Description
*** THE SMASH HIT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER *** *** THE GENRE-BUSTING RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK *** *** A GUARDIAN BEST BOOK OF YEAR *** *** AN OBSERVER BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR *** *** A TELEGRAPH BEST SUMMER BOOK OF THE YEAR *** 'The queen of tricksy crime' - SUNDAY TIMES 'Her best so far' - MARIAN KEYES 'Another resounding success' - DAILY EXPRESS 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 sad story of the Alperton Angels: the cult who brainwashed a teenage girl and convinced her that her newborn baby was the anti-Christ. Believing they had a divine mission to kill the infant, they were only stopped when the girl came to her senses and called the police. The Angels committed suicide rather than stand trial, while mother and 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. The truth is something much darker and stranger than they'd ever imagined. And the story of the Alperton Angels is far from over. From the bestselling author of The Appeal and The Twyford Code comes a stunning new mystery for fans of Richard Osman and S.J. Bennett, that shot straight into the Sunday Times bestseller list in January 2023. The devil is in the detail...
The new mystery phenomenon from the bestselling author of The Appeal and The Twyford Code
About the Author
Janice Hallett studied English at UCL, and spent several years as a magazine editor, winning two journalism awards. She is the bestselling author of The Appeal (a Sunday Times bestseller, Waterstones Thriller of the Month, the Sunday Times Crime Book of the Year and winner of the CWA Debut Dagger Award) and the Sunday Times bestseller The Twyford Code. She lives in West London.
Reviews
What is remarkable is Hallett's ability to make her characters come alive... combined with her undoubted skill as a plotter, this places Hallett's books in the rare category of rereadable whodunnits * Telegraph *
What a treat to be back in a world created by the machiavellian Janice Hallett ... Another cracking mystery from a highly original author * Observer *
A cunningly wrought puzzle with a nice streak of black humour * Mail on Sunday *
There is no one better at drip-feeding information, heightening tension and springing surprises * The Times (star pick) *
Janice Hallett, the author of The Appeal and The Twyford Code, is on a roll... [A] quirky, clever tale * The Times (Best Books of 2023) *
I'm agog at the skill with which Hallett uses her unconventional storytelling method, not just in unfolding the plot and springing surprises, but in building up memorable characters. Character and plot, wit and creepiness, are all in perfect balance. It's another resounding success * Daily Express *
Undeniably clever and captivating, and delivers a brilliant twist that will delight fans of her previous books * Sunday Express *
A gripping read, which keeps the reader guessing until the last page * Independent *
As ever, the author's control of the material is masterly * Guardian *
Hallett's gripping novel dares the reader to beat Amanda to the dark and twisted truth * Daily Mail *
Sharp humour and playfulness entertainingly coexist * Financial Times *
The indefatigable Janice Hallett is back with another ingenious-sounding brain twister * Metro *
Hallett structures her novels as dossiers of found documents, transcripts and other evidence, leaving the reader to try to find the real story among unreliable narrators' statements. That process appeals to the journalist in me, which might explain why I read about 80 percent of this in a single sitting. It clearly also appeals to a lot of other people * New York Times *
Mind-meltingly complicated, fiendishly well plotted, replete with delicious snark about publishing, clear-eyed and very funny about cold-blooded writerly ambition ... In its assured dexterity and exuberance, it is a bravura performance * Irish Times *
God bless Janice Hallett and her especially twisty thrillers that, if you work even a shred of detail out, you feel amazing. Her third novel is brilliant * Belfast Telegraph (Book of the Month) *
The author has garnered many fans since her debut The Appeal, and this will delight them... Featuring two true crime writers battling it out to get the best scoop, a cult, and mysteries galore, this had me obsessed * Prima *
A richly rewarding, blisteringly clever read that raises questions about human gullibility in all its forms, while still moving forward propulsively * Reader's Digest *
A gripping read to the very last * The i *
