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.
While this book may be considered historical fiction, it is so much more, however I doubt people would pick up a book of cultural anthropological fiction. If you want to know the plot, look it up on Amazon. If you want to understand how this book is unique from thousands of other mysteries, stick with me kid. The plot is a murder mystery, the …
I was completely drawn in, and obligated to seek out all the other books in the series… It was amazing, I read them one after another. I felt bereft after I realized there were no more books to read.
EXCEPTIONALLY Captivating plot line with very believable characters. Very solid historical foundation in an area we seldom expect or anticipate. While the story is truly dark it has a very human atmosphere and a bit of gallows humor bordering on whimsical.
This may be one of the TOP FIVEBOOKS I have read in my 65 years……
With my finding …
Takes the reader into a period of history (17th century ) that is just starting to come into the modern age and reveals the superstition and misbeliefs of the small town society. Lots of twists and turns, delves into magical beliefs and medical practices of the age. A good mystery with enough to keep you turning the page and written by a …
I never knew that executioners were social outcasts and formed their own dynasties, so it was enlightening to see the social implications play out in this well-constructed story.
The book is about missing children, supposed witch craft, daily life in the 1600’s for a hangman and his family. The title is somewhat misleading, but the story is just wonderful— filled with information on how the people in mid 1600’s Bavaria lived, historical facts, and a very twisty mystery. The author is descended from the real life hangman, …
A hangman as a hero? I love it!
Superstition and fear are a dangerous combination, especially when they are allowed to rule over common sense and legal considerations.
This is a fascinating historical tale full of mystery, intrigue and twists. There are moments of gut-wrenching sadness and others of macabre fascination. The story centres around Jakob Kuisl, the town’s hangman, …
An very interesting novel. The author did an excellent job of bringing to life a bygone era.
I was in Stockholm walking from the city hall to the old town when a newly formed acquaintance recommended this book. Picked it up for Kindle and immediately fell in love with it. Characters are fleshed out quickly and well, yet more parts of their personalities are revealed as the stories proceed.
Historical details are magnificent. I can easily …
I enjoyed reading this, but so glad not to live in that time period. I definitely got caught up in reading this.
The story itself is wonderfully told. Jacob and Simon, the hangman and the junior physician, must solve a murder mystery before the town midwife is tortured to death. Children are being killed, and a conspiracy reaching the top burgomasters of the town is afoot. Oliver does a great job of bringing 17th century Bavaria to life. Great research and …
Interesting novel about the role of an executioner in Bavaria during the mid 1600s. This story gives the reader insight to the person paid to execute common methods of torture and punishment often used during this era. After reading this story, oddly, the reader may have empathy for the “Hangman” and his family, I did.
It’s part of a series of books. I have them all to date and enjoy the reading and characters which have been developed over the years.
Excellent book (with an exceptional, very readable translation). It is an excellent introduction to the Hangman’s Daughter series, all of which are well worth reading.
It was true to the past.
Wow. Dark. Atmospheric. Wonderful characters.
I loved this book. I don’t know that I’d call it fast-paced, but it did keep my interest throughout. There were a couple short spots where it slowed a bit or a scene dragged on too long, but they didn’t detract from the pleasure of reading the book.
I very much enjoyed the historical details and in-depth portrayal of the kind of life a …
A title from World Book Day that was first published in Germany. Setting is in 1624 in a village where anything suspicious has people looking at witchcraft as the cause. The hangman is the investigator who also carries out punishments. Problems develop when you have a daughter who is curious and independent. Enjoyable read.
A view of the changes since the 16 hundreds. How little the people of the time have to say of their own lives.