey is looking to revive her career by writing a book on the case. The Alperton baby has turned eighteen; finding them will be the scoop of the year. But rival author Oliver Menzies is just as smart, better connected, and also on the baby’s trail.

As Amanda and 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.

My review
The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett is a gripping crime fiction suspense novel that took me by surprise in all the best ways. With its intricate plot, complex layers, multiple timelines, and a cast of compelling characters, it presents a tantalizing puzzle waiting to be unraveled. Hallett has truly perfected the mixed-media format, replacing traditional narrative with a unique blend of emails, WhatsApp messages, transcripts, newspaper articles, book excerpts, letters, and even a partial screenplay. The creative structure added an exciting and engaging dimension to the story, but it was the intriguing plot that captivated me from start to finish. The unpredictability of the twists and turns made it an absolute joy to read.

I was amazed by how well I got to know Amanda, the main protagonist and true-crime writer, despite the entire story being told through various forms of correspondence. Oliver offers a fascinating perspective on how someone can become deeply entrenched in a belief, which, in the age of conspiracy theories, felt particularly relevant. I absolutely loved Ellie Cooper, the transcriber, whose witty side comments added plenty of comic relief. But, as the story reminds us, people aren’t always what they seem. They lie, conceal their true intentions, and are shaped by their own histories and motives, often hidden beneath the surface. This novel is rich with layers and complex characters, constantly steering the story in unexpected directions. To my surprise, I never saw that ending coming.

I’d be hard pressed to find fault with this novel. Every interview, message, email, transcript, and excerpt played a meaningful role in the narrative, with not a single word wasted. Watching the story unfold in this unique style was an absolute delight, and I was amazed at how much depth and insight I gained into each character through this approach. Rather than relying on traditional plot twists, the story shifts the reader’s perception of what it’s truly about. Additionally, the eerie, quasi-supernatural elements tied to the cult’s unexplained events add an extra layer of intrigue.

The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels is an engrossing novel that explores themes of trust, manipulation, deceit, and the lengths people will go to hold onto their beliefs. It’s as much a story of deception, resentment, and professional rivalry as it is a crime novel. The narrative was clever and unpredictable, and thoroughly enjoyable to read!

My recommendation: read it!