Dead of Night

Abella's intimate knowledge of the Los Angeles Criminal Court system and personnel add to any local reader's enjoyment of this chilling and sometimes gruesome sequel to "Killing of the Saints." The suggestions of supernatural intervention add just the right flavor.

I recommend buying not only Dead of Night but also The Killling of the Saints, where Abella introduces his character Charlie Morell. All the right elements, passion, underworld figures, ethnic elements, are masterly weaved by this skilled writer. If you want to learn about the early days of the Cuban Revolution, read Abella's historical novel, The Great American, packed with solid research.

I had never heard of Alex Abella until a friend in a mystery bookstore recommended this book. It's the story of Charlie Morrell, A Cuban-American lawyer in Los Angeles, and his hunt for a cult leader and killer. I'm not Cuban, but I was fascinated by the glimpse into a foreign culture that exists in our own country. That and the superb writing (especially the hard-boiled stuff about Los Angeles) make this a book to read - there are some plot problems, and at times it was a little graphic for me, but overall I enjoyed it and am eager to read the next adventure of Charlie Morrell.

Once again I get to read more about Charlie Morell, and the nightmares he takes me into. I like reading about his troubled past and how he deals with issues such as his failed marriage, his angry son and the ghost of his parents. I was born in Cuba and came to live in Los Angeles as Alex Abella's Charlie Morell, I've been away from my culture for some time. But, I can't deny the fact that I'm Cuban and no matter how americanized I am, those roots follow me everywhere. It's nice to read about someone who can't let go of his past and is troubled by it, yet comes out victorious and learns from his experience. Of course, Charlie's life is quite a different experience. I'm glad I only get to read about it.I highly recommend this book. It'll keep you in suspence and yearning for more.

Abella is a great storyteller mixing a very real look at the world of the courts and cops with the dark world of the occult. Charlie Morrell is a stong hero and gives the reader a view of LA from a different perspective. Abella manages to give great insight into the Cuban experience in Californai as he weaves a wonderful story.This book is a great read and a lot of fun, perfect for a stormy night.