Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg
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Book Reviews of Falling Angel
Book Review: Every Mystery Fan Should Read It
Summary: 5 Stars
Critics often accuse mystery novelists of recycling the same basic story. That's probably a good criticism. Readers who enjoy mysteries, but who want to escape the "same old, same old" will want to find a copy of Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg.
Falling Angel is the sort of novel that seems to be about one thing, but ends up heading in unexpected directions. Harry Angel is a down-at-the-heels private investigator in 1959 Manhattan. A mysterious (and creepy) client offers him a lot of money to track down a singer named Johnny Favorite who disappeared in the 1940s. Johnny's trail is very cold after fifteen years, but Angel's well-heeled client insists that Angel keep looking. As the search continues, Angel plunges into a world of death, black magic, and unspeakable horror.
There are several things that separate Falling Angel from the usual mysteries. First, there is Hjortsberg`s unique plot. There's not another book quite like this one. Second, there is the atmosphere. The book does a great job of evoking a gritty 1950s Manhattan. Hjortsberg brings in some great "flavors" including jazz, weather, subways, etc. Falling Angel is a very sensual book - in the literal sense of the word; Hjortsberg's readers experience his story through their five senses. There is also a stark feeling of terror as you read Falling Angel. The book starts off in a wicked world. And that world gets worse every time you turn the page.
My only regret about Falling Angel is that I saw the movie based on the book before I read it. (The movie is "Angel Heart" starring Mickey Rourke). I like the film, but Falling Angel has a great ending that will lose its impact if you see the film before you read the book.
If you're a mystery fan and you haven't read Falling Angel, you're missing out.
Book Review: A terrific book
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a well-written detective story with elements of horror & the supernatural. It's a concise, fast-moving book, the sort of thing a seasoned reader can easily finish off in a weekend. I would describe the book as a twist on the genre of detective fiction, and I think it would appeal to fans of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. One of the blurbs on the jacket says the book is sort of like if Raymond Chandler had written "The Exorcist," which I think hits the nail on the head pretty well, not only in terms of the theme of the book but also the quality of the writing.
I would say that this book is a classic, not because it is up there with Moby Dick or something like that, but it occupies a unique niche, being such a perfect blend of noir thriller and supernatural horror, and because it is so well written in terms of the art of storytelling. A few reviewers grouse that they saw through the mystery at some point too early in the story, and apparently this ruined the experience for them. I don't think we are supposed to be surprised by certain plot twists that happen late in the book. The hints are frequent and playfully obvious. I think we're supposed to have figured it out early and then continue to enjoy the ride. I know I did. Having said that, I think the ideal experience that one could have reading this book would be with no preconceptions whatsoever. I would remove any artwork from the cover that hinted at the supernatural, and pass it on to a friend, saying it was an unusually good detective story.
Book Review: I am proud to own this book!
Summary: 5 Stars
In mystery there are lot of great writers. I horror, nowadays, you name it. In expetional cult and urban details, it has become a trend.
Mr.William has it all in on in lifetime book, amd with twist in the tale that makes it an inordinary book. Stephen King, the master said, I never really read anything like it. Well, neither have I?
Angel is a detectecitve with an awkward edge, asked by amysterious Lu Cypher, if you know what I mean, to investigate the disppearence of a famous singer. Simple. Easy. And to the point investigation that takes you into the darkened alleys of New orleans, the wicked melodies of jazzy contabass players, chicken foot naked women voodoo, sexy black girl history, rich white girl delllima and her father who holds the keys to not just solving teh mystery or finding the singer or exposing who the man is who wants to find the singer. Bur ultimately, to Angel himself.
The writing is very easy relaxed, Hjortsberg does nothing but just tell you the story. No comlications, mastery of prose, innuendo writing. He is much more brilliant than that. He know he has a climax in the novel that will shock you and will break through into your very soul. A climax dealing with one the most suppressed and hidden fears in history. If I had a plot like that handy, I would have become a millionare and took a six figure check in advance.
If you are into horror or mysteries, this is a must book on your shelf.
Remember , the end is shocking and you will read this book again.
Book Review: A terrific edition of an amazing novel.
Summary: 5 Stars
The easy sound-bite description is that this is The Exorcist written by Raymond Chandler. It's as good as that sounds, and actually a bit better. This story hurtles along breathlessly...it's one of those cliche-generating books that you honestly can't stop reading.
Hjortsberg places you squarely in 1959 Manhattan. All the characters are vividly drawn; scenes play out cinematically...you can "see" them happening. That style of writing doesn't come along every day...
Anyways, you've probably seen "Angel Heart", and that won't spoil reading this one bit. The difference are enough to keep you on the edge, and the similarities enough to keep you hooked.
The ending is most satisfying...you know it's coming, but it still hits like a sledgehammer.
This edition is awesome! The intro's by the late James Crumley, Ridley Scott; the added-on short story is a real treat, the comments from the author and the 1978 letter from Stephen King all add to the experience.
My hardcover is lovingly produced, only marred by a number of typos...(Krusernark instead of Krusemark happens once or twice...) I'll be buying everything these guys produce, I'm telling you!
If you've read this far, you will NOT be disappointed by this book...!
Book Review: forgotten classic
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this book when it was first issued and I've read it several times subsequently. Not only is it cleverly written; not only is the plot intricate; not only is it evocatively atmospheric; not only does it rise above the level of genre fiction: it also never fails to entertain. Unfortunately, this book has largely languished in obscurity. Maybe this is due, in part, to the mediocre movie ("Angel Heart") based loosely on the plot which was issued a few years after the book publication. The fact that "Falling Angel" survives in print is testament to it's "cult classic" status. I consider it a "detective novel" variant even though it uses Obea ("voodoo") to set the background and there is an element of "occult" in the denouement. A firm grounding in conventional reality permeates most of the book. It is not, therefore, a "horror" novel, as some other reviewers here at Amazon have mischaracterized it.
In summary, an excellent mystery story, well worth reading. It is much more satisfying than most modern mysteries of my experience.
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