Exquisite Plotting....
The third and final in the Albert Lincoln series and a cleverly woven historical mystery packed with atmosphere, red herrings and exquisite plotting. The dual narrative works well and characters are credible as always. A fitting addition to the series and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I got a copy of this book from NetGalley and this review is entirely my own opinion. Thank you to both the author and the publishing company for allowing me to review this book.

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Having not read the other two books in this trilogy, I was unsure as to how I would find this book, although the synopsis did intrigue me.
It turned out to be a really good book, full of the context of the characters' backstories, meaning that it didn't matter so much that I hadn't read book 1 or 2 in the series.
The plot twist in this book was clever, and I definitely did not see it coming. The characters were great and the plot was intriguing, meaning that I read the book really fast (in four days!! quick for me)
I do love me a historical fiction and also a murder mystery, so this was a great combination of the two!

I found this book a slow read and it didn’t really grab my attention.
#NetGalley #TheHouseOfTheHangedWoman

This is the final instalment of the Inspector Albert Lincoln series set in the early years of the twentieth century. I hadn’t read the previous two novels but this works well as a stand alone novel with references to Albert’s previous enquiries into earlier murders. He works for Scotland Yard but is sent to the High Peak District again to investigate the disappearance of a visiting Member of Parliament, last seen in the village of Wenfield. An unrecognisable corpse, a second possible murder, a search for a son and the schemes of a bullied housewife keep the reader totally immersed in the plot.
Albert has a choice of suspects and his pursuit of the truth necessitates a lot of travelling around the country which sweeps the reader along with him at a fast pace with little time for breath. Add to this Albert’s own backstory of his ailing wife and bossy mother-in-law and the reader cannot help but feel emotionally involved, hoping that Albert will not only find those responsible for the mysteries but also will find peace with himself.

This is an incredibly well written murder mystery, packed full of wonderful historical detail. The whole package - characters, attention to detail, setting and above all the intricately woven storyline, works superbly. Kept me absolutely rivitted start to finish.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book prior to publication.
I went into this book completely unsure what it would be about, what style it would be etc. Although this is part of a series, I still enjoyed this book as a stand alone. Great storyline that kept me engaged,
The character of Albert is fantastic and he alone has made me want to read the previous two novels and I'd definitely re read this with more context.
Thanks again!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for a review copy of The House of the Hanged Woman, the third novel to feature Scotland Yard detective Inspector Albert Lincoln, set in Derbyshire in 1921.

When a Member of Parliament goes missing from the village of Wenfield Albert, due to his knowledge of the area, is sent to investigate. When he gets there he learns that the local police have tentatively identified a naked body found bludgeoned beyond recognition as the missing MP, but it’s not him and soon Albert finds himself investigating 4 cases, not simply the one he was sent to deal with.

I thoroughly enjoyed The House of the Hanged Woman, which has a complicated plot with several twists. It is told in two voices, that of Albert and a young wife named Rose. She is intertwined in the plot and quite crucial to it, but that’s all I’m going to say about her.

I found the narrative quite compelling as it throws up many questions, some of which I could answer but most that I couldn’t, so I had to keep reading to find out. I think the solution is excellent, being neat, elegant and quite in keeping with the rest of the series where Albert doesn’t always get it right. There is a sense of finality and change to this novel, so I think it will remain a trilogy. I should point out that this novel is not Albert’s first trip to Wenfield so there are references to his first case there and the killer is named frequently, so reading the novels in order is strongly advised.

I like the atmosphere in the novel with the rural setting contrasting with the effects of the war. Albert, himself, was wounded and most of the ex-soldiers are damaged in one way or another. There is no escaping the big, bad world or so it seems. I don’t think I’ve explained it very well, but the contrast struck me.

The House of the Hanged Woman is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

A wonderful book, I finished it in a day, I just could not put it down. Kate Ellis writes about very believable characters that you come to care about and Albert Lincoln is one of the best. Highly recommended.