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Lucy Campion Mysteries #6
The Cry of the Hangman
Murder always sells. But when a series of dark and puzzling crimes takes place in seventeenth-century London, will printer's apprentice Lucy Campion be publishing the news - or starring in it? London, 1667. Printer's apprentice Lucy Campion is unsettled when, on a frozen December morning after church, an elderly woman dressed in mourning clothes whispers an ominous warning in her ear. Lucy sternly tells herself it's nonsense, but then her much-loved former master, Magistrate Hargrave, is viciously attacked with a brass hourglass during a break-in. But what exactly was the intruder searching for? And why did they first stop to steal a piece of Cook's lamb and lentil pie? The puzzling case is just the start of a series of dark, bizarre crimes. Lucy's determined to uncover the truth and see that justice is done. But someone is equally determined to stop her - whatever it takes. This page-turning historical mystery set in Renaissance London is a great choice for readers who like their heroines lively, their mysteries twisty and their historical settings brimming with authenticity.
234 pages, Hardcover
Published August 26, 2021
5 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Calkins
22 books345 followersSUSANNA CALKINS, author of the award-winning Lucy Campion series, holds a PhD in history and teaches at the college level. Her historical mysteries have been nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark and Agatha awards, among many others, and The Masque of a Murderer received a Macavity. Originally from Philadelphia, Calkins now lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 18, 2022
Lucy is still going strong. I've enjoyed this series since it first started. And this one was just as good. I did find it got bogged down a little bit but it kept me guessing until the end. I enjoyed the entire cast of characters and the sense of the time period throughout. I look forward to future books in the series. Keep them coming, please.
September 30, 2021
Spend a little time in the middle ages with the working class, but without the discomfort of having no modern day conveniences. Accompany Lucy, printer’s apprentice, unregistered as they don’t allow women, as she investigates the theft of Magistrate Hargrave’s papers. Lucy was his servant before he took an interest in helping her advance herself, teaching her to read and play chess as well as making her apprenticeship happen. He has accepted her as more of a daughter than a former servant, and encourages his son Adam’s romantic interest in her. All this ties her to the family, both the Hargraves and the servants who were her former co-workers.
When Master Hargrave is attacked in his home, having not accompanied the household to services that Sunday, Lucy is focused on getting him medical help even though the theft of his papers seems odd. When a rival book seller shows up, poaching Lucy’s crowd and telling a tale with direct connection to one of the Magistrate’s papers, she becomes determined to investigate. Who stole the papers and why?
Things become even more serious when there is a murder in town and it seems to be related to Magistrate Hargrave’s missing papers. Lucy gets Lach, the official apprentice to Master Aubrey, the printer, to accompany her on some of her investigations as she has promised both Adam and Constable Duncan, who is also romantically interested in Lucy, she will not put herself in danger. As the reader accompanies Lucy around town, interviewing people, and stalking Phineas Fowler, the rival bookseller, the reader can see how she justifies and rationalizes her actions.
Things go from bad to worse when, not long after the first pamphlet maligning Master Hargrave is written, sold and results in the death of two people, another paper is produced. It too is called out and recounted to a crowd who buy the second tract while Lucy becomes more determined to find out who wants to destroy Master Hargrave’s reputation and why they are doing so. More questions arise than answers when Lucy discovers Phineas’ home and printing press, but becomes convinced he is not responsible for the thefts or the vendetta. Before she can ask him more about his involvement, she and Lach, who has accompanied her on her most recent investigation, must hide in the basement when Phineas’ father and brother show up. Much to their dismay, before they can free themselves and discover more about Phineas he, too, is murdered.
Things continue getting worse for Lucy, at least for a while, as she pursues answers to her questions. The plot is intricate and engaging and moves at a steady pace at the same time the reader is given an opportunity to examine the middle ages a little more closely. The job of the hangman, while not dwelt on within the novel, is central to the plot and there is an interesting reveal toward the end that is the result of excellent research on the part of the author.
There are a number of secondary characters who help create a sense of time and place and add to Lucy’s overall story. There is Adam, Magistrate Hargrave’s son who is romantically interested in Lucy and wants to convince her the difference in their classes doesn’t matter. There are also Lach, fellow apprentice, Master Aubrey, printer, Constable Duncan who also is romantically interested in Lucy, Will, Lucy’s brother,and the servants with whom Lucy used to work, Annie the maid, and the cook. These relationships have been ongoing throughout the series and while the mystery and main storyline of this novel is fully completed within this book, these relationships have changed and developed over the series. If the reader prefers reading series and following the development of secondary storylines, they probably will prefer to read the series in order.
My thanks to Canongate Books, Severn House and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
When Master Hargrave is attacked in his home, having not accompanied the household to services that Sunday, Lucy is focused on getting him medical help even though the theft of his papers seems odd. When a rival book seller shows up, poaching Lucy’s crowd and telling a tale with direct connection to one of the Magistrate’s papers, she becomes determined to investigate. Who stole the papers and why?
Things become even more serious when there is a murder in town and it seems to be related to Magistrate Hargrave’s missing papers. Lucy gets Lach, the official apprentice to Master Aubrey, the printer, to accompany her on some of her investigations as she has promised both Adam and Constable Duncan, who is also romantically interested in Lucy, she will not put herself in danger. As the reader accompanies Lucy around town, interviewing people, and stalking Phineas Fowler, the rival bookseller, the reader can see how she justifies and rationalizes her actions.
Things go from bad to worse when, not long after the first pamphlet maligning Master Hargrave is written, sold and results in the death of two people, another paper is produced. It too is called out and recounted to a crowd who buy the second tract while Lucy becomes more determined to find out who wants to destroy Master Hargrave’s reputation and why they are doing so. More questions arise than answers when Lucy discovers Phineas’ home and printing press, but becomes convinced he is not responsible for the thefts or the vendetta. Before she can ask him more about his involvement, she and Lach, who has accompanied her on her most recent investigation, must hide in the basement when Phineas’ father and brother show up. Much to their dismay, before they can free themselves and discover more about Phineas he, too, is murdered.
Things continue getting worse for Lucy, at least for a while, as she pursues answers to her questions. The plot is intricate and engaging and moves at a steady pace at the same time the reader is given an opportunity to examine the middle ages a little more closely. The job of the hangman, while not dwelt on within the novel, is central to the plot and there is an interesting reveal toward the end that is the result of excellent research on the part of the author.
There are a number of secondary characters who help create a sense of time and place and add to Lucy’s overall story. There is Adam, Magistrate Hargrave’s son who is romantically interested in Lucy and wants to convince her the difference in their classes doesn’t matter. There are also Lach, fellow apprentice, Master Aubrey, printer, Constable Duncan who also is romantically interested in Lucy, Will, Lucy’s brother,and the servants with whom Lucy used to work, Annie the maid, and the cook. These relationships have been ongoing throughout the series and while the mystery and main storyline of this novel is fully completed within this book, these relationships have changed and developed over the series. If the reader prefers reading series and following the development of secondary storylines, they probably will prefer to read the series in order.
My thanks to Canongate Books, Severn House and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
July 24, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Cry of the Hangman is the 6th Lucy Campion historical mystery by Susanna Calkins. Released 2nd Nov 2021 by Severn House, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. Paperback due out in late Sept 2022. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a very well written and engaging historical mystery with an intelligent female protagonist who is a printer's apprentice. Set in the second half of the 17th century, the sense of place and verisimilitude give as much character and background as any of the human characters. The story and settings are clearly very well researched and meticulously rendered.
The plot is convoluted and well engineered and I never found my interest waning or lost my suspension of disbelief during the read. The story, climax, denouement, and resolution are well paced and satisfying.
Although the mystery is self contained, a great deal of the plot revolves around Lucy's previous life as a servant in the household of a magistrate - so I would recommend that readers who are new to the series begin with at least some of the earlier books.
Four stars. This is a very well written story and highly recommended for fans of historical mystery. There are 6 books extant in the series, making it a good candidate for a long weekend binge read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Cry of the Hangman is the 6th Lucy Campion historical mystery by Susanna Calkins. Released 2nd Nov 2021 by Severn House, it's 240 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. Paperback due out in late Sept 2022. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a very well written and engaging historical mystery with an intelligent female protagonist who is a printer's apprentice. Set in the second half of the 17th century, the sense of place and verisimilitude give as much character and background as any of the human characters. The story and settings are clearly very well researched and meticulously rendered.
The plot is convoluted and well engineered and I never found my interest waning or lost my suspension of disbelief during the read. The story, climax, denouement, and resolution are well paced and satisfying.
Although the mystery is self contained, a great deal of the plot revolves around Lucy's previous life as a servant in the household of a magistrate - so I would recommend that readers who are new to the series begin with at least some of the earlier books.
Four stars. This is a very well written story and highly recommended for fans of historical mystery. There are 6 books extant in the series, making it a good candidate for a long weekend binge read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 29, 2022
By the end of this story, I did not care about anything happening to any of the characters. The chapters all seemed like filler chapters and nothing monumental happened. The conclusion was rushed and none of the characters were overly alluring in any sort of way. The book is a quick read, but be prepared to lose focus and force yourself to either finish the book or give up on it completely.
December 19, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for the opportunity to review The Cry of the Hangman. All opinions and comments are my own.
Printer’s apprentice Lucy Campion manages to get herself involved in yet another mysterious tale in this, this sixth in the series, set in London in 1667. Investigations aside, Lucy’s personal life plays a big part of the books. Her former life as a maid to a magistrate looms large in these books, as the magistrate’s son has declared his intentions towards her. But the difference between their social stations is still the same; a great chasm.
The Cry of the Hangman begins with a break-in at the home of Master Hargrave, her former employer. He has been assaulted, and some things have been stolen, the worst a manuscript of the magistrate’s past cases.
It soon becomes obvious that someone is using the magistrate’s stolen notes to write up lurid tracts detailing the trails and their aftermath. And that someone wishes him harm, because they hold him responsible for the outcome of these cases. How is the new printer in town involved, and his associate, the one that Lucy has met? Then someone sends a blackmail note to the magistrate, too. Things are becoming very personal.
There are more murders in this book, and lots of speculation about what is actually going on. Which leads to a lot of exposition. The book does become somewhat bogged down in the middle, becoming rather convoluted; be prepared for that. Eventually, of course, Lucy figures everything out, and murderers are caught twice over. But it does take a while to get there.
Can’t fault the author for her sense of time and place, though. The London of Charles II is a character here itself, as Lucy moves along the streets, seeking answers. Our time period is also Christmas, and readers will get a sense of holiday customs as the story unfolds.
Speaking of the story unfolding, Lucy’s story moves along a bit, too. We’ll have to see how that goes in the next book.
An author’s note explains the role that an important plot point has in 17th century England. Susanna Calkins has once again done her homework for The Cry of the Hangman, and those who enjoy well-researched historical mysteries will enjoy this one.
Printer’s apprentice Lucy Campion manages to get herself involved in yet another mysterious tale in this, this sixth in the series, set in London in 1667. Investigations aside, Lucy’s personal life plays a big part of the books. Her former life as a maid to a magistrate looms large in these books, as the magistrate’s son has declared his intentions towards her. But the difference between their social stations is still the same; a great chasm.
The Cry of the Hangman begins with a break-in at the home of Master Hargrave, her former employer. He has been assaulted, and some things have been stolen, the worst a manuscript of the magistrate’s past cases.
It soon becomes obvious that someone is using the magistrate’s stolen notes to write up lurid tracts detailing the trails and their aftermath. And that someone wishes him harm, because they hold him responsible for the outcome of these cases. How is the new printer in town involved, and his associate, the one that Lucy has met? Then someone sends a blackmail note to the magistrate, too. Things are becoming very personal.
There are more murders in this book, and lots of speculation about what is actually going on. Which leads to a lot of exposition. The book does become somewhat bogged down in the middle, becoming rather convoluted; be prepared for that. Eventually, of course, Lucy figures everything out, and murderers are caught twice over. But it does take a while to get there.
Can’t fault the author for her sense of time and place, though. The London of Charles II is a character here itself, as Lucy moves along the streets, seeking answers. Our time period is also Christmas, and readers will get a sense of holiday customs as the story unfolds.
Speaking of the story unfolding, Lucy’s story moves along a bit, too. We’ll have to see how that goes in the next book.
An author’s note explains the role that an important plot point has in 17th century England. Susanna Calkins has once again done her homework for The Cry of the Hangman, and those who enjoy well-researched historical mysteries will enjoy this one.
February 4, 2023
This was the sixth book in the Lucy Campion series, and I am relieved to say that I enjoyed it more than the last one. These books have been some of my favorite historical mysteries for a while now and since I was disappointed with the last book, I was afraid that I wouldn't want to continue. But thankfully this book was back on par with the first four books. The author does such a great job with all of the historical details. I love the setting of 1667 London and I am absolutely in love with the protagonist, Lucy. She is a great pov character to follow around London as she tries to become a printer's apprentice and solve mysteries. The mystery in this book was very well written and kept your attention throughout the story.
My one quibble with these past two books has been the love triangle. I was fine with it in the first four books because it was well-written and didn't impact the mystery plot too much, but by the fifth book though I was kind of all done. I was happy to see that by the end of the last book it looked like Lucy had FINALLY made her choice. (And although who she picked was no longer my first choice, I was willing to just let it be as long as we could move on.) So, I was kind of dismayed to see in this book once again Lucy seemed unsure about her two suitors. So that did ruin some of my enjoyment of the story but considering where this book ended, I am once again hoping we are done with the love triangle. All in all, it is still a great series, and I am really looking forward to the seventh book which comes out later this year!
My one quibble with these past two books has been the love triangle. I was fine with it in the first four books because it was well-written and didn't impact the mystery plot too much, but by the fifth book though I was kind of all done. I was happy to see that by the end of the last book it looked like Lucy had FINALLY made her choice. (And although who she picked was no longer my first choice, I was willing to just let it be as long as we could move on.) So, I was kind of dismayed to see in this book once again Lucy seemed unsure about her two suitors. So that did ruin some of my enjoyment of the story but considering where this book ended, I am once again hoping we are done with the love triangle. All in all, it is still a great series, and I am really looking forward to the seventh book which comes out later this year!
September 7, 2021
I had not read any of the Lucy Campion mysteries, but I did not have trouble diving into The Cry of the Hangman. I found the setting fascinating with excellent historical detail. This mystery takes place during the Restoration of the Monarchy, a few years after the Great Fire of London. Lucy is a printer's apprentice and previous servant of Magistrate Hargrave, who is attacked one morning and his commentaries of various court cases are stolen, As a printer's apprentice, Lucy must also sell the stories that are printed. When those commentaries start appearing in a rival printer's pamphlets, Lucy is determined to find out why the Magistrate has been targeted. I appreciated the description of everyday life, particularly as Lucy is selling her stories. Much like the contemporary love of true crime books, the early 1700s also had a love of true crime accounts. I also learned how justice was swift and often merciless. There also is a bit of romance for Lucy. Should she choose Adam Hargrave, who is desperately in love with her but, as the son of the magistrate, is of a higher social class, or Duncan, a police constable? Overall, this was a solid mystery but a better look at life in restoration England.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canongate/Severn for the ARC. The book will be release Nov. 2.
Thank you to Netgalley and Canongate/Severn for the ARC. The book will be release Nov. 2.
March 21, 2022
The Cry of the Hangman: Susanna Caulkins
🙂
From Amazon: "London, 1667. Printer’s apprentice Lucy Campion is unsettled when, on a frozen December morning after church, an elderly woman dressed in mourning clothes whispers an ominous warning in her ear.
Lucy sternly tells herself it’s nonsense, but then her much-loved former master, Magistrate Hargrave, is viciously attacked with a brass hourglass during a break-in. But what exactly was the intruder searching for? And why did they first stop to steal a piece of Cook’s lamb and lentil pie?
The puzzling case is just the start of a series of dark, bizarre crimes. Lucy’s determined to uncover the truth and see that justice is done. But someone is equally determined to stop her – whatever it takes.
This page-turning historical mystery set in Renaissance London is a great choice for readers who like their heroines lively, their mysteries twisty and their historical settings brimming with authenticity."
This book held my interest, I was surprised that a woman (former servant) was so well regarded by the police; but that might be explained in the previous book.
I liked most of the characters, but I found the plot to be rather twisted & in some parts long of narrative.
🙂
From Amazon: "London, 1667. Printer’s apprentice Lucy Campion is unsettled when, on a frozen December morning after church, an elderly woman dressed in mourning clothes whispers an ominous warning in her ear.
Lucy sternly tells herself it’s nonsense, but then her much-loved former master, Magistrate Hargrave, is viciously attacked with a brass hourglass during a break-in. But what exactly was the intruder searching for? And why did they first stop to steal a piece of Cook’s lamb and lentil pie?
The puzzling case is just the start of a series of dark, bizarre crimes. Lucy’s determined to uncover the truth and see that justice is done. But someone is equally determined to stop her – whatever it takes.
This page-turning historical mystery set in Renaissance London is a great choice for readers who like their heroines lively, their mysteries twisty and their historical settings brimming with authenticity."
This book held my interest, I was surprised that a woman (former servant) was so well regarded by the police; but that might be explained in the previous book.
I liked most of the characters, but I found the plot to be rather twisted & in some parts long of narrative.
August 25, 2021
A compelling Restoration mystery set in London with lots of twists and turns taking place among the very competitive world of urban book printing and peopled with some very fiendish and pitiless pamphleteers holding lots of big venomous grudges, some very dangerous blackmail shenanigans and violent murderous intents to keep the reader on the edge of his or her seat for a few hours.... A magnificent 17th century tapestry of a great city still dealing with the disturbing wounds left by the plague and the Great Fire that wreaked its world at the beginning of the 1660s and teeming with a vast and wonderful cast of higly colorful but often very sinister characters and great and fascinating historical details. The delicious Lucy Campion Mystery series keeps getting better with each new episode and Ms Calkins keeps dazzling me with her magnificent prose and rollicking imagination! I simply can't wait for the next installment👍👍 Historical fiction at its best that truly deserves to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever! Many thanks to Netgalley and Canongate/Severn for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful novel prior to its release date
November 16, 2021
The Cry of the Hangman is an immersive, page-turning historical mystery that pulls you into its world.
It's got everything you want from a historical novel: wonderful period detail, a great sense of place, strong and engaging characters, and a cracking good story. Along with just enough sociopolitical backdrop to make the period and place come alive, without boring the reader.
What I can't figure out is why a publisher would publish the sixth book in a series without first ensuring that readers have easy access to the earlier books? Only book 5 is available in Kindle (horribly expensive) and books 2, 3 and 4 are only available in paperback at 33, 53 and 73 quid! Surely the whole point of a series is that fans can read the series?
So, I have to say that while I thoroughly enjoyed this Lucy Campion novel, without being able to read the series I see no reason to commit to it. If the others had been available at a very low price, I'd have nabbed them by now, to further immerse myself in Lucy's world.
It's got everything you want from a historical novel: wonderful period detail, a great sense of place, strong and engaging characters, and a cracking good story. Along with just enough sociopolitical backdrop to make the period and place come alive, without boring the reader.
What I can't figure out is why a publisher would publish the sixth book in a series without first ensuring that readers have easy access to the earlier books? Only book 5 is available in Kindle (horribly expensive) and books 2, 3 and 4 are only available in paperback at 33, 53 and 73 quid! Surely the whole point of a series is that fans can read the series?
So, I have to say that while I thoroughly enjoyed this Lucy Campion novel, without being able to read the series I see no reason to commit to it. If the others had been available at a very low price, I'd have nabbed them by now, to further immerse myself in Lucy's world.
August 22, 2021
I have read all the books in the Lucy Campion historical fiction series and was excited to see a new one on Netgalley. I immediately requested it and dove right into it when I was approved.
This latest outing centers around murder and a rival printer who may be able to spin a better tale than Lucy. I’ve found that the mysteries are consistently interesting and leave me puzzling as to who the culprit is. However, what has me returning to the series is Lucy and those who fill her life.
From who she works for and with, to her friends within the Hargrave household they add to the story and make me want to see how their lives are progressing. I’ve also enjoyed seeing Duncan and Adam vie for Lucy who while working to develop her printing skills does carry feelings for both. It was exciting to see we are getting resolution as to who wins those affection.
If you enjoy historical fiction and haven’t picked up this year series what are you waiting for?
This latest outing centers around murder and a rival printer who may be able to spin a better tale than Lucy. I’ve found that the mysteries are consistently interesting and leave me puzzling as to who the culprit is. However, what has me returning to the series is Lucy and those who fill her life.
From who she works for and with, to her friends within the Hargrave household they add to the story and make me want to see how their lives are progressing. I’ve also enjoyed seeing Duncan and Adam vie for Lucy who while working to develop her printing skills does carry feelings for both. It was exciting to see we are getting resolution as to who wins those affection.
If you enjoy historical fiction and haven’t picked up this year series what are you waiting for?
November 4, 2021
Susanna Calkins' The Cry of the Hangman offers a satisfying read for those who enjoy historical mysteries with central female characters. The mystery itself isn't obvious, though one could wish for a few, more red herrings. Lucy Campion, a printer's "apprentice" (she hasn't been authorized by the guild) who plays the role of detective, continues a life that alternates among broadside selling, broadside writing, broadside printing—and being able to to take breaks in her apprenticeship every time she encounters mysterious circumstances. She also continues to juggle two admirers, one a detective, the other the son of a judge for whom she used to work as a maid, which allows for some exploration of class and social mobility.
If you're looking for a weekend escape, this title would do nicely.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
If you're looking for a weekend escape, this title would do nicely.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
October 23, 2021
The story starts well and the initial crime and its possible motives are quite intriguing. I enjoy following Lucy’s interactions, but the story did get a bit bogged down.
The author provides an authentic feel to seventeenth century London, but this causes problems when writing about the investigation of a crime, especially for a working class girl. Everything takes so long and not only does Lucy have to fulfil her role as an apprentice, but she has to be very careful about how and when she is able to investigate, she also has to deal with male misogyny and stupidity.
Overall it wasn’t a bad story, but I was definitely losing interest towards the end and I didn’t really care how the investigation turned out. I’m afraid I also wasn’t interested in the romantic aspects of the book. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
The author provides an authentic feel to seventeenth century London, but this causes problems when writing about the investigation of a crime, especially for a working class girl. Everything takes so long and not only does Lucy have to fulfil her role as an apprentice, but she has to be very careful about how and when she is able to investigate, she also has to deal with male misogyny and stupidity.
Overall it wasn’t a bad story, but I was definitely losing interest towards the end and I didn’t really care how the investigation turned out. I’m afraid I also wasn’t interested in the romantic aspects of the book. If possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
March 14, 2022
My favorite part of this story is the setting - London 1667. The author has done a great job researching the time and provides wonderful detail about the printing profession - to which Lucy is an unofficial apprentice (since she's a female) and about judicial cases of the time (Master Hargraves).
My second favorite part of this book is the cast of characters. It was fun to have all of the usual supporting characters - those from the Hargraves residence, the printing business and the local constabulary, all be fairly involved in this story.
The mystery itself was somewhat interesting. While I didn't guess "who done it" until close to the end, I found myself less interested in that than the setting and character interaction.
We do get a bit of a history lesson (which I liked) at the end that ties into the culprit's backstory.
My second favorite part of this book is the cast of characters. It was fun to have all of the usual supporting characters - those from the Hargraves residence, the printing business and the local constabulary, all be fairly involved in this story.
The mystery itself was somewhat interesting. While I didn't guess "who done it" until close to the end, I found myself less interested in that than the setting and character interaction.
We do get a bit of a history lesson (which I liked) at the end that ties into the culprit's backstory.
November 24, 2024
Thoroughly have enjoyed this Series but I have a few comments. First, the plots are well thought out and written, occasionally falling into verbosity. Then there are the weak romantic scenarios. I’m not expecting strong passionate scenes but the wishy washy bits have become frustrating. I hope the next in series is more definitive. It’s a tease to write that Lucy has decided and then have the story continue blandly as to the two suitors.
And lastly, when series began I felt Lucy was a strong minded intelligent young girl but a bit naive. As the series reached 4 or 5 books Lucy is portrayed as duller, less confident and somewhat irresponsible.
As I have rated all the books 3 or 4 stars it should be clear I do recommend this series for avid historical mystery readers. But, the history is more or less surface level and the crime plot is the main focus.
And lastly, when series began I felt Lucy was a strong minded intelligent young girl but a bit naive. As the series reached 4 or 5 books Lucy is portrayed as duller, less confident and somewhat irresponsible.
As I have rated all the books 3 or 4 stars it should be clear I do recommend this series for avid historical mystery readers. But, the history is more or less surface level and the crime plot is the main focus.
May 6, 2022
This is the sixth book in the Author's Lucy Campion series and in my opinion can be read as a standalone
The year is 1667 and Lucy is now apprenticed to a master printer and is occasionally allowed to print her own pieces . When her previous employer , Magistrate Hargrave ,is assaulted and manuscripts are stolen detailing
court cases and his musings , Lucy , on hearing details recited on the streets determines to try to help solve just who and why the Magistrate has been targeted .
This is quite a convoluted mystery which in itself was entertaining but I did find some of the narrative stiff and awkward at times
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
The year is 1667 and Lucy is now apprenticed to a master printer and is occasionally allowed to print her own pieces . When her previous employer , Magistrate Hargrave ,is assaulted and manuscripts are stolen detailing
court cases and his musings , Lucy , on hearing details recited on the streets determines to try to help solve just who and why the Magistrate has been targeted .
This is quite a convoluted mystery which in itself was entertaining but I did find some of the narrative stiff and awkward at times
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
November 3, 2021
The Cry of the Hangman is historical mystery fiction set in working-class London in 1667.
Lucy is a printer’s apprentice. When her mentor, Magistrate Hargrave, is beaten and his court notes stolen, Lucy suspects a rival printer. She soon begins to investigate.
The Cry of the Hangman is excellent historical fiction. It places the reader in the period seemingly effortlessly. All the details feel authentic and well-researched. The pacing is a bit slow for a mystery. However, the mystery itself was well done. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars!
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Lucy is a printer’s apprentice. When her mentor, Magistrate Hargrave, is beaten and his court notes stolen, Lucy suspects a rival printer. She soon begins to investigate.
The Cry of the Hangman is excellent historical fiction. It places the reader in the period seemingly effortlessly. All the details feel authentic and well-researched. The pacing is a bit slow for a mystery. However, the mystery itself was well done. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars!
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 17, 2021
1667 While the majority of the household are at church Magistrate Hargrave, is attacked in his home and some items stolen including personal documents with cases he has commented on. These views soon become known and death will soon follow. Printer's apprentice Lucy Campion investigates to clear Hargrave's name.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An enjoyable and well-written historical mystery
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2022
I heard of this series but this is the first book I've read. It was a quick, enjoyable beach read type of book. Definitely something to consider to "clear the palate" after reading something heavy. Another nice thing is that it appears you don't need to read the books in order, it's easy to pick up the background stories of the characters. I'll definitely be checking out more of this series.
November 29, 2021
I could have sworn that Lucy broke up with Duncan in the previous book but in this one it wasn't referred to and I think that is a plot hole. I sincerely hope the next book isn't more back and forthing with Adam and Duncan. Adam is her guy! Other than that, great job as usual! I love this series.
January 9, 2023
I really enjoyed the first four books in this series, so I'm very sad that this book and its predecessor didn't capture my interest in the same manner. Maybe it was too much of the "who will Lucy choose?" being drawn out for so long... I can't quite put my finger on it.
March 30, 2022
Very good. Hard to put down
April 10, 2022
Detailed information about the 17th century and the way information is passed to the community through penny sheets and of course neighborly talk. So glad things end well for Lucy!
May 18, 2022
Can't say I'd seek out other titles in this series, but I do appreciate the author's careful organization of adjacent stories. For me there's nothing worse than fantastical, forced coincidence.
June 1, 2022
The beginning was good but the story began to drag by the middle. So I've chosen another book by her and it is a better story,
July 8, 2022
Love the historical period! Read this book without reading the author's other books and was pleasantly surprised. Not amazing, but definitely a good mystery which I read at a decent pace.
December 9, 2023
Lovely to get back into this series and check in with these wonderful characters, but the mystery was weak. I could see it from a mile away which made the reading drag.
February 23, 2024
I think I might have enjoyed this more if I had read any of the 5 previous books, especially the first. I don't feel compelled to read more of the series.
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