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The Hanging Tree Audiobook
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(3.05) - 567 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Author Bryan Gruley's The Hanging Tree is the eagerly anticipated follow-up to his Edgar Award-nominated debut, Starvation Lake. After an 18-year absence, Gracie McBride returns to Starvation Lake and apparently commits suicide. But newspaper editor Gus Carpenter smells a rat.
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"In Gruley's second Starvation Lake mystery we explore more of Gus's past when an old family friend is found dead in a near by shoe tree. Gus's tenacity and hunger for the truth are seriously put to the test as he uncovers some ugly truths about the people he loves and thinks he knows. The characters in this second novel are even more solid than the first and the mystery is way more complex. Gruley knows how to weave a story. In his first novel it is not difficult to divine what the outcome will be, but the way it all unfolds makes the journey worthwhile. In this sequel the mystery remained quite hidden until the final moments (to me at least) and packed the double punch of being both a satisfying read and a twisted mystery. After two books set in a small town in Northern Michigan I feel like I know these characters, like I could drive an hour south and run into Gus or Soupy on the streets of Starvation Lake. I already eagerly await the next chapter of Gus's life!"
— Bob (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“The Hanging Tree is a terrific story, a dark-hearted mystery entwined in a bullet-fast thriller. Gruley is one of the good ones.”
— John Sandford -
“Haunting, observant, and filled with complex characters that will remind you just how much you don’t trust your neighbors. The Hanging Tree will pry its way into your imagination. And it won’t leave.”
— Brad Meltzer -
“The Hanging Tree is an engrossing, sure-footed mystery that manages to be both suspenseful and deeply touching.”
— Gillian Flynn, New York Times bestselling author -
“As with Starvation Lake before it, The Hanging Tree is an exceptionally well-written novel by an author who has mastered the conventions of his genre.”
— Associated Press -
“Absorbing...Gruley vividly evokes the frigid Michigan winters and the even chillier atmosphere of an insular community determined to keep its secrets.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Regardless of your level of hockey interest, you’ll relish Rich Orlow’s subtle vocal technique, his unflagging attention, and persuasive performance.”
— AudioFile -
“Gruley captures the hardscrabble life of a recession-rocked small town and the deep interrelationships of the inhabitants while delivering complex, intriguing characters caught up in trouble. His take on contemporary journalism is Evelyn Waugh–worthy. Another winner.”
— Booklist -
“[The Hanging Tree] has it all—suspense, mystery, romance, detection, [and] clear-eyed hometown nostalgia.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Awards
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Selected for the August 2010 Indie Next List
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One of the 2010 Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books: Mysteries
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A 2011 Barry Award Nominee for Best Paperback Original
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A 2011 Anthony Award Nominee for Best Paperback Original
The Hanging Tree Listener Reviews
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" This was my first first-reads that I done. I enjoyed the book, even though mystery is my genre of choice, this is probably one I wouldn't have picked on my own. The main character Gus Carpenter is the executive editor of the Pine County Pilot, the local newspaper in the small town of Starvation Lake. The trouble begins when Gracie McBride is found hanging from the town's "Hanging Tree", after her return to Starvation Lake after being away for 18 years. Although everyone assumes it is suicide, Gus and Darlene, Gus' girlfriend and sheriff deputy, believe there is foul play. Gus must dig into Gracie's years living in Detroit, and discovers secrets he doesn't expect. I liked the small town setting, and the jaded former big city reporter character of Gus. This is the second book in the series, but I had no problems jumping into it without reading the first. "
— Casey, 1/15/2014 -
" Reasonable mystery.....not as much about hockey in this book, but it didn't add anything to the story for me. "
— Dottie, 1/4/2014 -
" Once again, I really liked this book. I read the first book in the series last week and I loved it! This one did not disappoint either. I highly recommend reading this whole series. "
— Sherri, 1/3/2014 -
" Not bad! The writer know and loves hockey, Michigan, journalism. "
— Sarah, 12/31/2013 -
" Full of twists and turns, turns the reader inside out, kinda like a winger head-manning a defenseman. "
— Brad, 12/24/2013 -
" Never finished it, just could not get into it "
— Janet, 12/16/2013 -
" Words are not enough for me to describe this book! I am from Michigan, love sports, and a good story. This book hit a grand slam in my opinion! Wonderful sequel. "
— Dan, 12/16/2013 -
" This book took the reader through the main character's journey of understanding a family member he never quite felt close to, a cousin (second cousin?). After her death, this reporter delves into her past and learns that many aspects/people/ideas of his life were not as they appeared. "
— Sharaa, 12/1/2013 -
" I love this man and is writing. It's hockey, Michigan and mystery. What's not to adore? "
— Sarah, 11/22/2013 -
" Terrific book by a newspaper writer about a newspaper writer in a small Michigan town. "
— Dave, 9/22/2013 -
" (3.5-4). Not as awesome as the first one, but still good, and I will definately read the next one, if there is one. "
— KayLee, 8/7/2013 -
" Great sequel to Starvation Lake. And rumor has it that a trilogy is in the making. Mr.Gruley's fans would be thrilled! "
— Peg, 2/13/2013 -
" If you like a mystery that keeps you on your toes, this is it. Small town intrigue along with shady secrets. If you like hockey, you will be thrilled with this title. "
— Patricia, 12/16/2012 -
" When is Gus coming back for Book 3?! "
— ConnieK, 11/16/2012 -
" Good mystery book. Second in a series, but you do not have to have read the first book to read this one. "
— Pamela, 9/3/2012 -
" Didn't quite equal his first, IMHO, but I certainly will keep reading him. He is a rising star. "
— Judy, 8/12/2012 -
" Hockey, suicide, kinky sex, hockey, Michigan, hockey. "
— Lauren, 4/28/2012 -
" Gruley's follow-up to STARVATION LAKE confirms he can write a great thriller. His characters are believable as are the plots. "
— Dan, 4/12/2012 -
" very good, mix of mystery, human drama and suprises "
— John, 4/11/2012 -
" This is a well written series exploring complex issues. I urge you to give it a try. "
— Margaret, 2/24/2012 -
" Kept the Starvation Lake characters going through a new crime. It continued the side theme of interspersing the plot with hockey stuff. In all an easy read about average people trying to figure things out. "
— Sue, 1/25/2012 -
" Complex realistic characters.No one wins but everyone because everyone is imperfect.Good story ,moves along with some twists.But some information withheld to help create tension "
— Mark, 12/26/2011 -
" second in series of Starvation Lake series. A good mystery but didn't like all the foul mouths even though it fit the characters. ok for a quick, don't have to think too much read. "
— Debby, 9/25/2011 -
" not as good as Starvation Lake, but still really engrossing. Looking forward to the next one. "
— Bill, 9/5/2011 -
" A hockey mystery. . .more anon. "
— Eileen, 7/13/2011 -
" Good mystery. Really like the main character. "
— Melissa, 5/27/2011 -
" During a snowstorm, Gus' cousin is found hanging in a tree. Suicide? Or murder? "
— Julie, 5/22/2011 -
" A wonderful follow-up to Gruley's debut novel. The characters and town feel so very real. The towns people could be your neighbors. Never thought I would enjoy mystery the surrounds the building of hockey rink. "
— Mary, 5/19/2011 -
" Started out good, but I am not sure about the resolution of the story. Not a very strong ending. "
— Mary, 4/28/2011 -
" Complex realistic characters.No one wins but everyone because everyone is imperfect.Good story ,moves along with some twists.But some information withheld to help create tension "
— Mark, 4/17/2011 -
" This series is new to me. Enjoyable enough that I'll look for others. "
— Lynn, 3/31/2011 -
" I loved this book. Just wish that I had read the first in the series before reading the second. The characters are very interesting and I wish I could give it more then five stars. "
— Elaine, 3/22/2011 -
" 3.5 I guess. I like the writing and the setting which is different (northern Michigan, hockey, small town newspaper) but I wish there was more hockey and less of a certain kind of crime (no spoiler). will read the next one for sure. "
— Leslie, 2/8/2011 -
" This is a well written series exploring complex issues. I urge you to give it a try. "
— Margaret, 2/6/2011 -
" Good mystery book. Second in a series, but you do not have to have read the first book to read this one. "
— Pamela, 2/4/2011
About Bryan Gruley
Bryan Gruley is reporter at large for Bloomberg News and the former Pulitzer Prize–winning Chicago bureau chief of the Wall Street Journal. He has won the Anthony, Barry, and Strand Awards and was nominated for an Edgar Award for best first novel. He lives with his wife in Chicago.
About Rich Orlow
Rich Orlow is a film, television, and voice actor. Among his audiobook narrations are The Outsider by Jimmy Connors, House Rules by Jodi Picoult, and Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger.