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Tango Key Mysteries #1
The Hanged Man
The legacy of a government experiment in psychokinesis turns into a conspiracy of terror for a Florida detective investigating the murder of a famous criminologist, assisted by a woman who claims to have witnessed the crime through her psychic powers. Reprint.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1998
19 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
T.J. MacGregor
66 books41 followersPatricia Janeshutz MacGregor. Also writes under the pseudonyms of Trish MacGregor, Trish Janeshutz, and Alison Drake.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 28, 2023
Since I’ve heard nothing about this book or the Tango Key Mysteries series, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. Indeed, I did not think I would get multiple points of view from different characters, a murder and abduction investigation, and a lot of information on psychic abilities and users. Most times, when this is included as a central plot point, I think that there’s no way that the author can make this work. And yet, it does in this case. Getting into the book took a bit, but by the end, the book gripped me tightly. There are many things I didn’t like, particularly the pacing, which could be slow at points in backtracking information. Then, there was the whole dynamic between the abductor and the abductee. I’m not a fan of that at all. Plus, that ending was the fastest way to wrap up a novel in 20 pages I’ve ever seen. Even so, the story shows how almost everyone sucks in this whole mess, and the lines between good and evil are blurred beyond recognition.
March 22, 2014
Widow, Mira Morales owns a New Age bookstore, reads Tarot cards for customers, and is a gifted psychic. In fact, she had nightmares about her husband’s violent death before it occurred. Mira has done her best to move on with her life until a horrible psychic image shows one man shooting another. Mira has no idea why the image came through, as psychic revelations usually occur when there is some sort of personal connection. Feeling compelled to help the police, she tells them what she saw and soon finds herself working with homicide detective Wayne Sheppard. Shepphard is not only investigating the death of a respected psychiatrist, but the abduction of the psychiatrist’s wife. What seems to be a straightforward kidnapping/killing is far from it, as Wayne and Mira discover that the culprit and his cohorts have highly developed psychic skills of their own.
The Hanged Man is the first in the Mira Morales series, and it’s a terrific book. T.J. turns what could be a run-of-the-mill police procedural story on its head by adding paranormal elements, layers of deceit, and hidden agendas. I treat paranormal elements cautiously in mysteries, however, I think MacGregor handled the issues intelligently. While the bad guys’ skills stretched credibility a little, it didn’t stop me from enjoying this page-turner.
I liked the major characters, even though some of them like the FBI’s Lenora Fletcher seemed more insane than calculating. Mira, however, is a well-rounded character and her psychic grandmother and eleven-year-old daughter give the story warmth.
What I especially liked was the way the lines between good and bad guys grows murky. The twists and turns were great and the buildup of suspense had me flipping pages, eager to read what would happen next. The ending, although satisfying, was a bit abrupt and I wanted to know more. Although questions were answered, not everything was sewn up neatly but this is a perfect excuse to pick up the next book.
The Hanged Man is the first in the Mira Morales series, and it’s a terrific book. T.J. turns what could be a run-of-the-mill police procedural story on its head by adding paranormal elements, layers of deceit, and hidden agendas. I treat paranormal elements cautiously in mysteries, however, I think MacGregor handled the issues intelligently. While the bad guys’ skills stretched credibility a little, it didn’t stop me from enjoying this page-turner.
I liked the major characters, even though some of them like the FBI’s Lenora Fletcher seemed more insane than calculating. Mira, however, is a well-rounded character and her psychic grandmother and eleven-year-old daughter give the story warmth.
What I especially liked was the way the lines between good and bad guys grows murky. The twists and turns were great and the buildup of suspense had me flipping pages, eager to read what would happen next. The ending, although satisfying, was a bit abrupt and I wanted to know more. Although questions were answered, not everything was sewn up neatly but this is a perfect excuse to pick up the next book.
December 28, 2013
Wow, this one was so good I forgot to list it as currently reading. But I'm finished now because I didn't want to stop reading. Parapsychology at it's best and used for the worst. Add in the government and oh boy, corruption galore. The further into this fiction I went the more it made me think. The crux of the writing is that it's all believable. Psychics, mind control, remote viewing, FBI, murder and yes a love connection all make this an in-depth look at the capabilities some humans possess and how they choose to use them. If you like paranormal in the backdrop of what you spend your time reading, I highly recommend this one. I predict there is a good read somewhere in your future.
July 24, 2008
Writing about paranormalities can all too easily slide into improbable contrivance. MacGregor assiduously avoids such a facile plot device which, as a skeptic who likes the endless possibilities of the human mind and spirit, I very much appreciate.
Without that twist, The Hanged Man would have been just a standard mystery in an attractive setting with nicely drawn characters and a decent plot. And, really, what more does a reader ask of this genre?
Without that twist, The Hanged Man would have been just a standard mystery in an attractive setting with nicely drawn characters and a decent plot. And, really, what more does a reader ask of this genre?
May 9, 2012
I thought this book by Trish MacGregor was great. It was published a long time ago and it's probably difficult to find but it's definitely worth it. It deals with a secret government mind control experiment and you couldn't wait to find out how the book was going to end. Go get it.
November 3, 2017
The Hanged Man by T.J. MacGregor is the first book of the Tango Key Mystery series set in contemporary Florida. Mira Morales is a widow with a young daughter. She's a psychic who dreamed her husband's murder, years before it occurred. She owns a New Age bookshop where she reads Tarot cards for customers. She has another violent and compelling dream, of a break-in and murder. She phones the police with the details, but is brushed off by the officer who takes the call.
Homicide detective Wayne Sheppard expects to lose his job in the upcoming department downsizing. He desperately needs his paycheck to support himself. When he learns of Mira's call, he's open to working with a psychic if it will help solve a high-publicity murder case. If he can find the psychiatrist's killer as well as the victim's missing wife, he just might get to keep his job.
Mira and Wayne work together well. He respects her abilities and she gets involved to a much deeper level, still not understanding why she would have a dream about a stranger.
Chapters from the killer's point of view explain his obsession with a woman met in prison, and a creepy history of psychic terrorism: he was one of a team manipulated and exploited by the psychiatrist in a hush-hush operation that refined using psychic power as a weapon.
Add a ruthless FBI agent who will stop at nothing to cover all traces of the "Delphi" operation, in order to advance her career, and you get several deadly manhunts at cross purposes.
Homicide detective Wayne Sheppard expects to lose his job in the upcoming department downsizing. He desperately needs his paycheck to support himself. When he learns of Mira's call, he's open to working with a psychic if it will help solve a high-publicity murder case. If he can find the psychiatrist's killer as well as the victim's missing wife, he just might get to keep his job.
Mira and Wayne work together well. He respects her abilities and she gets involved to a much deeper level, still not understanding why she would have a dream about a stranger.
Chapters from the killer's point of view explain his obsession with a woman met in prison, and a creepy history of psychic terrorism: he was one of a team manipulated and exploited by the psychiatrist in a hush-hush operation that refined using psychic power as a weapon.
Add a ruthless FBI agent who will stop at nothing to cover all traces of the "Delphi" operation, in order to advance her career, and you get several deadly manhunts at cross purposes.
November 10, 2017
Murder and kidnaping are only the tip of the iceberg in this tale where parapsychology runs amok. A secret unit, Delphi, had sought out convicts with psychic powers, trained them as spies and killers for the CIA & now three escaped Delphi subjects - telepath Vic Indrio, remote viewer Eddie Manacas, and telekinetic Hal Bennet -have joined forces for a bad-psychics' reunion. Their old handler Steele is their first target along with FBI deputy director Lenora Fletcher.
Meanwhile, Bennet has big plans for Steele's wife Rae, whom he kidnaps & spirits off to his shack in the Everglades. Hal has ability to reach into the minds of his enemies and victims, making them do whatever he wants or causing them blinding pain & whose lime-green shoelaces have a very important connection to psychic Mira Morales.
So on the whole, an entertaining, if not wholly credible story. I have to say I didn't enjoy it as much as "Total Silence" but as the first in the Tango key series it has filled in some background I missed by starting the series at book 3!
