Angel Killer audiobook

I gave up reading books about the FBI when I stopped believing in the FBI but I simply could not resist a book where the MC is also a MAGICIAN! What!?! Okay, at first I thought this was going to be the corniest, silliest book I ever had read and this year I've started and stopped a LOT of those. But

Bloody brilliant. Note: I have a review copy from the Faber paperback edition being released in October, that edition does not appear on Goodreads that I can see!I literally devoured this - Its like Criminal Minds meets Jonathon Creek in book form. I'm very lucky to be able to interiew the author for a feature on the blog to coincide with the UK Faber release so a full review will follow then. Highly Recommended.

As with his Naturalist series, Andrew Mayne brings us a completely different type of protagonist again with Jessica Blackwood. When you read as much as I do, in a very crowded genre, you really appreciate an author who can deliver something out of left field so kudos to Mayne for that alone.Jessica Blackwood, a young FBI agent, is added to a team hunting an elusive serial killer calling himself the Warlock. His victims are found in seemingly impossible tableaux. Jessica's father and grandfather were magicians and she also learned the trade. When she is called upon to offer her unique insights into how such tableaux could be achieved she is a little reluctant, at first, to call upon her upbringing which, in the FBI, could be considered a little kinky. But after being able to 'solve' some of the more esoteric aspects of the case she gains some respect and credibility. This was a very entertaining offering by Mayne and I'm straight into book 2.

Lately I've given up on the current trend in thrillers (sadistic serialists, dead children) and sought out protagonists with quirky backstories and skills. Jessica is an FBI agent with a background as an illusionist, having been born into that world. Not your usual setup. The situation here is original with an overthetop Mr. Bad who, of course, seems to be ubiquitous, hilariously evil and brilliant, and has unlimited resources. Can't wait to see what Mayne comes up with next.

Trigger warning: Violence death.What a book, what a fucking book...i enjoyed every single moment of it (am already 25% into the sequel as I write this).The characters has solid real feel to them especially jessica, the way you feel her emotions and see her thinking mind turning in order to solve the case.... it just make you fall in love with her and want to protect her at all costs (yes D I feel what you feel ^^)The flow is nice and easy despite the difficult theme of the novel, this story is not for the faint heart so read/listen at your own risk.but seriously Andrew Mayne is a master in combine magic and crime.... i am really enjoying this series so far.

Andrew Mayne is an illusionist and magician who has worked for David Copperfield, Penn and Teller and David Blaine. He's also the star of A&E's Don't Trust Andrew Mayne. And....he's also an author. Mayne self published his novels and had some success. Angel Killer sold really well in that format and Bourbon Street Books picked it up, with a hard copy of Angel Killer just published. I normally eschew self published books, but was incredibly curious to read Angel Killer (especially after a large publisher picked it up.) I found the premise intriguing - an FBI agent who grew up in a 'magic' family. When a killer calling himself the Warlock starts staging and executing seemingly impossible crimes, Jessica Blackwood is called in. The FBI seems to think her unusual background will be the key they need to find this killer. But it's easier said than done - The Warlock is incredibly devious and seems to have a long range plan..... Well, Mayne is smart as well - he's writing what he knows. The use of magic and illusion as the serial killer's signature is unique. And having an agent just as familiar with the sleights of hand and misdirection is fresh and different. And quite fascinating. Mayne is setting the stage (yes pun intended) for Jessica. We get to know her background and mindset and I quite liked her. We're also introduced to the mysterious Damien n - I definitely want to know more about him. The plot is inventive and again, out of the ordinary. There are a few instances where I questioned the leap to the next point or some technical wizardry, but overall I thought it was really good. And through it all runs the idea of magic. I am always entertained by illusionists and am not sure how I feel about knowing the truth behind some 'tricks' I've seen, but it's pretty interesting to discover how some of them are achieved. Angel Killer is being marketed as the first Jessica Blackwood novel. I would definitely pick up the next in this series - even more so that the end of Angel Killer is not truly the end - the last page is a definite link to a larger plot still not uncovered. I've peeked at other's thoughts on this book and many readers mention their dissatisfaction with the ending. I actually like the unfinished threads - the idea that there's more in store for this character and the anticipation of the continuation of a good tale.

Clever and intriguing

This is an interesting twist on the typical detective novel, and is clever in its execution. It certainly feels like the beginning of something bigger so I'll be interested to see where following novels go, however on its own this is still an enjoyable novel. I was drawn to the idea because I'm a fan of the TV series 'The Mentalist', and while this has similarities they are two very different ideas. The magician angle is fascinating and allows the reader to reflect on the idea of illusion, and seeing what we want to see. It can be thought-provoking, but is still a fast-paced story for those that enjoy action.I would have enjoyed a little more character exploration, as this is all about Jessica and the mysterious villain, despite a varied and interesting supporting cast. Hopefully further books in the series will go a little deeper into other characters. Still an enjoyable novel, and a unique twist on the usual police procedural novel.

Why would I give this book four stars when it has so many loose ends? Because it was good anyway!Jessica Blackwood is a young woman raised in a family of magicians. The problem is that her family cares more for magic than morals. She leaves them behind and pursues a career in the FBI. When a dead body is found Jessica is called to provide 'another view' of the strange situation. This dead body was recently deceased but was declared dead a year ago. Yup, it's difficult to explain you'll just have to read it. Jessica's experience with illusion takes us through the investigation through her eyes as a magician. It was great how she figures out how these murders were committed. Her thinking was meticulous. Even though she wants to leave her past behind, it is her past experience as a magician that got her through. It is her grandfathers lessons that she remembered and her father and uncles encouragement that helped her solve this case. Maybe in the next book we will meet them.Sometimes the storyline was completely unbelievable and I always feel that fiction should be believable. For example, this character Damien. First of all Andrew, did you have to give him the name of the anti-christ in this book? Damian to Jessica is like Superman to Louis Lane except he is not a superhero. He is a man who is described as mentally unstable. Yet he always seems to be in the right place to save Jessica without any explanation of how he knew where she was or that she needed help and saving. How did he get classified information? How did he know about the helicopter crash? Did I miss something? It didn't matter. I still liked the book! Looking forward to Book #2 in this series.

The first in the Jessica Blackwood FBI series...Jessica's father and grandfather were magicians and she also learned the trade...Being an experienced stage magician, she can often bring unique insights into how some crime unfold...In the first of the series, Jessica is added to task force, hunting the elusive serial killer, calling himself the Warlock...The Warlock's victims are found in seemingly impossible scenarios...Only a stage magician can figure it out!...Good Stuff!!!

Was a bit sceptical at first because of the magician stuff but the details in the murders are so interesting! Really well written.