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Ellie Hatcher #2
City of Fear
“Angel’s Tip is a riveting read that snaps with the beat of New York….A knuckle-biting journey that’ll keep you turning pages until the very end.”
—Faye Kellerman, bestselling author of the Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus novels
“Alafair Burke has created a winning heroine in Ellie Hatcher, someone to root for.”
—Tami Hoag, bestselling author of Down the Darkest Road
“Complex plotting, multi-layered characters, a creepy serial killer—in Angel’s Tip, Burke has once again proven herself a terrific storyteller.”
—Sandra Brown, bestselling author of Lethal
Acclaimed thriller writer Alafair Burke delves into the underworld of the Manhattan nightclub scene in Angel’s Tip. Burke is the daughter of crime fiction superstar James Lee Burke, creator of Cajun detective Dave Robicheaux, prompting the Fort Worth Star-Telegram to proclaim that “this fast-paced-but-human thriller proves that writing talent is genetic.” A superb crime novel featuring NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher (“a strong female protagonist in the tradition of Sara Paretsky’s V.I. Warshawski and Marcia Muller’s Sharon McCone” —Boston Globe), Angel’s Tip follows Ellie’s investigation into the murder of a young college student, quite possibly by a member of New York’s young moneyed elite, and fans of Lisa Gardner, Karin Slaughter, Harlan Coben, and Sue Grafton will most definitely want to trail along.
—Faye Kellerman, bestselling author of the Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus novels
“Alafair Burke has created a winning heroine in Ellie Hatcher, someone to root for.”
—Tami Hoag, bestselling author of Down the Darkest Road
“Complex plotting, multi-layered characters, a creepy serial killer—in Angel’s Tip, Burke has once again proven herself a terrific storyteller.”
—Sandra Brown, bestselling author of Lethal
Acclaimed thriller writer Alafair Burke delves into the underworld of the Manhattan nightclub scene in Angel’s Tip. Burke is the daughter of crime fiction superstar James Lee Burke, creator of Cajun detective Dave Robicheaux, prompting the Fort Worth Star-Telegram to proclaim that “this fast-paced-but-human thriller proves that writing talent is genetic.” A superb crime novel featuring NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher (“a strong female protagonist in the tradition of Sara Paretsky’s V.I. Warshawski and Marcia Muller’s Sharon McCone” —Boston Globe), Angel’s Tip follows Ellie’s investigation into the murder of a young college student, quite possibly by a member of New York’s young moneyed elite, and fans of Lisa Gardner, Karin Slaughter, Harlan Coben, and Sue Grafton will most definitely want to trail along.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
697 people are currently reading
2899 people want to read
About the author
Alafair Burke
60 books5,668 followersAlafair Burke is the New York Times, Edgar-nominated author of fourteen crime novels, including The Ex, The Wife, The Better Sister, and the forthcoming Find Me. She is also the co-author of several novels with Mary Higgins Clark. A graduate of Stanford Law School and a former Deputy District Attorney in Portland, Oregon, Alafair is now a Professor of Law at Hofstra Law School, where she teaches criminal law and procedure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews
December 23, 2013
A terrific read ... great plot, tension, detecting, and an interesting group of characters. What more could you ask for in a crime thriller?
July 24, 2016
Really enjoying the Ellie Hatcher series. Great suspense and satisfying conclusions.
February 8, 2017
Ally McBeal gets a badge
I decided to read this book because I have heard many good things about the mysteries written by Alafair Burke’s father, James Lee Burke. Unfortunately, I found the experience rather disappointing. Ms. Burke seems to be a capable enough plotter, but this novel suffers from an excess of twists and some supremely laughable dialogue (for example, when asked if she went out the previous night, main character Ellie Hatcher responds “Nah, maybe back in my old skanky days. I kicked it at home alone last night.” I’m not kidding). Such obvious attempts to sound hip and youthful are painfully common throughout the book, and they are not restricted to the dialogue alone. Pop culture references abound; suspects are described by what au courant celebrity they resemble (Jake Gyllenhaal and an older Zac Efron), TV commercials, trendy NYC hotspots, et al are tossed casually into the plot, and I want to say that it’s for realism’s sake, but the cynic in me believes that it’s a desperate bid to sound trendy through association.
Then there are the plot twists. I love a good mystery novel, but the genre as a whole tends to be too slavish to the idea that there has to be a big sucker-punch of a surprise at the end, and most writers can’t ever seem to make their ‘gotcha’ moment credible. Such is the case with Ms. Burke, who changes the direction of Ellie’s investigation not once, not twice or three times, but with a whopping four misdirections. It would be enough to give you a headache if the plot weren’t too frothy to take seriously in the first place. Strangely enough, Ellie’s partner doesn’t seem to have a problem with his partner’s proclivity to throw out everything they’ve been working on and put both of their careers on the line – despite the fact that they have only been working together for two weeks. Yes, that’s two weeks. Ellie and her partner, Rogan, have instantly fallen into a dynamic most long-term partners would envy, defying credibility because the plot requires that Rogan back Ellie’s wacky theories up.
Not to mention Ellie herself. She is meant to embody a strong woman trying to make it in a male-dominated field, and I respect that. But the message is constantly undermined when Ellie makes statements like the one I quoted above, and also when her romantic life suffers from more crises than you would find in an entire season of Ally McBeal. Her boyfriend is a reporter and they can’t seem to keep their professional lives from interfering in the bedroom. Is he using her to get a byline or is he the dreamboat lover she longs for? Then, of course, comes the tall dark and handsome distraction to fill Ellie’s non-case-related thoughts with romantic angst. Now we have two revelations to wait for: the identity of the killer, and which guy will Ellie choose? Leaving Ellie aside for the moment, the plot itself isn’t doing much to cry feminist. The victims are the very essence of murder-mystery cliché: beautiful girls with a ‘bad streak’ who doom themselves with their lust for partying. Their friends, who responsibly go home at a reasonable hour, are safe, while they must pay the ultimate price for staying out. The guys who party with them are fine – they may come across as sleazebags, but no one ever seems to question their morals when it comes to a good time.
Of course it is only a matter of time before it is revealed that the killer is personally targeting Ellie as the next victim, and in the style of the rest of the book it isn’t quite clear why. The reader must simply shrug and accept it, because it just wouldn’t be as exciting if the climax weren’t personal.
Sigh.
If you’re a fan of James Patterson or other by-the-book mystery writers than this will probably work for you. Otherwise I would suggest skipping it.
I decided to read this book because I have heard many good things about the mysteries written by Alafair Burke’s father, James Lee Burke. Unfortunately, I found the experience rather disappointing. Ms. Burke seems to be a capable enough plotter, but this novel suffers from an excess of twists and some supremely laughable dialogue (for example, when asked if she went out the previous night, main character Ellie Hatcher responds “Nah, maybe back in my old skanky days. I kicked it at home alone last night.” I’m not kidding). Such obvious attempts to sound hip and youthful are painfully common throughout the book, and they are not restricted to the dialogue alone. Pop culture references abound; suspects are described by what au courant celebrity they resemble (Jake Gyllenhaal and an older Zac Efron), TV commercials, trendy NYC hotspots, et al are tossed casually into the plot, and I want to say that it’s for realism’s sake, but the cynic in me believes that it’s a desperate bid to sound trendy through association.
Then there are the plot twists. I love a good mystery novel, but the genre as a whole tends to be too slavish to the idea that there has to be a big sucker-punch of a surprise at the end, and most writers can’t ever seem to make their ‘gotcha’ moment credible. Such is the case with Ms. Burke, who changes the direction of Ellie’s investigation not once, not twice or three times, but with a whopping four misdirections. It would be enough to give you a headache if the plot weren’t too frothy to take seriously in the first place. Strangely enough, Ellie’s partner doesn’t seem to have a problem with his partner’s proclivity to throw out everything they’ve been working on and put both of their careers on the line – despite the fact that they have only been working together for two weeks. Yes, that’s two weeks. Ellie and her partner, Rogan, have instantly fallen into a dynamic most long-term partners would envy, defying credibility because the plot requires that Rogan back Ellie’s wacky theories up.
Not to mention Ellie herself. She is meant to embody a strong woman trying to make it in a male-dominated field, and I respect that. But the message is constantly undermined when Ellie makes statements like the one I quoted above, and also when her romantic life suffers from more crises than you would find in an entire season of Ally McBeal. Her boyfriend is a reporter and they can’t seem to keep their professional lives from interfering in the bedroom. Is he using her to get a byline or is he the dreamboat lover she longs for? Then, of course, comes the tall dark and handsome distraction to fill Ellie’s non-case-related thoughts with romantic angst. Now we have two revelations to wait for: the identity of the killer, and which guy will Ellie choose? Leaving Ellie aside for the moment, the plot itself isn’t doing much to cry feminist. The victims are the very essence of murder-mystery cliché: beautiful girls with a ‘bad streak’ who doom themselves with their lust for partying. Their friends, who responsibly go home at a reasonable hour, are safe, while they must pay the ultimate price for staying out. The guys who party with them are fine – they may come across as sleazebags, but no one ever seems to question their morals when it comes to a good time.
Of course it is only a matter of time before it is revealed that the killer is personally targeting Ellie as the next victim, and in the style of the rest of the book it isn’t quite clear why. The reader must simply shrug and accept it, because it just wouldn’t be as exciting if the climax weren’t personal.
Sigh.
If you’re a fan of James Patterson or other by-the-book mystery writers than this will probably work for you. Otherwise I would suggest skipping it.
February 5, 2013
While I tried listening to this novel, I for one do not get off on tortured and murdered women to quench some sadist’s manic desires. Fortunately, this novel rescues itself toward the end. 6 of 10 stars.
December 4, 2013
Spring break in New York for three girls from Indiana couldn’t start out more exciting nor end more tragically. Chelsea Hart, Stephanie Hyder and Jordan McLaughlin are best friends and plan to spend their last night in New York checking out all the clubs. Two girls survive the night but for one it will be her last night.
Ellie Hatcher is a Manhattan South Homicide detective. Ellie is single and currently lives with her brother Jess. While out for a morning run the two discover the body of a young girl. Ellie is horrified by the discovery and determined to bring the murderer to justice.
An arrest is made and there is certainly evidence available to indicate that the person arrested has committed the murder. Ellie is not so sure. She has uncovered some case files from an investigation her former partner had been reviewing. Her partner is now deceased but the cold case files show that the victim might not be the first victim of this vicious killer.
Angel’s Tip is so full of suspense you won’t want to stop reading. I had the killer all figured out from the middle of the book and just couldn’t understand why it wasn’t obvious to Ellie and the other police officers. Of course, I was wrong. I intend to get the first Ellie Hatcher book, Dead Connection, and plan to keep up with this series.
Ellie Hatcher is a Manhattan South Homicide detective. Ellie is single and currently lives with her brother Jess. While out for a morning run the two discover the body of a young girl. Ellie is horrified by the discovery and determined to bring the murderer to justice.
An arrest is made and there is certainly evidence available to indicate that the person arrested has committed the murder. Ellie is not so sure. She has uncovered some case files from an investigation her former partner had been reviewing. Her partner is now deceased but the cold case files show that the victim might not be the first victim of this vicious killer.
Angel’s Tip is so full of suspense you won’t want to stop reading. I had the killer all figured out from the middle of the book and just couldn’t understand why it wasn’t obvious to Ellie and the other police officers. Of course, I was wrong. I intend to get the first Ellie Hatcher book, Dead Connection, and plan to keep up with this series.
May 27, 2012
The second in a series of police procedurals starring a female homicide detective. Much more realistic in terms of the main characters actions than the first in the series. Good story, interesting ending.
August 18, 2019
Creepy and twisted fun! I am gobbling up this series too quickly.
March 20, 2014
Just beginning her career as a homicide detective, Ellie Hatcher and her brother Jess are among joggers who discover the mutilated body of a young college student.
Hatcher and her partner J. J. Rogan are assigned the case. They discover the girl had been on spring break with two friends from the Midwest and separated from them at a trendy club. It isn’t long before the last man the victim was with becomes the prime suspect.
Despite compelling evidence and the certainty of her colleagues and the prosecutor’s office, Ellie begins to have doubts when a call from the father of another murder victim gets her looking into some cold cases with striking similarities to this one.
Her newness on the job, sex and lack of sympathy from the lieutenant and other members of the squad make it difficult to convince anyone other than Rogan, who has her back because that’s what he believes partners should do. It takes more murders and the unraveling of a complex web of clues to break through the wall of doubt.
This is the second of the Ellie Hatcher a series but it’s not necessary to have read the previous book to enjoy this one. Burke’s sure characterization, smart dialogue and gripping plot will inspire you to seek out others in the series. As I’ve said before, Ellie Hatcher is a smart, sassy and competent protagonist and one you’re sure to want to spend time with again.
Hatcher and her partner J. J. Rogan are assigned the case. They discover the girl had been on spring break with two friends from the Midwest and separated from them at a trendy club. It isn’t long before the last man the victim was with becomes the prime suspect.
Despite compelling evidence and the certainty of her colleagues and the prosecutor’s office, Ellie begins to have doubts when a call from the father of another murder victim gets her looking into some cold cases with striking similarities to this one.
Her newness on the job, sex and lack of sympathy from the lieutenant and other members of the squad make it difficult to convince anyone other than Rogan, who has her back because that’s what he believes partners should do. It takes more murders and the unraveling of a complex web of clues to break through the wall of doubt.
This is the second of the Ellie Hatcher a series but it’s not necessary to have read the previous book to enjoy this one. Burke’s sure characterization, smart dialogue and gripping plot will inspire you to seek out others in the series. As I’ve said before, Ellie Hatcher is a smart, sassy and competent protagonist and one you’re sure to want to spend time with again.
December 21, 2014
I think the author has a good, solid writing style, the characters are realistic and the plot was anything but predictable. After reading two of the books in the Ellie Hatcher series, I can definitely say that I will read the rest of this series, and more from this author. I would recommend that others do the same!
July 4, 2015
First title of hers. Will definitely read more.
May 22, 2010
PROTAGONIST: Detective Ellie Hatcher
SETTING: New York
SERIES: #2 of 2
RATING: 3.0
A group of young women from Indiana are just about to return home after some time vacationing in New York City. For their final night in the City, they decide to party at a club called Pulse. When her friends are ready to leave, Chelsea Hart decides she'd like to stay a little longer. She's been drinking too much, but having such a great time that she wants to make the evening last as long as possible. That turned out to be not a good idea; the next morning, while making a run with her brother, Detective Ellie Hatcher is there when Chelsea's body is found. The most striking thing about the body is the fact that Chelsea's long blonde hair has been hacked off.
Ellie is a relative newcomer to the NYPD homicide department. There are many who question her fast rise to the position that she's in, including her lieutenant, Dan Eckels. Fortunately, an experienced detective named J. J. Rogan has requested that Ellie be his partner. The two of them are a good match and quickly learn to respect one another. Although Rogan is by far more savvy than Ellie is, he learns to go along with his new partner's hypotheses, one of which is that Chelsea's murder is one of a series that may have begun as long as a decade earlier. The way that Ellie made the connection to three unrelated murders years earlier was tenuous, at best. I did have to wonder why Rogan would so immediately go along with the rookie detective; in an incredibly short amount of time, they were functioning better than teams that have spent years together.
As it turns out, the killer has more than a passing interest in Ellie. I don't like the serial killer scenario to begin with; but what makes it even worse for me is when the villain's actions are motivated by some situation involving the female protagonist. Of all the possible reasons for his actions, why do they have to involve the woman who is investigating his case? It becomes even more ludicrous when that female is part of the NYPD, one of the largest police forces in the United States. In addition, the killer is basing part of his interest in Ellie on his admiration of a killer from her past. I found myself completely annoyed by this set-up, and it colored my reaction to the book, in a negative way.
The plot was serviceable; Burke's insider knowledge of the workings of the DA's office adds a welcome accuracy to the tale. However, the way that the book resolved was not procedurally sound. Ellie acts in a completely irresponsible way, and no one stops her from doing so. It was hard to believe that she would be permitted to face the killer alone.
I really liked the first book in this series, Dead Connection, and felt that it showed promise of good things to come. Unfortunately, Angel's Tip did not live up to that expectation for me.
SETTING: New York
SERIES: #2 of 2
RATING: 3.0
A group of young women from Indiana are just about to return home after some time vacationing in New York City. For their final night in the City, they decide to party at a club called Pulse. When her friends are ready to leave, Chelsea Hart decides she'd like to stay a little longer. She's been drinking too much, but having such a great time that she wants to make the evening last as long as possible. That turned out to be not a good idea; the next morning, while making a run with her brother, Detective Ellie Hatcher is there when Chelsea's body is found. The most striking thing about the body is the fact that Chelsea's long blonde hair has been hacked off.
Ellie is a relative newcomer to the NYPD homicide department. There are many who question her fast rise to the position that she's in, including her lieutenant, Dan Eckels. Fortunately, an experienced detective named J. J. Rogan has requested that Ellie be his partner. The two of them are a good match and quickly learn to respect one another. Although Rogan is by far more savvy than Ellie is, he learns to go along with his new partner's hypotheses, one of which is that Chelsea's murder is one of a series that may have begun as long as a decade earlier. The way that Ellie made the connection to three unrelated murders years earlier was tenuous, at best. I did have to wonder why Rogan would so immediately go along with the rookie detective; in an incredibly short amount of time, they were functioning better than teams that have spent years together.
As it turns out, the killer has more than a passing interest in Ellie. I don't like the serial killer scenario to begin with; but what makes it even worse for me is when the villain's actions are motivated by some situation involving the female protagonist. Of all the possible reasons for his actions, why do they have to involve the woman who is investigating his case? It becomes even more ludicrous when that female is part of the NYPD, one of the largest police forces in the United States. In addition, the killer is basing part of his interest in Ellie on his admiration of a killer from her past. I found myself completely annoyed by this set-up, and it colored my reaction to the book, in a negative way.
The plot was serviceable; Burke's insider knowledge of the workings of the DA's office adds a welcome accuracy to the tale. However, the way that the book resolved was not procedurally sound. Ellie acts in a completely irresponsible way, and no one stops her from doing so. It was hard to believe that she would be permitted to face the killer alone.
I really liked the first book in this series, Dead Connection, and felt that it showed promise of good things to come. Unfortunately, Angel's Tip did not live up to that expectation for me.
January 20, 2015
The way that
Dead Connection
ended, I figured this one would be Ellie going back home for a while, and was pleased to see I was wrong. I really appreciated the way that Burke fed us details on Ellie's trip to Kansas to investigate her father's death in bits and pieces rather than in one big dump of information somewhere along the way and/or a novel-length tale. I'm sure at some point we will get a lot more time and attention paid to that story, but for now, I'm satisfied keeping the focus on Ellie's work with the NYPD.
Instead, we find our detective thrown into another high-profile murder case -- this time, a pretty co-ed visiting the Big Apple from Indiana ends up murdered after a night out on the town. The evidence seems to point at the kind of guy you want it to be (especially if you're a Law & Order viewer): some young Wall Street type with more money and good looks than sense. But Ellie, naturally, stumbles onto something else. Something big -- that goes back years.
And well, things proceed from there as they do in this type of book. Again, Burke had me fooled, and I didn't see the solution until she wanted me to -- but once she did, everything fit just like it should. Nothing spectacular here, but very satisfactory.
There were a couple of characters who were clearly introduced as redshirts (to borrow from another genre), interestingly drawn -- moreso than many authors would do. I genuinely felt bad for one of them towards the end of their life, like I would have a major character I'd spent a book or two getting to know.
I thought the characters of Ellie; her brother, Jess; and her boyfriend with the name I can't remember, were essentially who they were last time -- a little more fleshed out. The highlight for me was Ellie's new partner, the oddly (but believably) well-to-do Detective J. J. Rogan. I enjoyed him as a character, as well as his interaction with Ellie and hope Burke doesn't replace him too soon (not sure why after only two books I assume that the role of Ellie's partner will be adjacent to a revolving door, but I do).
This book wasn't a lean-forward, turn the pages as fast as you can thriller. But man, it was hard to put down, and was just so easy to go from chapter to chapter to "just one more...". Between her ease of style and likability of characters, this is just one of those books that you don't want to put down. Not the greatest mystery novel I read last year year, but it was one of the smoothest reads.
Instead, we find our detective thrown into another high-profile murder case -- this time, a pretty co-ed visiting the Big Apple from Indiana ends up murdered after a night out on the town. The evidence seems to point at the kind of guy you want it to be (especially if you're a Law & Order viewer): some young Wall Street type with more money and good looks than sense. But Ellie, naturally, stumbles onto something else. Something big -- that goes back years.
And well, things proceed from there as they do in this type of book. Again, Burke had me fooled, and I didn't see the solution until she wanted me to -- but once she did, everything fit just like it should. Nothing spectacular here, but very satisfactory.
There were a couple of characters who were clearly introduced as redshirts (to borrow from another genre), interestingly drawn -- moreso than many authors would do. I genuinely felt bad for one of them towards the end of their life, like I would have a major character I'd spent a book or two getting to know.
I thought the characters of Ellie; her brother, Jess; and her boyfriend with the name I can't remember, were essentially who they were last time -- a little more fleshed out. The highlight for me was Ellie's new partner, the oddly (but believably) well-to-do Detective J. J. Rogan. I enjoyed him as a character, as well as his interaction with Ellie and hope Burke doesn't replace him too soon (not sure why after only two books I assume that the role of Ellie's partner will be adjacent to a revolving door, but I do).
This book wasn't a lean-forward, turn the pages as fast as you can thriller. But man, it was hard to put down, and was just so easy to go from chapter to chapter to "just one more...". Between her ease of style and likability of characters, this is just one of those books that you don't want to put down. Not the greatest mystery novel I read last year year, but it was one of the smoothest reads.
August 17, 2009
First Sentence: The man leaned forward on his stool to make room for a big-boned redhead who was reaching for the two glass of pinot grigio she’d ordered.
A young collage woman is missing after a night bar-hopping with her friends in New York City. Her body is found severely mutilated. As Detective Ellie Hatcher, investigates, she finds similar murders in the past..
This was another sociopathic serial killer who attacks young women, mutilates them, keeps a souvenir and gets off on it. The protagonist is the cute, perky, fast-advancing cop who ends up fitting the killer’s profile and is stalked. Predictable in the extreme, plus there were way too many references to the previous book.
The author kept comparing their suspect as looking similar to a contemporary actor. I don’t know who this actor is, nor what he looks like. This, to me, is a bad ploy as it disenfranchises a large portion of the audience.
I will say, I did not figure out the killer in advance. However, I’m afraid this author will not be on my ‘buy’ list.
ANGEL’S TIP (Pol Proc-Ellie Hatcher-NYC-Cont) – Ok
Burke, Alafair – 2nd in series
Harper, 2009, US Paperback – ISBN: 9780061561245
A young collage woman is missing after a night bar-hopping with her friends in New York City. Her body is found severely mutilated. As Detective Ellie Hatcher, investigates, she finds similar murders in the past..
This was another sociopathic serial killer who attacks young women, mutilates them, keeps a souvenir and gets off on it. The protagonist is the cute, perky, fast-advancing cop who ends up fitting the killer’s profile and is stalked. Predictable in the extreme, plus there were way too many references to the previous book.
The author kept comparing their suspect as looking similar to a contemporary actor. I don’t know who this actor is, nor what he looks like. This, to me, is a bad ploy as it disenfranchises a large portion of the audience.
I will say, I did not figure out the killer in advance. However, I’m afraid this author will not be on my ‘buy’ list.
ANGEL’S TIP (Pol Proc-Ellie Hatcher-NYC-Cont) – Ok
Burke, Alafair – 2nd in series
Harper, 2009, US Paperback – ISBN: 9780061561245
December 15, 2016
This is the second book in the Ellie Hatcher series and it is a page turner. A young college girl is murdered in NYC during spring break and Ellie catches the case. Ellie has only recently been promoted to homicide because she solved her father's cold case and there are lots of people who resent her. But her African-American partner does not and is happy to back her plays. But when she starts talking serial killer, even he has to ask if she really knows where she's going. As she starts connecting old cases and realizes what the perp is taking as a souvenir, she begins to understand the case is more personal than she could have realized. It's tightly plotted, gives good examples of how cops find themselves going down rabbit holes and has a satisfying ending. I'll eventually seek out others.
January 6, 2022
UMMM..... I do not think anyone should be reading this book. The whole thing happens over the span of a few days and everything progresses unrealistically fast. The ending was unexpected but made me cringe and it sort of felt like the writer just gave up on finding a more interesting conclusion. The only reason I gave it two stars is because even though it's boring, I like how some of the chapters end in plot twists and it also shifts regularly from the detectives point of view to the murderers one. I also find the main character kind of annoying cause she's too work obsessed and thinks that everyone thinks of her as competition because she's a "female cop". And I also don't like how the author uses acronyms such as ME for Medical Examiner because it makes it hard for people to understand.
December 8, 2015
This is the first book I've read by this author, so obviously the first book I have read in the series. I thought it was very good and very interesting. A definite police procedural, with some twists and turns. I really didn't know who the bad guy was until the very end, and was actually a bit surprised. Ellie was very likable and realistic as character, I think this was actually true of all the characters in this book. I will definitely read another book in the series, hopefully sooner than later.
October 21, 2013
Alafair Burk may have gotten her initial break in the publishing world by being the daughter of James Lee Burke, but her string of novels show she has the chops to make it on her own. Her novels are lighter than his but no less engaging.
This is a good story that had me guessing to the end. I was sure I had everything figured out only to find I’d guessed wrong by a mile.
This is a good story that had me guessing to the end. I was sure I had everything figured out only to find I’d guessed wrong by a mile.
December 30, 2018
Despite my best efforts at the eleventh hour, this will be my last book read for 2018. So close to the coveted 100 - 2019 is hopefully my year.
Also, this was better than the first one which is always a nice surprise.
Also, this was better than the first one which is always a nice surprise.
August 29, 2020
The second book in the Ellie Hatcher series by Alafair Burke. Hatcher is a detective in New York. An exciting and entertaining crime novel.
October 7, 2024
Like the main character in this series and liked the storyline. .
August 26, 2019
Un thriller psicologico che ho letteralmente divorato, dal momento in cui l'ho iniziato non riuscivo a staccarmi, dovevo sapere... Leggerò anche gli altri libri di questa bravissima scrittrice, capace di creare suspance sino alle ultime pagine.
September 1, 2016
Angel's Tip by Alafair Burke is her second Ellie Hatcher novel. For the second in a series it is a remarkably well written and detail oriented book. Often, as the reader we have a good idea who the "bad guy" is, yet, this one kept me guessing. (For those who this surprises, it was well written, it IS a mystery, and I do not read mystery novels trying to solve them first...seriously who does that?)
I loved the character development, having not read book 1 and getting a deal on this one via Amazon kindle, I was worried I would miss something; however this is not the case. Ms. Burke fills the reader in such a way it does not seem tiresome for those who read book 1 but is enough to help the reader understand the character development.
After returning from a hellish year of learning the truth about her father's death, Ellie and her rich, black, handsome, and very likeable partner; Rogan end up with a high profile murder case. The young woman murder, Chelsea Hart was a college co-ed on spring break in New York with her two best friends. They go clubbing and Chelsea ends up dead at the hands of a suspected serial killer.
Chelsea Hart, while a woman, and a murder victim, more than passes the "Lippman Test". Yes she is killed in the opening chapters, yet, as they struggle to locate her killer, she becomes a full developed character in her own right. For this I need to give kudos to Ms. Burke, many writers ignore the victim or their development of that character is flat and one dimensional, not the case in this novel. This goes to show the depth of Ms. Burke's writing talent!
Thorough the novel, this seemingly tough, workaholic, at times hard drinking character Ellie Hatcher, is revealed to be human, fallible, contentious, and like most if us vulnerable. Not only vulnerable emotionally, but because she cares, she can be mislead and betrayed by those she trusts.
I have to say, as a fan of Ms. Burke's it is this humanity, realism and fallibility in her main characters that I love. It is the main reason; I make a point to read anything she writes.
The plot is rich with well developed characters, the city of New York comes alive and it is well written edited and a quick read. It is one you will not want to put down! For those who love mystery novels and especially ones with believable characters and strong intelligent woman, it will not disappoint.
I loved the character development, having not read book 1 and getting a deal on this one via Amazon kindle, I was worried I would miss something; however this is not the case. Ms. Burke fills the reader in such a way it does not seem tiresome for those who read book 1 but is enough to help the reader understand the character development.
After returning from a hellish year of learning the truth about her father's death, Ellie and her rich, black, handsome, and very likeable partner; Rogan end up with a high profile murder case. The young woman murder, Chelsea Hart was a college co-ed on spring break in New York with her two best friends. They go clubbing and Chelsea ends up dead at the hands of a suspected serial killer.
Chelsea Hart, while a woman, and a murder victim, more than passes the "Lippman Test". Yes she is killed in the opening chapters, yet, as they struggle to locate her killer, she becomes a full developed character in her own right. For this I need to give kudos to Ms. Burke, many writers ignore the victim or their development of that character is flat and one dimensional, not the case in this novel. This goes to show the depth of Ms. Burke's writing talent!
Thorough the novel, this seemingly tough, workaholic, at times hard drinking character Ellie Hatcher, is revealed to be human, fallible, contentious, and like most if us vulnerable. Not only vulnerable emotionally, but because she cares, she can be mislead and betrayed by those she trusts.
I have to say, as a fan of Ms. Burke's it is this humanity, realism and fallibility in her main characters that I love. It is the main reason; I make a point to read anything she writes.
The plot is rich with well developed characters, the city of New York comes alive and it is well written edited and a quick read. It is one you will not want to put down! For those who love mystery novels and especially ones with believable characters and strong intelligent woman, it will not disappoint.
March 25, 2009
When new homocide detective Ellie Hatcher takes her usual early morning jog with her brother, Jess, they stumble right over a murder victim. Chelsea Hart, a beautiful blond Indiana college student, has been dumped there in East River Park with her hair weirdly chopped off.
As the first detective on the scene, Ellie takes charge. Her find, her case. She calls her new partner, J.J. Rogan, and together they begin to put together the pieces of this seemingly random crime. Attractive college girl, in town with two girlfriends for spring break, plucked from a trendy nightclub after a night of partying.
It is surprisingly easy to find the murderer, the man Chelsea was seen dancing with at the club until three in the morning. He's the obvious choice, plus his record is not spotless. Easy. Maybe too easy, Ellie thinks. Too bad she is the only one with second thoughts. Everyone else is happy they got the guy, case closed.
But Ellie gets a call from a man whose daughter was murdered years ago. He's had a dream about his daughter and he thinks she is trying to tell him something. Maybe the two crimes are connected.
Well, he must be a nut, right? Probably. Ellie pulls his daughter's case anyway. And the biggest similarity, the only thing not released in the press, is something about the hair. Ellie becomes convinced that there is no way the suspect they have could be the right one, he is too young, and there are more similar cases that stretch back too far. A serial killer who has been at work for years. Can she and Rogan figure out who is the real murderer before it's too late...for Ellie, herself?
Alafair Burke has a winner in the character of Ellie Hatcher. She is quick, sharp, smart, endearing and fun. I enjoyed the development of the new relationship between Ellie and Rogan. This book flew by, the pages practically turning themselves as the suspense built up. The Manhattan setting is perfectly evoked and the author's knowledge of the world of the New York Police Department added believability to the story. This is a talented author and I look forward to her next exciting installment!
As the first detective on the scene, Ellie takes charge. Her find, her case. She calls her new partner, J.J. Rogan, and together they begin to put together the pieces of this seemingly random crime. Attractive college girl, in town with two girlfriends for spring break, plucked from a trendy nightclub after a night of partying.
It is surprisingly easy to find the murderer, the man Chelsea was seen dancing with at the club until three in the morning. He's the obvious choice, plus his record is not spotless. Easy. Maybe too easy, Ellie thinks. Too bad she is the only one with second thoughts. Everyone else is happy they got the guy, case closed.
But Ellie gets a call from a man whose daughter was murdered years ago. He's had a dream about his daughter and he thinks she is trying to tell him something. Maybe the two crimes are connected.
Well, he must be a nut, right? Probably. Ellie pulls his daughter's case anyway. And the biggest similarity, the only thing not released in the press, is something about the hair. Ellie becomes convinced that there is no way the suspect they have could be the right one, he is too young, and there are more similar cases that stretch back too far. A serial killer who has been at work for years. Can she and Rogan figure out who is the real murderer before it's too late...for Ellie, herself?
Alafair Burke has a winner in the character of Ellie Hatcher. She is quick, sharp, smart, endearing and fun. I enjoyed the development of the new relationship between Ellie and Rogan. This book flew by, the pages practically turning themselves as the suspense built up. The Manhattan setting is perfectly evoked and the author's knowledge of the world of the New York Police Department added believability to the story. This is a talented author and I look forward to her next exciting installment!
October 15, 2010
main character, Ellie Hatcher, is a likeable and believable character. She’s a straight shooter who can do things the easy way or the hard way. Regardless, she’ll get results. She’s smart, tough, aggressive, calculated, and pretty darn hot. But she also likes to drink Margaritas with friends and relax.I liked the chemistry with her brother Jess and new partner JJ Rogan. I appreciated the balance as its no fun to have a completely wound up protagonist. The minor characters were engaging and fun to watch develop. The victims were humanized and not treated as a prop to further the plot.
Angel’s Tip is a classic whodunit. Could the killer be someone from within the police force or one of the affluent young party boys in the elite Manhattan night club called the Pulse? Burke skillfully hides clues and integrates red herrings along the way to keep the reader guessing until the end of the book. The story took numerous twists and turns, as one by one the characters looked as if they could very well be the serial killer, until finally there was one man left standing.
I like to write down the names of the characters, who they are, and what they do, then try to identify the killer as I progress through the book. Sometimes I can correctly identify the killer halfway through. Not this time. Although there were only two actual murders in Angels Tips, Burke did a wonderful job recalling three similar murders from the past and intertwining them throughout the story. Ellie, of course, made the connections and concluded there had to be only one killer resposnible for all five killings.
Alafair Burke’s background as a deputy district attorney and as a teacher of criminal law is demonstrated in her ability to weave inner workings of a criminal mind, how the justice system works, the investigative process, and what works and what doesn’t work into her story.
Angel’s Tip is based on real life murders of young women after a late night of partying in New York City and developed into a “What if” scenario. What if Ellie Hatcher caught cases like these and saw a connection where no one else did?
Angel’s Tip is a classic whodunit. Could the killer be someone from within the police force or one of the affluent young party boys in the elite Manhattan night club called the Pulse? Burke skillfully hides clues and integrates red herrings along the way to keep the reader guessing until the end of the book. The story took numerous twists and turns, as one by one the characters looked as if they could very well be the serial killer, until finally there was one man left standing.
I like to write down the names of the characters, who they are, and what they do, then try to identify the killer as I progress through the book. Sometimes I can correctly identify the killer halfway through. Not this time. Although there were only two actual murders in Angels Tips, Burke did a wonderful job recalling three similar murders from the past and intertwining them throughout the story. Ellie, of course, made the connections and concluded there had to be only one killer resposnible for all five killings.
Alafair Burke’s background as a deputy district attorney and as a teacher of criminal law is demonstrated in her ability to weave inner workings of a criminal mind, how the justice system works, the investigative process, and what works and what doesn’t work into her story.
Angel’s Tip is based on real life murders of young women after a late night of partying in New York City and developed into a “What if” scenario. What if Ellie Hatcher caught cases like these and saw a connection where no one else did?
December 20, 2012
Detective Ellie Hatcher catches a homicide one morning while she’s out jogging in the park with her brother/roommate Jess. They find the murdered and mutilated body of 19-year-old college student Chelsea Hart from Indiana. Chelsea and her friends had come to Manhattan for spring break, and Chelsea disappeared on her last night in town after partying it up in a VIP room with some yuppies. All the evidence points to the last man to see her alive, obnoxiously coiffed Jake Myers, but when Ellie comes across some similar cold cases that Jake would have been too young to commit, she has doubts. When more evidence surfaces with another new victim, Ellie fears she may be the killer’s next target.
Though it lacks any qualities to really make it stand out from other police procedural series, this book did star a very likeable lead character and a decent mystery. Ellie has just enough angst in her life, between her job and her love life, to make her likeable. The story twisted and turned, with enough red herrings to keep me guessing until the end. This is a classy murder mystery that stops short of giving too many gory details while vividly describing the New York nightclub scene. Chasing serial killers is popular in fiction these days, and this is one of the better books in the genre.
Though it lacks any qualities to really make it stand out from other police procedural series, this book did star a very likeable lead character and a decent mystery. Ellie has just enough angst in her life, between her job and her love life, to make her likeable. The story twisted and turned, with enough red herrings to keep me guessing until the end. This is a classy murder mystery that stops short of giving too many gory details while vividly describing the New York nightclub scene. Chasing serial killers is popular in fiction these days, and this is one of the better books in the genre.
August 15, 2012
This second book in the Ellie Hatcher series is remarkable for the vicious "Barber of Manhattan." Bodies begin to line Hatcher'a path as she and partner, J.J. Rogan strengthen their bond as NYPD detectives in seeking the killer of young, blonde women who stay out too late and don't go home when their friends warn them to do so.
Ellie, JJ, Ellie's brother, Jess, and the rest of the characters are believable. The villain evokes fear. Burke is a master of plot, and this one does not disappoint. However, someone didn't proofread this as well as they should have, and the name of a character changes from its first presentation, which confused me. I was drawn into the short lives of the victims and felt myself wishing they'd listen to their friends and just go on home instead of choosing to have that last drink.
There's no "profiling" here, just a straightforward depiction of crime, crime fighters, and the hurdles law enforcement, prosecutors, and defense attorneys encounter on a day to day basis. Once again, Alafair Burke has done outstanding research, and she manages to make that part of her work nearly seamless in her well crafted thriller. After reading two books in the series, I'm willing to follow them further.
Ellie, JJ, Ellie's brother, Jess, and the rest of the characters are believable. The villain evokes fear. Burke is a master of plot, and this one does not disappoint. However, someone didn't proofread this as well as they should have, and the name of a character changes from its first presentation, which confused me. I was drawn into the short lives of the victims and felt myself wishing they'd listen to their friends and just go on home instead of choosing to have that last drink.
There's no "profiling" here, just a straightforward depiction of crime, crime fighters, and the hurdles law enforcement, prosecutors, and defense attorneys encounter on a day to day basis. Once again, Alafair Burke has done outstanding research, and she manages to make that part of her work nearly seamless in her well crafted thriller. After reading two books in the series, I'm willing to follow them further.
September 17, 2008
If I had to describe my experience with this book in one word, I would say “typos”. Oy. I hope I’m not getting an editor in trouble with that, but it’s the truth. Hell, at one point, there was even a mix-up with a character name.
If I didn’t say “typos”, I’d just say “enh”. The book had the elements of an entertaining murder mystery: dead bodies, hot female detective, possibility of a serial killer, discord within the investigative team, yada yada yada; but it just didn’t really deliver in an interesting enough manner for me. I don’t mean that in a sicko type of way. I just mean that when the mystery hasn’t been solved and there are only 30-some-odd pages to go in the book, it becomes pretty obvious that everything is going to be wrapped up in a neat little bow pretty quickly. Sometimes, that’s not such a bad thing. In this case, it’s more like a mediocre thing.
In the words of my neighbor who borrowed the book after I finished it, “It’s good enough, for what it is.”
If I didn’t say “typos”, I’d just say “enh”. The book had the elements of an entertaining murder mystery: dead bodies, hot female detective, possibility of a serial killer, discord within the investigative team, yada yada yada; but it just didn’t really deliver in an interesting enough manner for me. I don’t mean that in a sicko type of way. I just mean that when the mystery hasn’t been solved and there are only 30-some-odd pages to go in the book, it becomes pretty obvious that everything is going to be wrapped up in a neat little bow pretty quickly. Sometimes, that’s not such a bad thing. In this case, it’s more like a mediocre thing.
In the words of my neighbor who borrowed the book after I finished it, “It’s good enough, for what it is.”
January 11, 2021
A young college student from Indiana was celebrating spring break in New York City with two of her friends. On their final night, Chelsea did not want stop partying at the chic club where she had gotten them access to a VIP room. She insisted on remaining behind while the other two girls returned to their hotel. This was a fatal mistake. Her mutilated body was discovered by joggers early the next morning. Ellie Hatcher was out running with her brother and was the first detective on the scene. She and her new partner are put in charge of the investigation. It appears that the culprit is quickly located but this case will not be that simple. Upon deeper study of old unsolved cases, Ellie discovers a pattern. Chelsea is not the killer's first victim. And she will not be his last. Worse yet, the murderer has selected Ellie to join his collection of dead girls. Good story that kept me guessing until the end.
February 6, 2025
Great story. Definitely a complex plot but well written. I thought Ellie Hatcher was a believable detective who followed her instincts. Sorting out the clues and suspicions made for a suspenseful read.
November 23, 2014
Wow! Talk about a page turner, lots of twists and bodies. Sex and drugs and rock and roll. Also, an interesting main character (Ellie Hatcher) and enigmatic partner (seems 100% straight shooter! but has too much money for a cop).
Young Indiana University student on Spring break in New York city stays out late at a dance club, gets wasted, and is found the next morning murdered. As bodies pile up, the killer appears to focus on Ellie--is she the target? Or just being taunted? Or is it in her mind?
My one issue: great to have a woman breaking the homicide "glass ceiling." But why is it always a stunningly beautiful woman with some clout, who thus has to live down the duel stigma of clotting her way on, and sleeping her way to the top. Why is is never just a good cop who worked her ass off to get to the top?
Young Indiana University student on Spring break in New York city stays out late at a dance club, gets wasted, and is found the next morning murdered. As bodies pile up, the killer appears to focus on Ellie--is she the target? Or just being taunted? Or is it in her mind?
My one issue: great to have a woman breaking the homicide "glass ceiling." But why is it always a stunningly beautiful woman with some clout, who thus has to live down the duel stigma of clotting her way on, and sleeping her way to the top. Why is is never just a good cop who worked her ass off to get to the top?
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