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Redmond and Haze Mysteries #13
Murder of a Hangman
When a severed head is left on the steps of Newgate Prison, Lord Redmond and Inspector Haze are left with few clues to solve the murder.
Even after the victim is identified as the prison’s hangman, narrowing down the number of suspects proves difficult when the victim was responsible for dozens of deaths, leaving a long list of relatives who might have wanted revenge.
Jason and Daniel must delve into the grim world of a career hangman in order to discover who had loathed him enough to perform an execution of their own.
Even after the victim is identified as the prison’s hangman, narrowing down the number of suspects proves difficult when the victim was responsible for dozens of deaths, leaving a long list of relatives who might have wanted revenge.
Jason and Daniel must delve into the grim world of a career hangman in order to discover who had loathed him enough to perform an execution of their own.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2024
563 people are currently reading
987 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
109 books1,190 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
January 19, 2024
Having read the previous 12 books in the series prior to picking this book I anticipated liking the book and I did so. It was good to catch up with the latest in the lives of the two friends, Redmond and Haze. There is a good mix of crimes to solve, interesting problems and decisions to be made and family life that keeps things interesting. The featured murder by beheading is a puzzler, but our dynamic duo are up to it with the doc leading the way with his razor-sharp intuitiveness.
January 3, 2024
this was a sad one!
I love these characters and the story was very sad. Of course I got nothing done while reading this book!!! I could not put it down, did not figure out any part of it! I want Daniel to find happiness!!!!!
I love these characters and the story was very sad. Of course I got nothing done while reading this book!!! I could not put it down, did not figure out any part of it! I want Daniel to find happiness!!!!!
January 11, 2024
I am a big fan of the Redmond and Haze series and this one doesn't disappoint. Lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and I always enjoy the relationship between Redmond and Haze. This time, however, I felt that she had lost her way a bit with the Inspector Haze character. It would be nice for his character to be less unsure of himself after so long with Scotland Yard and for god sake give him some happiness!
January 3, 2024
Tragic.
A hangman at Newgate prison is murdered and his head left in a basket outside the prison gates. There are several suspects, some having very good reasons to kill the hangman. Now Haze and Redmond have to sort out the motives in order to find who has the most meaningful motive. Along the way, Redmond is offered a job, without really understanding why he was chosen, but Katherine explains to Jason, “no one cares about the plight of the poor, or the endless bodies pulled from the river or found in dark alleys. The police service was formed to protect the rich and powerful...”. In this book, as in all of this series, we see that your chances of happiness in life depended upon status. If you were rich or powerful, life could be so easy. If you were poor, you lived day to day, meal to meal; if you were a poor woman, any job you had could go away within seconds, for any reason. If your husband died or left, you had no-one to rely on or to support you. The author makes life in the mid-19th century come alive. You can feel the exhaustion of the young girl working endless hours from early morning until late at night in the house of someone who happens to be luckier in life than she is. And how scared she is that she might lose that job, as backbreaking as it is. I have read this entire series, and I always look forward to the next book. In fact, I put reminders in my calendar so I don't miss the next one. I can't wait.
A hangman at Newgate prison is murdered and his head left in a basket outside the prison gates. There are several suspects, some having very good reasons to kill the hangman. Now Haze and Redmond have to sort out the motives in order to find who has the most meaningful motive. Along the way, Redmond is offered a job, without really understanding why he was chosen, but Katherine explains to Jason, “no one cares about the plight of the poor, or the endless bodies pulled from the river or found in dark alleys. The police service was formed to protect the rich and powerful...”. In this book, as in all of this series, we see that your chances of happiness in life depended upon status. If you were rich or powerful, life could be so easy. If you were poor, you lived day to day, meal to meal; if you were a poor woman, any job you had could go away within seconds, for any reason. If your husband died or left, you had no-one to rely on or to support you. The author makes life in the mid-19th century come alive. You can feel the exhaustion of the young girl working endless hours from early morning until late at night in the house of someone who happens to be luckier in life than she is. And how scared she is that she might lose that job, as backbreaking as it is. I have read this entire series, and I always look forward to the next book. In fact, I put reminders in my calendar so I don't miss the next one. I can't wait.
January 8, 2024
This story had more dead ends and twists and turns than imagined!
The famous duo of Lord Redman and Inspector Haze are called to Newgate prison where a beheaded head of a Hangman was left in a basket on the steps!
Interesting angle no one inquired who might have owned the basket?
Well it took several days to find the body and it seems the former friend of the deceased hangman would be blamed! He also owed the deceased money!
But the deceased was a horrible person beyond his profession and the people betrayed did not take kindly to his level of evil!
Even when the mystery is solved it takes a deadly turn that almost cost these two their lives!
Even when one of the culprits are apprehended will they survive to be punished? Bravo well done!
The famous duo of Lord Redman and Inspector Haze are called to Newgate prison where a beheaded head of a Hangman was left in a basket on the steps!
Interesting angle no one inquired who might have owned the basket?
Well it took several days to find the body and it seems the former friend of the deceased hangman would be blamed! He also owed the deceased money!
But the deceased was a horrible person beyond his profession and the people betrayed did not take kindly to his level of evil!
Even when the mystery is solved it takes a deadly turn that almost cost these two their lives!
Even when one of the culprits are apprehended will they survive to be punished? Bravo well done!
January 10, 2024
What a read. Lord Jason Redmond, American, doctor, former Civil War officer, imprisoned at the most desolate prison in history, and Daniel Haze village constable and now Scotland Yard detective are a fascinating crime solving duo. Continuing characters, great setting, incredibly fascinating crimes, and people trying to get on in life as best they can. If you are a fan of police procedurals irregardless of the time period you are in for a treat. Always a cliff hanger which entails a bit of a wait for the next book in the series, but is well worth it. This is number thirteen. Highly recommend!
January 4, 2024
An intriguing story.
Mr. Haze and Lord Redmond have an interesting murder to solve. They follow multiple avenues of inquiry and interesting pathological findings to solve the murder. Ms. Shapiro knows how to write a story that draws you in and hanging on till the end. If you love a good mystery then this book is for you.
Mr. Haze and Lord Redmond have an interesting murder to solve. They follow multiple avenues of inquiry and interesting pathological findings to solve the murder. Ms. Shapiro knows how to write a story that draws you in and hanging on till the end. If you love a good mystery then this book is for you.
April 14, 2024
March 1869. Who would want to kill hangman Philip Hobart, and decapitate him and leave his head outside Newgate Prison. Inspector Haze and Doctor redmond investigate.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this likeable series.
(Not liters)
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this likeable series.
(Not liters)
January 12, 2026
Another good one. Daniel is called to investigate a head that was delivered to Newgate prison in a basket. The head belongs to the prison's primary hangman. Was a disgruntled family member of one of his victims to blame? Or maybe it was his hangman apprentice who wanted to climb the ladder faster? Jason says that they need to find the body to learn more about the death. As they investigate, they learn that the hangman's wife, Lucy, is already in mourning for the death of the couple's young son. She is the man's second wife and he has a son, Bram, from his first marriage. Bram is a sculptor and would have the necessary equipment to decapitate his father. But he throws suspicion onto the hangman's oldest friend, Charlie, because of an unpaid loan and when the rest of the body is found in the cellar of Charlie's pub, suspicion turns to him. Jason's autopsy of the body finds that the hangman had advanced prostate cancer and had not long to live. It was also highly unlikely that he fathered a child recently. In the end their first instinct was right and Bram was the one who beheaded his father. But he didn't kill him. Lucy killed him after her husband found out about her affair with Bram and killed their son in retribution. So Lucy killed the hangman and Bram set it up to look like he was killed by a disgruntled family member of one of his victims. In other news, Inspector Ransom offered Jason the chief inspector job, one that Jason refused. Jason helped save Ransom's wife from an ectopic pregnancy. And Mary and Liam, feared lost at sea, arrive at Jason's house after her husband was killed by the Irish mob in Boston.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2025
Death, secrets and vengeance
I loved this installment of the historical whodunit series staring Captain Jason Redmond and Inspector Daniel Haze. Like the other books in the series, it had a layered storyline, an intriguing mystery, surprising plot twists, and suspense. I was equally desperate to read it all at once to solve the mystery and also to savor it and make it last. Jason and Daniel are portrayed as real, relatable and complex people who have flaws and scars, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans. Captain Jason Redmond is an American surgeon who inherited his British grandfather’s estate and title. He is living with his wife and infant daughter in London while he teaches, volunteers at the hospital and performs autopsies for the police. Daniel Haze is a detective inspector for Scotland Yard. He is widowed and lives with his young daughter. They are good friends and their different approaches often complement each other while solving cases together. They are once again attempting to solve a difficult mystery when the severed head of the hangman is left at the gate of the prison. The investigation into the death leads Daniel and Jason to unlikely places, dead ends, plot twists, secrets, and surprising revelations. As always, there are smaller side personal story arcs and social commentary which enrich the main plot line and give the characters greater dimension. I am so happy there are more books to read in this series.
I loved this installment of the historical whodunit series staring Captain Jason Redmond and Inspector Daniel Haze. Like the other books in the series, it had a layered storyline, an intriguing mystery, surprising plot twists, and suspense. I was equally desperate to read it all at once to solve the mystery and also to savor it and make it last. Jason and Daniel are portrayed as real, relatable and complex people who have flaws and scars, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans. Captain Jason Redmond is an American surgeon who inherited his British grandfather’s estate and title. He is living with his wife and infant daughter in London while he teaches, volunteers at the hospital and performs autopsies for the police. Daniel Haze is a detective inspector for Scotland Yard. He is widowed and lives with his young daughter. They are good friends and their different approaches often complement each other while solving cases together. They are once again attempting to solve a difficult mystery when the severed head of the hangman is left at the gate of the prison. The investigation into the death leads Daniel and Jason to unlikely places, dead ends, plot twists, secrets, and surprising revelations. As always, there are smaller side personal story arcs and social commentary which enrich the main plot line and give the characters greater dimension. I am so happy there are more books to read in this series.
May 7, 2024
I have enjoyed this author's works for some time now, the Redmond and Hayes mysteries being just one of her extremely enjoyable and well written series. The author's descriptions of life in Victorian London are Dickensian in their detail. Having followed the stories of the investigations of (by now) Inspector Daniel Haze and Lord Jason Redmond, a respected American surgeon, since book 1, I've found the characters and their development through the series as interesting as the murders they investigate. The Hangman's murder has so many prospective perpetrators, it's a difficult one for Redmond and Haze and the twist in the plot makes an interesting ending. I'm looking forward to the next instalment!
January 17, 2024
Avid Reader
Will Dr. Redmond take the position that Inspector Haze would love to have? I guess we find out in the next book. Someone delivers a decapitated head of a hangman to Newgate Prison. Who was it, and why? There are four suspects, and four women in mourning. Readers have their pick of suspects. Superintendent Ransome appears almost human, and Daniel is still mopping around. It's time for him to have a life and develop some confidence. Hopefully, in the next book, he remarries and finds someone of strong, moral fiber and character. Jason's wife tells him to stop being overly responsible.
Will Dr. Redmond take the position that Inspector Haze would love to have? I guess we find out in the next book. Someone delivers a decapitated head of a hangman to Newgate Prison. Who was it, and why? There are four suspects, and four women in mourning. Readers have their pick of suspects. Superintendent Ransome appears almost human, and Daniel is still mopping around. It's time for him to have a life and develop some confidence. Hopefully, in the next book, he remarries and finds someone of strong, moral fiber and character. Jason's wife tells him to stop being overly responsible.
January 29, 2024
As usual, I enjoyed catching up with books 12 & 13 in the Redmond and Haze series. I do wish Daniel Haze would seem more independent. Jason Redmond and Daniel Haze make a great duo, but it leans a little much on Jason.
This begins with a severed head left at Newgate Prison. Direction or misdirection? Is the killer implying that the prison's hangman deserved to die? Jason and Daniel begin their investigation by trying to find about the victim's life. Their search for a motive take a number of twists.
This begins with a severed head left at Newgate Prison. Direction or misdirection? Is the killer implying that the prison's hangman deserved to die? Jason and Daniel begin their investigation by trying to find about the victim's life. Their search for a motive take a number of twists.
August 26, 2024
3.5 stars.
The head of Newgate Prison's Hangman was delivered at the front gate. Whilst Daniel is tasked with the investigation, it does appear that it was Jason who came up with all the answers. It's another victim with some very complicated family dynamics.
I was also quite apprehensive about Micah's sister Mary's whereabouts. It'll be interesting to find out what actually happened.
The head of Newgate Prison's Hangman was delivered at the front gate. Whilst Daniel is tasked with the investigation, it does appear that it was Jason who came up with all the answers. It's another victim with some very complicated family dynamics.
I was also quite apprehensive about Micah's sister Mary's whereabouts. It'll be interesting to find out what actually happened.
January 9, 2024
Excellent Read
As usual, Irina gets you super involved with her characters and the storyline. You can visualize the entire story on your head as you read it is so powerful. These books are definitely unputdownables . The characters are so relatable, and one can understand how Haze is so straight-laced, and Redmond proves to be the exact opposite with his foresight and far thinking methodologies. They got a perfect team. Thank you for yet another wonderful read.
As usual, Irina gets you super involved with her characters and the storyline. You can visualize the entire story on your head as you read it is so powerful. These books are definitely unputdownables . The characters are so relatable, and one can understand how Haze is so straight-laced, and Redmond proves to be the exact opposite with his foresight and far thinking methodologies. They got a perfect team. Thank you for yet another wonderful read.
April 28, 2024
Why so much Jason?
I get it all started with Jason coming back to the family “home” but I feel like Daniel was more important to the path they followed. Jason is smart, a lord, generous and a well of understanding. Whatever. I am over him. And I am VERY glad Katie put him in his place (that is what it felt like to me). The mystery was very sad. The path to figuring it out, ok. This was a “look at the evidence” sort of mystery. Who knows what happens next.
I get it all started with Jason coming back to the family “home” but I feel like Daniel was more important to the path they followed. Jason is smart, a lord, generous and a well of understanding. Whatever. I am over him. And I am VERY glad Katie put him in his place (that is what it felt like to me). The mystery was very sad. The path to figuring it out, ok. This was a “look at the evidence” sort of mystery. Who knows what happens next.
June 9, 2025
can’t stop reading
I really don’t know what I’ll read when I’ve gone through all of Irina Shapiro’s books. They are all addictive! Redmond and Haze are great pair of detectives that are so fun to follow along as they solve the crimes of old London. There is a lot of history to be learned as well as entertaining. I highly recommend this series as well as any of her other books available.
I really don’t know what I’ll read when I’ve gone through all of Irina Shapiro’s books. They are all addictive! Redmond and Haze are great pair of detectives that are so fun to follow along as they solve the crimes of old London. There is a lot of history to be learned as well as entertaining. I highly recommend this series as well as any of her other books available.
July 20, 2025
The twist and turns in this one was beyond me. I couldn't lock on to any suspect as the killer this time around. I kept guessing up to the last chapter. The actual killer and the motive caught me totally by surprise. This series gets better with each book. I'm not going into any details, you'll have to read this one for yourself. On to the next book which can only be super good as it is about the death of children and Jason's presence has been asked for specifically.
July 20, 2025
Good read…
I love this series. The only detraction is Daniel and his character ark. I understand he represents the attitudes of the times; but he is always flying off the handle. I sometimes skim over his chapters because his attitude annoys me to no end.
I love the relationship between Katherine and Jason. They have an understanding marriage and a mutual bond. That understanding makes for heartwarming chapters. I recommend this series and will continue to read these books.
I love this series. The only detraction is Daniel and his character ark. I understand he represents the attitudes of the times; but he is always flying off the handle. I sometimes skim over his chapters because his attitude annoys me to no end.
I love the relationship between Katherine and Jason. They have an understanding marriage and a mutual bond. That understanding makes for heartwarming chapters. I recommend this series and will continue to read these books.
October 4, 2025
A FASCINATING READ AND A HISTORICAL EASTER EGG HUNT TOO
An intriguing Victorian mystery with lots of twists and turns. What truly elevates all of Irina Shapiro's novels is the historical depth she adds. From reading this and other of her books, I've learned to search even minor details to find more. Reading on something like a "Fire" tablet is the way to get the most out of Shapiro's efforts. Looking forward to the next series.
An intriguing Victorian mystery with lots of twists and turns. What truly elevates all of Irina Shapiro's novels is the historical depth she adds. From reading this and other of her books, I've learned to search even minor details to find more. Reading on something like a "Fire" tablet is the way to get the most out of Shapiro's efforts. Looking forward to the next series.
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October 17, 2025The old adage said that time healed all wounds, but Daniel didn’t believe that. Not anymore. Some wounds went too deep to ever heal properly. They kept reopening and leaking, draining the body of vitality, and bleeding all joy from the soul. After a time, they grew a layer of scar tissue, just like the scar on Daniel’s back, where Jason had removed his kidney after he’d been stabbed, but the pain remained, even if it was a phantom pain that lived only in the mind.
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January 5, 2024Another good read
If you've read and liked other Redmond and Haze books, you'll like this one, too. The best thing about this series is the relationship between Redmond and Haze. They are two decent men from vastly different backgrounds who work together with respect and friendship. The examination of different attitudes towards the death penalty are also interesting.
If you've read and liked other Redmond and Haze books, you'll like this one, too. The best thing about this series is the relationship between Redmond and Haze. They are two decent men from vastly different backgrounds who work together with respect and friendship. The examination of different attitudes towards the death penalty are also interesting.
January 6, 2024
another great read from Irina Shapiro!
I love the Redmond and Haze series, and this one is fabulous! There are many twists and turns, along with surprises. The characters are very well written, with new insights into familiar characters from the other books. I enjoyed this one immensely!
I love the Redmond and Haze series, and this one is fabulous! There are many twists and turns, along with surprises. The characters are very well written, with new insights into familiar characters from the other books. I enjoyed this one immensely!
January 17, 2024
4.5
Another great read from Irina Shapiro! I truly hope this series never ends because it’s literally my favorite one out of all the series I read! The Redmond and Haze duo- you can’t get much better. My only critique would be the ending seemed a bit rushed, other than that, I can’t recommend this series and author enough!
Another great read from Irina Shapiro! I truly hope this series never ends because it’s literally my favorite one out of all the series I read! The Redmond and Haze duo- you can’t get much better. My only critique would be the ending seemed a bit rushed, other than that, I can’t recommend this series and author enough!
January 21, 2024
Mystery magic
It.seems forever since.I have.been captivated by characters in a a historical mystery. Normally after couple books the storylines have become the same and stale. Everyone of her books are fresh new on the edge of your seat tales. I for one can read Shaprio's books forever especially Redmond and Haze..thank you Irons for deciding to be an author!!!!
It.seems forever since.I have.been captivated by characters in a a historical mystery. Normally after couple books the storylines have become the same and stale. Everyone of her books are fresh new on the edge of your seat tales. I for one can read Shaprio's books forever especially Redmond and Haze..thank you Irons for deciding to be an author!!!!
April 10, 2025
Another mysterious murder in London.
And another opportunity for Inspector Haze to be a judgmental prude.
He’s really getting on my nerves this far along in the series. He’s uptight, ignorant and bigoted, and a man child. He’s such a whiny insufferable man. And he’s really not a good detective at all. Ugh
And another opportunity for Inspector Haze to be a judgmental prude.
He’s really getting on my nerves this far along in the series. He’s uptight, ignorant and bigoted, and a man child. He’s such a whiny insufferable man. And he’s really not a good detective at all. Ugh
January 16, 2026
Perhaps a bit better than the last book about Redmond and Haze. I wish Daniel could get a little happiness in his life again though. Then he might grow a bit of self-confidence, he sure needs it. I also hope that Jason and Katherine will still be blessed because I can't stand more misery between them all.
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
January 4, 2024
Exceptional
I have read every book in this series so far. This author, Irina Shapiro is a great writer! Her characters seem believable. I love how she keeps us guessing as to who dun it!
I will be recommending this series to my friends and family!
Read and enjoy!
I have read every book in this series so far. This author, Irina Shapiro is a great writer! Her characters seem believable. I love how she keeps us guessing as to who dun it!
I will be recommending this series to my friends and family!
Read and enjoy!
January 5, 2024
REMARKABLE
Irina Shapiro is a remarkable author! The narration brings it to life. Have read all in the series and look forward to the next book. So many twists and turns in the plot!
Irina Shapiro is a remarkable author! The narration brings it to life. Have read all in the series and look forward to the next book. So many twists and turns in the plot!
January 6, 2024
Always happy to see the development of the friendship between Redmond and Haze while engaged in solving a murder. The time period gives historical insight to life in England and the United States. The plot is intriguing, as is the portrayal of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews