Holy carnivore, Batman - this book's a killer!

FBI "consultant" Timothy Blake is Dexter and Hannibal Lecter melded together and on speed. In case you're wondering, yes, that makes for some pretty gory details, so if your idea of a tasty lunch isn't somebody's left arm, you might want to skip this one. For everybody else, though, it's a bone-ified winner.

After surviving what is easily an horrific childhood, Blake runs afoul of the law. But he gets a reprieve of sorts when he's offered a deal too good to pass up: Put his unique on-target insights to use by helping with tough FBI cases and - when he's successful - earn an even more unique "reward": a freshly dead human perfectly fit for consumption courtesy of the Death House at Huntsville Prison.

It's an arrangement that's served Blake well, so to speak; he's able to earn money in other ways, including winning $20 bets that he won't be able to solve puzzles sent by the bettors. To underscore his talent in this regard, each chapter begins with a content-related riddle, such as "What belongs to you but is used mostly by others?"

The story begins as Blake's handler, FBI Director Peter Luzhin, pulls him in to help when a 14-year-old boy is kidnapped. Despite Blake's concerns, he's paired with Special Agent Reese Thistle. Neither is thrilled with the arrangement, but the more they work together, the more they begin to respect and trust each other (well, to a point, of course; Blake isn't exactly chomping at the bit to admit his eating preferences to anyone except his FBI boss).

The plot itself is filled with twists, turns and surprises mixed in with some pretty grisly stuff - but hey, what did you expect when the "hero" is a cannibal? In between, though, is an intricately woven tale of a complex and tragic life that makes an otherwise unlovable character, well, palatable.

For the record, this is the first adult novel by the author, a successful writer for the young adult market. I've also read that ABC has a TV rights option, so I'll be keeping an eye out for developments on that front if for no other reason than I'd love to run into Blake again. And those riddles? I'll give you a freebie: The answer to the one above, if you haven't already guessed, is "your name." Here's another hint: If you read the book and want answers to the others, just go to jackheath.com.au/riddles.

In short, this is without question one of the best and most clever books I've read so far this year and I recommend it highly (except to the really squeamish). Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance review copy.

An interesting read needless to say. So bad I considered giving it one-star. But also so bad I considered giving it five-stars. You see what I decided. Read it and you will find out what I mean.

Sometimes it takes a warped mind to solve a crime, especially one that's steeped with other crimes, and Timothy Blake is as warped as they come. He's also absolutely brilliant at solving puzzles, noticing the little things that add up to bigger things, and he's used that talent to work out the perfect arrangement for himself. When Tim's secret is revealed, I'll admit that it was way worse than anything I was imagining. I won't go into the details, but I will say that from that point on, this is not a book for the squeamish. The ick factor is through the roof and I almost put it down more than once on that element alone. There's also the level of suspension of disbelief required for Timothy's story. I get it, it's fiction and a certain amount of leeway must be given for some stories to work, but this one requires quite a lot of that. Timothy's secret is quite shocking and just the number of people involved is enough for doubt that it could've happened at all, much less for that long. Here's the thing, though, in spite of the gory details, and there are several, and even with the highly doubtful circumstances, I kept turning those pages. Twist after crazy twist, one cringe-worthy moment after another, the complete crazy that is Timothy Blake kept me reading to see how it would all play out. Then, as if that's not enough, the jaw-dropping conclusion kept me awake and pondering for some time. So, over the top or not, Hangman is a wonderfully written, fast-paced, and riveting bit of absolutely insane from start to finish.

Thank you to Harlequin-Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of Hangman by Jack Heath in exchange for an honest review. An attempt at describing this book fails me: it is a police procedural, a murder mystery, a horror story about an anti-hero who is at times admirable and sometimes despicable. Your impressions of Timothy Blake will change with the turning of each page. He is an FBI consultant, a penniless drifter, a man with uncontrollable urges that, if made public, would make him an enemy of society. The story begins when Timothy is called in by the FBI to consult on the kidnapping of a teenager. Timothy's deal with his handler, as always, is that he saves a life on the condition that he can take a life in return. To tell you more would divulge too much info and spoil the story. Warning: there are cringe-inducing moments but Hangman is well-worth the read.

This book has a totally unbelievable premise about a cannibal with a photographic memory who acts as a consultant for the FBI on missing child cases. With me so far? I’m not going to kid you. There are some really gross scenes in this book. Well, what do you expect when you hear the word cannibal?

The mystery itself is decent. You’re not really sure what’s going on with the current kidnapping cases, if they’re connected or not. Or even if there is a second kidnapping. The writer keeps you guessing.

Timothy Blake isn’t what I would call a really fleshed out character. Pardon the pun. You’re given his history and his thoughts, but I still just didn’t feel that he was real.

Coming down on this one as a solid three. It’s a story driven, not character driven, book in my mind. I had no clue as to who the bad guy was.

Each chapter starts with a riddle. If an inability to figure out all the riddles is driving you bonkers, check out Jack Heath’s website where he gives the answers. But don’t read ahead, because he gives you reasons a riddle was attached to a certain chapter which can act as spoilers. The website is Jackheath.com.au

My Thanks to netgalley and Allen & Unwin for an advance copy of this book.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for review.
I must say nothing in this book is very believable. It is fantasical and imaginative!! But despite all that, it is really good, or maybe because of all that.
I really enjoyed this novel and actually could not put it down.
I will say the first few chapters are confusing and you really wont be able to figure out if it is not making sense or if you are just crazy but hang in there it gets less confusing before too long. I almost did not finish it because of the first few chapters. It really kinda makes no sense in those parts but will make sense later. Those first few chapter are all over the place and the author may want to rework those so as not too lose readers before it really gets good because it Really gets good in my opinion. It can be graphic and body if you are squeamish and get grossed out easy but to me, not at all because you know it just isn't true, except in strange serial killer cases that only come once every 50 years.
I would love to see the main character made into a series just like this. So maybe the author can get him a sequel.

This book! Argh...! I loved this book! I finished about a week ago, and it was a firm 4 star rating. But, I'm still thinking about Timothy Blake. He's so psychologically damaged with these cannibalistic compulsions that are out of control. Seriously, I would not want to be anywhere near this man. He just might eat me. Sure, I'd be stringy, and not very palatable, but he'd want to bite into me just the same! He's got a deal where if he solves a crime and saves a life, then he gets to eat someone. Good thing for him that Huntsville, Texas has a steady supply of death row inmates. Yum, tasty! Bring your spices and hook up the BBQ pit to the back of your Dodge Ram! Slow cooking! . So tender! O.K., so he hides them away, like a thief in the night in his unlocked freezer? Hey, what the hell is this foot doing in here? Which is almost what literally happens. Huh? Yeah, he's actually really smart, but...Timothy needs an intervention. He's a hungry, hungry hippo, and he's also someone who is hard to dislike, which makes for some compulsive reading, and a few queasy moments. I'd love to see this guy get his urges under control, "less murderous" and find some real connections with people. Without wanting to eat them. Hey, get a few friends, and just eat the death row guys! Tim's had a real messed up life, and I'll admit I'm curious as all get out to see how the next book is going to play out. There is going to be a next book, right? Seriously, I need more of these. So, it ended a 4 star, but because I can't stop thinking about it, I guess I'll have to up the ante to 5. My thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for allowing me to read this absolutely disgusting, mystery/Horror story for the price of a review. This book gets a high recommendation from me. More please!

Some of my mystery loving friends might consider this story horror. And presented in the right light, it really is. But the book doesn't feel like horror and that is all due to Mr. Heath's writing style. His prose regarding his odd main character is well thought out and careful to put Timothy Blake' unusual addiction in its proper place. And no, I'm not going to spoil it for you. Let's put it this way: he would make a great best friend for Dexter! But, similar to the Dexter series, this book doesn't feel disgusting. We like Timothy. We root for Timothy. He is the main character and the hero. Likewise, Mr. Heath treats the story of a missing boy, a returned kidney, and an odd ransom with the same level of care and attention to detail. The final touch is a riddle at the beginning of each chapter. I knew or figured out some of them, but not all of them. My only wish is that the answers were in the back of the book. They weren't. I think there is some deep point being made there.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was unprepared for what I read. This is not the kind of book for anyone that is squeamish. I really liked the main character, Timothy Blake. He was definitely an interesting character. I would like to see a series with this character. The backstory was great because it really gave a sense of how Timothy became the man he is.

I felt the actual plot was a little unbelievable, although I still enjoyed it. I don't like how the case ended though.

Overall, a great read. Definitely would recommend.

Wow! Hannibal Lecter meet Dexter! Sick, twisted -This was a real page turner and definitely not for the faint at heart. The fact that the author gave just enough gory detail so you got the point and picture in your head, made it even more enjoyable. I was not expecting the ending. A really good adult debut novel by a YA author.

Thank you #NetGalley and #Harlequin Hanover for the eARC.

Wow! I was surprised by this one. At first I wasn't sure if I'd like it, but I did appreciate that the author did not go into the gory, gruesome details. Fast paced read for sure!

For those who are jonesing for more Dexter! This is a twisted thriller that will leave you breathless and turning pages all through the night.

Utterly dark and completely twisted, this book took two days to finish and I'm reeling over who actually did it. I did not see that coming and am completely blown away with how everything in the book progressed. This was my first Jack Heath book and I am already adding some of his previous works to my to-read shelf on Goodreads. The characters were wonderfully written and completely flawed which is always a bonus for me. I feel like it makes them so much more believable rather then reading about someone who just always happens to do/say/find the right thing all of the time. By including glimpses into Timothy's fractured psyche I felt like it strengthened how I perceived him and the struggles he was going through.

I am not a particularly squeamish person by any means and this book had me gagging in a few different spots. The way that Mr. Heath writes honestly made me feel as if I was watching this happen in person. The only thing I felt could have been forgotten about was the romance. I didn't feel like it was pivotal to the story or that it added any additional sense of urgency to anything involving the case at hand. 

I would like to throw a huge thank you out to Netgalley for approving my request to read this book before the official release date! I will definitely be picking this book up when it becomes available on June 12, 2018. Now if you'll excuse me I'd like to go make myself a steak..rare.

This book does satisfy my thirst for Dexter. There is the right about of blood to keep fans happy as well as those who don't do "gore". The descriptions are not lengthy in regards to the killings or Blake's hunger for meat. There is nothing wrong with a flawed main character. Again, look at Dexter. Besides Blake is good at his job. This is why the FBI calls on him for the difficult cases.

Agent Reese Thistle has another opinion of Blake. Yet, she is resorted to working with him. These two bump heads but they do share mutual respect for each other. Agent Reese is a tough woman. I liked this about her.

Back to Blake. His "hobby" was almost more entertaining than him tracking down a killer. Luckily, the killer was not the meek type and even toyed with Blake. I could not stop reading this book. A good storyline and great characters. Mr. Heath has gained a new fan in me. Hangman is a satisfying read that will have you "thirsting" for more!

Wow! This was a unique novel that definitely isn't for the faint of heart. Not even a little bit... I'm warning you to read at your own risk haha.
Blake works for the FBI as a consultant and well... Blake is a cannibal. Yup... not sugar coating anything. Blake's parents were brutally murdered as child and he lived on the streets fighting for survival. He started to begin an odd habit of eating human flesh. Blake is brilliant at his gut instinct and reading right through people. He solves a definite difficult kidnapping case in this one.

There were many solid twists in this one and keeps you on your toes. I think I would categorize this one with more horror then mystery. I think what made this one strong was our main character Blake. He sure was a unique and different FBI consultant to say the least haha.

3.75 stars for this one.

Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for the advanced arc in exchange for my honest review.
Published to GR: 5/28/18
Publication date: 6/12/18

14 year old Cameron Hall is being held for ransom, time is running out, and the police have no leads. Director Peter Luzhin of the Houston FBI calls in Timothy Blake, a civilian consultant. Blake has a specialized skill-set that enables him to piece together some of the most puzzling cases. Blake is not a hero; in fact he might be the biggest monster of them all. Blake's expertise comes with a price, each time he helps Luzhin solve the case he is given his reward. In exchange for saving a life he takes one in hopes of satisfying an urge he may not be able to control much longer.

Hangman is a dark crime thriller in which the director of the FBI strikes a very unusual deal with our anti-hero Blake who has a very particular urge he must feed. Blake is one of those characters you hate to love but you just can't help yourself. Blake knows who and what he is and is not held to any the same legalities as his FBI counterparts allowing his vigilante instincts to kick in. I have really read and loved several books lately that utilize this concept of consulting predatory killers to help find other killers. This is the first novel by Jack Heath I have read but I will definitely be adding more of his novels to my TBR. This book does have some graphic and disturbing content that may not be suitable for everyone. I could not put this book down and read 3/4 of it in one night. One of my favorites for 2018 and a must read for fans of dark crime.

Do you want to read a different thriller that will leave you at the edge of your seat? This book is violet, disturbing but at the same time intriguing with great writing. I was surprised that I ended up liking this books so much because it is different then anything I have read in awhile. If your looking for a thrilling book read this today!

Very well written and gripping! This was so compelling it was hard to put down and go back to real life. It's hard to give a full review without giving away any of the interesting points of the plot. Just read this. It will DEFINITELY be worth your while. 5/5

Hangman by Jack Heath is a debut thriller that follows Timothy Blake, a consultant for the FBI and an anti-hero. Blake doesn’t take cash for his services, instead his form of payment for his services is unusual. He’s exceptional puzzle solver and is used as a last resort to solve the FBI’s most difficult crimes. I was very impressed with this thriller! It was a bit more gruesome than I anticipated. The story was a page turner and the ending was a bit of a surprise for me. The novel is narrated in first person in Timothy Blake’s perspective. This kind of reminded me of the TV series Dexter, but with a stranger twist. I highly recommend to anyone who loves reading crime fiction. The book releases on Tuesday 6/12.

Wow! You had me at Dexter meets Hannibal Lecter. Definitely not for the faint of heart, this debut novel took my breath away! What a premise! He works as a consultant for the FBI but his reward is unusual: often an inmate on death row as he is lethally injected. Yes, Blake is a cannibal. Born to parents who were brutally murdered when he was an infant, he lived on the streets for years and cannot control his urges for human flesh. But part of me found his character--while not actually lovable--at least sympathetic as he resists the FBI agent to whom he is attracted because he fears he may crave her as well. Ouch! He's brilliant at "reading" people and solves a difficult and surprising kidnapping case in this book. At every turn we (and he) are shocked by the twists the case takes and it is not until the final page that I was able to take a solid breath again. Yes, it's often creepy (given Blake's proclivities), but it's also a fascinating thrill ride. It won't be everyone's idea of a great read, but I love a good flawed (yes, in this case REALLY flawed) character. Read at your own risk!