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Thane and Moss #3
Leave it to the Hangman
Authentic Police Work and convincing backgrounds...from the streets of Glasgow the action shifts swiftly to a wild lonely lochside and on to a roaring climax.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1960
About the author
Bill Knox
182 books3 followersAlso wrote as Robert MacLeod (westerns), Noah Webster and Michael Kirk.
William (Bill) Knox was a Scottish author, journalist and broadcaster, best known for his crime novels and for presenting the long-running STV series Crimedesk.
Born in Glasgow, Knox became the youngest journalist for a Glasgow newspaper at age 16. He went on to report on crime, on motoring, and to become a news editor.
He began writing crime novels in the 1950s. Knox often wrote under pseudonyms, frequently for the American market. These included Michael Kirk, Robert MacLeod and Noah Webster. He published over 50 crime novels, including several series, notably the "Thane and Moss" books.
William (Bill) Knox was a Scottish author, journalist and broadcaster, best known for his crime novels and for presenting the long-running STV series Crimedesk.
Born in Glasgow, Knox became the youngest journalist for a Glasgow newspaper at age 16. He went on to report on crime, on motoring, and to become a news editor.
He began writing crime novels in the 1950s. Knox often wrote under pseudonyms, frequently for the American market. These included Michael Kirk, Robert MacLeod and Noah Webster. He published over 50 crime novels, including several series, notably the "Thane and Moss" books.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 6, 2024
I picked this up because J.D Kirk was plugging it. I became even more interested in reading the book and series after reading the forward by Kirk, that only appears in book 1, but which I think should be in each volume. I highlighted a few passages in Kirk’s introductory note from book 1, they are:
“I had been expertly drawn into the world that Bill had created, and was right there alongside detectives Thane and Moss as they carried out their investigations. I had identified with the detectives right away–the imposing Chief Inspector Colin Thane, with his no-nonsense attitude and dogged determination, and his trusty Inspector, Phil Moss, whose loyalty to his friend was second only to his worries about his grumbling ulcer. They immediately felt like real people. More than that, they felt like real Scottish men, whose evident care for one another was masked beneath gruff exchanges and barbed banter.”
“Yes, some of the terminology was different, and there was a lot less swearing in Bill’s book, but down below the surface, down where it mattered, we were both writing about good but complicated men doing their best to bring killers to justice.”
“Aside from the slight change to the title, and a few ten-thousand-word chapters being broken into shorter segments, the book you are about to read is the same one first published in 1957.”
The fact that Kirk though these books were good enough to spend some time and effort tracking down the rights and bringing them back into print indicates the quality of the writing and the power of the stories. This novel was originally published as in 1960. The description of the new edition is:
“Every family has its secrets. Some more than others.
Venture back into the shadowy heart of 1960s Scotland with this third electrifying instalment of Bill Knox's acclaimed Thane & Moss series.
Leave it to the Hangman introduces Glasgow's most notorious criminal dynasty – the Kilburns. From the murky depths of smuggling to the explosive dangers of stolen dynamite, no deed is too daring for this clan.
Yet, even in a world where lawlessness reigns, there are lines that are not meant to be crossed.
The cold-blooded murder of a policeman shocks the city. Both the police and the Kilburns themselves know that one of the family was responsible. But which one?
From the grimy streets of 1960s Glasgow to a desolate lochside, the chase leads Detectives Thane and Moss through a maze of deceit and danger. As they draw closer to the truth, they find themselves up against not just the cunning of a criminal family, but the very code that binds them.
In this gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and justice, Knox masterfully navigates the thin line between right and wrong. "Leave it to the Hangman" is a testament to the enduring legacy of Tartan Noir, showcasing Knox's unparalleled ability to weave authentic police work with the rich, atmospheric setting of Scotland's dark side.
Rediscover the thrill of the chase and the depth of Glasgow's criminal world in this gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and justice.”
So it was with great interest that I dove into this third story in this series after reading all of Kirk’s Scottish crime novels that are available to date; and having read Alex Smith’s DCI Kett novels and J.E. Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. It was fascinating to read this story set nearly a hundred years earlier. It was intriguing reading a story before cell phones, and technology that so many modern crime books and shows rely on. But back to the work at hand.
I have greatly enjoyed the characters of Thane and Moss, through these first three stories in this series. And the Irish family in this novel, reminds me of my own Irish roots, both here in Canada and back across the pond. For An Aunt visited in th 80’s and said ‘Ye nay should go home Steven you look too much like your cousins and they are mostly wanted.’ All a part of the troubles. The Irish kin in this story bring back memories of family lore and a deep seated hatred of the English.
Thane and Moss are reminiscent of DCI Logan and DI Ben Forde. The language is not as extreme as in Kirk’s books. But the team, and working to solve the case, especially after the prison escape are very written story. The characters are fascinating. Reading it, it is like being transported back in time. The story moves at a brisk pace. And the small details and clues that are worked on open up the case.
This third story leaves you wanting more. Kirk has already announced a date for book 5. Kirk is releasing them at a decent pace. And I sincerely home he sees this series and maybe other series by Knox through to publication. Reading this was in some was like watching Mike Hammer with my dad, or reading his old Ian Fleming or Robert B. Parker books. I have already recommended this series to my dad, my manager at work and a few friends. I can easily recommend this story for fans of crime fiction, historical fiction or to be honest anyone who loves a good story. But be warned it leaves you wanting more.
“I had been expertly drawn into the world that Bill had created, and was right there alongside detectives Thane and Moss as they carried out their investigations. I had identified with the detectives right away–the imposing Chief Inspector Colin Thane, with his no-nonsense attitude and dogged determination, and his trusty Inspector, Phil Moss, whose loyalty to his friend was second only to his worries about his grumbling ulcer. They immediately felt like real people. More than that, they felt like real Scottish men, whose evident care for one another was masked beneath gruff exchanges and barbed banter.”
“Yes, some of the terminology was different, and there was a lot less swearing in Bill’s book, but down below the surface, down where it mattered, we were both writing about good but complicated men doing their best to bring killers to justice.”
“Aside from the slight change to the title, and a few ten-thousand-word chapters being broken into shorter segments, the book you are about to read is the same one first published in 1957.”
The fact that Kirk though these books were good enough to spend some time and effort tracking down the rights and bringing them back into print indicates the quality of the writing and the power of the stories. This novel was originally published as in 1960. The description of the new edition is:
“Every family has its secrets. Some more than others.
Venture back into the shadowy heart of 1960s Scotland with this third electrifying instalment of Bill Knox's acclaimed Thane & Moss series.
Leave it to the Hangman introduces Glasgow's most notorious criminal dynasty – the Kilburns. From the murky depths of smuggling to the explosive dangers of stolen dynamite, no deed is too daring for this clan.
Yet, even in a world where lawlessness reigns, there are lines that are not meant to be crossed.
The cold-blooded murder of a policeman shocks the city. Both the police and the Kilburns themselves know that one of the family was responsible. But which one?
From the grimy streets of 1960s Glasgow to a desolate lochside, the chase leads Detectives Thane and Moss through a maze of deceit and danger. As they draw closer to the truth, they find themselves up against not just the cunning of a criminal family, but the very code that binds them.
In this gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and justice, Knox masterfully navigates the thin line between right and wrong. "Leave it to the Hangman" is a testament to the enduring legacy of Tartan Noir, showcasing Knox's unparalleled ability to weave authentic police work with the rich, atmospheric setting of Scotland's dark side.
Rediscover the thrill of the chase and the depth of Glasgow's criminal world in this gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and justice.”
So it was with great interest that I dove into this third story in this series after reading all of Kirk’s Scottish crime novels that are available to date; and having read Alex Smith’s DCI Kett novels and J.E. Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. It was fascinating to read this story set nearly a hundred years earlier. It was intriguing reading a story before cell phones, and technology that so many modern crime books and shows rely on. But back to the work at hand.
I have greatly enjoyed the characters of Thane and Moss, through these first three stories in this series. And the Irish family in this novel, reminds me of my own Irish roots, both here in Canada and back across the pond. For An Aunt visited in th 80’s and said ‘Ye nay should go home Steven you look too much like your cousins and they are mostly wanted.’ All a part of the troubles. The Irish kin in this story bring back memories of family lore and a deep seated hatred of the English.
Thane and Moss are reminiscent of DCI Logan and DI Ben Forde. The language is not as extreme as in Kirk’s books. But the team, and working to solve the case, especially after the prison escape are very written story. The characters are fascinating. Reading it, it is like being transported back in time. The story moves at a brisk pace. And the small details and clues that are worked on open up the case.
This third story leaves you wanting more. Kirk has already announced a date for book 5. Kirk is releasing them at a decent pace. And I sincerely home he sees this series and maybe other series by Knox through to publication. Reading this was in some was like watching Mike Hammer with my dad, or reading his old Ian Fleming or Robert B. Parker books. I have already recommended this series to my dad, my manager at work and a few friends. I can easily recommend this story for fans of crime fiction, historical fiction or to be honest anyone who loves a good story. But be warned it leaves you wanting more.
July 19, 2024
Brilliant.
Another fascinating story of police work in 1960. This time Thane and Moss are brought in to protect a convicted smuggler and arms dealer, whose father was hanged for his part in their crimes. Now someone is trying to kill the son, who has recently been moved to an open prison. The police don’t know who is after him, but the prisoner is scared, so it seems he has an idea…..
Another fascinating story of police work in 1960. This time Thane and Moss are brought in to protect a convicted smuggler and arms dealer, whose father was hanged for his part in their crimes. Now someone is trying to kill the son, who has recently been moved to an open prison. The police don’t know who is after him, but the prisoner is scared, so it seems he has an idea…..
April 27, 2024
Excellent read
Great twisty plot with very likeable characters. Written in the era the book is set it's like reading a history book. Crime before mobile phones etc. makes it all the enjoyable
Great twisty plot with very likeable characters. Written in the era the book is set it's like reading a history book. Crime before mobile phones etc. makes it all the enjoyable
April 14, 2024
Another nicely written, fast paced thriller. Easy read, I've got through three of the series in 4 days.
April 19, 2024
Another outstanding book in the series, read by the incomparable Angus King. It's funny how dated the story is with everybody smoking. I hope another book comes out!
August 5, 2024
I struggled to get into this one but once I did, I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews