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City of Fallen Angels
Beware who you let inside.
A serial killer terrorizes the streets of Los Angeles, dubbed by the press 'The Werewolf Killer' for his brutal and methodical way of killing. There are no known links between victims, no apparent motive, and no suspects. Detective Tanya Reynolds, in charge of the investigation, hopes to put a stop to the killings soon, but the killer has eluded her for so long, why would this time be any different?
What begins as a routine investigation soon turns into a cat and mouse game, where neither party knows which of them is the hunter and which is the prey.
A serial killer terrorizes the streets of Los Angeles, dubbed by the press 'The Werewolf Killer' for his brutal and methodical way of killing. There are no known links between victims, no apparent motive, and no suspects. Detective Tanya Reynolds, in charge of the investigation, hopes to put a stop to the killings soon, but the killer has eluded her for so long, why would this time be any different?
What begins as a routine investigation soon turns into a cat and mouse game, where neither party knows which of them is the hunter and which is the prey.
- GenresMystery
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2025
218 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
J.W. Holmes
10 books22 followersMulti-genre author from Christchurch, New Zealand. His passions include music, film, embroidery, and occasionally writing.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 8, 2025
This marks the first book by this author that I have had the pleasure of reading. My typical preferences include works by Harlan Coben, Lee Child, Tom Clancy, Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, Karin Slaughter, Clive Cussler, Preston W Child, and Judah Lamb—the latter two being recent discoveries. I am drawn to narratives that engage me quickly and tend to avoid those with slow beginnings. As a Christian life coach, pastor, cancer motivational speaker, and forensic psychologist, I have a particular interest in the genre focused on serial killers.
From the outset, this book captivated me and sustained my interest throughout. I completed it in just two days, as it was incredibly gripping. There were moments when I found it difficult to stop reading, even when I needed to.
The author's portrayal of the "werewolf" as the killer was particularly effective. It is often the unnoticed or quiet individuals whom one must be wary of. However, the motivations behind the actions of such characters inevitably raise questions. The author skillfully maintained my engagement throughout the narrative.
That said, I wish the story had adhered more closely to what readers expect from mystery thrillers. In the second part, the perspective shifts to the killer's viewpoint, which certainly adds a chilling element, but some narrative choices felt disjointed and lacked coherence. The ending did not meet my expectations; had it delivered a stronger impact, it could have easily garnered a five-star rating. Instead, it felt as though the author painted the story into a corner and resorted to hastily concluding it in the third part, resulting in an ending that left much to be desired. Consequently, I have rated this book three stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
From the outset, this book captivated me and sustained my interest throughout. I completed it in just two days, as it was incredibly gripping. There were moments when I found it difficult to stop reading, even when I needed to.
The author's portrayal of the "werewolf" as the killer was particularly effective. It is often the unnoticed or quiet individuals whom one must be wary of. However, the motivations behind the actions of such characters inevitably raise questions. The author skillfully maintained my engagement throughout the narrative.
That said, I wish the story had adhered more closely to what readers expect from mystery thrillers. In the second part, the perspective shifts to the killer's viewpoint, which certainly adds a chilling element, but some narrative choices felt disjointed and lacked coherence. The ending did not meet my expectations; had it delivered a stronger impact, it could have easily garnered a five-star rating. Instead, it felt as though the author painted the story into a corner and resorted to hastily concluding it in the third part, resulting in an ending that left much to be desired. Consequently, I have rated this book three stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2025
This book has great promise, as it's supposed to delve into the mind and actions of a male serial killer. Tanya Reynolds is the first woman of colour to obtain the designation of Detective Third Grade at the West Hollywood division. She's an overachiever who's out to prove that she's earned her position. She's called to the scene of a grizzly murder in the middle of the night. A young man has been found dead in the bathroom of a gay nightclub. He has been brutally beaten, has a deep laceration to his abdomen (his intestines are protruding from the wound) and has been bitten in the neck. There's a serial killer terrorizing people and he/she has been labelled "The Werewolf" because of the bite marks on the victims. Tanya finally gets a significant lead and is fairly certain of the identity of The Werewolf. She arrives at the apartment building where the killer likely lives and interviews neighbours. She speaks to the suspects neighbour, a young transgendered woman by the name of Abbie. Abbie has only seen her neighbour, Sebastian, in passing. After Tanya's visit, she decides to visit with Sebastian, in an attempt to get to know him. Will Tanya get the evidence she needs to prove that Sebastian is a serial killer? What will, if anything, Abbie learn about Sebastian? I'm not going to answer those questions; you'll need to read the book to find out the answers! The reason for the 3* review is that the book doesn't really explain the back story as to why this particular murderer became the monster that they are.
I received an ARC and this review is my personal opinion.
I received an ARC and this review is my personal opinion.
September 27, 2025
They say that there really aren’t any new stories to be told, and that’s true. What makes a story “new” is the characters the writer creates and the angle he takes in telling it. Stories about serial killers are popular, and there’s an overabundance of serial killer tales to choose from. I have read hundreds of them, but City of Fallen Angeles is unique, unlike any other serial killer tale that I have ever read. It’s nonstop action from the first page to the last. An adrenaline-fueled, action-packed rollercoaster thrill ride that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat, burning through the pages.
Holmes’s approach to telling this story is definitely unique, as the female lead detective comes face-to-face with the serial killer about halfway through the book. We know that this encounter isn’t going to end well, but just how badly it will end and for whom we have to wait until the final chapters of the book to find out, because Holmes takes us back in time to replay the events leading up to that encounter. The way that this story ends will blow you away; it did me. As I read the ending to this twisted tale, I thought to myself, over and over again, Wow! I never saw that coming!
If you love reading a good serial killer thriller, you must read City of Fallen Angels. I read and review, on average, three or four books a week, so I seldom re-read a book, no matter how much I enjoyed reading it, because I just don’t have the time, but I will make the time to re-read City of Fallen Angeles.
Holmes’s approach to telling this story is definitely unique, as the female lead detective comes face-to-face with the serial killer about halfway through the book. We know that this encounter isn’t going to end well, but just how badly it will end and for whom we have to wait until the final chapters of the book to find out, because Holmes takes us back in time to replay the events leading up to that encounter. The way that this story ends will blow you away; it did me. As I read the ending to this twisted tale, I thought to myself, over and over again, Wow! I never saw that coming!
If you love reading a good serial killer thriller, you must read City of Fallen Angels. I read and review, on average, three or four books a week, so I seldom re-read a book, no matter how much I enjoyed reading it, because I just don’t have the time, but I will make the time to re-read City of Fallen Angeles.
October 6, 2025
Wow, what a read! City of Fallen Angels kicks off with all the grit and pace you could want from a thriller. We're introduced to Detective Tanya Reynolds, a tough, dedicated cop on the hunt for a brutal serial killer nicknamed "The Werewolf" who leaves a trail of savagely mutilated bodies across Los Angeles. The first part of this book is a gripping police procedural, filled with tense crime scenes, sharp dialogue between Reynolds and her partner, and the mounting pressure from her superiors and the media. I am a ravenous reader, but even for me the level of “unputtdownability” was sky-high.
Having said that, and that’s why I only give 4 stars, the author makes a very bold narrative decision in the second half of the book, which killed it a bit for me. I am certain that other readers will enjoy it more, but through that choice he gives away too much too early. I prefer whodunits that unravel slowly, and the first half was very much that, and spectacularly so.
Still, the author’s style is clean and genuinely keeps the pages turning. If it weren’t for the change in part 2, this could easily be one of the very best thrillers I have ever read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Having said that, and that’s why I only give 4 stars, the author makes a very bold narrative decision in the second half of the book, which killed it a bit for me. I am certain that other readers will enjoy it more, but through that choice he gives away too much too early. I prefer whodunits that unravel slowly, and the first half was very much that, and spectacularly so.
Still, the author’s style is clean and genuinely keeps the pages turning. If it weren’t for the change in part 2, this could easily be one of the very best thrillers I have ever read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2025
If you’re craving a psychological thriller that slithers under your skin and refuses to let go, City of Fallen Angels delivers in spades. Told through dual perspectives—Sebastian, a chillingly methodical serial killer, and Reynolds, the relentless cop determined to stop him—this novel is a masterclass in tension and moral ambiguity.
Sebastian’s chapters are disturbingly intimate, offering a glimpse into the mind of a predator who’s both terrifying and strangely compelling. Meanwhile, Reynolds brings grit and emotional weight, grounding the story in a desperate pursuit of justice. The alternating POVs create a haunting rhythm—each chapter a dance between obsession and duty, chaos and control.
What makes this book truly shine is its ability to be equally creepy and intriguing. Holmes doesn’t just write a cat-and-mouse chase; he crafts a psychological labyrinth where every twist feels earned and every character is layered with secrets. It’s the kind of story that makes you question your own sympathies—and keeps you flipping pages long past midnight.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sebastian’s chapters are disturbingly intimate, offering a glimpse into the mind of a predator who’s both terrifying and strangely compelling. Meanwhile, Reynolds brings grit and emotional weight, grounding the story in a desperate pursuit of justice. The alternating POVs create a haunting rhythm—each chapter a dance between obsession and duty, chaos and control.
What makes this book truly shine is its ability to be equally creepy and intriguing. Holmes doesn’t just write a cat-and-mouse chase; he crafts a psychological labyrinth where every twist feels earned and every character is layered with secrets. It’s the kind of story that makes you question your own sympathies—and keeps you flipping pages long past midnight.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2025
I really don't know where to start. Common sense would tell you that you shouldn't 'like' the bad guy, but this one....I didn't necessarily 'like' him per se, but I understood him? Maybe that's the right way to phrase it. I am kind of aggravated that someone let on who the killer was in a review. And even though you find out fairly early on who it is, ...still. The killer is a very complex character. I can't say much more than that because it will give stuff away. Maybe I'm just crazy but I felt for him. What makes it harder is that I didn't really like the cop. I get why they did what they did and so on, but they just irked me for some reason. They knew they were out of line and did what they did anyway. Like I said, I'm really torn. I do have to say it's a good book. Really gets under your skin. And the ending....there needed to be...something. there are so many questions left unanswered. Which is good in some ways and irksome in others. If you have issues with triggers, this definitely isn't for you. It's definitely interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2025
Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review.
The author of City of Fallen Angels from the first part of this book ( with the story being divided into three parts ) did have something that worked for going to enjoy this book. I really did enjoy the complexities Detective Reynolds had with her partner Lowell as they tirelessly to catch a killer dubbed " The Werewolf ". Even the family dynamics the Tanya Reynolds had with her husband and children and the toil it takes upon everyone was well written you believe that tug of war struggle that comes with careers that means the job as priority. I wish the story had stayed what readers have come to expect with mystery thrillers because parts two ( the murders seem through killer's eyes that did make the murderer scary but fell flat in other choices that made no sense ) and three I found the author painted the story into a corner and just threw anything at the wall to finish the story- as what happens with third part and had an ending that felt there's nothing left to stay and why this is rated two stars.
The author of City of Fallen Angels from the first part of this book ( with the story being divided into three parts ) did have something that worked for going to enjoy this book. I really did enjoy the complexities Detective Reynolds had with her partner Lowell as they tirelessly to catch a killer dubbed " The Werewolf ". Even the family dynamics the Tanya Reynolds had with her husband and children and the toil it takes upon everyone was well written you believe that tug of war struggle that comes with careers that means the job as priority. I wish the story had stayed what readers have come to expect with mystery thrillers because parts two ( the murders seem through killer's eyes that did make the murderer scary but fell flat in other choices that made no sense ) and three I found the author painted the story into a corner and just threw anything at the wall to finish the story- as what happens with third part and had an ending that felt there's nothing left to stay and why this is rated two stars.
February 5, 2026
Probably a 3.5-star rating.
Murder in the big city, with a twist, and no big clues or leads to help find the killer.
Our story starts with Det Reynolds being woke up with "another one." A murder with a unique signature causing the press to call the killer, "The Werewolf." The murders feel random with no real connection except for its unique signature. Why is the killer picking these people, why these locations, and will he/she make a mistake? Follow the story as we get a picture of not only the detective/s searching for the killer, but the killer and people who know and interact with the killer. This could have been a longer book to get better character development, but I am two minds about that because I feel there would be too "filler" if that was the case. I would like to get a deep glimpse into the killer's psyche and motivation, briefly mention but not truly fleshed out. Overall, I will/would read this author again in the future.
Murder in the big city, with a twist, and no big clues or leads to help find the killer.
Our story starts with Det Reynolds being woke up with "another one." A murder with a unique signature causing the press to call the killer, "The Werewolf." The murders feel random with no real connection except for its unique signature. Why is the killer picking these people, why these locations, and will he/she make a mistake? Follow the story as we get a picture of not only the detective/s searching for the killer, but the killer and people who know and interact with the killer. This could have been a longer book to get better character development, but I am two minds about that because I feel there would be too "filler" if that was the case. I would like to get a deep glimpse into the killer's psyche and motivation, briefly mention but not truly fleshed out. Overall, I will/would read this author again in the future.
October 7, 2025
City of Fallen Angels follows three main characters, our bad guy, and the 2 women who come within his grasp. Sebastian does horrible things, and one woman tries to stop him, and one tries to save him. It makes for a good horror/thriller. Be prepared for violent scenes.
I did enjoy the format of the book, with the 3 POV's, and the events seen through their eyes. I was disappointed in the character development and would have liked to have known more about the characters, to show why they did/made the choices that they did. I also felt parts of the book were recycled from things we have seen in movies, especially the final scene.
It is a fast-paced book, which I thought was appropriate for the length of the book.
I would give the book 3.25 Stars overall.
I did enjoy the format of the book, with the 3 POV's, and the events seen through their eyes. I was disappointed in the character development and would have liked to have known more about the characters, to show why they did/made the choices that they did. I also felt parts of the book were recycled from things we have seen in movies, especially the final scene.
It is a fast-paced book, which I thought was appropriate for the length of the book.
I would give the book 3.25 Stars overall.
August 31, 2025
This was a very attention grabbing book for me. I needed more and wanted more. There were times I just didn’t want to stop reading when I had to. The “werewolf” was a great name for the killer. It’s always the ones that go unnoticed that you have to watch out for. Or the quiet ones. But how and why are always going to be questions. I think the author did a great job of keeping me engaged. The ending I was expecting to be more of. I think if I got that wow factor in the end it could have been a five star.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I love a good "murdery book" as I call them, and this one did not disappoint. The writing style was easy to read. The character development was great. I found myself almost liking the killer, who had a kind side, but battled with internal demons. I wanted to know what happened even after the story ended. I'm eager to check out more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 13, 2026
Scary
This book is a murder thriller for sure. Truly psychotic the main suspect is a serial killer. His mind worked in strange ways that are difficult to comprehend. How can a person have such a need to kill? How could a person have such a horrific modus operandi in his chosen style of murder? Was he born with this need and it manifested later in life? How can a person have a need, a drive, to kill others? You, the next reader(s) can figure it out.
This book is a murder thriller for sure. Truly psychotic the main suspect is a serial killer. His mind worked in strange ways that are difficult to comprehend. How can a person have such a need to kill? How could a person have such a horrific modus operandi in his chosen style of murder? Was he born with this need and it manifested later in life? How can a person have a need, a drive, to kill others? You, the next reader(s) can figure it out.
February 14, 2026
Best Book This Year
I read a lot, and rarely does an author of J.W. Holmes' caliber cross my reading room. "City of Fallen Angels" is an exciting thriller, and the author possesses a sparse style which intensifies the impact of the book. I expect great things from J.W. Holmes going forward, and have already started another work by Holmes.
I read a lot, and rarely does an author of J.W. Holmes' caliber cross my reading room. "City of Fallen Angels" is an exciting thriller, and the author possesses a sparse style which intensifies the impact of the book. I expect great things from J.W. Holmes going forward, and have already started another work by Holmes.
September 4, 2025
Very dark. Very violent. But I love that the author was able to draw us into an empathy with the bad guy. That is some good writing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2025
I was unsure of how I would feel about this one when I started reading it. This is a great read overall and was very nicely done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2025
This book had a good overall general concept and suspenseful moments, but I did not agree with some of the underlying themes. I found the heroine to be a likable character, but very naive. The ending was only average and left a lot to be desired.
February 21, 2026
Definitely was interesting up to a point. I think the Detective angle could’ve been better than the neighbor part. The ending in the desert was weak. However, I guess you know he’s going to die, maybe? My first by this author. I got it through an app.
November 9, 2025
Not my cup tea
September 30, 2025
This book was interesting the way it had 3 parts with the different characters point of view. When I finished part one I definitely was surprised and then when it picked up as Sebastian another surprise. When I got toward the end of the third part and saw the percentage left to go, I thought that can't be right but it was. The ending seemed a little rushed. I also missed chapters but it was a good story.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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