'The Angel Maker' by Alex North

Thanks for this read #NetGalley!

Not sure how to classify this one, honestly. It has elements of mystery, thriller, horror and a smidge of police procedural, but those labels probably don't matter. I throw in horror because readers who're curious should know that there is definitely an element of "things unexplained and otherworldly". And also a little horrific. But here's the key: not so horrific or graphic (even for non-horror fans) that you'll feel an impulse to put the book aside and hope to forget what you've read. I would even go so far as to say that the premise is thought-provoking, even though the action moves very quickly.

The story begins with the violent death of an old man, who is strangely resigned to meeting this end. He reflects on, and invokes the names of several people, leading disparate lives seemingly unconnected to his. A really great beginning because before you're three pages in, you're asking yourself questions that you must keep reading in order to have answered. And so it went for me ... I read (or in my case listened) "just for a little while more" to get the next piece of the puzzle, and the next, and the next, until the book was done.

If, like me, you're someone who might say, "I don't really read horror", this one just might intrigue you nevertheless. Recommended.

Audiobook note: Excellent narration. The variation in British accents conveyed so much about each character--class, region of origin, the works. I have no doubt that this narrator enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

My rating: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