The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels: A Novel

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, emotional abuse, and child abuse.

“People want mainstream, accessible books that explore violent crime in a safe space.”

This observation by Amanda’s agent, Nita, underlines The Ethics of True Crime. Nita does not intend her comment to be ironic. However, Hallett creates a paradox in the juxtaposition of “violent crime” and “a safe space,” underlining the way the genre creates entertainment out of horrific incidents.

“I hear you have an ‘in’ with social services in the area and can trace where the baby was sent. You’ll understand we have a teeny tiny budget that doesn’t stretch to private detectives, so any short cuts you can make…We know how doggedly determined you are when there’s a story to be had and trust you implicitly to seize the heart of this case, rip it out and throw it at the page.”

Here, editor Pippa Deacon explains the parameters of Amanda’s contract to write a book on the Alperton Angels. Hallett emphasizes the ruthless nature of the true-crime publishing industry, as Pippa hints that Amanda has been chosen for the job due to her determination and exploitation of contacts in social services. The image of “seiz[ing] the heart of this case, rip[ping] it out and throw[ing] it at the page” conveys the concept that Amanda’s task is comparable to a violent crime.

“The faster we bag that baby, the better.”

Pippa’s emphasis on the importance of locating the Alperton Angels’ baby again underlines the ethics of true crime. In her description of “bagging” the baby, Pippa dehumanizes it, likening it to a prize. Her vocabulary shows that she does not perceive the baby as a human being who was once at the center of a highly traumatic experience.