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Dr. Callie Hughes #8
Hanging Question
A doctor does some sleuthing of her own when, following a murder, the police fish with rotten bait…
With the fishing industry on its knees, it doesn’t come as a huge surprise to find a boat owner hanging by their neck.
But when the unfortunate man’s father is also found dead by the same means, police doctor Callie Hughes smells something fishy.
She is not convinced it is suicide, and manages to persuade her partner, Detective Inspector Steve Miller, to treat it as murder.
But he has an obvious suspect in mind, one who is evading the authorities, and puts aside Callie’s concerns to focus on catching him.
Can Callie find the clues that have fallen through the police’s net? And will her partner’s reluctance to take her seriously put their relationship on the rocks?
Hanging Question is the eighth standalone mystery in this bestselling medical crime fiction series.
With the fishing industry on its knees, it doesn’t come as a huge surprise to find a boat owner hanging by their neck.
But when the unfortunate man’s father is also found dead by the same means, police doctor Callie Hughes smells something fishy.
She is not convinced it is suicide, and manages to persuade her partner, Detective Inspector Steve Miller, to treat it as murder.
But he has an obvious suspect in mind, one who is evading the authorities, and puts aside Callie’s concerns to focus on catching him.
Can Callie find the clues that have fallen through the police’s net? And will her partner’s reluctance to take her seriously put their relationship on the rocks?
Hanging Question is the eighth standalone mystery in this bestselling medical crime fiction series.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2024
26 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 1, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Candy Denman’s Hanging Question is a riveting addition to the Dr. Callie Hughes crime scene investigations series. This eighth installment plunges readers into a chilling mystery set in a struggling fishing community, where the line between suicide and murder becomes dangerously blurred.
This novel opens with the discovery of a boat owner hanging by his neck, a tragic event that doesn’t initially raise many eyebrows given the dire state of the fishing industry. However, when the victim’s father is found dead in the same manner, police doctor Callie Hughes suspects foul play. Despite her partner, Detective Inspector Steve Miller, focusing on an obvious suspect, Callie is convinced there’s more to the story.
Denman excels in character development, particularly with Callie Hughes. Her determination and keen observational skills make her a compelling protagonist. The tension between Callie and Steve adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the challenges of balancing professional skepticism with personal relationships. The supporting characters, from the tight-knit community members to the enigmatic suspects, are well-drawn and add layers of intrigue to the story.
Denman’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a strong sense of place that brings the fishing community to life. Her descriptions of the bleak, windswept landscape enhance the novel’s eerie atmosphere. The pacing is well-managed, with suspense building steadily as Callie pieces together the clues. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, reflecting the complexities of the characters’ interactions.
Hanging Question explores themes of trust, deception, and the impact of economic hardship on a community. It delves into the psychological aspects of crime, examining how desperation and fear can drive people to extreme actions. The novel also touches on the importance of perseverance and the courage to seek the truth, even when it’s buried beneath layers of deceit.
Hanging Question is a gripping and thought-provoking mystery. Denman’s ability to blend a compelling plot with rich character development makes this book a standout in the series. Fans of medical crime fiction and psychological thrillers will find much to enjoy in this chilling tale.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy intricate mysteries, strong female protagonists, and atmospheric settings. Hanging Question is a must-read for anyone looking for a suspenseful and emotionally engaging crime novel.
Candy Denman’s Hanging Question is a riveting addition to the Dr. Callie Hughes crime scene investigations series. This eighth installment plunges readers into a chilling mystery set in a struggling fishing community, where the line between suicide and murder becomes dangerously blurred.
This novel opens with the discovery of a boat owner hanging by his neck, a tragic event that doesn’t initially raise many eyebrows given the dire state of the fishing industry. However, when the victim’s father is found dead in the same manner, police doctor Callie Hughes suspects foul play. Despite her partner, Detective Inspector Steve Miller, focusing on an obvious suspect, Callie is convinced there’s more to the story.
Denman excels in character development, particularly with Callie Hughes. Her determination and keen observational skills make her a compelling protagonist. The tension between Callie and Steve adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the challenges of balancing professional skepticism with personal relationships. The supporting characters, from the tight-knit community members to the enigmatic suspects, are well-drawn and add layers of intrigue to the story.
Denman’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a strong sense of place that brings the fishing community to life. Her descriptions of the bleak, windswept landscape enhance the novel’s eerie atmosphere. The pacing is well-managed, with suspense building steadily as Callie pieces together the clues. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, reflecting the complexities of the characters’ interactions.
Hanging Question explores themes of trust, deception, and the impact of economic hardship on a community. It delves into the psychological aspects of crime, examining how desperation and fear can drive people to extreme actions. The novel also touches on the importance of perseverance and the courage to seek the truth, even when it’s buried beneath layers of deceit.
Hanging Question is a gripping and thought-provoking mystery. Denman’s ability to blend a compelling plot with rich character development makes this book a standout in the series. Fans of medical crime fiction and psychological thrillers will find much to enjoy in this chilling tale.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy intricate mysteries, strong female protagonists, and atmospheric settings. Hanging Question is a must-read for anyone looking for a suspenseful and emotionally engaging crime novel.
December 8, 2024
It is a very entertaining story, the author's descriptive writing style is excellent.
Callie is an example of a girl you meet everyday , a typical girl with an extraordinary adventure, that helps her find her right path in life.
Also, delving into the fishing community was a lot of fun, and felt so real.
The only drawback is the title, the author could have chosen a more attractive one, as this one sounded so plain to me.
Overall, it is a story worth reading.
Callie is an example of a girl you meet everyday , a typical girl with an extraordinary adventure, that helps her find her right path in life.
Also, delving into the fishing community was a lot of fun, and felt so real.
The only drawback is the title, the author could have chosen a more attractive one, as this one sounded so plain to me.
Overall, it is a story worth reading.
December 17, 2024
The latest in the series about Callie the GP/police surgeon. Recently relocated and within walking distance of the surgery where she out a part time GP. Callie now shares her life with DI from the local Hastings station. As the police surgeon Callie is called to a series of unusual deaths that appear to be suicide within the same family. But there are clues that are starting to suggest that all may not be as expected.
August 5, 2025
Just read books 1-8 in one go - does the author realise there are mistakes in the storyline? eg Callie was not engaged to Billy in book 6 but she was who they broke up in book 7. Also she moved flats due to the attacks so Billy could not have opened up the door to her new flat with his key.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews