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Angelo Perrotta Mysteries #2
No Angels Wept
In this arresting second installment of Angelo Perrotta Mysteries, Angelo agrees to appear on the widely controversial satellite radio crime show, A Thorny Mess, to recount his tragic first year in private practice. Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, he becomes entangled in a string of murders at the hands of the No Angels Wept Killer. An investigation leads him to Doctor Reverend James Jarrett, the spiritual leader of the Seven Spirits Church. A man the LA Times called "effusively charming" and a "psychiatric chameleon." When Angelo's boyfriend, Jason Murphy, joins him in LA, they decide to confront the reverend after learning his congregation is luring unhoused gay youth to their shelter under false pretenses. Then, a shocking discovery uncovers a conspiracy more depraved that either could have imagined.
- GenresMystery
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2023
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Frank Spinelli
7 books38 followersFrank Spinelli, MD is an American born physician living in New York.
He has contributed articles for the Advocate and The Huffington Post. Writing credits include: The Advocate Guide to Gay Men’s Health and Wellness (Alyson Books), Pee-Shy: A Memoir (Kensington Books), which has been optioned to be developed into a limited series and contributing author – Our Naked Lives (Bordighera Press) and Understanding the Sexual Betrayal of Boys and Men (Routledge).
He has made appearances on Sirius Radio’s Morning Jolt with Larry Flick and co-hosted Speak Out: Real Talk about AIDS.
Documentary credits include, 30 Years from Here (Emmy-nominated), Positive Youth and I’m a Porn Star.
Television credits include ABC News, NBC Nightly News, MTV, a national commercial and Sesame Street. In 2015, he hosted a season of Dueling Doctors.
Frank Spinelli is an advocate for child sexual abuse survivors and has given frequent interviews about his experience as a victim of child sexual abuse while in the Boy Scouts.
Perfect Flaw is his first novel.
He has contributed articles for the Advocate and The Huffington Post. Writing credits include: The Advocate Guide to Gay Men’s Health and Wellness (Alyson Books), Pee-Shy: A Memoir (Kensington Books), which has been optioned to be developed into a limited series and contributing author – Our Naked Lives (Bordighera Press) and Understanding the Sexual Betrayal of Boys and Men (Routledge).
He has made appearances on Sirius Radio’s Morning Jolt with Larry Flick and co-hosted Speak Out: Real Talk about AIDS.
Documentary credits include, 30 Years from Here (Emmy-nominated), Positive Youth and I’m a Porn Star.
Television credits include ABC News, NBC Nightly News, MTV, a national commercial and Sesame Street. In 2015, he hosted a season of Dueling Doctors.
Frank Spinelli is an advocate for child sexual abuse survivors and has given frequent interviews about his experience as a victim of child sexual abuse while in the Boy Scouts.
Perfect Flaw is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 1, 2024
Wow, I've got to give a huge shout out to Frank Spinelli for his latest novel, No Angels Wept. This is the second book in Spinelli's Angelo Perrotta Mysteries, and you can read it as a standalone. However, I'd strongly urge you to start with Perfect Flaw because it's an excellent thriller and a tantalizing romance as well.
I was completely captivated by the mystery in No Angels Wept, but what makes Spinelli’s novels stand apart is the depth in which he explores his characters. Written entirely from Angelo’s point of view, we experience each event, suffer every setback, and rejoice in every hard won victory. Marvelous!
I got such a kick out of seeing this native New Yorker navigate the foreign land of Los Angeles. Angelo’s brash demeanor is a great contrast to the Cali folks - when he gets fed up and lets his true colors out, it’s truly a treat.
Frank Spinelli has a completely captivating writing style, and if you haven’t yet read any of his novels, do yourself a favor and get to it!
an arc of No Angels Wept was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
I was completely captivated by the mystery in No Angels Wept, but what makes Spinelli’s novels stand apart is the depth in which he explores his characters. Written entirely from Angelo’s point of view, we experience each event, suffer every setback, and rejoice in every hard won victory. Marvelous!
I got such a kick out of seeing this native New Yorker navigate the foreign land of Los Angeles. Angelo’s brash demeanor is a great contrast to the Cali folks - when he gets fed up and lets his true colors out, it’s truly a treat.
Frank Spinelli has a completely captivating writing style, and if you haven’t yet read any of his novels, do yourself a favor and get to it!
an arc of No Angels Wept was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
January 16, 2024
B-/3.5 stars
I really enjoyed Frank Spinelli’s Perfect Flaw, a compelling mystery featuring a somewhat naive young doctor whose dream job quickly turned into a nightmare when his ambition and insecurities caused him to overlook some very serious flaws in the people around him to such an extent that he almost tanked his career. Angelo was a complex and engaging protagonist whose mistakes made him relateable (even as I wanted to smack some sense into him!), the book tackled some serious issues around healthcare in the US and the author did a great job of building the suspense and slowly injecting a growing sense of unease throughout the story.
Two years later, Angelo is still working in New York and living with his boyfriend, cop Jason Murphy, but is still struggling to deal with the guilt he continues to feel over the murder of Mia Garcia, one of his first patients at the Stanzione practice (Perfect Flaw). In the intervening time, he’s become somewhat obsessed with the the serial murderer the media has dubbed the “No Angels Wept Killer”, who has been targeting gay sex workers in LA. So when he’s approached by the producer of a well-known radio show/podcast and asked to talk about the murders, he jumps at the chance and prepares to fly out to LA, even though it means leaving Jason behind. (I had to ask myself why Angelo would have to fly all the way across the country for this – surely he could have hopped on Zoom or gone to a local studio and done the interview down the line!)
