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Beautiful #2
Angel
The sequel to Beautiful from the bestselling author of the Kat and Mouse Murder Mysteries. “A thriller so compelling that it takes your breath away.” —Betsy Reavley, bestselling author of Broken What if your mother was murdered? And what if the man who murdered her took your daughter from you the day she was born? This is Lauren’s life. A life plagued by the existence of one man. For as long as she can remember, the shadow of Ronald Treverick has cast over everything Lauren holds dear. She doesn’t know if she’ll ever get her daughter back, or if Treverick will triumph and destroy her family—one person at a time . . . “Chilling . . . these psychological exposés are a strength of Waller’s writing. Another strength is the author’s depiction of Cornwall.” —Crime Fiction Lover Praise for Beautiful “A remarkable debut that fills the void after Gone Girl.” —Betsy Reavley, bestselling author of Broken “In a year that has seen a few great psychological thrillers published, Beautiful is a standout because of its compelling simplicity.” —Crime Fiction Lover “You’ll be left thinking about this book long after you finish it.” —Florrie Palmer, songwriter and author of The Decoy
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2016
102 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Anita Waller
54 books474 followersI live in Sheffield, UK. I am retired and have recently fulfilled my lifelong ambition of becoming a published author with Bloodhound Books.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 20, 2016
4.25 stars! Loved it, but as another reviewer said, I can't reveal why I'm not giving it 5 stars without spoilers!
Amazing thriller, I couldn't put it down, I just had to find out what was happening and that is at the very last pages.
Amazing thriller, I couldn't put it down, I just had to find out what was happening and that is at the very last pages.
December 30, 2016
As the author has stated in a comment that she did no research into child trauma, and relied on "mother's intuition" to write this series, it's not a surprise that a child who was kept prisoner and sexually assaulted for 7 years simply bounced back "with love."
Here is the author's actual comment on the first book in the series: "As the author of this book, maybe I can explain a little how I felt about Amy. I actually tried to get into her skin. I have no psychological training at all, did no research, just used gut instinct and most of all, mother's instinct. She was an only child, a somewhat introverted child, and the attack affected every part of her life. In some ways it was unfortunate she married John - he knew of her past. This made sure she never escaped the attack. She only became 'normalised' when she met the man who ultimately became her second husband. In her mind he was safe; he knew nothing of the attack until she told him. The only thing I can say about Amy with any confidence is that I never felt sorry for her. Does this make me horrible? Possibly."
Yes. It makes you a ignorant person who believes that trauma ends when the physical wounds heal. And the majority of people understand that this is not the case WITHOUT doing research.
As a clinical mental health therapist with several degrees and multiple clinical work settings, I suggest that the author go back to quilting full-time. Even my Creative Writing undergrads know they would be failed for trying to slip in a non-researched novel on an unfamiliar topic.
You're welcome to read my clinical review of "Beautiful," (as well as the comments in which I give several case studies) but I'm done with this review, as I don't see why I should put more work into reviewing this book than the author did researching it.
Here is the author's actual comment on the first book in the series: "As the author of this book, maybe I can explain a little how I felt about Amy. I actually tried to get into her skin. I have no psychological training at all, did no research, just used gut instinct and most of all, mother's instinct. She was an only child, a somewhat introverted child, and the attack affected every part of her life. In some ways it was unfortunate she married John - he knew of her past. This made sure she never escaped the attack. She only became 'normalised' when she met the man who ultimately became her second husband. In her mind he was safe; he knew nothing of the attack until she told him. The only thing I can say about Amy with any confidence is that I never felt sorry for her. Does this make me horrible? Possibly."
Yes. It makes you a ignorant person who believes that trauma ends when the physical wounds heal. And the majority of people understand that this is not the case WITHOUT doing research.
As a clinical mental health therapist with several degrees and multiple clinical work settings, I suggest that the author go back to quilting full-time. Even my Creative Writing undergrads know they would be failed for trying to slip in a non-researched novel on an unfamiliar topic.
You're welcome to read my clinical review of "Beautiful," (as well as the comments in which I give several case studies) but I'm done with this review, as I don't see why I should put more work into reviewing this book than the author did researching it.
August 8, 2016
Angel, the second book in the Beautiful series, is an absolute page turner. When Pilot and Lauren were expecting their first child little did they know that She would be taken away from them within twenty-four hours.
Eight years later when a little girl is found injured and on the run, no one expected to find their daughter, Grace. However, the years of revenge her abductor is hell-bent on taking hasn't ended as the family are presented with a fatal threat. Can the police and local security firm keep them all safe?
I could not stop reading this thriller, but have to say the child abuse aspect of it may be too upsetting for some readers. Although the book does put emphasis on healing and rehabilitation the fear of this determined paedophile to get his prey is edge of the seat reading.
I didn't realise this was the second book in the series but felt at no disadvantage having not read the first one, although I really do want to go back and read more about the previous generations.
Definitely the sort of read that can end a reading drought and can help you get your reading mojo back if you've lost it, but it it does deal with difficult issues.
Eight years later when a little girl is found injured and on the run, no one expected to find their daughter, Grace. However, the years of revenge her abductor is hell-bent on taking hasn't ended as the family are presented with a fatal threat. Can the police and local security firm keep them all safe?
I could not stop reading this thriller, but have to say the child abuse aspect of it may be too upsetting for some readers. Although the book does put emphasis on healing and rehabilitation the fear of this determined paedophile to get his prey is edge of the seat reading.
I didn't realise this was the second book in the series but felt at no disadvantage having not read the first one, although I really do want to go back and read more about the previous generations.
Definitely the sort of read that can end a reading drought and can help you get your reading mojo back if you've lost it, but it it does deal with difficult issues.
May 22, 2024
round up to 4.5 stars.
December 20, 2016
As stated in the description, Angel is the sequel to Beautiful. Having read Beautiful a while back, I wouldn’t say it was essential to have read it first but it’s a great introduction to one evil mastermind.
Poor Lauren goes through something no mother should have to. To literally have your baby taken from you just hours after giving birth is just horrific. I honestly don’t think I would be able to function. Lauren and her husband Pilot manage to carry on with their lives and have two more children. Grace their first born is never far from there minds though.
Seven years later their daughter is returned back into their lives. What that poor child had to endure in the time she was with Ronald Treverick was just sickening. I so wanted to wrap my arms around this little girl and keep her from any more harm. It is a big adjustment for Grace and her new found family but one thing for sure is that she is deeply loved and her family will do what ever it takes to keep this monster out of her and their lives.
Anything that involves a story line to do with children and abuse is not going to be an easy read. Luckily the author writes it so skillfully so that even though we are shocked and horrified, she doesn’t go into any great detail. What was agonising is the cat and mouse chase between the police and Treverick. He always seems to be one step ahead and it infuriated me. It certainly makes for some gripping stuff.
Angel is a moving and thrilling read. It’s hard not to go through a whole array of emotions within the story due to the nature of the story line. It certainly had me on the edge of my seat and the author is certainly making a name for herself in the psychological genre.
Poor Lauren goes through something no mother should have to. To literally have your baby taken from you just hours after giving birth is just horrific. I honestly don’t think I would be able to function. Lauren and her husband Pilot manage to carry on with their lives and have two more children. Grace their first born is never far from there minds though.
Seven years later their daughter is returned back into their lives. What that poor child had to endure in the time she was with Ronald Treverick was just sickening. I so wanted to wrap my arms around this little girl and keep her from any more harm. It is a big adjustment for Grace and her new found family but one thing for sure is that she is deeply loved and her family will do what ever it takes to keep this monster out of her and their lives.
Anything that involves a story line to do with children and abuse is not going to be an easy read. Luckily the author writes it so skillfully so that even though we are shocked and horrified, she doesn’t go into any great detail. What was agonising is the cat and mouse chase between the police and Treverick. He always seems to be one step ahead and it infuriated me. It certainly makes for some gripping stuff.
Angel is a moving and thrilling read. It’s hard not to go through a whole array of emotions within the story due to the nature of the story line. It certainly had me on the edge of my seat and the author is certainly making a name for herself in the psychological genre.
May 18, 2016
Yessss
Top marks for this kept me totally on edge had to force myself to stop reading and make the suspense last.
Top marks for this kept me totally on edge had to force myself to stop reading and make the suspense last.
July 21, 2016
4.5 stars for this sequel. Loved the book , was totally swept along with it. Half a star off but can't really explain why without spoilers!
December 7, 2016
Excellent book
March 4, 2018
Angel is one of those books that will scare the s#!t out of you
Read in one sitting.I would recommend that you read beautiful first by Anita Waller..as you the reader would understand the background to the story..Lauren and Pilot have just had their first child, a beautiful baby Grace...but Grace is stolen from them in a heartbeat by a monster.Years before this same monster had murdered Laurens mother..Heartbroken they wander if they will ever find out what happened to Grace...As the years pass Lauren and Pilot go on to have two more children Olivia and Noah...there is still a dark shadow hanging over their lives until the day Grace is returned to them.Amazing little Grace has been through hell Treverick had abused,defiled ,and left his mark on their child and now although they have their firstborn back.. They live in a constant state of fear..as they know that the monster will never rest until he has his angel back.Then tragedy strikes ..the family must pull together...Treverick is targeting... Dunbar the detective on the case is relentless...he is determined to catch the monster...but where Treverick goes...madness...murder...and death follows...Will Lauren ,Pilot and all the others find peace...Absolutely terrifying...a book that I only put down to sleep...Treverick is the worst kind of monster....this will send shivers down your spine as you just want this evil put down...Omg..really terrifying...
Read in one sitting.I would recommend that you read beautiful first by Anita Waller..as you the reader would understand the background to the story..Lauren and Pilot have just had their first child, a beautiful baby Grace...but Grace is stolen from them in a heartbeat by a monster.Years before this same monster had murdered Laurens mother..Heartbroken they wander if they will ever find out what happened to Grace...As the years pass Lauren and Pilot go on to have two more children Olivia and Noah...there is still a dark shadow hanging over their lives until the day Grace is returned to them.Amazing little Grace has been through hell Treverick had abused,defiled ,and left his mark on their child and now although they have their firstborn back.. They live in a constant state of fear..as they know that the monster will never rest until he has his angel back.Then tragedy strikes ..the family must pull together...Treverick is targeting... Dunbar the detective on the case is relentless...he is determined to catch the monster...but where Treverick goes...madness...murder...and death follows...Will Lauren ,Pilot and all the others find peace...Absolutely terrifying...a book that I only put down to sleep...Treverick is the worst kind of monster....this will send shivers down your spine as you just want this evil put down...Omg..really terrifying...
March 14, 2024
Another brilliant book by Anita Waller finishing up on and concluding the story that started with "Beautiful".
One of the things I do appreciate about Anita's books is that there is absolutely no hanging around. This is a fast paced book that kicks things off right from page 1 and doesn't let up until the end.
Angel is the story of the family Amy leaves behind in book 1 and a psychopath and madman's intent to destroy their family. When Amy's daughter, Lauren, gives birth to Grace not even a day goes by before Treverick abducts the baby girl. 8 years later the story continues when Grace manages to escape and so begins a cat and mouse game.
It sounds dark and it is while also keeping the story moving and the psychological thriller absolutely gripping to the final pages. Brilliantly written. 5 stars.
One of the things I do appreciate about Anita's books is that there is absolutely no hanging around. This is a fast paced book that kicks things off right from page 1 and doesn't let up until the end.
Angel is the story of the family Amy leaves behind in book 1 and a psychopath and madman's intent to destroy their family. When Amy's daughter, Lauren, gives birth to Grace not even a day goes by before Treverick abducts the baby girl. 8 years later the story continues when Grace manages to escape and so begins a cat and mouse game.
It sounds dark and it is while also keeping the story moving and the psychological thriller absolutely gripping to the final pages. Brilliantly written. 5 stars.
June 27, 2017
Wonderful, exciting read
I read Beautiful, the prequel to Angel, and was hooked. I had to find out how the story ended. Both books are written well and kept me guessing until the end. I have also read 34 Days and can officially day I am a fan of Anita Waller!
I read Beautiful, the prequel to Angel, and was hooked. I had to find out how the story ended. Both books are written well and kept me guessing until the end. I have also read 34 Days and can officially day I am a fan of Anita Waller!
September 18, 2017
I enjoyed the book but the plot was confusing. I read the first book about 8 months ago so couldn't really remember the details. I would suggest reading the two books close together as it would help it to make more sense.
The first book was better but this is still a worthwhile read.
The first book was better but this is still a worthwhile read.
