The Ballad Of Hanging Lees

by David Nolan

In Manchester, vigilantes are setting traps online to expose sexual predators and once they have a suspect in their sights they’re taking the law into their own hands, acting as judge, jury and executioner.

When the suicide of a troubled woman near to Hanging Lees Reservoir implicates an old friend, reporter Danny Johnston has no choice but to investigate.

As more bodies are discovered Danny finds himself being pulled deeper and deeper into a case whose roots date back decades, and as he tries to uncover the truth he begins to be haunted by horrifying dreams of his own.

A terrible secret, kept for than 40 years is about to change everything.

In the final act of David Nolan's Manc Noir trilogy, The Ballad of Hanging Lees will play us out... then fade to black.

“The King Of Manc Noir.” – Altricham Word Festival

“A dark but compelling novel very much rooted in fact.” – I Love Manchester

“Manchester is a location that's been underused in fiction but David Nolan is keen to claim it - this is Manc Noir.” - Northern Soul Magazine

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2022

About the author

David Nolan is a British award-winning journalist who's authored biographies on subjects ranging from Simon Cowell to the Sex Pistols. He's also written for newspapers, magazines, radio and television.

Librarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[David Peat · Rating 5 out of 5]

exceptional trilogy

I’ve loved these books. They’ve tackled some big themes: child-abuse, racism, police corruption and the frivolity of celebrity. All done with authenticity and believably. This cross- generational saga with references to modern media, reporting and tracking abusers is no exception. Brilliant characters with clear motivations. Great read.

[Helen Pakpahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written conclusion to the Manc Noir Trilogy focused on child exploitation and vigilantes.

I liked the main protagonist, local journalist, and how he changed over the three books reflecting end of local radio/print news - but found the character of Kate - policeman's daughter rather underdeveloped, especially considering the strong moral compass of her fathers character which left her shifting take, un- explored.

Well worth a read especially I think for those that love yhe rather bleak moorlands.

[M.E. Proctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Manc Noir trilogy is fully absorbing. Book #3 brings all the threads together without making the resolution feel forced. This is a compulsive read. So glad I discovered David Nolan.

[Gunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my favorite installment of the Manc Noir trilogy. The characters and places are well fleshed out by now, and this one wraps it all up nicely in a well-written and clever fashion.