Tangled Web UK Review October 2007
The Secret Hangman by
Peter Lovesey
hbk out February 07
Published by Sphere
at £17.99
Peter Lovesey made his name, and deservedly, with historical mystery novels, but
over the past decade he has made a mark in the field of contemporary crime, most
notably with his books about Bath cop Peter Diamond. This series has maintained
consistently high standards, but the latest entry is to my mind perhaps the best so far
Diamond is contacted by a mysterious 'secret admirer' who invites him to a rendez-
vous in a pub. He does not attend, but she persists in her attentions, and although her
identity is soon quite easily guessable (Diamond, I felt, was a bit slow on the uptake
here), the real puzzle of the story lies elsewhere. A woman is found hanged and when
similar deaths occur, it becomes clear that a clever and determined killer is at work.
The investigation progresses and Diamond's personal life becomes entwined with it
as Lovesey demonstrates that he remains one of the best plotters around. The motive
for the murders is startling yet believable - and most ingeniously concealed. As
always with this author, the story is devilishly readable. A whodunit to be savoured
from one of crime fiction's greatest entertainers.
(
Martin Edwards
- author of the highly acclaimed Harry Devlin Mysteries)
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