A Coin for the Hangman: A captivating historical mystery full of twists

By: Ralph Spurrier

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Synopsis: 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