Neither dead nor alive, Angel is trapped in a solitary afterlife with nothing but her regrets and the rules of ‘the glitch’ to guide her. Yearning for purpose, Angel watches the residents of her seaside hometown—including an artist who quietly paints on the beach every day, a handsome paramedic, and her father who is stuck in a loveless marriage—while trying to avoid reminders of her murderous husband. Distracted by her daily observations, time passes in relative peace until a boy falls from the Ferris wheel and does what no one has done in years—sees her. Struck by the brief connection, Angel’s tranquillity is overturned, causing her to seek those in peril as she searches for meaning in existing between life and death.
Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook is a multi-genre author who lives with her family surrounded by animals in rural Suffolk, UK.
Although her novels vary, whether epic fantasy, dystopian, paranormal mystery romance, dark psychological thriller, or anything in between, she promises thoughtful, heartfelt stories, rich characters, and worlds to get lost in.
Stay tuned to see what genre-bending novel is coming next by visiting her website and signing up to her newsletter: www.alexiamuellerushbrook.co.uk
I am a fan of Alexia's Minority Rule Trilogy, and so as soon as I heard this was coming, I said yes please.
Firstly, I should say this follows the same kind of structure as Alexia's other books, in that it is an emotion filled slow burn until you reach the end phase of the story, so you can read it over several days, and like I did, digest each chapter, and analyse what has happened, pick up on the multiple intriguing threads that are placed throughout these early-mid chapters, and then they're cemented in your mind for when they're referenced later on.
Alexia's skill at doing this in particular, impresses me every time. Anything she feels will be relevant or an easter egg for later, is done in such a way that it is impossible to forget them, and that's exactly what you want with a story like this.
The concept of They Call Me Angel was one which immediately captured my attention. The idea of a woman being tortured in life, only to be stuck between life and death was something new to me, and without giving away too much because obviously the book isn't out for another 3 weeks, the way she develops throughout the story, and weaves her way through what appears at first to be random storylines, was expertly done.
The way all of these threads and strands come together in the final third of the book kept making me smile, and despite some of the content, which if you are unaware, revolves heavily around domestic violence, it felt like a true exploration of humanity for me.
I cannot possibly give this book anything other than 5 stars, because I'm still thinking about it even now, and I need more from that ending! I need to know what happened! This story probably doesn't lend itself to a sequel... however if Alexia wrote it... I would read it!
This novel is unlike anything I've ever read. It was a slow-moving plot that had plenty of character development and time to let the readers really drink in the story.
Our main character, Angel, died at the hands of her husband four years ago. Instead of passing on, she's stuck in a sort of limbo where she still exists within the boundaries of her hometown where she can watch everything that happens. But no one can see, hear, or touch her until one day, a boy on the verge of death sees her and finds comfort in her presence. With this realization, Angel goes on a journey to try and provide a sort of calm for people in their final moments. Angel's mission leads her to people she comes to consider friends and a man who is determined to know her. Through all of this, Angel learns about everything happening in the town from illicit affairs to drug deals, and she has to decide where her place is in all of this. And if she wants to live.
I loved the journey this novel took me on. It took a sort of science-fiction setting and added on an existential element that really made me think.
Wow. This book builds like a tsunami and crashes down on the reader in the final pages. It made me smile; it made me cry, and it made me snortle. I’ve had to invent that word. It’s a cross between snort and chortle, but the best description of the noise I made.
The main characters are exquisite, the bit part players are okay. There’s a major player revealed three quarters in, they are a behind-the-scenes type character and barely register, but this does not impact the story. I got a real sense of Adcroft. A seaside port and holiday town somewhere in England. In my mind, the south coast. Cliffs and beaches, a container port, and a holiday destination.
Alexia never reveals the main character’s name, so let’s (as they do in the book) call her Angel. Angel is dead. She died about three years before the story. The manner of her death is relevant. We don’t know why she didn’t cross over, but the Glitch (as Angel calls it) obviously has plans for her. At first, this is helping the dying to cross over. Or not cross. And that’s important, as when near death, Angel is visible to the dying. She can interact with them. And they remember her. As the story progresses, we uncover the mechanisms of what the glitch allows or disallows. We learn with Angel. As she progresses, she uncovers a drug ring. I don’t think that’s a spoiler; it’s made kind of obvious early on. This degenerates into violence. But that’s the periphery. This is Angel’s story. The drug war is tangential to her story, where it intersects is in her past and the man who murdered her.
Some of Angel’s interactions with the dying are heartbreaking. But what made me cry was Angel’s interaction with the living. The tagline of the book could be: “What if you discover your soulmate when it’s too late?”
This book is so good - I am going to search out other stories by Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook.
Alexia wrote a captivating story. The narrator did so amazing. She keeps you so focused on the story. Made it hard to have to pause to deal with real life tasks. I felt like I was in the scene as Angel, seeing and feeling as she was. There was just the right amount of scenery building. It didn't stretch too long to lose the interest of the plot. There are plenty of characters to care about and others to hope they get their karma. I loved that every character played a part in the story's plot as well. Definitely, some tear-jerking scenes tossed in the plot, too. It's not my usual genre, but I enjoyed it just as much.
So, I'll start by saying this isn't the usual kind of book I read. But I'm glad I did! It was a great story with interesting characters that you get to grow with throughout the entire thing. There are definitely some darker aspects of the story, but not so much that it'll bring your mood down for the entire day. I actually listened to the audible version, and Amelia Hugh was phenomenal, bringing the characters to life. I was so fascinated with the story that I ended up finishing it within the week! If you like mystery, romance, and some interesting takes on the paranormal, you should absolutely read or listen to this book!
Woah this was fantastic! It gives Layla vibes, but completely its own paranormal vibes. The female main character is stuck in limbo between life and death trying to figure out what her purpose is. && The drama that comes out of this small town is mind blowing. I’m literally just sitting here after finishing the book like what no way?!?
Definitely a must read bonus with spooky season coming🖤
I really enjoyed listening to this book. It started off slow trying to figure out what happened to angel until the plot started to developed. Each new discovery she made kept me on my toes and wanting more. When she finally stood up for herself no matter how it happened, made me so happy. Definitely glad I listen to this book.
This book is amazing and I have really enjoyed being able to be an advanced reader and get completely lost in another story by alexia she is an absolutely brilliant writer and you should definitely give this book a go if you you think it's something you would enjoy it follows a similar structure to the minority rule Trilogy and keeps you interested and keeps you wanting to know more and then it gives you everything all at once.
This review had been left voluntarily after reading the advanced story
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC copy of "They Call Me Angel," and I want to express my gratitude to Alexia Muelle-Rushbrook for this opportunity. Rest assured, my honest review remains uninfluenced by this.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐ "They Call Me Angel" presents a unique and thought-provoking concept that had me captivated from the very beginning. The blurb itself is intriguing and sets the stage for an extraordinary narrative.
⭐ Angel, the central character, inhabits an afterlife that is neither fully alive nor entirely dead, and she becomes a serial observer of the seaside town of Adtoft. The characters she encounters are richly developed, from the artist painting on the beach to the paramedic who catches her attention. Her father's predicament in a loveless marriage adds layers to the story. It's a tapestry of lives, and Angel's perspective provides a haunting and insightful lens through which to view them.
⭐ Alexia's attention to detail is a standout feature of the book. It masterfully aids in visualizing the story, making every scene come to life with vivid clarity.
⭐ The book does address some challenging themes, and I appreciate that Alexia includes a trigger page, considering readers' sensitivities. The trigger warnings encompass domestic abuse, murder, drugs, death, and depression. I would also like to note that there are brief mentions of miscarriage on a couple of occasions, even though it did not go into detail in any way I do kind of wish this was on the trigger page too.
⭐ "They Call Me Angel" has all the elements that could make for an exceptional TV series adaptation. The narrative, with its intrigue and depth, is ripe for the screen. To the details to the storyline, this would truly be a captivating show.
⭐ The story leaves readers on a captivating cliffhanger, and whether Alexia chooses to continue it as a series or not, it undoubtedly stands as one of my best reads of the year. The book's unique concept, well-developed characters, and rich attention to detail make it a must-read for those who appreciate thought-provoking and immersive stories.
I listened to the audiobook through audible and I recommend both this book and the audiobook. The narrator did a great job, the characters were easy to distinguish and her flow kept my attention. I was able to listen to it at normal speed (versus sped up, sometimes my attention wanders if I don't have it on 1.3x speed).
