What do you think?
Rate this book
Forensic Mysteries #2
The Angel of Death
As assistant to her father, the county coroner of Silverton, Colorado, Cameryn Mahoney has seen more gore than the average seventeen-yearold. But even Cameryn is shocked when Kyle O'Neil, the most popular guy in school, discovers the gruesome corpse of their English teacher murdered in his own bed. Kyle is drawn to Cameryn, who wonders if she can trust him with the secret she can't tell her father—that her vanished mother is back in her life. As her relationship with Kyle speeds into romance, Cameryn struggles to unravel her teacher's bizarre death—but is she too preoccupied to identify the killer in time?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published September 21, 2006
75 people are currently reading
1323 people want to read
About the author
Alane Ferguson
42 books265 followersAlane Ferguson was born in Cumberland, Maryland, in 1957. She attended the University of Utah and Westminster College where she studied journalism. Later, Alane became interested in writing for children, mostly, she says, to follow the example of her mother, successful author Gloria Skurzynski. Her mother has written over fifty-seven books for children, while Alane is currently completing her thirty-second. Alane and her mother co-authored a series for National Geographic. Their novel, WOLF STALKER, was the first work of fiction National Geographic had published in its as of then 109 year history. WOLF STALKER was nominated for the 1998 Mystery Writer's of America's Edgar Allan Poe Award and the newest and 13th book in the series, NIGHT OF THE BLACK BEAR, was launched in spring of 2007. A recipient of the 1990 Edgar Allan Poe Award as well as the Belgium's Children's Choice Award for her young adult novel SHOW ME THE EVIDENCE, Alane was also a nominee for her third young-adult mystery, POISON. She received a 2007 Edgar nomination for her young adult novel, THE CHRISTOPHER KILLER, the first in the Sleuth Forensic Mystery series. Alane won the Children's Crown Classic Award for CRICKET ANDTHE CRACKERBOX KID, the American Bookseller's Association's "Pick of the List" for her picture book entitled THAT NEW PET, and has been on numerous ALA Recommended Books for Reluctant Young Readers and Young Adult's Choice list.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
March 4, 2022
The book is a YA book. You have to remember how you viewed your world when you were 16 or 17 years old and what you imagined your possibilities were. You also must remember, as the seasoned "grown-up" you are now, how reality actually is, and work a little to suspend your "big people" disbelief when seeing the role Cameryn plays here. Cameryn's father is the County coroner in Silverton, Colorado, and because she has displayed an interest in forensics, he allows his 17-year-old daughter to be his forensic assistant. Now, in reality this is probably vastly unlikely, ill-advised and impossible...especially when one of her forensic observations is one of her teachers who is found grossly murdered. Somehow, I can't remember "Forensic Assistant" being a career choice on Career Day when I was 17... but hey, this is fiction, so it sets the premise for the adventures of this young woman. The book had some minor flaws. It's not for the squeamish reader and it did drag a little at times making me have to go back and reread something occasionally. In the plus department...I like the ongoing tension between the main character and the young deputy as well as the sub-plot about her long-lost mother. What really made me overlook the "impossibilities" and "unlikelihood's" in the story was Cameryn herself. She is presented as a strong young woman, very smart with a great sense of morality. Overall, it's well worth the reading time.
Read
May 12, 2016I just can't. No matter how much I tried to to continue reading this book, the story is still tad unbelievable and the romance seems to start creeping in.
April 13, 2009
Cameryn Mahoney has an unusual side job--she's assistant to the county coroner--who happens to be her father. But she didn't get the job through nepotism--Cammie is good at death.
But this time, the case may be too gruesome for even Cammie to handle. When her teacher is found dead in his bed, discovered by Kyle O'Neil, one of his Eagle Scouts, Cammie is horrified to discover that his eyes are burned out--indeed, Mr. Oaks has been cooked from the inside out.
The case is mysterious, and the trail is full of dead ends. It deserves her full attention, but Cammie is distracted--by the secret she's keeping about her estranged mother, and by a budding relationship with the ultrapopular Kyle. She may be too distracted to pick up on the clues to the identity of the killer before it's too late.
I didn't like The Christopher Killer at all, so I'm not really sure why I read this one. I don't think the writing was strong at all. Cammie is not a compelling, interesting or likeable character in the least. She is a classic Mary-Sue--and the fact that Ferguson needs to keep reminding us that Cammie's best friend Lyric is both fat and weird is very off-putting.
If all that weren't enough, I knew who the killer was from reading the cover copy--and if I hadn't figured it out then, I would have picked it up the first time we met him. From the way the book was written, it was somewhat clear why Cammie et al didn't pick up on it--but that's still sloppy writing. If the reader knows whodunit light years before the crack girldetective forensic pathologist, it makes for an utterly boring read.
But this time, the case may be too gruesome for even Cammie to handle. When her teacher is found dead in his bed, discovered by Kyle O'Neil, one of his Eagle Scouts, Cammie is horrified to discover that his eyes are burned out--indeed, Mr. Oaks has been cooked from the inside out.
The case is mysterious, and the trail is full of dead ends. It deserves her full attention, but Cammie is distracted--by the secret she's keeping about her estranged mother, and by a budding relationship with the ultrapopular Kyle. She may be too distracted to pick up on the clues to the identity of the killer before it's too late.
I didn't like The Christopher Killer at all, so I'm not really sure why I read this one. I don't think the writing was strong at all. Cammie is not a compelling, interesting or likeable character in the least. She is a classic Mary-Sue--and the fact that Ferguson needs to keep reminding us that Cammie's best friend Lyric is both fat and weird is very off-putting.
If all that weren't enough, I knew who the killer was from reading the cover copy--and if I hadn't figured it out then, I would have picked it up the first time we met him. From the way the book was written, it was somewhat clear why Cammie et al didn't pick up on it--but that's still sloppy writing. If the reader knows whodunit light years before the crack girl
January 23, 2011
don't trust anyone with the name Kyle
March 1, 2021
This was good. Definitely a young adult novel though. I enjoyed the plot and the characters, emotion, suspense and ending. This was written well and has a salty-sweet ending. This book would be good for passing time or just something to read. Make sure you're in the mood for the drama though. That aggravates and exasperate me big time if I'm not in the 'mood' for it. There is quite a bit of drama in this book. Other than that, mmmaaaww. Tasty brain snack. Good luck!
March 7, 2008
The next big case for Cameryn Mahoney comes in the most disturbing death anyone has ever seen. When Kyle O’Neil finds the body of beloved teacher Mr. Oakes, everyone is troubled by the way he is killed—the insides of his body seems like he’s been cooked alive, but there isn’t proof. Now that Cameryn’s mother is about to make an appearance in her life, and she’s trying to juggle her fast-paced relationship with Kyle, it’s going to take a lot of effort for her to crack this case.
Harsh to say, but if wasn't for the fact that I like forensics, I would have never picked this up. It’s the same choppy writing that just sounds very under-developed. The author doesn’t pay too much to dialogue, because like last time, it’s still awkward and most lines don’t offer that basic flow.
Besides the writing, the 2nd mystery doesn’t pull me in. I like the reasoning behind Mr. Oakes death and what’s been done to him, but I still don’t see Kyle’s motive. Much is left unanswered, and not in a good way either. In a mystery, you have to dissect the clues and point out the explanations. When you don’t know who the murderer is, it’s okay to guess, but once you find out, don’t you have to reveal some stuff? Besides, how hard is it to guess that Kyle is behind it all? At one point, Dwayne’s the scapegoat, but that’s hardly enough to draw my attention from the way Kyle wants to attach himself to Cam’s side. It’s just so obvious.
And what’s the point of calling this a forensics mystery if it’s not even that heavily focused on the subject? It annoys me that forensics stuff is mentioned in passing almost, only when they examine the body, and that’s like what? Two chapters maximum? The main character wants to be a forensics pathologist—the least the author can do is put more effort into discussing dead bodies and how the subject spikes up Cam’s interest.
Of course, it won’t bug me as much if Cam spends the remainder of the time looking for clues, but no, the pages speeds to Cameryn dating Kyle and practically telling the readers in every other chapter that she’s the “assistant to the coroner.” Every single time. Necessary much? Why not just say assistant, why have to stress the word coroner to the point where I’m like, “Jesus Christ. Just shut up already.”
Finally, this is something that I absolutely CANNOT get out of my head. It’s like this: the first book leaves the reader wondering what’s going to happen between Cam and her mother Hannah. And then the 2nd book still ends that way. How much can I handle with this pointless storyline dragging anymore? It’s like watching a badly written movie whose hero/heroine has to face all these flaky obstacles that make no sense whatsoever. Only at the last page that Cam finally meets her mother and even then, Hannah doesn’t have any dialogue. I spent my time reading this just so I could go back to square one? I get that the author’s trying to incorporate some teenage issues into the novel but it’s not working at all.
I guess I’m not done complaining after all, because I suddenly just remember something else. Just about every character has said that Cam’s changed into someone else but I don’t SEE it. I know I’m not missing anything either. It’s just that the author missed an important lesson in writing school: SHOW, DON’T TELL. Both Justin and Patrick say, “Oh Cam, you’ve changed so much,” but how did it happen? Even the most basic books follow a certain step-by-step outline and that’s what this author needs: to get from Point A to Point B, showing changes either through Cam’s actions and/or dialogue. But then again, her dialogue is so poorly written that I’m not sure it’ll make any difference.
Harsh to say, but if wasn't for the fact that I like forensics, I would have never picked this up. It’s the same choppy writing that just sounds very under-developed. The author doesn’t pay too much to dialogue, because like last time, it’s still awkward and most lines don’t offer that basic flow.
Besides the writing, the 2nd mystery doesn’t pull me in. I like the reasoning behind Mr. Oakes death and what’s been done to him, but I still don’t see Kyle’s motive. Much is left unanswered, and not in a good way either. In a mystery, you have to dissect the clues and point out the explanations. When you don’t know who the murderer is, it’s okay to guess, but once you find out, don’t you have to reveal some stuff? Besides, how hard is it to guess that Kyle is behind it all? At one point, Dwayne’s the scapegoat, but that’s hardly enough to draw my attention from the way Kyle wants to attach himself to Cam’s side. It’s just so obvious.
And what’s the point of calling this a forensics mystery if it’s not even that heavily focused on the subject? It annoys me that forensics stuff is mentioned in passing almost, only when they examine the body, and that’s like what? Two chapters maximum? The main character wants to be a forensics pathologist—the least the author can do is put more effort into discussing dead bodies and how the subject spikes up Cam’s interest.
Of course, it won’t bug me as much if Cam spends the remainder of the time looking for clues, but no, the pages speeds to Cameryn dating Kyle and practically telling the readers in every other chapter that she’s the “assistant to the coroner.” Every single time. Necessary much? Why not just say assistant, why have to stress the word coroner to the point where I’m like, “Jesus Christ. Just shut up already.”
Finally, this is something that I absolutely CANNOT get out of my head. It’s like this: the first book leaves the reader wondering what’s going to happen between Cam and her mother Hannah. And then the 2nd book still ends that way. How much can I handle with this pointless storyline dragging anymore? It’s like watching a badly written movie whose hero/heroine has to face all these flaky obstacles that make no sense whatsoever. Only at the last page that Cam finally meets her mother and even then, Hannah doesn’t have any dialogue. I spent my time reading this just so I could go back to square one? I get that the author’s trying to incorporate some teenage issues into the novel but it’s not working at all.
I guess I’m not done complaining after all, because I suddenly just remember something else. Just about every character has said that Cam’s changed into someone else but I don’t SEE it. I know I’m not missing anything either. It’s just that the author missed an important lesson in writing school: SHOW, DON’T TELL. Both Justin and Patrick say, “Oh Cam, you’ve changed so much,” but how did it happen? Even the most basic books follow a certain step-by-step outline and that’s what this author needs: to get from Point A to Point B, showing changes either through Cam’s actions and/or dialogue. But then again, her dialogue is so poorly written that I’m not sure it’ll make any difference.
November 8, 2008
I had the suspects narrowed down to two pretty early in the book and had figured out how the person was killed pretty close to the start. There wasn't enough focus on the forensics in this book and I would have liked the M.E. and the coroner folks, Cammie included, to discuss more about how the murder could have been done. Instead, we get a hint at it towards the end of the book with a vague reference to a microwave mess, like we haven't made that connection already, or at least I had. I just didn't know the technical description or it would have been a no brainer to figure out completely.
The author makes reference to "how much Cammie has changed" throughout the whole book, but we, the readers, don't really see it. It's told to us, but we don't have enough of a picture of who Cameryn really is from the previous book to see how she's different in this book. A huge part of the story focused on everyone noticing "this change", but there is a lot of telling, not showing this change.
I also thought this Kyle kid would never realistically "go for" a girl like Cameryn. There were too many incongruencies with his interest in her, that she should have figured out. We, the readers, can make sense of it all at the conclusion of the book, but throughout, we are suspect to his motives, and her stupidity, but she is after all, only a teenager inexperienced with life and relationships. It will be interesting to see how Camryn reacts to this experience as she moves forward in the next book.
Hannah is a huge character in terms of how her "presence" affects Cammie, but we wait and wait and wait for the interaction throughout the whole book. Hannah is the reason Cammie has changed, but there are too many holes in this section of the plot to understand why the big impact. Cammie seems smarter than this. Okay, so she's a brainiac when it comes to science, but a doofus when it comes to relationships. That is believable, but the author needs to tighten this portion of the story or do more to show and describe Cameryn's inexperience.
I liked the book, but didn't love it. I hope the next one is better.
The author makes reference to "how much Cammie has changed" throughout the whole book, but we, the readers, don't really see it. It's told to us, but we don't have enough of a picture of who Cameryn really is from the previous book to see how she's different in this book. A huge part of the story focused on everyone noticing "this change", but there is a lot of telling, not showing this change.
I also thought this Kyle kid would never realistically "go for" a girl like Cameryn. There were too many incongruencies with his interest in her, that she should have figured out. We, the readers, can make sense of it all at the conclusion of the book, but throughout, we are suspect to his motives, and her stupidity, but she is after all, only a teenager inexperienced with life and relationships. It will be interesting to see how Camryn reacts to this experience as she moves forward in the next book.
Hannah is a huge character in terms of how her "presence" affects Cammie, but we wait and wait and wait for the interaction throughout the whole book. Hannah is the reason Cammie has changed, but there are too many holes in this section of the plot to understand why the big impact. Cammie seems smarter than this. Okay, so she's a brainiac when it comes to science, but a doofus when it comes to relationships. That is believable, but the author needs to tighten this portion of the story or do more to show and describe Cameryn's inexperience.
I liked the book, but didn't love it. I hope the next one is better.
April 11, 2011
An intricately written novel, Alane Ferguson keeps you guessing the twists and turns of "The Angel of
Death." The story is told in the perspective of seventeen-year-old Cameryn Mahoney as the daughter of her coroner father. Her being the daughter she is means that she has seen more gore than your average teenager. Cammie is plunged into the world where she must distinguish which is reality and which is fantasy when her pupil, Kyle O'Neil, finds the remaining corpse of her English teacher in his bed. Her main objective in the case is to help analyze the facts and evidence provided to solve the mystery of her English teacher's death. Although Cammie tells herself to focus on the case given to her, she finds herself falling head over heels for Kyle O'Neil. She begins to trust and reveal herself and her bottled-up secrets and memories to Kyle. When Cammie and Kyle start a relationship though, it becomes even more necessary for Cammie to figure out the crux of her case. Yet the question is, will Cammie be able to separate what is reality and what is fake or will she be to preoccupied with Kyle to resolve her teacher's death?
Normally, I am not the type to go for a mystery novel, yet I found the novel enjoyable. As you delve into this novel, it is quite impossible to put down for a break. If you do take a break though, you will find yourself thinking in circles of what is going to happen on the next page. Will Cammie fall into a trap? How does it end? This novel is like a game of dice. You never know when you will roll "snake-eyes" or a win. "The Angel of Death is a well delivered detailed novel of murder, mystery, and suspense. Even reluctant readers will find this novel a fast pace breeze of page-turning suspense.
Death." The story is told in the perspective of seventeen-year-old Cameryn Mahoney as the daughter of her coroner father. Her being the daughter she is means that she has seen more gore than your average teenager. Cammie is plunged into the world where she must distinguish which is reality and which is fantasy when her pupil, Kyle O'Neil, finds the remaining corpse of her English teacher in his bed. Her main objective in the case is to help analyze the facts and evidence provided to solve the mystery of her English teacher's death. Although Cammie tells herself to focus on the case given to her, she finds herself falling head over heels for Kyle O'Neil. She begins to trust and reveal herself and her bottled-up secrets and memories to Kyle. When Cammie and Kyle start a relationship though, it becomes even more necessary for Cammie to figure out the crux of her case. Yet the question is, will Cammie be able to separate what is reality and what is fake or will she be to preoccupied with Kyle to resolve her teacher's death?
Normally, I am not the type to go for a mystery novel, yet I found the novel enjoyable. As you delve into this novel, it is quite impossible to put down for a break. If you do take a break though, you will find yourself thinking in circles of what is going to happen on the next page. Will Cammie fall into a trap? How does it end? This novel is like a game of dice. You never know when you will roll "snake-eyes" or a win. "The Angel of Death is a well delivered detailed novel of murder, mystery, and suspense. Even reluctant readers will find this novel a fast pace breeze of page-turning suspense.
May 26, 2009
"The Angel of Death" is about seventeen year-old Cameryn Mahoney, who is her dad's assistant coroner. She is basically a split personality, where part of her is the fun-loving teenager, while the other half is the intellectual brain that knows many facts about death. Thus she is given the nickname, the "Angel of Death". In this book (which is my first Alane Ferguson book) a popular guy named Kyle finds their former English teacher dead. Mr. Oakes, the english teacher, was everyone's favorite teacher and all-around nice guy. So far, there has been no motive to kill him. When Cammie starts a romantic relationship with Kyle due to their connection in the case, will it interfere with her ability to solve Brad Oakes' brutal murder?
This was a surprising read. At first I was sure I wouldn't like it, it seemed to Science Fiction/Horror, but I felt myself being sucked in by the easy to follow plot and somewhat likeable characters. The imagery and descriptions were well-written, but I felt that Cameryn's character was a bit one-sided. However, I will read the next book in hopes of seeing Cammie's character turn more dynamic.
This was a surprising read. At first I was sure I wouldn't like it, it seemed to Science Fiction/Horror, but I felt myself being sucked in by the easy to follow plot and somewhat likeable characters. The imagery and descriptions were well-written, but I felt that Cameryn's character was a bit one-sided. However, I will read the next book in hopes of seeing Cammie's character turn more dynamic.
April 14, 2009
i normally don't go for mysteries, but this was on the book challenge, so i read it not entirely of my own choice. i actually did not read the first book in the "series", since i don't really go for series either. but i loved the book, it was incredible!
there were times when i recognized that Cameryn was telling Kyle a LOT, and that maybe he would have some betrayal and be feeding information to Dwayne or someone, but WOW.
firstly, i never made the connection between Donny and Brad. ferguson baltantly and plainly said so many times that a) Donny hated Brad, and b) Brad had no enemies. these two sentences contradict eachother so well, yet i just took them both to be true and never added two and two. but then as soon as she said it, i was so sure that it was right. but it wasn't :P
ferguson leads everyone on a twisting, decieving trail, that i doubt even sherlock holmes could untangle before the final page is flipped.
just plain WOW.
i am actually considering reading the first book too, to complete the series and all...
there were times when i recognized that Cameryn was telling Kyle a LOT, and that maybe he would have some betrayal and be feeding information to Dwayne or someone, but WOW.
firstly, i never made the connection between Donny and Brad. ferguson baltantly and plainly said so many times that a) Donny hated Brad, and b) Brad had no enemies. these two sentences contradict eachother so well, yet i just took them both to be true and never added two and two. but then as soon as she said it, i was so sure that it was right. but it wasn't :P
ferguson leads everyone on a twisting, decieving trail, that i doubt even sherlock holmes could untangle before the final page is flipped.
just plain WOW.
i am actually considering reading the first book too, to complete the series and all...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2010
I really liked this book. The whole thriller part of it was soooooo good. The whole mystery of it was so ingenious! It was amazing! The plot had lots of twists and turns and was really surprising. Awesome! Let's move on to all the other parts of the book.
The whole relationship between Cameryn and Kyle, Cameryn and Lyric, Cameryn and Hannah, Lyric and Adam, Adam and Cameryn, Adam and Kyle, Kyle and Justin, Cameryn and Mammaw, Cameryn and Dad, Kyle and Mr.Oaks, etc,etc,etc pretty much kinda sucked. It wasn't all that great to me. No one really understood anyone else, or connected ot anything. The only one relationship that I actually liked was Cameryn and Justin.
The setting of the book was great. All of them I guess. I really didn't like the Grant though.
Anyways, I don't really have anything else to say and, yeah. You should read the book though... :D
The whole relationship between Cameryn and Kyle, Cameryn and Lyric, Cameryn and Hannah, Lyric and Adam, Adam and Cameryn, Adam and Kyle, Kyle and Justin, Cameryn and Mammaw, Cameryn and Dad, Kyle and Mr.Oaks, etc,etc,etc pretty much kinda sucked. It wasn't all that great to me. No one really understood anyone else, or connected ot anything. The only one relationship that I actually liked was Cameryn and Justin.
The setting of the book was great. All of them I guess. I really didn't like the Grant though.
Anyways, I don't really have anything else to say and, yeah. You should read the book though... :D
January 28, 2016
Since I read the 3rd book first, I already knew who the murderer was, so I spent the whole book trying to figure out how and WHY!
March 21, 2024
Ok so usually first books are always the best of a series but I have to say I love ‘The Angel Of Death’ even more than ‘The Christopher Killer’. It’s so captivating to see all the characters develop. And oh—the plotwist! Stab to the heart truly.
So Cameryn, I still love her. Wanting to be a pathologist myself I can relate to her sm. I found it so annoying how everyone in her life kept telling her she was changing though, that just had her pulling away more and oml Lyric is quite annoying she always blows everything out of proportion and it must be so tiring for Cameryn.
Patrick. I will always love him, he is such a great father even though the lying about Jayne was wrong. I just connect with him sm cause of my daddy issues fs. (Not in a weird way btw.)
Crowley 🙄. Someone get this pedo away from the 17 year high schooler. He was such a child when he noticed Cameryn had an attraction towards Kyle, being so un professional it was insane. Always bothering Cameryn and not accepting how she wants to be friends. If you think he’s not creepy, this was literally a conversation they had, Justin:
“How old are you again?”
“Seventeen. Eighteen in January.”
He blew out a breath, like steam escaping from a kettle.
“Hard to believe,” he said. “You are the oldest kid I’ve ever met.”
…Well you better believe it sir bc she is in fact—as YOU said, A KID. No further evidence needed.
Finally… Kyle. WHY JUST WHY?! WHY IS THE SOCIOPATH THE ONLY ONE WHO UNDERSTANDS HER AND CALMS HER?!!! I saw it coming with how perfect he was but I was in denial. I hate his mom and dad as their terrible and absent parenting most definitely led him to this tragedy. I honestly hope he gets the help he needs. Anam Cara 3. I’m so upset. Again, WHY? 😭
(P.S. I’ve noticed Alane Ferguson uses the term “she cried” like ‘she said’ way too much and at weird times. I feel like she uses it in a different manner bc it rarely makes sense in the scene.)
So Cameryn, I still love her. Wanting to be a pathologist myself I can relate to her sm. I found it so annoying how everyone in her life kept telling her she was changing though, that just had her pulling away more and oml Lyric is quite annoying she always blows everything out of proportion and it must be so tiring for Cameryn.
Patrick. I will always love him, he is such a great father even though the lying about Jayne was wrong. I just connect with him sm cause of my daddy issues fs. (Not in a weird way btw.)
Crowley 🙄. Someone get this pedo away from the 17 year high schooler. He was such a child when he noticed Cameryn had an attraction towards Kyle, being so un professional it was insane. Always bothering Cameryn and not accepting how she wants to be friends. If you think he’s not creepy, this was literally a conversation they had, Justin:
“How old are you again?”
“Seventeen. Eighteen in January.”
He blew out a breath, like steam escaping from a kettle.
“Hard to believe,” he said. “You are the oldest kid I’ve ever met.”
…Well you better believe it sir bc she is in fact—as YOU said, A KID. No further evidence needed.
Finally… Kyle. WHY JUST WHY?! WHY IS THE SOCIOPATH THE ONLY ONE WHO UNDERSTANDS HER AND CALMS HER?!!! I saw it coming with how perfect he was but I was in denial. I hate his mom and dad as their terrible and absent parenting most definitely led him to this tragedy. I honestly hope he gets the help he needs. Anam Cara 3. I’m so upset. Again, WHY? 😭
(P.S. I’ve noticed Alane Ferguson uses the term “she cried” like ‘she said’ way too much and at weird times. I feel like she uses it in a different manner bc it rarely makes sense in the scene.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2022
Angel Of Death
In the book Angel of Death by Alane Ferguson is a fantastic forensic mystery. Throughout the entirety of “Angel Of Death” the reader is left with suspense and a lot of questions. Page by page Alane Ferguson continues to draw cliffhangers to make the reader continue to want to read more. It makes the reader start to question “Who did It?”
Angel of Death is the second book of a book series. It follows the main character Camryn. Also known as Cammie, a high school student, with a great passion for forensics. Forgeson has given amazing details that make the reader fall in love with Cammie’s character. The plot follows a new murder mystery. Camerún is trying to figure out who killed her teacher Mr. Brad Oaks. Unlike book one, this murder mystery is completely different, it is something that Cammie has never seen before. Cameryn's teacher's eyes were missing, “The lids of his eyes had rolled back like window shades, revealing two dark holes. The eye sockets were empty” (Ferguson 43). This makes the reader question how the teachers eyes are missing, as well as who had killed the teacher.
Angel of Death also follows Camryn's first romantic relationship during the hard times of Mr. Oaks death, as well as family drama. Camryn was able to find and fall in love with Kyle. Kyle was Camryn's first love and first kiss, “He bent close, and his kiss was sweeter this time. As light as petals, his lips brushed hers” (Ferguson 135). Camryn was able to not think about family drama because of the love that Camryn had for Kyle. Overall After reading Angel of Death is an amazing book.
In the book Angel of Death by Alane Ferguson is a fantastic forensic mystery. Throughout the entirety of “Angel Of Death” the reader is left with suspense and a lot of questions. Page by page Alane Ferguson continues to draw cliffhangers to make the reader continue to want to read more. It makes the reader start to question “Who did It?”
Angel of Death is the second book of a book series. It follows the main character Camryn. Also known as Cammie, a high school student, with a great passion for forensics. Forgeson has given amazing details that make the reader fall in love with Cammie’s character. The plot follows a new murder mystery. Camerún is trying to figure out who killed her teacher Mr. Brad Oaks. Unlike book one, this murder mystery is completely different, it is something that Cammie has never seen before. Cameryn's teacher's eyes were missing, “The lids of his eyes had rolled back like window shades, revealing two dark holes. The eye sockets were empty” (Ferguson 43). This makes the reader question how the teachers eyes are missing, as well as who had killed the teacher.
Angel of Death also follows Camryn's first romantic relationship during the hard times of Mr. Oaks death, as well as family drama. Camryn was able to find and fall in love with Kyle. Kyle was Camryn's first love and first kiss, “He bent close, and his kiss was sweeter this time. As light as petals, his lips brushed hers” (Ferguson 135). Camryn was able to not think about family drama because of the love that Camryn had for Kyle. Overall After reading Angel of Death is an amazing book.
February 5, 2018
The Angel of Death is a great book, I would recommend it to people who want to go into forensics. I enjoyed this because the plot was set up great, I really enjoyed the ending and how Cameryn finally came over her worry. I think people going in to the field of forensics should read it because it gives you an insight to what it is going to be like.
The main characters are Cameryn, Patrick, Mamaw, Lyric, Adam, and Deputy Crowley. Cameryn is a 17 year old girl who is entering forensics as a forensic pathologist who is working for her dad, Patrick. Cameryn goes on adventures trying to find serial killers who are killing in her town. Patrick, Cameryn's dad, helps Cameryn solve and find the serial killers. Cameryn's best friend, Lyric, has her theories and helps Cameryn solve her cases and problems. Adam is an kid in Cammie's class who tags along with Lyric and Cameryn and may or may not be Lyric's boyfriend. Deputy Crowley may have a little crush on Cameryn. Deputy Crowley always helps Cameryn at crime scenes and still holds a secret that he and Cameryn share.
Cameryn is always investigating and sometimes gets caught in a sticky situation, will she be able to make it out?
The main characters are Cameryn, Patrick, Mamaw, Lyric, Adam, and Deputy Crowley. Cameryn is a 17 year old girl who is entering forensics as a forensic pathologist who is working for her dad, Patrick. Cameryn goes on adventures trying to find serial killers who are killing in her town. Patrick, Cameryn's dad, helps Cameryn solve and find the serial killers. Cameryn's best friend, Lyric, has her theories and helps Cameryn solve her cases and problems. Adam is an kid in Cammie's class who tags along with Lyric and Cameryn and may or may not be Lyric's boyfriend. Deputy Crowley may have a little crush on Cameryn. Deputy Crowley always helps Cameryn at crime scenes and still holds a secret that he and Cameryn share.
Cameryn is always investigating and sometimes gets caught in a sticky situation, will she be able to make it out?
April 30, 2023
It didn't take much time with the living to remind Cameryn why she wanted to be a forensic pathologist. The dead didn't tell stories, except about themselves.
Although Justin seemed to register her groan, there was no stopping him this morning. "Jacobs calls you the Angel of Death."
+
THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!! The characters, the mystery, all the details - I literally sat down and read this in one sitting. Also can I just say the slowburn with Cameryn and Justin SERVESSSSSS. Her friendship with Lyric and her relationships with her parents, Mammaw, etc. are also so wonderfully complex. I love that every character is unique in their own way and how much they all CARE for Cammeryn. As she's with Kyle and pulling away because of everything with Hannah, everyone can see there is something so wrong. ALSO a big fan of the way the answer is always there from the start, in this case the book starting with the dog.
Although Justin seemed to register her groan, there was no stopping him this morning. "Jacobs calls you the Angel of Death."
+
THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!!!!! The characters, the mystery, all the details - I literally sat down and read this in one sitting. Also can I just say the slowburn with Cameryn and Justin SERVESSSSSS. Her friendship with Lyric and her relationships with her parents, Mammaw, etc. are also so wonderfully complex. I love that every character is unique in their own way and how much they all CARE for Cammeryn. As she's with Kyle and pulling away because of everything with Hannah, everyone can see there is something so wrong. ALSO a big fan of the way the answer is always there from the start, in this case the book starting with the dog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2018
I really liked the book. I had started off by reading the book "The Christopher Killer" which is the first book in the trilogy. I thought I liked that book, but I really liked this book. The way Alane Ferguson, is always able to confuse me and make me question who the culprit is throughout the whole book is amazing. The book started out, a few months after the previous book ended. It started off by Cammie helping Justin the deputy dispose of a dead dog on the road, and quickly moved to her finding out that her English teacher had died. In fact he had been barbecued from the outside in, but no one could ever figure out how. And reading about all of the different graphic scenes really made me feel like I was right there with Cammie, experiencing everything first hand. I highly recommend this book to any one looking for a good mystery novel to read.
May 20, 2019
Like the first book in the series, this too is a quick read along with a fast approaching plot reveal. This book is decent in expressing the details of hardship associated with being a coroner or coroner assistant like Cameryn, but do wish it was a bit longer. Like the first one, there is a murder in Silverton again, and she's involved in figuring out who had done it. The chase for the killer has you thinking of another suspect, but if you're decent with puzzles you will be able to figure this one out pretty quick. One part of the book I didn't care much for was Cameryn dating Kyle. Their character personalities were not similar at all and it was hard as the reader to imagine these very different people together, physically and connecting emotionally. I would rather see Cameryn with Justin, even if he is 21. Overall, quick mystery read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2012
Real-life problems, check. Reasonable actions, check. Danger, check. A mystery that you have to discover with the character, check. Most murder mystery novels have a checklist that decides if it will be any good. The Angel of Death by Alane Ferguson, published by Penguin Group in 2006, was no exception and it passed with flying colors. Cameryn Mahoney is the assistant to the small Colorado town coroner who happens to also be her father. Being 17 and still in high school makes it hard for anyone to take her seriously, but unfortunately this is the least of her problems. There has been a strange death in the community and even though she knows the victim she tries to stay professional and solve it before it's too late. This novel makes the reader feel they have a personal connection to the characters, creates a setting that makes you think 'What perfect timing', and a plot that, even though a bit predictable, creates a realistic and satisfying read.
The protagonist of this story is the strong-willed and intelligent Cameryn, known to her friends as "Cammie". The author makes Cammie identify with almost, if not all, her readers. In the story she is dealing with a single dad and is going through high school. It seems as though her world is shifting when her mom who has been gone for 14 years wants to come meet her, she has secrets and emotions she is bottling up inside, her friends are growing up, and nothing seems to stay the way it was. I certainly discovered that I have felt the same way; the world spinning out of control, threatening to overwhelm me with the exams, sports, homework, and just being a teen. As you grow up things change and Cameryn works through her insecurities and complicated feeling for her mom and young love (of course there is some romance). Even through this she someone how can detach herself from her personal problems and focus on solving a murder. She watches her dead teacher's autopsy by reminding herself that he is not there anymore and the last thing she can do for him is find his killer. She is a strong independent female role-model that I look up to, flaws and all. Besides with all that she goes through, if she had no flaws, I would think she was crazy.
The small town in Silverton Colorado, population 700, is the perfect place for this novel to take place. The mountain and wood terrain create a beautiful but secluded home. The small population creates a tight-nit community where everybody knows everybody and rumor spreads like wildfire. When a beloved teacher shows up cooked inside out, it not only leaves the town in heartache, but also means that the killer has to be among them. This creates conflict in Cameryn and with other personal issues going on only stresses her further and makes some of her actions impetuous. Even though they may be reasonable they create consequences that are significant to the effects of the story. Everyone has one of those days that seem like everything that can go wrong has, and at the end you aren't your practical self. You may have made some rash decisions, like yelling at your mom or ignoring the rules and doing what you shouldn't. It may vary in degree, but everyone has done it. Alane was a genius to for picking such impacting and comparative surroundings.
