What do you think?
Rate this book
Mercy Allcutt Mystery #2
Angels Flight
Famed Gossip Columnist Murdered at Séance in Angels Flight, a Historical Cozy Mystery from Alice Duncan
--1926, Los Angeles, CA--
Mercy Allcutt is thrilled with her new job as secretary to private investigator Ernie Templeton—until she opens the door and discovers her mother on the doorstep.
Known to her friends as Honoria and to her daughters as the Wrath of God, Mrs. Allcutt is the last person on earth whom Mercy wants to see--barring a couple of cold-blooded murderers she’s met in the past few weeks.
But more surprises lay ahead for the aspiring sleuth: a couple of phony spiritualists, a Hollywood gossip columnist who gets bumped off during a séance, a semi-famous starlet, and several other colorful characters. Soon Mercy finds herself in very deep waters indeed.
Publisher Note: Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries in historical settings are sure to appreciate the Mercy Allcutt series set in 1920s Los Angeles, California. No vulgarity or explicit sex for those who appreciate a clean and wholesome read.
The Mercy Allcutt Mystery Series
Lost Among the Angels
Angels Flight
Fallen Angels
Angels of Mercy
Thanksgiving Angels
--1926, Los Angeles, CA--
Mercy Allcutt is thrilled with her new job as secretary to private investigator Ernie Templeton—until she opens the door and discovers her mother on the doorstep.
Known to her friends as Honoria and to her daughters as the Wrath of God, Mrs. Allcutt is the last person on earth whom Mercy wants to see--barring a couple of cold-blooded murderers she’s met in the past few weeks.
But more surprises lay ahead for the aspiring sleuth: a couple of phony spiritualists, a Hollywood gossip columnist who gets bumped off during a séance, a semi-famous starlet, and several other colorful characters. Soon Mercy finds herself in very deep waters indeed.
Publisher Note: Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries in historical settings are sure to appreciate the Mercy Allcutt series set in 1920s Los Angeles, California. No vulgarity or explicit sex for those who appreciate a clean and wholesome read.
The Mercy Allcutt Mystery Series
Lost Among the Angels
Angels Flight
Fallen Angels
Angels of Mercy
Thanksgiving Angels
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2009
138 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Alice Duncan
103 books112 followersAlso writes as Emma Craig, Rachel Wilson, Anne Robins and wrote two books under the name of Jon Sharpe (Pecos Belle Brigade and California Crusader).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 18, 2014
Mercy Allcutt is an honestly good person, with a dragon of a mother.
The Mercy Allcutt Mysteries are light mysteries with a lot of humor sprinkled throughout. I like the relationship between Mercy and her boss Ernie Templeton, P.I., buy would have liked less strife in this book. I felt like I was either stressed about how her dreadful mother was going to react, or how her hothead boss was going to react. The fist book had quite a bit more playfulness to it which was one of the things I really enjoyed about it. This book was more tense and lacked that playfulness.
I was confused when Wilburt Mullins became Rupert Mullins, a few times both names we used on the same page!
The Mercy Allcutt Mysteries are light mysteries with a lot of humor sprinkled throughout. I like the relationship between Mercy and her boss Ernie Templeton, P.I., buy would have liked less strife in this book. I felt like I was either stressed about how her dreadful mother was going to react, or how her hothead boss was going to react. The fist book had quite a bit more playfulness to it which was one of the things I really enjoyed about it. This book was more tense and lacked that playfulness.
I was confused when Wilburt Mullins became Rupert Mullins, a few times both names we used on the same page!
July 25, 2023
Reminiscent of the madcap flapper comedies of the 1920s with a dash of 1930s screwball and a hint of 1940s noir, if you can picture Mercy Allcutt as Clara Bow channeling Maxwell Smart you’ll do just fine.
It’s a rollicking read except for the homophobic slurs thrown it. It’s quite jarring to have it repeated merely to reinforce Mercy’s sheltered ignorance as far as I can tell. It may have been used as derogatory slang in the era but there’s no need to fling them around today and they do nothing to further the story. One star off for that.
It’s a rollicking read except for the homophobic slurs thrown it. It’s quite jarring to have it repeated merely to reinforce Mercy’s sheltered ignorance as far as I can tell. It may have been used as derogatory slang in the era but there’s no need to fling them around today and they do nothing to further the story. One star off for that.
December 28, 2019
Spiritualism, mothers and murder...
Poor Mercy gets the shock of her young life when her mother shows up unannounced on Chloe’s doorstep. She’s left their father and has moved in with the sisters and Chloe’s husband for the foreseeable future. A real battleaxe the girls live in terror of. Mercy throws herself into her work and the problem of friend Francis Easthorpe who ironically is having mother problems of his own. His is caught up in the wave of spiritualism and he fears the duo is taking advantage of a gullible woman. When Ernie Mercy’s PI boss refuses the case she offers her help. When a murder occurs at the seance a wonderfully tangled case begins for Mercy and for our reading enjoyment. Another delightful work by Alice Duncan! Very much looking forward to future installments of this series!
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
Poor Mercy gets the shock of her young life when her mother shows up unannounced on Chloe’s doorstep. She’s left their father and has moved in with the sisters and Chloe’s husband for the foreseeable future. A real battleaxe the girls live in terror of. Mercy throws herself into her work and the problem of friend Francis Easthorpe who ironically is having mother problems of his own. His is caught up in the wave of spiritualism and he fears the duo is taking advantage of a gullible woman. When Ernie Mercy’s PI boss refuses the case she offers her help. When a murder occurs at the seance a wonderfully tangled case begins for Mercy and for our reading enjoyment. Another delightful work by Alice Duncan! Very much looking forward to future installments of this series!
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
September 9, 2022
✿●✿●✿●✿
In the second book of the Mercy Allcutt series, Mercy continues her adventures in Los Angeles. Naturally, my interest was piqued and the promise that the plot description gave me, so I picked it up and began reading it in earnest.
Mercy Allcutt sees to really dislike her mother; much to a point that I said, “Enough, already!” Is this a book about a mystery, or a girl’s mommy issues?
Good Heavens! Indeed, Mercy Allcutt is starting to be a dislikeable character non pareil for me. Although a whiny or negative character can, indeed, enhance a story and also even make the story. However, in this case, Mercy Allcutt is starting to be a whiny little girl, and little too much blah, blah, blah about her Bostan Brahmin Beacon Hill upbringing. I greatly appreciate the clean language Alice Duncan writes.
✿▬✿●✿▬✿
🏮Kindle Unlimited version.
In the second book of the Mercy Allcutt series, Mercy continues her adventures in Los Angeles. Naturally, my interest was piqued and the promise that the plot description gave me, so I picked it up and began reading it in earnest.
Mercy Allcutt sees to really dislike her mother; much to a point that I said, “Enough, already!” Is this a book about a mystery, or a girl’s mommy issues?
Good Heavens! Indeed, Mercy Allcutt is starting to be a dislikeable character non pareil for me. Although a whiny or negative character can, indeed, enhance a story and also even make the story. However, in this case, Mercy Allcutt is starting to be a whiny little girl, and little too much blah, blah, blah about her Bostan Brahmin Beacon Hill upbringing. I greatly appreciate the clean language Alice Duncan writes.
✿▬✿●✿▬✿
🏮Kindle Unlimited version.
June 17, 2025
1920s. Mercy Allcutt (not Alcott) moved to L A to escape her straight-laced Bostonian family. She was happy as P I Ernie Templeton’s secretary until her mother showed up. Over the objections of her mother and her boss, she investigates two murders.
Her proper, upper-class mother objects to Mercy working. “You’re taking a job away from someone who needs it.” Regardless, when her boss refuses to help Francis Easthope, whose mother is being scammed by a couple of spiritualists, Mercy takes the case and attends the séance where gossip columnist Hedda Heartwood is murdered. Her boss and Detective Phillip Bigelow warn her away from the case, but she persists.
Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20... for Omega Cats Press books and book recommendations.
For my extended notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2025/...
Her proper, upper-class mother objects to Mercy working. “You’re taking a job away from someone who needs it.” Regardless, when her boss refuses to help Francis Easthope, whose mother is being scammed by a couple of spiritualists, Mercy takes the case and attends the séance where gossip columnist Hedda Heartwood is murdered. Her boss and Detective Phillip Bigelow warn her away from the case, but she persists.
Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20... for Omega Cats Press books and book recommendations.
For my extended notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2025/...
October 14, 2022
I knew nothing about this book or author when I picked it up, but I'm kind of obsessed with both Angel's Flight and the 1920s, so that was enough. Angel's Flight itself really didn't have much to do with the story except that Mercy's office is nearby, but it turned out to be a moderately interesting and amusing mystery. I was pretty sure of the identity of the "bad guy" early on, but it was still enjoyable, enough so that I will keep an eye out for the first book in the series.
There were a couple of typos (like "who's" instead of "whose"), and I doubt that anyone used the term "anti-feminist" in 1926, but I could be wrong about that one. Still, recommended to those who enjoy cozy and historical mysteries.
There were a couple of typos (like "who's" instead of "whose"), and I doubt that anyone used the term "anti-feminist" in 1926, but I could be wrong about that one. Still, recommended to those who enjoy cozy and historical mysteries.
December 27, 2019
Another wonderful story from Alice Duncan.
Following straight on from the last book we learn a little more about the Allcutt family and why Mother has arrived. At least Mercy can escape to her job for a good part of the day...poor Chloe is with her all day.
When offering to help Mr Easthope out Mercy and,eventually, her employer Ernie get embroiled in a murder case. Sit back and enjoy a wonderful story as you follow Mercy trying to find out what happene, and getting a bit more knowledge of the real world as she does. Can you pick the guilty party before the end?
I received a copy of this book from ebook discovery. This is my freely given, honest, review
Following straight on from the last book we learn a little more about the Allcutt family and why Mother has arrived. At least Mercy can escape to her job for a good part of the day...poor Chloe is with her all day.
When offering to help Mr Easthope out Mercy and,eventually, her employer Ernie get embroiled in a murder case. Sit back and enjoy a wonderful story as you follow Mercy trying to find out what happene, and getting a bit more knowledge of the real world as she does. Can you pick the guilty party before the end?
I received a copy of this book from ebook discovery. This is my freely given, honest, review
March 6, 2021
What is worse than having a overbearing,over dominating mother? Having an overbearing/over dominating mother show up at the door of your home unannounced and telling you she has left her husband! That is Mercy Allcutt's first problem in her second book titled ANGELS FLIGHT by Alice Duncan.
In Mercy's latest book,Mercy not only has to deal with murders, yes murders plural, but worse of all her overbearing mother shows up , luggage in hand and turns Mercey and her sisters life upside down.
If you like laugh out loud historical murder mysteries then this series is perfect for you.
In Mercy's latest book,Mercy not only has to deal with murders, yes murders plural, but worse of all her overbearing mother shows up , luggage in hand and turns Mercey and her sisters life upside down.
If you like laugh out loud historical murder mysteries then this series is perfect for you.
July 22, 2021
The main character is a well-meaning person with very little true life experience. She's fighting a battle to get recognized as an intelligent person while battling her mother to be seen as a separate individual who understands what she needs to do. With all this basic drama we have murder mystery as she works for a PI firm . A lot of humour amongst the drama makes for a light easy read. Chances are in the series you'll be able to take a good guess at who the culprit is. I got this book for free but if this is my honest review.
April 25, 2021
Alice Duncan has once again given us a wonderful book. The humor and mystery and characters are as delightful as in the first book of this series. Mercy and Ernie continue their tenuous relationship which is so amusing to follow along.
Darlene Allen gives another superb reading. She brings the characters and the story alive with her voices and expression.
I requested this audio book from Audiobooks Unleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
Darlene Allen gives another superb reading. She brings the characters and the story alive with her voices and expression.
I requested this audio book from Audiobooks Unleashed and have voluntarily left this review.
August 22, 2023
Angels Flight Book 2 of the Historical Cozy Mysteries Mercy Alcutt Series
Mercy is invited to join in a seance and is pulled into a murder. Her mother's visit adds to the drama and she begins her first woman friendship. Advertising for her boss she brings in the business but the telephone keeps her hopping. A lot of smiles throughout and the closeness of her family runs through this story. Another great one by Alice Duncan.
Mercy is invited to join in a seance and is pulled into a murder. Her mother's visit adds to the drama and she begins her first woman friendship. Advertising for her boss she brings in the business but the telephone keeps her hopping. A lot of smiles throughout and the closeness of her family runs through this story. Another great one by Alice Duncan.
December 11, 2019
A fun 1920's PI read that will give you a real giggle!
Our heroine keeps sticking her oar into the wrong places with surprising results !
A well written story
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. This is my honest review.
Our heroine keeps sticking her oar into the wrong places with surprising results !
A well written story
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. This is my honest review.
March 15, 2020
I loved this book. I think the characters are such fun. I usually prefer books when they are not written in the first person, whoever the manner in which the author has Mercy telling her story is engaging and cute.
I enjoy light, enjoyable books and Alice Duncan gives me exactly that.
I enjoy light, enjoyable books and Alice Duncan gives me exactly that.
December 6, 2025
Another fun book in this cozy mystery series. This time Mercy is investigating spiritualists. She learns more about shocking things about life and is even more shaken by a surprising and unwanted visitor
December 12, 2019
I enjoy Alice's writing. She relies on plot rather than sex, violence or profanity. Not deep but very satisfying to read.
January 11, 2020
Fun stories
I liked the first Mercy Allcutt book so much I immediately bought this one. And I liked this one so much I’ll probably pick up the third book soon too.
I liked the first Mercy Allcutt book so much I immediately bought this one. And I liked this one so much I’ll probably pick up the third book soon too.
April 10, 2020
Recommend
Good quick read...ideal for when home captive to the current situation....nothing heavy or scary...just delightful fluff...something we all need now
Good quick read...ideal for when home captive to the current situation....nothing heavy or scary...just delightful fluff...something we all need now
April 19, 2020
I liked this book as well as the first. In this one Mercy's fearsome mother comes to LA to also stay with Mercy's sister Chloe.
October 30, 2020
I like this series. I picked up the first two at a library sale. Hopefully I can find some more by this author. Fast paced fun characters.
November 4, 2020
Mercedes is quite a character but wait until you meet her mother! Lord have mercy!! MOTHER descends on the California branch of the Allcutt family and pandemonium ensues!
December 13, 2020
She's awfully nice but a little bit slow to catch on!!
Mercy decides to perk up the business by placing an advert as a new business joins them in the building. Mr Carstairs is an attorney for several film stars and Mercy rather admires his very efficient and effective secretary Miss Dunstable..
The new clients start coming in and Ernie isn't happy.. among them is Francis Easthope, flickers costumier and friend of Mercy's sister. Ernie refuses his case so Mercy throws herself into helping him deal with his mother and some rogue spiritualists, not realising that she's about to experience her very own mother problem!
She doesn't get very far, attending her first seance, before the body appears.. but who murdered Hedda Hartwood the gossip columnist and why? And can she escape her mother's tenacious determination to return her to the upper classes and prevent her from disgracing the whole family by working?!
Mercy decides to perk up the business by placing an advert as a new business joins them in the building. Mr Carstairs is an attorney for several film stars and Mercy rather admires his very efficient and effective secretary Miss Dunstable..
The new clients start coming in and Ernie isn't happy.. among them is Francis Easthope, flickers costumier and friend of Mercy's sister. Ernie refuses his case so Mercy throws herself into helping him deal with his mother and some rogue spiritualists, not realising that she's about to experience her very own mother problem!
She doesn't get very far, attending her first seance, before the body appears.. but who murdered Hedda Hartwood the gossip columnist and why? And can she escape her mother's tenacious determination to return her to the upper classes and prevent her from disgracing the whole family by working?!
January 25, 2022
Enjoyed this second book in the series and is fun to see the ongoing character development. Duncan keeps things moving along which kept me turning the pages. Looking forward to #3
March 11, 2022
I'm enjoying this series. Mysteries set in Los Angeles in the late 20's that are funny.
May 11, 2022
Enjoyable.
C v. , enjoyable period piece. Light and entertaining. Quirky characters and situations very in line with the time period.
C v. , enjoyable period piece. Light and entertaining. Quirky characters and situations very in line with the time period.
February 3, 2025
Good clean light quick entertainment
March 25, 2025
Parents from hell…
May 17, 2020
Fun,fun,fun
As a great lover of Alice Duncan's books, I was happy this one was not a disappointment! I have already purchased the next one.
As a great lover of Alice Duncan's books, I was happy this one was not a disappointment! I have already purchased the next one.
January 2, 2024
Mercy is trying her best to develop her investigative abilities and learn more about the job in which she is employed, so when her sister Chloe's friend, Francis asks for help from her boss and was refused, Mercy decides to step in and help him instead. What she did not bargain for was a couple of dead bodies and bad timing, when her own mother turns up to visit at Chloe's home.
A fun read, with many moments that made me smile as well as cheer for Mercy, who is prepared to stand up for her rights. Set in the 1920s when women of a certain class did not go out to work nor did they swear, Mercy finds that real life in an ordinary town was far removed from where and when she was brought up. I love that she was determined to learn her trade and put her all into it. Go girl! I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
A fun read, with many moments that made me smile as well as cheer for Mercy, who is prepared to stand up for her rights. Set in the 1920s when women of a certain class did not go out to work nor did they swear, Mercy finds that real life in an ordinary town was far removed from where and when she was brought up. I love that she was determined to learn her trade and put her all into it. Go girl! I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
December 31, 2009
Mercy Allcutt is happily working as a secretary for private investigator Ernie Templeton, when the worst thing possible happens--her stern Boston dowager mother appears, ready to disapprove of everything Mercy does--ever. Mrs. Allcutt is old fashioned even for 1926, and when she learns Mercy has gone to a seance at which a woman was murdered, Mercy (and her married sister Chloe, with whom she lives) know that there will be trouble. Ernie and his policeman friend Phil, who is in charge of the case, want to keep naive Mercy out of it, but she's afraid that the police have the wrong man in their sights. A really delightful book.
July 19, 2012
What a delightful series! The story was entertaining, suspenseful (I didn't figure out who the killer was until author let us know.) with a lot of humor in it! The characters were very engaging and I enjoyed Buttercup, her French poodle! This is the first in this series that I've read and now I know why I'm always so far behind in my reading, I try to read a book a day and my "too read" pile of books just never gets smaller! I get a book, read it and then have to go grab the rest of the series because it's just "too good" to miss! A charming, engaging story! This is based on the hardback version of "Angel's Flight". Thank you Alice Duncan!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews