The Hangman's Daughter (The Hangman's Daughter, #1) by Oliver Pötzsch

The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Pötzsch

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Germany, 1660: When a dying boy is pulled from the river with a mark crudely tattooed on his shoulder, hangman Jakob Kuisl is called upon to investigate whether witchcraft is at play. So begins The Hangman's Daughter--the chillingly detailed, fast-paced historical thriller from German television screenwriter, Oliver Pötzsch--a descendent of the Kuisls, a famous Bavarian executioner clan.

My Review:

Before I started reading this book, I caught a glimpse of another reader's review. They seemed bothered that the story was more about the Executioner and his acquaintance attempting to solve multiple murders and thwarting an all out witch-hunt than it was about Magdalena, the Executioner's daughter. However, there are more books in this series, and I feel that the bond between the Executioner and his companion was because of Magdalena.

This story had mystery, some gore, romance, witchcraft, history, and loyalty. Although the story started out slowly, it picked up pace and in the end left you with a small cliffhanger. Small enough that if you want to make up more of the ending yourself, you will be quite content, but enough of a cliffhanger to make you want to read the next in the series to see what really happens.

I started this book late for a July BOTM in one of my reading groups. Obviously, I failed at getting it read in time, but I am glad I read it. I rarely read historical pieces, and I may pick more up to read in the future.

Favorite Quotes:

"because a rumor is like smoke. It will spread, it will seep through closed doors and latched shutters, and in the end the whole town will smell of it"

"When he dipped into the mysteries of nature, he was sure that there must be a God. Who else could create such lovely works of art? Man’s inventions could only ape those of his Creator"

Read from July 15 to August 20, 2013

Top 5 Genres*: Book Club, Young Adult, Contemporary, European Literature/German Literature, Modern
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system:
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

View all my reviews