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The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels–strange mystery
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels
By Janice Hallett
This work of fiction is about a true crime writer investigating a closed case that she thinks worth exploring as does her publisher. It turns out to be a complicated story that did not appeal to me for several reasons.
First, it appears to be a twenty-first version of epistolary text. Instead of traditional letters, it bounces back and forth between, text messages, transcribed interviews and phone calls, and pages torn from fictional books purportedly written about the “Alperton Angels.” This is a cult that weirdly seems to want to protect a certain baby to later sacrifice it because it is the antichrist. As I am not fond of epistolary writing, I found that aspect particularly unappealing. At 25% I almost didn’t finish, but I plugged on thinking it would get better. It didn’t.
Second, there was not a single character that I liked in The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels. They were all lying and deceptive people. Full of mixed motivations, none of them were people I wanted to know, root for, or care about in any way. Perhaps for the right reader this would be appealing, but it just didn’t work for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Rating: 3/5
Category: Thriller, Crime, Fiction
Notes: Epistolary
Publication: January 23, 2024—Simon & Schuster
Memorable Lines:
“Take away talk of angels and demons and you’re left with a very depressing but nonetheless run-of-the-mill story.”
“Electrical and magnetic energy are invisible but we know they exist, right? They can be stored and released at will. Could the force of evil, of negativity, generate an energy that is similarly controlled?”
“He was a lifelong fraudster but needed someone young, pliable, and with no police record to take all the risks.”
The Last Agent–suspenseful spy novel
The Last Agent
by Robert Dugoni
Oddly, I have watched many more spy movies than I have read spy books. Robert Dugoni’s The Last Agent is a great pathway for me into the world of spy novels. It is part of a series in that Charles Jenkins is the main character in the series that bears his name. Although the characters are important to the story, appreciating the book is not predicated on having read others in the series. This book is a fine example of a story that is so engaging, so complex, that the plot stands on its own merits.
Charlie Jenkins is a retired spy, forced out by his own organization. He tries to enjoy rural life with his much younger wife and two young children. When opportunity knocks at his door, however, Charlie answers with minimal hesitation. This assignment is especially appealing because it gives him the chance to help Paulina who sacrificed herself so that he could return to his family. An extremely strong double agent mentally, she is questioned relentlessly with physical and psychological torture by Russians who want to know the identity of certain assets.
Charlie is supposed to engineer her escape from an impenetrable prison and see her to the U.S. and freedom. She is in an extremely compromised physical condition and is heavily guarded. Getting her out would take a lot of skill and planning along with a dose of good luck. The Russians want her information badly and have the advantage of Putin’s extensive “Big Brother” network of cameras. Fortunately, Charlie has support from his handlers with assets all over Europe and a huge bank account that gives him leverage with a former Russian agent.
There are so many intricate steps in achieving the various goals along the way. Not everything goes smoothly so a lot of improvisation is required. Hideous weather both hinders and helps. Disguises and unusual means of transportation are called into play. I guarantee this book is a page turner that will keep you reading way past “lights out.”
I would like to extend my thanks to NetGalley and to Thomas & Mercer for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5/5
Category: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thriller (Spy)
Notes: #2 in The Charles Jenkins Series, but I read it as a standalone with no problems understanding or enjoying it.
Publication: September 22, 2020—Thomas & Mercer
Memorable Lines:
His anger spiked; he couldn’t believe the agency that had allowed him to be tried for espionage now had the audacity to seek his help.
You Americans are too impatient. It is your consumerism. You want everything now. This minute. You must learn Russian patience. We must take the first step before we take the second.”
Viktor Federov knew well that Big Brother had returned to Russia, though the method of spying—once Russians reporting on fellow Russians—now employed computer technology cameras, and cell phones.
education pathways 