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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
This installment of the Hangman's Daughter books was more to my liking than the first one as far as plot goes. The first one had to introduce a lot of characters and set the stage for the mid-17th century of Germany and the plot, while a whodunnit, was kind of dark. This one had a good plot - Templar treasure and mysterious deaths; interesting characters - the main characters and the good vs bad monks; and a relatively satisifying ending. I say relatively because of Simon's reaction to "Benedikta" and the fact there was nothing mentioned of the Augsburg Bishop. There were many different paths to follow in trying to figure out who worked for who and who was good (relatively) and who was bad. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.
I just love these books! I have already pre-ordered the next one. The character development is outstanding. I really see Russell Crowe playing the stoic, intellectual hangman Kuisl (not really tall enough, but who in Hollywood is?) in a movie version. The descriptions of the cold, 17th century Bavarian blizzards helped cool me off this summer, and the mystery sent a few chills up my spine as well. Fantastic!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
2013: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2024: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
2024: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
I really enjoyed the Hangman's Daughter and it was enjoyable taking a trip back to the setting and characters in Priest's Corner. Oliver Pötzsch does a great job here keeping true to the characters and keeping the action going.
I do agree with some reviews that this does have a Dan Brown feel to it which gave e the feeling that I've read this book before. All in all it wasn't as good as the first book but still an easy and enjoyable read.
I do agree with some reviews that this does have a Dan Brown feel to it which gave e the feeling that I've read this book before. All in all it wasn't as good as the first book but still an easy and enjoyable read.
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
In this second installment, Magdalena (the hangman's daughter) again plays a rather non-conformist role in the action for the 17th century. She is well read and knowledgeable and even travels alone to Augsburg. But the main part of the story centers around a Templar grave and a set of clues that lead Simon and a female visitor to the community on a rather bumpy ride to discovery. Interesting mystery, lots of action.
Kind of a Dan Brown-esque plot based on solving religion-themed riddles. Not enough hangman, too much foppish doctor. The author also overuses variations of the line "he didn't notice the figure watching him from the shadows" at the end of nearly every freaking chapter. Still, it was mostly entertaining, and the last few chapters were fairly gripping.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I enjoyed this. It transports me to a different time with a different mystery. I liked it.
I wouldn't say I disliked this book, only that I did not actively enjoy reading it. It took me several years of picking up and setting it down to finally finish it. It wasn't exactly what I was hoping for from a thrilling mystery novel.