The show – A Thorny Mess – is presented by self-proclaimed “patron saint of the invisible LGBTQ+ community” Rocky Thorn, a shock-jock who is incredibly rude, extremely aggressive and completely full of herself. She ignores Angelo throughout the show and when she does finally speak to him, she asks him outright about the one thing he’d said he wasn’t willing to talk about – Mia Garcia’s death. By this time, Angelo has had enough and prepares to walk out, but not before he’s made his feelings clear on air – but afterwards, Thorn and the show’s prodicer, Wes, are so pleased with his take-no-crap attitude that they ask him to stay on as co-host for a couple of weeks. Angelo is torn – on the one hand, he wants to go home to Jason, who is currently on sick leave following an injury sustained during a chase. On the other, he can’t help being intruged by the mystery, and has a strong desire to help to maintain public awareness of the case and perhaps even to help solve it and get justice for the victims. When Jason unexpectedly shows up in LA, it starts to become clear that perhaps the NAW killer has a wider reach than Angelo had originally thought, and when the name of one particular evangelical church keeps cropping up during the investivation, Angelo takes a harder look at its founder – a former scientist and renowned ‘expert’ on conversion therapy – and it isn’t long before he’s being told, in no uncertain terms, to back off.
Like its predecessor, No Angels Wept deals with some difficult issues and contains a well-conceived, well-executed mystery with plenty of twists and turns and red herrings, but the character work just didn’t gel for me as well here. While Angelo has acquired a better sense of self-awareness over the past couple of years and thinks things through more than before, he’s still prone to making poor decisions, and the author once again does a very good job of conveying his increasing confusion. Angelo’s need to see justice done for the murder victims makes absolute sense – but the one element of the story that really didn’t work for me is fact that he considers Rocky and Wes (the show’s producer) his friends. The request for him to co-host the podcast because of how well he and Rocky gelled on air is ridiculous given that she does little but ignore and insult him. The three of them hardly know each other, yet within days – hours even – are calling themselves the “three amigos” and acting as though they’re ride-or-dies in their determination to get to the bottom of the murders. We’re in Angelo’s head for the whole story and it’s clear that he’s not completely comfortable around them, so I couldn’t understand why he would feel any sense of loyalty towards these people (especially after Rocky physically assaults him!) and I just did not buy that they were friends of any stripe.
Despite the slightly implausible set up and the fact that I disliked Wes and thought Rocky was certifiable (!), I enjoyed the story – it’s clever, well-paced and suspenseful, with a nail-biter of a climax. There are a few implausibly ‘jumped-to’ conclusions and the couple of sex scenes are pretty clunky (fade-to-black might have worked better), but the mystery is gripping and kept me eagerly turning the pages.
I really enjoyed Frank Spinelli’s Perfect Flaw, a compelling mystery featuring a somewhat naive young doctor whose dream job quickly turned into a nightmare when his ambition and insecurities caused him to overlook some very serious flaws in the people around him to such an extent that he almost tanked his career. Angelo was a complex and engaging protagonist whose mistakes made him relateable (even as I wanted to smack some sense into him!), the book tackled some serious issues around healthcare in the US and the author did a great job of building the suspense and slowly injecting a growing sense of unease throughout the story.
Two years later, Angelo is still working in New York and living with his boyfriend, cop Jason Murphy, but is still struggling to deal with the guilt he continues to feel over the murder of Mia Garcia, one of his first patients at the Stanzione practice (Perfect Flaw). In the intervening time, he’s become somewhat obsessed with the the serial murderer the media has dubbed the “No Angels Wept Killer”, who has been targeting gay sex workers in LA. So when he’s approached by the producer of a well-known radio show/podcast and asked to talk about the murders, he jumps at the chance and prepares to fly out to LA, even though it means leaving Jason behind. (I had to ask myself why Angelo would have to fly all the way across the country for this – surely he could have hopped on Zoom or gone to a local studio and done the interview down the line!)
The show – A Thorny Mess – is presented by self-proclaimed “patron saint of the invisible LGBTQ+ community” Rocky Thorn, a shock-jock who is incredibly rude, extremely aggressive and completely full of herself. She ignores Angelo throughout the show and when she does finally speak to him, she asks him outright about the one thing he’d said he wasn’t willing to talk about – Mia Garcia’s death. By this time, Angelo has had enough and prepares to walk out, but not before he’s made his feelings clear on air – but afterwards, Thorn and the show’s prodicer, Wes, are so pleased with his take-no-crap attitude that they ask him to stay on as co-host for a couple of weeks. Angelo is torn – on the one hand, he wants to go home to Jason, who is currently on sick leave following an injury sustained during a chase. On the other, he can’t help being intruged by the mystery, and has a strong desire to help to maintain public awareness of the case and perhaps even to help solve it and get justice for the victims. When Jason unexpectedly shows up in LA, it starts to become clear that perhaps the NAW killer has a wider reach than Angelo had originally thought, and when the name of one particular evangelical church keeps cropping up during the investivation, Angelo takes a harder look at its founder – a former scientist and renowned ‘expert’ on conversion therapy – and it isn’t long before he’s being told, in no uncertain terms, to back off.
Like its predecessor, No Angels Wept deals with some difficult issues and contains a well-conceived, well-executed mystery with plenty of twists and turns and red herrings, but the character work just didn’t gel for me as well here. While Angelo has acquired a better sense of self-awareness over the past couple of years and thinks things through more than before, he’s still prone to making poor decisions, and the author once again does a very good job of conveying his increasing confusion. Angelo’s need to see justice done for the murder victims makes absolute sense – but the one element of the story that really didn’t work for me is fact that he considers Rocky and Wes (the show’s producer) his friends. The request for him to co-host the podcast because of how well he and Rocky gelled on air is ridiculous given that she does little but ignore and insult him. The three of them hardly know each other, yet within days – hours even – are calling themselves the “three amigos” and acting as though they’re ride-or-dies in their determination to get to the bottom of the murders. We’re in Angelo’s head for the whole story and it’s clear that he’s not completely comfortable around them, so I couldn’t understand why he would feel any sense of loyalty towards these people (especially after Rocky physically assaults him!) and I just did not buy that they were friends of any stripe.
Despite the slightly implausible set up and the fact that I disliked Wes and thought Rocky was certifiable (!), I enjoyed the story – it’s clever, well-paced and suspenseful, with a nail-biter of a climax. There are a few implausibly ‘jumped-to’ conclusions and the couple of sex scenes are pretty clunky (fade-to-black might have worked better), but the mystery is gripping and kept me eagerly turning the pages.
January 8, 2024
This one had me gripped from the start. This was such a good story with many twists and turns. I'm hoping to see more of this series.
Thank you to GRR for the ARC.
Thank you to GRR for the ARC.
December 16, 2023
Although No Angels Wept is billed as the second in the Angelo Perrotta Mysteries, in my opinion it is a standalone novel. Angelo travels to LA to appear on a radio show hosted by the caustic Rocky Thorn. Though they get off to a rocky start (no pun intended), her smooth talking producer Wes, convinces Angelo to cohost the show since they are obsessed with the No Angels Wept Killer who is targeting gay sex workers. The three unlikely friends turn into amateur sleuths who run into a bevy of unforgettable characters include a trans woman named Fitz and the formidable scientist turned minister, Reverend James Jarrett.
When I tell you I read this in one day, I'm not kidding. The first half is dark and twisty like Disney's Magic Mountain. It's not until Angelo's beloved hot cop Jason Murphy shows up in LA does the plot take on an added darker dimension I didn't see coming. What is happening at the Savior of Saints would seem improbable in another writer's hands but Spinelli is deft at explaining the science while reminding readers that pronouns matter. The unnerving outcome of their investigation and it's unfortunate implications in our current politic climate left me chilly but satisfied.
You won't put it down.
When I tell you I read this in one day, I'm not kidding. The first half is dark and twisty like Disney's Magic Mountain. It's not until Angelo's beloved hot cop Jason Murphy shows up in LA does the plot take on an added darker dimension I didn't see coming. What is happening at the Savior of Saints would seem improbable in another writer's hands but Spinelli is deft at explaining the science while reminding readers that pronouns matter. The unnerving outcome of their investigation and it's unfortunate implications in our current politic climate left me chilly but satisfied.
You won't put it down.
January 17, 2024
No Angels Wept...The title draws you into a world of cults, medical experiments and far away from what 'religion' should be.
There are unethical medical experiments, a cop who breaks the law and numerous young men and boys who suffered in the hands of an unscrupulous doctor turned minister.
Add in Rocky, a volatile radio personality with a talk show in LA and murdered male sex workers and you've got a mystery with so many twists and turns you'll find yourself looking over your shoulder.
I know this is a work of fiction, but there are enough news stories, that it could very well have some truths included.
I think some angels did weep, if only for Fitz, Detective Boniface, and Bobby Town.
Be prepared for twists and turns, biblical and poetic references that serve as clues as well as Monopoly tiles.
Totally enjoyable!
I received an ARC from GRR.
There are unethical medical experiments, a cop who breaks the law and numerous young men and boys who suffered in the hands of an unscrupulous doctor turned minister.
Add in Rocky, a volatile radio personality with a talk show in LA and murdered male sex workers and you've got a mystery with so many twists and turns you'll find yourself looking over your shoulder.
I know this is a work of fiction, but there are enough news stories, that it could very well have some truths included.
I think some angels did weep, if only for Fitz, Detective Boniface, and Bobby Town.
Be prepared for twists and turns, biblical and poetic references that serve as clues as well as Monopoly tiles.
Totally enjoyable!
I received an ARC from GRR.
May 22, 2024
An explosive sequel! The character development drags you right into your feelings from the beginning. The story flows quickly. You will not be waiting for something to happen. The intimate scenes are raw and passionate. Frank Spinelli unlocked a talent for mystery and suspense with Perfect Flaw. No Angels Wept is a coming into his own in the genre. I can't wait for more from Dr. Perrotta!
January 7, 2024
Angelo, a Doctor goes to LA to be on a talk show to talk about the murder he helped solve the previous book. Instead, he teams up with the host, Rocky and her producer to try to catch a serial killer of gay men. Eventually. his policeman boyfriend Jason comes to be with him and they get swept up in conflict, the investigation and Angelo once again coming to the wrong conclusions along the way to solving the crime. The author is getting stronger and more intricate in his plotting and suspense. I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
December 5, 2023
No Angles Wept (NAW) is a compelling thriller with a bit of romance thrown in. (It’s equally, if not better than Perfect Flaw (book 1), which is also a must read.) I loved getting lost in this engaging story, which had me on the edge of my seat from the first page. Wow. Super-fast-paced with two main characters you can’t help falling in love with! I was so shocked by all the plot twists! I could NOT stop reading.
One of the highlights for me is the way the story builds on suspense. The twists and turns along the way are perfectly crafted to pull us deeper into Angelo’s expanding nightmare. NAW is a character-driven mystery or maybe a psychological thriller with romantic elements. But whatever you want to call it, it’s nail-biting, angsty and thoroughly entertaining. The book gives you mystery, suspense, fun, and romance.
Frank Spinelli’s writing is completely engaging, smart, and very intelligent. The dialogue is quick and clever and serves to establish the unique relationship Angelo shares with each person he meets. Plus, this story is so creative, I never knew what might happen next and it kept me caught up in its drama right to the end. There’s a chock full of teasers that are meant to stump even the best armchair detectives.
NAW is, by far, one of the best mysteries and psychological thrillers I’ve read in a long time. Frank Spinelli has delivered an exceptional crime mystery told in a humorous and twisted way.
I highly recommend adding this book to your reading list!! I couldn’t put it down. Run, don’t walk to get No Angles Wept.
One of the highlights for me is the way the story builds on suspense. The twists and turns along the way are perfectly crafted to pull us deeper into Angelo’s expanding nightmare. NAW is a character-driven mystery or maybe a psychological thriller with romantic elements. But whatever you want to call it, it’s nail-biting, angsty and thoroughly entertaining. The book gives you mystery, suspense, fun, and romance.
Frank Spinelli’s writing is completely engaging, smart, and very intelligent. The dialogue is quick and clever and serves to establish the unique relationship Angelo shares with each person he meets. Plus, this story is so creative, I never knew what might happen next and it kept me caught up in its drama right to the end. There’s a chock full of teasers that are meant to stump even the best armchair detectives.
NAW is, by far, one of the best mysteries and psychological thrillers I’ve read in a long time. Frank Spinelli has delivered an exceptional crime mystery told in a humorous and twisted way.
I highly recommend adding this book to your reading list!! I couldn’t put it down. Run, don’t walk to get No Angles Wept.
December 5, 2023
No Angels Wept by Frank Spinelli is the second book in the mystery series for Angelo’s and Jason’s romance.
Angelo, 33 years, was a doctor who in the first book had had lots of suspenceful dramas but ended up finding love. His boyfriend, Jason is a police officer catching the bad guys.
A good start as Angelo is headed to a radio show in L.A while Jason is recovering after being injured on the job. An established romance with the couple being together for 2 years of dating. The No Angels Wept serial killer was on the loose with 3 deaths reported with Keith, Gabriel and Blaze being the lastest of grouesome finds.
Angelo gets involved in a radio broadcast and ends up being a co-host with Rocky would test Angelo in more ways than one. Angelo can’t resist a good mystery which he gets in over his head and morals begin to nag him if he’s doing the right thing, especially being away fro his boyfriend.What happens next is a suspenseful set of dramas and mystery tips for the killer and their victims.
Rocky is badass with what she does which not all good or kind. There was heavy baggage which maybe a trigger for readers in some scenes.Scenes playout and they get messy, Angelo’s relationship with Jason hits rocky waters. As I’d read the story kept me clued as to what would happen next for Angelo and the mystery. Watch out for the twists included.
also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com
Angelo, 33 years, was a doctor who in the first book had had lots of suspenceful dramas but ended up finding love. His boyfriend, Jason is a police officer catching the bad guys.
A good start as Angelo is headed to a radio show in L.A while Jason is recovering after being injured on the job. An established romance with the couple being together for 2 years of dating. The No Angels Wept serial killer was on the loose with 3 deaths reported with Keith, Gabriel and Blaze being the lastest of grouesome finds.
Angelo gets involved in a radio broadcast and ends up being a co-host with Rocky would test Angelo in more ways than one. Angelo can’t resist a good mystery which he gets in over his head and morals begin to nag him if he’s doing the right thing, especially being away fro his boyfriend.What happens next is a suspenseful set of dramas and mystery tips for the killer and their victims.
Rocky is badass with what she does which not all good or kind. There was heavy baggage which maybe a trigger for readers in some scenes.Scenes playout and they get messy, Angelo’s relationship with Jason hits rocky waters. As I’d read the story kept me clued as to what would happen next for Angelo and the mystery. Watch out for the twists included.
also reviewed on mmbookwormreviews.com
February 8, 2024
“NO ANGELS WEPT” emerges as a compelling exploration of the intersections between personal turmoil, societal prejudice, and the harrowing path toward justice. Through the lens of Dr. Angelo Perrotta, a character as complex as the Los Angeles skyline, the novel navigates the murky waters of a city besieged by a serial killer targeting young gay men. Angelo, with his fraught history of survival against both personal and professional odds, becomes an unwitting yet pivotal figure in a narrative that blurs the lines between victim and hero, between the past’s shadows and the harsh light of present realities.
