AVENGING ANGEL: Love & Death in Old Brooklyn

Author: 
Charles S. Isaacs
Publisher:
Black Rose Writing
Genre:
Fiction/Mystery/Romance
Rating: Very Good

ISBN: 9781684332472
Paperback Price: $21.95
Pages: 393








Beginning as always, I quote from the back cover:

"A riveting tale of revenge, survival, and redemption, wrapped around an unlikely love story, and set against an urban backdrop corrupted by bigotry and misogyny.

"Following a racially motivated rape by three Ku Klux Klansmen, 12-year-old Cassandra Monroe vows revenge. After eight years of training, now a strikingly beautiful assassin, she accomplishes her mission.

"Her campaign continues with solitary walks through dark city streets, hoping to be assaulted by men with bad intentions. Those entrapped by her spider's web pay dearly for their efforts.

Surrounded by three men one night, she's rescued by Mike Borelli, an Italian-American passerby. A stormy, up-and-down relationship ensues. Ultimately, as her rage matures into purposeful action, and as he begins to see the world through her eyes, they become a team.

"Along the way, they encounter serial killers, wife-beaters, actual and would-be rapists, gangsters, crooked cops, a kidnapper and a pedophile priest, as well as numerous women in desperate need of their help. Beneath all the action, though, is the blossoming of a most unusual love story."

And, yes indeed, all that is promised is delivered. The fast-paced action keeps you turning the pages. I started reading one night and finished the 393-page book the next day--unusual for me. The chapters are short and tight, moving from one event to another, yet providing adequate character development.

Some books are plot driven, while others are character driven. I would say this is an excellent blend of both. An easy, smooth read, yet the subject matter and vigilante aspect stir conflicting emotions. Is it okay for a murderer to live happily ever after? Regardless of the justification behind killing.

As I read, I thought of Charles Bronson in his Death Wish movie series and also of Tim Hutton in the TV series Leverage, both based on the premise that something is broken in our justice system--more so for some than others. Therefore, it's acceptable to kill bad people who do terrible things to weaker, innocent people. Perhaps, vicariously, we wish it were acceptable. 

Charles Isaacs's Avenging Angel may be a fiction novel but it's a novel about real and serious problems that still exist in society today--abusive and predatory men, organized crime, pedophiles, racism.

Isaacs's writing is similar in quality to John Dunning's Booked to Die but with a little less finesse. Generally, the novel is well-written and well-edited, and I can recommend it highly as an excellent, entertaining, thought-provoking read.

Kaye Trout - August 1, 2019