The Hanged Man

Simon Kernick

Century. Out Thursday

Kernick’s latest thriller contains enough breakneck action and suspense to keep those pages turning. The sequel to The Bone Field (which also works as a standalone), sees a return for DI Ray Mason. He’s a likeable detective who’s not fussy about acting within the law, and is haunted by personal demons. On the trail of a crucial witness who can blow open a murderous conspiracy, he’s joined by his girlfriend, the equally driven former cop Tina Boyd. The punchy chapters race along from a dramatic opening to a cliffhanger conclusion. DEIRDRE O’BRIEN