beckylej's review against another edition
4.0
On the fiftieth anniversary of a shocking crime, a young reporter is sought out by someone who claims to have new information.
It was Friday, March 13, 1959 when Rodney Harper and Wulfgar Anderman killed five people on the paradise island of St. Thomas. The victims were Rodney and Wulfgar's parents and a maid working in the Harper household. The boys were convicted and served their time in the United States, ordered never to return to the island again.
With the anniversary of the murders and a new movie based on the case right around the corner, the crime that shocked the nation has once again captured people's attention and so, when Karen Tyler begins to receive strange calls implying there's more to the story, she can't possibly resist.
In spite of the concern of her boyfriend (and her conscience), Karen flies to St. Thomas where she is to be met by her mystery caller. But Karen's scoop - a potential career maker - could also be the death of her.
Do you remember the 2001 movie Valentine? It starred David Boreanaz (and of course topped my must see list when it was released). It was based on a book that I also bought and read at the time of the movie's release. Imagine my surprise this week in realizing that Tom Savage was the author of that book!
A Penny for the Hangman is, admittedly, somewhat better executed than Valentine. The story is broken up by pieces of Karen's journal, Rodney's diary, and other text (passages from a book written by the original investigator, Karen's piece, etc). This might hang up some readers, but I welcomed the slowing of the pace. Thrillers do beg to be read quickly but each piece fit quite well within the overall story and it allowed me to spend a bit more time with the book.
The twist - you knew there was one, right? - is a bit predictable. I have no complaints about it, I'm simply pointing out that it's easy to spot early on if you're looking. I suspect many readers will find this to be the case, and yet watching the story unfold as the author meant it to be was still quite enjoyable.
All in all, A Penny for the Hangman, was a riveting read. I am curious about its inspiration (if there is one in particular) as it did bring to mind a certain case I read about recently. Likely there's no connection but...
It was Friday, March 13, 1959 when Rodney Harper and Wulfgar Anderman killed five people on the paradise island of St. Thomas. The victims were Rodney and Wulfgar's parents and a maid working in the Harper household. The boys were convicted and served their time in the United States, ordered never to return to the island again.
With the anniversary of the murders and a new movie based on the case right around the corner, the crime that shocked the nation has once again captured people's attention and so, when Karen Tyler begins to receive strange calls implying there's more to the story, she can't possibly resist.
In spite of the concern of her boyfriend (and her conscience), Karen flies to St. Thomas where she is to be met by her mystery caller. But Karen's scoop - a potential career maker - could also be the death of her.
Do you remember the 2001 movie Valentine? It starred David Boreanaz (and of course topped my must see list when it was released). It was based on a book that I also bought and read at the time of the movie's release. Imagine my surprise this week in realizing that Tom Savage was the author of that book!
A Penny for the Hangman is, admittedly, somewhat better executed than Valentine. The story is broken up by pieces of Karen's journal, Rodney's diary, and other text (passages from a book written by the original investigator, Karen's piece, etc). This might hang up some readers, but I welcomed the slowing of the pace. Thrillers do beg to be read quickly but each piece fit quite well within the overall story and it allowed me to spend a bit more time with the book.
The twist - you knew there was one, right? - is a bit predictable. I have no complaints about it, I'm simply pointing out that it's easy to spot early on if you're looking. I suspect many readers will find this to be the case, and yet watching the story unfold as the author meant it to be was still quite enjoyable.
All in all, A Penny for the Hangman, was a riveting read. I am curious about its inspiration (if there is one in particular) as it did bring to mind a certain case I read about recently. Likely there's no connection but...
literaryfeline's review against another edition
4.0
New York journalist, Karen Tyler, has ambition in spades; and so when an anonymous caller offers her a juicy story about unknown facts in an infamous murder case, how can she resist? Fifty years before, two privileged teenage boys were arrested and convicted for the brutal murder of their parents. A new movie is about to be released and renewed attention in the case is high. Karen jumps at the chance to go to the scene of the crime on the beautiful Caribbean Island of St. Thomas when invited by her secretive source, sure that he is one of the killers. Karen's best laid plans are upended when her host implements his own. Then it's a race to see who comes out alive, if anyone.
Let's set aside the fact that Karen seems a bit too naive for an experienced reporter, and that she needs a good dose of skepticism and caution, my only real quibble with the book. Even with that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Penny for the Hangman. It was intense and suspenseful with an interesting twisty plot. Much of the time I was felt the author knew the reader would be on top of everything going on and it was really more a matter of seeing how Karen handled it all. Whereas in some books this style of writing takes away some of the intensity, it felt perfect for this type of tale.
The novel is written as if it is a book compiled of Karen's journal entries, her news articles, book excerpts from a book written by the arresting officer, and journal entries of one of the killers, along with narrative of events as they unfold. It was an effective mode of storytelling, especially in building up the suspense as the story went along. You get a little history into the boys' mindsets and their relationship as well of Karen's experiences too. Wulf and Rodney, the two boys convicted of the murders, were interesting characters to say the least.