This story follows the spirit of a woman who was killed by her abusive husband as she exists between worlds. She cannot cross on, nor can she leave her small town. There are boundaries she cannot cross, which she "the glitch". For quite a while she has watched unseen, until one day when a boy falls from the top of a ride. For a brief moment as he clings to life on the pavement, he is able to see her. That moment inspires her desire to find more connections. Sometimes she finds them as people are passing on, other times she finds them in life threatening situations.
As she begins making these connections, the survivors of these events begin to call her the angel of Adtoft, or sometimes, just Angel. Angel begins to regularly observe several people, including a paramedic named Daniel. As Angel tries to connect with Daniel, she begins to feel like she might have found her soulmate in him, except it's too late for them and she can only watch him live his life.
Angel also discovers secrets the people of her little seaside town have been keeping, some of which have already caused great harm. Angel finds herself desperate to help the people of her little town while trying to dodge the constant reminders of her past and how she ended up between worlds.
This book is a paranormal mystery mixed with psychological thriller done in a really cool way, I highly recommend it to fans of psychological ghost stories. I had no idea how it was going to end and I am really happy with how the author decided to finish Angel's story. Fantastic job to this author!
I listened to the audiobook whilst reading the ebook. Wow… there are few books that have touched me the way this one did. I cried, laughed, and cried some more.
We follow a woman, who was unalived by her husband, as her spirit walks the town of Adtoft. She spends her days observing others go on with their lives while she’s being engulfed by melancholy, and a burning rage toward her husband. But one day, someone sees her, and that’s when things start to change, and she becomes the town’s guardian angel. And then, she meets Daniel, her soulmate, and connects with his soul.
This book has a bit of spiritual romance, which I absolutely adored, and the supporting characters are just as fleshed out as the main leads. There are some dark themes in it, which didn’t bother me even though I could relate to some of them, and there are several very intricate plot threads that are interlaced with each other.
I had a feeling this was going to become one of my favourite reads of 2024 - and I was right. I’m absolutely a fan for life of Alexia’s sublime writing and I can’t wait to start reading her other books!
I was able to receive an arc copy of They Call Me Angel (huge thank you to the author by the way), and the concept is definitely attention grabbing. The main charcter is stuck observing the living after being murdered by an abusive husband. Stuck in isolation and just roaming around, things start to get interesting when Angel starts to have small connections with people here and there.
In my honest opinion, I felt like the plot got a little bit lost and trailed off from time to time. I know everything comes together in the end, but in the moment it felt like it lost momentum. It does have great detail though, and I did like how the scenery and sensory feelings are described. I think the book is complex and unique. It has a certain type of writing style, although I dont know if it is for me, I know a lot of people who would really love this book.
They Call Me Angel is about a woman who is murdered--a victim of domestic violence--who is still connected to the living world. An instant strong connection is formed between the reader and the main character, whose observations of the living are insightful and varied. Muelle-Rushbrook's storytelling conveys isolation, love, and grief. At times, it appears unclear where the story is heading, but events make sense in the climax. A novel like this can end in only so many ways, and yet the conclusion is satisfying. They Call Me Angel is a contemplative, emotional paranormal story.
*This review was left voluntarily, after receiving an Advanced Reader Copy.
I got the audible version of the book. I loved listening to it. It’s amazing detailed I got lost in this world. It’s about a woman who was unalived by her husband, she is stuck in limbo and trying to make peace with being stuck and not being able to be seen, heard or touch. Till one day when a boy gets injured and she was able to touch him and help him. She continued to find meaning in being stuck in limbo and help as many people as could. Till a certain paramedic she felt connected to him at soul level. She finds out something about him she wish wasn’t true. It’s a slow burn, and amazing detailed plot that is long but oh so enjoyable. Will she choose to live or will she choose to go.
Alexia is an author to look out for. Having been engrossed by her dystopian trilogy this move to an ethereal half life fantasy set in modern times feels gentle and intriguing. I love how seemingly incidental scenes and characters are drawn in later without feeling forced or predictable. You'll feel for her main characters ...and possibly want to punch one or two as well... as lives intertwine. I can totally picture the setting thanks to her thoughtful portrayal of a seaside town with more to it than meets the eye. I wonder what Muelle-Rushbrook will write next?
