Title: The Hanged Man
Author: P.N. Elrod
First published May 19, 2015
336 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780765329714 (ISBN10: 0765329719)
Rating: 3.81
Overview
The Hanged Man, the first of its series, is a captivating Gaslamp Fantasy novel by P. N.
Elrod. It all begins on a bone-chilling Christmas Eve in 1879 when a forensic psychic reader, Alexandrina Victoria Pendlebury, is summoned to investigate the death of a questionable victim.
The police had hastily concluded it as a suicide, but Alex, named after the queen herself, knows that it was a magically compromised murder. With the shocking revelation contained in the body, Alex must put her grief aside and uncover the deeper issues at hand before more bodies pile up.
Alex turns to her trusted allies, including the handsome Lieutenant Brooks, the enigmatic Lord Desmond, and her rogue cousin James. She must use her mental and magical abilities to save the Queen and Country from a shadowy threat.
This thrilling Gaslamp adventure is filled with cloaked assassins, meddlesome family members, and dark magic. Get ready to be spellbound by this well-bred Victorian urban fantasy thriller.
About the Author
Patricia Nead Elrod is a talented American writer who focuses on creating captivating novels that revolve around vampires. Her books typically fall under the genres of fantasy, mystery, or historical fiction, but they rarely venture into horror territory.
Unlike traditional vampire tales, Elrod’s stories feature these nocturnal creatures as the protagonists, rather than the villains.
Editoral Review
The Hanged Man by P.N. Elrod is a captivating urban fantasy novel, first published on May 19, 2015. Elrod is a New York Times bestselling author and has written over twenty-five books across multiple genres.
The novel is set in Chicago in 1934 during the aftermath of the Great Depression and the rise of organized crime. The themes of justice, loyalty, and redemption are explored within the context of the supernatural world.
The central character is vampire P.I. Jack Fleming, who is investigating a series of suspicious hangings that are plaguing Chicago. His investigation leads him to a group of rogue vampires who are attempting to stage a takeover of the city’s supernatural community.
Along the way, Jack must confront his own past and come to terms with the fact that he may not be able to save everyone he cares about. Elrod expertly weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and fantasy to create a captivating narrative.
The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own motivations and secrets. The setting of 1930s Chicago is skillfully depicted, incorporating historical details that lend authenticity to the story.
The supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated into the plot and add an intriguing layer to the narrative. The novel’s strengths lie in Elrod’s skillful writing and attention to detail.
The pacing is excellent, with tension building steadily throughout the story. The plot is well-structured and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
The themes of justice and redemption are explored in a nuanced way, with the characters facing difficult moral choices and consequences. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
The ending feels somewhat rushed, with several plot threads left unresolved. Additionally, some of the dialogue feels stilted and overly expository.
Despite these limitations, The Hanged Man is a strong addition to the urban fantasy genre and will appeal to fans of authors such as Jim Butcher and Charlaine Harris. In summary, The Hanged Man by P.N. Elrod is a well-written and engaging novel that expertly blends elements of mystery, suspense, and fantasy.
The characters are complex and the world-building is skillfully executed. While the ending feels somewhat rushed, the strengths of the novel outweigh its limitations.
I highly recommend this book to fans of urban fantasy and those looking for a captivating read that explores themes of justice and redemption. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
