Robert B. Parker's The Hangman's Sonnet

By: Reed Farrel Coleman

Narrated by: James Naughton

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

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)

one of the best books in the series,

one of the best so far in the series, i really liked it and cant wait for the next chapter.

Great story - one narrator flaw

I appreciate the inclusion - though very brief - of Spenser.
However, the narrator completely bungled the voice he created for Spenser. The result was worse than DiCaprio’s accent in The Departed. Spenser is an icon and should be treated as such.

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.

Another great Jesse Stone story

While the style of writing is very different from the original author, the stories and characters remain excellent. James Naughton as always does an excellent job narrating.

Kept my attention

I really enjoy Robert B. Parker(style) writing. This one was great & had me guessing almost until the end. Awaiting the next “episode “ with baited breath!

Great read!

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

love it

As always I love this book. I'm a big fan of not only the writer but the whole series and have listened or read physically every book in the series

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.

Stone at his best

just a great story, although the plot was the same as Eddie and the Cruisers 2

Excellent addition to the series.

This was one of my favorite Jesse Stone books since Robert B. Parker passes away. The only issue was Jesse didn’t have a dog or cat!