The Hangman

Short review: This is a novella that fits in between books 6 and 7 but can be read as a stand alone book. The Hangman is designed as a book for adults with low reading skills. But Penny's skill as a writer really shines through in the fact that this book does not feel like a low reader book. It uses simplified vocabulary without being repetition or feeling like Gamache isn't saying what he would normally say.

The story is simplified because of length. And in general I am not a huge fan of novellas or short stories because the shorter format does not allow as much development in characters or story. But for the limitations of length, this still presents a completely story.


my not really more detailed review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/the-hangman/ ‎

I pride myself on following the clues in the books I read to their logical conclusion and for the second time Penny's killer took me by surprised. To my credit this was a shorter story so there wasn't a lot of story to go on, but still while I was reading I was questioning things and for some reason the killer's true identity alluded me!

I love her writing. I love Three Pines. Armand is a wonderful character and his supporting cast are just as delightful. The only thing I didn't love is the cover art. All of her other books have gorgeous covers and this one, while it fits the story it was kind of out of place. The story itself was too short to really get into, but a fun time filler.