Hangman's Knot

Since abandoning his terrific John Becker series Wiltse has created another winning protagonist with Billy Tree. Hangman's Knot, the second in this series, has it all. On one level it is a mystery with historical roots, written seamlessly with thorough characterizations and a tight plotline. On another level it is a gentle but firm examination of buried prejudice in a time when everyone realizes none should continue to exist. Billy Tree is a comfortable protagonist - despite his frequent bouts with his own angst. This book doesn't pull any punches as it stays true to its theme. There are no cop outs here. Just a solid story well worth any reader's time.

What a fascinating book and what a fascinating author. I have read all of Wiltse's books and each seems better than the other, but he's on a new level here with characterization, content, psychological insight. If there's a better writer in this genre, I've never read him. The range of matters he hits on here is wide, but the nature of jealousy, sex, racial relations and personal ego are among them. I can't rate The Hangman's Knot highly enough, they don't offer enough stars at this site.

The Hangman's Knot is more then a mystery. It's a mirror that shows all the flaws of a society that will not face its racist history. I rate it five stars.

I found Wiltse's The Hangman's Knot a compelling book. Good story, good action, very readable. It stands well on its own, but is even better as a sequel to Heartland. Billy Tree is a complex character, and I found him a realistic sort-of hero. The inter-weaving of the original lynching and the present-day plot made me stop and think about my own family and prejudices. It seems that I got a lot for my money. I recommend it highly.

The Hangman's Knot by David Wiltse is the exactly what I expected. Wiltse just writes one terrific book after another and this is certainly no exception. I was able to see life through Billy Tree's eyes again, and I've missed the view since reading Heartland. In The Hangman's Knot we learn a great deal about how Billy's personality was created with flashbacks into his childhood. I found these glimpses revealed many clues as to how he thinks and made me adore the character even more.Billy receives a hangman's knot and the adventure begins. It all seems to go back to a lynching held in a nearby town many years ago. The writer's portrayal of current and past bigotry in a small town was told easily as he held the suspense level to a maximum. The story could stand alone, but when you add the beautiful prose and great characterizations, you change what could be a good book to a great one. If you enjoy terrific writing and a wonderful story, I highly recommend you read The Hangman's Knot. If you've not read Heartland, I urge you to read it as well.