While Angels Sleep

by Judith Kelman

Years after strange incidents at her Thornwood home culminate in her mother's death and her father's insanity, a grown Emily returns there with her own children and is horrified when the terrors reawaken. Reissue.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

280 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 1988

Reviews

[Kerri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not click with this book at all. I didn't find myself liking or caring about any of the characters except the two young children and the puppy.

To my relief, the puppy survives.

The first third was decent despite my lack of investment, but before the midway point I had pretty much figured out everything. This wouldn't have bothered me if the story had been an engaging read, but for me it wasn't. The last 100 pages felt like quite a slog and I was relieved to finish it.

I did appreciate the main characters objections to the townspeople's objections over a mental health facility. And that the villain was NOT one the prospective patients.

Although I didn't like the book much, I didn't feel that the author was a terrible writer, just that this particular book did not work for me, so if I see another book by her that has an interesting blurb I will happily give it a go.

[Kathi · Rating 2 out of 5]

3/10
Really a bit absurd—characters are over the top, the conclusion is rushed with too many questions left unanswered, and none of the characters are particularly likable other than Adam and David, the 2 small sons of the main character, and the retired police chief.

[Robyn Macdonald · Rating 1 out of 5]

Must have been easier to write a book in the 80’s

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Annoying descriptions - poorly written. Plot okay. Would NOT recommend.

[Pat Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. I thought the story a bit trite and the ending predictable.

[Martye Smith]

Only finished it because I hate not finishing a book unless offensive, vile, or too violent. This was none. Just ridiculous and/or unbelievable characters.

[Jamie Fullerton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the book up until the last couple chapters. It was wrapped up way too quickly and big things were resolved too nicely.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 stars. The majority of the book wasn't so good and in places I only continued reading because I wanted to know the ending. However, the last 50 or so pages were excellent: fast-paced and full of suspense.

[Marianne]

Swearing!

[Lester · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmnn..fast..and I did read it..entertained me for many hours.

[Aldo Schipper · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave it two stars because I did finish reading it. however the characters were unlikable, it didn't have a great plot, and the writing style turned me off

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was the first real “adult” book that I have read. I didn’t see any difference in it from any young adult book I have read it actually seemed a bit more tamed. This book had a great setup; I wanted to know what happened so badly! It did have a good twist and I loved the writing style I think that was what kept me going through this book because nothing major happened until about the last 20-30 pages, and this book has 280 pages! Don’t get me wrong the stuff that was in the other pages was important just not as exciting as the last 20. I wanted more of an outcome I guess, I wanted there to be something sinister behind her childhood and I wanted the hanging tree to play more of a role. So overall I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars, I don’t highly recommend it on the plot but more on the amazing style of writing that Judith Kelman uses it is at most times dramatic which I like. Also as a side note this book reminded me of the song The House That Build Me by Miranda Lambert.

[Dalton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the better suspense-type books I've read in awhile. It kept me turning the pages for many reasons. Though I felt the second-to-last chapter was bordering on disappointing (the supposedly in-peril girl seemed to react to her rescue like her return ride was a little late in arrival - la-de-dah.) and lame, the book was worth the read.

[Maggie White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this thriller until the last 2 pages. They were a little weak as an ending.
Story of Emily whose father had run an arts colony and she went back to settle his affairs with her stepdaughter and 2 small sons. Lots of strange things begin to happen that make staying there very hard and at times dangerous.

[Lisa Greer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am not too far in, and so far it's so so. We'll see if it passes the test another ten pages in. :)

Well, I made it 30 pages. It was just blah. Poor plotting, boring characterization, etc. Just nothing interesting about it.