Customer Reviews

Hollywood Noir

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an unusual entry in the Angel series. Although set in the first half of the first season it has all the feel of the Hollywood in 1961. The reader can imagine that they are watching an episode of Mannix or 77 Sunset Strip. Angel's new client is buried in a local cemetery. A long dead PI is hot on the heels of his killer. Kate is looking for a cop killer and Angel lands in jail. It is a well written detective story heavy with atmosphere. The only objection I have with this novel is that I would have liked to have more Angel. He often takes a back seat to the dead PI. Fans of hard boiled detective stories will enjoy this book as much as Buffy fans.

Angel is puzzled when Doyle's latest vision leads him to the grave of a young woman named Betty McCoy. After all, Betty seems beyond any help Angel could give her - she died in 1964, and to the best of Angel's knowledge, she wasn't turned into a vampire. Cordelia's research on the internet simply turns up dead ends. But Angel, Cordelia, and Doyle aren't the only ones looking for Betty McCoy. Mike Slade, a private detective murdered by a corrupt official in 1961, has been brought back from the dead to get his revenge - and he's also looking for Betty. Angel's not sure exactly how to handle Slade - is he an enemy or an ally? True, he's been attacking police officers left and right, but at the core it seems as if all he wants is justice. This was different from many of the other Angel novels in that it was more of a mystery story, but I would highly reccomend it to fans of the show just the same. Jeff Mariotte, author of the excellent Angel novel CLOSE TO THE GROUND, does not disappoint in this one.

This Angel book was one of a different kind. It all started at a construction site of an old building where a dead body has been found dating back to around 1961. Then Doyle has a vision about [...] and when Angel goes to investigate, he finds that [...]. Meanwhile, a new PI back in town and he acts like he came from the 1960s: dressed in a baggy suit and a fedora and talks like a member of the Rat Pack. This is a great detective book and I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good Angel book.

This book brought old school detective movies into the City of Angels. As a building is being demolished, the crew finds a dead body that has been there for over 30 years. As the body is found the detective Mike Slade come back to life. He is trying to solve the murder that he was killed for so many years ago. Also at the same time Doyle has a vision having to do with the same case. This book is very good. It will have you at the edge of your seat.

Hollywood Noir is the sixth book in the tie-in series to the television of show, 'Angel'. Written by Jeff Mariotte, who is an established writer in the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' tie-in novels, this book is everything a mystery fan, and fan of the show wants in a book. Action, romance, horror, sadness; the emotions throughout this book are constantly changing.

Set in the way beginning of series one of the show, this book starts off right into the action, and doesn't stop. For those of you unfamiliar with the TV show 'Angel', the show is basically about a vampire with a soul, who was once one of the worst vampires in history, but due to a gypsy curse, he gained his soul back, and has since been making amends. Set as a spin-off of the show, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', 'Angel' brings back the old school noir from past Hollywood films (no pun intended to the book itself). With the help of his friends Cordelia Chase, and Doyle, a half-demon who ends up with a direct link to the 'Powers that Be', who in turn send him visions of people in trouble, Angel and his team fight, and protect the innocent via their PI firm, 'Angel Investigations'.

The book starts off with Doyle having a vision, just a name and a few numbers, Betty McCoy, 20047 Sunset, number 819. With just though few things, Angel and his team go to work, trying to find out who this mysterious Betty McCoy really is. One top of that, they also have to deal with Mike Slade, a man claiming to be a PI who dresses like he's in the 50's, and who is also looking for Betty McCoy.

The whole tone of the book is dark, and it's a nice set up to the ending. Where most TV-tie in books tend to skim out on characterization of the characters, simply because they probably feel like those reading the books already know the characters from the show, Jeff Mariotte has a special ability to write these books for people who have not even seen the show itself.

One thing that bugged me during the book though was actually the character of Mike Slade. While the author gave us a full background of him later on in the book, when he was introduced to us, he was sort of just there, and his obsession with a certain thing (telling you would give the whole plot away), was almost grating. His quick handedness was also another thing that tended to get out of hand. Though later in the book, I felt as if the author knew that his character was a little outrageous, and toned it down.

I recommend this book for people who are not just fans of vampires, or fans of the show to read this one, especially if you like a good old fashioned mystery. It really leads to a great ending, which in turn will make you either want to watch the show, or pick up the next book in the series.

This is one book I would have liked to go on. The nostalgic touch was excellent. What a wonderful imagination Mr Mariotte has. One of the best in the series so far. All fans of the show will enjoy this novel. I highly recommend.

I loved this book. But I have to say it wasnt my favorite out of the serious I have to say it was city of and close to the ground. But I love Angel the show. So I'll keep reading and watching.