The novel is as much a thriller as it is a profound commentary on the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, wrapped in the gritty, neon-lit backdrop of Los Angeles. The city, with its dichotomous allure and danger, mirrors the internal landscapes of the characters, particularly Angelo and his boyfriend, Jason Murphy. Their relationship, tested by distance, danger, and the demons of their pasts, provides a poignant counterpoint to the overarching narrative of crime and pursuit.
What sets “NO ANGELS WEPT” apart is its deft handling of character dynamics, particularly the evolution of relationships under the strain of extraordinary circumstances. Angelo’s initial reluctance to involve himself in the investigation, followed by his deepening commitment, mirrors a broader theme of reluctant engagement in the fight against injustice. Jason’s transformation from skeptic to supporter embodies the novel’s underlying message of love’s enduring power in the face of adversity.
The narrative’s twists, including the revelation of Bobby’s complex involvement and the shocking depths of corruption and cruelty encountered, elevate the story from a mere thriller to a nuanced examination of the human condition. These elements, combined with the vivid portrayal of Los Angeles and the gay community’s vibrancy and vulnerability, make “NO ANGELS WEPT” a standout addition to the genre.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the plot twists might seem too convenient, and the pacing uneven, risking the reader’s full immersion in the story’s world. Yet, these moments are overshadowed by the narrative’s strengths, particularly its rich character development and the poignant, often heartbreaking insights into the lives of those on the margins of society.
In summary, “NO ANGELS WEPT” is a bold, heart-wrenching tale that marries the suspense of a thriller with the depth of a societal critique. It challenges the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about prejudice, justice, and the complexities of human relationships. In the tradition of the best of crime and thriller literature, it leaves a lasting impression, not just for the mystery solved but for the questions it raises about humanity’s capacity for both cruelty and compassion.
4.75 out of 5 stars
The novel is as much a thriller as it is a profound commentary on the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community, wrapped in the gritty, neon-lit backdrop of Los Angeles. The city, with its dichotomous allure and danger, mirrors the internal landscapes of the characters, particularly Angelo and his boyfriend, Jason Murphy. Their relationship, tested by distance, danger, and the demons of their pasts, provides a poignant counterpoint to the overarching narrative of crime and pursuit.
What sets “NO ANGELS WEPT” apart is its deft handling of character dynamics, particularly the evolution of relationships under the strain of extraordinary circumstances. Angelo’s initial reluctance to involve himself in the investigation, followed by his deepening commitment, mirrors a broader theme of reluctant engagement in the fight against injustice. Jason’s transformation from skeptic to supporter embodies the novel’s underlying message of love’s enduring power in the face of adversity.
The narrative’s twists, including the revelation of Bobby’s complex involvement and the shocking depths of corruption and cruelty encountered, elevate the story from a mere thriller to a nuanced examination of the human condition. These elements, combined with the vivid portrayal of Los Angeles and the gay community’s vibrancy and vulnerability, make “NO ANGELS WEPT” a standout addition to the genre.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. At times, the plot twists might seem too convenient, and the pacing uneven, risking the reader’s full immersion in the story’s world. Yet, these moments are overshadowed by the narrative’s strengths, particularly its rich character development and the poignant, often heartbreaking insights into the lives of those on the margins of society.
In summary, “NO ANGELS WEPT” is a bold, heart-wrenching tale that marries the suspense of a thriller with the depth of a societal critique. It challenges the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about prejudice, justice, and the complexities of human relationships. In the tradition of the best of crime and thriller literature, it leaves a lasting impression, not just for the mystery solved but for the questions it raises about humanity’s capacity for both cruelty and compassion.
4.75 out of 5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2024
Thrilling, mystifying, scary book two in series with a new mystery for Dr. Perrotta
Oh. My. Word. This was a highly engaging book from the start. I could not put this book down until it was completed! I neglected stuff and stayed up too late just to finish this phenomenal tale.
Dr. Angelo Perrotta is still getting over the death of a former patient when he decides he needs a distraction and hopefully some absolution from a crime that he did not commit but for which he feels responsible. Angelo accepts an invitation to share what happened in an interview with an LA radio shock-jock: Rocky Thorn. On the day of his media event, there is another young gay man killed with a cryptic note left: “No Angels Wept.” The press likes it so much it is now the name given to this three-time serial killer of gay boys. Angelo gets so entangled in the solving of the crime that he lets his lover Jason Murphy stay in NYC alone. Jason and Angelo met and fell in love in the first book but together they can figure out anything. They will need their teamwork to find the killer and save other boys on the street.
Whoa! This book has several twists that astounded me. I loved it. If you like a well-plotted mystery that will keep you captivated to the solution; possibly with a few “Run!” “Don’t” or “Go!” yelled at the book, you will want to read this one. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews.
Oh. My. Word. This was a highly engaging book from the start. I could not put this book down until it was completed! I neglected stuff and stayed up too late just to finish this phenomenal tale.
Dr. Angelo Perrotta is still getting over the death of a former patient when he decides he needs a distraction and hopefully some absolution from a crime that he did not commit but for which he feels responsible. Angelo accepts an invitation to share what happened in an interview with an LA radio shock-jock: Rocky Thorn. On the day of his media event, there is another young gay man killed with a cryptic note left: “No Angels Wept.” The press likes it so much it is now the name given to this three-time serial killer of gay boys. Angelo gets so entangled in the solving of the crime that he lets his lover Jason Murphy stay in NYC alone. Jason and Angelo met and fell in love in the first book but together they can figure out anything. They will need their teamwork to find the killer and save other boys on the street.
