I’ve enjoyed Elyse Hoffman’s prior novels, and so jumped at the chance of reading her forthcoming novel, The Hangman’s Master.

Stefan is thrown out of his home at the age of sixteen by uncompromising parents who could not accept his being gay. Homeless, he eventually finds a place in Hitler’s Brownshirts, where he beats up Jews and opponents of the Nazi Party., but it’s also where he meets Axel, who becomes the love of his life. As Hitler’s policies become darker, he realizes that he can’t abide what the Party has become, and becomes a virulent anti Nazi, joining a resistance group known as the Black Foxes. While on a mission for them, he has a supernatural encounter, forever changing him.

I found the novel to be well written and quite engaging, and also difficult to put down. This reader also appreciated the historical notes at the end of the book.

The Hangman’s Master is part of Hoffman’s Project 613 series, and characters from some of these books either make an appearance or are mentioned in the course of the narrative. This, however, shouldn’t detract from enjoyment of the book, and it can be approached as a standalone novel.

My thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing an ARC of the novel.

I DNF'ed this book. It just wasn't for me. I tried to push through and finish it to give a full-length review, but I couldn't continue. I guess I'm not into books like these.

I received an ARC e-copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My opinions and statements are my own.