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leelah's review against another edition
4.0
3,5
Mo, unflinching as always.
If you read her before, you are probably familiar with the fact she takes her characters (and reader along the way) places not many writers in genre dare to. Hanging Hill is not the exception, but pushing boundaries is more subtle in some places, just enough to lure you into thinking she will go soft on you... and then it's not.
So bare bones: Entire story is told in alternating chapters following two characters: Zoe, ambitious police detective, a career woman, on a track to be promoted. Other is her sister, Sally, recent divorcee, who has no idea how to earn money and take care for bills and her teenage daughter. Main thing to note is the fact that sisters are not in contact and are not close, but with one murder their path became unavoidably intersecting.
I admit, I was continuously surprised by Sally. Sally at the beginning is just one big mess at life. Her daughter is a teenager used to living a life where money is not a problem; she wants to go to concerts and have pretty things. But her father is having another family and her mother just doesn't have money to give her and can't earn that much. Which doesn't prevent her from trying to get it by other means. Stupid means... But,considering she is a teenager, she is selfish and self-absorbed by default, so of course, it's up to Sally to clean up her messes. And boy does necessity and desperation make Sally's character development interesting. You read it chapter by chapter and Sally's actions are just reactions to awful things that keep happening to her, people who are influencing her, think she is stupid and naive, up until that one turning point where just flips around and surprises you. On the other hand Zoe is everything Sally is not and everything Sally needs to be. Despite of it all, I kind of liked Sally more because Zoe had different kind of insecurities, which she hid better (she felt so threatened by psychologist woman it was ridiculous), but Sally was the soul of this book. I kept thinking how if you would take one character from the book would the story still stand- with Zoe, that answer is yes, but without Sally it would definitely fall apart.
Plot is twisty enough to keep you guessing just what the hell went down, and even when you think you figured out everything, ending reveals you haven't.
Now, Mo's writing is perfect, spine-tingling and beautiful at the same time, but plotting was messy in places, especially when it comes to Zoe. Her motivations clashed which didn't add to her complexity, but rather took from her character. And, wow, that ending when it comes to Zoe disturbed me. Mo is one author, not specifically tied to horror genre whom I keep throwing with that lot when someone wants to discus horror because she managed to disturb me and creep me out more often than some horror writers. There is a scene in this book and it's a massive trigger, so be sure to check if it's of importance to you.
All in all, if you know Mo's work ,you know what you can expect.
Mo, unflinching as always.
If you read her before, you are probably familiar with the fact she takes her characters (and reader along the way) places not many writers in genre dare to. Hanging Hill is not the exception, but pushing boundaries is more subtle in some places, just enough to lure you into thinking she will go soft on you... and then it's not.
So bare bones: Entire story is told in alternating chapters following two characters: Zoe, ambitious police detective, a career woman, on a track to be promoted. Other is her sister, Sally, recent divorcee, who has no idea how to earn money and take care for bills and her teenage daughter. Main thing to note is the fact that sisters are not in contact and are not close, but with one murder their path became unavoidably intersecting.
I admit, I was continuously surprised by Sally. Sally at the beginning is just one big mess at life. Her daughter is a teenager used to living a life where money is not a problem; she wants to go to concerts and have pretty things. But her father is having another family and her mother just doesn't have money to give her and can't earn that much. Which doesn't prevent her from trying to get it by other means. Stupid means... But,considering she is a teenager, she is selfish and self-absorbed by default, so of course, it's up to Sally to clean up her messes. And boy does necessity and desperation make Sally's character development interesting. You read it chapter by chapter and Sally's actions are just reactions to awful things that keep happening to her, people who are influencing her, think she is stupid and naive, up until that one turning point where just flips around and surprises you. On the other hand Zoe is everything Sally is not and everything Sally needs to be. Despite of it all, I kind of liked Sally more because Zoe had different kind of insecurities, which she hid better (she felt so threatened by psychologist woman it was ridiculous), but Sally was the soul of this book. I kept thinking how if you would take one character from the book would the story still stand- with Zoe, that answer is yes, but without Sally it would definitely fall apart.
Plot is twisty enough to keep you guessing just what the hell went down, and even when you think you figured out everything, ending reveals you haven't.
Spoiler
After some time, I realized resolution was in a way foreshadowed- Sally's daughter kept putting herself into all kinds of trouble and Sally can't save her from herself.Now, Mo's writing is perfect, spine-tingling and beautiful at the same time, but plotting was messy in places, especially when it comes to Zoe. Her motivations clashed which didn't add to her complexity, but rather took from her character. And, wow, that ending when it comes to Zoe disturbed me. Mo is one author, not specifically tied to horror genre whom I keep throwing with that lot when someone wants to discus horror because she managed to disturb me and creep me out more often than some horror writers. There is a scene in this book and it's a massive trigger, so be sure to check if it's of importance to you.
All in all, if you know Mo's work ,you know what you can expect.
owlribbon's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Misogyny, Self harm, and Kidnapping
Minor: Alcohol and War
legohelmet's review against another edition
4.0
The first book i've read by Mo Hayder not to feature her detective character Jack Caffery, although the location of this book (Bath) is only 12 miles away from the base of Caffrey (Bristol), i know the author stays in this area but potential crossover?
Hanging Hill focuses on two estranged sisters, Zoe the detective and Sally the single mother of 16 year old Millie.
A girl from Millie's school is found brutally murdered and Zoe is investigating, whilst Sally has found a part time cleaning post for a local pornographer with possible links to people trafficking in Kosovo.
Separately, these women become involved in the tangled investigation that occurs after the murder. They each have to make dangerous decisions and work together to try and keep themselves and those that they love, safe from harm.
My rating was leaning towards a three but the ending deserved an extra star and after finishing Sympathy For The Devil by The Rolling Stones sprang into my mind which felt very appropriate.
Hanging Hill focuses on two estranged sisters, Zoe the detective and Sally the single mother of 16 year old Millie.
A girl from Millie's school is found brutally murdered and Zoe is investigating, whilst Sally has found a part time cleaning post for a local pornographer with possible links to people trafficking in Kosovo.
Separately, these women become involved in the tangled investigation that occurs after the murder. They each have to make dangerous decisions and work together to try and keep themselves and those that they love, safe from harm.
My rating was leaning towards a three but the ending deserved an extra star and after finishing Sympathy For The Devil by The Rolling Stones sprang into my mind which felt very appropriate.
mollymaetaylor's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book in my hotel’s library when I was on holiday and it was the perfect poolside read.
An elevated version of the classic murder mysteries, I really enjoyed the depiction of a strained sister relationship and the twist ending. (I even searched for a sequel and was disappointed it was a stand alone book.)
An elevated version of the classic murder mysteries, I really enjoyed the depiction of a strained sister relationship and the twist ending. (I even searched for a sequel and was disappointed it was a stand alone book.)
brooke_likesbooks's review
dark
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
sdramsey's review against another edition
2.0
A bit grim and gruesome, but I continued listening to the audiobook because I was intrigued by the characters. The ending was very disappointing and did not make sense to me.
mattesdon's review against another edition
5.0
excellent, twisty in true Mo Hayder style. Read it at once!
mtucci90's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! What a GREAT book. I loved the 2 sisters' POVs. Enjoyable from 1st to last page. That ending!!! I can't wait to read more from Hayder.