A must-read for anyone who loves a good Netflix doco or podcast on cults and conspiracy theorists * Red *
Another clever mystery from the author of The Appeal * Good Housekeeping *
Such an original concept you can't help but be fully absorbed in trying to solve the mystery * Yours Magazine *
Many-layered, highly complex, and imaginative... Hallett shocks readers with satisfying twists and a dark, unpredictable ending * Kirkus *
Hallett's fans and newcomers alike will relish this brilliantly constructed and eminently satisfying mystery * Publishers Weekly *
Stylish fiction that also stands as a cautionary tale about what can happen when a writer gets too close to her subject * Toronto Star *
Her best so far... Deeply intriguing, warm and so much fun -- Marian Keyes, author of AGAIN, RACHEL
It's not enough to say that this book is fascinating, gripping and clever. It's an astonishing piece of work. Janice Hallett is playing a different ball game to the rest of us -- Ian Moore, author of DEATH AND CROISSANTS
The queen of the narrative twist. She takes the conventions of the modern mystery novel and upends them as Christie did. And the themes of this book are haunting -- S.J. Bennett, author of THE WINDSOR KNOT
Hallett has made the epistolary crime novel her own. An engaging crime tale using her unique narrative style. Inventive, absorbing and hotly anticipated by her legion of fans -- Vaseem Khan, author of THE UNEXPECTED INHERITANCE OF INSPECTOR CHOPRA
Janice Hallett has done it again. Engrossing from the very first page, it's deviously clever and as charming as it is chilling -- Tom Hindle, author of A FATAL CROSSING
Hooked me in completely... It's travelled with me to work, to the dentist's and even up a couple of mountains! A real treasure trove of a read -- J.M. Hall, author of A SPOONFUL OF MURDER
Compelling, unputdownable, filled with Hallett's trademark fierce intelligence and kindness, this is the most intricate, spellbinding and befuddling mystery I have read in years -- Catriona Ward, author of THE LAST HOUSE ON NEEDLESS STREET
Fantastic. Keeps the 'found footage' narrative structure that Hallett does so well and injects some real darkness into it -- Tariq Ashkanani, author of WELCOME TO COOPER
Trade mark brilliant. I loved the witty story telling, that mix of text, the layered plotting, the characters both unreliable and highly engaging. And that quiet wing beat of evil driving the story ... Extremely clever, compelling and very chilling -- Jane Shemilt, author of THE PATIENT
Janice at her absolute best - an intricate and surprising plot which keeps you turning the pages, interspersed with gentle but laugh out loud humour. I absolutely loved it - my favourite Janice Hallett book yet -- Catherine Cooper, author of THE CHALET
Hallett continues to evolve the modern detective novel. Absolutely gripping -- Greg Buchanan, author of SIXTEEN HORSES
Smart, witty and menacing - everything you want from a mystery. Utterly brilliant! -- Marion Todd, author of OLD BONES LIE
Agatha Christie has found her heir. A genius premise. A perfect puzzle. Crime fiction fans will not want to miss this one! -- Victoria Selman, author of TRULY, DARKLY, DEEPLY
A unique and completely immersive novel about manipulation, and seeking the truth at all costs. An absolute triumph in storytelling -- L.V. Matthews, author of THE TWINS
I loved The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels. It's fresh, whip-smart, dark and intriguing with a brilliant, compelling heroine. Janice Hallett is surely the queen of the brain-twisting, just-one-more-page mystery novel -- Gilly Macmillan, author of THE NANNY
Constantly surprising, witty and fresh. I really enjoyed it! -- Emma Curtis, author of ONE LITTLE MISTAKE
Compulsive, dark, twisty and unputdownable. A work of true genius, masterfully plotted, funny and unique -- Sarah J. Harris, author of THE COLOUR OF BEE LARKHAM'S MURDER
Sinister and utterly compelling -- Andrew Wilson, author of A TALENT FOR MURDER
Hallett has done it again! Brilliant, clever, and will have you hooked and guessing throughout -- Charlotte Levin, author of IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU
It knocked me sideways. Just as brilliant as you would expect from Janice Hallett. Twisty as a labryinth and so gripping I cancelled plans to finish it -- Sophie Irwin, author of A LADY'S GUIDE TO FORTUNE-HUNTING
A clever, complex epistolary novel with explores our fascination with true crime, cults and storytelling itself -- Brian McGilloway, author of GALLOWS LANE
