I'm not a die-hard fan of crime novels, especially those beyond my beloved favorites from the 19th century to the 1950s, such as Agatha Christie's works, Sherlock Holmes, and American noir. However, I do sometimes explore the newer offerings if I encounter something with a novel and captivating premise.

"Falling Angel" definitely fits the bill, and then some. I first became aware of the story when I watched the movie "Angel Heart" (1987) a few years ago. I re-watched it today, and it's still as excellent as ever. Although I must admit that the intense, almost surreal, noir atmosphere, enhanced by the occasional sound of a beating heart, adds a great deal of value, the story, which is filled with voodoo, black magic, murder, and a realistic 1950s New York ambiance, ensures that the novel holds its own.

Of course, the events ultimately culminate in the famous mind-bending ending that is both a complete shock (unlike Louis Cyphre's role; if you haven't already guessed why, try saying his name aloud several times in a row) and makes perfect sense while pushing the boundaries of the genre.

A story, a large part of which could easily be a Raymond Chandler novel, due to the atmosphere, the detective, and the characters that appear.

But then it takes a turn and elements emerge that I don't think Chandler would have wanted to be involved with, such as terror and black magic.

If you like the supernatural and noir novels, without a doubt, this is your novel.

I found it very addictive and with a great rhythm, one of those that you can't stop reading.

There is a movie starring Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke (in their good years), called "Angel Heart", and without a doubt, I will watch it soon.

I recommend it.

This is a captivating story that revolves around a private investigator (P.I.) who is determined to uncover the truth behind some mysterious Satanic-type business in 70s New York. However, upon closer inspection, it is revealed that the actual time period is the late 50s, specifically August '59, as the story begins with the admission of Hawaii as the 50th state. Despite being published in '76, the novel vividly reminds one of the New York movies of that era. Films like 'Taxi Driver', 'The French Connection', and even 'Rosemary's Baby' a few years back, all of which depicted the city as a dangerous and fascinating place. It also has a resemblance to a movie like 'Wall Street', suggesting that there is a hidden sub-culture in the city that only a select few are aware of, and our main character is about to be initiated into it.

The Satanic-type business is indeed as dark and perverse as one would expect, but Hjortsberg masterfully builds the tension. It's a slow burn that leads to a truly horrifying conclusion.

Perhaps I'm联想到 movies because the book is highly visual and cinematic. Hjortsberg effectively uses the architecture, city streets, and those ever-present steam clouds rising from the manhole covers to create a powerful sense of atmosphere. These elements make it a promising candidate for an adaptation, which was indeed made about a decade after the book's release. Having already seen the excellent movie 'Angel Heart' from 86, I had a general idea of how the story would end, yet I still thoroughly enjoyed the book.

For my comprehensive review of this captivating book, I encourage you to click \\n  here\\n. Please note that it is still on Goodreads, but it pertains to a different edition of the book!

This review offers in-depth insights into the various aspects of the book, including its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. By clicking on the provided link, you will be able to access a detailed analysis that will enhance your understanding and appreciation of this literary work.

Thank you for your interest, and I hope you find my review helpful in deciding whether this book is worth adding to your reading list.

Crime and horror stories have always had a certain allure, captivating readers with their ability to send shivers down the spine and keep them on the edge of their seats.

This particular crime and horror story is no exception. It is very well written, with a plot that unfolds in the most unexpected ways.

The story begins with a seemingly ordinary situation, but as the events progress, it takes a dark and twisted turn. The details are vividly described, painting a picture that is both terrifying and engaging.

As the reader delves deeper into the story, they are presented with a series of clues and red herrings, keeping them guessing until the very end. And when the end finally comes, it is completely unexpected, leaving the reader shocked and amazed.

This crime and horror story is a masterful work of fiction that will surely satisfy any fan of the genre. It is a must-read for those who enjoy being scared and entertained at the same time.

