A Quiet Belief in Angels

By: R. J. Ellory

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

In 1939 in the small, rural community of Augusta Falls, Georgia, 12-year-old Joseph Vaughan learns of the brutal assault and murder of a young girl, the first in a series of killings that will plague the community over the next decade. Joseph and his friends are determined to protect the town from the evil in their midst and they form "the Guardians" to watch over the community. But the murderer evades them and they watch helplessly as one child after another is taken. Even when the killings cease, a shadow of fear follows Joseph and, 50 years later, he must confront the nightmare.©2009 R. J. Ellory Publications Ltd (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"There aren't nearly enough beautifully written novels that are also great mysteries. Like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Smilla's Sense of Snow, A Quiet Belief in Angels is one of them." (James Patterson)
"A Quiet Belief in Angels is a beautiful and haunting book. This is a tour de force from R. J. Ellory." (Michael Connelly)

On the edge of my seat

Great book, kept me hooked throughout!!!!!!!!
I would recommend for a psychological thriller! And a bit of history!

A masterful novel among classics of literature

A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS by R J Ellory

The town of Augusta Falls is in pain. It must come to terms with the rise of Hitler's power and the dawning of WWII. To the town's inhabitants, this is mostly a psychological war. If they don't feel directly the affects of mass murderer, Adolf Hitler, they have their very own serial killer in their midst. They are plunged into depression and a dark fugue as young girls are brutally slain. The main protagonist, Joseph Vaughn, seems doomed.

It's hard to write a review worthy of A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS. The novel seems created by some mythical hybrid, Truman Capote and John Steinbeck. An unthinkable crime befalls a bucolic town, sprawling landscapes, schoolhouses, and murdered girls abound. I'm not sure this book is for everyone. It's very intense and introspective. For example there is a lot of repetition, but Ellory digs a deep well of emotion. Also, it's not just sad, it's morose. Given the quality of the novel, I'm willing to make allowances for aspects some people might consider flaws. R. J. Ellory is not only a master of language, but also an excellent researcher. His first person narrative feels truly authentic. The book seems as though it was indeed written by someone from the era where the book takes place. My personal feeling is that this is one of the best books I've come across in a long time.
P.S. The narrator is amazing!

Cheers for Ellory

A well-written book that captures your imagination and keeps you guessing until the very end. Ellory uses words in a way that brings the characters to life and pulls you in. A tragic story with a morsel of hope. If you like using your brain...you'll love this story. The narration is excellent. Five cheers for Ellory.

AWESOME

this is a great book. the subject matter is a bit intense. the writer and the reader do an awesome job of keeping your attention and moving the story along. I have just finished reading Ellory lastest book - The Anniversary Man-- I am so glad I found him.

Some of the best writing I've ever heard.

Ellory's prose is rhythmic and moving, descriptive and direct. The plot is thrilling and unpredictable. The characters are dynamic and have great depth. This story combines the entertaining capacity of a thriller-novel and the elegant writing of a classic, and still manages to have soul and personality. This is one of the greatest books I have ever read/listened-to. Tremendous writing, great storyline, well narrated. I can't recommend it highly enough.