December 18, 2018
Brilliant
As usual Anita Waller never disappoints.I couldn't read it straight after Beautiful,I just didn't want to know what happened to Grace. It's just another unputdownable book. A good well written psychological thriller.
As usual Anita Waller never disappoints.I couldn't read it straight after Beautiful,I just didn't want to know what happened to Grace. It's just another unputdownable book. A good well written psychological thriller.
April 29, 2022
Good book
I enjoyed this book better than Beautiful. Amy was such an evil person in Beautiful that I had a hard time feeling sorry for her. Angel was totally different. This little girl won my heart.
I enjoyed this book better than Beautiful. Amy was such an evil person in Beautiful that I had a hard time feeling sorry for her. Angel was totally different. This little girl won my heart.
July 16, 2025
Another fantastic novel by Anita Waller.
It’s not very often I have to pick up my jaw off the floor and stare off into the void, in shock and amazement about what I just read. Anita’s writing has that effect. Well done.
Love from Canada 🇨🇦❤️
It’s not very often I have to pick up my jaw off the floor and stare off into the void, in shock and amazement about what I just read. Anita’s writing has that effect. Well done.
Love from Canada 🇨🇦❤️
May 8, 2017
Brilliant sequel to Beautiful, really enjoyed going through a whole range of emotions with the characters
December 30, 2017
I could not put the book down. And will read more by this Author.
No Mother ever should have to go through something like that.
Great Book
No Mother ever should have to go through something like that.
Great Book
June 25, 2018
Couldn't put it down
This was a true psychological thriller. I had to keep reading to find out what happened. I had my hunches but was not prepared for the ending.
This was a true psychological thriller. I had to keep reading to find out what happened. I had my hunches but was not prepared for the ending.
September 27, 2021
A gripping and terrifying conclusion!
October 6, 2021
This book left me gobsmacked! I really enjoyed it, but it left me wondering how people can be so evil
April 19, 2023
Absolutely amazing
Couldn’t put this book, Angel down. Had me hooked from start to finish.
Yet another amazing read from Anita Waller
Couldn’t put this book, Angel down. Had me hooked from start to finish.
Yet another amazing read from Anita Waller
September 8, 2024
Good sequel
Read Beautiful this is a good sequel
Couldn't put it down Really good author can't wait to read another. Very suspenseful
Read Beautiful this is a good sequel
Couldn't put it down Really good author can't wait to read another. Very suspenseful
June 21, 2025
Brilliant page turner I don’t usually read books about child abuse but this turned into a thriller a must read if the love Anita Waller
December 24, 2016
It isn't often a second book upsurps the first, but this did.
A powerfully emotional read.
A powerfully emotional read.
January 15, 2025
Really enjoyed.
March 1, 2017
Amazing story
What a thrilling story! Didn't figure it out until I read the end. Vivid characters gripping page turning plot couldn't read it fast enough. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
What a thrilling story! Didn't figure it out until I read the end. Vivid characters gripping page turning plot couldn't read it fast enough. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
May 3, 2016
Upon opening the first pages of this gripping thriller you are immediately drawn into the gruesome and horrible story of baby girl Grace, born and abducted on Christmas Day 1995. Her parents, Lauren and Pilot Farmer have no idea that it will take more than 7 years before they will see their first born baby again. We follow the Farmer family to the year 2003, when somewhere in the neighbourhood a little girl turns up, bloody, scratched, inside and out in a terrible mess. When DI Dunbar turns up at the Farmers’ home their lives will never be the same. The little girl who calls herself Angel proves to be Grace. Will this avenging, utterly evil beast of a man murder the entire family? Is he desperate to get the little girl back in his grips again?
It is impossible not to be captivated by the plot and to feel both the urge to finally be able to apprehend the devil in disguise as well as the need to know the Farmer family will be save again. Beware: when you pick up the book you won’t be able to let it go before you have reached the final chapter. It is a thrilling, gruesome and gripping storyline that will haunt you and leaves you aching for the vulnerable little girl that has suffered so much. Anita Waller’s book is excellently written and a good read. There is only one thing that slightly bothered me: after so many chapters full of suspense, where you could hardly put the book away for fear of missing anything, the final chapter seemed to be somewhat of an anticlimax. Without wanting to give away the plot, I feel that it would have been more satisfying and rewarding to have been provided with a little more insight into the breathtaking and bloodcurdling events that are happening right under your nose.
‘Angel’ is British author Anita Waller’s second psychological thriller, the sequel to her 2015 book ‘Beautiful’. It can be read as a stand-alone.
It is impossible not to be captivated by the plot and to feel both the urge to finally be able to apprehend the devil in disguise as well as the need to know the Farmer family will be save again. Beware: when you pick up the book you won’t be able to let it go before you have reached the final chapter. It is a thrilling, gruesome and gripping storyline that will haunt you and leaves you aching for the vulnerable little girl that has suffered so much. Anita Waller’s book is excellently written and a good read. There is only one thing that slightly bothered me: after so many chapters full of suspense, where you could hardly put the book away for fear of missing anything, the final chapter seemed to be somewhat of an anticlimax. Without wanting to give away the plot, I feel that it would have been more satisfying and rewarding to have been provided with a little more insight into the breathtaking and bloodcurdling events that are happening right under your nose.
‘Angel’ is British author Anita Waller’s second psychological thriller, the sequel to her 2015 book ‘Beautiful’. It can be read as a stand-alone.
May 5, 2016
Just very occasionally you come across a truly stunning book- and this is it!
Wow! I really couldn’t put it down, talk about a page turner. A harrowing tale in places, of the nightmare years a little girl spent after being kidnapped the day of her birth by her someone with a grudge against the older members of the family some of whom are no longer around- thanks to him. Most of the story is about how he affects the rest of her real family and the hunt to track him down.
So incredibly real and so well described. The characters come alive in front of your eyes and the prison like life they are living whilst he is found. This is the sort of book that makes you gasp out loud and hold your breath as you turn the page (and try not to glance down!). I thought that I guessed the perpetrator only about one page before the reveal and even then it was a “what??”
I can’t wait for more from this author- please put me top of your list for your next book release- this one will stay with me for a very long time and you deserve every success. I read a book every 2-3 days and this is truly one of the few that is “up there”. Thank you.
I was honoured to be given an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review
Wow! I really couldn’t put it down, talk about a page turner. A harrowing tale in places, of the nightmare years a little girl spent after being kidnapped the day of her birth by her someone with a grudge against the older members of the family some of whom are no longer around- thanks to him. Most of the story is about how he affects the rest of her real family and the hunt to track him down.
So incredibly real and so well described. The characters come alive in front of your eyes and the prison like life they are living whilst he is found. This is the sort of book that makes you gasp out loud and hold your breath as you turn the page (and try not to glance down!). I thought that I guessed the perpetrator only about one page before the reveal and even then it was a “what??”
I can’t wait for more from this author- please put me top of your list for your next book release- this one will stay with me for a very long time and you deserve every success. I read a book every 2-3 days and this is truly one of the few that is “up there”. Thank you.
I was honoured to be given an ARC of this book in exchange for an open and honest review
May 7, 2016
I was honoured and privileged to be given an advance copy of this book in return for a honest review. This book gripped me from the second line of the opening preface. Started reading it in bed Friday night and had finished it Saturday afternoon. First book in a long while that I've read like that. Just couldn't put down.
Anita will take you on a roller coaster of emotions and feelings while reading as she takes you not only into the minds of the victims and their family, but the killer too. It truly is a great psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages. Although I will admit I did have my suspicion as to who the insider was about half way through I was still shocked when they were revealed as didn't want to believe it. Also didn't see the little twist coming at the end - very clever.
I read the book as a stand alone as at the time didn't realise it was a sequel to Beautiful. That didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book though and believe there is enough in the storyline for you to read on its own. Don't know what more I can say other than a must read and can't highly recommend enough. Definitely one of my favourite books of the year.
Anita will take you on a roller coaster of emotions and feelings while reading as she takes you not only into the minds of the victims and their family, but the killer too. It truly is a great psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages. Although I will admit I did have my suspicion as to who the insider was about half way through I was still shocked when they were revealed as didn't want to believe it. Also didn't see the little twist coming at the end - very clever.
I read the book as a stand alone as at the time didn't realise it was a sequel to Beautiful. That didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book though and believe there is enough in the storyline for you to read on its own. Don't know what more I can say other than a must read and can't highly recommend enough. Definitely one of my favourite books of the year.
February 15, 2017
Had me thoroughly gripped!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews