Saturday, August 4, 2012

100 Books in 2012: Book 64 "The Hangman's Daughter"


Thanks to my hubby for letting me know this book was the Kindle Daily Deal before we left for vacation.  I love impulse purchases that turn into powerful reads. This novel by Oliver Potzch (translated by Lee Chadeayne)

Set in seventeenth century Germany, this novel is filled with vibrant characters and a deliciously twisted villain.  Jacob Eisel never wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps as an executioner, and yet that’s exactly what he did.  The town fears him, and most people won’t greet him on the street: it’s bad luck to speak directly to the executioner.  But Jacob is a kind man who takes pride in his trade and his intelligence.   

When a child is discovered brutally murdered and bearing the witch’s mark upon his back, the old midwife is arrested.  Jacob knows in his gut that the woman is innocent, but because of his public role as executioner, there’s very little he can do to save her.  With the help of his daughter, Magdelena, and the young doctor, Simon, Jacob seeks to unravel the mystery of the child murderer before he is forced to burn the old midwife.

This story combines mystery, romance, and well-crafted historical details to produce an excellent read.  Curl up with this one on a dark and stormy night and prepare to hang on the edge of your seat.

2 comments:

  1. Sounds good! I'll have to check this one out. :)

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  2. Let me know what you think when you get to it!

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