Great narration from Amelia Hugh, who brings the characters, wonderful story come alive to your ears.
This book is suspense, paranormal romance, with action. A wonderful listen. We meet Angel who dies at the hands of her evil husband. She is not able to move on and finds herself in limbo. Before she can move on she must do something but is not su what it is. So she spends years wonders around, helping others. Its after an accident a young boy sees her. Making Angel determination to figure out her purpose. There is also a sinister plot entwined and oh that ending.
AMAZING book!! From page 2 I was immediately sucked into the main action of the story, which I very much appreciated! A very fast read! It's a thriller/murder mystery that will take you on quite a ride but worth every minute! Brava Alexia for writing an incredible, heartfelt story!! "They Call Me Angel" is ultimately about a young woman learning to find herself again after her abusive husband kills her & she is declared dead after her body goes missing. But maybe with some divine (or otherwise) intervention, she may get more than justice...
This book was so unique, and unlike anything I've read in a while! I've always been interested in ghosts and the afterlife, and this book was certainly a refreshing exploration of what life after death could look like. I loved how the story focused on Angel's newfound purpose and took on the "guardian angel" perspective. Overall an amazing read, and I would highly recommend if you're a fan of paranormal books with a fantasy twist!
What a wonderful story of hope 💗 A young woman spending her afterlife wandering around her hometown (beach town) watching the lives of people she knows a people she doesn’t. No one can see her, until someone does! This is her story of finding hope and peace and purpose in her situation. A sweet romance even makes an appearance through the story. The main focus of the story is finding hope in helping others. This story is both hopeful and inspirational and filled my heart with all the feels. A sweet HEA.
This is one of those reads I will absolutely recommend to everyone!!
Language F* Sh Check TWs as this has some things that could be upsetting and one mafia type scene with a g0re feel.
A fantastic read - They Call me Angel. There are stories within this stories. Through Angel we get to peak into the lives of those she follows around. The author has weaved her tale and I was hooked from the start. A definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me. The narrator was great too😊 (I listened to this on a long haul flight from Vancouver to Sydney & it was perfect)
This book was insanely good and I'm literally so sad it's done. I can't wait to reread it! I listened to the audiobook and the narration was absolutely fantastic. This was like mix between the Ghost Whisperer x Gone Girl and honestly, it's just so eerie and twisted and beautiful at the same time. I implore you to read this book because it needs to be WAY more popular!
Beautiful other-worldly romance plus so much more...
One woman's murder results in a lot of good luck/guardianship for the people of Adtoft as she looks after the residents and visitors during their weakest/most perilous moments. There's mystery, thriller, romance and drama all in one intriguingly addictive package. Highly recommend.
This book was fantastic. It was my first read from this author and she wrote it brilliantly. I didn’t want to stop reading and listening. I had the kindle version and audiobook. I loved Amelia Hugh’s narration. She made me feel connected to the characters instantly. Highly recommend if you want to be taken on a journey, unsure of what will come next!
I really enjoyed her other books, but for me this one just wasn't for me. I didn't feel engaged enough to keep reading. However if you enjoy a supernatural slice of life, I think you'll enjoy this book. Again, I didn't find anything wrong with this book (the narration is still top-notch), it just wasn't moving fast enough for me.
This was a very thought provoking book with a unique point of view. However, near the end there were some conversations that were very clipped, and I didn't understand what they were talking about. I suppose if an angel is going to be helpful to a community, the angel needs to take on the ugliness.
This is, as she promised, a ghost story with heart. It is riveting to follow Angel around town as she tries to figure out what her purpose is, neither dead nor alive. I was doubtful that the author could pull off a happy ending under the circumstances, but wow! she did it! That few pages have a magnificent and deeply satisfying resolution! Recommended
I absolutely loved this book and the audio version was my constant companion for two days. The seaside town of Adcroft and its inhabitants are very relatable and the supernatural element is so satisfying. I cannot wait to read more from this wonderful author.
This was a terrific read! I enjoyed it so much. A woman,murdered by her husband is in between worlds trying to be seen or heard. Very imaginative! Narration by Amelia Hugh was wonderful. I was given this book free for an honest review.