A MUST AUDIO BOOK

What did you like most about The Hangman's Song?

James Oswald is a very clever writer, leading you through his stories with a natural apptitude for crime solving, some of which are horrendous so be prepared. I would advise that you listen to "Natural Causes" and "The Book of Souls" before you hear this, although it can be a stand alone audiobook. I guarrantee you will like all of them.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Hangman's Song?

This is difficult to answer without giving the story away, just trust me enough to know there are plenty of memorable moments.

Have you listened to any of Ian Hanmore’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Yes, he is a brilliant narrator. The voices he produces for each character are mind blowing with the ease he slips in and out of them. I hope that Mr Oswald or would that be Penguin manage to procure him for subsequent novels.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Although DI McLean does have a sense of humour, his job is not really conducive to make you laugh, although there are incidents that made me smile.Crying on the other hand depends on the readers sensitivity, I cried in places others may not.

Any additional comments?

I put these books on audio as I wasn't getting anything done. Unfortunately it is impossible to do anything that needs your brains attention. If you get distracted you will miss important additions to the story line!

17 people found this helpful

Getting better with each book

Another excellent story about DI McLean. This book while probably okay as a stand-alone novel is definitely one you will get the most out of if you have read the previous two books. While the mystery presented does stand by itself the ongoing narrative of McLean's life also holds much interest.

Another detective story with more than a hint of the supernatural superbly narrated by Ian Hanmore who is the perfect partner for Oswald's creations.

Very highly recommended.

9 people found this helpful

Supernatural elements beautifully narrated

This is the third book in the series and I would recommend reading the series in order. This book can be read as a stand alone book but as the story follows on in parts it may mean the reader does not fully understand the context of some of the writing or development of the characters throughout the book.
It is so beautifully read by Ian Hanmore. His voice is (in my opinion) like a fine wine with great depth and really aids the enjoyment of the story.
The characters and the story are so interesting and I didn't want to stop listening.
Other reviewers say that the details of the crimes are horrendous. I would say that depends on individual viewpoint. I did not find the details that bad and to be honest the descriptions of the crimes are mild compared to descriptive text of other authors for example Stuart MacBride.
The character of Tony McLean is a very well rounded one and he has a kind nature as well as being very interested in his job. Other characters support him well. I love the supernatural elements to the story and it so draws you in. I really liked the descriptions of Tony's cat who is called 'Mrs McCutcheon's cat' What a name!
I have the next book No 4 in the series but am saving it as I am waiting for No 5 to come out in February 2015 before I start reading it.
If you like a good mystery with interesting characters with a hidden element of the supernatural then this is the series for you. Highly recommended.

6 people found this helpful

Mr Oswald has honed his craft

I have listened to all three books in this series and I can honestly say that you can see an improvement in each of these books. The story line was excellent, the narration was excellent and the continuity of characters was excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend this series. Keep it up Mr Oswald.

6 people found this helpful

Enjoyable but not an easy book to get into

I found the first few chapters of this book very difficult, it didn't catch my interest and I almost gave up. However after a few chapters I got involved in the story and despite my frustration with the negativity in the book I enjoyed it. It seemed as if everyone was against the main character which made it difficult to listen to and at times it was hardly believable.

The narrator was excellent, the book was very well read and his voice was very easy to listen to. I thought it was quite an unusual book, it was certainly thought provoking. The information about hypnosis was interesting and I particularly like the way that different characters interpreted the situation very differently.

I have listened to one other book in the series and I enjoyed this one enough to make me want to buy more.

2 people found this helpful

A TVs series?

I enjoyed this, the narrator was good, but it just went on a bit long, it was more like a TVs series that you want to see the next episode rather than a blockbuster movie that pulls you along , but still a good yarn if you like detective fiction

2 people found this helpful

Tuneful

Well narrated. Interesting and an engaging listen.
Unfortunately I realised who was behind the suicides and.....I could say more but that would spoil it for others. It wasn't as suspenseful for me but if you do not work it out it will be an exciting listen at the end.
I still enjoyed the book and liked thesin character.

2 people found this helpful

Too much of the supernatural

If your into the supernatural then its a good book,but if you want a detective story without this its not for you

9 people found this helpful

Very enjoyable listen

I did enjoy this book and was very pleased to see this new release after listening to other books in the series. Ian Hanmore reads the book very well and pulls you in to the story. Very enjoyable listen.

4 people found this helpful

Gripping

This kept me guessing until the end, it was very tense and thoroughly enjoyable.
I like McLean and although there is more aggression in the Police department than seems reasonable, I enjoyed it.
There were a couple of other details that I found a bit 'odd', but don't want to spoil the story so won't mention them in detail. Worth a listen!

4 people found this helpful