- Author: April Taylor
- Kindle Edition
- Category: Crime, Murder, Suspense, Fiction, Book Review, Books, Reading
Deryn Steele has an unwanted psychic gift leftover from a near-death experience. He can read people just by touching them. His friend, DCI Harry Curzon pulls him into the hunt for the killer of blonde, blue-eyed 12-year-old girls in the Lincolnshire seaside town of Thorpe St David, the Angel Killer..
Deryn Steele’s life had taken an unimaginable path when he rescued a girl from her abusive boyfriend, and a sequence of events resulted in a near death experience, the knowledge that somehow he was now an empath and a prison sentence. He worked hard to obtain a psychology degree and a subsequent teaching qualification, only to find disillusionment in the role he secured as lecturer at Birmingham City University.
DCI Harry Curzon, the arresting officer all those years ago, and Deryn have kept in contact. It was Harry who persuaded Deryn to try for his degree and teaching qualification. When Deryn is suddenly and inexplicably let go from the university he takes the offered opportunity to work with Harry. There’s a killer in Thorpe St David targeting blonde, blue-eyed twelve year old girls, but the last victim, Becky Maddox, survived the attack. Harry’s hoping Deryn can gain some insight or information from Becky.
‘Hi, Harry,’ Deryn said, forcing his voice into a welcome.
Harry had never been one for wasting words. ‘I need you here. We have big problems.’
‘Harry, I can’t just drop everything. I have to find a new job. I’ve just been sacked.’
‘Great timing, then. I need you here now. I need your woo-woo skills. All of them. Get your arse up to St David.’
The tension in Harry’s voice zinged from his phone up to the satellite and down to Deryn’s mobile. He had a sudden vision of white skin, blonde hair and trees. He swallowed.
Given the subject matter, I like the fact there’s no unnecessary violence or description of the crimes. Deryn is an intriguing character and his, and others’, reactions to his ‘gift’ are portrayed realistically and convincingly. He is uncomfortable with being an empath, still not quite used to being able to tune in to others’ feelings and emotions, yet when he can’t read someone involved with the investigation, he’s surprised to find himself shocked. His strong reaction to Terri Fordham, the aunt of the latest victim, is immediate, perhaps a little too much so for me, and unexpected. Running alongside the main plot is the question of why Deryn was inexplicably sacked from his university post when the principal knew all about his background.
There are a number of possible candidates for the killer and April Taylor does a good job with the plot twists. I didn’t guess the correct identity until it was revealed. I think there could be quite a bit of mileage in Deryn and Harry. They make a good team and they’re both likeable characters. Although we get a good sense of who they are, there’s room for more depth.
A psychic, supernatural or paranormal thread in a story is always a hook for me and the psychic aspect is executed well in this story.
I chose to read and review The Angel Killer for Rosie Amber’s book review team, based on a digital copy from the author.
Book links ~ Amazon UK | Amazon US
Many thanks Cathy.
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You’re welcome, Rosie.
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Ah, quite like the sound of this. Thanks, Cathy
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🙂 x
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Cathy, you gave a wonderful and in-depth review of this book. The fact that you didn’t correctly guess the killer says a lot for the author’s ability to weave a good story.
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Thanks, Michelle. I’m more often than not hopeless at guessing the baddie 🙂
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I also read this, Cathy, and share your thoughts about Deryn and Terri’s relationship.
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Cathy, thank you so much for this review. I am delighted you liked the book and I have taken on board your comments about the relationships aspect of the story. Much food for thought!
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My pleasure, April and thank you.
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