Whoa! This book has several twists that astounded me. I loved it. If you like a well-plotted mystery that will keep you captivated to the solution; possibly with a few “Run!” “Don’t” or “Go!” yelled at the book, you will want to read this one. I volunteered to review an ARC of it through Gay Romance Reviews.
January 26, 2024
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Gripping is the one word that comes to mind after finishing this book. It was all kinds of twisty, turny and keeps you guessing. I couldn't put it down!!! I would definitely recommend especially if you've read the first book and that's pretty much all that I'm going to give....read and see 😉. Just do it, you won't be disappointed. .
* I received and ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
Gripping is the one word that comes to mind after finishing this book. It was all kinds of twisty, turny and keeps you guessing. I couldn't put it down!!! I would definitely recommend especially if you've read the first book and that's pretty much all that I'm going to give....read and see 😉. Just do it, you won't be disappointed. .
* I received and ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
July 5, 2024
Story - 4
Audio - 3
I enjoyed the story a bit more than the first book. But the first narrator was a lot better. This was very monotone and made it drag out more than the story warranted I think.
Audio - 3
I enjoyed the story a bit more than the first book. But the first narrator was a lot better. This was very monotone and made it drag out more than the story warranted I think.
December 15, 2023
No Angels Wept (Angelo Perrotta, book 2)
By Frank Spinelli
Deerfield Press, 2023
Four stars
For all its references to Frank Spinelli’s first Angelo Perrotta book, “Perfect Flaw,” this complex, unsettling story holds up as a complete stand-alone. Lured to Los Angeles by the opportunity to expiate his guilt over a grisly murder on the East coast (that’s book one), Angelo gets sucked into the orbit of a trash-talking radio star called Rocky Thorn and her slippery, sexy producer, Wes. Rocky Thorn is known as the Queen of the Unknown LGBTQ community of Los Angeles, and her bombastic radio voice and die-hard fanbase both fascinate and appall Angelo.
A serial killer seems to be on the loose in LA, preying on young gay sex-workers. Angelo begins to build a messy love/hate relationship with Rocky and Wes through his appearances on Rocky’s radio show, only to have the murder investigation take on an even more sinister turn with the intrusion of a scientist-turned-evangelical minister who seems to practice conversion therapy.
The book is a wild roller-coaster ride, building in intensity as Angelo tries to find his way on unfamiliar ground. The author’s writing works hard to convey Angelo’s increasing confusion with his situation, as if he’s stumbled into an alien world that he doesn’t quite understand or know how to handle. The reader is carefully manipulated into making the same kind of assumptions and errors that Angelo himself experiences. When Angelo’s boyfriend, New York policeman Jason Murphy, gets added to the mix, things get really crazy.
This is a pretty dark story, and it’s no accident. I’d say it feels like the 1990s, except that much of what Spinelli brings into the plot has an unhappy resonance with the mood of our nation today. The book is an emotional tour-de-force and kept me caught up in it from start to finish.
By Frank Spinelli
Deerfield Press, 2023
Four stars
For all its references to Frank Spinelli’s first Angelo Perrotta book, “Perfect Flaw,” this complex, unsettling story holds up as a complete stand-alone. Lured to Los Angeles by the opportunity to expiate his guilt over a grisly murder on the East coast (that’s book one), Angelo gets sucked into the orbit of a trash-talking radio star called Rocky Thorn and her slippery, sexy producer, Wes. Rocky Thorn is known as the Queen of the Unknown LGBTQ community of Los Angeles, and her bombastic radio voice and die-hard fanbase both fascinate and appall Angelo.
A serial killer seems to be on the loose in LA, preying on young gay sex-workers. Angelo begins to build a messy love/hate relationship with Rocky and Wes through his appearances on Rocky’s radio show, only to have the murder investigation take on an even more sinister turn with the intrusion of a scientist-turned-evangelical minister who seems to practice conversion therapy.
The book is a wild roller-coaster ride, building in intensity as Angelo tries to find his way on unfamiliar ground. The author’s writing works hard to convey Angelo’s increasing confusion with his situation, as if he’s stumbled into an alien world that he doesn’t quite understand or know how to handle. The reader is carefully manipulated into making the same kind of assumptions and errors that Angelo himself experiences. When Angelo’s boyfriend, New York policeman Jason Murphy, gets added to the mix, things get really crazy.
This is a pretty dark story, and it’s no accident. I’d say it feels like the 1990s, except that much of what Spinelli brings into the plot has an unhappy resonance with the mood of our nation today. The book is an emotional tour-de-force and kept me caught up in it from start to finish.
July 10, 2025
2.5 stars
How was this rated so high by so many people? This was a good mystery with fun interesting parts to it including anagrams. I love things like that. But I kept feeling like I’d read the book before. I finally pinpointed what book but I don’t want to spoil this.
There were some good thrills and scary moments and suspense. Some of the culprits were pretty obvious since they were suspects from the beginning. What the bad guys were doing was pretty over the top for it to come in later in the narrative. But it allowed for more peril. It was odd, though, how he was in terror that one person was trying to kill him and later just decided it was a mistake without confronting the suspect who still could have been bad. Part of what happened there was never explained.
