|
Just
as their Buffy novels were stuck in season three for ages,
Pocket Books' Angel series seemed reluctant to make it past-Hero,
meaning we were stuck with the show's original line-up.
However,
after featuring Doyle in as many original novels as episodes of
the TV series (which, let's face it, is ridiculous given the timescale
they have to have taken place in), they've finally dragged themselves
up to date, or at least, more up to date. Not only does Haunted
feature the later line-up of Angel, Cordy, Wesley and Gunn, but
we've skipped forward to the second half of season two.
The
disappointing Unseen crossover aside, Jeff Mariotte has generally
produced the goods in both the Angel and Buffy ranges,
and Haunted is no exception.
With
Doyle out of the picture, it's Cordelia's job to provide the visions
that give Angel Investigations their cases. But there's just one
problem - she's taking part in reality TV show Haunted House,
which means she can't actually tell the others that her friend Kirsten
St. Clair is in danger.
Of
course, the resourceful Cordy finds a way, and while she tries to
win the gameshow, it's up to Wesley, Gunn and Angel to find Kirsten.
Their
investigation leads them to cross paths once again with Wolfram
& Hart, as well as investigating the usual series of deaths.
Both
storylines work well, only really coming together at the end, although
neither the haunted house or demon aspects are particularly original.
However, some good dialogue, interesting characters and good situations
help minimise this. There's no Kate Lockley, but a couple of other
recurring characters do feature, although one of them seemed a little
gratuitous.
If
I had to find fault, the scenes with Wesley on the beach seemed
rather stereotyped, and perhaps not how he'd behave towards the
end of season two, But the scene doesn't last too long, and overall
this is a reminder of how good Angel was before the disaster
that was season three came along. BACK
TO THE TOP
|
HAUNTED
Written
by JEFF MARIOTTE
POCKET BOOKS
£5.99
RATING: 8/10
|