The story fit the book perfectly, meaning Alane did not bore us with too many details but enough to hide the clues. She used realistic forensic procedures and gruesome scenes, but not enough to sicken or weary the reader. She knows enough that it seems like you could be an assistant coroner and experience the same thing Cammie did. I, myself, once dabbled in the idea that I could be a forensic anthropologist; of course I didn't think it was all solving crimes and adventure, but I could never fully understand that it could get very horrid. This book glimpsed at that idea and showed real reactions to a dead body. Even though the first book truly had me wondering who did it and fooling me multiple times by leading me in different directions (which is not usually that easy since I have read more than a few mystery novels), this second book was a little more obvious. Even though I guessed fairly early who it was, it was very enjoyable to watch how Cammie would figure it out. The way the victim was killed was very perplexing and only figured it out when the character did. The emotional rollercoaster didn't make me sick with impracticality, but seemed very sensible for the situation. At the end when Cameryn learns who the killer it is and how they did it, she is put into danger. You may know in the back of your mind what's going to happen, but the way it will is a mystery. In the end, this novel gave a fresh angle on an old genre, which successful attempts are hard to come by.
This book was a delightful surprise. It had all the right components to create a great mystery; personal and likable characters that I could easily relate to, setting that took my breath away and made sense to the story, and finally a innovative look that created emotional and physical danger to a standard story. Since this is only the second in the series I will definitely be reading the next one and will recommend these to anyone who loves murder mysteries. The end of the book left me satisfied, but leaves unanswered questions and hidden dangers for the reader to discover next time. I sped through this book and I hope to speed through the next, but until I can get my hands on the next installment of the Forensic Mysteries, I will have to be satisfied with savoring The Angel of Death by Alane Ferguson and try to guess what will come next.
The protagonist of this story is the strong-willed and intelligent Cameryn, known to her friends as "Cammie". The author makes Cammie identify with almost, if not all, her readers. In the story she is dealing with a single dad and is going through high school. It seems as though her world is shifting when her mom who has been gone for 14 years wants to come meet her, she has secrets and emotions she is bottling up inside, her friends are growing up, and nothing seems to stay the way it was. I certainly discovered that I have felt the same way; the world spinning out of control, threatening to overwhelm me with the exams, sports, homework, and just being a teen. As you grow up things change and Cameryn works through her insecurities and complicated feeling for her mom and young love (of course there is some romance). Even through this she someone how can detach herself from her personal problems and focus on solving a murder. She watches her dead teacher's autopsy by reminding herself that he is not there anymore and the last thing she can do for him is find his killer. She is a strong independent female role-model that I look up to, flaws and all. Besides with all that she goes through, if she had no flaws, I would think she was crazy.
The small town in Silverton Colorado, population 700, is the perfect place for this novel to take place. The mountain and wood terrain create a beautiful but secluded home. The small population creates a tight-nit community where everybody knows everybody and rumor spreads like wildfire. When a beloved teacher shows up cooked inside out, it not only leaves the town in heartache, but also means that the killer has to be among them. This creates conflict in Cameryn and with other personal issues going on only stresses her further and makes some of her actions impetuous. Even though they may be reasonable they create consequences that are significant to the effects of the story. Everyone has one of those days that seem like everything that can go wrong has, and at the end you aren't your practical self. You may have made some rash decisions, like yelling at your mom or ignoring the rules and doing what you shouldn't. It may vary in degree, but everyone has done it. Alane was a genius to for picking such impacting and comparative surroundings.
The story fit the book perfectly, meaning Alane did not bore us with too many details but enough to hide the clues. She used realistic forensic procedures and gruesome scenes, but not enough to sicken or weary the reader. She knows enough that it seems like you could be an assistant coroner and experience the same thing Cammie did. I, myself, once dabbled in the idea that I could be a forensic anthropologist; of course I didn't think it was all solving crimes and adventure, but I could never fully understand that it could get very horrid. This book glimpsed at that idea and showed real reactions to a dead body. Even though the first book truly had me wondering who did it and fooling me multiple times by leading me in different directions (which is not usually that easy since I have read more than a few mystery novels), this second book was a little more obvious. Even though I guessed fairly early who it was, it was very enjoyable to watch how Cammie would figure it out. The way the victim was killed was very perplexing and only figured it out when the character did. The emotional rollercoaster didn't make me sick with impracticality, but seemed very sensible for the situation. At the end when Cameryn learns who the killer it is and how they did it, she is put into danger. You may know in the back of your mind what's going to happen, but the way it will is a mystery. In the end, this novel gave a fresh angle on an old genre, which successful attempts are hard to come by.
This book was a delightful surprise. It had all the right components to create a great mystery; personal and likable characters that I could easily relate to, setting that took my breath away and made sense to the story, and finally a innovative look that created emotional and physical danger to a standard story. Since this is only the second in the series I will definitely be reading the next one and will recommend these to anyone who loves murder mysteries. The end of the book left me satisfied, but leaves unanswered questions and hidden dangers for the reader to discover next time. I sped through this book and I hope to speed through the next, but until I can get my hands on the next installment of the Forensic Mysteries, I will have to be satisfied with savoring The Angel of Death by Alane Ferguson and try to guess what will come next.
January 2, 2021
I started this book where I’d left off in November, and I didn’t remember the previous half - so to be fair, that probably factors in to my review. In any case, I feel it’s also only fair to warn y’all that I’m only finishing this series because I’m a completist... have to finish the series because I started it.
I was not a fan of this story, or the way it ended. I feel like it was a vanilla ending (nothing happened and it was bleh) - not to say that vanilla is bad, because it can certainly be great when done well, but this ending just ... wasn’t. Will I still read the next book? Well, yeah. Hopefully the story in the next one will be better.
On I go...
I was not a fan of this story, or the way it ended. I feel like it was a vanilla ending (nothing happened and it was bleh) - not to say that vanilla is bad, because it can certainly be great when done well, but this ending just ... wasn’t. Will I still read the next book? Well, yeah. Hopefully the story in the next one will be better.
On I go...
December 31, 2023
I thought it was a creative piece of YA writing and started off pretty interesting. I found the plot overall to be somewhat expected and guessed Kyle to be a major part of the ending as soon as he showed up for dinner in the friends group. Despite all that, I stayed reading it to see how it ended, but the main disappointment was that there was not near as much forensics added in as I had hoped, and I’m not sure if I had my expectations too high after reading established authors like Kathy Reichs or Patricia Cornwell or if this just fell short. I wish there had been more in the science part, less in the family drama and romance parts, but that’s just me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2017
I'm giving this one a 3.5
The writing seemed rushed and wasn't the best, and neither were the relationships. I'm pretty positive the entire plot of the book takes place within a week? Mayyyybe a little more? It just didn't seem very realistic to the plot.
That being said, I did over all enjoy the book, I guessed who did it pretty early on, but it was fun getting the little clues here and there and then seeing the final reveal. I would have liked it if Cameryn could have gotten her ass for like 2 seconds but still.
The writing seemed rushed and wasn't the best, and neither were the relationships. I'm pretty positive the entire plot of the book takes place within a week? Mayyyybe a little more? It just didn't seem very realistic to the plot.
That being said, I did over all enjoy the book, I guessed who did it pretty early on, but it was fun getting the little clues here and there and then seeing the final reveal. I would have liked it if Cameryn could have gotten her ass for like 2 seconds but still.
September 9, 2018
Cameryn Mahoney is a 17-year old, assistant to her coroner father. When Kyle O'Neil, an Eagle Scout and most popular kid in school, finds the dead body of his Scout leader and a well-liked teacher, Cameryn and her father get to work. The cause of death is so obvious it was frustrating that no one figures it out until near the end - although knowing it earlier probably wouldn't have helped the plot line. It is a fast-paced and I look forward to reading the first volume to discover the basics for the series and then the next volume to discover what happens now that mom is back.
October 5, 2020
Cameryn Mahoney investigates the perplexing murder of a well-liked former English teacher and boy scout leader. His body is found contracted into a fighting position and his eyes seem to have exploded, but there is no evidence of a break-in at his home. Cameryn's work is complicated by several events in her personal life. Her mother, Hannah, has made contact with her. Deputy Justin Crowley seems interested in her, and she gets involved with a boy from school, Kyle, very quickly. Her father, grandmother, and best friend all seem to think she's changed. (Read The Christopher Killer first.)
December 7, 2022
This book was pretty meh the whole time. VERY descriptive with the autopsy; very gory and I had to stop and compose myself for a sec but other than that it was pretty meh.
I felt the book was way too fast. It didn’t take enough time to go through Cammie’s life.
I also wonder what ended up happening with her twin? Is she alive? And I wanna know the future with her mom.
I sure hope Cammie and Justin end up together even if they are three or four year apart…
But yeah, I didn’t guess the killer right away but I just didn’t enjoy this book that much; too fast paced in a bad way.
I felt the book was way too fast. It didn’t take enough time to go through Cammie’s life.
I also wonder what ended up happening with her twin? Is she alive? And I wanna know the future with her mom.
I sure hope Cammie and Justin end up together even if they are three or four year apart…
But yeah, I didn’t guess the killer right away but I just didn’t enjoy this book that much; too fast paced in a bad way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2024
SECOND BOOK IN THE SERIES!
Okay, so did I like this book better than the first one? A bit, yes…
But, did think the ending was predictable? A bit yes…
Do I like the feet pics on the coverL NO!
BUT- DID I LOVE THE BOOK? YES.
I’m a teenager, and my teacher recommended this book series to me because for my love of Forensics Science and a good read. And I must admit, the book was so easy to read and fly through.
I love the ending, and it sure somewhat surprised me.
NOW, CAMERYN BETTER GET WITH THAT 21 YEAR OLD OR ELSE!
Picking up the third book soon.
Okay, so did I like this book better than the first one? A bit, yes…
But, did think the ending was predictable? A bit yes…
Do I like the feet pics on the coverL NO!
BUT- DID I LOVE THE BOOK? YES.
I’m a teenager, and my teacher recommended this book series to me because for my love of Forensics Science and a good read. And I must admit, the book was so easy to read and fly through.
I love the ending, and it sure somewhat surprised me.
NOW, CAMERYN BETTER GET WITH THAT 21 YEAR OLD OR ELSE!
Picking up the third book soon.
September 9, 2021
I liked this book more than I thought I was going to! I will say that Kyle being the killer was pretty obvious to me, but the how, and him being sociopathic was not obvious to me. I do wish the writing was a little better, it felt a little one dimensional to me. The 2 plot points I would change are to have something actually happen at the end with Cameryn and Justin, and for her relationship with her mother to have been discussed more. But otherwise, fun Veronica Mars style murder mystery!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2017
This has been a great series for my 7th graders after a unit on forensics. We read The Christopher Killer together and I'm reading the other 3 this summer. The way the author weaves forensic facts into the storyline helps me learn new things about a topic that SO intrigues me! Can't wait to read the last two!
May 27, 2019
This wasn't as much a "Who Dunnit" as it was a "HOW Dunnit". It wasn't hard to determine the culprit, early on. What kept the reader going was the method used, and the motive. Once I locked down the the bad guy, though, I found it hard to continue reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews