What do you think?
Rate this book
Fawkes and Baxter #2
L'Appât
Votre vie ne tient qu'à un fil. Mais qui tire les ficelles ?
Entre les impressionnants piliers de granite du pont de Brooklyn, un réseau de filins d'acier quadrille l'espace. Tel un insecte pris au piège, le corps brisé de William Fawkes éclipse les premiers rayons du soleil. Un mot est gravé sur son torse mutilé : APPÂT.
Cette sinistre mise en scène n'est que la première d'une longue série. Tandis que les meurtres se succèdent de chaque côté de l'Atlantique, Emily Baxter, nouvellement promue inspecteur principal, et deux agents spéciaux américains vont devoir collaborer afin d'identifier l'architecte de cette toile diabolique...
Après son best-seller international Ragdoll, découvrez L'Appât, le nouveau thriller impitoyable de Daniel Cole.
" Daniel Cole prend le lecteur au collet. Qui, captivé, tourne les pages jusqu'à l'éreintement. " Marie Rogatien, Le Figaro Magazine, à propos de Ragdoll.
" Un scénario faustien en diable. Une réussite. " Delphine Peras, L'Express, à propos de Ragdoll.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2018
508 people are currently reading
5895 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Cole
43 books962 followersAt 33 years old, Daniel Cole has worked as a paramedic, an RSPCA officer and most recently for the RNLI, driven by an intrinsic need to save people or perhaps just a guilty conscience about the number of characters he kills off in his writing.
He has received a three-book publishing and television deal for his debut crime series which publishers and producers describe as “pulse-racing” and “exceptional”.
Daniel currently lives in sunny Bournemouth and can usually be found down the beach when he ought to be writing book two in the Nathan Wolfe series instead.
Ragdoll is his first novel.
He has received a three-book publishing and television deal for his debut crime series which publishers and producers describe as “pulse-racing” and “exceptional”.
Daniel currently lives in sunny Bournemouth and can usually be found down the beach when he ought to be writing book two in the Nathan Wolfe series instead.
Ragdoll is his first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 930 reviews
March 2, 2018
Daniel Cole brings us the sequel to Ragdoll, and it is a surefire adrenaline ride with a phenomenal body count set in New York and London. It is blackly humorous and more than a little over the top bonkers, so providing you are prepared to suspend your disbelief, then this a thrill ride of an action packed read. DCI Emily Baxter is newly promoted and believed to be responsible for the apprehension of Lethaniel Masse, the Ragdoll killer, except she wasn't, Alex Edmunds, now working in Fraud is. She is burdened by the weight of her less than truthful account of what happened and her nightmare is exacerbated when Special Agents, Elliot Curtis and Damien Rouche want to interview Masse in Belmarsh Prison after a banker, William Fawkes, in a murder-suicide in NYC connects with the Ragdoll killings. Emily's fears of the truth emerging are laid to rest after Masse is killed in spectacular circumstances.
The NYC and London killings both have the killer scarred by the word puppet and the victim with the word bait on their bodies. Baxter, the woman who is never without a scowl on her face, travels to NYC to help the FBI and NYPD track down the person responsible. With elements not welcoming her presence and determined to keep her from key evidence so that she is not seen to crack the case, Emily works with Rouche and Curtis, as they slowly becoming an tight knit team. Presented with horror after horror, the investigators rail at their inability to get closer to the truth. After a catastrophic failure to prevent a major terror attack which leaves multitudes dead, a traumatised Baxter returns to London. There are fears that a similar incident will occur here, and with the help of Rouche and Edmunds, Baxter works round the clock to prevent this as London goes on full alert.
The novel begins with Baxter being questioned about what happened in NYC and London, and yet again, as we discover what happened from start to finish, we see Baxter once again glosses over what actually happened. This is a blood drenched and macabre sequel to Ragdoll, full of tension, and utterly gripping, shot through with wit and humour. Baxter is a charismatic creation, a woman that sees the worst of humanity. Unsurprisingly she has huge trust issues, her relationship with her boyfriend, the lawyer Thomas, is fragile and she is only close to Edmunds. However, she inspires both trust and loyalty from those around her, such as Fin and Rouche, as well as Alex Edmunds. This is a brilliantly compelling read for those who are not put off by a huge body count and willing to overlook the OTT aspects of the story. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
The NYC and London killings both have the killer scarred by the word puppet and the victim with the word bait on their bodies. Baxter, the woman who is never without a scowl on her face, travels to NYC to help the FBI and NYPD track down the person responsible. With elements not welcoming her presence and determined to keep her from key evidence so that she is not seen to crack the case, Emily works with Rouche and Curtis, as they slowly becoming an tight knit team. Presented with horror after horror, the investigators rail at their inability to get closer to the truth. After a catastrophic failure to prevent a major terror attack which leaves multitudes dead, a traumatised Baxter returns to London. There are fears that a similar incident will occur here, and with the help of Rouche and Edmunds, Baxter works round the clock to prevent this as London goes on full alert.
The novel begins with Baxter being questioned about what happened in NYC and London, and yet again, as we discover what happened from start to finish, we see Baxter once again glosses over what actually happened. This is a blood drenched and macabre sequel to Ragdoll, full of tension, and utterly gripping, shot through with wit and humour. Baxter is a charismatic creation, a woman that sees the worst of humanity. Unsurprisingly she has huge trust issues, her relationship with her boyfriend, the lawyer Thomas, is fragile and she is only close to Edmunds. However, she inspires both trust and loyalty from those around her, such as Fin and Rouche, as well as Alex Edmunds. This is a brilliantly compelling read for those who are not put off by a huge body count and willing to overlook the OTT aspects of the story. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC.
June 24, 2023
3.5 generously rounded up to a 4
Writing: bangerlicious | Plot: depends on your yeetage of disbelief abilities | Ending: gucci
SYNOPSIS
A series of murders in New York and London that are seemingly connected to the Ragdoll case have Baxter shooketh.
MY OPINION
Okay before we get into it you need to know two things:
1. You absolutely 100% need to read book #1 (Ragdoll) before this one. This is saying something since IYKYK, I'm an absolute vet when it comes to jumping into a series wherever I please and still enjoying myself. I read Ragdoll in November and I was still lost af in some area. I just finished #3 (read it right after this one) and you can't be reading that one as a standalone either. There's some 'clues' for #3 in this book.
2. EXTREME yeetage of disbelief required. There's a lil interview with the author in the back of the book and he says that he writes 'cinematically' and is not confined by the restrictions of reality. There's one scene in particular where you'd be luckier to pick the winning lotto numbers than try to logic out how it's possible. This scene in particular had me giving the book a HUGE side-eye, and I probably would've rounded down if it wasn't for the author saying straight up he wasn't tryna write anything remotely realistic. Mission accomplished, Cole.
Alright, now let's get to this book. Like #1, the humour is the saving grace and the reason why I rounded it up to a 4. Cole has a way of writing genuinely funny scenes that separate this book from the pack. Sometimes I share excerpts in my reviews of good and stanklicious writing, but nothing can top this literary masterpiece:
She shrugged: 'Freaks be freakin'' LMFAOOO SHAKESPEARE WHO??? I've never read anything funnier in my life.
The major buzzkill in this book is Baxter. Despite reading #1, I legitimately have no memory of her whatsoever. I know she was there, but I don't recall her being this RUDE. Good thing Cole made it clear he wasn't tryna be realistic, because her ass would've been canned in about 5 minutes given how she speaks to everyone. She's like my arch nemesis DD Warren, but if DD woke up on the wrong side of the bed covered in cow shit. And it's not even a case where she's like Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds with a big ole super brain. All her 'breakthroughs' are served up by Edmunds (looks like he was the hero of #1 as well, according to my review). Baxter just moves through life like a stereoided out Bull in a China shop. Absolutely brutal.
I found the case interesting (again, extreme yeetage of disbelief required), and I can definitely see it working well on-screen with Gerald Butler running this way and that. While Baxter was a sore spot, Rouche made up for it with his quirky antics. Idk why but Elliot Curtis reminded me of Chelsea Arrington from The Night Agent. Anyways, all in all a fun book to get lost in but I wish Baxter had been voted off the island.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: great wit and dark humor, interesting case when you yeet your disbelief, loved Rouche's character, fast paced
Cons: BAXTER.
____________________________
For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.
Writing: bangerlicious | Plot: depends on your yeetage of disbelief abilities | Ending: gucci
SYNOPSIS
A series of murders in New York and London that are seemingly connected to the Ragdoll case have Baxter shooketh.
MY OPINION
Okay before we get into it you need to know two things:
1. You absolutely 100% need to read book #1 (Ragdoll) before this one. This is saying something since IYKYK, I'm an absolute vet when it comes to jumping into a series wherever I please and still enjoying myself. I read Ragdoll in November and I was still lost af in some area. I just finished #3 (read it right after this one) and you can't be reading that one as a standalone either. There's some 'clues' for #3 in this book.
2. EXTREME yeetage of disbelief required. There's a lil interview with the author in the back of the book and he says that he writes 'cinematically' and is not confined by the restrictions of reality. There's one scene in particular where you'd be luckier to pick the winning lotto numbers than try to logic out how it's possible. This scene in particular had me giving the book a HUGE side-eye, and I probably would've rounded down if it wasn't for the author saying straight up he wasn't tryna write anything remotely realistic. Mission accomplished, Cole.
Alright, now let's get to this book. Like #1, the humour is the saving grace and the reason why I rounded it up to a 4. Cole has a way of writing genuinely funny scenes that separate this book from the pack. Sometimes I share excerpts in my reviews of good and stanklicious writing, but nothing can top this literary masterpiece:
She shrugged: 'Freaks be freakin'' LMFAOOO SHAKESPEARE WHO??? I've never read anything funnier in my life.
The major buzzkill in this book is Baxter. Despite reading #1, I legitimately have no memory of her whatsoever. I know she was there, but I don't recall her being this RUDE. Good thing Cole made it clear he wasn't tryna be realistic, because her ass would've been canned in about 5 minutes given how she speaks to everyone. She's like my arch nemesis DD Warren, but if DD woke up on the wrong side of the bed covered in cow shit. And it's not even a case where she's like Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds with a big ole super brain. All her 'breakthroughs' are served up by Edmunds (looks like he was the hero of #1 as well, according to my review). Baxter just moves through life like a stereoided out Bull in a China shop. Absolutely brutal.
I found the case interesting (again, extreme yeetage of disbelief required), and I can definitely see it working well on-screen with Gerald Butler running this way and that. While Baxter was a sore spot, Rouche made up for it with his quirky antics. Idk why but Elliot Curtis reminded me of Chelsea Arrington from The Night Agent. Anyways, all in all a fun book to get lost in but I wish Baxter had been voted off the island.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: great wit and dark humor, interesting case when you yeet your disbelief, loved Rouche's character, fast paced
Cons: BAXTER.
____________________________
For some sick reason, do you want to hear more of my nonsense? Check out my podcast: Novels & Nonsense streaming everywhere.
June 14, 2019
Still an amazing 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on the reread! Now for Endgame....
*******
When I saw that this wasn't going to be a straight follow up to Ragdoll with Wolf in it, I was disappointed. Was I wrong? Hell yes. This is outrageously good and one of the funniest books i've read in ages. If you think that humour doesn't mix with serial murder, you are mistaken, and the proof is right here. Baxter is the Queen of snark and i'm not lying when I say this really is laugh out loud funny. I LOVE her. I'd read about her all day long; in fact, that's precisely what I did with this book. There are times where it heads into the farcical (that spider scene) but I was having so much fun that Cole could have whipped out a chorus line of serial killers dressed as schoolgirls doing the conga and I would have said: sure, ok, i'm in. There's lots of deaths and danger and thrills and all that jazz, but it's all about the characters for me.
An easy 5 stars.
And then the author hits you with that last section on top of it all....????? Bring it, Cole!
ARC via Netgalley
*******
When I saw that this wasn't going to be a straight follow up to Ragdoll with Wolf in it, I was disappointed. Was I wrong? Hell yes. This is outrageously good and one of the funniest books i've read in ages. If you think that humour doesn't mix with serial murder, you are mistaken, and the proof is right here. Baxter is the Queen of snark and i'm not lying when I say this really is laugh out loud funny. I LOVE her. I'd read about her all day long; in fact, that's precisely what I did with this book. There are times where it heads into the farcical (that spider scene) but I was having so much fun that Cole could have whipped out a chorus line of serial killers dressed as schoolgirls doing the conga and I would have said: sure, ok, i'm in. There's lots of deaths and danger and thrills and all that jazz, but it's all about the characters for me.
An easy 5 stars.
And then the author hits you with that last section on top of it all....????? Bring it, Cole!
ARC via Netgalley
March 29, 2018
Daniel Cole is back to continue his thriller series that had readers gasping at the cliffhanger ending. Riding the wave of his debut success, Cole presents this follow-up that appears to lack the intensity and grit of DS William Fawkes’ initial case. With Fawkes away and on the lam, all eyes turn to newly-promoted Detective Chief Inspector Emily Baxter. While the Ragdoll killer is safely locked away, the case lingers and everyone remains on edge. When a call come in from New York City, where a body identified as ‘William Fawkes’ has been found, Baxter agrees to travel and investigate this oddity. Before she makes it out of the country, she visits Belmarsh once more to see the Ragdoll, only to be trapped in the middle of an event that leaves him dead and Baxter significantly spooked. Upon her arrival in NYC, DCI Baxter liaises with some of the local and federal authorities as more murder scenes emerge, victims bearing ‘puppet’ and ‘bait’ inscriptions on the body. Might there be a connection to Ragdoll that’s crossed the Atlantic? Baxter is equally baffled when news from the Met reaches her that other killings of a similar style have been taking place in the UK. How can all these killers be connected without a clear threat to bind them? As Baxter continues to investigate, she follows a lead that turns the case on its head, but media outlets have chosen to broadcast it before it can be properly analysed. Might there be a central leader who has ordered these murders, as odd and unrelated as they seem? Witnesses have recounted that the killers seem almost detached from the events, leading many to wonder about some form of mind control. Religious symbolism and the talk of cultish behaviour begin to flood Baxter’s investigation, forcing her to come to terms with the fact that this might be more than just tracking down a killer, but someone who holds a handful of strings and can make followers dance on command. Cole surely has devised an interesting way to ‘string along’ the reader, though to substance of the story is not as strong as I would have hoped. Fans of the debut will likely want to take the plunge, if only to discover what Cole has planned, but all the hype this book has received is lost on me.
It is disappointing to find a writer dedicate so much of their time to a debut that skyrockets, only to find the follow-up limp along. I was captivated by Cole’s first piece and could not wait to get my hands on this one (which had been getting some great reviews), but found it fell short of the mark. The story had potential, as did the characters, but delivery of both seems to have been rushed or not cultivated enough to pique my interest. With DS Fawkes gone (spoiler alert?), the narrative pulls DCI Emily Baxter into the spotlight. She has strong ties to Fawkes, but is also trying to make a name for herself in the Met, where women are still rapping on the glass ceiling. Her energetic attitude and interest in getting dirt under her nails is unequally balanced by her desire to fill shoes that do not fit. I found myself constantly trying to like Baxter as a character and investigator, but nothing stuck for me, either in her personal or professional life. This is unfortunate, as the protagonist is the one who leads the reader along through the case at hand. A smattering of other characters on both sides of the ledger also lacked the complexity that I felt this book needed, especially with the set of crimes being offered up to the reader. I needed to feel angst and confusion as well as determination to let nothing stop justice from making its mark. Instead, I felt things kept circling the drain, hoping to find some action or sicko moment that would spring the narrative to life. Cole had all the ingredients for success, but the mix did not work for me. Others will surely agree and I can defer to them. The story had much possibility, especially utilising two venues, but fell flat and left me wanting more and needing to feel a stronger connection. Even the central mastermind became beige, leaving me wishing I had known this before rushing to seek enjoyment with this second novel. Perhaps I needed to let Ragdoll ferment before rushing into this one, but whatever it was, this did not work and I am sorry. A third novel in the series is surely a while off, so I will have time to gather my thoughts before then.
Kudos, Mr. Cole, for attempting to keep things running effectively. If you had to have a less impactful novel, thankfully it was this second, as your debut is the net that will catch you many fans. As I know your potential, I’lol likely come back for another read and hope for better things.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
It is disappointing to find a writer dedicate so much of their time to a debut that skyrockets, only to find the follow-up limp along. I was captivated by Cole’s first piece and could not wait to get my hands on this one (which had been getting some great reviews), but found it fell short of the mark. The story had potential, as did the characters, but delivery of both seems to have been rushed or not cultivated enough to pique my interest. With DS Fawkes gone (spoiler alert?), the narrative pulls DCI Emily Baxter into the spotlight. She has strong ties to Fawkes, but is also trying to make a name for herself in the Met, where women are still rapping on the glass ceiling. Her energetic attitude and interest in getting dirt under her nails is unequally balanced by her desire to fill shoes that do not fit. I found myself constantly trying to like Baxter as a character and investigator, but nothing stuck for me, either in her personal or professional life. This is unfortunate, as the protagonist is the one who leads the reader along through the case at hand. A smattering of other characters on both sides of the ledger also lacked the complexity that I felt this book needed, especially with the set of crimes being offered up to the reader. I needed to feel angst and confusion as well as determination to let nothing stop justice from making its mark. Instead, I felt things kept circling the drain, hoping to find some action or sicko moment that would spring the narrative to life. Cole had all the ingredients for success, but the mix did not work for me. Others will surely agree and I can defer to them. The story had much possibility, especially utilising two venues, but fell flat and left me wanting more and needing to feel a stronger connection. Even the central mastermind became beige, leaving me wishing I had known this before rushing to seek enjoyment with this second novel. Perhaps I needed to let Ragdoll ferment before rushing into this one, but whatever it was, this did not work and I am sorry. A third novel in the series is surely a while off, so I will have time to gather my thoughts before then.
Kudos, Mr. Cole, for attempting to keep things running effectively. If you had to have a less impactful novel, thankfully it was this second, as your debut is the net that will catch you many fans. As I know your potential, I’lol likely come back for another read and hope for better things.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
August 20, 2018
Hangman by Daniel Cole is a dark gritty novel that gets you in from start to finish the pacing is right up there & the characters are well written, the conjecture between Emily Baxter & her new partner Rouche was utter magic they really stood by each other no matter what both had each others backs. There are new characters introduced as well as old I loved every nimute it is over the top at times but that made it just more entertaining.
You see Baxter's soft side especially when one of her own who is like a father to her gets killed this spurs Rouche Edmunds who is now head of another department gets involved the plot really takes shape put together a unlikeable character Lethanial Lamasse the ragdoll killer & Dominic Burrell or (bouncer) as he is known & you have an awesome police procedural, Baxter & Rouche are looking into multiple murders with PUPPET or BAIT carved into their bodies its quite hideous & dark but enjoyable but when both Lamasse & Burrell are found dead Burrell hanging from the prison rafters then one of their own Detective Robert Kennedy is murdered Baxter tells Rouche & Edmunds they could be related its takes them to a new height into what is going on . This is macabre at its best so if you love dark gritty police procedurals this is for you. There is a lot of twists & turns that will keep you guessing & so many questions that need answering.
You see Baxter's soft side especially when one of her own who is like a father to her gets killed this spurs Rouche Edmunds who is now head of another department gets involved the plot really takes shape put together a unlikeable character Lethanial Lamasse the ragdoll killer & Dominic Burrell or (bouncer) as he is known & you have an awesome police procedural, Baxter & Rouche are looking into multiple murders with PUPPET or BAIT carved into their bodies its quite hideous & dark but enjoyable but when both Lamasse & Burrell are found dead Burrell hanging from the prison rafters then one of their own Detective Robert Kennedy is murdered Baxter tells Rouche & Edmunds they could be related its takes them to a new height into what is going on . This is macabre at its best so if you love dark gritty police procedurals this is for you. There is a lot of twists & turns that will keep you guessing & so many questions that need answering.
May 22, 2018
In a very brave move on the part of the author this book is written entirely about only one member of the series title. Baxter carries the whole story, with the help of a cast of characters some old some new, and Wolf (Fawkes) is off somewhere on the run. At first I must admit I missed him but once things hot up there is no time to worry about individuals!
Baxter has a new temporary partner in Rouche who is suitably strange and matches her for black humour. As was the case in Ragdoll the book needs to be a movie. It is solid action and very visual, and also very brutal and gory in parts. When things get too black then the author inserts a humorous incident or conversation between various characters.
This is an excellent and gripping read, not quite as good as the first book but that may be due to the absence of Wolf. It seems he may be back in the next one. Fingers crossed.
Baxter has a new temporary partner in Rouche who is suitably strange and matches her for black humour. As was the case in Ragdoll the book needs to be a movie. It is solid action and very visual, and also very brutal and gory in parts. When things get too black then the author inserts a humorous incident or conversation between various characters.
This is an excellent and gripping read, not quite as good as the first book but that may be due to the absence of Wolf. It seems he may be back in the next one. Fingers crossed.
December 8, 2018
Hangman is one heck of a book. I admit I must be living under a rock or something because I have not read Daniel Cole's first in this series, the ever popular Ragdoll. Let me tell you this certainly can be read as a stand alone. The author does a fantastic job of filling in the blanks and getting you up to speed.
Chief Inspector Emily Baxter and Special Agent Rouche are defiantly the stars of this show. These two will do anything to crack this case. I do mean anything. You will know what I mean when you get to the part that clearly shows how dedicated they are. WOW, I actually cringed and felt a bit queasy. The author did an amazing job of making me feel I was right there at that moment.
Victim after victim is left for dead, branded with either the words Puppet or Bait carved into their flesh on their chest. Strung from rafters in buildings, suspended on cables above streets. Baxter questions if these are copycat murders of the ever so famous case she cracked with Wolf (whom by the way is not in this book!) Or is this something else?
This book was admittedly my first Daniel Cole book and I literally gasped about a million times. This book is shocking and disturbing, but oh so good! Not many authors have such a knack for literally transporting you into the book with such graphic details. I felt like I was at the crime scene with Baxter and Rouche and trust me that is pretty creepy!
I guarantee this book will have you flipping the pages as fast as you can. With the intense scenes and gritty humor it made for a fantastic read. Throw in a shocking twist at the end and wow! Good news is this is a trilogy people! I defiantly have to go back and read Ragdoll and I can't wait to see what Cole has in store for us with his next book.
Chief Inspector Emily Baxter and Special Agent Rouche are defiantly the stars of this show. These two will do anything to crack this case. I do mean anything. You will know what I mean when you get to the part that clearly shows how dedicated they are. WOW, I actually cringed and felt a bit queasy. The author did an amazing job of making me feel I was right there at that moment.
Victim after victim is left for dead, branded with either the words Puppet or Bait carved into their flesh on their chest. Strung from rafters in buildings, suspended on cables above streets. Baxter questions if these are copycat murders of the ever so famous case she cracked with Wolf (whom by the way is not in this book!) Or is this something else?
This book was admittedly my first Daniel Cole book and I literally gasped about a million times. This book is shocking and disturbing, but oh so good! Not many authors have such a knack for literally transporting you into the book with such graphic details. I felt like I was at the crime scene with Baxter and Rouche and trust me that is pretty creepy!
I guarantee this book will have you flipping the pages as fast as you can. With the intense scenes and gritty humor it made for a fantastic read. Throw in a shocking twist at the end and wow! Good news is this is a trilogy people! I defiantly have to go back and read Ragdoll and I can't wait to see what Cole has in store for us with his next book.
March 17, 2018
3.5 stars
Sooo….book #2. A daunting task, particularly when the first one was a huge hit. But this author really upped the ante by leaving out his popular MC William “Wolf” Fawkes & switching the focus to another character.
That would be DCI Emily Baxter. She worked the Ragdoll case with Fawkes & is still reeling from the fallout. To make matters worse, her professional life is a nightmare. Fawkes is AWOL, former colleague Edmunds transferred to Fraud & she got promoted. She just wants to forget it ever happened but it seems the universe has other plans.
FBI Agents Curtis & Rouche land on her doorstep with news of a copycat murder in the US. It’s a double homicide designed to attract maximum attention & they want her help. They don’t know it yet but it will be the first of many in New York & London as they join forces to find the mastermind behind the carnage.
So here’s the deal. I loved Ragdoll. From the first page, I was firmly in its grip & became seriously cranky if interrupted. Alas, I can’t say the same about this one. I think part of the reason was how much I enjoyed the black humour served up by Fawkes’ character. It gave the reader little moments of humorous relief from the grisly tension & I keenly missed his presence here.
Baxter is a compelling character but she’s also a physical & emotional hot mess. I desperately wanted to take Thomas (her doormat…er…boyfriend) out for a chat over a pint. She & Rouche spend the majority of their time haring around New York & London as a legion of bodies pop up on both sides of the pond like some macabre game of Whack-a-Mole. Bruised & bloody from multiple attacks, it’s defies belief they’re even breathing let alone leading a multi-agency manhunt.
One thing that hasn’t changed is Cole’s ability to come up with new & inventive ways for people to die. Practice your “ewwww”…you’re gonna need it. I was happy to see Edmunds return & enjoyed his input as Baxter secretly keeps him in the loop. But i just didn’t find Baxter to be fleshed out or layered enough to be the star of the show. Without a strong MC to hang the story on, it became a succession of frenzied action sequences until the final chapters revealed all.
As always, it depends on what keeps you turning the pages. For me there was a certain spark or something that was missing. But if you’re a fan of full on action, grab this & settle in for a fast paced read.
Sooo….book #2. A daunting task, particularly when the first one was a huge hit. But this author really upped the ante by leaving out his popular MC William “Wolf” Fawkes & switching the focus to another character.
That would be DCI Emily Baxter. She worked the Ragdoll case with Fawkes & is still reeling from the fallout. To make matters worse, her professional life is a nightmare. Fawkes is AWOL, former colleague Edmunds transferred to Fraud & she got promoted. She just wants to forget it ever happened but it seems the universe has other plans.
FBI Agents Curtis & Rouche land on her doorstep with news of a copycat murder in the US. It’s a double homicide designed to attract maximum attention & they want her help. They don’t know it yet but it will be the first of many in New York & London as they join forces to find the mastermind behind the carnage.
So here’s the deal. I loved Ragdoll. From the first page, I was firmly in its grip & became seriously cranky if interrupted. Alas, I can’t say the same about this one. I think part of the reason was how much I enjoyed the black humour served up by Fawkes’ character. It gave the reader little moments of humorous relief from the grisly tension & I keenly missed his presence here.
Baxter is a compelling character but she’s also a physical & emotional hot mess. I desperately wanted to take Thomas (her doormat…er…boyfriend) out for a chat over a pint. She & Rouche spend the majority of their time haring around New York & London as a legion of bodies pop up on both sides of the pond like some macabre game of Whack-a-Mole. Bruised & bloody from multiple attacks, it’s defies belief they’re even breathing let alone leading a multi-agency manhunt.
One thing that hasn’t changed is Cole’s ability to come up with new & inventive ways for people to die. Practice your “ewwww”…you’re gonna need it. I was happy to see Edmunds return & enjoyed his input as Baxter secretly keeps him in the loop. But i just didn’t find Baxter to be fleshed out or layered enough to be the star of the show. Without a strong MC to hang the story on, it became a succession of frenzied action sequences until the final chapters revealed all.
As always, it depends on what keeps you turning the pages. For me there was a certain spark or something that was missing. But if you’re a fan of full on action, grab this & settle in for a fast paced read.
March 20, 2024
Another dark and twisted novel from Daniel Cole! A huge twist at the end and the beginning chapter really threw a curve ball for the rest of the book!
Cannot wait to read the third one and see how this series ends!
Cannot wait to read the third one and see how this series ends!
January 9, 2018
Ha ha I LOVED this again. Despite the strangely ridiculous storylines both this and Ragdoll are WILDLY entertaining. Everything you want when you like a rather dark edge to your reading but also want to have a giggle. Hangman was very vividly dark, but also occasionally laugh out loud funny. The hotel room and the spider…I’m just saying.
I can’t give it anything less than a highly recommended tag because I banged through it, grasshopper on acid fashion, both laughing and grimacing along the way. Also because that last line…
Anyone waiting to see Wolf again will have to wait a little longer as this one is ALL about Emily (and Rouche who I ADORED) and a rather dastardly plot. The death scenes and “set pieces” in Hangman are brilliantly done, racketing up the tension to the highest degree, interspersed with some genuinely hilarious moments to give you the chance to settle a little before we are off again.
It is often jaw droppingly horrifying, which is something else I love about it, descriptively speaking it hits hard in all the right places. Is it far fetched? Yes obviously a bit, but while you are in it, it feels very very real. It does read like a movie and I hope one day it IS a movie – there’s a scene in a church that would definitely have me watching from behind a cushion and firmly ensconced under my axe proof duvet.
Sometimes you just want to rock along to a book, let the world go and envelop yourself into a rollicking good tale. Daniel Cole writes books that you can rock along to….
So, therefore, Highly Recommended. Not for the faint of heart!
I can’t give it anything less than a highly recommended tag because I banged through it, grasshopper on acid fashion, both laughing and grimacing along the way. Also because that last line…
Anyone waiting to see Wolf again will have to wait a little longer as this one is ALL about Emily (and Rouche who I ADORED) and a rather dastardly plot. The death scenes and “set pieces” in Hangman are brilliantly done, racketing up the tension to the highest degree, interspersed with some genuinely hilarious moments to give you the chance to settle a little before we are off again.
It is often jaw droppingly horrifying, which is something else I love about it, descriptively speaking it hits hard in all the right places. Is it far fetched? Yes obviously a bit, but while you are in it, it feels very very real. It does read like a movie and I hope one day it IS a movie – there’s a scene in a church that would definitely have me watching from behind a cushion and firmly ensconced under my axe proof duvet.
Sometimes you just want to rock along to a book, let the world go and envelop yourself into a rollicking good tale. Daniel Cole writes books that you can rock along to….
So, therefore, Highly Recommended. Not for the faint of heart!
March 21, 2018
I had really high hopes for this book as Ragdoll was one of my favourite books of last year. It took me a chapter to get into the story but after that it didn't disappoint.
In my review of Ragdoll I wondered how they were going to continue after the conclusion of that book and the answer was to focus on Emily Baxter. William Fawkes is barely mentioned throughout and so we have a whole new cast of characters as the book flips between London & New York.
We have crazed killers, mysterious cult leaders and a lot of buildings being blown up. I'm never happier as a reader than when the author throws the whole kitchen sink into the story. As long as the end ties everything up the more outlandish the story the better. And I was not disappointed.
It's a real roller-coaster and although the twist when it came was a bit obvious and had been foreshadowed earlier I still enjoyed it and looked forward to where the reveal would take me.
Definitely emerging as one of my new favourite authors. I really enjoyed this and would recommend.
Free arc from netgalley
In my review of Ragdoll I wondered how they were going to continue after the conclusion of that book and the answer was to focus on Emily Baxter. William Fawkes is barely mentioned throughout and so we have a whole new cast of characters as the book flips between London & New York.
We have crazed killers, mysterious cult leaders and a lot of buildings being blown up. I'm never happier as a reader than when the author throws the whole kitchen sink into the story. As long as the end ties everything up the more outlandish the story the better. And I was not disappointed.
It's a real roller-coaster and although the twist when it came was a bit obvious and had been foreshadowed earlier I still enjoyed it and looked forward to where the reveal would take me.
Definitely emerging as one of my new favourite authors. I really enjoyed this and would recommend.
Free arc from netgalley
December 22, 2021
Set in a Flashback in 2015 18 months after Ragdoll who is now prisoner. This a sequel & it's not because it is a different person - DCI Emily Baxter & Agents Curtis female & Rouche male a Mulder & Scully style FBI because part is in New York & part in London were police are murdered BAIT & PUPPET is carved into there chests.
My first thing I don't like about this is you CANNOT READ THIS WITHOUT READING RAGDOLL as the name of the murder in Ragdoll is in this .
This good but isn't as good as the first one & as yet I don't get the title.
This has lot more murders in it but it still has not got the grip that Ragdoll had & lot of it is set in US than the UK.
This is crossover book April to May .The copy I have has a different cover too. Boring one of dirty white with blood stained string raped around it.
As get near to Royal wedding while read this heard of a Hotel in New York that is offering $58,810 weekend dinner party all in Inc Union. Jack free condoms! Which just goes to show how blood stupid Americans are that and idea of giving Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize two reasons that prove he should not of set this in The USA when hotels cost $58,810 a room & give condoms with Union Jack Spoils the feel of this Makes it joke of it all.
Now when I think of Hangman I think of what happened as I read it.
This advertised as William Fawkes #2 but he is only in it for 1-2 pages this would been better if removed all Ragdoll references & just left Ragdoll as one off & this as another one off but no very silly it's neither one thing or other & makes me wonder what the next so called volume 3 will be advatised for next May that must be writing.
Look out for The Mark Gatiss joke.
I still think Puppet would been much better title. See you May 2019
My first thing I don't like about this is you CANNOT READ THIS WITHOUT READING RAGDOLL as the name of the murder in Ragdoll is in this .
This good but isn't as good as the first one & as yet I don't get the title.
This has lot more murders in it but it still has not got the grip that Ragdoll had & lot of it is set in US than the UK.
This is crossover book April to May .The copy I have has a different cover too. Boring one of dirty white with blood stained string raped around it.
As get near to Royal wedding while read this heard of a Hotel in New York that is offering $58,810 weekend dinner party all in Inc Union. Jack free condoms! Which just goes to show how blood stupid Americans are that and idea of giving Donald Trump the Nobel Peace Prize two reasons that prove he should not of set this in The USA when hotels cost $58,810 a room & give condoms with Union Jack Spoils the feel of this Makes it joke of it all.
Now when I think of Hangman I think of what happened as I read it.
This advertised as William Fawkes #2 but he is only in it for 1-2 pages this would been better if removed all Ragdoll references & just left Ragdoll as one off & this as another one off but no very silly it's neither one thing or other & makes me wonder what the next so called volume 3 will be advatised for next May that must be writing.
Look out for The Mark Gatiss joke.
I still think Puppet would been much better title. See you May 2019
March 20, 2018
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
I was so excited to read the follow up to the hugely successful Ragdoll - and Hangman, the second in the Detective William Fawkes series, definitely doesn't disappoint! Much like the first, it's a rollercoaster of a ride of tension, mystery and general craziness as the focus turns to Baxter this time, and a string of gory murders in the US which have worryingly familiar elements to them...
I have to say, at first I was a little worried that I wouldn't get to read about Fawkes, who I loved in the last book - however, Baxter more than makes up for it, truly shining with her cutting comments and no-nonsense attitude. I absolutely loved reading about her, and some new characters to add to the mix in Curtis and Rouche who, although very different to Baxter, is another brilliant character who kept me wanting to read on. The characters are really what makes this story such addictive reading; that mixed with brilliant humorous scenes (with a heavy dose of black humour, which I loved) and fantastic situations (some completely crazy and unbelievable, but who cares?) which kept me laughing throughout. It may have even beaten Ragdoll for me (no mean feat!), as I felt like I had more of a grasp on what was going on in this novel - well, to some extent - there was plenty to craziness to keep track of!
I'd forgotten how brilliantly entertaining Daniel Cole's writing is, and Hangman left me desperately wanting more - that ending too! Bring on book 3 (and quickly, please!).
* Many thanks to Orion for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review. *
I was so excited to read the follow up to the hugely successful Ragdoll - and Hangman, the second in the Detective William Fawkes series, definitely doesn't disappoint! Much like the first, it's a rollercoaster of a ride of tension, mystery and general craziness as the focus turns to Baxter this time, and a string of gory murders in the US which have worryingly familiar elements to them...
I have to say, at first I was a little worried that I wouldn't get to read about Fawkes, who I loved in the last book - however, Baxter more than makes up for it, truly shining with her cutting comments and no-nonsense attitude. I absolutely loved reading about her, and some new characters to add to the mix in Curtis and Rouche who, although very different to Baxter, is another brilliant character who kept me wanting to read on. The characters are really what makes this story such addictive reading; that mixed with brilliant humorous scenes (with a heavy dose of black humour, which I loved) and fantastic situations (some completely crazy and unbelievable, but who cares?) which kept me laughing throughout. It may have even beaten Ragdoll for me (no mean feat!), as I felt like I had more of a grasp on what was going on in this novel - well, to some extent - there was plenty to craziness to keep track of!
I'd forgotten how brilliantly entertaining Daniel Cole's writing is, and Hangman left me desperately wanting more - that ending too! Bring on book 3 (and quickly, please!).
* Many thanks to Orion for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review. *
March 21, 2018
I loved Ragdoll, the first book in this series, so I was delighted to be able to read and review Hangman. I had been dying to read it from the moment I finished Ragdoll, and its safe to say it was worth the wait. Hangman was just as good, if not better.
Focusing on DCI Emily Baxter in this one, she’s called to investigate a copycat murder. A body found hanging, with BAIT carved into its chest, in America. When another body turns up, this time with PUPPET carved into the chest, it becomes a race against time to decipher the message as the body count rises on both sides of the Atlantic.
Hangman is such a clever thriller. I absolutely flew through it because I was so caught up in the characters and the investigation that I just had to keep reading to find out what was going on.
Daniel Cole has a knack for writing serial killer thrillers, and he showcases it brilliantly i these books. They are addictive, thrilling and so utterly absorbing that you just have to keep going until the very end.
If you like twisted killers, great characters and a cracking plot then add Hangman to your TBR as soon as possible, you won’t regret it.
Highly recommended!
Focusing on DCI Emily Baxter in this one, she’s called to investigate a copycat murder. A body found hanging, with BAIT carved into its chest, in America. When another body turns up, this time with PUPPET carved into the chest, it becomes a race against time to decipher the message as the body count rises on both sides of the Atlantic.
Hangman is such a clever thriller. I absolutely flew through it because I was so caught up in the characters and the investigation that I just had to keep reading to find out what was going on.
Daniel Cole has a knack for writing serial killer thrillers, and he showcases it brilliantly i these books. They are addictive, thrilling and so utterly absorbing that you just have to keep going until the very end.
If you like twisted killers, great characters and a cracking plot then add Hangman to your TBR as soon as possible, you won’t regret it.
Highly recommended!
April 21, 2021
So, I was confused about ‘Ragdoll’ when reviewed it back on March 18th, a month on and decided to read Book 2, I am no longer confused, with the experience of ‘Ragdoll’ I now ‘get’ the author and no more am I uncertain of his rye observations, cruel character traits and black dark humour but embrace it and enjoyed it
And I love Emily Baxter, the main lead in the trilogy, a book character definitely that you need to ‘grow to love’ but when, about half way through, I suddenly thought ‘ she is ace’ that was it, hooked
The story is tenser, nastier, more graphic this time yet related to events we all know and many experienced and I thought the story less meandering and more ‘followable’
A hair raising ending via a chase to ‘save London’ at the end and an epilogue that anyone who has read the 1st will have expected and I can see now why this is to be a TV series
I am so glad decided to read this 2nd book and wont be too long until read Book 3 and this the authors soon to be published stand alone
9/10
5 Stars
And I love Emily Baxter, the main lead in the trilogy, a book character definitely that you need to ‘grow to love’ but when, about half way through, I suddenly thought ‘ she is ace’ that was it, hooked
The story is tenser, nastier, more graphic this time yet related to events we all know and many experienced and I thought the story less meandering and more ‘followable’
A hair raising ending via a chase to ‘save London’ at the end and an epilogue that anyone who has read the 1st will have expected and I can see now why this is to be a TV series
I am so glad decided to read this 2nd book and wont be too long until read Book 3 and this the authors soon to be published stand alone
9/10
5 Stars
May 29, 2018
2.5 stars maybe.. it started off really good but it just dragged on and I got bored and ended up not caring! i loved book 1 so I am really disappointed by this one. Just didnt keep me interested.. even with the horrifically gruesome murders
February 5, 2018
Knapp ein Jahr ist es her, dass ich den ersten Teil „Ragdoll“ gelesen habe und ich habe mich sehr auf die Fortsetzung gefreut. Klappentext und Cover haben bereits im Vorfeld überzeugt, besonders das Cover fand ich hier sehr gelungen.
In „Hangman“ begleiten wir Chief Inspector Baxter, die von London nach New York beordert wird, denn eine grausam zugerichtete Leiche erinnert alle Beteiligten an die Ragdoll-Morde. Baxter soll hier nun zusammen mit dem FBI und CIA den Fall aufklären. Schnell überschlagen sich die Ereignisse, denn nicht nur in New York werden Leichen gefunden…
Ich muss gestehen, dass mir der Einstieg etwas schwer gefallen ist, denn obwohl ich den Vorgänger vor nicht mal einem Jahr gelesen habe, ist scheinbar nicht viel hängen geblieben. Ich erinnerte mich zwar, dass ich das Buch insgesamt toll fand, jedoch waren mir viele Dinge entfallen.
Da die Ereignisse aus „Ragdoll“ immer mal wieder aufgegriffen werden und vor allem wie alles ausging, konnte ich mich nach einiger Zeit besser in die Story einfinden. Gerade an Baxter konnte ich mich kaum erinnern, obwohl sie nun in Teil 2 definitiv einen bleibenden Eindruck hinterlassen hat. Baxter kommt sehr unfreundlich rüber und hat eine sehr ruppige Art an sich, die es einem schwer macht, sie zu mögen.
Insgesamt fand ich die Story einigermaßen schlüssig erzählt, es gab viele Verstrickungen, jedoch ohne zu konstruiert zu wirken. Der Thriller enthält wieder mal eine gehörige Portion Action, baut diese Szenen aber so ein, dass sie nicht zu stumpf wirken. Die Szenen, in denen es spannend wurde waren allesamt sehr gut beschrieben, so dass man sich die Geschehnisse gut ausmalen konnte.
Die letztliche Auflösung, warum alles so passiert wie es passiert, fand ich etwas unkreativ. Hier muss ich sagen, dass mir das nicht so gut gefallen hat. „Ragdoll“ fand ich auch vom Fall selbst her etwas interessanter als „Hangman“. Insgesamt ist „Hangman“ ein recht solider Thriller, der sicherlich einige überzeugen kann. Meine Begeisterung ist etwas verhalten, da ich den Vorgänger einfach ein wenig spannender und rasanter fand.
In „Hangman“ begleiten wir Chief Inspector Baxter, die von London nach New York beordert wird, denn eine grausam zugerichtete Leiche erinnert alle Beteiligten an die Ragdoll-Morde. Baxter soll hier nun zusammen mit dem FBI und CIA den Fall aufklären. Schnell überschlagen sich die Ereignisse, denn nicht nur in New York werden Leichen gefunden…
Ich muss gestehen, dass mir der Einstieg etwas schwer gefallen ist, denn obwohl ich den Vorgänger vor nicht mal einem Jahr gelesen habe, ist scheinbar nicht viel hängen geblieben. Ich erinnerte mich zwar, dass ich das Buch insgesamt toll fand, jedoch waren mir viele Dinge entfallen.
Da die Ereignisse aus „Ragdoll“ immer mal wieder aufgegriffen werden und vor allem wie alles ausging, konnte ich mich nach einiger Zeit besser in die Story einfinden. Gerade an Baxter konnte ich mich kaum erinnern, obwohl sie nun in Teil 2 definitiv einen bleibenden Eindruck hinterlassen hat. Baxter kommt sehr unfreundlich rüber und hat eine sehr ruppige Art an sich, die es einem schwer macht, sie zu mögen.
Insgesamt fand ich die Story einigermaßen schlüssig erzählt, es gab viele Verstrickungen, jedoch ohne zu konstruiert zu wirken. Der Thriller enthält wieder mal eine gehörige Portion Action, baut diese Szenen aber so ein, dass sie nicht zu stumpf wirken. Die Szenen, in denen es spannend wurde waren allesamt sehr gut beschrieben, so dass man sich die Geschehnisse gut ausmalen konnte.
Die letztliche Auflösung, warum alles so passiert wie es passiert, fand ich etwas unkreativ. Hier muss ich sagen, dass mir das nicht so gut gefallen hat. „Ragdoll“ fand ich auch vom Fall selbst her etwas interessanter als „Hangman“. Insgesamt ist „Hangman“ ein recht solider Thriller, der sicherlich einige überzeugen kann. Meine Begeisterung ist etwas verhalten, da ich den Vorgänger einfach ein wenig spannender und rasanter fand.
May 9, 2018
2.5*
I absolutely loved Ragdoll. The humor, the quick fast paced writing, Wolfs character and the trills. I feel like this was just missing everything that hooked me in book 1. Wolf isnt the main character, and Emily becomes the main focus with crimes in both NYC/London. The crimes are just as gruesome, the writing just as easy to read, however the plot just felt a little meh. It just didnt work for me. The humour was still there. I feel like Cole knows that he's writing a novel thats over the top and includes this black humour writing style throughout that works well for his style of story. Cant quite put my finger on what it was but just didnt engage me as well. I guess having a change in main character could be the main factor.
I absolutely loved Ragdoll. The humor, the quick fast paced writing, Wolfs character and the trills. I feel like this was just missing everything that hooked me in book 1. Wolf isnt the main character, and Emily becomes the main focus with crimes in both NYC/London. The crimes are just as gruesome, the writing just as easy to read, however the plot just felt a little meh. It just didnt work for me. The humour was still there. I feel like Cole knows that he's writing a novel thats over the top and includes this black humour writing style throughout that works well for his style of story. Cant quite put my finger on what it was but just didnt engage me as well. I guess having a change in main character could be the main factor.
June 26, 2023
Em 2017, li e gostei do livro de estreia de Daniel Cole, intitulado Boneca de Trapos, o primeiro livro da série Fawkes and Baxter. No entanto, acabei por me esquecer do autor ao longo dos últimos seis anos. Foi apenas há alguns dias que me deparei com o segundo livro e senti vontade de dar continuidade à série.
Do livro 1, só tinha recordações vagas. O Wolf era uma personagem que ou se adora ou se odeia, e não tinha gostado particularmente da agente Baxter. A minha personagem favorita tinha sido o detective Edmunds, talvez por isso as primeiras páginas foram um pouco penosas para me recordar dos detalhes.
Há assassinatos para todos os gostos, desde homicídios aos pares até assassinatos em massa. Não me lembro de um livro com uma quantidade tão grande de mortes.
A leitura foi um pouco confusa, com demasiadas personagens e sempre algo a acontecer.
Achei completamente desnecessária a parte passada em Nova Iorque e pouco verosímeis as partes em que a Baxter e o Rouche, já completamente ensanguentados e feridos, conseguem levantar-se e continuar com as perseguições.
Quanto ao humor, ainda está presente, mas em doses mais reduzidas.
O Wolf e o Edmunds têm uma participação limitada neste livro e continuo sem gostar da Baxter, mas vou ler o último da série, só espero que não seja daqui a 6 anos.
Do livro 1, só tinha recordações vagas. O Wolf era uma personagem que ou se adora ou se odeia, e não tinha gostado particularmente da agente Baxter. A minha personagem favorita tinha sido o detective Edmunds, talvez por isso as primeiras páginas foram um pouco penosas para me recordar dos detalhes.
Há assassinatos para todos os gostos, desde homicídios aos pares até assassinatos em massa. Não me lembro de um livro com uma quantidade tão grande de mortes.
A leitura foi um pouco confusa, com demasiadas personagens e sempre algo a acontecer.
Achei completamente desnecessária a parte passada em Nova Iorque e pouco verosímeis as partes em que a Baxter e o Rouche, já completamente ensanguentados e feridos, conseguem levantar-se e continuar com as perseguições.
Quanto ao humor, ainda está presente, mas em doses mais reduzidas.
O Wolf e o Edmunds têm uma participação limitada neste livro e continuo sem gostar da Baxter, mas vou ler o último da série, só espero que não seja daqui a 6 anos.
July 7, 2018
4.5/5
I guess this is the summer of highly anticipated series for me, I feel like I’ve read several second installments lately and they’ve all lived up to their predecessors, which is always so fantastic! Ragdoll was the first book and it absolutely blew me away, from it’s gripping prologue to it’s massive cliffhanger ending, I loved every single page. So if you haven’t read the first book, I highly recommended it and then you won’t have long to wait to read this one.
This book had a slightly different feel to it than the last one and I think it’s mostly due to the fact that things are not told via Wolf’s point of view at all. This is Emily’s story to tell and as much as I love Wolf, I have room in my heart for a character as complex as Emily Baxter. It’s set internationally as she finds herself in New York City when a case in London has ties there. This was one complicated investigation that has her working alongside both the FBI and the CIA and introduced some fantastic new characters that added more depth to an already deep story.
While there were some exciting differences the same sarcastic sense of humor was present as was a very dark, gritty plot and writing style. Cole is a really intelligent writer and he creates these insanely intricate and harrowing storylines that shock and awe in equal measure. The ending blew my mind and now I’m desperate for the next book, as much as I love cliffhanger endings it’s SO hard to wait!
Hangman in three words: Clever, Dark and Sardonic.
I guess this is the summer of highly anticipated series for me, I feel like I’ve read several second installments lately and they’ve all lived up to their predecessors, which is always so fantastic! Ragdoll was the first book and it absolutely blew me away, from it’s gripping prologue to it’s massive cliffhanger ending, I loved every single page. So if you haven’t read the first book, I highly recommended it and then you won’t have long to wait to read this one.
This book had a slightly different feel to it than the last one and I think it’s mostly due to the fact that things are not told via Wolf’s point of view at all. This is Emily’s story to tell and as much as I love Wolf, I have room in my heart for a character as complex as Emily Baxter. It’s set internationally as she finds herself in New York City when a case in London has ties there. This was one complicated investigation that has her working alongside both the FBI and the CIA and introduced some fantastic new characters that added more depth to an already deep story.
While there were some exciting differences the same sarcastic sense of humor was present as was a very dark, gritty plot and writing style. Cole is a really intelligent writer and he creates these insanely intricate and harrowing storylines that shock and awe in equal measure. The ending blew my mind and now I’m desperate for the next book, as much as I love cliffhanger endings it’s SO hard to wait!
Hangman in three words: Clever, Dark and Sardonic.
June 23, 2019
The sky is falling...
The first thing I thought as soon as I finished the book was: WOW! I want more!
The second thing I thought was: I should read Ragdoll again!
What a tense and satisfying read this was!
A deadly game of cat and mouse. A macabre tale of murder and mayhem; parallel killings in two cities. London and New York are on high alert as bodies are being hanged as puppets and baits. But who is the puppeteer? Who is pulling the strings? And who are his next victims?
The first thing I thought as soon as I finished the book was: WOW! I want more!
The second thing I thought was: I should read Ragdoll again!
What a tense and satisfying read this was!
A deadly game of cat and mouse. A macabre tale of murder and mayhem; parallel killings in two cities. London and New York are on high alert as bodies are being hanged as puppets and baits. But who is the puppeteer? Who is pulling the strings? And who are his next victims?
March 2, 2018
Having enjoyed, “Ragdoll,” I was curious to see whether Daniel Cole could come up with something as good for that difficult sequel. I am pleased to report that he has – this is an intelligent, well written thriller, with excellent characters, a fast moving plot, and a great dose of dark humour.
There are some characters from “Ragdoll,” who we meet again. Emily Baxter is now a Detective Chief Inspector, one of the youngest female chief inspector’s in the Metropolitan Police, but finding her new role challenging, while Alex Edmund has transferred to Fraud, in order to spend more time with his partner and baby daughter, but finding the department dull after homicide. Baxter finds herself joined up with Special Agent Damian Rouche (rhymes with ‘whoosh’ and Special Agent Elliot Curtis, after a bizarre murder, which echoes the Ragdoll case.
Both in the UK and the US, there are a string of bizarre murders, which echo each other. Baxter is sent to New York, in order to help investigate the crimes. Against protocol, she gives Edmund all the information and, before they know it, they are both deeply involved in the investigation. This is a really impressive second novel and Cole is writing what is sure to become an excellent series. I would be happy to read more books with Baxter as main character. I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
There are some characters from “Ragdoll,” who we meet again. Emily Baxter is now a Detective Chief Inspector, one of the youngest female chief inspector’s in the Metropolitan Police, but finding her new role challenging, while Alex Edmund has transferred to Fraud, in order to spend more time with his partner and baby daughter, but finding the department dull after homicide. Baxter finds herself joined up with Special Agent Damian Rouche (rhymes with ‘whoosh’ and Special Agent Elliot Curtis, after a bizarre murder, which echoes the Ragdoll case.
Both in the UK and the US, there are a string of bizarre murders, which echo each other. Baxter is sent to New York, in order to help investigate the crimes. Against protocol, she gives Edmund all the information and, before they know it, they are both deeply involved in the investigation. This is a really impressive second novel and Cole is writing what is sure to become an excellent series. I would be happy to read more books with Baxter as main character. I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
May 3, 2018
This the copy of Hangman I got of Libuary
December 28, 2022
3.75 stars. An excellent sequel to the first book in the series ‘Ragdoll’. Most surprising is that the investigating detective of book one does not play a role in this second book, a bold choice. His spot is filled by Chief Inspector Emily Baxter, not the most likable person, but I think that’s why I like her if that makes sense. What I did wonder about is why so many people stuck with her though, especially her boyfriend who’s treated like a doormat. Similar to the first book the killer has some inventive ways of killing and there were some good surprises along the way.
July 20, 2018
Wat een ijzersterk boek vond ik dit. Het was voor mij erg lang geleden (een jaar) dat ik deel 1 had gelezen. Normaal heb ik daar nooit zo'n last van maar ik vond deel 1 best een ingewikkeld boek doordat je best wel moest opletten wat in welke tijd gebeurde. Dus aanvankelijk dacht ik dat ik niet meer goed wist hoe deel 1 was geëindigd. Nu inmiddels weet ik het nog steeds niet precies maar ik weet wel dat het niet van heel groot belang was in deel 2. Het verhaal gaat echt in een enorm hoog tempo, er vallen ook erg veel doden maar daardoor bleef ik geboeid. Echt een aanrader wat mij betreft. En o ja, ook bij dit boek moet je wel je koppie erbij houden.
November 7, 2025
Я так розумію, що ця серія буде суцільним розчаруванням, бо вже 2 книжка і далі 3 зірок вона не просувається.
З боку розслідування мені якось було нудно, очікувала на більше. З боку персонажів теж якось не дуже. Особливо персонажка Бакстер, ну окей, не довіряєш ти нікому, але ось хто ти така щоб і тобі довіряти тоді? Оця перевірка її хлопця, перевірка її нового напарника, який бачьте блять розмовляє по телефону забагато, а те, що вона постійно розмовляє з Едмундсом, минулий підлеглий та друг, та посвящає його у справу, яку веде, то це все гаразд. Ота сцена, де вона вдерлась до будинку Руша, аж слів не вистачає, оце все описати. Особливо, коли виявилося, що цей будинок був його та його померлих дружини та доньки. Це піздець.
І я чекала на більше моментів з Фоулі, але він з'явився аж в кінці, і то на цьому і закінчилась книжка...
З боку розслідування мені якось було нудно, очікувала на більше. З боку персонажів теж якось не дуже. Особливо персонажка Бакстер, ну окей, не довіряєш ти нікому, але ось хто ти така щоб і тобі довіряти тоді? Оця перевірка її хлопця, перевірка її нового напарника, який бачьте блять розмовляє по телефону забагато, а те, що вона постійно розмовляє з Едмундсом, минулий підлеглий та друг, та посвящає його у справу, яку веде, то це все гаразд. Ота сцена, де вона вдерлась до будинку Руша, аж слів не вистачає, оце все описати. Особливо, коли виявилося, що цей будинок був його та його померлих дружини та доньки. Це піздець.
І я чекала на більше моментів з Фоулі, але він з'явився аж в кінці, і то на цьому і закінчилась книжка...
June 8, 2023
Very cinematic. In that it reads like a movie, an action movie, a movie which can't hold still. Action, movement, running and chasing and jumping from place to place and overseas and back again, London to New York, with lots of deaths. Murders. Mass murders. Serial murders. Ghastly, gory, gruesome multiple-upon-multiple murders. All horridly presented, displayed and described for the reader's enjoyment. It never ends. Never have there been so many murders in a mystery/crime/thriller - at least not among the dozens - which I have read. What starts as pairs of murders becomes dozens in large halls, churches, you name it...
So three stars. For a story in which police investigator Emily Baxter gets involved in a case similar to a previous one involving the Ragman, (Book #1 in this series.) It starts when murders are occurring in pairs, one victim with the word 'BAIT' carved into their skin, the other with 'PUPPET.' Bad enough these are happening in London - they also get going in NYC. And so, Baxter flies back and forth. She's here, she's there, she's in both places. Working with NYC police, the FBI, the CIA, then back to home port in London. She's everywhere.
(As for Fawkes? He's MIA. No one's sure where he is.)
It's a confusing read. I made a cue card right at the start as there were so many names, so many titles, people Baxter's working with who she hates, likes, is indifferent toward. This is yet another book where I wonder how the heck the writer kept track of who is where, when and why, and who knows what, when and how.
Confusing, just like this review.
Three stars.
So three stars. For a story in which police investigator Emily Baxter gets involved in a case similar to a previous one involving the Ragman, (Book #1 in this series.) It starts when murders are occurring in pairs, one victim with the word 'BAIT' carved into their skin, the other with 'PUPPET.' Bad enough these are happening in London - they also get going in NYC. And so, Baxter flies back and forth. She's here, she's there, she's in both places. Working with NYC police, the FBI, the CIA, then back to home port in London. She's everywhere.
(As for Fawkes? He's MIA. No one's sure where he is.)
It's a confusing read. I made a cue card right at the start as there were so many names, so many titles, people Baxter's working with who she hates, likes, is indifferent toward. This is yet another book where I wonder how the heck the writer kept track of who is where, when and why, and who knows what, when and how.
Confusing, just like this review.
Three stars.
March 25, 2021
Hangman was a good, enjoyable read. Did I miss Wolf not being in the story until the very end, after the finale? Not at all. DCI Emily Baxter, along with Special Agent Elliot Curtis from the FBI and Special Agent Damien Rouche from the CIA handled the story very well without him. I must not forget to mention the trusted and ever reliable Alex Edmunds.
The US Agents are in the UK to follow up on a possible copycat Ragdoll killing in the states and want to talk to The Ragdoll Killer, Lethaniel Masse. Baxter escorts the agents to Belmarsh Prison (I just want to add that I helped spray paint some of the cells in this prison when it was built.) Anyway, it's where the Ragdoll killer, Lethaniel Masse is being held. After their wasted visit to see a broken Masse, all hell breaks loose and Masse is killed by a fellow prisoner, the word 'BAIT' cut into his chest. The prisoner who took Masse's life also takes his own life and has cut the word 'PUPPET' into his own chest.
Baxter crosses the pond to help find the Ragdoll copycat killer but together they find the copycat murders are a cover for some kind of terrorist cult born out of revenge and it becomes an exciting race against time.
There are some brilliant scenes in this novel and it's a good follow-up to Ragdoll.
I especially enjoyed the horrific chaos that unfolded in the auditorium. It was like a scene from the tv show The Following.
Once again, Daniel Cole has given us a well-written, compelling, gritty, and at times brutal story.
Here is my tiny bit of fuss. I'm sure the author knew and used his creative license, just as Hollywood does so often, but it's just to aid other authors. (The CIA does not use the term Special Agent in reference to their workforce. It's just Officer. Agents or Foreign Agents are assets aka spies, who are people who work in well-placed positions in other countries. These are recruited by operations officers from the CIA.)
The US Agents are in the UK to follow up on a possible copycat Ragdoll killing in the states and want to talk to The Ragdoll Killer, Lethaniel Masse. Baxter escorts the agents to Belmarsh Prison (I just want to add that I helped spray paint some of the cells in this prison when it was built.) Anyway, it's where the Ragdoll killer, Lethaniel Masse is being held. After their wasted visit to see a broken Masse, all hell breaks loose and Masse is killed by a fellow prisoner, the word 'BAIT' cut into his chest. The prisoner who took Masse's life also takes his own life and has cut the word 'PUPPET' into his own chest.
Baxter crosses the pond to help find the Ragdoll copycat killer but together they find the copycat murders are a cover for some kind of terrorist cult born out of revenge and it becomes an exciting race against time.
There are some brilliant scenes in this novel and it's a good follow-up to Ragdoll.
I especially enjoyed the horrific chaos that unfolded in the auditorium. It was like a scene from the tv show The Following.
Once again, Daniel Cole has given us a well-written, compelling, gritty, and at times brutal story.
Here is my tiny bit of fuss. I'm sure the author knew and used his creative license, just as Hollywood does so often, but it's just to aid other authors. (The CIA does not use the term Special Agent in reference to their workforce. It's just Officer. Agents or Foreign Agents are assets aka spies, who are people who work in well-placed positions in other countries. These are recruited by operations officers from the CIA.)
April 6, 2018
I wanted to like this one as much as Ragdoll but it just didn’t cut it for me. Baxter kept wearing on my nerves & it just didn’t seem as edgy as the first book. I will probably read more in this series just to read more about Wolf.
March 12, 2020
¡¡Me ha gustado muchísimo más que el primero!! Si Ragdoll tenía un ritmo muy bueno, ¡¡éste directamente tiene un ritmo de infarto!! Pasan cosas constantemente, conectas muy bien con los personajes y los amas o los odias directamente. La historia me ha parecido original y muy rocambolesca. Las descripciones y originalidad de las muertes descritas me han sorprendido. Me he emocionado, reído a carcajadas con su humor tan peculiar y he estado con taquicardias hasta el final, ufff, ¡qué final! Muy bueno. Me ha encantando. ¡Que alguien me diga cuando sale la tercera parte porque no he conseguido encontrarlo! jajajaja
Displaying 1 - 30 of 930 reviews