The ending was kind of up in the air with what the next step was being unclear. I liked the first book, I didn’t like this as much mostly because I didn’t like the contrived suspense with Wes.
Angelo should have gone back to the hotel as soon as Wes did the first inappropriate thing. Angelo rationalized all his behavior for the entire book. I didn’t like him. He was pissing me off. Basically, I didn’t like any character other than Jason who was the best boyfriend ever.
Some other examples of where the book fell down for me:
There is no way he would go to his live radio interview right after the flight. What would happen if the flight was late or cancelled? The first happens frequently. Or there was a problem with getting from the airport like he didn’t know where to go or couldn’t find a taxi that took a credit card? Or if he had a driver that didn’t show up? Or he got lost? I think you get the point.
The states of grief were wrong (and they don’t necessarily go in order). There are several versions but I’ve never heard of a system with three stages. Five stages is most common.
I don’t know if I’d read the next book if there were one.
The reader, Alan I. Ross, had a nice voice and that was it. His intonation was weird. There were no separate voices which drives me crazy. Oddly, he also often had no pauses between sentences. I suspect that was actually the audio tech. Maybe Ross had pauses that were too long and they needed to be shortened. Or maybe the tech was trying to make the book less long. Either way, they went overboard.
How was this rated so high by so many people? This was a good mystery with fun interesting parts to it including anagrams. I love things like that. But I kept feeling like I’d read the book before. I finally pinpointed what book but I don’t want to spoil this.
There were some good thrills and scary moments and suspense. Some of the culprits were pretty obvious since they were suspects from the beginning. What the bad guys were doing was pretty over the top for it to come in later in the narrative. But it allowed for more peril. It was odd, though, how he was in terror that one person was trying to kill him and later just decided it was a mistake without confronting the suspect who still could have been bad. Part of what happened there was never explained.
The ending was kind of up in the air with what the next step was being unclear. I liked the first book, I didn’t like this as much mostly because I didn’t like the contrived suspense with Wes.
Angelo should have gone back to the hotel as soon as Wes did the first inappropriate thing. Angelo rationalized all his behavior for the entire book. I didn’t like him. He was pissing me off. Basically, I didn’t like any character other than Jason who was the best boyfriend ever.
Some other examples of where the book fell down for me:
There is no way he would go to his live radio interview right after the flight. What would happen if the flight was late or cancelled? The first happens frequently. Or there was a problem with getting from the airport like he didn’t know where to go or couldn’t find a taxi that took a credit card? Or if he had a driver that didn’t show up? Or he got lost? I think you get the point.
The states of grief were wrong (and they don’t necessarily go in order). There are several versions but I’ve never heard of a system with three stages. Five stages is most common.
I don’t know if I’d read the next book if there were one.
The reader, Alan I. Ross, had a nice voice and that was it. His intonation was weird. There were no separate voices which drives me crazy. Oddly, he also often had no pauses between sentences. I suspect that was actually the audio tech. Maybe Ross had pauses that were too long and they needed to be shortened. Or maybe the tech was trying to make the book less long. Either way, they went overboard.
January 11, 2024
Sometimes I read a book and when I am done I realize it is such work of perfection, I cannot find he words to use to describe the book to someone else. This book (this series) is just that. This book like book one (it can be read as a standalone but treat yourself and read book one also) features Angelo (the doctor) and it is captivating, suspenseful and downright realistic. It is dark and when I thought it could not get darker it did, but it is so engaging you cannot help but go with the author to this dark place. I will admit I was reading it late at night and had to turn the lights on as at times I was scared to death what was about to happen. I would love more of Jason, Angel's hot cop boyfriend, as their relationship gives one hope of true love. . The plot moves fast so hold on to your seat and expect a fun bumpy ride. Fast becoming my favorite mystery writer. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
January 26, 2024
I have to say upfront, that I don't really like Angelo in this series. Which means the author has done a wonderful job of making him real for me. In book one, he was too naive for his own good and in this one he's too ready to fly across the country to be on a true crime show, naively thinking he can control the narrative and avoid talking about some things that happened to him in that first book. The host has clearly played him and he gets sucker punched on the air. He's a hit with the smarmy host and producer, however, and asked to cohost for a while. His boyfriend, Jason, comes to LA and they get involved in solving a series of murders that Angelo has become fascinated by. What held me here was the plot. It's a complicated mix of characters and communities with lots of twists and turns that surprised me and kept me hooked. I'll continue to avidly read this series for the plots and hope that Angelo wises up over time.
January 22, 2024
Another great book by this author.
After reading the first book, I was glad to be able to read more about Angelo and Jason. This book happens two years later and Angelo still lives in New York with Jason, his boyfriend. Angelo still feels insecure and guilty about an event that happened in the first book, with one of his first patients. Also, the "No Angels Wept Killer" has been attacking young gay men and Angelo is obsessed with this subject. When a producer of a radio show/podcast asks him to talk about these murders, he accepts promptly and travels to LA. Wanting to keep these murders on the news, Angelo remains in LA and investigates further this killer.
The author manages to keep the reader guessing what is going to happen, while at the same time addressing very difficult issues in a serious way. I appreciated also the development of Angelo's character.
After reading the first book, I was glad to be able to read more about Angelo and Jason. This book happens two years later and Angelo still lives in New York with Jason, his boyfriend. Angelo still feels insecure and guilty about an event that happened in the first book, with one of his first patients. Also, the "No Angels Wept Killer" has been attacking young gay men and Angelo is obsessed with this subject. When a producer of a radio show/podcast asks him to talk about these murders, he accepts promptly and travels to LA. Wanting to keep these murders on the news, Angelo remains in LA and investigates further this killer.
The author manages to keep the reader guessing what is going to happen, while at the same time addressing very difficult issues in a serious way. I appreciated also the development of Angelo's character.
January 24, 2024
Angelo travels to LA to appear on Rocky Thorn's radio show, initially having a rocky start. However, persuaded by producer Wes, Angelo ends up cohosting the show with Rocky. Together with Wes, they become amateur sleuths investigating the No Angels Wept Killer targeting gay sex workers. The story introduces memorable characters like trans woman Fitz and scientist-turned-minister Reverend James Jarrett. The plot takes an unexpectedly dark turn when Angelo's hot cop boyfriend, Jason Murphy, arrives in LA. The unraveling mystery at the Savior of Saints, explained skillfully by Spinelli, confronts issues of science and pronouns. The investigation's unnerving outcome, coupled with its implications in the current political climate, leaves a chilling yet satisfying impact. The reader expresses having read the book in one day, captivated by its intriguing twists and turns.
January 25, 2024
This author definitely likes his characters flawed. Even after this second book in the series I’m not sure I actually liked any of these people-even Angelo. The premise of this one was absolutely engaging and I needed to see what the ending would look like.I actually liked this one better than the first book of the series and honestly you don’t have to read in order, they can stand alone.
The reason for not giving 5 stars was due to there being a lot of repetition of information just said in different ways and there were some really odd 1st person to 3rd person transitions that were distracting. The arguments were odd and not realistic as well as the plethora of crying. I’m fine with dudes crying no issue at all but it was at odd moments.
I did like this 2nd book more as I said and overall the writing was much stronger.
The reason for not giving 5 stars was due to there being a lot of repetition of information just said in different ways and there were some really odd 1st person to 3rd person transitions that were distracting. The arguments were odd and not realistic as well as the plethora of crying. I’m fine with dudes crying no issue at all but it was at odd moments.
I did like this 2nd book more as I said and overall the writing was much stronger.
January 25, 2024
Okay so not so much a fan of Rocky Thorn. Only because those shock jocks don't do it for me. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense. This author seems to thread an unease a reader can feel throughout the story. Like how can Angelo keep making dumb decisions? He is totally going to wind up dead and buried somewhere in a future episode I'm sure. Lol.
There is a dramatic feel to these stories, someone related to a soap opera in a previous review. So there is that kind of feel to it. Overly dramatic in some places.
The story is very good. Young gay boys being targeted by a serial killer. Talk show radio host and guests putting themselves in peril for investigating. Add in cults, drugs, dirty cops and you've got yourself a fast paced story that has a great ending. So hold on tight, sift through a bit of drama in a really good book.
There is a dramatic feel to these stories, someone related to a soap opera in a previous review. So there is that kind of feel to it. Overly dramatic in some places.
The story is very good. Young gay boys being targeted by a serial killer. Talk show radio host and guests putting themselves in peril for investigating. Add in cults, drugs, dirty cops and you've got yourself a fast paced story that has a great ending. So hold on tight, sift through a bit of drama in a really good book.
January 20, 2024
This is book two in the series but could easily be read as a standalone, The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and never let go I’d say it was even better than book one, this thriller is dark in places and full of suspense it’s set two years after book one and Angelo and Jason are still together and living in New York, Angelo has been asked to appear on a controversial radio show in L.A. but when he arrives he becomes entangled with a spate of murders, Jason comes to help him and when they confront Doctor Reverend James Jarrett it leads them to case so controversial and full of twists and turns that it kept me on the edge of my seat until the climatic end to this great story, can’t wait to see what comes next in this series or from this author.
January 24, 2024
This is the second book in the series, and it showcases many of the same aspects that I liked about the first: intriguing plot, solid pacing, and above all, compelling, complex characters. Angelo has evolved somewhat— there’s a dash more insight into his own motivations and biases— but he’s still breathtakingly adept at making terrible decisions, and that, woven through the twists and turns of the mystery, can be both engrossing and frustrating in equal measure. Overall, this is am immersive and rewarding read. 4.5 stars.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 25, 2024
I understand this is the second book in the series and though I have not read the first book this did not impact my enjoyment of this book. An absolutely thrilling, fast-paced, page turning read that was full of suspense and intrigue with so many twist and turns I couldn't put it down. This along with the myriad of characters who you could relate to as they were so realistic made it an excellent read and looking forward to more!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
January 25, 2024
He has agreed to go on a radio show to talk about his first year in private practice. He is about to have another mystery to investigate and it may not be easy to solve. What is going to happen? How will he get on? See just how he gets on
December 20, 2023
Must read! A page turner and an easy read I literally could not put this book down.
This book exposes the insanity behind "reparative therapy" or "gay conversion."
This book exposes the insanity behind "reparative therapy" or "gay conversion."
January 14, 2024
This is the second book in the series and even though it follows one MC this can be read as a standalone and you won't feel like you missed a bunch.
January 27, 2024
This is a book unlike any I usually read but I still couldn't stop once I started it. It was a shocking, twisting, addictive read.
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