American crime fiction genre is not just a simple literary form. It is, in fact, a CIA social engineering project with a devious intention - to push impressionable men into alcoholism. This is no ordinary comment. Consider this: these books have such an impact that they would have made Carrie Nation, known for her anti-alcohol activism, lay down her hatchet and quickly jump onto a bar stool, even faster than Hank Chinaski.

William Hjortsberg's writing style is remarkable. He must have been an architecture student, as the way he vividly describes every nook, corner, and bar (and there are plenty of them) of New York city makes the reader feel as if they are actually living there. Right from the beginning of the book (on the first page, in fact), the main character Harry Angel longs to be in Hawai, because New York is portrayed as a kind of hell. In these crime fiction novels, hell is a place that one strangely longs for.

The novel can be seen as a series of investigations set in various locations - seedy hotels, ugly buildings (like the one that "looked like a forty-story cheese grater"), grand suburbs, and cozy apartments. The climax, which features a ritualistic orgy set in an abandoned train station, is truly eerie. This novel is truly something special. Hjortsberg presents a platter of treats to the reader in the form of one-liners, cheekiness (such as "She did manage a double-take when a white-haired woman walking a leashed leopard strode off the self-service elevator"), and some really magnificent similes (like "I sat very still, gripping the arms of my chair as her revelation washed over me like a giant wave") worthy of Graham Greene.

Although it is classified as horror, I found it to be more mysterious than horrifying. I believe that the elements I mentioned earlier in the novel overshadow the horror aspects, which are considerable and grotesque enough. This is not a criticism. "Falling Angel" is like that rare pornographic film that features your favorite sexual fantasy, where the actors give their all and are not just going through the motions. I wonder if the makers of "Oldboy" (the Korean film) were inspired by it.

I truly wish that I had read this book prior to seeing the movie "Angel Heart". However, considering that it has been more than 20 years since I watched the movie, I had forgotten the majority of the details.

The only thing that remained vivid in my mind was a rather steamy sex scene involving Lisa Bonet. (We're definitely not in "Cosby" anymore, Theo! WOW!)

And, of course, I remembered the ending. Nevertheless, this did not significantly diminish how incredibly good this book is.

The story within these pages is captivating from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller. It is definitely a five-star read and has now become one of my favorites.

I can't wait to see how the movie compares to the book now that I have read it.

I loved the movie and I loved the novel... It is impossible not to transfer their powerful interpretations, their faces and even their atmosphere to the reading. So perhaps it is better to read the novel first.

It starts like an old noir novel in the style of Bogart on paper and gradually turns into something sinister and thick, increasingly difficult to digest.

A colossal ending... I had already seen it in the movie, but it impressed me just as much again.

This story seems to have a kind of magic that attracts you from the very beginning. The descriptions in the novel are so vivid that you can almost picture the scenes and characters in your mind. As you read on, the mystery deepens and the tension builds, making it hard to put the book down.

The movie, on the other hand, brings the story to life in a different way. The actors' performances add another layer of depth to the characters, and the cinematography creates a dark and moody atmosphere that matches the tone of the story perfectly.

Whether you choose to read the novel first or watch the movie, this is a story that is sure to stay with you long after you've finished experiencing it.

This is an awesome read and a page-turning mystery thriller.

If you happened to like the movie Angel Heart, then you simply have to read this novel to obtain more details.

The story of Harry Angel and Louis Cyphre unfolds in a captivating manner.

In this book, you will discover many more intricate details about Louis Cyphre, which the movie might not have fully explored.

Personally, I have a preference for the book over the movie.

The written word allows for a deeper immersion into the characters' minds and the complex plot.

It gives you the opportunity to form your own mental images and interpretations.

So, if you are a fan of mystery thrillers and want to experience a more in-depth and engaging story, this book is a must-read.

Don't miss out on the chance to delve into the world of Harry Angel and Louis Cyphre and uncover the secrets that lie within.

A great horror in the spirit of classic crime novels.

This work takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world filled with mystery and terror.

The author skillfully weaves a web of suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

With vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, the story comes to life, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the dark and dangerous atmosphere.

Whether you are a fan of horror or crime fiction, this piece is sure to satisfy your appetite for excitement and mystery.

It combines the best elements of both genres, creating a unique and unforgettable reading experience.

So, if you are looking for a good scare and a captivating story, look no further than this great horror in the spirit of classic crime novels.

When I think of noir novels with supernatural touches, the Charlie Parker saga by John Conolly immediately comes to my mind. That sensitive and melancholic detective solves crimes that are more and more intricate with the help of his inseparable companions, Ángel, a rehabilitated thief, and Louis, a black Republican hitman. Surely there are more books with similar themes swarming in the bookstores, but this cocktail always tastes like Bird to me, and "The Fallen Angel" has not managed to change that.

In this novel, we follow the investigation of a New York private detective hired by a mysterious character of unknown origin and intentions, but clearly shady. The task consists of finding the whereabouts of a man, a successful musician in a catatonic state, a state that makes it considerably difficult to disappear.

"The Fallen Angel" is one of those books where the less you know about its plot, the better. In fact, I think I made a bit of a mistake by telling you that it has supernatural elements. But what could I do if this novel is included in the renowned Gothic collection of Valdemar, whose line is precisely the fantastic and horror literature with an old flavor; what this novel is doing within the collection is a question for which I have no answer. For me, the truth is that it is a bit out of place. However, the fact that we cannot dissect the plot does not mean that we cannot briefly talk about its content.

Hjiortsberg does not construct an especially intricate detective plot; it could even be considered basic: its strength is not the investigative part but the treatment of the atmosphere. Indeed, although the supernatural elements are not present throughout the story, as we delve deeper into the dark world that the author presents to us, a more and more rarefied atmosphere is created. What initially seemed clear and logical after a few inquiries turns into confusion and delirium, a bit like what happens to the characters in Lovecraft's stories when they face a glimpse of the revelation of a primeval mystery. Of course, I'm exaggerating; there is nothing of cosmic horror in this novel, which takes very different terrifying paths, but they do share that hallucinated atmosphere in which everything trembles. This is the great triumph of Hjorstberg - I don't think I'll write his last name again, from now on it will be Will -: knowing how to create a suggestive and overwhelming setting according to the story that he wants to tell us. His great problem, however, lies precisely in what he wants to tell and, unfortunately, I cannot tell you, because it would completely ruin the joke. Let's just say that if we think carefully about what happened in the novel, its very raison d'être makes no sense, it is excessively convoluted and elaborate.

Finally, and most importantly, there is an adaptation from the eighties starring a Mickey Rourke before the explosion of shrapnel in his face that some, like Meg Ryan or Renée Zellweger, dare to call plastic surgery, and an always brilliant Robert de Niro with enviable manicure. The movie is very good; it's no wonder it's by Alan Parker, one of the most undervalued and forgotten directors of eighties Hollywood, and it knows how to exploit those aesthetic virtues that Will imprinted on his pages, although it still has the defect of following almost to the letter the story of the book. Both the book and the movie are highly recommended. The order in which you do it, I don't think it matters, although in this case my advice is that you read the novel first, because otherwise you will have Rourke and De Niro in your mind all the time as you turn the pages.

Twenty-five years ago, I had the opportunity to watch the movie "Angel Heart." I vividly remember it as a film that was extremely atmospheric.

Fast forward twenty-five years, and I came across the novel that served as the basis for that very movie. This novel is truly one of the best noir, hard-boiled gumshoe novels I have ever read. Hjortsberg has done an outstanding job in creating the atmosphere of New York City in the 1950s.

The case that Harry Angel is working on involves elements such as black magic, voodoo, and some truly gruesome murders, making this a very unique hard-boiled novel. As I delved into the story, it was like watching an old black and white mystery on the TCM channel.

Now, I find myself thinking that I might have to check out the movie again to see how it compares to the novel and to relive that atmospheric experience once more.