The Hanging Psalm: A Regency mystery set in Leeds

By Chris Nickson

This dark tale features a strong and sympathetic hero as well as equally appealing supporting characters … Likely to draw in readers of Andrea Penrose, Charles Finch, and Anne Perry Library Journal

Introducing thief-taker Simon Westow in the first in a new historical mystery series set in Regency Leeds.

Leeds, 1820. Thief-taker Simon Westow knows all about lost property. A boy from the workhouse, he now has a comfortable business finding and returning his clients’ stolen possessions. But when John Milner, a successful Leeds businessman, seeks out Simon’s services to find his kidnapped daughter, Hannah, it’s clear he faces a challenge like no other.

Accompanied by his enigmatic and capable young assistant, Jane, Simon takes to the dark, shadowy streets of Leeds for information – streets he knows like the back of his hand. But his enquiries lead Simon and Jane into great danger. Could the answers lie in Simon’s own past, and an old enemy seeking revenge?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Severn House Publishers
• Release date: Dec 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9781448301669

Chris Nickson

CHRIS NICKSON is a popular crime novelist and music journalist whose fiction has been named best of the year by Library Journal. Specializing in historical crime, Chris is the author of the Richard Nottingham series for Severn House, as well as four series set in Leeds and the John the Carpenter series, set in medieval Chesterfield. A well-known music journalist, he has written a number of celebrity biographies as well as being a frequent contributor to numerous music magazines. He lives in Leeds.

Reviews for The Hanging Psalm

[eyes92c · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Dark deeds and vengeance!I'm loving the lead character Simon Westow and in particular his assistant Jane. A damaged young woman who does what she has to survive on the dark streets of the underbelly of Regency 1820's Leeds.Simon, a thief-taker has been asked to find businessman John Milner's kidnapped daughter Hannah. The taking of Hannah leads Simon and Jane down some twisted paths and into the path of a wholly unexpected enemy.A gripping story of revenge and corruption. The character of Jane is fascinating. Can she become more or is she destined to a life lived within the confines of her traumatic past, allowing it to define her? Exciting read!A NetGalley ARC

[vesper1931 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In 1820 Leeds, Simon Westow makes a living as a thief-taker, recovering lost property. He is approached by John Milner, businessman, to find his daughter who has been kidnapped. Find her before he has to pay the ransom. Westow and his assistant Jane set the enquiries in motion. But how far back in Westow's past do they need to go.
A really good mystery, well-written and with good well-developed characters. A very good, solid, start to a new series which I look forward to reading more.
A NetGalley Book