A Decker/Lazarus Novel (Decker/Lazarus Novels)

I love the Decker/Lazarus novels! I am never disappointed and stay way to late to read the books. I can not believe he is sixty, where has the time gone. Thanks Faye for providing insight into a world I did not know.

As a devoted reader of the Decker/Lazarus series, I was eager to see the new release. But "Hangman" seems like it was rushed into print. The pacing is uneven, the dialog often repetitious, and narrative shortcuts (especially toward the end of the novel) seem quite forced. Too much of this novel is an excuse to get a new teenager under the Deckers' roof, presumably setting up future story lines, but in the process, Kellerman shortchanges us on her usual keen insight and crisp characterization. This is still a decent, plot-driven read, but "Hangman" is not Faye Kellerman's best.

Okay, let me start by saying that Faye Kellerman isn't Leo Tolstoy. Not even close, BUT she does write a good story. And I believe in comparing an author's work with his previous work.

I'm pretty sure that almost everyone reading my review has read other Faye Kellermans. This book, "Hangman" is a continuation of her Rina Lazarus/Peter Decker series. Basically the same characters, with the addition of new ones who commit crimes or are victims of those who committed the crimes. But Kellerman, in addition to those characters, bring back two from Decker's past who both sort of are a combination of perpetrator and victim and the reader has to keep guessing who will end up as which.

Kellerman has managed to keep her long-term characters fresh in the 20 some-odd novels she's published in the Lazarus/Decker series. They've aged in time and their lives have moved on from their introduction in Kellerman's first novel, "The Ritual Bath", published in 1986. They've developed more nuanced personalities, though the crimes committed often seem same old, same old. Kellerman is a good story plotter as well, and combined with good characterisations, her novels are enjoyable reads. I also read her husband, Jonathan Kellerman, and I think he's become bored with his characters. It might be time for him to move on, where Faye's seem to have a little more life in them.

"Hangman" is a well-written combination of plot and character. For the Faye Kellerman fan, I can whole heartedly recommend "Hangman".

I have read everything that Faye Kellerman has written. She has long been on my list of favorite authors. Wish she could publish more and still keep the quality, but I'll take what I can get! Keep it up, Faye!

Not disappointed by this one -- the story / yarn kept my interest and I somewhat suspected who ended up being the perp (but I read a lot), and although I wouldn't call this a blockbuster, it was a good read. And it's always nice to read about the Decker / Lazarus relationship. Rina is more of a mom / wife in this one, but that's still good.

I liked the good people of faith juxtaposed with finding the bad guys. They are people that I would like in real life. Kellerman does a great job of showing how people's faith informs their actions without being heavy handed.

I liked the good people of faith juxtaposed with finding the bad guys. They are people that I would like in real life. Kellerman does a great job of showing how people's faith informs their actions without being heavy handed.

After reading Gun Games I decided to read this. It met my expectations of Kellerman and more! This novel is a page turner, easy read and for those that love a little mystery and crime solving its great. Beware, once you start you won't want to stop reading these books.

Peter Decker feels for a youth abandoned by his rich criminal father. Takes him home until a solution can be worked out. Finds the 15 year old is a musical genus! Particularly piano, competes internationally! Peter and Sargent Marge solve the strangling deaths they face.

Very entertaining, just the right pace, surprises at every turn. I gave it 5 stars because I didn't want to put it down. Definitely a page-turn (or swiper, if on an electronic device). I like that it had a few different scenarios going on at the same time, just like CSI. I also like that it showed the progression of the characters over the years, and you got a chance to revisit them. The characters were very believable. The pace definitely picked up toward the end, and I had to work to keep up. I would recommend this title to those who know and like this author and to those who enjoy a CSI type read.

All of the Faye Kellerman books are great to read. This one is a Who Is The Dad mystery withLazarus gently and lovingly saving the life of a young pianist friend as he works his way through who he really is.

Throughout the book there are sentences with missing or extra words, and several misspellings. This irritates me and destroys my concentration. The worst thing, however, was the description of a nude body and no mention at that point of her clothes, but later on, several mentions of a card found in her coat pocket. That really bothers me. Also, I'm really tired of this author's gratuitous descriptions of beautiful women. Is that really necessary?