The Angel Maker: A Novel

Christopher Shaw seems to have a target on his back. Following a near-death experience as a teen, his protective sister Katie felt responsible for Chris’ accident. After he turned to drugs and pushed her away, their relationship was never the same. Despite not speaking for years, Katie learns that Chris is missing. While searching for him, Katie uncovers upsetting details about her family and discovers that Chris may be involved with a serial killer.

I became an Alex North fan after The Whisper Man and look to him for a creepy, well-thought-out crime novels. North delivered both in The Angel Maker, although it didn’t live up to his standout novel. The story was unique in its philosophical themes. However, I found parts of the story hard to follow. There were too many characters, and when the author alternated between using first and last names to identify them, I was distracted in trying to keep everyone straight. The flashbacks and puzzling family relationships also lost me at times.

I loved the startling moments and the main twist was surprising. Although this wasn’t a favorite, I look forward to North’s future novels!