Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Angel & Kincade #1

The Revenant: An Angel & Kincade Mystery

Rate this book
Three murders. Two killers. One long-forgotten crime.
After retired drug dealer Roy Lynch is found hanged in the garage of his country mansion, DI Max Angel and DS Catalina Kincade struggle to work out how it's connected to the mysterious young woman who cursed Lynch's wife as she lay dying in a hospice six months earlier.

The deeper Angel and his team dig, the more twisted the tragic tale of betrayal and lies becomes. And when a successful businessman is found with his tongue cut out, it's horrifically clear the killer will stop at nothing to prevent family secrets buried for thirty years from being unearthed.

Amid the growing carnage, Angel struggles to come to terms with the living nightmare of his own past. What he doesn't need is doubts about Kincade, a former rising star in London's Met Police demoted from inspector down to sergeant for reasons he doesn't believe.

The Revenant is the gripping first book in the new Angel & Kincade series of British crime thrillers. If you like twisty plots, complex, true-to-life characters and razor-sharp dialogue, then you’ll love James Harper’s gritty murder mysteries.

Buy The Revenant today to keep you reading late into the night!

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

225 people are currently reading
36 people want to read

About the author

James Harper

197 books94 followers
Librarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
158 (50%)
4 stars
104 (33%)
3 stars
43 (13%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Julia.
217 reviews6 followers
November 6, 2024
Brilliant

Really enjoyed this well written book by a new author for myself.

Characters are all very well thought out and I really enjoyed Angel especially.

Want to read the next book in this series now.
Profile Image for Paula Michalowski.
45 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2024
Exodus 34:7
“The sins of the fathers are visited upon the children," as DI Angel could say.


An ex-priest, DI Angel has just returned from a 491 mile pilgrimage walk in Europe to return to work in time to investigate a suicide that might not have been one. He also must adjust to a new Sargeant, a woman who has been demoted and sent out from London as punishment for a transgression in her previous posting. Both have as many secrets as the dead man's life and death.

As they investigate, more bodies turn up, and the lies from those around the dead keep them busy. Gangsters, bimbos, gold diggers, family members, and lying businessmen keep them all very busy!

I enjoyed the rapport between the various members of the police force especially the banter between the pathologist and the main character DI Angel as well as his new partners badgering of him as to what happened to his original partner.

The story is well written with a very human case of characters. The secrets, both murderous and non are resoved satisfactorily but leaving enough interest in the police unit to leave me wanting more.
Recommended.



Profile Image for Cynthia Maddox.
Author 1 book19 followers
August 13, 2024
Nasty Goings On with New Friends

I have to tell you I felt like I was cheating on my old friend Evan Buckley by hanging out with these new detectives, Angel and Kincaid. It was kinda awkward, but they seemed alright after a bit. And what a story! Obviously, the murder victims were not nice people, but I couldn't figure out who was doing the murder until the very end.

I can't say I love these characters, but I don't hate them. Kincaid is not someone I particularly like, and I consider her a loose cannon. And I became irritated at the reticence of Angel, too but we just met and I think I'll give him a chance.

In typical fashion, Mr. Harper weaves a story that keeps you enthralled until the last sentence. You'll also probably gasp a few times, but if you're read his work before, you'll be used to it. I enjoyed it and look forward to more.

I received a copy of this book as a pre-release reader.
200 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2024
This is hopefully first in a series. It may be set in a new country with new characters but I was pleased to see that its plot was up to the author's usual standard. When reading it I sometimes felt like I was reading the equivalent of playing 'Whac-a-Mole' for, just when I mastered a character and trail, feeling comfy with it, another suspect and clue popped up. The overall result was a thoroughly enjoyable, thought provoking murder novel with enough bodies and suspects to fill even the most demanding sleuth's mind.

The author manages to convey both the stresses of bereavement, 'past sins', not to mention the tensions of new and old interpersonal relationships while not losing track of the main plot. The result is a well crafted plot based on a very complex 'hero' that has me eager for the next novel in the series.

I received an ARC copy but the views are my own.
Profile Image for Cathy Hunter.
362 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2024
This is the first in a new series for Harper and it does not disappoint. Angel and Kincaid are new partners and have no time at all to settle into their new roles before a series of brutal murders have them searching for answers.

I enjoyed getting to know these new characters. They both come with a history that is slowly revealed through the book, but I suspect there is still more to find out. The murders and investigation are complex enough to keep you guessing but not so much you lose track, not so many twists and turns and this is not the action packed novel of Harper's previous Buckley series. A bit more of a murder mystery feel and slightly more 'bloody', I glad to report for a change our new heros do not find themselves in mortal danger at every turn so you can read without that edge of the seat feeling, a little more relaxing.

4.5* but I will round up to 5*
Profile Image for Kate.
692 reviews18 followers
August 21, 2024
The Revenant by James Harper is the first book in this series introducing Max Angel and Catalina Kincade. Max is a former Catholic priest and Catalina has just been demoted and assigned to be Max's partner. The story involved murder, murder and more murder. Can they solve these related crimes and gain each other's trust. They both have things in their pasts that need to be revealed. This is a complex mystery. It is well written and will keep you in suspense until the very end. During the plot, the characters come to life with their flaws and history. As their stories are revealed, and the mystery is unraveled, the story will keep turning pages.

I highly recommend this book that I received as an advance copy and I always review every book that I read. I highly recommend this one and I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Bonnye Reed.
4,713 reviews110 followers
November 6, 2024
series on Kindle Unlimited
As with all of his mysteries, The Revenant, the first of the Angel & Kincade Mystery series from our James Harper, is an excellent tale, told extremely well. Currently the first of three novels in this new British police procedural series, the action - and there is a LOT of it - takes place at a fast and furious pace in well-described Southampton, Hampshire, England, a major port with the New Forest and two major rivers, one of the most populous cities in southern England about 80 miles south of London.
Though they cannot take the place held by Evan and Kate in my top pick of mysteries, Angel and Kincade are fully fleshed out and their highs outweigh their flaws. It's the flaws that make Harper's characters so very comfortable, immediate dear friends, and these two are no exception. Detective Inspector Max Angel is just back from a six-week mental health leave where he walked the 492-mile Camino Reale from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain in search of peace. He is a little tired, facing breaking in a new partner as his old partner Beckford won't be back at work anytime soon, but overall in much better shape than he was in the recent past. Except for that trick knee and lack of understanding and appreciation about his 'walk' among his heckling co-workers...
We have his new partner Detective Sargent Catalina 'Cat' Kincade who played rugby for the Met Police Ladies team before she was transferred to the Southampton Central Police Station. And Kincade, with his cat and his harmonica and carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Within minutes of their initial meeting, they are presented with a murder trying hard to appear suicidal. Then we have his tentative evolving relationship with coroner Isabel Durand which is a pleasure to watch and the feedback from his co-workers an art form. Add in aging parents, classic old cars, medical tension when a genetic link to Huntington's Disease is suspected in the Angel family and custody battles in the Kincade family, and dissension among the local criminal elements and you have an entertaining, compelling tale to keep you up late.
REVIEWED on 11-2-24 on Goodreads and AmazonSmile, Not available for review on B&N, BookBub. or Kobo.
1,759 reviews13 followers
June 7, 2024
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is the start of a new series for this author and it looks like a winner.

The story is England and introduces the duo of Angel and Kincaird. Angel has just returned from a journey where he has walked many miles and Kincaid has just been transferred in and is a replacement for Angel's prior partner. Their first day together has them involved in investigating a supposed suicide which is only the start. It seems that there will be further deaths that will all relate to this death.

TRo discover what the relationship of the deaths, who the killer is, what is the backstory for Angel and Kincaid and how it all ends, then you need to read this book.
You won't be disappointed and will be wanting more.
239 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2024
I loved this new series, tho did miss did miss Evan and Guillory, but not for long. The characters in this new series are just as interesting and intriguing. Right from the start the story is full on. There is a murder, DS Angel Max is just back to work after being on a long break from work, and he has a new DS assigned to him, Catalina Kincade. There are stories behind our main characters which unfold as the book progresses. But we don't get all the answers to our questions As the murders pile up I thought (once again) I had the murderer but no, I was wrong again. James Harper does write a great murder mystery. Now looking forward to the next one.
I received an advanced copy to review and I voluntarily leave this honest review.
Profile Image for Lisa McMeekin.
39 reviews
March 22, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable read!

