Customer Reviews

Resurrection Angel

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I originally got this book because I've had the pleasure of interacting with the author online and have always appreciated his creativity, wit and writing style in that forum. To read over 400 pages of his fiction was an extension of that pleasure. I don't usually read mystery novels because I get tired of the same old gumshoe approach to storytelling. Knowing Will's sense of humor and unique take on life in general, it didn't surprise me to discover that there's not one piece of gum on this mystery's shoes. Denton and Monty are unique characters that I found refreshingly different from the run-of-the-mill sleuths ~ they remind me of a punk rock/pyschic version of a cross between The Thin Man and The Bickersons. I enjoyed barreling through each chapter as I followed a case that took me out of this world and back to again. I highly recommend "Resurrection Angel" to anyone who likes a good new-fashioned page-turner with heart.

If you are a fan of mystery, sci-fi, romance, comedy, and/or adventure - READ THIS BOOK!!! I won't discuss the story line (buy the book!), but I will say that for a Florida girl I enjoyed the fact that the story takes place in the Tampa Bay area. The characters are out of the norm, yet still very loveable and anyone can relate to one of them. The story reads well - the flow of words is smooth, making it an easy read. The plot itself does keep you wondering throughout the book (that's why it's a mystery). It has a taste of sci-fi, but not too much to get in the way of the story. The two main characters have an established relationship, which lends to a fresh kind of romance. The author's sense of humor is the delicious little treat you don't expect out of a standard mystery. The enjoyment of sharing in the adventure of the characters is what makes a person want to pick up a book and read it. WARNING!!! Once you finish reading this book, you will be hooked on the series.

I've never read a mystery in my life until now : ) For some mysterious reason, this book found its way into my hands and I found myself eagerly involved and pleasantly surprised. Monty and Denton provide a passionate power to a story which weaves small threads into a beautiful array of spider-like webs. As a woman who's sported wild, colorful versions of a flat top and worn Levi's most of her life, I could easily identify with the tomboyish, yet heart-centered character of Monty. The spiral dance between Denton and Monty made for a charming yet strained romance which encased a plot that was out of this world. William Mize's beautifully-descriptive style of writing made my mind work and my heart race, and I'd highly recommend "Resurrection Angel" to anyone on this planet, or others.

As a long time fan of the mystery novel, I found that Resurrection Angel both followed some of the general rules of the genre, but also bent a few of those rules and took its own path.

I enjoyed the character development of the two main characters of the book, Denton Ward and Monty Crocetti. By allowing both to have all to human flaws and weaknesses, Mr. Mize creates characters who are multi dimensional, and therefore more interesting than your average, 'hard boiled' private [eye]. As a woman, I especially enjoyed that the character of Monty was intelligent and tough, and not in the book as a plot device with the entire function of making the male character seem more macho.

The secondary characters are also well realized, and well written - there are no cardboard cutter 'bad guys' in this novel.

The plot of the novel is also somewhat different than your average mystery; including such aspects as as psychic abilities and alien abductions, and also has some unexpected twists and turns as it leads towards a very satisfactory ending.

I enjoyed the book very much, and look forward to the next installment in the adventures of Denton Ward and Monty Crocetti

...perhaps he'll do it again. I'm a friend of the author, but have only recently read the book. I was amazed. Bill's writing style is magnificent. I would recommend this book to anyone. I'm not going to bother with telling the story over in my review, because everyone else's reviews have already told you. Instead, I'll focus on the author. Even when he's not hard at work on the sequel to Resurrection Angel, his genius shows. In his personal journal, and in his conversations with friends, his writing style is still amazing. I think he does it without even trying. If you're into mysteries, definitely buy this book. Even if you're not a fan of mysteries, I still recommend this book for its style. Act fast, folks, because Resurrection Angel is slated to go out-of-print in August!

Denton Ward has the gift of psychic ability, and it has brought him fame and fortune. The downside is it has also tortured him mentally, depressed him into alcoholism, and left him with few social graces. The thing that saves Denton is that he has teamed with P. I. Monty Crocetti, and it is her love for him that keeps him in touch with reality. When Denton is contacted by Lisa Rappaport from within a mental hospital, it is her plea for help that energizes Denton into action. The parallels between these two damaged individuals are compelling, and when they are forcibly separated it leads to dire consequences. While the early sections of this novel are overwritten, the good news is that it eventually develops pace. Its flawed characters flow through the action and the book wraps up with grace and pathos. Some of the writing is exquisite and chapter twenty-four may be the best example of the author's skills. The woo-woo elements are integrated into the narrative in believable fashion and should appeal to those who have enjoyed Martha Lawrence's Elizabeth Chase. Recommended.
Gary Warren Niebur, Private Eye Entertainment

William Mize holds a degree from San Francisco State University and presently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Denton Ward's name is mud with the police. He's both a genius and a psychic who had been abandoned in mental hospitals as a kid by parents who didn't have a clue what to do with him. He's also an alcoholic who has trouble stepping outside of the house. His girlfriend, Monty Crocetti, is his polar opposite: an ex-hooker with a punk rock look, she is a private investigator who is good with a gun and uncanny with her ability with people. Denton and Monty protect each other.

Lisa Rappaport should be having fun as a young debutante. She is a beautiful blonde whose daddy is rich. So why does she call Denton in desperation from a mental hospital?

"`I'm scared, Mr. Ward. I'm scared and I don't know who I am.' `What?' `I don't know-I don't remember who I am.' `Jesus.' Denton sat down. He put the comic book aside, tossed it atop the stack that occupied the majority of his desk, a pillar of heroes and villains waiting to be read. `I hate it here.' `I know,' he said. `I know you do.' He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and his world went black."

William Maze takes the reader for a melancholy spill ride, in this psycho-mystery. He keeps the pace going with dialogue to fill in the sinister spaces that he manages to weave into every page. We know the murderer will strike, but when? It is a race between Denton Ward's sanity; Monty Crocetti's patience, strength, and love for Denton and Lisa, and Lisa's tormentors.

As its name implies, Resurrection Angel makes excellent use of the modern day female in distress. Ten thumbs up for Mize's touching and fascinating story.

Shelley Glodowsky, Reviewer

A mystery for those who don't like mysteries? True, and a mystery for those who do too. A compelling story matched by compelling characters. Monty and Denton, eclectic, eccentric opposites that fit together like mystery puzzle pieces. With all their oddities, these characters are likable, real, and we can relate to them. The vivid characterizations make us care about Monty and Denton, which in turn makes the story more compelling. We want to know more, we want to know what happens. We keep reading!