Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 823
EAN num: 9780099215103
Format: Import
ISBN number: 0099215101
Label: Arrow Books Ltd
Manufacturer: Arrow Books Ltd
Page Count: 244
Printing Date: February 18, 1980
Publishing house: Arrow Books Ltd
Sale Popularity Level: 4610027
Studio: Arrow Books Ltd
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Rated by buyers 
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Over Halloween I took the time to rewatch one of my favorite horror movies, Angel Heart which I hadn't watched in while. Seeing it again I decided to remedy the fact that I've never read William Hjortsberg's source novel. Of the plot movie or book I won't reveal much but to say both are very similar despite following vastly different plots.
The plot as it is concerns Harry Angel a P.I. in 1959 who's hired by the mysterious Louis Cyphre to find missing singer Johnny Favorite. As Angel begins his search He comes into contact with an assortment of characters and learns that Favorite was big into Voodoo. Soon though someone starts murdering witnesses in graphic ways and Harry is wondering about the true identity of Cyphre.
Its easy to see reading the book that Hjortsberg was heavily influenced from the pulp writers like Hammet and Chandler. Harry the ever present narrator has the hard bitten charm of a Philip Marlowe or Sam Spade. Plot wise theres also the femme fatale in Epiphany who conducts Voodoo rituals late night in a New York Park while Ethan Kruesmark is the Noah Cross of the title. The chapters are relatively short and the title moves fast.
Comparing it to the movie I found it strange that the film was set in New Orleans. The voodoo setting is more effective in the book with late night devil worship in abandoned subways, and the scene in a park with chanting and music which is more effective than setting the scene in a swamp. Theres also a bit with Coney Island where Harry drives out looking for leads that I liked where He seeks answers at a freak show and wax museum. Theres also a bit more scenes with Cyphre showing him influencing others as a stage act where He changes his name and dress while performing what could ammount to magic tricks that I liked.
In the end its a really good story, tightly plotted and written. The only complaint I could have against the book is that if You've seen the film you know the truth on Johnny Favorite takes away the ending. I still ike story as a whole but its lost some punch.
A word on this edition. Theres an afterword, a foreward, and bit by Stephen King in appreciation for the novel. There is also a very amusing Western story called Sidekick where the mocked partner of a gunslinger finally has his revenge with the ultimate prank at the end of the story. I wasn't expecting to read it but I'm glad I did. Its an amusing quick read just as good as Falling Angel. For twelve bucks picking up this book might just make you a Hjortsberg fan.
Rated by buyers 
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From all the reviews I expected one of the great horror novels and while this is a good novel, I dont think its great. Part of the problem, at least for me, is I guessed very early on in the novel the big ending. I have never seen the movie and Im not claiming Im the most perceptive reader in the world but the author gives very obvious hints, expecially the name of the client, throughout and the ending wasnt so shocking, at least not to me.
Its well written from a very first person POV, the descriptions of 1959 New York put you there and I thought the characters were nicely drawn. There were some surprises and it was a fairly quick read but the big payoff at the end was the payoff I expected so it wasnt as powerful.
Definitely worth the read, though.
Rated by buyers -
Great book. It's written very well. Hjortsberg is great author. I couldn't put it down. The novel totally absorbed me. Finished it in two days. The ending totally surprised me. I didn't see that coming. After I finished reading it, I had a nightmare about Louis Cyphre, and luckily I woke up before it ended.
Rated by buyers -
In mystery there are lot of great writers. I horror, nowadays, you name it. In expetional cult and urban details, it has become a trend.
Mr.William has it all in on in lifetime book, amd with twist in the tale that makes it an inordinary book. Stephen King, the master said, I never really read anything like it. Well, neither have I?
Angel is a detectecitve with an awkward edge, asked by amysterious Lu Cypher, if you know what I mean, to investigate the disppearence of a famous singer. Simple. Easy. And to the point investigation that takes you into the darkened alleys of New orleans, the wicked melodies of jazzy contabass players, chicken foot naked women voodoo, sexy grey girl history, rich white girl delllima and her father who holds the keys to not just solving teh mystery or finding the singer or exposing who the man is who wants to find the singer. Bur ultimately, to Angel himself.
The writing is very easy relaxed, Hjortsberg does nothing but just tell you the story. No comlications, mastery of prose, innuendo writing. He is much more brilliant than that. He know he has a climax in the novel that will shock you and will break through into your very soul. A climax dealing with one the most suppressed and hidden fears in history. If I had a plot like that handy, I would have become a millionare and took a six figure check in advance.
If you are into horror or mysteries, this is a must book on your shelf.
Remember , the end is shocking and you will read this book again.
Rated by buyers -
I learned about this one from the credits of the movie, Angel Heart and then looked it up on Amazon. It's genuinely creepy and perfectly captures the atmosphere of New Orleans (which, as he tells it, is just about the gateway to Hell!). Very powerful with lots of high tension. A nail biter.
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