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aspygirlsmom_1995's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
shirlee2024's review against another edition
4.0
It had been a while since I'd read a Faye Kellerman book, and this one made me wonder why. It's a very readable mix of murder mystery and observant Jewish home life. All this plus a teenage musical prodigy.
heatherg213's review against another edition
4.0
Faithful readers of this blog know that I have broken up with my long-time mystery/thriller favorite, Jonathan Kellerman. You can read my Dear John (pun intended) letter here. Lucky for the Kellerman family, they will not lose all of their income from my corner of the world. Faye Kellerman, wife of Jonathan, is still writing fresh stories with all of the characters I love.
In Hangman, Kellerman brings us another story starting Rina (Lazarus) Decker and Pete Decker, Orthodox Jews and crime fighting team. Well, not really a team, exactly-Rina is more logistical support than boots on the ground. But together they have a chemistry that humanizes Decker and keeps him from being the stereotypical hard-boiled detective. There's a lot going on in Hangman. The main crime is the murder of one girl, and disappearance of another. There is a second story line, which I found the more intriguing of the two, about Decker and hit man Chris Donnati. Donnati and his wife are having marital problems, which rarely works out well for the non-homicidal maniac in the relationship. When Donnati's wife disappears, Decker is sure that he killed her, and takes in Donnati's 15 year old son while he investigates. During the investigation they stumble upon a serial killer-like a twofer deal. Eventually Decker and his team solve all of the mysteries, but justice is not done-one of the killers flees and can't be tracked. But it is a satisfying story nonetheless.
Kellerman's characters are interesting, the story is well-paced, and while the crimes and situations are not exactly believable, I didn't really care, because they were entertaining. All in all a good popcorn book!
In Hangman, Kellerman brings us another story starting Rina (Lazarus) Decker and Pete Decker, Orthodox Jews and crime fighting team. Well, not really a team, exactly-Rina is more logistical support than boots on the ground. But together they have a chemistry that humanizes Decker and keeps him from being the stereotypical hard-boiled detective. There's a lot going on in Hangman. The main crime is the murder of one girl, and disappearance of another. There is a second story line, which I found the more intriguing of the two, about Decker and hit man Chris Donnati. Donnati and his wife are having marital problems, which rarely works out well for the non-homicidal maniac in the relationship. When Donnati's wife disappears, Decker is sure that he killed her, and takes in Donnati's 15 year old son while he investigates. During the investigation they stumble upon a serial killer-like a twofer deal. Eventually Decker and his team solve all of the mysteries, but justice is not done-one of the killers flees and can't be tracked. But it is a satisfying story nonetheless.
Kellerman's characters are interesting, the story is well-paced, and while the crimes and situations are not exactly believable, I didn't really care, because they were entertaining. All in all a good popcorn book!
jeo224's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed this book (the first in this series that I have read). The characters and story were well written, with two mysteries in the middle of the police procedural. The perspectives were woven together in a way that enhanced the suspense and made sense; the dialog read like real people sound. Excellent book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse
retiredlibrarylady's review against another edition
4.0
OK, I love this series and enjoyed this book, but the premise of suspecting one man who's innocent of this hanging murder but is a serial killer while finding the hangman who is also a serial killer... too much!
whaney's review against another edition
4.0
Read this book in 2 days. A much better mystery than I've read lately! This one actually had meat to it. I have always enjoyed Faye Kellerman's books, and this one did not disappoint.
fgaon's review against another edition
1.0
I stopped reading this type of book years ago. However, it was in a box of books in my house and I had nothing to read. Not really for me and the ending made no sense. Waste of precious reading time.
ennime713's review against another edition
4.0
A good read and as usual I really enjoyed the Decker / Lazarus clan. Also as usual I would have wished for more of Rina. She is my favorite character.