A Quiet Belief in Angels

By: R. J. Ellory

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1939 in the small, rural community of Augusta Falls, Georgia, 12-year-old Joseph Vaughan learns of the brutal assault and murder of a young girl, the first in a series of killings that will plague the community over the next decade. Joseph and his friends are determined to protect the town from the evil in their midst and they form "the Guardians" to watch over the community. But the murderer evades them and they watch helplessly as one child after another is taken. Even when the killings cease, a shadow of fear follows Joseph and, 50 years later, he must confront the nightmare.

©2009 R. J. Ellory Publications Ltd (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"There aren't nearly enough beautifully written novels that are also great mysteries. Like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Smilla's Sense of Snow, A Quiet Belief in Angels is one of them." (James Patterson)
"A Quiet Belief in Angels is a beautiful and haunting book. This is a tour de force from R. J. Ellory." (Michael Connelly)

Cheers for Ellory

A well-written book that captures your imagination and keeps you guessing until the very end. Ellory uses words in a way that brings the characters to life and pulls you in. A tragic story with a morsel of hope. If you like using your brain...you'll love this story. The narration is excellent. Five cheers for Ellory.

A masterful novel among classics of literature

A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS by R J Ellory

The town of Augusta Falls is in pain. It must come to terms with the rise of Hitler's power and the dawning of WWII. To the town's inhabitants, this is mostly a psychological war. If they don't feel directly the affects of mass murderer, Adolf Hitler, they have their very own serial killer in their midst. They are plunged into depression and a dark fugue as young girls are brutally slain. The main protagonist, Joseph Vaughn, seems doomed.

It's hard to write a review worthy of A QUIET BELIEF IN ANGELS. The novel seems created by some mythical hybrid, Truman Capote and John Steinbeck. An unthinkable crime befalls a bucolic town, sprawling landscapes, schoolhouses, and murdered girls abound. I'm not sure this book is for everyone. It's very intense and introspective. For example there is a lot of repetition, but Ellory digs a deep well of emotion. Also, it's not just sad, it's morose. Given the quality of the novel, I'm willing to make allowances for aspects some people might consider flaws. R. J. Ellory is not only a master of language, but also an excellent researcher. His first person narrative feels truly authentic. The book seems as though it was indeed written by someone from the era where the book takes place. My personal feeling is that this is one of the best books I've come across in a long time.
P.S. The narrator is amazing!

On the edge of my seat

Great book, kept me hooked throughout!!!!!!!!
I would recommend for a psychological thriller! And a bit of history!

A brilliant novel

Read this book many years ago and had forgotten what an incredible piece of writing it is. Added touch with the genuine accents of the intended setting(to the voices in my head reading to myself). Definitely funny when the main character is a kid with a man (reader) pretending to have a childs voice ☺

A Boy's Story

The book was very well done. Kept me listening throughout the whole book. The narrator did a superb job as well.

Ellory's a quiet belief in angels

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it is beautifully written!

What other book might you compare A Quiet Belief in Angels to and why?

A dark version of an Alice Hoffman book that is full of descriptions that pull you into the scene. More like literature than Ellory's usual crime novels.

What does Mark Bramhall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice could not be more perfect for this novel. I could visualize the characters exactly like he describes them.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire book was very moving. From the tragedy of the murderers, to the fire, to the lifes that we're forever changed. The teacher who recognized unusual talent and encouraged and supported the shy boy. It is a very dark story and sad yet so beautifully written I am glad I listened to it.

AWESOME

this is a great book. the subject matter is a bit intense. the writer and the reader do an awesome job of keeping your attention and moving the story along. I have just finished reading Ellory lastest book - The Anniversary Man-- I am so glad I found him.

Some of the best writing I've ever heard.

Ellory's prose is rhythmic and moving, descriptive and direct. The plot is thrilling and unpredictable. The characters are dynamic and have great depth. This story combines the entertaining capacity of a thriller-novel and the elegant writing of a classic, and still manages to have soul and personality. This is one of the greatest books I have ever read/listened-to. Tremendous writing, great storyline, well narrated. I can't recommend it highly enough.

One my Top 5 Audio listens of all time.

If Gillian Flynn and James Lee Burke had a kid that grew up a writer, this might be the book produced. Beautifully written with a storyline that kept me guessing until the final pages. Ended all to quickly. Dave Robicheaux in a period piece and a plotline that extends the length of his lifetime.

Narrator gets a 10/10 and is a top 5 narration as well, ranking with Stephen Hoye in Skinny Dip and McKintys books read by Gerald Doyle


If you like Burke, Connolly, Gillian Flynn, or Stieg Larsson you will be pleased to have downloaded this book!

Beautifully written story.

I you just want a fast paced thriller with tons of action and cracker dialogue then this book is not for you. This is more of a literary journey for both the writer and the main character - also a writer, Joseph Vaughan. Much of the prose is quite beautiful with one sentence forming a complete paragraph and where punctuation is all important. The performance of this beautiful prose was an outstanding effort by Mark Bramhall, an actor who I had not heard of before, but who I will look for again. I relished this book and each word written and because of the excellent writing, I did not want it to end. I highly recommend this book to all readers who love GOOD books.