A Hundred Words for Hate

Sniegoski is back on track with the fourth adventure of angel-turned-PI Remy Chandler (after 2010's Where Angels Fear to Tread). The Sons of Adam, who watch over the first man until he's allowed entrance to heaven, hire Remy to help them find the long-lost key to the Garden of Eden, in the form of a descendant of Eve. Along the way, Remy fights a violent cherubim, encounters the archangel Malachi, and finally begins dating again. Sniegoski nicely juggles a large cast and throws in some touching moments (Remy's conversations with his late wife, Madeline, are especially sweet) and humor (as always, provided by Remy's dog, Marlowe) to balance the epic violence. There's more than enough nonintrusive exposition to let new readers jump into the story, while longtime fans will appreciate the development of recurring characters such as fallen angel Francis. (Mar.)