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Robert B. Parker's The Hangman's Sonnet  By  cover art

Robert B. Parker's The Hangman's Sonnet

By: Reed Farrel Coleman
Narrated by: James Naughton
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Publisher's summary

The stellar new novel in Robert B. Parker's New York Times best-selling series featuring Paradise police chief Jesse Stone.

Jesse Stone, still reeling from the murder of his fiancée by crazed assassin Mr. Peepers, must keep his emotions in check long enough to get through the wedding day of his loyal protégé, Suitcase Simpson. The morning of the wedding, Jesse learns that a gala 75th birthday party is to be held for folk singer Terry Jester. Jester, once the equal of Bob Dylan, has spent the last 40 years in seclusion after the mysterious disappearance of the master recording tape of his magnum opus, The Hangman's Sonnet.

That same morning, an elderly Paradise woman dies while her house is being ransacked. What are the thieves looking for? And what's the connection to Terry Jester and the mysterious missing tape? Jesse's investigation is hampered by hostile politicians and a growing trail of blood and bodies, forcing him to solicit the help of mobster Vinnie Morris and a certain Boston area PI named Spenser. While the town fathers pressure him to avoid a PR nightmare, Jesse must connect the cases before the bodies pile up further.

©2017 Reed Farrel Coleman (P)2017 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Heartfelt...Coleman balances plot and character perfectly.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Coleman’s fourth Jesse Stone novel is easily his best. It features a clever plot and finds Jesse confronting some very real inner demons. Best of all, it brings together three of Robert B. Parker's much-loved characters. Must reading for Parker devotees.” (Booklist, starred review)

What listeners say about Robert B. Parker's The Hangman's Sonnet

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Might be done with this Series

This series has become something completely different then what it was a few years ago. Coleman has made it his series which some people might like but it not for me. 80 pages or so about Jesse's problems just got old.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Great plot but leaked Mr. Parker’s style.

I enjoyed the story, but I couldn’t envision Jesse Stone. He was too chatty. I think the estate should make sure the writers adhere to the style that Robert B. Parker established for the Jesse Stone novels.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Entry

I'm really going to miss the Jesse Stone novels written by Reed Farrel Coleman, The Hangman's Sonnet being third from the last of his contribution to the series. While I love what Mike Lupica has done with Sunny Randall and look fo to reaching his Jesse Stone novels, I have very much enjoyed where Coleman has taken Jesse and his world. The Hangman's Sonnet is a well written, terrific entry in the series, with a great mystery to unravel. I highly recommend it.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Robert B Parker

Robert B Parker did another excellent job with another Jesse Stone book. I really find this series quite interesting since the characters are consistently throughout each and every book

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Above Average Jesse Stone Novel

Reed Farrell Coleman carries on Parker's legacy in fine form with an above-average tale. In the past, Parker and his follow-on writers of the series haven't had their heart in it--the efforts seemed to have been phoned in.

Not so this outing. The death of Jesse's fiancée, Diana in the previous book leaves Jesse a hollowed out drunk. His deteriorating emotional health concerns his officers and friends. His job is at risk from an ambitious mayor and her political operative. Now, murder and the missing master recording from an iconic rock hero threaten to end his career in Paradise--and just maybe his life.

James Naughton is spot on as always.

Really enjoyable listen.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great original story

Well written and narrated , thought it was a great listen on audible. It was long but still held my attention.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Not his best

Storyline is confusing
Characters are not well drawn
Needs grammar check
Narrator does a terrible job with Spenser.

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Great Read

Jesse Stone is one of the greatest characters ever created. Mike Lupica carries on Robert B. Parker’s legacy. A tough act to follow.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great read!

This story is really good and quite involved. The narration and voices were excellent. Highly recommend.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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Awful!

Even one star is too much. Enough is enough! Parker’s Witt has been replaced with STUPID EUPHEMISMS, Boring as boring can be. Embarrassingly awful.

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