Lachie hasn't posted any book images or reviews on Instagram since we read David Videcette's The Detriment last year, so we decided to feature Hangman as our first bookstagram/review of 2018.
Disclaimer: Lachie’s God-Mahh won an uncorrected proof/ARC from the publisher, Allen & Unwin, via an Instagram giveaway by solving a riddle: What is so fragile you can break it just by saying its name?
However, this review is not paid, sponsored, or endorsed by the publisher or author.
It is Godd-Mahh, and Lachie’s, own opinions, which probably should not be taken as gospel.
FYI, although Heath is usually a children’s author THIS IS NOT A BOOK FOR CHILDREN. Please don’t let them read it, or you may end up paying for therapy.
There are no actual hangings in the story, but the reasoning behind the title, and protagonist’s codename, is revealed throughout the book. Puzzles and riddles play a role throughout the narrative both internally in the protagonist's consciousness, and externally as he endeavours to find the solution to the crimes that are occurring and whodunnit.
Set in Texas, Timothy Blake is the FBI’s last resort. He assists in locating missing, or kidnapped, people, and in exchange receives an unusual form of payment. He is a social outcast, yet almost a modern day Sherlock in that he notices things other people fail to see or realise are significant, hence why the FBI call him when they need help.
The story opens with a taste of Blake's abilities, which are then utilised in more cases, and eventually place him in as much danger as those he is trying to assist. The pace was consistent through the story and kept me wondering how the heck was this mess going to end? I didn't get bored or feel like there was a lull as I do when reading some crime novels. If you are a fan of crime, thrillers, and/or mysteries than you will probably be okay with the content in this book that may be off-putting to those who prefer not to delve into the worlds of criminals. However, it is definitely NOT a cosy mystery like Agatha Christie's novels.
There are some red herrings scattered around in Hangman to divert your attention, as well as a somewhat joyful reunion. I did not guess ‘whodunnit’ – a good sign – and the book is set up for a sequel. I was left with many questions: Where will Blake’s line of work take him? What will happen regarding Arty? That NDA: will it haunt him?
Heath has managed to create an anti-hero who performs good deeds through helping others while living with a terrible addiction. The protagonist is not some rich, well-connected bloke – his background is slowly revealed throughout the story and explains how he got to where he is and some logic behind his personality. Blake's living conditions are a reminder of how difficult it is for those in poverty to escape the cycle and rebuild their lives due to circumstances beyond their control.
The uncorrected proof copy is 280 pages, so I managed to read it in one afternoon. I had delayed starting it for a while because most of my reading time is at night and after hearing some of the earlier marketing for this story I was worried it would give me nightmares (It didn’t – it wasn't as gruesome as some other crime/thrillers on the market).
Hangman has been compared with Dexter. I gave up reading and trying to watch Dexter, so it is a positive sign I read, and enjoyed, Hangman. Good news for those who “don’t read” – it is being transposed to screen so you can watch it if reading isn’t your “thing”.
The cover suits the genre and reflects scenes in the story; however, I have to admit when looking online the US edition’s black, white, and red colour scheme caught my eye more than the Australian one.
I like the typeface used for the US edition's book title and author's name. Although, the Australian edition does look quite nice against Lachie’s fleece…
The Verdict:
Lachie: I am willing to ignore the protagonist’s dietary habits providing he leaves lambs alone. No explosions, which was kinda disappointing, but it had other forms of action which held one’s interest.
Layla: I didn’t read it – not my kind of story. Needs to feature roses on the cover to attract my interest. The paper tasted good though… (see below image)
God-Mahh: When’s the sequel out, Jack?
4 out of 5 wags of a lamb's tail.
If anybody else has read, or reads, Hangman we would love to hear your thoughts! DM us via Instagram, or comment on the post :)
Bahh!
