WHEN AN ANGEL FALLS

A detective who’s an angel/human hybrid falls for a mortal woman while pursuing a serial killer in this paranormal suspense novel by Delehanty, whose earlier books include The White Trash Chronicles (2018).

Detective Michael Simon is one of the Nephilim, the son of archangel Michael and mortal Hilda, who died centuries ago. In present-day New York City, Michael is investigating a series of homicides. Each of the seven victims was a young woman attending a local college and part of the same scholarship program. Michael believes the remaining women in the program are potential victims, but he’s fascinated by one in particular, Isabel, called Isabella earlier in the book. The two have a mutual attraction, and Michael takes Isabel to his home for protection. Though he has an ability to sense evil, this serial killer is unusually hard to find. Michael surmises that another of the Nephilim is blocking his efforts to track down the murderer. But it’s evident he’s facing a demon spawn and, he soon learns, his or her sinister allies as well. Michael rallies a few of his angelic friends and his immortal father for what promises to be a harrowing battle. Meanwhile, he struggles to ensure Isabel’s safety as the couple’s steamy physical entanglements turn into a much deeper connection. Delehanty develops her characters well. Along with powerful angels and Nephilim, there’s Isabel, who has a revealing backstory, and Michael’s capable human cousin, Roarke O’Connell. Michael and Isabel’s instantaneous bond leads to several memorable sex scenes of the erotica variety. Supernatural elements throughout the novel shine, from perusing others’ minds to, of course, winged flight. Unfortunately, the murder mystery is unconvincing, as much of what unfolds leaves too many questions unanswered. These include why police protective custody doesn’t prevent further homicides; when exactly the FBI joins the case; and why Michael acts in certain ways. Nevertheless, the ending is solid, offering both resolution and a lingering uncertainty that sets up a sequel to this first installment in a planned series.

Sharp characters in an enjoyable supernatural tale, though the corresponding mystery falls short.