Customer Reviews

Destroying Angel

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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I thoroughly enjoyed the book "Destroying Angel", because of the well-researched background information and thought provoking present day realities. It made the murder investigation appear authentic because of its realistic directions that it took. Since I grew up as a "local" in Utah County, most of the polygamous marriage and Mountain Meadow information that is discussed herein is rarely if ever publicly discussed and, in fact, is a downright poke in the eye with the local LDS Mormon Church because it sheds light on a period of time that it would rather not let anyone know about. Once the book had developed its characters--I had a hard time putting it down. I would recommend this book to anyone as an excellent read especially for anyone that enjoys historical relevant issues and because it evokes strong emotions. In fact, it made me personally wonder if I had been born and raised during this period of time in Southern Utah--would I too have participated in this hellish act as so many other faithful had done?

This is an indepth and intense work, definitely an enjoyable yet heartbreaking read. The constant twists and turns keep you guessing until the end.

Some grudges never die, even after an entire century. "Destroying Angels" is the terrifying story of a series of gruesome murders throughout Utah. The families are slaughtered together, with messages saying who the murders were in the name of. If one occurrence of these wasn't enough, it happens again... and again. "Destroying Angels" asks the question who is behind it and why did they do it? A gripping mystery indeed!

I really enjoyed how he covered to many topics of interest in Mormon history, but in a balanced way so that you can see the perspective of both sides. Issues like Polygamy, Mt Meadows massacre, gay rights, church history, church suppression of historical research, etc.

The plot is also action packed and suspenseful. I finished it in 2 days.
I definitely recommend this book.
Enjoy.
Jerry

Destroying Angel easily achieves a five-star ***** rating!!! Quite simply it is one of the most fascinating, intense, and thought provoking murder investigative thrillers I've read in a long time. The story has a non-stop pace and enough twists and turns to keep the reader from not wanting to put the book down from beginning to end. This is the kind of book you'll want to read again just to pick up on all the details you missed the first time. One warning. It will be easy for the reader early on to try and figure out who the serial killer of all these innocent unsuspecting families is. Just don't be misled with all the overwhelming circumstantial evidence pointing you in the wrong direction. This will be a very difficult case to solve because the murderer is very cunning with a deep hidden agenda.

Great scene, plot, and chharacter development. Mr. Larson has a great in-depth knowledge and understanding of the book's content material. He is extremely insightful as to the way he carefully presents a lot of attention to detail with historical accounts that the two main homicide investigators will use to solve this very complex and baffling murder case. Also, the reader will easily be able to identify with the many plausible characters portrayed in the book. At this time, any attempt for me to go into further detail about the story would ruin all the excitement and fun for you. I highly recommend DESTROYING ANGEL for everyone. This book has it all, it's intelligent, and filled with new and unique information and historical insights. A great read!!!

I don't often gush over a book, and especially not over a murder mystery. I cut my reader's teeth on Sherlock Holmes, and I watched Alfred Hitchcock on TV. I'm not easily impressed. This book, however, I couldn't put down.

The characters were well made, flaws and all. The flashbacks were inspired, and I (a re-creation snob) couldn't find anything wrong with them. The balance between investigation and the next tragedy was enough to keep you hooked, from the first page. For anyone who likes murder mysteries, this is a superlative read. The best praise I can give it, in my opinion, is that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle couldn't have written it better.