Like Angels Falling

Ray Flowers #2

by Jane A. Adams

Please note this was originally published as Like Angels Falling.

IF YOU ARE LOST, THEY WILL FIND YOU . . .

It started with a gang of drifters, dreamers and dropouts.

Together, they were the Eyes of God. Eleven years ago, this cult wreaked havoc on Ray Flowers’ hometown.

THREE INNOCENT VICTIMS. ONE TWISTED RITUAL.

Flowers put their leader, a cold-blooded killer named Harrison Lee, behind bars. Without him, the Eyes chose mass suicide.

Five-year-old Katie Fellows was trapped in their commune and would have died too — were it not for a mysterious young boy.

WHO WAS HE? AND WHY DID HE SAVE HER?

Years later, teenaged Katie still sees him in her dreams. Her instincts tell her she needs him more than ever.

THE EYES ARE BACK. AND THEY’RE COMING TO FINISH WHAT LEE STARTED.

But can Katie trust her rescuer? Or is the Eyes’ hold on him too strong?

Lee may be dead, but there’s a new heir to his twisted legacy.

CAN RAY FLOWERS BREAK THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE AND COERCION BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE?

Genres: Mystery

400 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2002

About the author

Some of her early books were published under the name of Jane Adams. This should not be confused with this Jane Adams who is a different author.

Reviews

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

LIKE ANGELS FALLING (Pol. Proc-England-Cont) – VG
Adams, Jane, 2nd in series
Macmillan, 2001- UK Hardcover – ISBN: 0333905245
*** Ray Flowers has now resigned fro the police force and is partners with his friend, George Mahoney, in a security and detection business. Eleven years ago, Ray was involved in investigating the murder of three young boys and Eyes of God cult leader, Harrison Lee, was convicted of the crimes. The cult headquarters exploded and only one young girl, Katie, survived but hasn’t spoken since that day. Now, suddenly, Katie proclaims “He’s coming back.” and runs away from the home of her foster parents back to the site of the cult. When a young boy disappears and his body is found in the same spot and position as Lee’s first victim, Ray is called in to help the police. Has someone taken over where Lee left off?
*** Adams is very good at supernatural suspense. There is enough of each element to pull you in and keep you reading, but not so much as to be completely unbelievable. Because one can explain events either by reason or paranormal is what makes this book creepy. The tension is definitely there. The story is driven by plot, more than character, but it works because each character is strong and interesting enough to hold their own. Adams is bit hit or miss with me, but this was a definite hit.

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

As in the Mike Croft series I thought the first books were really good and the second ones not so much. This one I found a lot harder to get into and be involved in. This is the second of the trilogy, although they are fairly stand alone.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first in the Ray Flowers series, I was keen to find out what had become of him after his previous adventures. This story was a real excitement to see Ray back in action with his new partner, George, and to find him still with his new lady friend, Sarah. The plot of this was a bit odd in places, with quite a few mysterious messages from unknown persons. However, it gradually all started to come together, and although I would say that it didn’t necessarily make complete sense in places, the story as a whole worked well. As usual, Jane’s work is very beautifully written, and she is extremely good at creating believable and friendly characters who the read warms to very quickly. The pace was a little slow to begin with but it very quickly picked-up and as we got closer to the end and the chase was on, I found myself reading faster and not wanting to put the book down. The conclusion was satisfactory, although I did feel there were a few loose ends. However, I am positive that there is a lot more excitement left in Ray’s life and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

[Mikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as enjoyable as the first in the series. Rather convoluted and the character connections meandered. Also, way too many dead bodies littering the story. What many might call supernatural connections linked the characters, but the violent 'evil cult' aspect overshadowed the more benign understanding of how true inner knowing - between those who are peacefully connected - functions is real time. I guess this was the basic idea, a literary device to raise the sense of anticipation and garner a frisson of fear from readers who don't understand the supernatural stuff or whose understanding is warped by lurid sensationalism.

Too many superfluous characters. And Ray Flowers only seemed to have a bit part to play. The ending was rather unsatisfying to me, but I guess to do more with it would have meant drawing the story out even more.

I wanted more substantial exploration of Ray's new life as an ex-copper. Maybe in the third book in the Kindle boxed set.

[Mrs J M Ancsell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite 5 stars

I had hoped to enjoy this as much as I enjoyed The Apothecary’s daughter but if fell short for me. I felt that the link to a series of previous crimes, although obviously essential to the plot, became too much of a story of it’s own. I wondered if there’d been a previous book about those particular crimes as it felt as if that information would be helpful. But I can’t find anything. So I’m left with a feeling of dissatisfaction as there was no further development of the main characters - Ray, Sarah and George which was disappointing.

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the second story in the box set I have and I enjoyed it in so far it was well-written, though it was a sad reflection on human behaviour.

Cults are never good news but when murder is involved...

Ray Flowers, now retired from the police force, is asked to help with the investigation of the murder of another child; the case rooted in the past.

This story certainly highlighted the dangers of closed minds and had a supernatural echo to it. The characters suited the plot, while tension and suspense threaded throughout this crime drama.

Engaging and recommended.

[Kay Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, good story. Developing into a good series. Another great mystery to be unravelled. This one takes us into the world of cult religions and the hold they have over people. There is also a spooky element to the story which is well written and adds depth to the story. Ray Flowers is as good as ever, and his relationship with Sarah is growing. The new detective agency is up and running. Look forward to the next installment.

[EILEEN · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE UNWILLING SON is the optimal manifestation of an eerie, malevolent and mysterious ambiance. Evil personified permeates the pages to unthinkable levels. Riveting breath holding, heart stopping suspense continually ramps up with unfathomable developments. The mystical, spiritualistic phenomena skyrockets the conundrum into the stratosphere terminating in an action packed cataclysmic finish.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story more than Book 1. It’s a good thriller but not the run of the mill detective story. The plot is a good one revolving around cults. There is still a supernatural element to it but not as much as Book 1. We got to know George much better in this story though Ray still features heavily. Good read. Look forward to Book 3 in the series.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been re-released as The Unwilling Son and is the name of the copy I bought on Amazon Australia. Really enjoyed this with its slight touch of the supernatural. The book moves at a fast pace and I really enjoy the characters. I look forward to the re-release of book 3.

[Margaret Barbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unwilling Sony.

I found myself reading faster & faster to get to the next page, then having to go back a couple of pages to make sure I hadn't missed anything. Certainly a riveting story that I'll definitely recommend.

[Eirlys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange story

I liked the characters who were interesting and intriguing, especially Nathan and James. Ray was clever and believable. There were so many twists and turns, that my head was in a whirl.

[christine arlott-clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

It starts with a cult, and ends in murder..not what you think!

Quite complex, it seems not all commune/cults are brainwashing and controlling. There is a gruesome history though, and then, it begins repeating.....

[Tina Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but enjoyed The Apothecary’s Daughter more because of the dual timeline stories. Do read The Unwilling Son because it continues Ray Flowers’ story and is a good read in its own right. Just don’t expect links with the past as well

[Pat Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me think of novels by James Herbert. Read it in one go, during a sleepless night. Chilling!!

[Joyce tuffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant story.

Another brilliant story from Jane Adams. The Ray Flowers books get your attention and are a good read. I'm really enjoying these books.

[Peter taylor-Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Complicated and slower start, but worth sticking with as it becomes unputdownable. Characters deep and interesting. I will read the others in this series.
Pete.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The unwilling son by Jane Adams.
Ray Flowers #2.
I really enjoyed this book. I do like Ray. This series is different. I liked the cover too. Looking forward to book 3. 4*.

[Mr Mark J Smy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a bit slow going at first. It picked up pace by the middle. Last couple of chapters were exciting.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this book, it didn't flow for me, I read until 50 percent through and as it didn't get any better I gave up, my fault I'm sure because I enjoyed her other book.

[Georgina Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb

What a great read. Thoroughly enjoyed this book it is so different to what you expect. Wow !!! Wonderful story.

[Margaret Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I

[Kim Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn’t put it down

The pace was great, the storyline although almost unbelievable hooked me in.
The character of Ray, George and Sarah kept me focused.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its been 11 years since 'Katie' survived but twelve died that day, but now she has run away because he is back. Ex-DI Ray Flowers of Flowers-Mahoney Investigations - may have a case. -The Eyes of God' and their new leader Martyn Shaw.
An entertaining modern mystery
(Originally published in 2001)

[Tara Ethridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing thriller about a religious cult that might be involved in some recent killings.

[Hilary Mccarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different and interesting book. .
The character of Flowers is one that grows on the reader as the series progresses .
The plot was intriguing and exciting and kept the reader guessing .
I will look forward to book no 3 in this series as it is slightly out of the norm for a crime thriller .

[Jayne]

A bit of a thriller. Moves at a good pace. A satisfying ending.