The Hanging Cage

The Northminster Mysteries #4

by Harriet Smart

Summoned to the bleak market town of Whithorne in the midst of a winter storm, Major Giles Vernon and police surgeon Felix Carswell are embroiled in another challenging investigation.

A beautiful young heiress has been found dead in her bed, and although suicide seems the most likely cause, the circumstances soon point to a tangle of illicit relationships and painful secrets. As Major Vernon pursues the truth behind Annabella Barker's death, further shocking events soon unfold, including another suicide. At the same time, called in to deliver a son and heir, Carswell is drawn into the affairs of the eccentric Yardley family at Whithorne Castle, but it is no distraction from his anxieties about his troubled relationship with Sukey Connolly. Major Vernon, for his part, unexpectedly encounters an old acquaintance and is forced to question both his past and his future.

When a partial skeleton is found in a culvert, events begin to take a still darker turn, and Vernon and Carswell must pursue an unimaginable evil. As November floods threaten the bridges of Northminster itself, dangerous enemies emerge close to home and the struggle for justice becomes a matter of life and death.

The Hanging Cage is the fourth Northminster Mystery, featuring early Victorian detectives Vernon and Carswell.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Mystery Thriller

431 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2016

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, good, good! You can't help but be invested in these main characters as they solve murders and struggle with their personal demons! These mysteries capture attention!

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly excellent story. I was so very glad (cheering) when the villain was caught and dealt with. My heart breaks for Felix and Sukey, though. I hope that there might be some future story in which they will be brought together again.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to really enjoy this series of mysteries set in Victorian England, and featuring a police inspector and his physician friend and co-worker. As other reviewers have mentioned this is a particularly dark tale with truly horrendous crimes against women, but for the most part the resolution is satisfactory if a little dramatic. Unfortunately for our protagonists, the two of them seem to be once more out of luck in the romance department. But, hope springs eternal, we'll see what happens in the next installment. As always the writing is impeccable, the characters are well drawn, and the plot keeps you engaged throughout.

[Kathy Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series so far, but this effort did not hit the same note with me as the others. The plot is grim (well, this is a murder series after all), about sadistic, murderous sexual predators and the way society views women who have been raped. The lure for me in this series is the personalities of the two main characters, murder detective Major Vernon and his autopsy surgeon Felix. Both are involved in ill-fated romantic entanglements, and Felix is not his usual pugnacious self. Towards the end the author introduces what to me was an unnecessary plot line, with a German scholar of folk tales and his son.

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am hooked on this mysteries, they are easy to read and have enough plot twists to remain interesting. The fall between cozy mysteries and more serious mystery novels, good for an afternoon read. The characters continue to develop and become more complex. Very interesting to see how forensics were practiced in the 1800's, novel ways to determine things that science today can solve in short periods. I am off to order #5, like I said hooked. I love it when I find a new author who writes such an engaging series.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the story continues, this entry revolves around Major Vernon and Felix without the help of Lord Rothborough who exits the stage with wife and family for a rest in Florence. There are vile things happening to young women and at the center of this is a highly exaggerated villain of a man. Because I cared about the Major and Felix and they had some personal setbacks and trials in this 4th book, I will move on to the 5th, but with less enthusiasm.

[Brenda Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like how the characters are developing, and the story lines are interesting.

In this book, Giles Vernon and Felix Carswell meet a truly fiendish character. It is a darker story line than previous books, but it is very compelling. Also, the private lives of the two main characters keep developing and keep you interested too.

Overall a very satisfying novel.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s interesting reading this series as you can see Harriet Smart’s skill as an author improve significantly with each book. I’m enjoying the characters and the setting more with each one as well. Some issues with accuracy, to be fair, but as the series progresses they are fewer and farther between. I’d absolutely recommend to historical mystery lovers (some elements of romance as well, though no HEAs) and also say, keep reading, as the series doesn’t reach its strength until about book 3.

[Vicki Claudio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series of mysteries quite a lot so far, and have been zooming through them, but this one had a lot of over-the-top weirdness and gruesomeness that was a bit unbelievable. It seemed as if the author didn't want the book to end so she kept coming up with more and more bizarre storylines to keep it going. The scene with the bear who is pictured on the cover didn't come until almost the end, but I have to admit it was very satisfying.

[Justin Kneissler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story

The Northminster Mysteries book 4 was another enjoyable read. Giles and Felix need to deal with some brutal events and of course death is lurking here and there.

In terms of their personal lives...who knows what lies ahead

A throughly enjoyable series and book

[David donegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great return to form

I loved everything about this book!!! Great return to form and detailed character development. The mystery was the focus and it served Harriet Smart well. The minds of the perpetrators were exposed and true malevolence revealed. I can't wait to start book 5 with Giles and Felix growing together as partners.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very dark

I have read all of the books in this series in order. I did like the book very much but it is much darker than her other stories. Her characters are complex and her plots are excellent. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

[Joan M. Greenwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and interesting. I like the time period. The characters are well developed.

It's not the best book that I've ever read, but it's not bad. The relationship between the major and the doctor is well crafted.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed each of the books in this series, however, this book was more graphic and while I certainly understand these books are about murder I would have enjoyed the book more with less graphic details. Also the subject matter was disturbing.

[Kathy Holm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hanging Cage

That was an incredible reading experience!! There are three story lines going on at the same time!!..keep track because of alot of fabulous characters..then they all battle against each other..you will love it💓

[Kim Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obvious but still good

Another good outing for Major Vernon and Dr Carswell. I enjoy these books even though, so far, they have been rather obvious. The characters are likeable with faults and foibles that make them real. On to the next one.

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giles and Felix are both grieving their messy relationships even as they try to resolve horrific murders. Felix is emotionally immature, Giles is not emotionally brave, or perhaps he's grieving. Good murder mystery, gothic setting. Really like these rather awful murder mysteries.

[Mary Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

almost too much

i like Smart's books but found the trials and perils and complex male\female relationships more ponderous in this book than others.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amusing story

I liked it. The characters are drawn well. However, I thought the end rushed and disjointed. Moving on to the next in the series.

[Wynona R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

Another great read from the author I highly recommend this series. Plan on trying other of her series soon as I finish this group.

[Morris-Ken Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the time period

I love it now that him and His father are I great terms and he understands Felix situation and helps add.uk as possible with Sulcky.

[Rose Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvellous

Great ending. Could hardly wait to finish the book. Such interesting characters and so many twists and turns. Keeps the reader on their toes.

[Astrid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots and lots of editing mistakes, which is very annoying. Also, Felix's love story frustration gets plenty frustrating as the story progresses.

[Hannahlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ripping good read. Love the characters. The whole series is wonderful entertainment.

[T.A. Burke]

DNF after several pages when the writer dealt with race offensively imo. Done in a way that seemed she thought it was terribly bold to write what she did.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition to the series, but a disturbing plot.

[Terrie Norris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m amazed at all the twists and turns to the story. I like that the loose threads are all tied up in the end. I hated the many typos.

[Dee Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very gifted historical writer. All characters have unique personalities.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is the whole package. I love the time period, the characters and, the storytelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

[Michael Wojciehoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very convoluted, many characters on whose who. Eccentricity, lechers, broken hearts, love, pure evil and a bear?