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Mike Travis #3
Angels Fall
The disappearance of a teenage girl draws former Los Angeles detective Mike Travis away from his scuba charter business into the bowels of an underground culture driven by designer narcotics and violent sex. What he uncovers is a world built on secrets and entire lives built on lies. But as Travis unravels one set of deceits, he finds himself confronted with visions of his own past: his own complicity in an act of shocking cruelty. His investigation glimpses a hellish side of paradise unseen by tourists, painted with the dark brushstrokes of hard-boiled tropical noir. This is the story of one man's desire to outrun the corrosive powers of vast wealth and personal vengeance while attempting to tame the demons that dwell in his own dark and violent past. The cost of moral corruption and the high price of redemption plays out against a backdrop of coffee fields and lush jungle, of rich sunsets and the rhythmic swell of the Hawaiian sea.
287 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2008
5 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Baron R. Birtcher
10 books180 followersBaron R. Birtcher spent a number of years as a professional musician, guitarist, singer and songwriter and founded an independent record label.
His first two hardboiled mystery novels, Roadhouse Blues and Ruby Tuesday were Los Angeles Times and IMBA Best-Sellers.
Angels Fall, the third installment in the critically-acclaimed Mike Travis series, was nominated for the 2009 Left Coast Crime Award (the “Lefty”) for Best Law Enforcement/ Police Procedural novel of the year.
Rain Dogs is Mr. Birtcher’s first stand-alone novel, and a Claymore Award finalist.
He has also had the honor of serving as a judge for both the Edgar and the Shamus Awards.
Baron currently divides his time between Kona, Hawaii and Portland, Oregon.
His first two hardboiled mystery novels, Roadhouse Blues and Ruby Tuesday were Los Angeles Times and IMBA Best-Sellers.
Angels Fall, the third installment in the critically-acclaimed Mike Travis series, was nominated for the 2009 Left Coast Crime Award (the “Lefty”) for Best Law Enforcement/ Police Procedural novel of the year.
Rain Dogs is Mr. Birtcher’s first stand-alone novel, and a Claymore Award finalist.
He has also had the honor of serving as a judge for both the Edgar and the Shamus Awards.
Baron currently divides his time between Kona, Hawaii and Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 19, 2018
Southern noir is by now a well-accepted offshoot of traditional noir, a subgenre that blends the atmosphere of the setting with the traditional trappings of noir fiction to come up with something quite different from the original. Baron Birtcher, creator of the Mike Travis detective novels, has taken southern noir and refined it even further to create, for want of a better term, Hawaiian noir. It took him a couple of books to get the formula right, but Angels Fall, the third Travis book, is a highly complex mix of some of noir's classic elements and the uniqueness of its island setting. The result is one of the most deceptively complex and well-written books I've read in quite a while.
Angels Fall is set on the big island of Hawaii, where retired Los Angeles cop Travis now resides. Although he does some occasional detective work, he spends most of his time trying to enjoy life while earning a living as a fishing charter guide. The story revolves around two missing teenagers. One of them is Mike’s nephew, but his whereabouts are no mystery… he’s run away from home and gone to visit Travis in Hawaii. Since Travis and his Wall Street shark brother haven’t seen eye-to-eye in years, Mike agrees to put him up until he can sort out his family issues.
The second disappearance is an actual mystery. Mike’s best friend’s daughter asks him to help find a missing classmate who disappeared from high school. The girl’s ultra-religious family isn’t all that concerned about her disappearance, but Travis soon discovers that she was tied to some pretty nasty characters. Eventually, some bodies start turning up, and the police get involved as well.
As a mystery, Angels Fall works well. The whereabouts of the missing girl and the identity of the killer aren’t that obvious until the eventual reveals, and Travis adheres to the old school style of investigation: cutting corners and engaging in in-your-face questioning with plenty of sharp wit and sarcasm. But what makes this book a superior example of the genre are the surrounding details, beginning with the bits and pieces of local color that author Birtcher includes. He’s spent considerable time in Hawaii and it shows in his descriptions of one of the lesser-known islands. Starting with an introduction in which Travis is called to testify in a court case involving a sleazy developer who wants to build on land containing the remains of native Hawaiians, readers get the atmosphere of the islands on nearly every page.
Beyond that however, Birtcher has written a surprisingly layered mystery here, with Travis finding that his current case revives unpleasant memories of a major incident in his past life. The author gradually reveals why the case means so much to Travis and how the past shaped his present while, at the same time, the events in the current case play out. Like the best examples of the work of other authors such as Raymond Chandler and Ross Macdonald, Angels Fall eventually turns into a classic tragedy.
Sometimes, I will finish a book and realize, when it’s over, that all the elements fit into place perfectly and leave an impact that’s more than it seemed as I was reading it initially. Angels Fall is just such a mystery. It’s a book that, quietly and subtly, gets better as it goes along, but never lets readers forget the sense of place in Hawaii. Unfortunately, Baron Birtcher has not been the most prolific of writers, with the books in the Mike Travis series coming out only after lengthy intervals. In this case, the wait produced a book that was a considerable improvement over a predecessor that was, itself, a pretty good mystery. Angels Fall is a gem of a mystery.
Angels Fall is set on the big island of Hawaii, where retired Los Angeles cop Travis now resides. Although he does some occasional detective work, he spends most of his time trying to enjoy life while earning a living as a fishing charter guide. The story revolves around two missing teenagers. One of them is Mike’s nephew, but his whereabouts are no mystery… he’s run away from home and gone to visit Travis in Hawaii. Since Travis and his Wall Street shark brother haven’t seen eye-to-eye in years, Mike agrees to put him up until he can sort out his family issues.
The second disappearance is an actual mystery. Mike’s best friend’s daughter asks him to help find a missing classmate who disappeared from high school. The girl’s ultra-religious family isn’t all that concerned about her disappearance, but Travis soon discovers that she was tied to some pretty nasty characters. Eventually, some bodies start turning up, and the police get involved as well.
As a mystery, Angels Fall works well. The whereabouts of the missing girl and the identity of the killer aren’t that obvious until the eventual reveals, and Travis adheres to the old school style of investigation: cutting corners and engaging in in-your-face questioning with plenty of sharp wit and sarcasm. But what makes this book a superior example of the genre are the surrounding details, beginning with the bits and pieces of local color that author Birtcher includes. He’s spent considerable time in Hawaii and it shows in his descriptions of one of the lesser-known islands. Starting with an introduction in which Travis is called to testify in a court case involving a sleazy developer who wants to build on land containing the remains of native Hawaiians, readers get the atmosphere of the islands on nearly every page.
Beyond that however, Birtcher has written a surprisingly layered mystery here, with Travis finding that his current case revives unpleasant memories of a major incident in his past life. The author gradually reveals why the case means so much to Travis and how the past shaped his present while, at the same time, the events in the current case play out. Like the best examples of the work of other authors such as Raymond Chandler and Ross Macdonald, Angels Fall eventually turns into a classic tragedy.
Sometimes, I will finish a book and realize, when it’s over, that all the elements fit into place perfectly and leave an impact that’s more than it seemed as I was reading it initially. Angels Fall is just such a mystery. It’s a book that, quietly and subtly, gets better as it goes along, but never lets readers forget the sense of place in Hawaii. Unfortunately, Baron Birtcher has not been the most prolific of writers, with the books in the Mike Travis series coming out only after lengthy intervals. In this case, the wait produced a book that was a considerable improvement over a predecessor that was, itself, a pretty good mystery. Angels Fall is a gem of a mystery.
February 21, 2019
My first blush with Baron Birtcher's series featuring former LAPD Detective, Mike Travis, was enjoyable. I don't know if jumping into this series at #3 is a detriment, but it felt as though I had enough hints to discern that Mike has been seeking to escape the horrors of his former career on the mean streets of L.A., and landed in Hawaii, living aboard a pretty nice boat that he occasionally uses to make some money via a charter business. His is a character that is both tough and tender, one for whom the past is an unwelcome companion. But, you know the old saying: wherever you go-- there you are.
So when his friend's daughter asks for his help in locating a missing girl who, by the way, is actually 18 and no longer a minor child, his instincts and years of experience as a cop kick into high gear. The parents seem resistant to engaging the police in searching and Travis bristles at their stubborn way of living. This, while juggling the sudden appearance (all the way from NY) of his nephew who has essentially run away from Mike's estranged brother, and his suddenly ill girlfriend who is recuperating on land with friends. The man has his hands full.
This is a well written story with fully developed characters. Travis is complex and I'm sure that the author explores his protagonist a bit more in each book. The setting of Hawaii, complete with some local dialect and native customs, paints a contrast to the typical NY or LA crime novel scenery. The plot isn't overly complicated but the pacing prevents it from becoming mundane. Nothing new, but handled in a very nice way. The ending is a mix of bitter and sweet, and I can imagine people becoming very connected with both Travis and his life aboard his boat(s) where he can run, but never hide, from his past and the demons that continue to plague him. Three and a half stars, rounded down.
So when his friend's daughter asks for his help in locating a missing girl who, by the way, is actually 18 and no longer a minor child, his instincts and years of experience as a cop kick into high gear. The parents seem resistant to engaging the police in searching and Travis bristles at their stubborn way of living. This, while juggling the sudden appearance (all the way from NY) of his nephew who has essentially run away from Mike's estranged brother, and his suddenly ill girlfriend who is recuperating on land with friends. The man has his hands full.
This is a well written story with fully developed characters. Travis is complex and I'm sure that the author explores his protagonist a bit more in each book. The setting of Hawaii, complete with some local dialect and native customs, paints a contrast to the typical NY or LA crime novel scenery. The plot isn't overly complicated but the pacing prevents it from becoming mundane. Nothing new, but handled in a very nice way. The ending is a mix of bitter and sweet, and I can imagine people becoming very connected with both Travis and his life aboard his boat(s) where he can run, but never hide, from his past and the demons that continue to plague him. Three and a half stars, rounded down.
October 30, 2025
Angels Fall by Baron R. Birtcher is a gripping Hawaiian noir crime thriller that had our 20- and 30-Somethings Book Club (Paris) hooked! Retired LAPD detective Mike Travis navigates a complex web of mystery and murder on the big island of Hawaii, exploring themes of morality, tradition, and the dark side of paradise. With its unique blend of island atmosphere and classic noir elements, this book is a must-read for fans of suspenseful mysteries💡. Highly recommended!
October 30, 2025
As a member of the 20- and 30-Somethings Book Club (Paris), I was completely drawn into the moody Hawaiian setting and Birtcher’s cinematic writing. The tension builds slowly, like waves before a storm, and by the last few chapters, I couldn’t put it down. Mike Travis is such a grounded, believable hero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! The way Birtcher contrasts Hawaii’s postcard beauty with the darkness of the crime world is brilliant. Being part of the 20- and 30-Somethings Book Club (Paris), I love stories that transport me, and this did just that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2025
This was my first Mike Travis novel, and now I want to read the entire series. As a reader from the 20- and 30-Somethings Book Club (Paris), I appreciated how deeply human the story felt gritty, emotional, and real.
October 30, 2025
The Hawaiian backdrop adds such a unique layer to this mystery. The cultural tension and moral dilemmas felt authentic and thought provoking. I’m from the 20- and 30-Somethings Book Club (Paris), and this was one of the most discussed thrillers we’ve read recently.
October 30, 2025
Birtcher writes atmosphere better than almost anyone. You can practically smell the salt air and coffee beans. As a 20- and 30-Somethings Book Club (Paris) reader, I found the themes of redemption and loyalty especially powerful.
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October 30, 2025The pacing in the middle slowed a bit for me, but the ending totally made up for it. Mike Travis is the kind of flawed hero you root for. Reading it with my 20- and 30-Somethings Book Club (Paris) group sparked some deep conversations about morality and justice.
October 30, 2025
Absolutely gripping! The mystery unfolds with precision, and the Hawaiian setting is more than just scenery it’s a character in itself. I’m part of the 20- and 30-Somethings Book Club (Paris), and several of us rated this as one of our top mystery reads this year.
October 30, 2025
_20 and 30- Something Book Club as added to my TBR list yet again ❤️❤️ lovely reccomdation
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October 30, 202520 and 30 something's bookclub did great by having this book featured😊
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October 30, 2025An awesome read
October 30, 2025
20- and 30-Somethings Book Club (Paris) has done it again.... Can't wait to dive in.
October 30, 2025
20-30 something book club this is wonderful
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October 30, 2025I really enjoyed your book Angles Fall!
It’s beautifully written, with a story that feels both magical and meaningful. Every page draws you deeper into its world truly captivating! 🌙✨
It’s beautifully written, with a story that feels both magical and meaningful. Every page draws you deeper into its world truly captivating! 🌙✨
October 30, 2025
A gripping tropical noir with sharp twists and a haunting atmosphere. I discovered this gem through the 20- and 30-Somethings Book Club (Paris) a suspenseful read that shows paradise has a dark side.
October 30, 2025
This is amazing☺️❤️
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews