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DI Ben Kitto #7
Hangman Island
ON A REMOTE ISLAND
When Jez Cardew’s boat is found drifting empty on the Atlantic Ocean, DI Ben Kitto and his fellow lifeboat crew members immediately fear the worst. After an extensive search yields no results, the team are forced to retreat to dry land as darkness sets in.
THE OCEAN IS MERCILESS
But Kitto can’t let it go. Why would Jez – an experienced sailor – get into difficulty when the sea has been calm for weeks? Unless his disappearance was no accident.
BUT SO ARE THE PEOPLE . . .
The gruesome discovery of a hand washed ashore on the beach confirms his hunch. Because a medal is attached to the index finger, and it can only have been placed there by the killer.
This strange clue is the only lead to an agenda as cold as the ocean itself. Kitto must work fast, before the small, isolated community closes ranks. And it’s only a matter of time before the murderer among them strikes again . . .
When Jez Cardew’s boat is found drifting empty on the Atlantic Ocean, DI Ben Kitto and his fellow lifeboat crew members immediately fear the worst. After an extensive search yields no results, the team are forced to retreat to dry land as darkness sets in.
THE OCEAN IS MERCILESS
But Kitto can’t let it go. Why would Jez – an experienced sailor – get into difficulty when the sea has been calm for weeks? Unless his disappearance was no accident.
BUT SO ARE THE PEOPLE . . .
The gruesome discovery of a hand washed ashore on the beach confirms his hunch. Because a medal is attached to the index finger, and it can only have been placed there by the killer.
This strange clue is the only lead to an agenda as cold as the ocean itself. Kitto must work fast, before the small, isolated community closes ranks. And it’s only a matter of time before the murderer among them strikes again . . .
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2023
53 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Kate Rhodes
37 books354 followersKate Rhodes is a bestselling UK crime writer. Her latest books are the acclaimed ISLES OF SCILLY MYSTERIES, which have been optioned for TV. Kate has been nominated for the Crime Novel of the Year award and a Library Dagger.
Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
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Kate did many different jobs including working as a theatre usherette, a cocktail waitress, and an English tutor at a liberal arts college in Florida. She was born in London but now lives in Cambridge with her husband Dave, and works part-time at Cambridge University, as a creative writing fellow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 18, 2023
3 / 5
Probably busy with work that I couldn’t invest fully with this book, but this one I’m disappointed with. It was too predictable and easy to forecast what was going to happen but also hated how long / dragged out it seemed. Another thing is that you’ll definitely need to have read all the other books prior to understand the events of the book.
I didn’t like the premise of the book, abit too clique it felt like a typical murder spree on islands with water. I dunno this book didn’t hit the spot that I anticipated it for. Essentially DI Ben Kitto is called into action when one of the residents is missing. Soon his dishevelled hand will be found with a RNLI Heroic medal attached to the index finger. It’s a race against time for Kitto to figure out how’s behind the spree.
Overall, it’s an average read, nothing special but not horrifically bad.
Probably busy with work that I couldn’t invest fully with this book, but this one I’m disappointed with. It was too predictable and easy to forecast what was going to happen but also hated how long / dragged out it seemed. Another thing is that you’ll definitely need to have read all the other books prior to understand the events of the book.
I didn’t like the premise of the book, abit too clique it felt like a typical murder spree on islands with water. I dunno this book didn’t hit the spot that I anticipated it for. Essentially DI Ben Kitto is called into action when one of the residents is missing. Soon his dishevelled hand will be found with a RNLI Heroic medal attached to the index finger. It’s a race against time for Kitto to figure out how’s behind the spree.
Overall, it’s an average read, nothing special but not horrifically bad.
January 28, 2024
“Hangman Island” is book seven in Kate Rhodes’ DI Ben Kitto series, set on the Isles of Scilly and having read every single one to date, I can confirm that yet again this is another engaging, atmospheric crime novel that can be read (as all of them can) as a standalone or enjoyed in order as intended.
In this story the scenes are set predominantly at sea rather than the normal settings on the islands. Focusing wholly on the heroic work of the RNLI, we learn first hand how incidents at sea are handled in such a small community and sadly how murder can strike literally anywhere.
I liked Sam Austell and the intermittent chapters featuring his thoughts and emotions at being an ex-con, returning to small island life and its islanders bigoted views. DI Ben Kitto and his faithful adopted dog Shadow, once again have their work cut out, with another race against time to stop further murders. Ben and his unofficial canine partner, together with his police sergeant Eddie Nickell, whose cousin is missing at sea, work all hours to eliminate suspects and solve the mysterious messages sent to many of the RNLI volunteers. With a nail biting second half to the book, it made for an exciting denouement that I thoroughly enjoyed.
These books have always reminded me of Ann Cleaves’ ‘Shetland’ series with its tight knit communities and limited policing. I’ve learnt so much about the Isles of Scilly through reading Kate Rhodes’ books, from not knowing they even existed to learning about the prehistoric burial mounds, Bronze Age standing stones and Iron Age stone houses to mythology and maritime heritage. This equally brings pleasure as it combines historical knowledge of the setting with how the modern day crimes connect to this history.
#HangmanIsland - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In this story the scenes are set predominantly at sea rather than the normal settings on the islands. Focusing wholly on the heroic work of the RNLI, we learn first hand how incidents at sea are handled in such a small community and sadly how murder can strike literally anywhere.
I liked Sam Austell and the intermittent chapters featuring his thoughts and emotions at being an ex-con, returning to small island life and its islanders bigoted views. DI Ben Kitto and his faithful adopted dog Shadow, once again have their work cut out, with another race against time to stop further murders. Ben and his unofficial canine partner, together with his police sergeant Eddie Nickell, whose cousin is missing at sea, work all hours to eliminate suspects and solve the mysterious messages sent to many of the RNLI volunteers. With a nail biting second half to the book, it made for an exciting denouement that I thoroughly enjoyed.
These books have always reminded me of Ann Cleaves’ ‘Shetland’ series with its tight knit communities and limited policing. I’ve learnt so much about the Isles of Scilly through reading Kate Rhodes’ books, from not knowing they even existed to learning about the prehistoric burial mounds, Bronze Age standing stones and Iron Age stone houses to mythology and maritime heritage. This equally brings pleasure as it combines historical knowledge of the setting with how the modern day crimes connect to this history.
#HangmanIsland - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 20, 2025
The best one yet couldn't put it down kept me guessing till the end
February 5, 2024
So here we are, book seven in the Isle of Scilly mysteries finished. What a series it's been!
There was never a dull moment to be had in Hangman Island...when a call goes out for a lifeboat in distress, Kitto and the volunteer crew set off to investigate. Sadly it appears that the boats crew have been lost at sea.
When a string of further inexplicable events occur that seem to be targeting the lifeboat community, Kitto soon finds himself on the hunt for a killer.
Hangman Island is another exciting installment to the Ben Kitto series, it's non stop action and fill of suspense.
There was never a dull moment to be had in Hangman Island...when a call goes out for a lifeboat in distress, Kitto and the volunteer crew set off to investigate. Sadly it appears that the boats crew have been lost at sea.
When a string of further inexplicable events occur that seem to be targeting the lifeboat community, Kitto soon finds himself on the hunt for a killer.
Hangman Island is another exciting installment to the Ben Kitto series, it's non stop action and fill of suspense.
October 10, 2023
I was very excited when, a few months ago, I was invited to take part in the readalong for the DI Ben Kitto series because it gave me the chance to go back to a series that I adore, starting from its big grumpy protagonist, DI Ben Kitto, to the gripping mysteries and the evocative and atmospheric setting of the Isles of Scilly.
Hangman Island is the seventh and latest (hopefully, not last) book in the series and it sees DI Ben Kitto right in the middle of the organization of his wedding to his girlfriend, and mother of his child, Nina. Ben’s also been volunteering with the lifeboat crew of the islands and he has to interrupt his dress fitting when one of his fellow crew goes missing. He is convinced that something darker and more twisted than a disappearance on the unforgiving sea is going on, especially when a hand is found on the beach, convincing him that there is a killer targeting the members of the crew. But why? And who is going to be next?
Once again, Kate Rhodes kept me guessing until the end with a long list of suspects, secrets uncovered, and many twists and turns. The suspense increases as Ben Kitto races against time to find the killer before they kill again, but it’s not easy when the small community keeps its secrets well protected. And with a family of his own, Ben’s job becomes even more difficult. Is he willing to risk his life on the sea while his family is waiting for him at home?
With its unpredictable mysteries, its complex and well-developed characters, and beautiful and remote setting, the DI Ben Kitto series is one of my favourite and Hangman Island is as immersive, thrilling, and addictive as the other novels.
Hangman Island is the seventh and latest (hopefully, not last) book in the series and it sees DI Ben Kitto right in the middle of the organization of his wedding to his girlfriend, and mother of his child, Nina. Ben’s also been volunteering with the lifeboat crew of the islands and he has to interrupt his dress fitting when one of his fellow crew goes missing. He is convinced that something darker and more twisted than a disappearance on the unforgiving sea is going on, especially when a hand is found on the beach, convincing him that there is a killer targeting the members of the crew. But why? And who is going to be next?
Once again, Kate Rhodes kept me guessing until the end with a long list of suspects, secrets uncovered, and many twists and turns. The suspense increases as Ben Kitto races against time to find the killer before they kill again, but it’s not easy when the small community keeps its secrets well protected. And with a family of his own, Ben’s job becomes even more difficult. Is he willing to risk his life on the sea while his family is waiting for him at home?
With its unpredictable mysteries, its complex and well-developed characters, and beautiful and remote setting, the DI Ben Kitto series is one of my favourite and Hangman Island is as immersive, thrilling, and addictive as the other novels.
August 20, 2025
Well this book really grabs your attention from the very first scene. We are right there faced with the perspective of a soon to be victim who has no clue how they ended up in the predicament they are in and, at least initially, no clue as to just how perilous their position is. That soon becomes all too clear, and the kind of treatment delivered by their unknown assailant is really not the kind that is going to thrill anyone already suspicious of life on the ocean wave. The victim, one of Scilly's volunteer lifeboat crew. The reason for their plight? Well, that is something we have to wait to find out, obviously.
I really love the Ben Kitto series by Kate Rhodes. Ben is such a likeable character who has really grown on me over the course of the series. If you have read from book one, you will know that his position on Scilly was not one he was initially overjoyed about, but as a native islander, there is no denying the draw of the landscape, or the fierce love he has for his home. I'll be honest, Kate Rhodes has painted such a vivid picture of the islands, both communal and isolated, wild and untamed and yet the epitome of what one might imagine a seaside town to be, that I really really want to visit the islands myself. I kind of like the idea of the isolation, but also of being close to a community should you want, or need, it. You can really sense the spirit of the islands, becoming more than just a setting but a character in their own right which, alongside the wonderfully diverse mixture of characters the author fills her pages with, including Ben's fiance, Nina, his brilliantly independent and fiercely loyal dog, Shadow (love him) and the various police and lifeboat colleagues, make this uch a wonderufl series to follow.
There is no denying that this is an island community, and the one essential part of that, for both islanders and visitors alike - more the latter who tend to underestimate the power and whims of the sea - is the lifeboat crew. So why in the heck would anyone target one of their member, especially one who has so recently received an award for bravery? Add to that conundrum the fact that several other members of the crew have received cryptic notes, quoting verses from The Tempest, and it is clear that something very untoward is happening in Scilly. I love the mystery that the author weaves into this book, the undulating tension and the knowledge that danger could well just be around the corner. The whole situation leads to rising friction amongst the residents, with unexpected revelations along the way that had my brain whirring and wondering just who was really behind the devilish deed. I genuinely did not see it coming although, with hindsight, the clues were there if you pay close attention.
What starts as a search and rescue mission for a man believed to be lost at sea, rapidly turns into something more sinister, and with the finger of suspicion pointing in the direction of the victim's best friend, it is up to Ben to prove his innocence, or find the evidence to prove the guilt. All this whilst faced with a boss who really would prefer that Ben gives up his position as a RNLI volunteer, and concentrate instead on the more mundane task of investigating crimes on Scilly. How many could there be I hear you ask? Well this is book seven and book eight is just around the corner. On second thoughts, maybe I don't fancy a visit to Scilly. Sounds pretty dangerous ...
I both listened to and read this book, and the audiobook narration by Stephen Perring was top notch keeping me absolutely hooked on my daily walks. Definitely recommended and I cannot wait to see what comes next for Ben and the team.
I really love the Ben Kitto series by Kate Rhodes. Ben is such a likeable character who has really grown on me over the course of the series. If you have read from book one, you will know that his position on Scilly was not one he was initially overjoyed about, but as a native islander, there is no denying the draw of the landscape, or the fierce love he has for his home. I'll be honest, Kate Rhodes has painted such a vivid picture of the islands, both communal and isolated, wild and untamed and yet the epitome of what one might imagine a seaside town to be, that I really really want to visit the islands myself. I kind of like the idea of the isolation, but also of being close to a community should you want, or need, it. You can really sense the spirit of the islands, becoming more than just a setting but a character in their own right which, alongside the wonderfully diverse mixture of characters the author fills her pages with, including Ben's fiance, Nina, his brilliantly independent and fiercely loyal dog, Shadow (love him) and the various police and lifeboat colleagues, make this uch a wonderufl series to follow.
There is no denying that this is an island community, and the one essential part of that, for both islanders and visitors alike - more the latter who tend to underestimate the power and whims of the sea - is the lifeboat crew. So why in the heck would anyone target one of their member, especially one who has so recently received an award for bravery? Add to that conundrum the fact that several other members of the crew have received cryptic notes, quoting verses from The Tempest, and it is clear that something very untoward is happening in Scilly. I love the mystery that the author weaves into this book, the undulating tension and the knowledge that danger could well just be around the corner. The whole situation leads to rising friction amongst the residents, with unexpected revelations along the way that had my brain whirring and wondering just who was really behind the devilish deed. I genuinely did not see it coming although, with hindsight, the clues were there if you pay close attention.
What starts as a search and rescue mission for a man believed to be lost at sea, rapidly turns into something more sinister, and with the finger of suspicion pointing in the direction of the victim's best friend, it is up to Ben to prove his innocence, or find the evidence to prove the guilt. All this whilst faced with a boss who really would prefer that Ben gives up his position as a RNLI volunteer, and concentrate instead on the more mundane task of investigating crimes on Scilly. How many could there be I hear you ask? Well this is book seven and book eight is just around the corner. On second thoughts, maybe I don't fancy a visit to Scilly. Sounds pretty dangerous ...
I both listened to and read this book, and the audiobook narration by Stephen Perring was top notch keeping me absolutely hooked on my daily walks. Definitely recommended and I cannot wait to see what comes next for Ben and the team.
May 25, 2024
The setting once again is fantastic, it’s easy to see how these islands provide inspiration to a writer, in this case there are links to Oliver Cromwell and a military fort on Tresco overlooking New Grimsby harbour. I frequently find myself Googling the landmarks while reading this series.
The story is set in the week leading up to Ben and Nina’s much anticipated wedding, which provides a welcome diversion to the action. Of the two Ben has been the most determined to wed, but he’s not so keen on the fuss, decision making and preparations required, so is easily distracted even without a murder to solve. Nina is determined that everything should go well on the day and, of course, becomes increasingly frustrated. Once of those classic situations of will they make to the church, never mind on time, to keep the reader guessing. The action itself builds up gradually throughout before suddenly Ben and Shadow are exposed to danger and extreme conditions. The reader is not short changed when it comes to intense, frantic action is this series.
The relationship dynamic between Ben and Nina keeps getting better, the author does love bringing them anguish. It was never going to be easy for two characters with troubled pasts and this time their fears are exposed, promises are asked for which will be explored in the next novel in the series.
One of the real strengths of this series is the supporting characters and this story is no exception. Ben’s oldest friend and soul mate Zoe is back for the wedding but has left husband Dev in India, leaving her in need of Nina and Ben’s support and guidance. Eddie shows a side that we never knew was there and Uncle Ray the man of few words but great deeds, manages to surprise Ben once again. There is a character from earlier in the series who gets a shot at redemption after original disgrace. All of this manages to capture the tight-knit community feel of the place, caring and supporting, rather than overly claustrophobic, but there is always the sinister edge of a killer in their midst.
At the heart of the story is bravery and heroism. It goes without saying that lifeboat crew and brave but there are always those that seem to above and beyond the call of duty. Then there are those who have previously done wrong but are trying to put the past behind them
The story is set in the week leading up to Ben and Nina’s much anticipated wedding, which provides a welcome diversion to the action. Of the two Ben has been the most determined to wed, but he’s not so keen on the fuss, decision making and preparations required, so is easily distracted even without a murder to solve. Nina is determined that everything should go well on the day and, of course, becomes increasingly frustrated. Once of those classic situations of will they make to the church, never mind on time, to keep the reader guessing. The action itself builds up gradually throughout before suddenly Ben and Shadow are exposed to danger and extreme conditions. The reader is not short changed when it comes to intense, frantic action is this series.
The relationship dynamic between Ben and Nina keeps getting better, the author does love bringing them anguish. It was never going to be easy for two characters with troubled pasts and this time their fears are exposed, promises are asked for which will be explored in the next novel in the series.
One of the real strengths of this series is the supporting characters and this story is no exception. Ben’s oldest friend and soul mate Zoe is back for the wedding but has left husband Dev in India, leaving her in need of Nina and Ben’s support and guidance. Eddie shows a side that we never knew was there and Uncle Ray the man of few words but great deeds, manages to surprise Ben once again. There is a character from earlier in the series who gets a shot at redemption after original disgrace. All of this manages to capture the tight-knit community feel of the place, caring and supporting, rather than overly claustrophobic, but there is always the sinister edge of a killer in their midst.
At the heart of the story is bravery and heroism. It goes without saying that lifeboat crew and brave but there are always those that seem to above and beyond the call of duty. Then there are those who have previously done wrong but are trying to put the past behind them
October 16, 2024
Ben is on leave. He’s getting married in a few days and Janet, a local seamstress, is measuring him for a wedding suit when a call comes in! Jez, an RNLI volunteer and hero, is missing at sea. He’s an experienced and very good seaman so Ben and the other RNLI volunteers and crew know that something is very amiss.
Strange notes, quoting Shakespeare, have been received by the RNLI folk along with medals from the RNLI festival taking place. When a hand is recovered from a long and difficult search these items are linked to Jez and a murder investigation is underway.
Why are they being targeted?
Eddie is Jez’s cousin and might be too close to the investigation but he and Ben investigate. Ben believes it must be someone very close to the volunteers and crew. There are plenty of potential culprits but something, whether evidence or simply Ben’s gut feeling, doesn’t add up. It’s niggling on his mind – but what is it?
Then another volunteer goes missing!
Eddie thinks that a new volunteer, Sam, is the most likely but Ben, who introduced him to the RNLI, just can’t believe it.
Then Sam goes missing, too!
With Ben leading the investigation will they find out what is happening and catch the culprit in time for the wedding?
There is pace to Hangman Island right from the start which rarely lets up and propels you through the story at a ‘rate of knots’. Which is quite appropriate considering it is so strongly connected to the sea. Even with this Kate Rhodes is able to bring both fascinating facts of life in the RNLI and at sea along with beautiful descriptions of the Isles with a deftness that makes them feel so real. Add to this the wonderful characters both new and old, the search, the investigation and the story has great depth and richness to it along with a lyrical quality that makes Hangman Island so compelling and engaging.
With wonderful characters, not least one special character Janet the seamstress – with thanks to Kate Rhodes who has named her after me – all of whom feel right, feel real. The scenes that take place at sea are just amazing, with just the right pace and a great storyline all together makes for another excellent chapter in this fabulous series.
Book: Purchased
#20BooksOfSummer24
I read Hangman Island for my #20BooksOfSummer24 challenge. I am almost caught up on sharing my thoughts on all twenty books.
Strange notes, quoting Shakespeare, have been received by the RNLI folk along with medals from the RNLI festival taking place. When a hand is recovered from a long and difficult search these items are linked to Jez and a murder investigation is underway.
Why are they being targeted?
Eddie is Jez’s cousin and might be too close to the investigation but he and Ben investigate. Ben believes it must be someone very close to the volunteers and crew. There are plenty of potential culprits but something, whether evidence or simply Ben’s gut feeling, doesn’t add up. It’s niggling on his mind – but what is it?
Then another volunteer goes missing!
Eddie thinks that a new volunteer, Sam, is the most likely but Ben, who introduced him to the RNLI, just can’t believe it.
Then Sam goes missing, too!
With Ben leading the investigation will they find out what is happening and catch the culprit in time for the wedding?
There is pace to Hangman Island right from the start which rarely lets up and propels you through the story at a ‘rate of knots’. Which is quite appropriate considering it is so strongly connected to the sea. Even with this Kate Rhodes is able to bring both fascinating facts of life in the RNLI and at sea along with beautiful descriptions of the Isles with a deftness that makes them feel so real. Add to this the wonderful characters both new and old, the search, the investigation and the story has great depth and richness to it along with a lyrical quality that makes Hangman Island so compelling and engaging.
With wonderful characters, not least one special character Janet the seamstress – with thanks to Kate Rhodes who has named her after me – all of whom feel right, feel real. The scenes that take place at sea are just amazing, with just the right pace and a great storyline all together makes for another excellent chapter in this fabulous series.
Book: Purchased
#20BooksOfSummer24
I read Hangman Island for my #20BooksOfSummer24 challenge. I am almost caught up on sharing my thoughts on all twenty books.
February 14, 2024
‘Hangman Island’ is the latest instalment in the brilliant ‘Isles of Scilly Mysteries’ and was a cracking read. I was a latecomer to this series and I am now bereft that I am up to date with them as it means I am going to need more Ben Kitto in my life and have no way for this to happen! This is the seventh book in the series but it can be read as a standalone quite easily but I do thoroughly recommend reading the whole series as I have loved every minute of it.
This outing centres around the amazing work that the lifeboats do in this part of the world and it made for a very exciting and scary read! When Jez Cardew’s boat is found adrift near the Atlantic shipping lane it's a personal call out for the lifeboat crew as Jez is one of their own. With no luck finding him the longer it takes cuts down on his chance of survival. Something is nagging at the back of Ben Kitto’s mind though as he doesn't think an experienced boatman would get into trouble on such a calm night. When a hand washes up on a local beach a lifeboat medal is attached, which proves Ben’s hunch that only someone else could have been involved with it. So once again Ben has to solve a murder on the Isles…
I loved seeing the softer and more mellow side of Ben, as not only being a new father he is also preparing for his wedding to Nina! But that doesn't mean he lacks motivation as it's personal for Ben since he is also on the lifeboat crew and therefore a potential victim. A few members of the crew have received a package full of lifeboat badges and a hangman note and Ben is one of them. But why would someone target them? Overall, it was a compelling and addictive read and I flew through it in a few sittings. I think my fear of open water helped play into my tension ratings as for me it was jam-packed with it! It was also lovely to see the return of some characters from the earlier books and see how life has treated them. Thankfully, Shadow (Ben’s amazing dog) gets a much easier time of it compared to previous books!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
This outing centres around the amazing work that the lifeboats do in this part of the world and it made for a very exciting and scary read! When Jez Cardew’s boat is found adrift near the Atlantic shipping lane it's a personal call out for the lifeboat crew as Jez is one of their own. With no luck finding him the longer it takes cuts down on his chance of survival. Something is nagging at the back of Ben Kitto’s mind though as he doesn't think an experienced boatman would get into trouble on such a calm night. When a hand washes up on a local beach a lifeboat medal is attached, which proves Ben’s hunch that only someone else could have been involved with it. So once again Ben has to solve a murder on the Isles…
I loved seeing the softer and more mellow side of Ben, as not only being a new father he is also preparing for his wedding to Nina! But that doesn't mean he lacks motivation as it's personal for Ben since he is also on the lifeboat crew and therefore a potential victim. A few members of the crew have received a package full of lifeboat badges and a hangman note and Ben is one of them. But why would someone target them? Overall, it was a compelling and addictive read and I flew through it in a few sittings. I think my fear of open water helped play into my tension ratings as for me it was jam-packed with it! It was also lovely to see the return of some characters from the earlier books and see how life has treated them. Thankfully, Shadow (Ben’s amazing dog) gets a much easier time of it compared to previous books!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
March 28, 2024
I’ve read all the Ben Kitto mysteries, set on the Scilly Isles and I really feel like the characters are old friends, even Ben’s dog has a place in my heart.
