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Hangman #2

Guilty Crime

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With new victims in his sights, the Hangman will stop at nothing to get his revenge, even if it means dragging Detective Jake Thomas down with him.

After making it personal, Jake is even more hellbent on solving the case, even if it means delaying his early retirement.

But when his only informant skips town and Jake finds most of the truth has been buried, not only with missing case files but in his own mind, can he and Detective Jo Calloway unlock the clues they need to bring the Hangman to justice before Chief O’Connor becomes the next victim?

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2019

177 people are currently reading
714 people want to read

About the author

W.L. Knightly

121 books366 followers
WL Knightly is a thriller/murder mystery co-writing pen name for two USA Today Best Selling Authors. "W" when not writing can be found dealing in Antique Jewelry and hanging out with her awesome hubby and three kids. And "L" is a full-time writer that lives near Nashville, TN and spends her time cooking, hanging out with her hubs and 3 kiddos, or wrangling new ideas as they float by!
Their love of a good mystery novel caused them to combine forces and go after their dream of telling stories that sent a shiver down your spine. I'm thinking they figured it out!
These two friends met years ago when they both started writing and publishing in various young adult genres and needed a critique partner.
The rest is history...They'd love for you to join the fun!
Website-http://thezodiackillerseries.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/wlknightlyau...
Insiders Group- https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j1rryhvu53

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5 stars
230 (39%)
4 stars
242 (41%)
3 stars
79 (13%)
2 stars
20 (3%)
1 star
11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,404 reviews80 followers
November 14, 2021
It looks like everyone really loved this second book in The Hangman series but, you know what? I'm SERIOUSLY PEEVED!! 😡

A more cohesive storyline, quicker pacing and the dropping of the juvenile male sexual thoughts made for a far better read and, YES! - we finally found out who The Hangman was and his reason for his unleashed vengeance.

But WTF is it with some authors chopping their stories into pieces of long short stories, or in this case novellas? And what's with the feckin' cliff hangers or abrupt stops??? Are they just trying to squeeze you for a buck ...... or $10???? Because I've added the price of the six stories in this series and it comes to almost $50 Australian. I wouldn't pay that for one of Stephen King's books in his heyday!!

The ONLY reason I'm reading the next book in the series is that I've already downloaded it. The story is damn intriguing but I HATE this marketing ploy with Indie writers. 💣
Profile Image for Vishy .
182 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2021
It was easy to see the twist way before it came at the end of this book supposedly as a cliff-hanger to get readers to read the next one.

The authors surely know how to tell the story, you don't feel bored at any point. It's just that the whole book stands on the shoulders of the Hangman. Michael Young fails to impress as a proper villain, he's no one in front of the Hangman.

So we now know that the Hangman is an outsider. He's been identified and I've kinda lost interest on how it's going to end. Jake and Jo have finally understood that there's something between them, but I'm not much excited. The plot is slowly changing to look like the screenplay of an action movie.

Probably the only thing interesting could be how Jake is connected to the Hangman. I'm sure the Hangman is going to threaten Jo's life to avenge his own girl Emma. Michael Young would in that way get to occupy the Hangman's shoes on how he lost his family. But nobody cares. The authors could've finished it properly in book #1. It feels like all these are unwanted extensions.
Profile Image for Linda Lee.
1,361 reviews17 followers
February 27, 2019
The hangman is selective in finding his next victim, he’s playing games with them. If you are guilty of bribery, manipulating evidence or the law your time is coming. Due to being threatened the chief is laying low. Jake and Jo are closer to solving the Hangman’s identity and to each other. Admission seems to be holding them back. Jake’s mental block and missing case files are hindering the investigation. The big name players are scared and begin to scramble. The question is are they wasting their time because their judgement is unavoidable.
Profile Image for Pam.
532 reviews
April 9, 2019
I’m hooked enough to keep reading!!!
Profile Image for Chris James.
17 reviews
December 2, 2025
A very big twist at the end! Not as good as the first, but im definitely eager to read on and see the next step for catching the Hangman!
Profile Image for NanaX8.
2,485 reviews66 followers
February 28, 2019
Another book in the cat and mouse game being played by the hangman...plenty gory too. Will Jake catch this monster in this twisted, page turning murder mystery?
Profile Image for whatemsreadingx.
313 reviews7 followers
May 8, 2021
I was really surprised when I saw this book was co written by two authors, and I thought I'd find it really easy to see the two different styles, but credit to these authors they were very similar and kept the flow of the book!

Without thinking too much while you were reading these books and just going with the flow, they were good. They had all the makings of a good crime thriller, with a really clever plot line to back it all up. The idea of corruption and injustice was really interesting and the way that played into the murders was like nothing I had read before.

But unfortunately once you delved deeper into the books, there were clear issues.

Namely, the way they wrote about women throughout the series and the way the female characters were portrayed were nothing short of horrendous. The men were degrading and the women were written to be treated like trash.

I also felt that they held back too much when it came to talking about the crimes and the crime scenes. They wanted these books to be thrilling but I found them to be too tame.

One thing I did enjoy was the chapters switching between characters, it kept the story fresh and offered different perspectives on the same situation. It also allowed us to see things from the Hangman's perspective, and I love seeing things from the killers POV!

There were points at which it felt like the authors could have condensed the books into perhaps 2, that were a little bit longer, but cut out some of the crap that was there just to fill the space. So many times I found myself wanting to skim read or skip parts because they just weren't relevant to the story and didn't add any value.

And at the end of each book it said to be continued... Which bugged me no end. That is no way to finish a book, a chapter sure, but the whole book? Definitely not. It made the books seem cheap.

I made the decision not to continue with this series when we had had 3 books of the so called detectives trying to solve the case, being unable to and then the authors resorting to smut to try and fill the pages... I have no issue with smut, but it just didn't the book at all and was pointless, an easy way to fill space.

On the whole, these books were good, but they just missed the mark for me. There was something missing and they didn't quite have that grittiness that you come to expect from crime thrillers.
Profile Image for Terri Eaches.
571 reviews8 followers
February 28, 2019
🔪💉 JUSTICE In The Form Of Revenge 🔪💉

The deadly game of Hangman continues in this second book of getting justice through revenge. With the Hangman singling out Jake and the Chief things just became personal and now Jake's retirement is in hold. As Jake and Jo continue to look for clues as to who the Hangman is before another victim is claimed Jake discovers that Jo isn't the bubbly airhead he first thought. They make a great team which is a surprise for the moody and lonely detective. Trying to find a serial killer is not the time for Jake to start having thoughts or feelings for his partner but that doesn't change things in his mind. When another victim is claimed bits and pieces from another case starts to haunt Jake but the info he needs is on the tip of his tongue. With the body count growing and letters from the Hangman to Jake at each scene, the Detectives are scouring old case files to find a connection to the corrupt victims. After the latest victim is found there is confusion as to the Hangman's reasoning but everyone has secrets they wish to hide, and Jo has just revealed hers to Jake. Holy Schiznet!!!! What a way to end the book!!!

ALI Parker and Lexy Timms AKA WL Knightly have a scary nack for writing thriller murder mysteries that not only leave you breathless from the details but begging for more. Some say there is only black and white for good and bad but others live in the gray area where they make the rules. The Hangman is out for a justice that failed him due to the gray areas made by power and money but that doesn't make it right. Only one book to go to find the answers whether they are the ones you want or not. Already ordered it and can't wait to see what happens. A definite one click book!!! Will Jake and Jo catch the Hangman before another victim is claimed or will Jo's secret put a wrench in the Hangmans noose??? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and purchased a copy for my collection my favorites.
1,576 reviews10 followers
March 11, 2019
This is the second book of the trilogy in the suspenseful series Hangman by WL Knightly [who is really the best selling author team Ali Parker and Lexy Timms]. We were introduced to detective
Detective Jake Thomas who is retiring and this is his last case and he hopes it's one that won't test his sanity as the Hangman is one determined murderer with a focus. Jake is trying to train his replacement Detective Jo Calloway. The chemistry between these two is off the charts and makes for some fabulous reading. I was hooked with book 1 [just like I was with the Zodiac Killers series] and I can't wait for book 3. Can these two piece together the clues to save the Chief and stop the Hangman? A great action packed storyline with sensational characters, a deeply disturbing character in the form of the Hangman. I love mysteries and this is one that will be solved but how many more need to die before the Hangman is stopped forever? A superb story that has me on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3!! I received a reader's copy and voluntarily leave my honest opinion of it here. Most definitely recommended.
Profile Image for Kanwarpal Singh.
990 reviews9 followers
October 15, 2024
The authors surely know how to tell the story, you don't feel bored at any point. It's just that the whole book stands on the shoulders of the Hangman. Michael Young fails to impress as a proper villain, he's no one in front of the Hangman.

With new victims in his sights, the Hangman will stop at nothing to get his revenge, even if it means dragging Detective Jake Thomas down with him. After making it personal, Jake is even more hellbent on solving the case, even if it means delaying his early retirement.

But when his only informant skips town and Jake finds most of the truth has been buried, not only with missing case files but in his own mind, can he and Detective Jo Calloway unlock the clues they need to bring the Hangman to justice before Chief O’Connor becomes the next victim. we finally found out who The Hangman was and his reason for his unleashed vengeance.

Jake and Jo have finally understood that there's something between them, but I'm not much excited. Probably the only thing interesting could be how Jake is connected to the Hangman
Profile Image for David.
187 reviews7 followers
March 29, 2024
Well, I've seen reviews that are positive and reviews that are really negative for this book, and I'm on the positive side as I'm really enjoying this series.

This is the second book of the Hangman series. It's a short book at only 192 pages long, so great for a quick read.
For those of you who have not read book one, this is a story of a serial killer that plays Hangman with the victims, ending with them being hung by the neck if they fail the game. The killer is not squeamish because how they treat the victims is not for the faint-hearted.

The dynamics between Detective Jake Thomas and Detective Jo Carloway are developing nicely in this story, and they need to work together as chief O'Connor is next on the list. Can they save him, or will it be too late?

If you fancy a quick read, I would recommend this series as it's a real page turner.
4,145 reviews25 followers
February 28, 2019
**** Revelations
The game of the cat and the mouse is always stressful and exciting in this part. The descriptions of the serial killer's acts can sometimes be brutal, but ultimately less so than in the first book. I was just disappointed to know in this episode who was the culprit, but it leaves the mystery on how they will be able to catch him, especially when we arrive at the cliffhanger and we know the link between all the characters.
There's one thing that I don't really understand is why the killer turns against Jack because it is supposed to attack those who have betrayed justice, but Jack is one of those who remained honest, and wanting to do his job he also becomes a prey ...
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Profile Image for Alisa.
1,504 reviews8 followers
March 4, 2019
This book kept me on my toes from start to finish. You can't help but get completely enmeshed in the mystery and just when you think you have the answer a curve is thrown to make you re-think your reasoning. This murder/mystery is so well written and the sexual tense between the main characters is so natural and unforced, it just enhances the mystery as it gives you a complicated side note. Of course, it ends on a cliffhanger because there is so much more to come and even though we now know the who and why, there are still questions remaining...the biggest being how to catch him before he strikes again. A very exciting mystery with some blood, gore, depravity, forgiveness, and hope. Did I miss anything? Probably. For me this is a must read, but you have to start with book 1.
Profile Image for Munira Vahed.
453 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2019
Wow this book has been amazing. It had me at the edge of my seat.
There were so many revelations regarding the motive behind the murders and the murderer.
The story moves forward quite quickly with many jigsaw puzzle pieces revealed.
The book ended on a massive cliffhanger.
What will this cliffhanger do to the investigation and how will it effect the burgeoning relationship? These are the questions that will hopefully get answering in the next book.
I love the pace of the book and the way its written. It doesnt take too long to get you involved in the whole mystery and the developing twists.
I read the book as soon as i received the ARC. Cant wait for the next installment.
I received a ARC from the author. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
1,634 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2019
SHRIEKING for More!
A Graphic gory mind boggling read that sure knows how to grab your attention as the suspense sends your fingers flying through the pages of nerve rattling twists in hopes of answers to the puzzled clues the Hangman villain keeps leaving at his tortuous murders scenes. A nerve rattling intense must read that will continue to replay in my mind with A desperate want to get my hands on part three the last installment to this insanely addictive series to put me out of my misery already because my nails are gone and I don't know how my nerves are going to handle the cliffhanger waiting time!
59 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2019
I am absolutely loving this series, there’s are so many skeletons in the closets to be revealed... some that are known to be bad people but some not so much. Jake and Jo’s relationship has many layers already and I just can’t get a read on the new acting chief. This is a series you’ll need to continue with once you start because it hooks you in from the outset. I received an advanced readers copy of this book and I’m leaving a voluntary review. The killings are gruesome and seeing things from multiple perspectives adds depth to the story. Really Great read but start with book 1 to make sure you have the full picture, this isn’t a series you can read out of order.
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,823 reviews6 followers
February 24, 2019
Book 2 in the series. Read in order.. ends in a cliffhanger

Now that Jake and Jo have started to put the pieces of the puzzle together they are getting closer to finding out who the Hangman is.. Jake is starting to fall for Jo but he can't cross that line at least not until the case is solved and he retires. As the clues start coming together Jake starts to remember a case from a few years ago and figures out who the Hangman is.. Can he catch him before anyone else gets killed though
205 reviews
February 28, 2019
Guilty Crime, (Hangman Book 2)

Jake and Jo are the detectives on the murder case who are still on the hunt for the Hangman. The body count of his victims have increased in this exciting installment of the series. Jake and Jo are both trying to figure out their feelings for each other while sorting through case files that may lead them to the killer. Waiting for the next book release to see how the detectives are able to bring in their man. Excellent book to keep your interest in the mystery crime genre written by W.L. Knightly.

Diane W
1,000 reviews6 followers
March 1, 2019
This duo should be a must buy on everyone’s list that enjoys romantic suspense with a dark mystery. In this story, that does end in a cliffhanger, we get more puzzle pieces and the romance continues to grow but as the pieces come together we begin to get a glimpse of the killer. Still don’t know whodunit but the next book should be available soon. This is number 2 in the series and they must be read in order. Ready for the conclusion of this twisted tale. Highly recommended. (I voluntarily reviewed an ARC).
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
March 2, 2019
As more secrets are brought to light, Jake and Jo narrow in on the killer’s identity. But, once they learn who he is, will they be in time to stop his reign of terror? The suspense pulled me in and held me captivated. I barely survived to the end of the Zodiac series, and at this rate I’m not sure if I’ll make it the end of this one – even if we’re almost there already. I’m dying to see where the revelations of this book will lead the detectives in the next one.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Gerry.
1,972 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2019
Great second installment in this rather gruesome murder mystery, ending in a dastardly cliffhanger. The Hangman continues executing the culprits he feels are complicit in whatever crime he is avenging. Jake has decided he can't retire until he has helped Jo solve the case. Besides he is starting to have feelings for Jo. He is rather socially awkward and sticks his foot in his mouth several times much to his confusion. The quasi conclusion is a whopper. Love this series and I'm eagerly awaiting more.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,517 reviews53 followers
February 22, 2019
This installment was so gripping, I couldn't put it down.

As would-be victims live in fear and Jake & Jo shake their heads in frustration, The Hangman remains several steps ahead of everyone as the hunt for him intensifies. The killings continue and the ripple effects that they cause affect every single person in the series so far. This is certainly no fun game being played.

A secret is revealed that heightens my expectations for book 3.

I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
2,092 reviews31 followers
February 25, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. This series just keeps getting better. Jake is getting closer to figuring out who the hangman is but working so closely with Jo is getting in the way and he can’t go there just yet. They need to focus on this case before he takes a step to explore his feelings for her. The hangman is always a few steps ahead of them and it’s driving them crazy. Can Jake figure who the killer is before it’s too late?
2,619 reviews8 followers
March 1, 2019
The second installment of the Hangman series and left off were the first one ended. A lot more killings and we get to know the identity of the Hangman. This does end on a cliffhanger and I can't wait to find out what will happen next for Jake and Jo. Jake figures out what his mind has been keeping from him and Jo finds out some devastating information about her family. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
10 reviews
Read
November 29, 2019
2nd best book ever.

When i say it only took a couple days to read this book, I read non-stop almost! It was so good I couldn't put it down! Definitely just as good as the first one. So far this is the greatest series I've read in so long. Hopefully they keep it up in the next books, which I've already bought!! It literally had me on the edge of my seat and crying with every turn!
Profile Image for Lee Lee.
310 reviews
February 25, 2021
Guilty Crime (Hangman #2)

Still don't understand or agree with the shitty reviews on this series. 🤷‍♀️

Bad news for ‘the chief’ but on the other hand Jake and Jo are getting closer not just to the Hangman but to each other. I could kind of see the last part before it happened by a few earlier hints, but brilliantly written.

Really enjoying this series so far, 2 books down...

...On to Hidden Crime (Hangman #3)
Profile Image for Madeline McMahon.
9 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2024
Guilty Crime by W L Knightly, the second book in The Hangman series, takes you on a rollercoaster of events, making it an absolute must-read for those who love a gripping and incredible blend of thrilling suspense and chilling gore.

The characters' complex relationships contribute to the overall depth of the story, creating a perfect balance between heart-pounding suspense and the warmth of connection.
Profile Image for Katie Thompson.
361 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2019
Whew Lord... This book knocks the legs out from under you right from the get go. The suspense is intense; it grips you hard and doesn’t let go, doesn’t ease up. You can’t help but keep turning the pages, reading and waiting with bated breath to find what lays ahead, and whose neck is next for the noose.
Profile Image for Jackie D.
1,845 reviews26 followers
March 3, 2019
That was spectacular!
Jake and Jo are working through every lead-
Secrets are uncovered, then more are piled on.
The Hangman's vigilante killings are getting them then they'd like...
GAH!
The best book yet!
I cannot get enough of this page-turning, spine-tingling, thriller!
I need book three now!
WL Knighty writing duo are magnificent!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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