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.
Excellent historical story of the writers ancestry. Fictional story retelling of a family story. Gives the reader a look at life from the past. Truly enjoyed.
I love this whole series.
When two children are found dead with a witches mark on them the residents of Schongau suspect that the local midwife is to blame. The children like to hang around her. The local hangman, Jakob Kuisl, and his daughter, Magdalena, don’t agree. The young physician, Simon, does not agree as well. The three of them work together to solve the mystery …
A different view of long ago and how undesirable jobs still get done.
Sherlock Holmes of the 17th century Bavarian alps region.
I thought this book was very good to read. It was a rather long book but I enjoyed the whole book. I was never quite sure who the mastermind was.
If you like history with mystery, this is a great series. 17th Century Germany from the point of view of a Hangman’s family. Lots of incredible situations.
THE HANGMAN’S DAUGHTER is both historical fiction and a murder mystery. It is also a morality tale. Much can be learned from reading historical novels that might not be available in the typical schoolroom setting. I was enamored of the fact that medicine is an integral part of the story. When I was in junior high school, more than 50 years ago, …
I did not like this book. It was ignorant.
Like this whole series. Just ordered the 6th & 7th in the series. Great Read.
Oscar’s books are really well written with English translations done expertly. His stories are great mysteries and he builds on the Father-Daughter relationship in each book. Each book is worthy read!
I found this story to be very unique. I cannot account for the truth of the historical facts or not but in my mind, I do not doubt them either.
When I think about the job of the hangman at least for this story, it was truly a solitary life not just for him but for the entire family. But the Main character was also unique I believe. For this, …
Great book about human nature including greed, good vs. evil, love, and murder mystery. Characters were complex. I didn’t want to book the book down.
First book in a great series. Likeable characters, and a fast-paced mystery that will have you guessing until the end. Well researched and loaded with historical detail about life in a medieval village. Who wouldn’t be interested to know how a hangman does his job? Call me crazy, but I found it intriguing! Want to know about the justice …
The world of the 1600’s in this book is really interesting. It says a lot of how religions and fear really destroy our society. This book is a really good look into the darker side of human nature. A good read!
Started reading this book earlier this week and can’t put it down. This author is new to me and I can’t wait to dig into his other works.
Compelling story. Never knew hangmen actually existed or why and amazing that the author’s family tree actually includes them!
Bavaria 1660 a man named Jakob Kuisl is the towns hangman as was his father before him. The author is a direct descendant of Jakob Kuisl. Mr Potzsch has taken stories passed down in his family, extensively researched the history, and written a fictonal account in a series of books. Very different, not gruesome.
Interesting details such as the …