THE HANGING CLUB in the third novel in Tony Parsons's Max Wolfe series.
Long ago, I remember reading Parsons's contemporary fiction novels, which I really liked. When I learned that he also wrote crime fiction, I was intrigued.
In this novel, DC Max Wolfe is investigating a string of vigilante killings - murders of "evil men" who not many people are weeping for, serious criminals who have got away with light sentences for terrible crimes.

Offering questions about the UK justice system, and questions of what place revenge/vengeance has in contemporary law and order, THE HANGING CLUB is an engaging, well-written and gripping novel. Recommended.

Oooooh yeah!
I was hooked from the start!
Intriguing and addictive, the storyline had me guessing at every page turn.
I will definitely read more from this author.

''The Hanging Club'' is the third installment in the Max Wolfe crime novel series and, in my opinion, is the best of the first three books both in terms of plot development as well as the successful building of suspense throughout the, nearly, 400 pages of the novel. Max Wolfe is the typical hard-boiled detective, following the American tradition with detectives such as Philip Marlowe, Lew Archer, Sam Spade and the other fictitious characters of the United States pioneer crime writers, as he is efficient, inventive, bold and is not afraid even to risk his own life if this is required for the case to be solved. The premise of the story is not defined by its originality as it concerns a series of murder by hanging committed by a gang of vigilantes punishing criminals who managed to evade justice, but it's the writer's plain and austere prose which evolves the plot and forces the reader to turn the pages. It is a highly enjoyable experience and it can be read in one sitting as the tension keeps the reader glued to his seat till the very last pages. Tony Parsons is a truly talented writer who has experimented with other genres, but I think that he ought to keep up writing entertaining crime novels as he proves to be a more than competent antagonist for the most successful and popular English crime fiction authors.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House UK for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really fantastic crime thriller that took me hours to read. Time just passed me by as I escaped into the pages.

It's got everything going for it! A really interesting plot with a macabre element to it, strong characters - both the cops and villains, plenty of mystery and questions to be had, graphic scenes that hold you mesmerised yet disturbed and a thrilling ending to top it all off.

Someone is hanging people execution style. Not just any people, but those that have committed atrocities against other human beings. Who has declared themselves judge, jury and executioner? You'll need to read it to find out.

The book has some absolutely fascinating and well researched history about the morbid times when hanging was still a legal capital punishment in England.</b> It describes locations, events and participants and I found it absolutely thrilling. The author did fabulous research to make this book have an extra element to it. Bravo!

I really like Tony's writing, he knows how to right an engaging novel that's not full of boring fillers and unrelated facts. It's a sure winner with me and crime fiction fans should put this one on their list for sure. You don't need to have read prior books in the series to enjoy this (although they are great too).

5 stars and it's been added to my long list for my Top Ten Books. Loved this one!