The Hangman's Song

 

By James Oswald

Review

When a young man is discovered hanging in his Edinburgh home, the evidence points to suicide. However, DI McLean isn't convinced — the suicide note feels wrong. McLean is even more certain of foul play when a second man is found hanged. As the body count rises, McLean must figure out what connects the victims and who the killer is.

This book follows on from The Book of Souls and is best read in publication order. I thought it was a gripping read, with the series fast becoming one of my favourites. The investigation is well-paced with subplots that slot in nicely. McLean is a likeable character who always follows instinct — often leading to friction with his superiors. As with the first two books, I loved the supernatural element and although quite gruesome in places, it was a fantastic read.

★★★★☆

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication Year: 2014
• Genre: Crime
• Author: James Oswald

Synopsis

A young man is found hanging by a rope in his Edinburgh home. A simple, sad suicide, yet Detective Inspector Tony McLean is puzzled by the curious suicide note.

So when a second hanged man and another strange note appear, McClean sees a sinister pattern.

Investigating a brutal prostitution and human trafficking ring, McLean struggles to find time to link the two suicides. But the discovery of a third convinces him of malicious intent.

Digging deeper, McLean finds answers something terrifying stalking the city streets.

And it's much closer to home than he expects . . .