This novel brought to mind the Lyle and Eric Mendendez trial that took place while I was in the middle of my undergraduate studies back in the early 1990's. They were two real life murderers who killed their parents. I had a professor who knew the family and was very upset by the allegations that came out. While this particular case was never alluded to in the novel, other famous murders were mentioned that the reader is sure to recognize. I always like it when an author adds real life details into novels that way. It lends an authenticity a novel, I think.
While some might find events in this novel to be a little over the top at times, it was all a part of the roller coaster ride that made the novel so fun and exciting. A Penny for the Hangman was an entertaining and difficult to put down novel. It makes for a great read, especially if you want something fast paced and full of suspense.
Copy of book provided by publisher. Original Review posted on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty.
Let's set aside the fact that Karen seems a bit too naive for an experienced reporter, and that she needs a good dose of skepticism and caution, my only real quibble with the book. Even with that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Penny for the Hangman. It was intense and suspenseful with an interesting twisty plot. Much of the time I was felt the author knew the reader would be on top of everything going on and it was really more a matter of seeing how Karen handled it all. Whereas in some books this style of writing takes away some of the intensity, it felt perfect for this type of tale.
The novel is written as if it is a book compiled of Karen's journal entries, her news articles, book excerpts from a book written by the arresting officer, and journal entries of one of the killers, along with narrative of events as they unfold. It was an effective mode of storytelling, especially in building up the suspense as the story went along. You get a little history into the boys' mindsets and their relationship as well of Karen's experiences too. Wulf and Rodney, the two boys convicted of the murders, were interesting characters to say the least.
This novel brought to mind the Lyle and Eric Mendendez trial that took place while I was in the middle of my undergraduate studies back in the early 1990's. They were two real life murderers who killed their parents. I had a professor who knew the family and was very upset by the allegations that came out. While this particular case was never alluded to in the novel, other famous murders were mentioned that the reader is sure to recognize. I always like it when an author adds real life details into novels that way. It lends an authenticity a novel, I think.
While some might find events in this novel to be a little over the top at times, it was all a part of the roller coaster ride that made the novel so fun and exciting. A Penny for the Hangman was an entertaining and difficult to put down novel. It makes for a great read, especially if you want something fast paced and full of suspense.
Copy of book provided by publisher. Original Review posted on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty.
kristindowner's review against another edition
5.0
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This review is posted on #NerdProblems at http://www.nerdprobs.com/feature/book-review-a-penny-for-the-hangman-by-tom-savage/
I will admit I have never read a Tom Savage book before but, after reading ‘A Penny for the Hangman’, I will be picking up some more of his work. ‘A Penny for the Hangman’ was an incredible story filled with suspense, terror, and an attention-holding story line. Savage drew me in from the very beginning and kept me interested.
‘A Penny for the Hangman’ follows the story of New York City based journalist, Karen, who gets the opportunity of a lifetime to get the “real” story behind a set of murders that took place in 1959. She follows the lead and it seems she may get the story she was looking for… or does she get way more than she has bargained for? Savage took the lead heroin in the story and made her relatable. As a reader, I felt I could relate to this character, which made the story more real. I experienced the terror she felt, the thoughts she thought were ideas that crossed my mind. I also found myself trying to figure out where Savage was taking the story the whole way. While I managed to guess a few things, Savage managed to completely blow my mind as the story came to a peak and, for lack of a better phrase, all hell broke loose.
This book is the epitome of a nail biter. Savage has a keen sense for what the readers wants and brings a reality out of every story. ‘A Penny for a Hangman’ could easily be a story ripped straight out of the headlines. This could be you or someone you know. This could be a story you follow on the news. The reality of the situation makes this novel that much more terrifying.
If you are a fan of real life scenarios, truly frightening situations, and simply a really good read, then you should pick up this book. I find it hard to give a book five stars, but this intrigued me so much that I just have to! Great job to Mr. Savage for writing such a good piece of work and I look forward to more.
This review is posted on #NerdProblems at http://www.nerdprobs.com/feature/book-review-a-penny-for-the-hangman-by-tom-savage/
I will admit I have never read a Tom Savage book before but, after reading ‘A Penny for the Hangman’, I will be picking up some more of his work. ‘A Penny for the Hangman’ was an incredible story filled with suspense, terror, and an attention-holding story line. Savage drew me in from the very beginning and kept me interested.
‘A Penny for the Hangman’ follows the story of New York City based journalist, Karen, who gets the opportunity of a lifetime to get the “real” story behind a set of murders that took place in 1959. She follows the lead and it seems she may get the story she was looking for… or does she get way more than she has bargained for? Savage took the lead heroin in the story and made her relatable. As a reader, I felt I could relate to this character, which made the story more real. I experienced the terror she felt, the thoughts she thought were ideas that crossed my mind. I also found myself trying to figure out where Savage was taking the story the whole way. While I managed to guess a few things, Savage managed to completely blow my mind as the story came to a peak and, for lack of a better phrase, all hell broke loose.
This book is the epitome of a nail biter. Savage has a keen sense for what the readers wants and brings a reality out of every story. ‘A Penny for a Hangman’ could easily be a story ripped straight out of the headlines. This could be you or someone you know. This could be a story you follow on the news. The reality of the situation makes this novel that much more terrifying.
If you are a fan of real life scenarios, truly frightening situations, and simply a really good read, then you should pick up this book. I find it hard to give a book five stars, but this intrigued me so much that I just have to! Great job to Mr. Savage for writing such a good piece of work and I look forward to more.
missuskisses's review
4.0
Review: http://bennitheblog.com/bookbiters/a-penny-for-the-hangman-by-tom-savage/
On Friday, March 13, 1959, fifteen-year-old Rodney Harper and fourteen-year-old Wulf Anderman brutally slayed their parents in St. Thomas. After serving time in jail, the public lost track of the pair’s whereabouts. Shortly before the fiftieth anniversary of the murders in 2009, a mystery man called Karen Tyler, an arts and entertainment journalist, promising to tell her the truth about the Harper-Anderman murders. Intrigued and excited at the idea of covering one of the most famous cases of parricide, Karen agreed to meet this anonymous source at St. Thomas. Only she never got to finish the story she so wanted to write.
Jim O’Brien—Karen’s boyfriend in 2009—never really wanted Karen to go to St. Thomas alone. But armed with all her notes, Jim, a novelist, decides to finish the story Karen had begun to tell. As the story unfolds through Harper’s diary entries, Karen’s articles and journal, court transcripts, and other past publications (such as the arresting officer’s book), we find out what really happened that night in 1959, what compelled the boys to murder, what happened to Karen fifty years later, and whether the killings really ever stopped.
A Penny for the Hangman is everything I look for in an entertaining mystery/thriller—fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of surprises. It’s cleverly constructed to maximize misdirection, and the less I reveal of the plot, the better. Though the book does provide a little commentary on how murderers—as opposed to the victims—become the celebrities, its primary purpose is to thrill, and serious questions are not explored in depth.
There are some “don’t do that!” moments with the characters (and Karen seems more charming to the other characters than she came across the pages), but you won’t have time to dwell on such issues because the next twist is just around the corner.
I highly recommend A Penny for the Hangman, but would caution against starting the book at night, as you might just stay up all night trying to finish it.
I received a digital review copy of the book via Netgalley, courtesy of Alibi, a Random House imprint, as part of the book's blog tour.
Review: http://bennitheblog.com/bookbiters/a-penny-for-the-hangman-by-tom-savage/
On Friday, March 13, 1959, fifteen-year-old Rodney Harper and fourteen-year-old Wulf Anderman brutally slayed their parents in St. Thomas. After serving time in jail, the public lost track of the pair’s whereabouts. Shortly before the fiftieth anniversary of the murders in 2009, a mystery man called Karen Tyler, an arts and entertainment journalist, promising to tell her the truth about the Harper-Anderman murders. Intrigued and excited at the idea of covering one of the most famous cases of parricide, Karen agreed to meet this anonymous source at St. Thomas. Only she never got to finish the story she so wanted to write.
Jim O’Brien—Karen’s boyfriend in 2009—never really wanted Karen to go to St. Thomas alone. But armed with all her notes, Jim, a novelist, decides to finish the story Karen had begun to tell. As the story unfolds through Harper’s diary entries, Karen’s articles and journal, court transcripts, and other past publications (such as the arresting officer’s book), we find out what really happened that night in 1959, what compelled the boys to murder, what happened to Karen fifty years later, and whether the killings really ever stopped.
A Penny for the Hangman is everything I look for in an entertaining mystery/thriller—fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of surprises. It’s cleverly constructed to maximize misdirection, and the less I reveal of the plot, the better. Though the book does provide a little commentary on how murderers—as opposed to the victims—become the celebrities, its primary purpose is to thrill, and serious questions are not explored in depth.
There are some “don’t do that!” moments with the characters (and Karen seems more charming to the other characters than she came across the pages), but you won’t have time to dwell on such issues because the next twist is just around the corner.
I highly recommend A Penny for the Hangman, but would caution against starting the book at night, as you might just stay up all night trying to finish it.
I received a digital review copy of the book via Netgalley, courtesy of Alibi, a Random House imprint, as part of the book's blog tour.
Review: http://bennitheblog.com/bookbiters/a-penny-for-the-hangman-by-tom-savage/
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