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yvo_about_books's review against another edition
4.5
Finished reading: March 12th 2023
"Sometimes the things that nearly kill us are the things that save us."
After finally reading the first book last month, I decided to read both sequels sooner than later to avoid forgetting any of the details. While Hangman can technically be read as a stand-alone, I don't think the story has the same impact if you don't experience the Ragdoll killer case yourself, and you won't be able to understand the full impact of Fawkes' character either. Anyhow, Hangman is another highly disturbing and twisted ride, and one that wouldn't let me go until I finally reached that final page. If you thought the first book was twisted, make sure to brace yourself before picking up this sequel... Because it seems like the main purpose of Hangman is to outshine its predecessor and raise the stakes even higher. This sequel does have a slightly different feel, because the main focus is on Baxter this time around and Fawkes is absent (not a surprise with what happened in book one of course). It's also a story that crosses borders and oceans as the crimes take place both in New York and London... The randomness and viciousness of the murders only increase the urgency even further, and Hangman has an extremely high dose of danger, action and suspense. The plot might feel over the top in points, but I personally didn't mind at all because it 100% delivered on an entertainment level. The story almost reads like a Hollywood action movie, and I mean this only in the best possible way. Sometimes I just like to sit down and enjoy the rollercoaster ride, and I'm quickly becoming a fan of Daniel Cole's writing and his way of creating action-packed, dark and seriously twisted crime thrillers. A little warning: this series definitely isn't for those with a weak stomach!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief, Child death, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Alcoholism, and Suicide
bubbazuzu's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
The only reason this book got close to 3 stars is because I managed to finish it. The basic premise was a good one: seemingly random killings by seemingly random killers occurring simultaneously in the US and the UK. The first half was decent (a good solid 4); it slowed through the middle (maybe a 3) then just became dreck at the end. I mean, really? A detective working in fraud decides whether or not to abort the raid on a case he's not even involved in but just happens to be there on the sly? An agent with words ( still bleeding ) carved into his chest and a broken rib gets released from the hospital within 24 hours and is back on duty? I skipped over that last 20 pages just to get to the unsatisfying end.
And let's talk about the characters. ​Rouche and Edmunds were the only ones who I cared about at all. Curtis was a spineless ass kisser. Vanita and Lennox were publicity focused power hounds. Thomas was a doormat co-dependent. And Baxter? OMG! Absolutely one of the most irritating, self-centered, misanthropic, no-redeeming-value characters I've ever encountered. I've cared more about serial killers than I cared what happened to her. Truly.
And let's talk about the characters. ​Rouche and Edmunds were the only ones who I cared about at all. Curtis was a spineless ass kisser. Vanita and Lennox were publicity focused power hounds. Thomas was a doormat co-dependent. And Baxter? OMG! Absolutely one of the most irritating, self-centered, misanthropic, no-redeeming-value characters I've ever encountered. I've cared more about serial killers than I cared what happened to her. Truly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
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