29 March 2021.
ISBN: 978-1-78931727-5 (PB)
The Prologue tells of a young man visiting a “reader” at a psychic fair and how he is entranced by a pack of cards, similar to Tarot but called the Book of Angels. He then buys his own pack and learns how to read them. From that day he lived his life by their interpretation.
We then come forward to the present day. Ray Flowers, ex-detective, and his partner George Mahoney run a security firm installing alarms and maintaining them. Sometimes he still helps the police out using his detective skills. One day he receives a visit from a Lily Spencer who asks him to look into her twin sister Rose's murder. She explains that it hasn't happened yet, but a friend Elspeth, read it in a pack of cards called the Book of Angels. The police are not interested at all.
Then an elderly lady in a nursing home is found killed and a Book of Angels card is tucked in her hand. The police now have to take Lily seriously and interview an Alice Weston, creator of the pack of cards. They want to know about the one found at the murder scene. But she is mystified as to what the significance of it is.
Next, we learn that the young man with the cards of years ago is teaching two young women how to carry out his wishes. However, we have no idea of any of the identities.
Then there is another murder, also in a care home, the police now take the prediction of Rose's death seriously, especially as another Book of Angels card is left behind. Ray contacts his friend Detective Inspector Dave Beckett and offers to help.
Concern for Rose now really grows when there is a failed attempt on her life. In their hurry to escape, the assailant drops a card from the same pack. Worried there may be another attempt on her life, security is really stepped up at the nursing home where she lives.
No connection can be found between all the victims, so much against the judgment of Beckett's boss, Alice the creator is asked to help them. Can she do any better than the police?
As the murders mount up, they are certainly at their wits end.
Another spine chilling, nerve tingling thriller from Jane Adams. She certainly likes touching on the occult and is very good at creating a creepy and somewhat unsettling atmosphere. Once again, a highly recommended book from this intriguing author.
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Reviewer: Tricia Chappell
Jane Adams was born in Leicestershire, where she still lives. She has a degree in Sociology and has held a variety of jobs including lead vocalist in a folk rock band. She enjoys pen and ink drawing, martial arts and her ambition is to travel the length of the Silk Road by motorbike. Her first book, The Greenway, was shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey Award in 1995 and for the Author's Club Best First Novel Award. Jane writes several series. Her first series featured Mike Croft. Several books featuring DS Ray Flowers. Seven titles featuring blind Naoimi Blake, and six titles featuring Rina Martin. Her most recent series is set between the two World Wars and featuring Detective Inspector Henry Johnstone and his sergeant, Micky Hitchens. Jane has also written several standalone novels. She is married with two hildren.
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