In this book, someone seems to be targeting members of the lifeboat crew from the island which impacts Ben as he is now a part of the team. When Jez goes missing it is first thought that he has got lost at sea but it soon becomes apparent there is more to it than the sea claiming another victim.
This is close to home for Ben as his father was lost at sea when he was growing up, probably one of the reasons he has decided to join the crew as well as being a policeman.
As others disappear the tension mounts- will Ben catch the perpetrator before more people are hurt?
I really liked the character of Sam Austell, a member of the crew and Jez’s best friend. Recently out of jail after following the wrong path he is now desperate to do the right thing and is devastated when his friend goes missing. He resolves to undertake his own investigation despite the possible danger.
There are a number of suspects who all seemed credible but I must admit I didn’t manage to work out whodunnit?
As ever Kate Rhodes has really done her research- she knows the islands extremely well and the information about the lifeboat service is very interesting. How brave these people are, risking their lives to save others.
As a Londoner I can’t imagine living somewhere where everyone gets around by sailing their boats but Kate certainly transports me to such a place.
All in all a great read which held my attention from the very first page and I’m now looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
In this book, someone seems to be targeting members of the lifeboat crew from the island which impacts Ben as he is now a part of the team. When Jez goes missing it is first thought that he has got lost at sea but it soon becomes apparent there is more to it than the sea claiming another victim.
This is close to home for Ben as his father was lost at sea when he was growing up, probably one of the reasons he has decided to join the crew as well as being a policeman.
As others disappear the tension mounts- will Ben catch the perpetrator before more people are hurt?
I really liked the character of Sam Austell, a member of the crew and Jez’s best friend. Recently out of jail after following the wrong path he is now desperate to do the right thing and is devastated when his friend goes missing. He resolves to undertake his own investigation despite the possible danger.
There are a number of suspects who all seemed credible but I must admit I didn’t manage to work out whodunnit?
As ever Kate Rhodes has really done her research- she knows the islands extremely well and the information about the lifeboat service is very interesting. How brave these people are, risking their lives to save others.
As a Londoner I can’t imagine living somewhere where everyone gets around by sailing their boats but Kate certainly transports me to such a place.
All in all a great read which held my attention from the very first page and I’m now looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
April 6, 2024
I would like to thank Netgalley and Simon and Schuster IK for a review copy of Hangman Island, the seventh novel to feature DI Ben Kitto set on the Isles of Scilly.
Jez Cardew’s boat has been found floating in the ocean, but there’s no sign of Jez. Ben and the rest of the lifeboat crew are not hopeful, so when a hand with a medal attached washes ashore Ben feels he’s right to suspect foul play. Will Jez be the only victim?
I thoroughly enjoyed Hangman Island, which has a great mystery set in a beautiful location. The novel is told from various points of view, chiefly Ben in the first person and other characters as and when required in the third. It works well with the reader getting close to Ben’s thoughts and actions while the other voices supply detail at a slight distance.
I admit that I am not comfortable in water, baths excluded, so I have no concept of the Scillonians live their lives. It feels exotic to me as they use boats rather than cars and live in tight knit communities. I think that the author paints a vivid but realistic portrait of the way of life that comes to life throughout the novel. The ocean plays an integral part in the with a focus on the work of the volunteer lifeboat crews.
I was impressed with the plot. There is no hint of the perpetrator’s identity or motive until the action packed final showdown (on the water of course). As a result I was glued to the pages from start to finish. There are plenty of suspects with varying motives but not many twists, instead there is a series of inexplicable events and the uncovering of secrets. All this happens in the week before Ben’s wedding so there is added pressure on the home front.
Hangman Island is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Jez Cardew’s boat has been found floating in the ocean, but there’s no sign of Jez. Ben and the rest of the lifeboat crew are not hopeful, so when a hand with a medal attached washes ashore Ben feels he’s right to suspect foul play. Will Jez be the only victim?
I thoroughly enjoyed Hangman Island, which has a great mystery set in a beautiful location. The novel is told from various points of view, chiefly Ben in the first person and other characters as and when required in the third. It works well with the reader getting close to Ben’s thoughts and actions while the other voices supply detail at a slight distance.
I admit that I am not comfortable in water, baths excluded, so I have no concept of the Scillonians live their lives. It feels exotic to me as they use boats rather than cars and live in tight knit communities. I think that the author paints a vivid but realistic portrait of the way of life that comes to life throughout the novel. The ocean plays an integral part in the with a focus on the work of the volunteer lifeboat crews.
I was impressed with the plot. There is no hint of the perpetrator’s identity or motive until the action packed final showdown (on the water of course). As a result I was glued to the pages from start to finish. There are plenty of suspects with varying motives but not many twists, instead there is a series of inexplicable events and the uncovering of secrets. All this happens in the week before Ben’s wedding so there is added pressure on the home front.
Hangman Island is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 19, 2023
When a call goes out regarding a boat in distress Ben Kitto is part of the volunteer lifeboat crew that go out to assist. When they find the boat but not the crew the search continues as it is discovered that the missing person is the son of one of the other crew members and a volunteer himself. After a severed hand is washed up with a lifeboat medal wrapped around one of the fingers it is not long before Ben is searching for a killer. What he can’t understand is who would want to kill Jez Cardew.
This case hits his colleague hard as Jez is his cousin and for once his usual upbeat character is challenged and he becomes very confrontational, sure that he knows who is responsible and determined to make them pay even when there is no real evidence to support his theory. When another member of the crew is attacked in a similar way the race is on to find out who is targeting the crew and who may be next on the list. They have all been getting strange warning letters that make no sense to anyone least of all Ben and his team.
As the investigation gets going we learn more about the life of the victim and you are left wondering if some of the decisions he made in life are behind the motive for his death. Ben is also a little distracted as he is supposed to be planning the final details of his upcoming wedding but thankfully his partner is understanding and seems to take it all in her stride.
This case really does show the brutality of the sea and the toll it can take on those who live by and on it. What is clear is that Ben may once again be in danger, and it is a question of will he work out who the killer is before he becomes their next victim? I have really loved this series and getting to know the Scilly Isles and their inhabitants. Hangman Island is the seventh book in the series and Kate Rhodes has shown once again that the islands and their landscapes are as beautiful as they are deadly and that she will ultimately keep the reader guessing right up to the very end, the who and the why and never letting up on the pace and tension. With Ben’s personal life a little more settled I can only hope that this is not the end of the series as I have really grown to love it.
This case hits his colleague hard as Jez is his cousin and for once his usual upbeat character is challenged and he becomes very confrontational, sure that he knows who is responsible and determined to make them pay even when there is no real evidence to support his theory. When another member of the crew is attacked in a similar way the race is on to find out who is targeting the crew and who may be next on the list. They have all been getting strange warning letters that make no sense to anyone least of all Ben and his team.
As the investigation gets going we learn more about the life of the victim and you are left wondering if some of the decisions he made in life are behind the motive for his death. Ben is also a little distracted as he is supposed to be planning the final details of his upcoming wedding but thankfully his partner is understanding and seems to take it all in her stride.
This case really does show the brutality of the sea and the toll it can take on those who live by and on it. What is clear is that Ben may once again be in danger, and it is a question of will he work out who the killer is before he becomes their next victim? I have really loved this series and getting to know the Scilly Isles and their inhabitants. Hangman Island is the seventh book in the series and Kate Rhodes has shown once again that the islands and their landscapes are as beautiful as they are deadly and that she will ultimately keep the reader guessing right up to the very end, the who and the why and never letting up on the pace and tension. With Ben’s personal life a little more settled I can only hope that this is not the end of the series as I have really grown to love it.
July 9, 2024
There are more than enough reviews here that go into the plot, so I won't. Instead, let's talk about the rest of the book.
I love a book with a map as it's usually so useful - apart from in this case. Somehow the publishers have managed to print the map from the preceding book ( The Brutal Tide) so it's completely pointless here. Yet again, I wonder why editors are paid. On the subject of editors not doing their job, this book has two quotes from Shakespeare left by the killer - both of which are frequently said to come from the Tempest. "Full fathom five..." is indeed famously from that play. However "One foot in sea..." actually comes from Much ado About Nothing ( act 1, sc 3 by Balthazar). The other mistake that should have been picked up during editing is a mention of a person passing his training from "St John's Ambulance" - it's just St John, without the apostrophe and 's'. I'm probably being a bit picky with this one, but at one point Kitto finds a door described as "slightly ajar". Slightly? Either it's ajar, or it isn't.
Despite this, the actual story is really good - much better than her last one was, to be honest. It's a highly enjoyable murder mystery, with a great set of characters, and you probably won't spot the killer until you're told at the end. Certainly worth reading.
I love a book with a map as it's usually so useful - apart from in this case. Somehow the publishers have managed to print the map from the preceding book ( The Brutal Tide) so it's completely pointless here. Yet again, I wonder why editors are paid. On the subject of editors not doing their job, this book has two quotes from Shakespeare left by the killer - both of which are frequently said to come from the Tempest. "Full fathom five..." is indeed famously from that play. However "One foot in sea..." actually comes from Much ado About Nothing ( act 1, sc 3 by Balthazar). The other mistake that should have been picked up during editing is a mention of a person passing his training from "St John's Ambulance" - it's just St John, without the apostrophe and 's'. I'm probably being a bit picky with this one, but at one point Kitto finds a door described as "slightly ajar". Slightly? Either it's ajar, or it isn't.
Despite this, the actual story is really good - much better than her last one was, to be honest. It's a highly enjoyable murder mystery, with a great set of characters, and you probably won't spot the killer until you're told at the end. Certainly worth reading.
February 21, 2024
Ben's wedding is only a week away. But when one of the lifeboat crew ends up dead with a severed hand, his only clue is the RNLI badges with a quote from Shakespeare, The Tempest.
His time off to get ready for his wedding will soon have him investigating as more of the lifeboat crew are being targeted.
A killer is on the loose and Ben has to work against time as well as the tide to find out who this killer is.
Rhodes does it again! I love all the red herrings within this novel, but again, I really didn't see any of this coming. I love the dual narrative with the third-person narrative as Sam. He was a great character and you can't help but root for the underdog.
Rhodes' writing is quick and easy with a staggered pace, to keep the reader going.
One of the best things about this series is to hear of new characters' and old giving us a variety throughout the series.
Continuing throughout this novel we see massive character developments, especially within the character of Eddie.
While also getting more deep and personal with Ben as he now has a family and his developing relationship with his dog, Shadow.
This is a series no one will want to miss
His time off to get ready for his wedding will soon have him investigating as more of the lifeboat crew are being targeted.
A killer is on the loose and Ben has to work against time as well as the tide to find out who this killer is.
Rhodes does it again! I love all the red herrings within this novel, but again, I really didn't see any of this coming. I love the dual narrative with the third-person narrative as Sam. He was a great character and you can't help but root for the underdog.
Rhodes' writing is quick and easy with a staggered pace, to keep the reader going.
One of the best things about this series is to hear of new characters' and old giving us a variety throughout the series.
Continuing throughout this novel we see massive character developments, especially within the character of Eddie.
While also getting more deep and personal with Ben as he now has a family and his developing relationship with his dog, Shadow.
This is a series no one will want to miss
January 10, 2024
✨My Thoughts✨
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the final review for the #TeamScilly project and I’m so sad that it’s the final one but with the final book Hangman Island it certainly goes out with a bang!.
This story starts with a character called Jez Cardwell we’ve met him a few times in the series but in this story he’s in a perilous position aboard a boat fighting for his life.
A killer is relentlessly hunting the RNLI team which includes Ben, with his wedding to Nina only a short time away he’s racing against time.
This story is just absolute perfection, it’s got the atmospheric Scilly magic and all our favourite characters including Shadow ( my favourite).
My heart was in my mouth for the last quarter of the story , it was so tense and I genuinely didn’t know who the culprit was.
I don’t know how the author does it, you get the dark and gritty crime story interlaced with a sense of community, deep friendships and love.
I can’t wait to for the next book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the final review for the #TeamScilly project and I’m so sad that it’s the final one but with the final book Hangman Island it certainly goes out with a bang!.
This story starts with a character called Jez Cardwell we’ve met him a few times in the series but in this story he’s in a perilous position aboard a boat fighting for his life.
A killer is relentlessly hunting the RNLI team which includes Ben, with his wedding to Nina only a short time away he’s racing against time.
This story is just absolute perfection, it’s got the atmospheric Scilly magic and all our favourite characters including Shadow ( my favourite).
My heart was in my mouth for the last quarter of the story , it was so tense and I genuinely didn’t know who the culprit was.
I don’t know how the author does it, you get the dark and gritty crime story interlaced with a sense of community, deep friendships and love.
I can’t wait to for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2024
A popular member of the lifeboat team is missing. His boat has been found abandoned close to the shipping lanes and the crew fear for his life.
His hand washes up first, followed by the rest of his body and it becomes clear that he was murdered.
He shared a house with his landlord and his best friend, Sam, who returned to the Islands after serving prison time for drugs. He has been clean since his return but struggles to be accepted and several of the team think that he is the perpetrator.
Ben Kitto needs to find the real culprit before any more people are killed. He thinks it is linked to bravery as Jez has a bravery medal attached to his finger.
In an increasing frantic search, surprising secrets are unearthed and several people could have carried out the crime.
There are plenty of red herrings and the reader is given a real sense of urgency and the dangers of the sea as the action ramps up.
His hand washes up first, followed by the rest of his body and it becomes clear that he was murdered.
He shared a house with his landlord and his best friend, Sam, who returned to the Islands after serving prison time for drugs. He has been clean since his return but struggles to be accepted and several of the team think that he is the perpetrator.
Ben Kitto needs to find the real culprit before any more people are killed. He thinks it is linked to bravery as Jez has a bravery medal attached to his finger.
In an increasing frantic search, surprising secrets are unearthed and several people could have carried out the crime.
There are plenty of red herrings and the reader is given a real sense of urgency and the dangers of the sea as the action ramps up.
June 19, 2025
Hangman Island had all the elements of a book I’d enjoy – psychological thriller set on the Isles of Scilly with murders happening at sea. However, I found it quite tedious and it didn’t take much to distract me from reading as the plot was drawn out and repetitive. There were also so many characters that I had to start writing a list to remind myself and got to over thirty.
This is book 7 in a series so I suspect reading books 1-6 would help cement the many characters into the mind of the reader whereas I was often confused as to how they all fitted together. This wasn’t helped by the fact that landlord Tommy Brookes was referred to as Tommy Kernow at one point and Damian Cosgrove was referred to as Gareth Cosgrove twelve times in one chapter. It left me wondering if this book had ever been proofed or copy edited.
This is book 7 in a series so I suspect reading books 1-6 would help cement the many characters into the mind of the reader whereas I was often confused as to how they all fitted together. This wasn’t helped by the fact that landlord Tommy Brookes was referred to as Tommy Kernow at one point and Damian Cosgrove was referred to as Gareth Cosgrove twelve times in one chapter. It left me wondering if this book had ever been proofed or copy edited.
December 2, 2023
For the last few months I have been able to read all of the Scilly Isles series to support this book that was published in October. I can honestly say that this is something I enjoyed a lot. I have felt that I’ve got to know the main characters very well, as well as the area.
It has been good getting to know all of the characters more as the series progressed and I enjoyed seeing Ben work again with Eddie in this novel. With Eddie having a personal connection to the victim in this novel he was less compliant, pushing himself to the limits and willing to go against Ben’s demands. I was hoping he’d stand up to Madron but he managed to stay respectful. It was also good to see that Ben could understand what Eddie was going through and giving him a bit of leeway.
I read a lot but I’ve never read a novel which shows the importance of the lifeboats and the team who operate them. Mostly unpaid and willing to put their lives at risk to help those in peril. The author did a fantastic job of showing the dangerous conditions, the lengths a team are willing to go through and their emotions with when they save somebody but also when they are too late. I can’t begin to imagine what this must feel like.
The Scilly Isles consist of people whose families have lived there for decades and emotions, arguments and loyalties are all obvious sometimes years later. People have long memories. I had a lot of sympathy for Sam, still judged after events from a few years ago and will he needed was a chance.
I really hope that this series will continue, I shall miss reading about these characters.
It has been good getting to know all of the characters more as the series progressed and I enjoyed seeing Ben work again with Eddie in this novel. With Eddie having a personal connection to the victim in this novel he was less compliant, pushing himself to the limits and willing to go against Ben’s demands. I was hoping he’d stand up to Madron but he managed to stay respectful. It was also good to see that Ben could understand what Eddie was going through and giving him a bit of leeway.
I read a lot but I’ve never read a novel which shows the importance of the lifeboats and the team who operate them. Mostly unpaid and willing to put their lives at risk to help those in peril. The author did a fantastic job of showing the dangerous conditions, the lengths a team are willing to go through and their emotions with when they save somebody but also when they are too late. I can’t begin to imagine what this must feel like.
The Scilly Isles consist of people whose families have lived there for decades and emotions, arguments and loyalties are all obvious sometimes years later. People have long memories. I had a lot of sympathy for Sam, still judged after events from a few years ago and will he needed was a chance.
I really hope that this series will continue, I shall miss reading about these characters.
December 10, 2023
It was a rollercoaster of emotions, twists and red herring, a novel that starts with a very idyllic and lovely scene and turns into a rush to save lives and find a dangerous killer.
I think that the sea is at the center of the scene: the primitive force where the life started and the the force that can kill.
There’s also a lot of raw emotions like envy, fear, obsessions. It’s a sort of quest before reaching the goal and the prize.
It’s a page turner I had to read as fast I could as it happened with other book in this series.
I had fun, was on the edge, try to guess and thoroughly enjoyed the story.
I hope there will be more Ben Kitto’s mysteries, this one is strongly recommended
Many thanks to Simon&Schuster UK and Compulsive Reader for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
I think that the sea is at the center of the scene: the primitive force where the life started and the the force that can kill.
There’s also a lot of raw emotions like envy, fear, obsessions. It’s a sort of quest before reaching the goal and the prize.
It’s a page turner I had to read as fast I could as it happened with other book in this series.
I had fun, was on the edge, try to guess and thoroughly enjoyed the story.
I hope there will be more Ben Kitto’s mysteries, this one is strongly recommended
Many thanks to Simon&Schuster UK and Compulsive Reader for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
November 22, 2024
Having read all the other books in this series, this seems very familiar territory in every sense. Likeable group of main characters but as a mystery this fails slightly as the perpetrator is fairly obvious from about the halfway point. The final part of the book seemed almost too drawn out after all the initial groundwork. I realise that it is difficult to introduce new, fresh elements particularly when the action is set in the Scilly Isles (and this is the main USP for many readers) but somehow this series needs to be rescued from being too 'samey'.
PS Proof-reading poor with characters names being wrong at least twice!
PS Proof-reading poor with characters names being wrong at least twice!
March 16, 2025
This is the seventh book in this police procedural series (seven books so far) set in the Scilly Isles and is the sixth book I have read. Most of the story is told in the first person by Detective Inspector Ben Kitto but several chapters are told in the third person (in a different typeface) featuring a young man who has been released from prison. I find this series a bit frustrating because there are only a limited number of suspects and an even more limited number of police officers. This story starts with the murder of a local hero. The plot is a bit convoluted but it's not a bad read. Ben finally gets married at the end.
November 22, 2023
Kate’s one of my favourite authors, with the Kitto books being one of my favourite crime series. She delivers again with this seventh book, featuring the amazing work that RNLI staff and volunteers do in rescuing those at sea, and Ben’s wedding to Nina. I didn’t spot whodunnit, though there were plenty of suspects - and I loved the positives at the end (no spoilers). This was my 100th book of 2023, I’m so glad it was a good book by one of my favourite authors - and I was thrilled to see my name in the acknowledgments at the end! ❤️
November 22, 2023
I can’t believe my time reading the DI Ben Kitto Isles Of Scilly series is now coming to an end with this review for Hangman Island. This only published in October this year so there’s no more but I’m really hoping that there will still be more books to come in the future.
I have really enjoyed reading this series. Each book gets better and better and the crimes get more intriguing. I’ve enjoyed seeing DI Ben’s character develop during the series and the relationships he has with his fellow islanders. A great set of books I would highly recommend to crime lovers
I have really enjoyed reading this series. Each book gets better and better and the crimes get more intriguing. I’ve enjoyed seeing DI Ben’s character develop during the series and the relationships he has with his fellow islanders. A great set of books I would highly recommend to crime lovers
January 14, 2024
By far the best of the series so far. Kitto has stopped brooding and he and others are less one-dimensional.
The book is lighter in touch despite the dark central storyline.
Yes, it does go on about RNLI heroes rather a lot and, yes, the dog is Lassie, but there are lots of lovely big wide ocean descriptions. Very seductive.
So glad they’ve stuck with the same excellent narrator for the whole series.
* Thanks to uLIBRARY *
The book is lighter in touch despite the dark central storyline.
Yes, it does go on about RNLI heroes rather a lot and, yes, the dog is Lassie, but there are lots of lovely big wide ocean descriptions. Very seductive.
So glad they’ve stuck with the same excellent narrator for the whole series.
* Thanks to uLIBRARY *
March 15, 2024
This started off a bit slow but picked up about halfway and things started coming together. I've read others in this series that I preferred but it was still good. The setting is great and there's some interesting characters. I know this is preview but I found that two characters names changed, one on the same page and one for a whole chapter then it went back to before, which was quite confusing.
May 12, 2024
I love this series set in the Scilly isles off the coast of Cornwall and Ben Kitto is one of my favourite detectives. Kate Rhodes is an author who is very good at setting the scene and her books are very atmospheric. This latest book doesn’t disappoint. Ben and Nina now have a three month old son Noah and they are preparing for their wedding when murder strikes. This story kept me guessing until the end. A great read. I guess I will have to wait another year for the next instalment.
February 18, 2024
Rounding up to three 🌟
This one was a bit hit and miss for me.
I felt overwhelmed with remembering characters in the first part of the book, so many of them.
The crime itself was interesting, and the location, and how it is part of the story was good.
The ending really picked up pace and tension, but I wasn't sold on the who, or why.
Just OK from me I'm afraid.
This one was a bit hit and miss for me.
I felt overwhelmed with remembering characters in the first part of the book, so many of them.
The crime itself was interesting, and the location, and how it is part of the story was good.
The ending really picked up pace and tension, but I wasn't sold on the who, or why.
Just OK from me I'm afraid.
August 16, 2025
This was a really enjoyable novel. Good characters - including Shadow the dog - and a great plot . Never having visited the Scilly Isles, this book allowed them to come alive for me.
Definitely will read more Kate Rhodes.
Definitely will read more Kate Rhodes.
August 18, 2025
A gripping mystery.
An easy five stars. Characters that are vividly drawn together with a twisty plot. There is a real sense of small island tightly knit community. The chapters are concise and you feel compelled to read on to find the next link to the killers identity.
An easy five stars. Characters that are vividly drawn together with a twisty plot. There is a real sense of small island tightly knit community. The chapters are concise and you feel compelled to read on to find the next link to the killers identity.
August 27, 2025
Another fast paced story with twists and with characters including Shadow you have come to love.
Beautiful descriptions of the Isles evoking a mysterious quality.. Hangman Island is so compelling and engaging.
Could not put it down.
Beautiful descriptions of the Isles evoking a mysterious quality.. Hangman Island is so compelling and engaging.
Could not put it down.
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