I love the new characters. As always Harper writes full characters with pasts & secrets & always deeper depths. Angel is a man of deep faith who fell in love & decided he could do more good in the fight against evil as a crime fighter from the other side of the confessional. Then lost the love of his life in way the was so common it makes it all the more heartbreaking. His partner DS Kind are has high family ties but prefers to be a success on her own. Then finds out the hard way that having those family ties can provide the lifeline you do need in times of failure. And she's still gonna fight to her career even if she loses something she really loves. I can't wait to see where Harper takes us next!
Profile Image for Perri Corbett.
57 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2024
James Harper has decided to write a murder mystery set in England, and he has done a great job.

Meet Angel and Kincade, an unlikely pair of British coppers, faced with not only working together for the first time - each with his/her own difficult past as extra baggage - but also trying to solve a series of gruesome murders, the reasons for which, are due to a series of events that took place long ago.

The plot is well conceived, the characters intriguing and (for the most part) likable. There were a couple of twists that I really didn't see coming.
All in all, an excellent start to a new series.
Profile Image for Amanda Mc.
195 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2024
New characters, a new country setting and some brilliant twists and turns. I have been a die hard Evan Buckley fan for many years but James Harper has brought in some equally good characters in this new series. Angel and Kincade work well together and so do the rest of the police crew, I always like a bit of quick humour in my murder stories and this book does not disappoint. Angel has a brilliant, quirkiness about him and his new partner keeps him on his toes. There are enough twists to keep you guessing till the end and you'll be reading into the night to get there. I look forward to Book 2.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,657 reviews37 followers
June 9, 2024
The Revenant is a great start to a new series. The main characters, Angel and Kincade, could not be more different in so many ways, however, they have many common points - humor, guarded personalities, being relentless and very good at their jobs, difficult family relationships - and work well together in spite of their quirks. Each killing in this story is connected to the other and to the past, but who is the culprit? There'll be lots of guessing, twists and turns till the killer is found and motives are brought to light. Great plot, well-written, great read!
I thank Mr. Harper for this ARC.
Profile Image for Debbie.
28 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2024
Complex storyline

A very winding and complex story with several red herrings to lead you astray. Overall, a good plot. However, there were a lot of related characters, with the same last names, separated by generations, leading me to stumble in my reading as I sorted through exactly which character was which. The story had several backstories that popped up during the police investigation leading to a confusing overall timeline. In my opinion, this led to an interruption of the flow of the story and hence, my enjoyment. I would probably think higher of the story if I had been able to have the continuity of reading it in just one or two sittings.
3 reviews
November 25, 2024
OMG! I guess unfamiliarity with the author and his/her style was the problem but if I put it down and went back to it it was hard to remember who was who and their connection to the story. The senior detective going to the new junior detectives house, has a glass of wine and her kids are asking him to play the harmonica. It was too dizzying to keep up with since I couldn't read it straight thru. Glad it was short. I'll try the next book but if its anything like the first I'll move on to another new author. Granted I'm used to John Grisham, John Sanford, James Patterson so maybe my expectations are inconsistent with the writing style I'm used to.
342 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2025
I've always been a fan of James Harper's Evan Buckley series and was intrigued by a new series set on the South coast. Angel and Kincade did not disappoint

Max has just returned from a six-week walking pilgrimage in Europe, trying to deal with the fact that his partner has been placed on indefinite sick leave, when he is partnered with a newly demoted DS, shipped out of London. Their first case looks to be a suicide of an ex-drug dealer, but as the investigation progresses, questions are raised, forcing the team to look into the victim's past.

The first book has definitely got all the hallmarks of a great series and I look forward to the next one
2,058 reviews9 followers
November 1, 2025
Audiobook: This was my first experience with this author's work, and it won't be my last. I enjoyed this story. I liked the complexity of the characters, DI Max Angel and DS Catalina Kincade. I liked how snippets from their pasts were inter-sprinkled throughout the story as they worked at solving the murder mysteries I was entertained by the unexpected twists and realistic depiction of police work. I thought Tim Bruce's narration was great as his performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
98 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2024
Great new characters
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2024
Kincade was moved to a different precinct to work. Her new partner Angel had a story to tell if she could get it out of him.
Their first case together is a suicide and there not sure what to think of it. As they are working the suicide another case comes along but it’s a murder. So they look for connections to see if the 2 are related some how.
The mystery keeps growing.
This is a great read. The characters are interesting the back storylines are interesting I really enjoyed the book.
364 reviews8 followers
June 12, 2024
Max Angel and Catalina Kincade, two veteran detectives, each with their own personal issues, are brought together to investigate the apparent suicide of a former drug dealer. The case quickly devolves into a twisting, turning roller coaster ride through many years of dark family history with multiple victims. This well-written story pulled me in and kept me turning the pages to try to guess whodunit, right through the finale. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eager to read more of Mr. Harper’s work.
201 reviews
June 9, 2024
Another very enjoyable read from James Harper.
I usually prefer my mystery and crime novels set in America, and I did miss the old characters.
The author consistently comes up with quite involved plots but they develop in a way which is easy to follow. I also enjoy the sarcastic humour which is a common theme in his books.
It feels like there is a lot more to learn about Angel and Kincaid and I'm looking forward to that.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
925 reviews28 followers
June 9, 2024
This is a new gritty series from James Harper, featuring detectives Max Angel & Catalina Kincade. They both have a lot of baggage, which hasn’t all been explained yet. They are presented with a case which grows & grows. More characters & related family members. Events of thirty years ago are the trigger for the current killing spree. A web of lies & mistrust. Complex
I received an ARC from the author & I’m writing a voluntary honest review
Profile Image for Christine Richmond.
94 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2024
Angel and Kincade - great new pairing

I am a fan of this author and wasn't sure what to expect with this new series but he didn't disappoint with the characters and the story. I am already looking forward to the next ones.

Secrets to unfold in the future with both Angel and Kincade but this was a great start. I almost didn't get the baddie as it's a twisty plot but so enjoyable.

Definitely recommend.
860 reviews22 followers
June 7, 2024
James Harper's new crime thriller is great reading.

Angel & Kincaide, police officers with their own problems, are put together as a team to solve the murder of a local identity. Once the investigation starts it appears one murder is not enough. Plenty of plot twists to keep you turning the pages of this thriller.

Thank you for the opportunity to read your book.
25 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2024
“one that returns after death or a long absence,"
Hmm
A big deal for new partners in crime, DI Max Angel and his replacement partner DS Catalina Kincade . James Buckley has moved "across the pond" and uses words like GODSMAKED and Schadenfreude to seamlessly introduce his new police procedural drama-GREAT read
323 reviews
January 12, 2025
Brilliant!

Classical British "whodunit" .
This novel is a very good "Scotland Yard" plot, characters , and development.
It remembers me of the multitude of police/mystery that I've read in my whole life.
One thing to underline is the place where the novel runs. Portsmouth and not London as the majority of the genre by multiple authors develop their own books.
Profile Image for Laurie Robertson.
894 reviews22 followers
June 7, 2024
An excellent British police procedural with lots of twists, the interactions between the DCI and his new DS keep you fully engaged as both try to learn what they can about each other without giving away their own secrets. Well recommended for all murder mystery fans.
Profile Image for Stuart Sear.
221 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2024
The Revenant James Harper
This is James first foray into the British police scene and what a start, this will keep your grey matter working with the twist and turns and a ending you just did not see coming I would certainly read more from James with these new characters.
608 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2024
Good start to a new series. Fun light murder mystery with Angel and Kincade out to solve the case. There is a lot more to learn of the two MC's who work well together. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
333 reviews4 followers
June 7, 2024
30 years of festering family forbearance.
A death of a cancer patient tips the scale to vengeance and cleansing.
What a cleaning lady sees sets the story off with too many possible participants and an unwinding of skeletons in the closet.
Why not?
7,771 reviews50 followers
June 8, 2024
New series, i found interesting and enjoyed reading. We have Kincaid and Angel as new partners, learning about their lives. Their experience will be needed to figure out the case. A new series I thought was well written, intriguing to the end.
I recommend to readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.