Jean-Paul’s Rating: 4/5 stars
As promised, I’ve read another Christopher Moore book. Shout-out to Kristin for suggesting it. Because Christopher Moore is apparently incapable of creating short book titles, this book is fully titled “The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror”. And boy does it deliver! I really want to know what drugs Christopher Moore takes because he sure has an interesting imagination.
Many of the characters in this book have appeared in other Christopher Moore books and the setting in the town of Pine Cove is also a common theme in his books. This being only my second, the only one I was familiar with was Raziel, the eponymous stupidest angel, who appeared in “Lamb“. You do not need to read any of his other books to feel right at home with his zany cast of characters. Moore does a wonderful job of introducing them and bringing them to life. All the main characters are so enjoyable that it makes me want to read about their other adventures as well.
After introducing all of the characters, this heartwarming tale of Christmas terror starts with a murder most foul and a coverup. And if that isn’t heartwarmingly terrifying enough, you just wait! Enter Raziel, who has been put in charge of creating this year’s Christmas miracle. His job is simple: Find a child with a Christmas wish and grant it. A simple request for anyone not quite as…simple…as Raziel. What happens next is obvious once you’re on the other side, but I did not see it coming at all.
“The Stupidest Angel” is delightfully funny throughout. Moore’s characters are a bit unbelievable, but then I remember this is California we’re talking about here and, having been to California, I can confirm they all seem just about right. They do, however, still make me slightly concerned for Christopher Moore’s sanity and his dust jacket picture isn’t helping at all with that concern. So be it. As long as you continue to write books like this, Christopher, you be as insane as you need to be!
I foresee more Moore (wow, try saying that five times fast, more Moore more Moore mur more more mer murmur) books in my future. The only question is which one? Do I follow the further exploits of the fine citizens of Pine Cove or do I jump in with Tucker Case and Roberto on “The Island of the Sequined Love Nun”? Decisions decisions. So far with Moore, it doesn’t seem like I can make an incorrect choice!