Angels of Music by Kim Newman ARC REVIEW

Angels of Music by Kim Newman
Published by Titan Books
Ebook Published 4 October 2016
400 pages
Publisher ARC

I was given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. WHAT'S IT'S ABOUT

Deep in the shadows under the Paris Opera House resides Erik the Phantom, mysteriously enduring through the decades as the mastermind behind a strange and secret agency. A revolving door of female agents are charged by wealthy Parisians and the French Government to investigate crimes and misdemeanours they would prefer to keep out of the public eye. The toxic underbelly of Paris is exposed by Erik s tenacious women operatives as they confront horror and corruption throughout the city. But it is one dreadful murder during the 1910 Great Flood of Paris that brings Irene Adler, Kate Reed and others together for a final, deadly confrontation.

EXTRACT

TOWARDS THE END OF THE SEVENTIES -that colourful , hectic decade of garish clothes, corrupt politics, personal excess and trivial music - three girls were sent to the Paris Opera. They could dance a little, sing a little more, were comely when painted and cut fine figures in tights. Were the world just, they would have been stars in the ascendant. Leading roles would have been assigned to them. Rewards would have come along... fame, riches and advantageous marriages.

WHAT I THOUGHT

Angels of Music is a bad, wonderful, rare book. I adored every word. I'm a huge fan of Phantom of the Opera. I love everything about it especially the music. I couldn't resists this book when I got an email from Titan Books offering advance review copies. I'm glad I wasn't disappointed. Angels of Music is satire at its best. I loved the premise behind this romp - the famous opera ghost is a bloke called Erik who runs a mysterious secret agency in the very opera house he's reputed to haunt. Who could resist such a great idea? I loved the angels. Christine Daaé put in an appearance as does Irene Adler of the Sherlock Holmes oeuvre. Other famous names pop up. Angels of Music is crazy and funny and a delight. I enjoyed all of the investigations the Angels take part in over the years. Just what I thought things couldn't get any crazier, Angels of Music turns it up a notch. I liked the way the novel ends with good old fashioned betrayal and carnage. Simply put, Angels of Music is a delight. I loved it and would highly recommend it.

RATING