How Like an Angel

Private investigator Joe Quinn takes on a case searching for a missing man in rural California. After his car breaks down near a religious commune called the True Believers, Quinn becomes entangled in their isolated world while pursuing his investigation. The narrative follows Quinn as he navigates between the commune members and the nearby town residents, each group harboring their own secrets and suspicions. His search leads him through a maze of conflicting stories and hidden connections that link the commune to the wider community. The mystery at the center spirals into questions about faith, doubt, and human nature. Through Quinn's outsider perspective, the novel examines how beliefs shape reality and the thin line between devotion and delusion.

Readers praise the psychological suspense and complex character development in this 1962 mystery. Multiple reviews highlight the rural California setting and Millar's ability to capture small-town dynamics. The detective character Joe Quinn receives specific mention for being more flawed and realistic compared to typical genre protagonists. What readers liked: - Unpredictable plot twists - Rich descriptions of landscape and characters - Exploration of religious cults and belief systems Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in early chapters - Some dated cultural references - Ending feels rushed to some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) Several reviewers note the book's influence on later psychological thrillers. As one Goodreads reviewer states: "Millar was doing unreliable narrators and psychological complexity decades before it became trendy." LibraryThing users frequently recommend it to fans of Patricia Highsmith and Ruth Rendell.

The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler A private investigator explores themes of identity and deception while searching for truth in post-war Los Angeles.

Beast in View by Margaret Millar A psychological mystery follows a woman's descent into paranoia as she receives threatening phone calls from someone who knows her darkest secrets.

Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith Two men meet on a train and enter into a deadly agreement that leads to murder and psychological manipulation.

The Chill by Ross Macdonald A detective's investigation into a missing bride uncovers layers of family secrets spanning multiple generations.

Laura by Vera Caspary A detective becomes obsessed with solving the murder of a woman whose portrait haunts him as he uncovers the complexities of her life.

🔍 Margaret Millar was one of the first women to receive the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America (1983), recognizing her pioneering role in psychological suspense fiction. 🌟 "How Like an Angel" (1962) explores themes of religious cults and false prophets years before these topics became prevalent in mainstream literature and media. 📚 The book's title comes from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" (Act II, Scene 2): "What a piece of work is man... how like an angel in apprehension." 🏆 Margaret Millar's influence on crime fiction led to the creation of the Margaret Millar Award by the Southwest Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, celebrating excellence in mystery writing. 🗺️ The novel's setting in the California desert creates a stark, isolating backdrop that mirrors the psychological state of its protagonist, Joe Quinn, a disillusioned private investigator.