Scan barcode
missdibler's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Honestly, this book made me kind of mad.
The first three-quarters of the book just seemed ‘rambly’ and honestly I struggled to get through it. The minute it got good at 75%, the ending was just missed. There was no ending just one massive cliffhanger that leads to nowhere?! No second book, no continuation of the storyline, no mystery solved and a thousand questions.
Just why?
Not my favourite book, no recommendation from me on this one.
The first three-quarters of the book just seemed ‘rambly’ and honestly I struggled to get through it. The minute it got good at 75%, the ending was just missed. There was no ending just one massive cliffhanger that leads to nowhere?! No second book, no continuation of the storyline, no mystery solved and a thousand questions.
Just why?
Not my favourite book, no recommendation from me on this one.
christajls's review against another edition
4.0
This review originally posted at Hooked on Books
Hanging Hill is a gruesome story with so many twists and turns it'll keep you guessing right until the last page.
This story starts out on an interesting note. A high school student is murdered in a sick and disturbing way. Many mystery writers would take this one plot point and run with it, but not Mo Hayder. Instead Mo Hayder weaves this first murder into such a complex and detailed spiderweb, it's amazing she could keep everything straight. Furthermore, she takes the mystery into a direction I would have never foreseen. There are many unique and interesting developments that set it apart from other mysteries.
In addition to the amazing storytelling, there is also an incredible amount of detail to this book. From the description of the dead body, to the play by play of some suspect porn, to an incredibly disturbing rape scene. Nothing is left unaccounted for. This is one story that doesn't shy away from the unpleasant. At times it was a little hard to read, but it definitely made for an authentic reading experience.
Hayder then extends that amazing detail to her characters - particularly Sally. I think Sally is (arguably) the character that goes through the most changes. She goes from being meek and mild (I think pushover is the ideal word here) to someone who is strong, independent and frankly a little scary. Not all the characters develop as extensively as Sally but she's such an important character that it really stands out.
Mo Hayder is a master when it comes to suspense and thrills, and Hanging Hill certainly lives up to this legacy. It will thrill you, surprise you and stay with you long after you've finished reading it. I know I was lying in bed staring at the ceiling, terrified, long into the night.
Hanging Hill is a gruesome story with so many twists and turns it'll keep you guessing right until the last page.
This story starts out on an interesting note. A high school student is murdered in a sick and disturbing way. Many mystery writers would take this one plot point and run with it, but not Mo Hayder. Instead Mo Hayder weaves this first murder into such a complex and detailed spiderweb, it's amazing she could keep everything straight. Furthermore, she takes the mystery into a direction I would have never foreseen. There are many unique and interesting developments that set it apart from other mysteries.
In addition to the amazing storytelling, there is also an incredible amount of detail to this book. From the description of the dead body, to the play by play of some suspect porn, to an incredibly disturbing rape scene. Nothing is left unaccounted for. This is one story that doesn't shy away from the unpleasant. At times it was a little hard to read, but it definitely made for an authentic reading experience.
Hayder then extends that amazing detail to her characters - particularly Sally. I think Sally is (arguably) the character that goes through the most changes. She goes from being meek and mild (I think pushover is the ideal word here) to someone who is strong, independent and frankly a little scary. Not all the characters develop as extensively as Sally but she's such an important character that it really stands out.
Mo Hayder is a master when it comes to suspense and thrills, and Hanging Hill certainly lives up to this legacy. It will thrill you, surprise you and stay with you long after you've finished reading it. I know I was lying in bed staring at the ceiling, terrified, long into the night.
januaryreads's review against another edition
4.0
This book kept me (more or less) on edge the whole time I was reading it, all the way to the end. Past the end even, leaving you wondering if everything really will end well. Unfortunately, that's not the kind of ending I enjoy very much; I prefer to get a proper conclusion, especially when there's no kind of follow up to reveal what has happened, and the questions you're left with are as pressing as the ones here.
Regardless of that, the book was a fun read, with everything you expect from a good crime novel. The characters were well-rounded, even though each and every one of the main characters was somewhere between good-looking and drop dead gorgeous, and mostly had me feeling for them. The plot made sense, with no strange constructions that aren't at all feasible in real life, and was interesting from start to finish. As far as crime thrillers go, this is one of the best I've read.
Regardless of that, the book was a fun read, with everything you expect from a good crime novel. The characters were well-rounded, even though each and every one of the main characters was somewhere between good-looking and drop dead gorgeous, and mostly had me feeling for them. The plot made sense, with no strange constructions that aren't at all feasible in real life, and was interesting from start to finish. As far as crime thrillers go, this is one of the best I've read.
marshaskrypuch's review against another edition
5.0
Not as gruesome as some of her earlier novels. Well written and gruesome enough.
chava_in_oz's review against another edition
5.0
It took me a little while to get into, but as a massive Mo Hayder fan I kept going. I wasn't disappointed! Once I got 25% in I couldn't stop. What an ending!! Argh! I didn't want it to finish like that!!!!
dic65's review against another edition
4.0
Dark and interesting with an unexpected end. I will recommend.
sevencrane's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
katykat_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0
ttolbert915's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0