Meanwhile, Bennet has big plans for Steele's wife Rae, whom he kidnaps & spirits off to his shack in the Everglades. Hal has ability to reach into the minds of his enemies and victims, making them do whatever he wants or causing them blinding pain & whose lime-green shoelaces have a very important connection to psychic Mira Morales.
So on the whole, an entertaining, if not wholly credible story. I have to say I didn't enjoy it as much as "Total Silence" but as the first in the Tango key series it has filled in some background I missed by starting the series at book 3!
May 4, 2018
I had requested and received audiobook version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.
To me, the story in this book was just ok. Nothing extra-ordinary, except for of course the parapsychology elements. But that's just a plot point. What I did love about this book are the very well written characters. They aren't pure evil or pure saints. Each character is multifaceted, somewhere in the middle or slightly tipping to either side. Most of the characters have layers to them and act realistically under impossible situations. Even though the "mystery" or "suspense" elements of the book didn't manage to engage me, the characters impressed. T.J. MacGregor deserves all the praises for that.
Patrice Gambardella did a good job with the content she had. Voicing all these complex characters wasn't an easy task, but Patrice pulled it off with aplomb. I would definitely look forward to more of her work.
To me, the story in this book was just ok. Nothing extra-ordinary, except for of course the parapsychology elements. But that's just a plot point. What I did love about this book are the very well written characters. They aren't pure evil or pure saints. Each character is multifaceted, somewhere in the middle or slightly tipping to either side. Most of the characters have layers to them and act realistically under impossible situations. Even though the "mystery" or "suspense" elements of the book didn't manage to engage me, the characters impressed. T.J. MacGregor deserves all the praises for that.
Patrice Gambardella did a good job with the content she had. Voicing all these complex characters wasn't an easy task, but Patrice pulled it off with aplomb. I would definitely look forward to more of her work.
July 17, 2020
Interesting plot, a physic who had a vivid dream and turns to the police with that information. Detective Wayne finds a murder had been committed a well known crimtologist and now the wife is missing. Mira holds the key he believes to who is the killer is also.. Usually the pyshic has some connection, or she wouldn’t of dream it he believes. Good plot, added by Mira daughter and grandmother.
The audio by Patrice added to the story. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
The audio by Patrice added to the story. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
June 20, 2022
Probably a 4.5 really. Interesting premise, especially the implications of mind-reading sex! :-0 The contrition exhibited by Bennett at the end was a little hard to swallow, but nonetheless, I am reading the next one!
April 27, 2018
I found this story to be alright, slow build and the child is kind of a pain.
I enjoyed parts of this book but honestly felt it was to slow for my taste.
I enjoyed parts of this book but honestly felt it was to slow for my taste.
April 8, 2024
I wish I didn’t.
March 27, 2025
honestly very confusing, felt like the more the plot was explained the more questions I had
June 24, 2014
3.75 Stars
An older series I just discovered and loving! Mystery with a paranormal twist!
What I liked: Yes, there are other paranormal mysteries out there but none I have found that grabbed my attention like The Hanged Man. The character in this first in the series are complex and multidimensional. I especially liked the care Ms MacGregor took to flesh out each of the characters.
The story is told from several points of view but it's not distracting. The author made the transitions with little confusion and the POVs were integral to the story. The whole book flowed extremely well and the pacing was great. I found stopping points, but really didn't want to stop.
The characters/mystery were more interesting to me than the "psychic" storyline. Ms MacGregor didn't dwell on the paranormal aspects of the characters but made it very matter of fact which made the story feel more believable. All the characters drew some reaction from me. I either liked them or really hated them, no wishy washy feelings or wondering why a character was included. They each had a very specific role to play.
What I didn't like: As mentioned, The Hanged Man is an older book (originally published in 1999) and I initially thought it might be too far out of date to hold my attention. That was not the case as Ms MacGregor's writing and story overcame the time frame.
Extremely well written and developed especially for the first book in a series. Can't wait for the next!!
Recommended for mystery lovers and paranormal romance readers!
An older series I just discovered and loving! Mystery with a paranormal twist!
What I liked: Yes, there are other paranormal mysteries out there but none I have found that grabbed my attention like The Hanged Man. The character in this first in the series are complex and multidimensional. I especially liked the care Ms MacGregor took to flesh out each of the characters.
The story is told from several points of view but it's not distracting. The author made the transitions with little confusion and the POVs were integral to the story. The whole book flowed extremely well and the pacing was great. I found stopping points, but really didn't want to stop.
The characters/mystery were more interesting to me than the "psychic" storyline. Ms MacGregor didn't dwell on the paranormal aspects of the characters but made it very matter of fact which made the story feel more believable. All the characters drew some reaction from me. I either liked them or really hated them, no wishy washy feelings or wondering why a character was included. They each had a very specific role to play.
What I didn't like: As mentioned, The Hanged Man is an older book (originally published in 1999) and I initially thought it might be too far out of date to hold my attention. That was not the case as Ms MacGregor's writing and story overcame the time frame.
Extremely well written and developed especially for the first book in a series. Can't wait for the next!!
Recommended for mystery lovers and paranormal romance readers!
May 10, 2013
I am fan of mysteries and thrillers and do like when there is a psychic character in them, MacGregor definitely delivers a tale with psychic abilities. "Project Delphi" spawned seven psychics taken from prisons, trained by the FBI, and used as assassins and spies. Years later the project was dissolved when three of its members escaped, the apparently random murder of a criminal psychologist and kidnapping of his wife is anything but random after all.
A psychic, Mira Morales, who tuned in on the murder before it happened, and a woman for whom the police have no respect, seems to be the only person or one of the only who is capable of unraveling the conspiracy, uncovering the criminals, and saving the kidnapped woman's life. However it appears someone is out to kill her. She does have the help of one detective.
This is definitely a good thriller.
A psychic, Mira Morales, who tuned in on the murder before it happened, and a woman for whom the police have no respect, seems to be the only person or one of the only who is capable of unraveling the conspiracy, uncovering the criminals, and saving the kidnapped woman's life. However it appears someone is out to kill her. She does have the help of one detective.
This is definitely a good thriller.
April 17, 2013
This was quite good. The plot was engaging. The characters were likable, and the villains were truly hateful! I particularly enjoyed the tarot and psychic references and research.
A psychic sees a murder in her mind and contacts the police to report it, telling them everything she can about the scene. She tries to forget about the vision but she can't. It keeps bothering her. Soon, she is contacted by Wayne Sheppard, a local policeman working on a murder which turns out to be the same murder she witnessed in her vision. Reluctantly, she is persuaded to help the young and attractive policeman with the murder. What follows has the Reader eager to stay up all night long to find out what happens next.
A psychic sees a murder in her mind and contacts the police to report it, telling them everything she can about the scene. She tries to forget about the vision but she can't. It keeps bothering her. Soon, she is contacted by Wayne Sheppard, a local policeman working on a murder which turns out to be the same murder she witnessed in her vision. Reluctantly, she is persuaded to help the young and attractive policeman with the murder. What follows has the Reader eager to stay up all night long to find out what happens next.
September 18, 2016
Not bad - the psychic stuff was interesting but way over the top. I think this could've worked just fine without all the head squeezin' nosebleeds. It could have used an epilogue, too; as it was it just ended and even though one could surmise how things turned out, it would've been nice to revisit a few of the characters in the aftermath.
January 29, 2011
This is the first book I read from this writer since he/she stopped writing and went on a religious journey. Welcome back! Him a cop, her a physic. The FBI, a kidnapping, mind control, love affairs, good stuff!
June 22, 2009
Interesting premise.
March 26, 2021
This was a reread. I enjoyed the book
February 2, 2016
I am not usually into psychics, et al, but this book was an OK read. It had enough real action to not be overwhelmed with the 'vision' conjured up by the main characters.
March 16, 2016
Pretty good psychic thriller...
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June 13, 2017I enjoyed this book every much.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews