1

What I read: The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, by Janice Hallett

Last year I read “The Twyford Code” by this author. The premise of the book is a series of transcribed audio recordings, so you basically play detective to unravel the mystery at it’s core. Looking back at my review, I described it as “It is Edith Blyton meets Dan Brown meets Agatha Christie.”

Having loved that book, and the innovative way of storytelling, I was thrilled to see that “The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels” was released recently.

The book starts with this teaser:

“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?”

Revealed, within the pages there are various mixed media, including transcribed recordings of interviews, emails, movie scripts and text messages – so let the sleuthing begin! This is such a clever mystery, and I devoured this book in a couple of days. I was absolutely obsessed.

The story revolves around the “Alperton Angels”, a cult that made the news headlines about two decades ago. Under a charismatic leader, Gabriel, the cult members were convinced that they are angels, and their mission on earth was to sacrifice a baby deemed to be the Anti-Christ. Things went off the rails and most of the cult members seemingly committed suicide while Gabriel escaped, and the baby survived. This true crime story is still grabbing the attention of the public, years later.

Now that the baby in question is turning 18, true crime author and investigative journalist, Amanda Bailey is tasked by her publicist to write a book about the “Alperton Angels”, seeing that it is topical again. The problem is, another journalist, Oliver Menzes, is on the same mission and it seems as if Amanda and Oliver have got a bit of a history.

Amanda’s assistant, Ellie Cooper is tasked with transcribing the various interviews and messages, and she was probably my favourite character in the book. Her interaction with Amanda were such a delight – adding a lot of personality to the story.

As a true crime podcast fan, I’ve always been intrigued by cults and the conspiracies that often comes to light. It is astounding how people can be manipulated and brainwashed, in this case to go so far as to attempt to kill a baby. As the story evolves, I also started wondering if at the core of this cult is the occult or supernatural or is it all criminal deceit.

With the author’s gift for unusual and creative storytelling, this imaginative and captivating mystery had all it’s hooks in me.

Because of the various media formats used, it does have a ‘true crime’ feel. This fast-paced romp had my mind boggled. I highly recommend it for all mystery readers! Although it is only March, this “The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels” is one of my favourite books of the year!

With thanks to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book! 

The Details:

PUBLISHED BY:  Profile Books Ltd (In South Africa – Jonathan Ball Publishers)
EAN:9781800810433
DATE PUBLISHED: 19 January 2023
PAGES:432
GENRE: Crime & mystery

About the Author:

Janice Hallett https://twitter.com/janicehallett