The Angel of Darkness

Rating:
Summary: Wordy, wordy, wordy
Review: Like many others, I loved the Alienist and read this for more of the same. Maybe enough was too much, but Angel was too wordy and explained too much. The dialogue was constructed as if the reader (and the characters in the book) were dunderheads who couldn't understand the action without endless repetition and explication. I don't think that was necessary and it slowed the book a lot. Also, I agree with the earlier comment that late 20th century mores, especially about the status of women, were applied to the late 19th century, which I think was done with a wink and a smirk, without real sincerity. That was the least believable part of a book that requires the reader to suspend credulity on every page. Parts were enjoyable, but, alas, the whole was less than the sum of the parts.

Rating:
Summary: A long, engrossing novel.
Review: If you enjoy Mr. Carr's work, you'll enjoy this book. If you enjoy only "serial killer" novels, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK! So many people who said they loved The Alienist do not enjoy this book. I enjoy reading about these characters along with Mr. Carr's descriptions of late 19th century New York. This isn't a history lesson however, so those of you out there picking on these books for the use of historical characters in fictional situations really need to calm down. Bravo, Mr. Carr, keep em' coming!

Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: Some of my favorite books have a slow start. I've learned to perservere and am sometimes rewarded. This is the case with Angel of Darkness. When I was through, I was sorry it was over. I found myself thinking about the book everytime real life intruded and I had to put it down. I enjoyed the characters and their dialogue, learning about turn of the century New York, early forensics and its fight to be recognized as viable investigative technique. The exploration of the taboo, dark side of womankind was intriquing. I havn't read The Alienist yet, but if it's better than Angel, I know I'm in for a treat! I can hardly wait for it to arrive.

Rating:
Summary: Caleb Carr is a master of description
Review: I preferred the Alienest to Angel of Darkness, but I still loved the book. Caleb Carr is a master of description. The way he describes 1800's New York is wonderful! When I read the Alienest I thought the book had to have been written a century ago because nobody so young could have written so detailed an account. Angel of Darkness, even though it is a sequal to the Alienest, was written from another character's point of view. Carr succeeds using Stevie as the narrator. Both Carr books are must-reads for any mystery or historical novel lovers!

Rating:
Summary: Well written!
Review: Mr. Carr has done it again. This book is as well researched and written as the first adventure with Dr. Kreizler + Co.

Rating:
Summary: Turn of the century crime thriller
Review: I usually read the likes of Clive Barker, but I picked this book up and never stopped reading. It is a brilliant crime suspense novel. I loved it.

Rating:
Summary: Very hard to get into
Review: The awesome reviews of this book are a lot of hype. I couldn't even finish it. Does not compare to the ALIENIST at all. Totally BORING!

Rating:
Summary: You will hold your breath throughout the book.
Review: You get frustrated at the ignorance, prejudice and the mistreatment of the characters in this book...However it is such a thriller, you just can't put it down.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but the Alienist was better !
Review: I enjoyed reading this book despite the physical weight of the volume. I felt that Mr Carr could have told his tale in fewer words and still maintained the same level of intrigue. I would read another book by Mr. Carr but would prefer one that is shorter in length.. All in all, Angel Of Darkness was a good read.

Rating:
Summary: Not the page-turner I expected...
Review: I usually manage to finish a book every wek or so, but this one took almost five. Granted, it was over 700 pages, but as other readers have commented, a lot of that could have come out. the book just moved too slowly. Several times I started tp give up and move on to something else, but I did feel compelled to finish it. I am glad that I did - once we got to the trial it picked up, and I really enjoyed it from that point on. Too bad that was 3/4 of the way through. I would only recommend this to someone that I knew to be a history buff. Or very patient.