Minnie's Fiction Addiction

True-crime author Amanda Bailey is investigating the chilling case of the Alperton Angels, a doomsday cult whose members believed a teenage girl was about to give birth to the Antichrist. Nearly two decades after a bloody night that left several people dead, Amanda is trying to track down the now-adult baby for a new book. But as she digs deeper, she discovers that the official story might not be the truth—and the people involved may still be in danger. Told through emails, interviews, WhatsApp messages, and documents, the novel pieces together the mystery one puzzle fragment at a time.

The premise centres on a revolutionary DNA test that promises to match people with their one true soulmate, the perfect partner, genetically destined for them. As millions around the world sign up and relationships are transformed, the novel follows five characters whose lives are upended by their matches.

👀 First impressions:
I wasn’t sure the format of this book—entirely composed of emails, transcripts, notes, and messages—would be something I’d enjoy or even be able to follow. It seemed like it could get confusing quickly, but my fears were soon allayed. Janice Hallett has a real talent for making this format not only work but become part of the story’s immersive appeal. The opening drew me in fast, with just enough intrigue and shadowy cult backstory to hook my interest.

✅ What I liked:
The found-document structure is clever and surprisingly effective. It allows you to feel like a detective combing through the case yourself. Amanda Bailey is a compelling, slightly unreliable narrator. Her professional ambition and personal motivations add complexity. The mystery builds steadily, with layers of truth and deception gradually unraveling. It’s the kind of book that rewards close attention. Hallett’s use of multiple perspectives and voices is well executed, with distinct tones and personalities shining through the unconventional format.

❎ What I didn’t like:
There were moments when the pace dragged, especially during long email exchanges or detailed transcripts that felt more expository than necessary. The resolution, while twisty, left a few loose ends and didn’t feel quite as satisfying as I hoped after such a strong build-up.

📚 Why you should read this book:
If you’re a fan of metafiction, true crime, or stories that blur the line between author and investigator, this book will likely appeal to you. It’s a unique, engaging experience—perfect for readers who like something a little different. Hallett’s signature format gives you the sensation of being directly involved in the investigation, and the central mystery is just creepy and cultish enough to keep you turning the pages.

💭 Overall Thoughts:
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is a smart, layered novel that plays with form and structure in inventive ways. Though it wasn’t perfect for me, and some parts felt a bit slow or overly complex, I admired its originality and enjoyed the mystery at its core. This is a book that sticks with you—not because of explosive action or shocking revelations, but because of its atmosphere, clever construction, and the unsettling question of what truth really looks like.

Final Rating ★★★★☆
Twisty and binge-worthy with a chilling premise, but some plot elements stretched believability by the end. – A clever, dark, and addictive thriller that asks: what if science could find your perfect match — and at what cost?

🛍️ Where to Buy

You can purchase ‘The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels HERE