Janice Hallett is a murder mystery mastermind. A new Agatha Christie for the modern age. This book is sure to grow her already considerable cult following -- A. J. West, author of THE SPIRIT ENGINEER
I absolutely loved it. A brilliantly crafted proper mystery, I couldn't put it down -- Lisa Hall, author of THE PARTY
Is anyone telling stories quite like Janice Hallett? It feels interactive, with readers invited to solve the mystery alongside the brilliantly tenacious protagonist. Intricate, funny and a total page-turner -- Amanda Block, author of THE LOST STORYTELLER
Hallett is a wording wizard. Her storytelling ability is enviable. Characters whom I loved very quickly and intrigue are the beating heart of this book. -- J.M. Hewitt, author of THE OTHER SON
What a switchback ride it is! The big twist made me drop my book but there are so many smaller shocks along the way. I enjoyed it hugely! -- Hope Adams, author of DANGEROUS WOMEN
Janice Hallett dials her brilliance up yet another notch, exploiting the compulsive readability and inherent slipperiness of her chosen form to dazzling effect -- Leonora Nattrass, author of BLACK DROP
I was absolutely mesmerised by The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels - stupendously clever, but also brilliant fun, with characters that just jump off the page -- Frances Quinn, author of THAT BONESETTER WOMAN
I absolutely loved it. It is the funniest, cleverest and most innovative novel I've read for years -- Sarah Stovell, author of THE HOME
Absolutely loved The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels. So gripping but also has real emotional heart. Bravo -- Alice Clark-Platts, author of THE COVE
Very clever, twisty, shocking, and yet another reinvention of the crime novel by Janice Hallett. Brilliant, unique and compelling! -- Guy Morpuss, author of FIVE MINDS
An outstandingly clever, compelling and unique read. Pitch-perfect story told in the most innovative way -- Cesca Major, author of THE SILENT HOURS
Wickedly clever and immersive. I just can't get enough of Janice Hallett's writing -- Sophie Flynn, author of KEEP THEM CLOSE
I genuinely don't know how Janice Hallett does it. The detail, the plot twists, the humour, even in dark places - she creates a brilliant puzzle for the reader to solve. I loved it -- Victoria Scott, author of PATIENCE
A masterclass. It's exactly what you've come to expect: compelling written and utterly addictive. It's funny, dark, and the puzzle comes together brilliantly at the end -- Chris McDonald, author of A WASH OF BLACK
Brilliantly clever, ingenious in structure and throughly compelling. Full of wonderful characters and extremely funny! -- Sarah Bonner, author of HER PERFECT TWIN
I slowed down because I didn't want it to end. Heavenly and creepy combined with twisted genius. Outstanding -- Joy Kluver, author of BROKEN GIRLS
What an absolute treat. Twisty and dark, packed full of angels and demons and monsters, with a thrilling mystery that keeps you guessing till the end -- Lynsey James, author of THE SINGLE DAD'S HANDBOOK
It's so good. Gripping but my favourite thing is the humour - actual laugh out loud moments despite the shocking tale. Genius -- Heather Darwent, author of THE THINGS WE DO TO OUR FRIENDS
Another absolutely brilliant mystery by one of my favourite crime writers. Take the role of investigator and let yourself be immersed in this fantastic novel. Five stars! -- Louise Mullins, author of ONE NIGHT ONLY
What a compelling, complex, utterly gripping read. Hallett's cast of characters - both major and minor - are fully formed and so integral to the unfolding plot -- Sue Teddern, author of ANNIE STANLEY, ALL AT SEA
Fiendishly clever. I am so impressed. Bravo! -- C.S. Green, author of THE WHISPER HOUSE
Fans of true-crime podcasts will find this complex and eerie novel just as satisfying, surprising and rapidly consumable as their favorite episodes * Shelf Awareness *
Book Information
ISBN 9781800810433
Author Janice Hallett
Format Paperback
Page Count 432
Imprint Viper
Publisher Profile Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 540g
Dimensions(mm) 232mm * 152mm * 38mm
The new mystery phenomenon from the bestselling author of The Appeal and The Twyford Code
About the Author
Janice Hallett studied English at UCL, and spent several years as a magazine editor, winning two journalism awards. She is the bestselling author of The Appeal (a Sunday Times bestseller, Waterstones Thriller of the Month, the Sunday Times Crime Book of the Year and winner of the CWA Debut Dagger Award) and the Sunday Times bestseller The Twyford Code. She lives in West London.
