Old Evil: An Angel & Kincade Mystery

Angel & Kincade #2

by James Harper

Old evil never diesWhen private investigator Charlie Slater is found shot dead in his car on historic Lepe beach, DI Max Angel and his team find themselves torn between the present and the past. Did Slater's own chequered past lead to his death at the hands of the family he wronged? Or was it the forgotten secrets from a lifetime ago he unearthed, old evil spawned in Lager Sylt on Alderney, the only Nazi concentration camp ever to sit on British soil?

As long-dormant, bitter grievances come alive amid rumours of collaboration and black-market racketeering, whispers of a government cover-up protecting the informer known as Father Coutanche suggest Slater isn't the first person to die in an ill-advised attempt to shine a light on war crimes unpunished for eighty years.

Angel knows he's getting close when an agent from the Security Service MI5 hijacks the investigation, his sole aim to bury it for the next eighty years. Except nobody tells Angel to back off, least of all a jumped-up spook in a regimental tie. Angel answers to a higher power, and God help anyone who gets between him and the truth.

Old Evil is the second book in the new Angel & Kincade series of crime thrillers from USA Today bestselling British crime writer, James Harper, a gripping murder mystery you won’t be able to put down until you’ve turned the final page. Perfect for fans of JM Dalgliesh, JD Kirk, Damian Boyd, LJ Ross, Rachel McLean and Simon McCleave.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2024

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex-detective, now p.i. Charlie Slater is shot dead in his car on Lepe Beach. But what in his latest case could have caused his death. Any connection to Alderney and WW2.
An entertaining modern mystery

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the second book in this trilogy "across the pond" with DS Angel and DS Kincade.
It rocks-gets more into detail re: the characters and evil showing up in spades
Good work

[Brian Lobodzinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Angel and Kincade series is as enjoyable as the first. In the midst of all the serious police work there are enough asides to bring a smile to the readers face. For those of you who want you police to be more than just crime catchers this is a well thought out storyline with the police exposed as humans with demons, warts, lies, crimes and all.

Angel is still haunted by the death of his wife and all the baggage that it entails while Kincade is rebuilding her life while dealing with a nasty marital separation, family interference in her job and a hint of jealousy regarding Angel's close relationship with the resident pathologist. There's lots more on their background and the dynamics of the police station but I will leave this for other readers to explore. Enjoy the macabre sense of humour around the police station where this may be needed to counter the depressing aspects of their work

This novels revolves around the fall out from historical events and the resultant murders. I like the way the author unpeels events and clues like an onion gradually building up the full picture finally emerges. The case is muddied by the appearance of MI5 poking its nose into events and there is scope for friction between Angel and MI5 in the future. While this novel can be read as a stand alone crime, to get a better understanding of the characters, it may be useful to read the first in the series beforehand(The Revenant).

I received an ARC copy but the views are my own.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is the 2nd book in the series where Angel and Kincade are called to a murder scene where the deceased, Charlie Slater, is a former police officer. The story then examines the career of Slater who was a PI when he died. It happens that while with the police he wound up drinking too much and ater killed a young girl while driving. The two then began looking into the family of the girl that was killed.

As the story continues, it seems that Slater, the PI, was looking into the death of the grandfather of the girl that died. Once Angel and Kincade learned this, then they started in trying to find out who else might have become involved that wanted the past to remain hidden.

Follow along as the two continue their investigation learning of other crimes that would relate to the murder. Discover how their investigation caused a stir in MI5 and what reaction resulted. As the story concludes, discover who the killer was and what clues ultimately led to his identification.

This book definitely keeps your interest and is a definite read.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited
We lost this author, this week. He will be greatly missed at my house. I love his work.

Old Evil is a well-grounded British police procedural mystery, featuring Detective Inspector Max Angel and Detective Sargent Catalina 'Cat'Kincade, whom we met in The Revenant, as well as co-workers Detective Constable Craig Gulliver and his partner DC Lisa Jardine. who play a deeper roll in this one.


This one will keep you on your toes, and up nights so be prepared. I am happy to recommend anything by James Harper to friends and family. He was a fine spinner of tales and will be sorely missed in my neck of the woods. If you appreciate British police procedurals, this series is for you.


REVIEWED on November 5, 2024, at Goodreads, BookBub, and AmazonSmile. Not available for review on B&N or Kobo.

[Bookworm Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm an ardent fan of James Harper books and this new series is no exception. As the story unfolds with murder after murder, the author takes you on a long journey to find the killer and the motives behind them. One of the victims, an ex colleague, making it closer to home. As the story unfolds and the bodies build up, the author takes you back in history to where it all began. Thoroughly enjoyable read. The quips between Angel and Kincade continue and we get a bit more into their personal lives and what makes them tick. There is more building of the other characters personalities too and the relationships that they have with Angel. All in all another winner for me.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily leave this honest review.

[Michael Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel and Kincade are beginning to relate to one another, although their banter might lead you to believe otherwise. This case covers several generations of a family faced with unsolved tragic deaths, originating with events in the WWII Nazi concentration camps. This well-written story has many twists and turns that kept me engrossed, trying to figure out whodunit. There were a number of suspects intertwined over the years, so it was a bit confusing at times, but Mr. Harper kept the reader updated via the periodic review of the case by the detectives. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the series so far, and look forward to reading more.

[Rosie Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A private investigator is found shot dead in his car, parked at a deserted and historic beach. But why? Was it his own past? Or was it due to the case he was investigating?

Angel and Kincade's investigation uncovers secrets that have been buried for 80 years, secrets related to war crimes. An agent from MI5 pays Angel a visit, indicating that he's close to uncovering the truth ~and no one in their right mind should get between Angel and the truth.

James Harper's new series is developing nicely, and the interplay between the main characters is an absolute joy to read. Old Evil contains plenty of twists and keeps you guessing

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great, well written, intriguing murder mystery. Second in the series & best read in order to benefit from the Police characters’ storyline. Though it’s set in modern day…historical events relating to WW2, & deaths from 20 & 10 years ago are all key to the present day happenings. Unraveling it all is complex, there’s twists & turns, revenge & side plots. Two families & a disgraced police detective are embroiled in the unfolding drama. Who is doing what & why?
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author & I am writing a voluntary, honest review

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets from the past are involved in the death of a private investigator and the more Angel searches for the truth the more secrets he unearths and causes disruption in the present to the point of MI6 getting involved and taking charge of the investigation to make sure that the truth will remain buried. But Angel does not stop, neither does Kincade, for the pleasure of us readers. Old Evil has a good plot, is well-written, and grabs the reader's attention from the beginning. Highly recommended!
I thank Mr. Harper for this ARC.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Evil by James Harper is a complex mystery that will keep you turning pages well into the night. This is the second book in this series and it does not disappoint. I received an advance copy and I always review every book that I read. I must admit that I misplaced this one for a short while and I am glad that I found it again. The plot and characters are well developed. There is a glimpse of history interwoven throughout the book pertaining to Hitler and WWII and concentration camps. If you enjoy mysteries and complex plots, this book is for you. I highly recommend it. Enjoy.

[Macjest · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just didn’t work for me. A German concentration camp in the Channel Islands leads to present day problems. It took too long to find out what was going on as too much time was spent on the backstories of the police. Since I hadn’t read the first book, it was all too confusing as things were referred to that I guess we were supposed to know. Once the actual story got going it seemed like it was getting better but there were so many characters introduced that I couldn’t keep track of who was who or how they were related.

[Amanda Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel and Kincade are turning out to be a superb duo whose banter and investigative skills kept me enthralled to the end. I really enjoyed the World War II history that was included in the story and applaud the author's attention to detail and research. There are enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes making for a good ending. Look forward to the next one as Mr Harper likes baiting his readers with comments that keep their interest invested for the next book.

[Valettagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, Angel and Kincade are fast becoming my favourite characters with a great support cast. Tragedy underlines this tale accompanied by old sins coming back to haunt leaving you shocked and sad. However the humour, satire and insolence displayed leave you laughing out loud at moments. This is a read with highs and lows but it’s so well written you won’t fail to thoroughly enjoy it. I didn’t want it to end. Fantastic.

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a bit slow in places, this is a really good book that is certainly worth the read. Family history is explored in this complex mystery with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. Each next clue has you second-guessing the way you think the book is going to go.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series by this talented author. Take a chance on this book, you won't be sorry.

[Dave and Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book iss like a good friend. Warm and inviting. This book has it.
A heinous crime to a man and his dog brings the detectives out.
Friends, family, partners, patriarchs, old history, new stories and and personal baggage are all brought tp bear in this unique story line.
History and hidden secrets come to bare and violence seems to be the the foolish answer.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply moving, violent prologue and the story unwinds until you think you have it all figured out -
but you don't. This book has all the twists and turns you can ask for. Brilliant Characters, brilliant plot. Witty and wounded. Highly Recommended.
I received this book from the author and this is my honest review.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished the book. What a cracker! Great characters, great plot, great use of history. Absolutely loved it. The story made me feel the history and feelings of the people at that time and I had to look into whether the places and back story were real, which they were!. As per usual I really enjoy the banter/ thoughts of the people as the humour keeps me smiling through the story.

[Stuart Sear · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Harper Old Evil
This is another great read from James Harper what I love about his books is the way he has you hooked from the first page, in this book we find Angel having to go back in time to the second world war for some of the answers to the murders but you will have to concentrate as the plot gets going. Great read and I can’t wait for Angels next case.

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant Angel and Kincade thriller. These characters are fascinating with their intriguing back stories. As interesting as the cases and criminals they investigate.
The lust for revenge never dies for some and the background of the murdered goes deep for many.
Another entertaining read for me and for anyone who likes mystery, murder thrillers.

[Ari Maayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one Laddie!!!! I got an advance copy and I am happy I did. It cut down the wait a bit……and I do wait and wait. But my integrity is intact. When a book is a stinker I call like I see it. But this one is another winner. And I love the new leading characters. I’m into another series with an ex-priest. If adds flavor to the story. Now, onto #3!!!!!! Thanks James!!!!!!!!!

[Cathy Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second book in this new series. We get to know our crew a little bit better, not just Angel and Kincaid but the rest of the posse too. This book takes us back to WW2 and the occupation of the Channel Islands. Harper masterfully weaves a story that brings the past into the present and has us following clues to discover the answers to why people are still dying today.

[Lisa McMeekin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing mystery & believable characters

James Harper brings to life a time of a world at war, a time of fear & atrocities on street corners. And he doesn't disappoint in exploring the depth of human emotions & motivations.
As always Max Angel & his team dig deep to figure out this convoluted mystery while also dealing with their own dramas & trials.
I can't wait to read more!

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the series. It would definitely have helped if I had read the first book. The many characters and “flirty” dialogue would have made more sense. The back story of WWII and the German camp was interesting. The author is a good writer. I enjoyed his sense of humor. Family entanglements play a major role in the story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story to have a well written complex plot with lots of twists and action, engaging characters, agency politics, and threads of humor running throughout the narrative. The story can stand alone, but is even more enjoyable if you read the first in the series to get all the back ground.

[Karen Rist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love loved it.

I read this page turning novel in one sitting.

Could believe in the characters and enjoyed the storyline which never falter and kept the waiting to see if their is the same as James

Will definitely recommend to my bookclub members and friends

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novel by James Harper. Angel and Kincade are called to investigate the murder of former police office and current PI Charlie Slater. Charlie's checkered past falls under scrutiny. Family secrets that stems for 20 years. A captivating story line.

[Perri Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent second book in the new Angel and Kincaid series. Once again, the crime the unlikely pair of coppers are investigating has links back to crimes committed in the past. The plot is twisted and there are enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing to the end.

[Tracy Greenwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A blazing read!

Every page, every chapter, left me wanting more. My crazy mind trying to work out who was who and who did what. A great ending and I’m already looking forward to the next book. I strongly recommend this book.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel and team tackle a rough one

A long drawn out case that was hard to get nailed down. Lots of options on who dune it. Kept you on the edge of your seat trying to figure the ending. Well done.