book cover of A Coin For the Hangman
 

A Coin For the Hangman

(2016)
A novel by

 
 
A bookseller finds an old diary containing a condemned man’s last words—but can they be trusted? “A compelling book, superbly plotted” (Peter Lovesey, author of The Last Detective).

Browsing through a collection of old volumes, a bookseller comes across a diary—contained in it, the final words of a man sentenced to die for murder, addressed to his executioner. But after reading the journal, the bookseller wonders if there was a miscarriage of justice? Did the wrong man go to the gallows? And is there any way to prove it?

A Coin for the Hangman is a “mesmerising and thought provoking” work of historical fiction, rich in detail and character, that delves into questions of duty, war, innocence, and guilt (Crime Fiction Lover).

A Recommendation of the Walter Scott Prize Academy

“A fiendishly clever plot set in the aftermath of World War II. I thoroughly enjoyed it.” —Minette Walters, Edgar Award–winning author of
The Sculptress

“Capital punishment seems so alien to modern Britain that it is a shock to be reminded that just over fifty years ago there was a middle-aged man in a middle-ranking job in a London office who, two or three times a year, was paid six guineas to visit one of Britain’s prisons and kill one of the prisoners. . . . A disturbing and poignant little novel.” —
Historical Novels Review

“A very moving piece of fiction.” —
Crimesquad

Genre: Mystery

Used availability for Ralph Spurrier's A Coin For the Hangman


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