Sleeping Angel

by Greg Herren

Eric Matthews survives a near-fatal accident only to find his whole life has changed.

Eric Matthews wakes up in the hospital with no memory of how he wound up there—and soon learns that it’s vital that he remember. Apparently, he was in a car accident, and the body of classmate Sean Brody was found in his car, shot to death. But nothing makes sense to Eric. He and Sean weren’t friends. In fact, they disliked each other. Sean was gay, and Eric is...well, he's not sure of much right now! Except he is certain he didn’t shoot Sean, even though he can’t remember anything about the day of the accident.

To make matters worse, he starts having psychic flashes about the people around his doctor, a nurse, his mother, and other visitors.

As Eric’s memories slowly start to come back to him, he becomes more and more certain that not only is he innocent, but that the real murderer is out there…and wants to shut him up permanently.

Genres: Young Adult, M M Romance, Mystery, LGBT, Gay, Teen

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

Greg Herren is a New Orleans-based author and editor. Former editor of Lambda Book Report, he is also a co-founder of the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival, which takes place in New Orleans every May. He is the author of ten novels, including the Lambda Literary Award winning Murder in the Rue Chartres, called by the New Orleans Times-Picayune “the most honest depiction of life in post-Katrina New Orleans published thus far.” He co-edited Love, Bourbon Street: Reflections on New Orleans, which also won the Lambda Literary Award. He has published over fifty short stories in markets as varied as Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine to the critically acclaimed anthology New Orleans Noir to various websites, literary magazines, and anthologies. His erotica anthology FRATSEX is the all time best selling title for Insightoutbooks. Under his pseudonym Todd Gregory, he published the bestselling erotic novel Every Frat Boy Wants It and the erotic anthologies His Underwear and Rough Trade (to be released by Bold Strokes Books in 2009).

A long-time resident of New Orleans, Greg was a fitness columnist and book reviewer for Window Media for over four years, publishing in the LGBT newspapers IMPACT News, Southern Voice, and Houston Voice. He served a term on the Board of Directors for the National Stonewall Democrats, and served on the founding committee of the Louisiana Stonewall Democrats. He is currently employed as a public health researcher for the NO/AIDS Task Force.

Reviews

[Elisa Rolle]

An interesting Young Adult mystery / thriller, not specifically “gay” but with a plot that turns around the important issue of teenagers and bullying, and the drama it could generate. Eric Matthews, the main character is not gay, but he is investigating on the death of another teenager, Sean Brody, who was. That is the reason why this novel is perfect for every teenager, gay or not, and it can even teach something about acceptance and avoiding living with regrets it would impossible to make right.

Eric, Sean and Chris were best friends until high school; that was the time Sean came out to Eric and Chris and Chris convinced Eric to ban Sean from their lives. At the beginning I wanted to believe the evil kid was Chris, and that Eric was trying to make it right, but that is not the truth. Eric was really mean with Sean, and doesn’t matter if he was a good kid, if he was a good student, good son and that he really didn’t believe he was doing something wrong making fun of Sean, Eric didn’t realize how hurt he could do, and how someone less strong than Sean could have reacted to that cruel teasing. Not knowing the dangerousness of your actions doesn’t make you less guilty, ignorance makes you as guilty as if you was doing it with purpose.

I think the main point of this novel is that Sean is dead, and doesn’t matter what Eric can or will do, Sean will not come back and Eric will always live with the regret that he could do something, but he didn’t, at least not until it was too late to save Sean.

The reader knows Eric didn’t kill Sean, and he will learn the true at the same pace of Eric, clue by clue while Eric is regaining his memory after the accident that caused his amnesia. With the accident Eric lost his memory but gained something else, a special gift that is helping him see things through a different perspective, helping him understand what is good and bad, and above all, who is good and bad. The gift can be something medicine can explain, or can be a miracle, but the author decided to played it down, to atone as much as possible its strangeness, so that, it is useful to the plot, but doesn’t distract the reader too much from the main point. And the main point is not who killed Sean, but more if Sean’s death can change Eric, if he can be better, and if he can do something useful of his life, in the memory of Sean but also for his own good.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/160282214X/?...

['Nathan Burgoine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the Lambda award-winning author Greg Herren can spin a good mystery - and grab you from the start. Anyone who has read his Chanse or Scotty mysteries can attest to that. That he can do the same thing with a YA novel - a genre that, quite frankly, has even more challenges to do well - speaks to his skill as an author.

What might seem like a topic done before - an amnesia victim potentially holding the vital clues to a murder - gets a fresh breath in "Sleeping Angel." Eric Matthews wakes up in a hospital with amnesia and a serious problem: he was found in a car with the dead body of Sean, a former childhood friend - a friend he has been cruel to for years. Did he - like so many people believe - kill Sean?

He doesn't know.

Herren gives Eric a realistic rude awakening. Sure, his parents think he's a good kid, and he's popular and an athlete, but as one character in the book puts it - people do love to tear someone down when they've put them up high in the first place. Eric's self-examination is from his own point of view and a stranger both - he doesn't remember his life - and he's chilled by actions he doesn't remember taking. More importantly, he's got a lethal catch-22 to face: he might be a murderer on the one hand, but on the other, if he's not - then there's a murderer out there who'd definitely like him dead for what he might know, but can't remember.

The teens all read well, the parents and police aren't bumbling idiots (a trope that annoys me in much of teen fiction), and Eric's struggle for the truth - and to accept that maybe he wasn't a nice guy - rings true. There's a dash of paranormal to the mystery as well, but not overwhelmingly so, and it adds an interesting quirk to the tale. I'd intended to read this over a few days, a chapter here and a chapter there, and ended up devouring it between one late night and one early morning. It's solid, and tight, and well paced, and I hope Herren gives YA more of his time in the future.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I admit I couldn't get past the chapter where the car accident victim started having visions of bad things happening in the future to people he comes in contact with. Ugh. But you know, the cover will sell it; I put it on the YA display shelf at my library and it was snatched up within minutes.

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Matthew Dye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Forgettable.

I suppose as an exercise it's fine. But it's somewhat boilerplate and utterly generic in the end. None of the more subversive elements you might expect from the description really cohere - the description suggests the main character is gay, but it turns out only secondary characters are. And the supernatural bits are entirely unnecessary to the plot. In the end it just is. It's not *bad* - just banal and mediocre. I expected better.

[David Shuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg Herren is one of my favorite authors. And with Sleeping Angel, he didn't let me down. This book kept you on the edge of my seat.

[Mat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Herren's work, I found this an enjoyable departure from his usual gay-lead sleuths. Interesting from the beginning and a superb reminder that bullying is no joke.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review https://topplingbookpile.blogspot.com/

[Daniel Hand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept me guessing to just about the end. It was very hard to put down. I have read many of Herren's work and I think this is one of his best.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not good with penning detailed reviews, but I do know when I've read a story worthy enough to recommend to others that I need to offer more than just a star rating. Sleeping Angel by prolific mystery author, Greg Herren, is such a novel. Frankly, I wish I could give this novel six stars!

I can't recall the last time I read a YA novel I enjoyed as much since reading, K.M. Soehnlein's The World of Normal Boys a few years ago. I didn't want Sleeping Angel to end and I forced myself to read the novel over several days, in blocks of chapters, when I could easily have devoured it all at once.

It's rare, too - at my age - that I venture to read YA novels, but Greg Herren is one of my favorites, and well, the author's blurb of the novel sounded incredibly interesting, so I gave it a shot.

Young, good-looking, popular football star, Eric Matthews, wakes up from a coma in the hospital with amnesia and a "gift" he doesn't understand - or a freaky turn of events, as Eric soon realizes when he "touches" someone and is able to hear their thoughts.

Not to worry, this tiptoe into the paranormal doesn't overwhelm the novel in the least, but instead adds an interesting angle as Eric pieces together the events leading up to why he landed in the hospital fighting for his life after a deadly car crash - oh, did I forget to mention the dead body of a former childhood friend found in the mangled wreckage?

How did Eric end up with Sean's blood all over him, especially when his former friend was found in the backseat of the vehicle?

Thus, the mystery that hooks you from the first pages of Sleeping Angel. The story is told from Eric's pov, and the reader comes to learn about Eric through the teen's eyes as he tries to piece together the events that lead up to the accident and if he is a murderer, as many in town believe.

Just "who" is Eric Matthews? What Eric learns about himself soon sickens and saddens him - especially when he learns he just might be the bully responsible for events that preceded the accident.

The story of Sleeping Angel is current, shocking, explosive - a thrilling read. The novel is a solid mystery, deftly played out and a "must read" for any Young Adult reader out there - not to mention anyone who loves a solid thriller!

[Steven Santos]

This is one of those novels that drew me in right from the get go with its intriguing story of High School teen Eric Matthews waking up in the hospital after a horrific car crash suffering from amnesia. To add to the mystery, the body of his estranged childhood friend Sean is found in the backseat of the car, apparently dead of a gunshot wound, leading many in the community to suspect Eric of murder.

What unfolds is a taut thriller, as Eric races to put the puzzle pieces of his missing memory together to discover whether or not he is indeed a killer, or if the real killer is still out there, waiting to strike against him before he can recover.

Though this novel is written with simplistic prose, the author does a great job creating an atmosphere of mystery and ratcheting up the tension as the pieces begin to fall into place, although the identity of the murderer is perhaps telegraphed prematurely.

However, that being said, the one aspect of the novel that didn't work for me was a psychic subplot, regarding Eric's newfound ability to touch people and read their minds/see visions of the future, a la Stephen King's Johnny Smith in THE DEAD ZONE. This element seems very out of place, is not really developed, ultimately plays no role in the main amnesia/murder plot, and feels like it was shoehorned-in just to capitalize on the paranormal trend.

Despite this element, the novel succeeds as an engrossing page turner that also tackles the timely issues of bullying against GLBTQ teens.

[Linn Browning · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book broke my heart. I wanted so badly for it to be something it wasn't. I hoped for a paranormal mystery with a GLBT angle and what I got was a ham-handed amnesiac with self-loathing issues and a gay buddy. The ending was painfully obvious from the second the villain walked into frame and the internal dialog read like a diatribe aimed at bullies everywhere. The only character development happens because of the amnesia and the paranormal aspects are weak and half-forgotten in the process of the story.

I personally didn't enjoy this book, but as an aspiring librarian, I feel the need to justify this book's inclusion in a collection: there was a strong trend toward normalizing gay characters and the main character, in his amnesia, can't imagine why he would be upset by the sexual orientation of his friends (in spite of his pre-amnesia bullying). There is plenty of action and suspense, especially as Eric's memory starts to leak in around the edges.

Just don't read this expecting Patricia Briggs-style paranormal detective work. Don't expect Harry Dresden to stride through and strike down the demons. Don't expect Kat Richardson's Greywalker. It's a small-scale story with small characters and a small message.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. It was kind of like Memento-lite. A teenage boy wakes up in the hospital with amnesia. People tell him that he was in a car accident and his former friend was found shot to death in the back seat. He decides to solve the mystery of whether he killed his friend or not, and if not, who did. All of the great YA themes and plot devices are there: secret love, bullying, drugs, untrustworthy adults, sibling rivalry, and even the hang-out spot where all the action originates. There is also a lot of introspection on the part of the main character. He finds out a lot of stuff about his pre-amnesia self that his amnesiac self doesn’t like. Was he a bad person? Is he still a bad person? Is he still the same person? And while the clues to the mystery allow the read to have a pretty good idea of who the killer is before the main character figures it out, it is still fun going along for the ride. I would definitely read more books by this author.

[Cindy (eclecticfirefly) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wasn't what I thought it would be. I think I loved it more than I would have if it had been what I was expecting.

Eric is involved in a car wreck. He awakes from the coma with no memories. He doesn't recognize anyone and can't remember anything personal. Sean was also in his car, but they hadn't been friends in several years. Sean died and many people in town believe Eric killed him. Why was he in Eric's car? Why weren't they friends any longer? Who actually killed Sean?

All these questions are answered as Eric begins to question the people he used to know. As his memory begins coming back in bits and pieces, other questions arise.

I enjoyed the journey Eric makes to reclaim his memories. I also loved that when he discovered aspects of his life that he didn't like, he owned up to them and realized they were wrong.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric wakes up in the hospital with no memory of how he got there or who he is or who that strange woman is who is crying. He doesn’t even remember who his mother is. Total amnesia. He doesn’t remember that there was another boy, Sean, in his car who died of gunshot wound before the crash. That is the mystery, who killed Sean and why and what was he doing with Eric?As memories start to return he finds that he doesn’t like the person who he was: a gay bashing bully. He wonders why he was like that.

One weak theme in the novel that never went anywhere was when Eric came out of his coma he had some psychic abilities. He could see the future in dreams and he could read people’s minds when their hands touched. The novel would have been better without this especially since it wasn’t explained but just left dangling.

A most interesting point of view.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg Herren continues to prove that he is a great mystery author in this easy-to-be-swept-away novel. He writes about some very important and emotional issues that are seriously affecting our society today, and manages not preach to you. I would recommend that parents and their young readers read this book.
To me, Eric’s amnesia was more interesting than the psychic ability he gains after the accident that nearly claims his life. Still, it was both creepy and cool at the same time. He is forced to take a look at the person he is. How he treated his brother, his friends, and how he was seen in the community. Will he like what he sees? Will he be able to make amends to those he’s hurt? The most important question of all is did he murder his long-time childhood friend Sean?

[Dillwynia Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title & blurp are a little misleading. I was expecting a mystery with a gay twist in it; even the front design leads you towards this thinking. This was not the case, although what is produced is a good book.

However, and most importantly is the chief theme of the book: bullying in the school place.

This, the author covers exceptionally well and I felt it came away with very positive messages. I would recommend this to any teen - gay or otherwise - and have decided to donate my copy to the local library system.

As an adult that reads critically, a number of the characters are stereotypical, and there are a few plot holes. However, the age group that this is targeted at, are not going to notice, and I can live with that.

[R.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in a while that has left me feeling so profoundly shaken. Very cleverly done, I think the beginning could have been tighter and just jumped straight to the accident. I love the characterisation, and the subject matter was spot on in today's world. I found it incredibly hard to feel sympathy for the main character, but that is the beauty of this story, it keeps your emotions first one way then the other...

I couldn't put the book down.

4.5

[Dawn Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read the review of this title I found it intriguing: teen boy/star athlete wakes up in hospital w/amnesia of how he got here, who he is; doesn't recognize his family & friends. Oh, and apparently someone wants him dead.

It had some interesting elements but maybe I am getting too cynical/too old to suspend my "reality-based" thought process ~ The story was an o.k. read but I wouldn't rush to recommend it. I fear that it will languish on my YA shelves ....

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't let the cover fool you -- this isn't porn and it's definitely not a cheesy "earth angel" love story. It is, however, a rather great, unique, and fast moving murder mystery that (if not deterred by that hairless chest) will really appeal to older teen guys who like (more or less) realistic lit.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this well-written YA story. It's the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more. I liked the characters, the plot is interesting and while it wasn't hard to figure out "the mystery" the story kept me engaged throughout.

[Damian Serbu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique Greg Herren mystery. I loved it. I was supposed to go to sleep at 10:00, then 11:00, then . . . . Well, at that point you have to just stay up and find out what happens. Another home run novel!!

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It's a suspense filled gay tinged page turner. The main character wakes up from a car accident with amnesia. He quickly learns that his ex-friend, a friend he know bullies, was found in the backseat dead. I was hooked from the jacket copy.

[Sydnie Macelroy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The whole ESP arc had me convinced for a short time that this was more than just another teen angst novel. Sadly, I was wrong. Beautifully written, yes, but it takes more than pretty prose to make a good story.

[Sally Kenney · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little heavy handed on the gay young adult theme, but captivating enough.

[squishy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really enticing, the summary and cover was what lured me to it.

I finished this book in less than two days, I simply could not put it down.

[Wendopolis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, despite the dumb title.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was cool, mainly interested by the cover but it was good once we found out about some more secret details about eric & his best friend.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good YA book by a great author.

[Darby Jens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It had me unable to put it down and only took me about 20 pages to get into it. I love books that are exciting beginning to end an this was one of them.