While working for the Daily World, photographer Sarah Bain with her two friends and co-workers, Lord Hugh Staunton and Mick O’Reilly, are called out to a crime scene. That of the hangman, Harry Warbrick. But is it suicide or murder. And if murder why? While working to find the guilty partner Sarah is still trying to find her father and so disapprove that he may be guilty of murder some years previously.
Throughout the book some of the dialogue seems a bit too far-fetched. While some of the relationships between the characters seemed somewhat forced. Overall a satisfying mystery even though I didn't take to any of the main characters.
A NetGalley Book ( )

I love historical mystery series. The authors always do their research and bring the time period to life in a way that non fiction books never do. Sarah Bain is a photographer for the Daily World newspaper who often ends up playing detective with the assistance of her two friends, Lord Hugh Staunton and Mick O’Reilly.
The time period is well fleshed out as are the characters. There were twists and turns but the story flowed very well. I especially enjoyed the side plots with Sarah's upbringing, and her romance with PC Barrett. This was the third book in the series. It can be read out of order but I would recommend starting with book one. ( )

I love historical fiction and the Victorian era. I wanted to love this book. I really did.
But I didn't feel like I stepped back in time, that was a biggest disappointment.
The story did not hold my interest and I thought Sarah Bain was dull.


I won the book from a goodreads giveaway. ( )

Set in London in 1890, The Hangman's Secret by Laura Joh Rowland is a spellbinding historical mystery. Although this latest release is the third installment in the Victorian Mystery series it can be read as a standalone.

Photographer Sarah Bain lives and works with her friends, Lord Hugh Staunton and fourteen year old street urchin Mick O'Reilly. They now work for London's Daily World, which has been recently purchased by Sir Gerald Mariner. Working as a crime scene photographer for the paper, Sarah, Hugh and Mick head to the pub where Harry Warbrick recently committed suicide by hanging himself. The scene is grisly and Sarah immediately picks up on things that point toward murder rather than suicide. Returning to the newspaper to process her photos and report to Sir Mariner, Sarah is dismayed when her boss instructs her and reporter Malcolm Cross to solve Warbrick's murder before the police. Can Sarah investigate Warbrick's murder without ruining her relationship with Police Constable Thomas Barrett? Will Sarah, Hugh and Mick solve the case before the police?

Certain findings at the scene of Warbrick's death point Sarah in the direction of his most notorious hanging. Thanks to Sir Mariner's connections, Sarah and Hugh head to Newgate Prison where they question the staff who had contact with murderess Amelia Carlisle. Although they do not uncover any new evidence, Sarah remains certain Warbrick's murder is connected to Amelia's hanging. But will she find the information she needs to solve the case?

In addition to the their investigation, Sarah, Hugh and Mick are also juggling a few personal issues. Young Mick's crush on actress Catherine Price adds an unexpected complication to their efforts to identify Warbrick's killer. Hugh's secret relationship could lead to trouble with Sir Mariner. Sarah continues to be conflicted about her relationship with Barrett. He is ready to take their romance to the next level, but Sarah's self-doubts and abandonment issues make her reluctant to make a commitment. She is also still searching for her father and when she antagonizes her nemesis Inspector Reid, he utilizes the police force to carry out his revenge.

The Hangman's Secret is a baffling mystery that is full of unexpected twists and turns. The characters are well-rounded and easy to root for. The investigation into Warbrick's death proves to be very dangerous for Sarah and Hugh as they find themselves in very precarious situations. Laura Joh Rowland brings the novel to a thrilling and dangerous conclusion that will satisfy readers. Another clever addition to the Victorian Mystery series that I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend to fans of the genre. ( )

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. First off - I didn't realize that this book was part of a series but this didn't seem to hinder my enjoyment of the book. I felt the book started off just a bit slow but then it picked up and I enjoyed it. I liked the characters - i found that they were interesting and intriguing. This book was a good murder mystery.set in the late 1890's. and I liked its storyline. I haven't read this author before but I would certainly be inclined to read her other works. ( )