Reviews
What is remarkable is Hallett's ability to make her characters come alive... combined with her undoubted skill as a plotter, this places Hallett's books in the rare category of rereadable whodunnits * Telegraph *
What a treat to be back in a world created by the machiavellian Janice Hallett ... Another cracking mystery from a highly original author * Observer *
A cunningly wrought puzzle with a nice streak of black humour * Mail on Sunday *
There is no one better at drip-feeding information, heightening tension and springing surprises * The Times (star pick) *
Janice Hallett, the author of The Appeal and The Twyford Code, is on a roll... [A] quirky, clever tale * The Times (Best Books of 2023) *
I'm agog at the skill with which Hallett uses her unconventional storytelling method, not just in unfolding the plot and springing surprises, but in building up memorable characters. Character and plot, wit and creepiness, are all in perfect balance. It's another resounding success * Daily Express *
Undeniably clever and captivating, and delivers a brilliant twist that will delight fans of her previous books * Sunday Express *
A gripping read, which keeps the reader guessing until the last page * Independent *
As ever, the author's control of the material is masterly * Guardian *
Hallett's gripping novel dares the reader to beat Amanda to the dark and twisted truth * Daily Mail *
Sharp humour and playfulness entertainingly coexist * Financial Times *
The indefatigable Janice Hallett is back with another ingenious-sounding brain twister * Metro *
Hallett structures her novels as dossiers of found documents, transcripts and other evidence, leaving the reader to try to find the real story among unreliable narrators' statements. That process appeals to the journalist in me, which might explain why I read about 80 percent of this in a single sitting. It clearly also appeals to a lot of other people * New York Times *
Mind-meltingly complicated, fiendishly well plotted, replete with delicious snark about publishing, clear-eyed and very funny about cold-blooded writerly ambition ... In its assured dexterity and exuberance, it is a bravura performance * Irish Times *
God bless Janice Hallett and her especially twisty thrillers that, if you work even a shred of detail out, you feel amazing. Her third novel is brilliant * Belfast Telegraph (Book of the Month) *
The author has garnered many fans since her debut The Appeal, and this will delight them... Featuring two true crime writers battling it out to get the best scoop, a cult, and mysteries galore, this had me obsessed * Prima *
A richly rewarding, blisteringly clever read that raises questions about human gullibility in all its forms, while still moving forward propulsively * Reader's Digest *
A gripping read to the very last * The i *
A must-read for anyone who loves a good Netflix doco or podcast on cults and conspiracy theorists * Red *
Another clever mystery from the author of The Appeal * Good Housekeeping *
Such an original concept you can't help but be fully absorbed in trying to solve the mystery * Yours Magazine *
Many-layered, highly complex, and imaginative... Hallett shocks readers with satisfying twists and a dark, unpredictable ending * Kirkus *
Hallett's fans and newcomers alike will relish this brilliantly constructed and eminently satisfying mystery * Publishers Weekly *
Stylish fiction that also stands as a cautionary tale about what can happen when a writer gets too close to her subject * Toronto Star *
Her best so far... Deeply intriguing, warm and so much fun -- Marian Keyes, author of AGAIN, RACHEL
It's not enough to say that this book is fascinating, gripping and clever. It's an astonishing piece of work. Janice Hallett is playing a different ball game to the rest of us -- Ian Moore, author of DEATH AND CROISSANTS
The queen of the narrative twist. She takes the conventions of the modern mystery novel and upends them as Christie did. And the themes of this book are haunting -- S.J. Bennett, author of THE WINDSOR KNOT
Hallett has made the epistolary crime novel her own. An engaging crime tale using her unique narrative style. Inventive, absorbing and hotly anticipated by her legion of fans -- Vaseem Khan, author of THE UNEXPECTED INHERITANCE OF INSPECTOR CHOPRA
Janice Hallett has done it again. Engrossing from the very first page, it's deviously clever and as charming as it is chilling -- Tom Hindle, author of A FATAL CROSSING
Hooked me in completely... It's travelled with me to work, to the dentist's and even up a couple of mountains! A real treasure trove of a read -- J.M. Hall, author of A SPOONFUL OF MURDER
Compelling, unputdownable, filled with Hallett's trademark fierce intelligence and kindness, this is the most intricate, spellbinding and befuddling mystery I have read in years -- Catriona Ward, author of THE LAST HOUSE ON NEEDLESS STREET
Fantastic. Keeps the 'found footage' narrative structure that Hallett does so well and injects some real darkness into it -- Tariq Ashkanani, author of WELCOME TO COOPER
Trade mark brilliant. I loved the witty story telling, that mix of text, the layered plotting, the characters both unreliable and highly engaging. And that quiet wing beat of evil driving the story ... Extremely clever, compelling and very chilling -- Jane Shemilt, author of THE PATIENT
Janice at her absolute best - an intricate and surprising plot which keeps you turning the pages, interspersed with gentle but laugh out loud humour. I absolutely loved it - my favourite Janice Hallett book yet -- Catherine Cooper, author of THE CHALET
Hallett continues to evolve the modern detective novel. Absolutely gripping -- Greg Buchanan, author of SIXTEEN HORSES
Smart, witty and menacing - everything you want from a mystery. Utterly brilliant! -- Marion Todd, author of OLD BONES LIE
Agatha Christie has found her heir. A genius premise. A perfect puzzle. Crime fiction fans will not want to miss this one! -- Victoria Selman, author of TRULY, DARKLY, DEEPLY
A unique and completely immersive novel about manipulation, and seeking the truth at all costs. An absolute triumph in storytelling -- L.V. Matthews, author of THE TWINS
I loved The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels. It's fresh, whip-smart, dark and intriguing with a brilliant, compelling heroine. Janice Hallett is surely the queen of the brain-twisting, just-one-more-page mystery novel -- Gilly Macmillan, author of THE NANNY
Constantly surprising, witty and fresh. I really enjoyed it! -- Emma Curtis, author of ONE LITTLE MISTAKE
Compulsive, dark, twisty and unputdownable. A work of true genius, masterfully plotted, funny and unique -- Sarah J. Harris, author of THE COLOUR OF BEE LARKHAM'S MURDER
Sinister and utterly compelling -- Andrew Wilson, author of A TALENT FOR MURDER
Hallett has done it again! Brilliant, clever, and will have you hooked and guessing throughout -- Charlotte Levin, author of IF I CAN'T HAVE YOU
It knocked me sideways. Just as brilliant as you would expect from Janice Hallett. Twisty as a labryinth and so gripping I cancelled plans to finish it -- Sophie Irwin, author of A LADY'S GUIDE TO FORTUNE-HUNTING
A clever, complex epistolary novel with explores our fascination with true crime, cults and storytelling itself -- Brian McGilloway, author of GALLOWS LANE
Janice Hallett is a murder mystery mastermind. A new Agatha Christie for the modern age. This book is sure to grow her already considerable cult following -- A. J. West, author of THE SPIRIT ENGINEER
I absolutely loved it. A brilliantly crafted proper mystery, I couldn't put it down -- Lisa Hall, author of THE PARTY
Is anyone telling stories quite like Janice Hallett? It feels interactive, with readers invited to solve the mystery alongside the brilliantly tenacious protagonist. Intricate, funny and a total page-turner -- Amanda Block, author of THE LOST STORYTELLER
Hallett is a wording wizard. Her storytelling ability is enviable. Characters whom I loved very quickly and intrigue are the beating heart of this book. -- J.M. Hewitt, author of THE OTHER SON
What a switchback ride it is! The big twist made me drop my book but there are so many smaller shocks along the way. I enjoyed it hugely! -- Hope Adams, author of DANGEROUS WOMEN
Janice Hallett dials her brilliance up yet another notch, exploiting the compulsive readability and inherent slipperiness of her chosen form to dazzling effect -- Leonora Nattrass, author of BLACK DROP
I was absolutely mesmerised by The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels - stupendously clever, but also brilliant fun, with characters that just jump off the page -- Frances Quinn, author of THAT BONESETTER WOMAN
I absolutely loved it. It is the funniest, cleverest and most innovative novel I've read for years -- Sarah Stovell, author of THE HOME
Absolutely loved The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels. So gripping but also has real emotional heart. Bravo -- Alice Clark-Platts, author of THE COVE
Very clever, twisty, shocking, and yet another reinvention of the crime novel by Janice Hallett. Brilliant, unique and compelling! -- Guy Morpuss, author of FIVE MINDS
An outstandingly clever, compelling and unique read. Pitch-perfect story told in the most innovative way -- Cesca Major, author of THE SILENT HOURS
Wickedly clever and immersive. I just can't get enough of Janice Hallett's writing -- Sophie Flynn, author of KEEP THEM CLOSE
I genuinely don't know how Janice Hallett does it. The detail, the plot twists, the humour, even in dark places - she creates a brilliant puzzle for the reader to solve. I loved it -- Victoria Scott, author of PATIENCE
A masterclass. It's exactly what you've come to expect: compelling written and utterly addictive. It's funny, dark, and the puzzle comes together brilliantly at the end -- Chris McDonald, author of A WASH OF BLACK
Brilliantly clever, ingenious in structure and throughly compelling. Full of wonderful characters and extremely funny! -- Sarah Bonner, author of HER PERFECT TWIN
I slowed down because I didn't want it to end. Heavenly and creepy combined with twisted genius. Outstanding -- Joy Kluver, author of BROKEN GIRLS
What an absolute treat. Twisty and dark, packed full of angels and demons and monsters, with a thrilling mystery that keeps you guessing till the end -- Lynsey James, author of THE SINGLE DAD'S HANDBOOK
It's so good. Gripping but my favourite thing is the humour - actual laugh out loud moments despite the shocking tale. Genius -- Heather Darwent, author of THE THINGS WE DO TO OUR FRIENDS
Another absolutely brilliant mystery by one of my favourite crime writers. Take the role of investigator and let yourself be immersed in this fantastic novel. Five stars! -- Louise Mullins, author of ONE NIGHT ONLY
What a compelling, complex, utterly gripping read. Hallett's cast of characters - both major and minor - are fully formed and so integral to the unfolding plot -- Sue Teddern, author of ANNIE STANLEY, ALL AT SEA
Fiendishly clever. I am so impressed. Bravo! -- C.S. Green, author of THE WHISPER HOUSE
Fans of true-crime podcasts will find this complex and eerie novel just as satisfying, surprising and rapidly consumable as their favorite episodes * Shelf Awareness *
Book Information
ISBN 9781800810433
Author Janice Hallett
Format Paperback
Page Count 432
Imprint Viper
Publisher Profile Books Ltd
Weight(grams) 540g
Dimensions(mm) 232mm * 152mm * 38mm
